WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden signed a series of executive orders from the Oval Office hours after his inauguration.
Biden wore a mask while seated behind the Resolute Desk with a stack of orders early Wednesday evening. He said there was “no time to start like today.”
The first order Biden signed was related to the coronavirus pandemic. He also signed an order reentering the U.S. into the Paris climate accord.
Biden was eager to go big early, with an ambitious first 100 days including a push to speed up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to anxious Americans and pass a $1.9 trillion economic relief package. It included a blitz of executive orders on matters that don’t require congressional approval — a mix of substantive and symbolic steps to unwind the Trump years. His actions included re-entry into the Paris Climate Accords and a mandate for wearing masks on federal property.
“There’s no time to start like today,” a masked Biden said. in the Oval Office. Then he swore in hundreds of aides — virtually — telling them, “You’re my possibilities.”
Three new Democratic senators have been sworn into office, giving Democrats the majority in the Senate.
In a first vote, the Senate has confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines.
The Senate is now split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential tie-breaking vote. That’s alongside Democratic control of the House and White House – unified government to tackle the new president’s agenda.
Harris delivered the oath of office to Democrats Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla.
But Republican leader Mitch McConnell is refusing to enter a power-sharing agreement with Senate Democrats unless they meet his demands.
