President Joe Biden to sign executive orders to boost food benefits, workers’ rights

President Joe Biden will sign two executive orders Friday designed to reduce hunger and bolster workers’ rights during the coronavirus pandemic, as his administration pushes Congress to pass another sweeping coronavirus relief package.

One White House measure urges the federal government to offer any relief it can through “existing authority,” National Economic Council Director Brian Deese told reporters Thursday night. The other calls for “empowering federal workers and contractors.”

The orders set out multiple tools to offer aid during the pandemic, while Biden tries to nudge his $1.9 trillion proposal through Congress.

Biden will ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider allowing states to expand access to enhanced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as the country confronts a hunger crisis unseen in decades.
The USDA will also examine increasing by 15% the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program, which replaces meals for low-income children who would otherwise get food at school.
The president will urge the Treasury Department to adopt tools to more efficiently deliver the direct payments approved by Congress to eligible people. The White House said up to 8 million people did not receive the first $1,200 stimulus check passed in March.
Biden will ask the Labor Department to set out rules clarifying that workers have the right to turn down work that risks their health during the pandemic — without losing eligibility for jobless benefits.
The president asked his administration to prepare a potential executive order, which he aims to sign in his first 100 days in office, that would require federal contractors to offer a $15 per hour minimum wage and emergency paid leave.
Biden will revoke executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump that the White House said damaged workers’ collective bargaining power, and get rid of a rule that limited job protections for civil servants.
He will call on agencies to review which federal workers make fewer than $15 per hour.
Deese stressed that the orders and others signed this week to provide immediate aid cannot replace another relief package from Congress.

“These actions are not a substitute for comprehensive legislative relief … but they will provide a critical lifeline to millions of American families,” he told reporters.

The executive actions fit into Biden’s early push to curb the outbreak and mitigate its damage to the economy. He signed a series of orders Thursday designed to promote mask wearing and streamline production of Covid vaccines and protective equipment, among other goals.

His first-day actions Wednesday included extensions of a federal eviction moratorium through March, and a pause on federal student loan payments and interest accumulation through September. Both pandemic relief measures would have expired at the end of the month.

Biden has moved to boost the economy through executive orders while he tries to get the $1.9 trillion aid package passed by Congress. Republicans have started to express doubts about backing another relief bill after Congress approved $900 billion legislation last month.

Democrats, who control a 50-50 Senate through Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote, will need to win 10 GOP votes for the plan or use budget reconciliation, which requires only a majority. The White House has said Biden wants to pass a bill with bipartisan support.

Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.


Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC
#CNBCTV

[robertfrost]

Fewer jobs and more food stamps, God help us.

[dartrad]

Here’s an idea, open up small business so people can buy their own food.

[randomuzer]

How about you bring back the good food in schools too?

[deadname...]

He also signed an executive order to put 11, 000 oil workers out of work.

[ardonis]

its been 2 days "Syria's UN ambassador calls on US to withdraw troops, 'stop acts of aggression'" how about you report on that

[StevenJohnson-kcdw]

For the record before youtube deletes them like to dislike ratio is 1 to 3.

[alpines]

How about letting small businesses, small business? 🤔

[MrMadmancf]

Signed an order and cost roughly 88, 000 jobs way to unify

[goodcitizen]

So bread lines instead of allowing people to earn a living. Welfare/Police state here we come.

[itsnando]

"worker's rights"
Workers have the right to you know, WORK! So why don't ya stop killing jobs.

[puck]

After he cuts 42, 000 jobs from the XL pipe line.

[pittwo]

biden is the reason this country has to put directions on shampoo

[kkings]

I think Biden is also giving federal employees a raise. Seriously...?

[tinam.vifquain]

‘ When You Can’t Trust the Voter ! Who Can You Trust ? “ Responsibility Matters for All Lives “ !

[rathofturkey]

Just like a true democrat, spending money we don’t have and indirectly forcing employees out of their jobs, all in the name of hopes, dreams feelings of entitlement. for the overwhelming majority of businesses in this country, employers cannot afford to pay their employees $15 an hour minimum and still stay in business. This is very basic economics: you don’t spend more than your income. That includes salaries.

[ashleybiden]

My father Joe was a mistake. I am tired of covering up for him and speaking good things, the truth is I was threatened even by him and VP if I spoke the truth of what he's doing I would regret it. But I care about the American people, but my father does not care about anybody but himself, and what goes in his pockets. You guys please listen to me, I'm sorry that the election was rigged and cheated this election, I knew the whole time but I had to protect myself too. I hope he doesn't find out I'm speaking to you all but we need to get him out of office immediately. America is in danger! I repeat, America is in danger because of him.

[juanmedina]

“I don’t know what I’m signing”... yeah we are done for 😂💀😂

[stevecortes]

$15 minimum wage?? Get ready for $15 hamburgers!!

[harleybk]

Refuse “unsafe” work and continue to receive unemployment? I don’t see any opportunity for abuse there.

[texasboii]

Smh the country is going down hill ... companies are going to make it way harder to get a job .. they want highly dependable people if there going to pay you $15 an hour. Small businesses are going to break.. what's up with war on small businesses?? Oh yea they are the heart and soul of this country. Without them only box box stores run the economy