It’s been two and a half years since the Prospect first unveiled a series of articles highlighting how the executive branch could make progress for the American people by taking actions based on existing laws, without further congressional approval. With the demise of the Build Back Better Act, the need to use executive action became more urgent, assuming the Democrats want to cobble together the best record to run on in November. The Biden administration has had these authorities since the inauguration, and still could use them at any time. Such actions are not a substitute for a legislative agenda but a complement.
As shown in our Executive Action Tracker, a couple dozen of the steps we outlined have led to at least some action taken. But last week, the Congressional Progressive Caucus increased the pressure on the president, with a fully realized set of 55 recommendations on a host of issues.
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