I'm reviewing Joe Biden's promises to get an estimate of how hard they would be to realize with a republican senate and Mitch Mcconell still as the majority leader.
My initial though, and from what I understand of US politics, is that it will be extremely difficult but, if I'm correct, budget may be used to bypass the Mcconnell "gate" to some degree.
From what I understand, Mcconnell can't really hold budget from votes and even if republicans turn the budget down forcing a shutdown, Republicans tend to end up "losing" shutdowns most of the time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pITlnrvhrY
I'm using this article as a listing of Joe Biden's promises : https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Here-s-what-Joe-Biden-wants-to-do-as-president-15709583.php
Ending the pandemic:
The easy part should be to increase testing.
The hard one would be to pass any relief package as they will be blocked by Mcconnell.
A mask mandate may be possible but might sow division and fuel right wing activist and conspiracy theorist.
It would probably be necessary to work directly with every state and ask them to follow science and mandate mask to avoid sowing more division.
On this file though Joe Biden will inivitably be able to claim victory as vaccine roll out.
Expanding health care:
Near impossible, but what's in place might just be properly funded with next budget.
Reforming immigration:
Near impossible
Raising the minimum wage:
Difficult but may bypass Senate by working directly with states to raise their minimum wages and include provision in the next budget to help states and/or business to which this burden might be to much.
Stronger action on climate change:
Hard part - would be to add new regulation and law.
The more "doable" part would be to end fossil fuel subsidies and increase investment in green infrastructure and Green program in the next budget.
Free college — for some:
Can be done to some degree using the budget.
Higher taxes for the rich, corporations:
Doable - if his able to tied those in his next budget.
Since Trump tax cut included an increase for 2021 for those earning to below 40K and the pandemic will likely still be around it should be doable to force a vote on a new tax plan.
