Kamala Harris Announces Day One Executive Action

Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Friday that, if elected, her first executive order would focus on removing college degree requirements for certain federal positions. Harris has faced criticism since becoming the presidential nominee for occasionally reversing positions on progressive policies she previously supported before 2020.

During a recent appearance at an IBEW union hall in Janesville, Wisconsin, Harris clarified her commitment to eliminating "unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs."

“The press is always asking me, ‘What are you going to do on day one?’ One of the things I’m doing on day one — because I can do it by executive order — is I will eliminate unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs,” Harris stated.

“And then I will challenge the private sector to do the same,” she added.

In September, Harris had set forth this objective, aiming to reduce degree requirements in specific federal roles to create opportunities for individuals lacking a four-year degree, as reported by Reuters.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau published in early 2023, more than 62% of Americans aged 25 or older do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Notably, three out of five individuals without a degree were part of the 2020 voter base.

This commitment follows her interview with NBC News’ Yamiche Alcindor, where Harris emphasized that her priorities on day one would center on her economic agenda, focusing on an "opportunity economy" that benefits all Americans.

“Well, my first priority, which will be probably the package of bills, is about bringing down the cost of living,” Harris explained.

“It’s about housing, it’s about child care, it’s about what we need to do to deal with grocery prices. So it’s not one, it’s a package that is with one singular purpose, bringing down the cost of living,” she added.

Despite efforts to differentiate her vision from that of President Joe Biden, Harris has encountered difficulties articulating the distinctions her administration would offer. Concerns such as the economy, inflation, and immigration remain top issues for voters.

While criticism of Biden’s performance is widespread, Harris recently told ABC’s “The View” that she couldn’t name “a thing” she would change from the past five years.