Sherrill Lauds President Biden’s Executive Actions, Appointments

PARSIPPANY, NJ - Never one to hold back praise or criticism, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey's 11th District is all in on President Joe Biden's executive actions to address the COVID-19 pandemic, economic relief, climate change, and racial inequality.

"I am incredibly heartened that within hours of assuming office, President Biden took strong action to heal our country and move us forward into a new era: marshaling a coordinated federal response to the pandemic, extending the eviction and foreclosure moratorium, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, and advancing racial equality," Sherrill said. "President Biden’s Day One Agenda is a reflection of our priorities and values. Congress must meet this moment with legislation that matches the magnitude of the crises we face.”

Sherrill also shared praise about the Executive Action to reverse the Muslim travel ban, noting that the nation is anchored on religious freedom which makes it a beacon of hope to millions around the world.

"It is one of the values that I fought to uphold in the Navy and like so many Americans, I was deeply disturbed when the former president turned his back on this fundamental right and discriminated against foreign nationals from majority-Muslim countries. It was one of the things that moved me to run for public office," Sherrill said. “President Biden’s Executive Action to reverse the Muslim Ban marks a return to decency and American values. The Muslim community is part of the fabric of the United States. In New Jersey, our Muslim neighbors and friends bring us together in times of tragedy and celebration. I welcome this renewed commitment to religious freedom and proudly support this Executive Action.”

Sherrill co-sponsored and voted to pass the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act in July 2020 to limit the President's authority to suspend or restrict foreign nationals from entering the United States, terminate certain presidential actions implementing such restrictions, and prohibit religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions.

Sherrill was also pleased that the House voted to grant General Lloyd Austin a waiver to serve as Secretary of Defense, calling the choice historic and Austin "immensely qualified."

"As the first Black Defense Secretary, General Austin’s tenure will be a significant step forward, both for our Armed Forces and for our nation. He is a decorated soldier with an incredible depth of experience, and I know he possesses the expertise and integrity to keep our nation secure," she said.
But Sherrill also shared that she believes strongly in the civilian control of the military and that waivers should only be provided in extreme circumstances.

"An insurrection against our Capitol two weeks ago, a global pandemic, a rapidly changing threat landscape, and four years of chaos at the Pentagon during the Trump administration certainly meet that criteria," she said. "I remain deeply concerned that consecutive waivers mark a shift away from civilian control of the military and will turn future votes into mere formalities. I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the need for distance between active military service and service as Secretary is fully understood, and to strengthen the waiver process against possible abuses in the future."

Sherrill said that when Biden announced Austin’s nomination she heard directly from him how he would work to uphold civilian control over the military.

"After several conversations with General Austin, I am confident that he understands how imperative that norm is, and I am confident in his commitment to upholding it," she said. "“I know that General Austin will lead the Defense Department with his characteristic expertise and integrity. I look forward to working with him to provide a strong national defense, expand Picatinny Arsenal’s mission, and ensure our service members are safe, ready, and well-equipped in the field.”

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