Joe Biden could wipe out $50,000 of student debt without Congress. Here are 3 other areas he can help the struggling US economy even with a GOP-controlled Senate.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden speaks to the media after receiving a briefing from the transition COVID-19 advisory board on November 09, 2020 at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr. Biden spoke about how his administration would respond to the coronavirus pandemic.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

• Joe Biden will inherit a struggling economy when he takes office in January.
• Republicans may maintain control of the Senate depending on the outcome of two Senate runoff races in Georgia.
• Biden could provide student debt relief, repurpose unspent federal relief funds, and raise the minimum wage for federal contractors without Congress.

President-elect Joe Biden will be inheriting a struggling economy when he takes office in January. Coronavirus infections are reaching new highs with the pandemic showing no signs of abating anytime soon.

Meanwhile, millions of people remain unemployed and permanent layoffs are rising. Small businesses are still shuttering as the recovery shows signs of weakening without additional stimulus.

A pair of Senate runoff races in Georgia will decide which party controls the Senate and the balance of power in Washington. If Republicans keep the chamber, it may be difficult for Biden to achieve many elements of his platform such as tax increases for wealthy individuals and corporations.

But here are four steps Biden could take on his own without Congress.