Washington, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – George W. Bush may no longer be president of the United States, but he still wields the power to issue executive orders, albeit under the signature of another president.

President Obama on Monday signed an executive order expanding protections for federal workers and contractors from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“In too many states and in too many workplaces, simply being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can still be a fireable offense,” Obama said.  “So I firmly believe that it’s time to address this injustice for every American.”

Bush, who is vacationing at the Bush family ranch in Texas, was asked by reporters for his reaction to the new executive order.  “I am happy to do my share in the executive order,” Bush said, “and I commend President Obama for his willingness to collaborate with me in issuing the order.”

Obama’s executive order maintains a provision from a 2002 executive order signed by Bush that exempts religious organizations that discriminate based on religious beliefs. Leaders of both the religious right and the LGBTcommunity have praised the new executive order, saying that never in the history of the United States have they seen two presidents belonging to opposing political parties working together to issue an executive order on a highly controversial issue such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.

Meanwhile, advocates for comprehensive immigration reform have expressed the hope that Bush and Obama will also work closely together to issue an executive order to grant amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants currently in the country.

Many will recall that in 2002, Bush issued Executive Order 13269 on the expedited naturalization of aliens and noncitizen nationals serving in and active-duty military status during the war on terror. “Perhaps this time, Bush can co-sign an Executive Order with Obama to finally solve our broken immigration system,” the advocates said.