President Joe Biden marked Christmas Eve by signing 50 bills, addressing significant social issues and leaving behind legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
This signing spree is seen as his administration's final push to establish policies before the transition to the incoming administration. Among the notable laws is the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, heavily championed by celebrity Paris Hilton. This act establishes a federal working group to oversee minors' health, safety, care, treatment, and placement within residential treatment facilities. Hilton, who has publicly shared her experiences of abuse within these institutions, emphasized the importance of the legislation by stating, "This is not just about me. This is about all the kids who continue to suffer."
Another significant piece of legislation, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, aims to combat violence and deaths on college campuses. It sets forth requirements for federally funded higher education institutions to disclose hazing incidents and implement preventative measures. The bipartisan support of this law reflects the growing concern over hazing practices, with reports indicating more than half of college students experience some form of hazing.
Biden also signed the No CORRUPTION Act, which prevents members of Congress from collecting pensions if they are convicted of public corruption crimes. This law arose against the backdrop of recent high-profile corruption cases, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ethics and accountability within government. A congressional aide remarked, "We're making sure Congress members can’t line their pockets if they’re caught breaking the law."
Additional laws signed include measures renaming postal offices and federal buildings, such as the Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office in Texas and the Dianne Feinstein Post Office in California. These renamings honor the legacies of notable individuals who contributed to their communities and the nation.
Surprisingly historical, Biden also designated the bald eagle as the official bird of the United States, solidifying its status as the nation's iconic symbol. This decision came about as the administration emphasized the importance of wildlife and natural treasures.
Reflecting on the Christmas Eve signing, Biden stated these measures serve to promote safety, accountability, and community well-being, marking his last significant actions before departing office. This legislative flurry demonstrates his administration's push for reforms targeting pressing social issues.
With the signing of these 50 bills, Biden leaves behind a mixed legacy of achievements reflecting the administration's efforts to address vulnerabilities and instill equity across various sectors, from child welfare to campus safety.
