Biden’s Legislative Push: 50 Bills Signed into Law on Christmas Eve to Solidify Administration’s Legacy

Man in a suit smiling outdoors.

President Biden’s Christmas Eve bill-signing marathon raises questions about the administration’s legacy-building efforts as his term nears its end.

At a Glance

  • President Biden signed 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
  • The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, backed by Paris Hilton, was among the bills signed
  • Legislation officially designated the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
  • Several federal buildings and post offices were renamed to honor various individuals
  • Biden granted clemency to 37 federal inmates facing death sentences

Biden’s Legislative Flurry on Christmas Eve

As the holiday season settled in, President Joe Biden engaged in a last-minute legislative push, signing an impressive 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve. This flurry of activity comes as the Biden administration appears to be making a concerted effort to solidify its legacy in the twilight of its term. The diverse range of legislation addressed various issues, from social justice initiatives to symbolic gestures of national pride.

Among the most notable bills signed was the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which received bipartisan support and aims to hold youth treatment centers accountable. This legislation, championed by celebrity Paris Hilton, passed with overwhelming majorities in both chambers of Congress. The act speaks to a growing concern over the treatment of vulnerable youth in institutional settings.

Symbolic Gestures and Practical Measures

In a move that might surprise many Americans who assumed it was already the case, Biden signed legislation officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This action formalizes a long-standing symbol of American ideals, strength, and freedom that has been associated with the nation since 1782.

“Preston Cook, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, stated that the bald eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782.” – Preston Cook

The legislative package also included practical measures aimed at addressing issues in higher education. The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires federally funded institutions to report hazing incidents in their annual security reports, potentially shedding light on a persistent problem on college campuses.

Honoring Public Servants and Community Leaders

Several bills focused on renaming federal buildings and post offices to honor various individuals. These included community leaders, military veterans, and former legislators from both sides of the aisle. Notable among these was the renaming of a post office after the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, a long-serving Democrat from California.

In a move that may raise eyebrows among fiscal conservatives, Biden also signed legislation to prevent members of Congress convicted of public corruption from collecting pensions. This measure aims to hold elected officials accountable for misconduct while in office.

Clemency and Vetoes

Perhaps the most consequential action taken by Biden was the granting of clemency to 37 federal inmates facing death sentences, commuting their sentences to life without parole. This decision aligns with the administration’s stance on capital punishment and represents a significant shift in federal policy.

“President Biden signed 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve, as the year and his time in office draw to a close.” CBS News

Interestingly, amid this flurry of signings, Biden did exercise his veto power on a bill that would have created 66 new federal judgeships. The President cited unresolved implementation issues as the reason for this decision, demonstrating a selective approach to the legislation before him.

As the Biden administration enters its final year, this Christmas Eve signing spree appears to be part of a broader strategy to cement the President’s legacy. Whether these last-minute legislative actions will have a lasting impact remains to be seen, but they certainly provide talking points for both supporters and critics of the administration as the 2024 election cycle heats up.

Sources:

  1. Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve – including legislation supported by Paris Hilton
  2. Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
  3. Biden signs 50 bills, including 1 backed by Paris Hilton, on Christmas Eve
  4. Biden Signs 50 Bills Into Law on Christmas Eve

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