By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Biden concluded the year by signing fifty bills into law, including legislation championed by Paris Hilton to improve conditions in youth residential facilities, a bill establishing anti-hazing standards in higher education, and a measure preventing corrupt members of Congress from receiving pensions. Additionally, a new law designates the bald eagle as the national bird. The president also commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates and vetoed a bill creating new federal judgeships.
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President Biden’s Christmas Eve signing of 50 bills into law has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from quiet approval to outright outrage. The sheer volume of legislation signed in a single day is undeniably noteworthy, prompting questions about the timing and the nature of the bills themselves.
The fact that the President signed so many bills on Christmas Eve, a traditionally quiet day for political activity, naturally leads to speculation. Some see it as a strategic move, a final flurry of activity before the incoming administration takes office, potentially limiting the scope of future policy changes. Others view it as a blatant attempt to “ram through” legislation without proper scrutiny, citing concerns about transparency and democratic process. However, it’s crucial to remember that these bills were passed by Congress and thus are not solely the product of presidential action.
The content of the 50 bills themselves also plays a significant role in the varied interpretations of this event. While a complete list of the legislation is available, the public’s attention has focused on several key examples. One notably controversial bill prohibits members of Congress convicted of public corruption from receiving retirement payments. The significance of this is particularly evident in light of recent controversies and the public’s growing dissatisfaction with corruption within political institutions. The inclusion of such a bill amongst the Christmas Eve signings only adds fuel to the ongoing debate.
Another bill that has attracted attention is one officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird. While this may seem trivial to some, it highlights the diverse range of legislation included in the 50 bills, and some have used it to highlight the potential for seemingly symbolic acts to also carry significant weight. It sparks questions about what other potentially less controversial bills may be included amongst the fifty. Such a large volume of bills makes it difficult for the public to fully digest the scope and import of the entire legislative package.
The reaction from some far-right groups suggests a deep-seated distrust of the process and a fundamental misunderstanding of how legislation works in the United States. The narrative of “ramming through legislation” disregards the role of Congress in passing these bills in the first place. This reveals a larger issue—a lack of civic understanding amongst certain segments of the population. The President’s action highlights the complexities of the US political system and the potential for misinterpretations. The President is merely signing bills passed by Congress and those bills are part of a larger ongoing discourse on policy.
Furthermore, the timing of this action, close to the end of an administration, raises questions about the continuity of policy. While some see this as an attempt to limit the incoming president’s ability to swiftly reverse policy changes, others view it as a typical practice near the end of a presidential term, a tradition of last-minute legislative actions to solidify gains or leave a lasting legacy. It is difficult to ascertain the exact motivation behind the President’s decision. It could very well be a combination of these factors.
The controversy surrounding these 50 bills signed on Christmas Eve is more than just a political event. It is a reflection of the deep divisions within the American political landscape and a symptom of the broader challenges facing the country’s democratic process. Ultimately, the significance of these actions will only be fully understood as their long-term consequences unfold. Whether the bills represent a strategic move, a final act of governance, or simply a culmination of various legislative processes will depend on how the subsequent administration chooses to interact with them. However, the fact remains that, whether applauded or condemned, the event signals that a significant amount of legislation has passed the necessary procedures and has been officially adopted into law. This undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the contemporary American political narrative.