Staff Reports
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden had a moment that any aspiring Santa Claus would envy, signing a staggering 50 bills into law. This legislative blitz came just a day after he threw a wrench into bipartisan efforts by vetoing a bill intended to create new federal judge positions, claiming it didn’t adequately address “key questions.” Apparently, the President had more pressing matters, such as determining a yet unofficial national bird to honor on a day filled with festive cheer.
Among the bills that Biden championed during this yuletide signing spree was the official designation of the Bald Eagle as the national bird. This legislation received a warm welcome from the Senate back in July and was hastily wrapped up in the House just in time for Christmas. Despite being a longstanding symbol of American pride since the Great Seal was first shared in the 1780s, it took until now to give it the official rubber stamp of approval. Perhaps in the vein of America’s latest penchant for recognizing historical quirks, they should consider the Sandhill Crane as a fallback option for the national bird in case eagle demographics ever fall out of favor.
Another highlight among the newly signed bills was Paris Hilton’s “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act.” This monumental legislation promises to build a Federal Work Group dedicated to improving oversight and best practices in youth residential programs. The irony of a celebrity like Hilton pushing for child protection is not lost on those aware of her colorful history. However, no one is complaining as long as children are kept safe—even if the bill had to pass through the glitzy lens of Hollywood first.
This SOB can't go away soon enough. How about we get rid of 500 laws? Stupid politicians have enacted so many laws, including tax laws and regulations no one knows what the hell is legal or how to file taxes!https://t.co/SjZkdV208X
— Doug Bush (@DougBush_X) December 25, 2024
In a push towards transparency and accountability, Biden also approved a measure requiring public colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual security reports. This move seems to reflect a growing recognition of the problems youth face in college settings, though one wonders if raising awareness will do anything more than put a name on the problem. After all, it’s familiar territory for the administration to announce plans without truly tackling the underlying issues.
Additionally, numerous bills that renamed federal buildings found their way into law, including the renaming of a post office in San Francisco in honor of the late Dianne Feinstein. Renaming buildings seems to have become the administration’s favorite pastime, possibly signaling that fixing actual issues like inflation, border control, and crime is best left for another day. After all, why address complex problems when you can cozy up to some good old-fashioned name changes?
As America enjoys the warmth of the holiday season, the signing of these 50 laws serves as a reminder that while Christmas might resonate with traditional values, the political landscape is undergoing a more modern twist—one shaped not just by bipartisanship but also by the whims of celebrity endorsements and the belief that paperwork can solve the nation’s woes.
