Biden’s Legislative Triumph: 50 Bills Signed into Law on Christmas Eve

President Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve, including legislation backed by Paris Hilton and a formal designation of the bald eagle as the national bird.

At a Glance

Biden signed 50 bills into law, showcasing a legislative push as his term nears its end
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, supported by Paris Hilton, aims to hold youth treatment centers accountable
Legislation officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
Several bills rename federal buildings and post offices to honor community leaders
Biden granted clemency to 37 federal inmates facing death sentences, commuting their sentences to life without parole

Biden’s Christmas Eve Legislative Blitz

President Joe Biden marked the end of the year with a significant legislative push, signing 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve. This flurry of activity comes as Biden approaches the final stretch of his current term in office, demonstrating a commitment to enacting key elements of his administration’s agenda.

Among the notable pieces of legislation signed was the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which received backing from celebrity and activist Paris Hilton. This bill aims to increase accountability for youth treatment centers, an issue Hilton has personally championed based on her own experiences. The act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, clearing the Senate unanimously and passing the House with a vote of 367 to 33.

President Biden signed 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve, as the year and his time in office draw to a close. https://t.co/yAU7MWUOTt

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) December 25, 2024

Addressing Campus Safety and National Symbols

Another significant bill signed into law was the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This legislation requires federally funded higher education institutions to include reports of campus hazing incidents in their annual security reports, potentially improving transparency and safety on college campuses across the nation.

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

In a move steeped in patriotic symbolism, Biden also signed legislation officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. While the bald eagle has long been associated with American ideals, this formal designation solidifies its status in federal law.

Honoring Community Leaders and Addressing Criminal Justice

Several bills signed by Biden focused on renaming federal buildings and post offices to honor community leaders. These include renaming post offices in Texas and California after Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh and the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, respectively. Other federal buildings, including VA clinics and a visitor center, were renamed to honor individuals such as Private First Class Desmond T. Doss, Sen. Jim Inhofe, and Sen. Paul Sarbanes.

“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

In a significant move related to criminal justice, President Biden granted clemency to 37 federal inmates who were facing death sentences, commuting their sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This action aligns with Biden’s campaign promise to work towards ending the federal death penalty.

President Biden signed 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve, as the year and his time in office draws to a close.https://t.co/s1rfdIbF4J

— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) December 25, 2024

Legislative Priorities and Vetoes

While signing numerous bills into law, Biden also exercised his veto power. He rejected a bill that would have created 66 new federal judgeships, citing unresolved implementation issues. This decision highlights the careful consideration given to each piece of legislation that reaches the President’s desk.

Among the bills signed was one aimed at preventing members of Congress convicted of public corruption from collecting pensions, a measure designed to increase accountability among elected officials. This legislation, along with others signed during this Christmas Eve session, demonstrates the administration’s focus on a wide range of issues as it heads into its final year.

As President Biden’s term in office approaches its conclusion, this legislative push serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of governance and the potential for significant policy changes, even in the closing days of the year.