Here’s what Biden did.
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden marked the holiday season by signing several key pieces of legislation into law, many of which are likely to impact American society for years to come. Some of the most notable bills focus on child protection, campus safety, and federal recognition of important figures in American history.
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act
One of the most significant bills signed was the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, a major step toward holding youth care facilities and treatment centers accountable for any form of abuse or neglect. This bill gained momentum after high-profile advocacy from celebrity Paris Hilton, who has long campaigned for federal oversight of youth institutions. After months of lobbying on Capitol Hill, the bill passed both the Senate and House with bipartisan support. The measure will ensure that facilities providing care to children are subject to rigorous scrutiny, making it harder for any form of mistreatment to go unnoticed. This is a victory for child advocates and families who have fought for stronger protections for vulnerable young people.
Stop Campus Hazing Act
Another important piece of legislation is the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which will require universities receiving federal funds to report incidents of hazing as part of their annual security reports. This law was sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Hazing remains a persistent problem on college campuses, and this bill aims to shine a spotlight on it, increasing transparency and accountability. By requiring colleges to disclose such incidents, this law is an important step toward ensuring the safety of students in higher education.
Renaming Federal Buildings and Postal Offices
In addition to these significant policy changes, President Biden signed a series of bills renaming federal buildings and postal offices across the country. One bill renamed a post office in Bastrop, Texas, after Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh, a CIA operative and U.S. Army veteran who served for over 50 years. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) sponsored the legislation in recognition of Waugh’s extraordinary service. Similarly, a post office in San Francisco was renamed to honor the late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a longtime fixture in California politics.
U.S. Official Bird: The Bald Eagle
In a lighter moment of the holiday season, President Biden signed legislation officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. While the eagle has long been an unofficial symbol of the nation, this bill formalizes its status, reflecting America’s deep respect for its heritage and natural beauty.
While these legislative actions reflect a broad range of priorities, they underscore the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the role of government in addressing real issues facing American citizens. Whether protecting children from abuse, ensuring safety on college campuses, or honoring public service, these bills represent a commitment to improving the lives of Americans, especially during the holiday season.