Biden Administration Races to Cement Legacy Before Trump Returns to the White House

Biden Administration Races to Cement Legacy Before Trump Returns to the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — With just weeks remaining before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, the Biden administration is working at a frenetic pace to finalize projects, allocate funds, and secure its policy initiatives. From infrastructure spending to judicial nominations, officials are racing to lock in the administration’s accomplishments and make it harder for the incoming Trump administration to undo key achievements.

“Let’s make every day count,” President Joe Biden urged last week, following Vice President Kamala Harris’s concession in the closely contested presidential race.

Trump, who has promised to rescind unspent funds from Biden’s landmark climate and healthcare initiatives and halt clean-energy projects, will assume the power to reverse many of these efforts. However, the Biden administration hopes to establish programs and obligations that will endure.

“There’s only one administration at a time,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Thursday. “Our responsibility is to make good use of the funds that Congress has authorized.”

Here’s a look at the Biden administration’s final push to preserve its legacy:

Accelerating Infrastructure Investments

Officials are expediting spending on the $1 trillion infrastructure law and the $375 billion climate law to ensure these programs outlast the transition. On Friday, Secretary Buttigieg announced $3.4 billion in grants for rail, port, and sustainable transportation projects, emphasizing safety, cleaner air, and bolstered supply chains.

“We’re investing in systems that touch every corner of the country,” Buttigieg said.

Boosting Environmental Initiatives

The White House has intensified its rollout of environmental grants and approvals. Recent moves include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandating lead pipe removal nationwide, allocating $3 billion to local water systems, and imposing new methane fees on oil and gas companies. The Energy Department also approved a $544 million loan to expand electric vehicle infrastructure, part of a larger $37 billion clean-energy loan program.

“There’s a new urgency to get it all done,” said Melinda Pierce of the Sierra Club, noting the administration’s determination to “finish the job.”

Maximizing Ukraine Aid

The administration is hurrying to utilize $7.1 billion in allocated Ukraine military aid before Trump takes office. Recent packages, ranging from $200 million to $300 million, are part of a broader effort to secure assistance for Ukraine against Russia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured reporters that funds already obligated would be difficult to retract.

Confirming Federal Judges

Judicial confirmations have become a priority. This week, the Senate confirmed former prosecutor April Perry as a federal judge, with several other nominees advancing. Trump has urged Republicans to block further confirmations, accusing Democrats of “ramming through” appointments.

Student Loan Relief

The Education Department is pushing to finalize a rule canceling loans for borrowers facing financial hardship. Though still in a public comment phase, officials are aiming to implement it before January, despite anticipated legal challenges. Additionally, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona may expedite pending student loan forgiveness cases involving borrowers misled by for-profit colleges.

Challenges Ahead

While Biden’s team works to secure its achievements, the incoming Trump administration has tools to reverse or modify many policies, particularly those enacted via executive action or regulation.

As the clock ticks down, the Biden administration hopes its final flurry of actions will create lasting impacts and safeguard key elements of its legacy against an anticipated conservative pivot.