The Biden administration is working diligently to secure billions in grants and implement various measures to uphold key aspects of the outgoing president's legacy before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January.
President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of maximizing each day's impact, urging his team to make every moment count. Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded defeat to Trump in the presidential race.
Trump has vowed to revoke unspent funds in Biden's significant climate and healthcare legislation and halt clean-energy development projects.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stressed the principle that only one administration operates at a time, emphasizing the responsibility to effectively utilize Congress-authorized funds during the transition period.
Key Actions by the Biden Administration:
- Infrastructure Spending: The administration is expediting the allocation of funds under the $1 trillion infrastructure law and $375 billion climate law to ensure sustained project funding.
- Environmental Goals: Notable environmental grants and project approvals have been accelerated, including initiatives to remove lead pipes and impose federal fees on oil and gas companies for excessive methane emissions.
- Ukraine Aid: Efforts are underway to utilize allocated funds for weapons procurement before Trump's inauguration, with a focus on spending $7.1 billion from existing Pentagon resources.
- Judicial Picks: The White House is prioritizing Senate confirmation of federal judges before Trump's term ends, with several nominees advancing through the confirmation process.
- Student Loan Forgiveness: The Education Department is fast-tracking a rule to cancel student loans for individuals facing financial hardship, aiming to provide relief to those cheated by for-profit colleges.
The Biden administration faces a tight timeline to solidify its initiatives before the transition of power, with a focus on securing lasting impacts across various sectors.
