Emmanuel OchayiAs the transition to President-elect Donald Trump looms, President Joe Biden and his administration are racing against time to cement key elements of his legacy. From infrastructure spending to environmental goals, judicial appointments, and student loan forgiveness, Biden is striving to secure achievements before the handover.
“Let’s make every day count,” Biden urged in a recent address, reflecting the urgency of his administration’s current efforts.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelInfrastructure Spending: Accelerating Development
The Biden administration is moving swiftly to allocate funds from the $1 trillion infrastructure law and the $375 billion climate law. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced over $3.4 billion in grants aimed at improving railways, ports, and highways while supporting sustainable manufacturing projects.
“We are investing in better transportation systems that touch every corner of the country,” Buttigieg said. “Communities will see safer commutes and stronger supply chains.”
Advancing Environmental Goals
Environmental initiatives have gained momentum in recent months, as Biden seeks to finalize critical policies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set deadlines for the removal of lead pipes and introduced penalties for methane emissions from oil and gas companies.
Meanwhile, the Energy Department approved a $544 million loan to a Michigan company to boost electric vehicle production, part of a $37 billion clean-energy loan program.
Melinda Pierce of the Sierra Club noted the urgency, saying, “We’re seeing explosions of money going out the door. Biden and his allies really want to finish the job they started.”
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Supporting Ukraine Amid Changing Leadership
The Pentagon is focused on using the $7.1 billion allocated for Ukraine aid before Trump takes office. Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh emphasised the importance of acting quickly.
“We’re going to work very hard to make sure that happens,” Singh said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that much of the funding is already obligated, which could complicate efforts by the incoming administration to reverse course.
Judicial Appointments: Filling Vacancies
Judicial appointments are another priority for the Biden administration, with a push to confirm as many nominees as possible before January 20. Recently, the Senate approved April Perry as a federal judge in Illinois, with additional nominees advancing through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Trump has criticized these efforts, stating on social media, “No Judges should be approved during this period.”
Student Loan Forgiveness: Finalising Relief
The Biden administration is racing to finalize a federal rule to cancel student loans for borrowers facing financial hardship. The rule is currently in the public comment phase, with the Education Department aiming to implement it quickly.
Aaron Ament, a former Education Department official, highlighted the need for urgency. “It’s hard to imagine these cases being left untouched,” he said, referencing ongoing efforts to provide relief for borrowers defrauded by colleges.
Trump and other Republicans have consistently criticised Biden’s student loan initiatives, though his specific plans remain unclear.
Transition Challenges
Despite these efforts, the transition brings uncertainties. “There’s only one administration at a time,” Buttigieg said, underscoring the limitations of their remaining time.
As Biden’s term winds down, the administration’s goal is clear: to solidify policies and programs that could outlast his presidency.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
