Biden
In the final days of his presidency, Joe Biden implemented several key policies aimed at solidifying his legacy and addressing pressing issues. As he prepares to hand over the reins to Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, Biden’s administration focused on significant domestic and foreign policy initiatives.
Table of Contents
Key Policies Introduced by Biden
1. Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
One of the most notable achievements in Biden’s last days was brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This agreement, which aims to halt ongoing violence and facilitate the release of hostages, was reached through unprecedented collaboration between Biden and Trump. Their joint efforts marked a rare moment of cooperation between the two leaders, reflecting a commitment to peace in a region long affected by conflict[1].
2. Military Aid to Ukraine
Biden approved substantial military assistance for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and anti-personnel mines, as part of ongoing support against Russian aggression. Additionally, he imposed new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector while seeking congressional approval for further aid to Ukraine. This move underscores Biden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia[1][2].
3. Immigration Protections
In an effort to bolster immigration policies, Biden extended deportation protections for individuals from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela. This extension complicates any swift reversal by Trump, who has indicated intentions to initiate mass deportations upon taking office. The protections provide temporary relief from deportation for those granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)[1].
4. Clemency Measures
Biden took significant steps in criminal justice reform by commuting the sentences of nearly all federal death row inmates and granting clemency to 1,500 individuals on home confinement. This action represents the largest number of commutations granted by any president in a single day and aims to address sentencing disparities that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities[1][2].
5. Student Loan Forgiveness
In response to the growing student debt crisis, Biden announced the cancellation of student loans for over 150,000 borrowers in his final days. This brings the total number of loan forgiveness recipients under his administration to over five million, providing much-needed relief for those burdened by educational debt[1][2].
6. Ban on Offshore Drilling
On January 6, Biden issued a ban on new offshore oil and natural gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters as part of his climate agenda. This decision covers approximately 625 million acres of federal waters and reflects Biden’s commitment to environmental conservation[2].
7. Removal of Medical Debt from Credit Reports
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule that will remove around $49 billion in medical bills from consumer credit reports. This change is expected to improve the credit scores of over 15 million Americans, making it easier for them to secure loans[2].
8. Federal Employee Policy Changes
Biden’s administration also focused on federal workers by allowing remote work until 2029 and signing legislation that provides full Social Security benefits to public-sector retirees who previously received reduced benefits. These measures aim to enhance job security and financial stability for federal employees[1][3].
Conclusion
As President Biden concludes his term, these key policies reflect his administration’s priorities and efforts to address critical issues facing the nation. From international diplomacy to domestic reforms, Biden’s final actions are designed not only to leave a lasting impact but also to challenge the incoming administration’s agenda under Trump.
In summary, Biden’s last days in office were marked by significant policy initiatives that aimed to solidify his legacy while addressing urgent national and global challenges.
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