Staff Reports
Biden’s Christmas Eve gift to America came in the form of 50 new laws, one of which finally makes the Bald Eagle the official national bird. While this may seem like a festive act during the holiday season, it’s hard not to notice the chaos surrounding it. Just a day before, Biden vetoed a bipartisan bill meant to address federal judgeship vacancies, citing unanswered “key questions.” Apparently, 50 bills signed just before Christmas are easier to digest than a straightforward judiciary reform.
The Bald Eagle has proudly soared as a symbol of American ideals since the Second Continental Congress decided it should adorn the Great Seal back in 1782. But strangely, for all those years, it lacked the official title of national bird—until now. Perhaps this year-end signing spree was a way to throw the patriotic folks a bone after weeks of legislative gridlock. It seems the eagle, like a forgotten piece of turkey on the table, was finally acknowledged just in time for the season of giving.
In another curious twist of legislative fate, a bill stemming from the celebrity brain trust of Paris Hilton was also included in this holiday haul. Dubbed the “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act,” this piece of legislation apparently aims to tackle the ins and outs of child treatment facilities. While protecting kids is certainly a noble cause, one can’t help but wonder why the administration has turned to a reality TV star for guidance on such a serious issue. Isn’t it ironic that lawmakers are embracing celebrity antics while sidelining seasoned legal minds?
This SOB can't go away soon enough. How about we get rid of 500 laws? Stupid politicians have enacted so many laws, including tax laws and regulations no one knows what the hell is legal or how to file taxes!https://t.co/SjZkdV208X
— Doug Bush (@DougBush_X) December 25, 2024
Among the laundry list of new laws was one requiring public colleges to report hazing incidents in their annual security reports. The idea is to shine a light on campus antics that often fly under the radar, which is admirable. However, in typical Biden fashion, the focus seems to shift away from the core issues plaguing American education, emphasizing rather cosmetic fixes over substantive reform. This feels like another shiny object presented to distract from the root problems plaguing colleges today.
To top it all off, several federal buildings, including post offices, were renamed, with one such post office in San Francisco receiving a particular upgrade in honor of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. One can only imagine Feinstein’s own charm working its way through the federal bureaucracy, but renaming a post office as a form of tribute raises some eyebrows. It reinforces the notion that in the current administration, symbolics have overtaken substance. Amidst all the busy holiday signing, one can’t shake the feeling that while Biden may be flexing legislative muscles, it’s all happening while America remains in the grip of more pressing issues.
