Biden administration actions/ infrastructure funding/ climate initiatives/ student loan relief/ judicial appointments/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Biden administration is working quickly to finalize major initiatives before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Efforts include disbursing infrastructure funds, advancing climate goals, confirming judicial nominees, and expediting student loan relief. With limited time, Biden seeks to solidify his legacy while preparing for the incoming administration’s policy reversals.
Biden Key Actions to Cement Legacy Before Trump Inauguration
Biden’s Final Actions Before Trump’s Return: Quick Looks
- Infrastructure Spending: Over $3.4 billion in grants for transportation and clean-energy projects.
- Environmental Progress: Major grants, methane regulations, and a $544M loan for EV materials.
- Ukraine Aid: $7.1 billion in military support allocated before Trump’s term begins.
- Judicial Appointments: Push to confirm pending federal judges before Jan. 20.
- Student Loan Relief: Fast-tracking cancellation rules for borrowers in financial hardship.
Deep Look
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January, the Biden administration is moving swiftly to solidify its legacy by finalizing key initiatives in infrastructure, climate policy, judicial appointments, and student loan relief. President Joe Biden and his team face a tight timeline, hoping their efforts will endure even as Trump has vowed to reverse many of Biden’s signature policies.
Infrastructure Investments for Long-Term Impact
The administration is expediting funding from the $1 trillion infrastructure law and $375 billion climate law, with the goal of embedding lasting improvements across the country. On Friday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $3.4 billion in grants aimed at improving rail services, port infrastructure, and highway safety while promoting sustainable manufacturing.
“These investments touch every corner of the country,” Buttigieg said. “Communities will see safer commutes, cleaner air, and stronger supply chains.”
These projects are designed to outlast political transitions, ensuring that infrastructure upgrades continue despite potential shifts in federal priorities under Trump.
Environmental Initiatives on the Fast Track
Environmental goals are a central focus of the Biden administration’s race to the finish line. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $3 billion in funding to remove lead pipes and enforce new methane emission penalties for oil and gas companies. Additionally, the Energy Department approved a $544 million loan to a Michigan firm to bolster electric vehicle supply chains.
“We’re seeing an explosion of money going out the door,” said Sierra Club legislative director Melinda Pierce. These actions aim to cement Biden’s environmental legacy before Trump’s policies potentially derail progress.
Aid for Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict
The Biden administration is working to allocate $7.1 billion in military aid for Ukraine, including $4.3 billion from a supplemental package and $2.8 billion from recalculated savings in Pentagon stockpiles. Recent packages, ranging between $200 million and $300 million, reflect a sense of urgency to provide Ukraine with critical resources before Trump takes office.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stressed that once these funds are obligated, reversing them would be challenging for the incoming administration.
Judicial Appointments Under Pressure
Confirming judicial nominees is another priority as the administration races against the clock. The Senate recently approved April Perry as a U.S. District Court judge, but over 20 nominations remain in various stages of the confirmation process.
Trump has urged Republican lawmakers to block Biden’s judicial picks, warning against allowing Democrats to “ram through their Judges.” Despite this, the White House aims to solidify as many appointments as possible before the transition.
Fast-Tracking Student Loan Forgiveness
The Education Department is accelerating a rule to provide loan relief for borrowers facing financial hardship, one of the few student debt initiatives not halted by courts. The proposed rule is open for public comment until Dec. 2, leaving a narrow window for finalization.
Advocates argue that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona should act swiftly to resolve existing cases of borrower relief, particularly for students defrauded by for-profit colleges. “It’s a no-brainer,” said Aaron Ament of the National Student Legal Defense Network, emphasizing the need to avoid leaving unresolved cases for Trump’s administration.
Navigating Trump’s Transition
Trump has already pledged to undo unspent portions of Biden’s climate and healthcare laws, halt clean-energy projects, and recalibrate infrastructure spending. His administration is also expected to pursue regulatory changes to reverse Biden’s policies.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg summed up the administration’s stance: “There’s only one administration at a time … Our responsibility is to make good use of the funds that Congress has authorized.”
Legacy in the Balance
Biden’s efforts reflect a broader urgency to cement initiatives that align with his vision for infrastructure, climate action, and equity. However, political analysts caution that many of these moves could face significant challenges under Trump, who has expressed intentions to reshape the federal government’s role in key sectors.
With time running out, Biden’s administration is determined to make every day count. These final actions aim to leave an indelible mark on policy and governance, even as the incoming administration gears up to chart a different course.
