As the Biden administration's time in office winds down, officials are working tirelessly to secure the legacy of the outgoing president before the incoming Trump administration takes over. From infrastructure investments to environmental initiatives and judicial appointments, the White House is sprinting to the finish line, determined to leave a lasting impact on the nation.

Preserving Progress in the Eleventh Hour

Safeguarding Infrastructure Investments

The Biden administration is making a concerted effort to ensure that the significant investments made in infrastructure during their tenure continue to bear fruit even after they leave office. Officials are working to expedite the disbursement of billions in grants and other funding mechanisms to support a wide range of projects, from improving passenger rail service and reducing highway deaths to bolstering domestic manufacturing of sustainable transportation materials. The goal is to create a tangible legacy that will endure beyond the current administration, benefiting communities across the country.

Accelerating Environmental Initiatives

In the realm of environmental protection, the Biden administration has been ramping up its efforts to make lasting progress. The Environmental Protection Agency has set a nationwide deadline for the removal of lead pipes and announced nearly $3 billion in funding to help local water systems comply. Additionally, the agency has introduced a new requirement for oil and gas companies to pay a federal fee if they emit dangerous methane above certain levels. These initiatives are part of a broader push to address pressing environmental challenges and cement the administration's commitment to sustainability.

Confirming Judicial Nominees

Another key priority for the Biden administration is to secure the confirmation of as many federal judges as possible before the Trump administration takes office. The Senate has already voted to confirm former prosecutor April Perry as a U.S. District Court judge in northern Illinois, and more than a dozen pending judicial nominees have advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The White House is working to ensure that these appointments are made, recognizing the lasting impact that the federal judiciary can have on the nation's legal landscape.

Advancing Student Loan Forgiveness

The Biden administration is also racing to finalize a new federal rule that would cancel student loans for individuals facing financial hardship. The proposal, which is currently in a public comment period, is one of the few student loan plans that has not been halted by federal courts. The Education Department is working to expedite the process of finalizing and implementing this rule, aware that it may face legal challenges from the incoming Trump administration, which has been critical of such efforts.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

As the Biden administration's time in office draws to a close, the flurry of activity reflects a determination to cement their legacy and ensure that the progress made during their tenure continues to have a meaningful impact on the country. From infrastructure investments to environmental initiatives and judicial appointments, the White House is working against the clock to solidify their achievements and leave a lasting imprint on the nation's future.