President Biden marked Christmas Eve by enacting a series of bills that addressed diverse topics, ranging from the designation of an official national bird to protections for children in youth care facilities.
Paris Hilton, known for her career as a singer and actress, has been a vocal advocate for a federal law to increase accountability in treatment centers and youth care facilities.
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Hilton’s persistent lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill culminated in the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which received unanimous approval in the Senate and a 367-33 vote in the House. President Biden signed the act into law on Tuesday, achieving a milestone for Hilton, who has hinted at future political ambitions.
Campus Hazing Reporting Requirements
Another law signed by Biden imposes stricter disclosure obligations on federally funded higher education institutions. This legislation mandates the inclusion of campus hazing incidents in annual security reports. Sponsored by Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) alongside Sens.
Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the bill addresses a pervasive issue affecting more than half of college students, according to data from North Carolina State University.
Honoring Community Leaders
Biden also approved legislation to rename postal facilities in honor of individuals. The Bastrop, Texas, post office at 1106 Main Street now bears the name of Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh, a distinguished CIA officer and Army veteran with over five decades of service. This initiative was spearheaded by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Additionally, a San Francisco post office will commemorate the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), following a proposal by Sens. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).
Renaming Federal Buildings
Federal facilities also received new designations under several signed bills. The VA community clinic in Lynchburg, Va., now honors Private First Class Desmond T. Doss, while the VA medical center in Tulsa, Okla., is renamed after the late Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), with support from Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).
The Fort McHenry National Historic Monument in Baltimore, Md., now includes the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center, reflecting efforts led by Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Maryland’s congressional delegation.
Official Recognition of the Bald Eagle
While the bald eagle has long symbolized the nation, Biden solidified its status as the official national bird by signing relevant legislation on Christmas Eve.
Presidential Actions and Upcoming Transition
Biden’s final month in office brought additional actions, including commutations for federal death row inmates. As his term concludes, the transfer of presidential duties to President-elect Trump will occur in January.
