President Joe Biden Signs 50 Bills Into Law on Christmas Eve
(Image: twitter/@CNBC)
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law, including two significant pieces of legislation: the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and a measure officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, supported by activist and socialite Paris Hilton, aims to hold teenage treatment centers and care facilities accountable for their practices. Hilton, who has advocated for this cause, spent time on Capitol Hill promoting the measure.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously, and it cleared the House with bipartisan support, passing by a vote of 367 to 33. Biden’s signature solidifies the law, which Hilton hailed as a critical step toward protecting vulnerable youth, told CBS News.
The president also signed legislation sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Cynthia Lummis, as well as Reps. Brad Finstad and Angie Craig, formally recognize the bald eagle as the U.S. national bird. The bill celebrates the bald eagle’s role as a historical and enduring symbol of “independence, strength, and freedom.”
Preston Cook, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative, praised the legislation, saying, “The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782. With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird.”
Additionally, Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which requires federally funded universities to include hazing incidents in their annual security reports. Hazing, particularly in fraternities and sororities, has long been a controversial issue, with studies showing over half of college students experience some form of hazing.
The president also enacted bills renaming federal buildings and post offices to honor community leaders. For instance, a post office in Bastrop, Texas, was renamed after Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh, a CIA intelligence officer and Army soldier. Another post office in San Francisco, California, now bears the name of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
Additionally, federal facilities in Virginia and Oklahoma were renamed to honor veterans and legislators, reflecting their contributions to the nation. These legislative actions underscore a blend of social reform, historical recognition, and community appreciation during a festive season.
