What do Biden’s lame-duck actions mean for America’s future?
At a Glance
- President Joe Biden is planning to implement major policies during his “lame duck” presidency period.
- Biden aims to stabilize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, including a security pact and economic assurances.
- Biden plans to approve a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine to counter Russian advances.
- Legal challenges are expected for Biden’s policies once Trump assumes office.
The Lame-Duck Dilemma
The lame-duck period in American politics presents a paradox, offering outgoing administrations the opportunity to enact sweeping policy changes that may not align with recent electoral mandates. This temporary period is seen as a farewell ground for presidents to push potentially unpopular or controversial policies without worrying about immediate electoral consequences. President Joe Biden’s focus on major policy ventures during his last weeks in office epitomizes this phenomenon.
Despite the democratic process’s natural checks and balances, the current timing of the inauguration allows significant freedom for outgoing executives. The Biden administration’s actions in foreign policy, such as supporting Ukraine with a $725 million weapons package, exemplify this unchecked power. Here’s a leader who is channeling substantial resources overseas when similar investments could address financial anxieties at home, raising eyebrows and criticisms alike.
Policy Moves and Constitutional Concerns
As the Biden administration races against the clock before the incoming Trump administration, controversial policies such as altering immigration rules and health care processes are underway. Biden has approved grants and loans towards renewable energy and infrastructure as efforts to make lasting domestic impacts. Additionally, his environmental agenda—the lead pipe removal project and methane gas fee on oil companies—seems an uphill battle against economic sentiments favoring more conservative, less burdensome regulations.
Some political and legal analysts predict challenges post-inauguration as Biden’s late-term policies violate what some see as public opinion’s signals delivered during recent elections. Undoubtedly, the incoming administration will face difficulties rolling back some Biden’s mandates, highlighting the inconsistency brought by these policy adventures made during the lame-duck period.
A Case for Realignment
To mitigate the challenges wrought by this unwieldy transition period, aligning Inauguration Day with Election Day could render government transitions more coherent and representative of people’s choices. The present timing gap following elections creates a loophole, allowing a government to drift from voters’ decisions, even while the public demands economic relief and reduced spending sharply felt through rising inflation and debt levels.
This recalibration demands urgent,, especially now that partisan divides stall meaningful governance. It is time to review the maze-like electoral system that enables outgoing leaders like Biden to push unauthorized policies. This period should serve its purpose to ensure orderly transition, not to flout democratic intentions.
