5 Quiet Victories: How Biden's Policies Are Making a Difference
In the three years of Joe Biden's presidency, numerous changes, both major and minor, have been enacted, many of which have not been widely publicized but possess the potential for enduring impact. From environmental agreements to technological advancements and reforms in education, these achievements reflect the administration's broad scope of influence. Here is an overview of five such accomplishments:
Biden administration reverses Trump's Air Force One design: Biden canceled Trump's proposed paint scheme for Air Force One, opting to maintain the iconic JFK-era light blue-and-white color scheme. This decision was influenced by a study indicating that the darker scheme could increase the aircraft's maintenance costs due to higher temperatures requiring additional cooling. Biden's choice not only preserved a piece of presidential tradition but also emphasized fiscal responsibility and practicality in governmental decisions.
Saving the Colorado River: Facing the twin threats of climate change and overuse, the Biden administration played a pivotal role in brokering a deal among the seven states reliant on the Colorado River. Through the Bureau of Reclamation, the administration issued an ultimatum that spurred negotiations, backed by a substantial $4 billion funding for conservation efforts. This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the water crisis in the Western U.S., ensuring the river's sustainability for millions of people and agricultural operations.
Support for Small Food Producers: Amidst rising food prices and supply chain issues, Biden's executive order aimed at promoting competition within the agriculture sector marked a significant shift towards supporting small and midsize producers. By reviving and enhancing USDA regulations and providing financial support, the administration seeks to diversify the agricultural economy, promoting a balance between small-scale, high-value production and large-scale efficiency.
Regulating For-Profit Colleges: The Biden administration revived efforts to hold for-profit colleges and career training programs accountable for their graduates' debt-to-income ratios, a policy aimed at ensuring that education leads to gainful employment without burdensome debt. The department's new policy aims to reduce defaults on federally-backed student loans, resulting in an estimated $14 billion savings for taxpayers over the next decade.
Microchip Production in the U.S.: In response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CHIPS and Science Act represents a major policy shift towards revitalizing domestic microchip production. With over $50 billion allocated to subsidize construction and research, this initiative aims to reduce dependency on foreign microchip production, enhance technological sovereignty, and stimulate the U.S. economy through the creation of high-tech manufacturing jobs.
These accomplishments underscore the Biden administration's multifaceted approach to governance, addressing urgent environmental, economic, and technological challenges while also revisiting and refining the operational aspects of government infrastructure. Each initiative reflects a commitment to pragmatic, forward-looking policies designed to strengthen the nation's resilience, competitiveness, and equity.