President Joe Biden has broken records by ending his term with the highest number of vetoes seen since Bill Clinton’s presidency, despite waiting two years into his term to issue his first presidential veto. Biden recently made headlines by vetoing the JUDGES Act, a bill aimed at expanding the federal judiciary by allowing President-elect Donald Trump and subsequent presidents to make appointments.
Here is a breakdown of the 13 bills that Biden has vetoed since taking office:
- March 20, 2023
Biden vetoed a bill looking to void a Labor Department rule that considered “environmental, social, and governance factors” in retirement plans. The president argued that ignoring these factors would jeopardize the life savings of working families and retirees, emphasizing the importance of free markets. - April 6, 2023
The president vetoed legislation aiming to undo his administration’s 2023 rule defining which U.S. waterways fell under federal jurisdiction, citing potential economic uncertainty and hindrance to growth. -
May 16, 2023
Biden vetoed Republican efforts to reinstate tariffs on Chinese imports, thereby supporting solar energy initiatives and preserving affordable solar panels. -
May 25, 2023
Intervening in police reform legislation in Washington, D.C., Biden vetoed a resolution that sought to overturn police reforms and emphasized the importance of enhancing public safety and trust. -
June 7, 2023
In a bid to protect student loan debt relief initiatives, Biden vetoed attempts to overturn Education Department rules that paused payments and interest for federally backed student loans. -
June 14, 2023
Biden shot down attempts to roll back vehicle emission standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, aiming to foster public health and sustain growth in the electric vehicle industry.
7-8. Sept. 26, 2023
Vetoing resolutions that removed conservation protections for native chickens and bats, Biden underscored the importance of preserving wildlife and supporting local conservation strategies.
- Dec. 19, 2023
In his final veto of 2023, Biden protected small business transparency and accountability by opposing measures that would harm stakeholders and benefit big banks. -
Jan. 24, 2024
Biden’s first veto of 2024 addressed a waiver allowing skirting of Buy America requirements for electric vehicle chargers, reinforcing American energy infrastructure and security. -
May 3, 2024
The president halted attempts to roll back his administration’s rules defining joint-employer status, supporting workers’ rights and countering corporate structuring manipulations. -
May 31, 2024
Vetoing a bill targeting cryptocurrency custodian rules, Biden stood firm on consumer protection and investor well-being in the crypto industry. -
Monday, Year
Biden’s 13th veto was the JUDGES Act, a bill proposing the creation of 66 new judicial positions, which would have allowed Trump to appoint judges in his second term and reshape the judiciary. Biden criticized the rushed nature of the bill and highlighted concerns regarding judicial economy and caseload management.
President Biden’s tenure has undoubtedly been marked by significant use of his veto powers, showcasing his commitment to protecting public welfare, supporting environmental and economic initiatives, and upholding regulatory frameworks for consumer and investor protection. As his term concludes, Biden’s strong stance on legislative vetoes sets the tone for future presidential administrations and underscores the importance of balanced decision-making for the greater good.
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