President Joe Biden recently had a productive week, rolling out over half a dozen major regulations aimed at benefiting millions of Americans. These regulations, which have been in the works for years, were finalized now to protect them from potential rescinding by a future Congress hostile to them. With the possibility of a change in administration in 2025, Biden’s new rules could be in jeopardy, as they could be reversed by a future president. However, the success of these regulations ultimately depends on who wins the presidential election in November.
The new regulations issued by the Biden administration cover a wide range of areas, from health record privacy rules to limits on power plant emissions and energy efficiency standards for new homes. One of the most significant regulations pertains to power plant emissions, which play a crucial role in efforts to combat global warming. The emission limits are part of a broader package aimed at reducing carbon pollution and increasing the use of renewable energy, although they have faced opposition from Republicans and utility companies.
Another key regulation introduced by the Biden administration focuses on expanding overtime pay eligibility for millions of workers who were previously excluded. The new rules aim to provide better pay for workers who have been working long hours without being compensated properly. While the regulations have not faced strong opposition from Republicans, business groups have raised concerns about increased costs for companies, particularly small businesses.
The administration also imposed new staffing standards for nursing homes, setting a minimum requirement for the number of direct care staff relative to residents. The rules were established in response to reports of poor conditions in nursing homes during the pandemic and research linking staffing levels to patient well-being. While industry officials have expressed concerns about the cost of adding staff, advocates for senior citizens and nursing home care reform believe that the regulations are necessary to improve the quality of care.
Biden’s focus on issues such as overtime pay, climate change, and nursing home reform reflects his priorities and beliefs about the role of the federal government in addressing societal problems. While the future of these regulations remains uncertain depending on the outcome of the presidential election, voters have the opportunity to consider these issues when casting their vote in November. The regulations highlight the contrasting priorities of the Biden administration compared to the previous administration, underscoring the importance of these policies in shaping the future of the country.
