Page 28 - The Indian EYE 110124

NA Newsline/Opinion NOVEMBER 01, 2024 | The Indian Eye 28

What Has the Biden/ Harris

Administration Achieved?

training programs don’t leave gradu-
ates burdened by excessive debt.
Climate Change and Energy:
Biden’s administration has pushed
for green energy through tax incen-
tives for solar, wind, and hydrogen
technologies. It has also achieved
record U.S. oil production (13 mil-
lion barrels a day) and helped avert a
humanitarian crisis in Congo, ensur-
ing access to cobalt, vital for electric
vehicles.
Agriculture and Environment:
The Inflation Reduction Act helped
BY CHITRA BALACHANDRAN transition agriculture to less car-
bon-intensive practices and provid-
ery often, while engaging in ed $1 billion to support small and
a discussion with friends and mid-sized farmers. Biden also played
Vfamily, the question comes Biden signed into law the largest expansion of benefits for toxin-exposed veterans a role in saving the Colorado River
up: But what has this administration in over 30 years, allowing more veterans to enroll in healthcare services without first applying and secured $4 billion for conserva-
actually done? How am I benefiting for VA benefits (Agency photo) tion efforts.
from this? I thought I’d share some These achievements highlight
data points the administration’s focus on eco-
Disclaimer: This is by no means 9 million lead pipes over the next de- was allocated to improve mental nomic growth, public health, envi-
an exhaustive list of what has been cade, the strictest regulation on lead health services in schools. ronmental sustainability, and social
achieved, or is in the pipeline to date. in water to date. Consumer Protection: Proposed justice.
CHIPS and Science Act: This act Veterans’ Benefits: Biden signed changes to overdraft fees could save
allocated over $50 billion to subsidize into law the largest expansion of ben- customers $3.5 billion annually by Chitra Balachandran is an amateur
new microchip facilities in the U.S. efits for toxin-exposed veterans in lowering fees to between $3 and $14, ceramist, avid yoga practitioner and
and support national research, bol- over 30 years, allowing more veterans instead of $35. loves to travel and commune with
stering innovation and competitive- to enroll in healthcare services with- Marriage Protection: Biden nature. Chitra has been volunteering
ness. To date, the Commerce Depart- out first applying for VA benefits. signed the Respect for Marriage Act, for the Democratic Party, starting with
ment has announced over $30 billion Gun Violence Prevention: The codifying protections for same-sex door-door canvassing with her parents
in proposed CHIPS private sector administration established the Of- and interracial marriages. since President Obama’s campaign.
investments spanning 23 projects in fice of Gun Violence Prevention and Student Loans: The adminis- She never misses an opportunity to
15 states. These projects include 16 launched the Safer States Initiative, tration has provided $7.7 billion in volunteer through door knocking,
new semiconductor manufacturing providing federal support to reduce loan relief for 160,000 borrowers and phone banking or postcard writing at
facilities and are expected to cre- gun violence. In 2023, $286 million implemented rules to ensure career the local, state and federal levels.
ate over 115,000 manufacturing and
construction jobs across the country.
Infrastructure: The bipartisan
Infrastructure Law and Inflation
Reduction Act invested in rebuild-
ing America’s roads, bridges, and
railways. This law created the largest
investment in clean energy in U.S.
history2 and will lower household
energy costs, mitigate the harms of
climate change, and make American
manufacturing competitive in the
global clean energy economy.
Healthcare: Key measures in-
clude capping insulin prices for se-
niors on Medicare at $35, providing
free adult vaccines like the shingles
vaccine, and championing over-the-
counter birth control. Biden also
launched a $3 billion plan to replace

www.TheIndianEYE.com