The Biden administration backs down on controversial rules, leaving conservatives claiming victory.
At a Glance
- Seven proposed far-left rules withdrawn by Biden administration
- Withdrawn rules included transgender sports participation and religious exemptions
- Move prevents potential Congressional Review Act challenges
- Conservatives view withdrawals as victories, but future reintroduction possible
- Decision comes as President-elect Trump prepares for second term
Biden Administration Withdraws Controversial Rules
In a surprising turn of events, the Biden administration has withdrawn seven proposed far-left rules, sparking celebration among conservatives. The decision, made at the end of December, likely stems from the administration receiving numerous critical public comments during the rulemaking process. These rules would have significantly impacted areas such as male participation in girls’ sports, religious exemptions for birth control, and funding for pregnancy resource centers.
The withdrawn rules included a controversial proposal to force schools to allow transgender participation in sports, a rule prohibiting non-religious moral objections to birth control coverage, and a measure making pregnancy resource centers ineligible for certain federal funds. Additionally, rules imposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements on registered apprenticeships and two rules prohibiting LGBTQ+ discrimination in foreign assistance were also scrapped.
Strategic Retreat or Tactical Move?
While conservatives are hailing these withdrawals as victories, some speculate that the Biden administration’s move may be more tactical than capitulatory. By withdrawing these rules, the administration preempts potential Congressional action under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which could have permanently voided these proposals.
“Any rule finalized within five or six months of the new Congress could be subject to the Congressional Review Act, and if Congress eliminates a rule based on the Congressional Review Act, it becomes a permanent elimination. No future administration can reimpose the rule.” – Matt Bowman
This strategic withdrawal leaves the door open for future reintroduction of these policies when the political landscape might be more favorable, thus preserving core Democratic objectives. The Biden administration may have also run out of time to respond to all critical comments, a necessary part of the rulemaking process.
Title IX and Transgender Athletes
One of the most contentious withdrawals was the proposed rule extending Title IX protections to transgender student athletes. This rule aimed to prevent blanket bans on transgender students participating in sports teams aligning with their gender identities. The proposal faced significant legal challenges and mixed public sentiment, with over 150,000 comments received during the comment period.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s proposed rule to hurt women’s sports is antithetical to the cornerstone of sports — fairness” – Rep. Virginia Foxx
The withdrawal comes as 25 states have already implemented policies prohibiting transgender students from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity. The Republican-majority House had also passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, defining sex based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Looking Ahead
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, the withdrawal of these rules signals a significant shift in regulatory approach. The Biden administration’s decision to back down on these controversial proposals may be seen as an attempt to avoid prolonged legal battles and potential Congressional obstruction.
“On balance, withdrawing these rules is a win for everyone who submitted comments opposing them. It means these bad policy proposals by the Biden administration will not go into effect.” – Rachel Morrison
While the withdrawal of these rules may appear as a conservative triumph, it’s important to note that this strategy allows for future re-evaluation and potential reintroduction of these policies. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Americans can expect ongoing debates and policy shifts in these contentious areas.
Sources:
- Biden Administration Admits Defeat by Withdrawing 7 Woke Rule Changes
- Education Department withdraws proposed Title IX athletics rule | K-12 Dive
- Biden Withdraws Proposed Regulations on Student Loans and Trans Athletes – The New York Times
