With only ten weeks until President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, the Biden administration is urgently working to distribute remaining funds from key legislative initiatives passed during Joe Biden’s presidency. The push aims to lock in financial commitments from high-profile programs before Trump takes office, potentially affecting how funds are allocated in the future.

The funds cover several major areas, including semiconductor subsidies under the CHIPS Act, climate grants, and critical aid for Ukraine. This swift action underscores the Biden administration’s effort to cement its initiatives before the anticipated policy shifts under Trump’s second term.

A Strategic Push to Implement Key Legislation

As part of his “Investing in America” agenda, Biden has prioritized the rapid implementation of several landmark bills: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Each piece of legislation encompasses ambitious goals spanning infrastructure development, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, and climate action.

"Over the next 10 weeks, we’re heads down, focused on getting this money out the door, signing agreements, and delivering benefits to the American people," said Natalie Quillian, Biden’s deputy chief of staff. Quillian emphasized that Biden’s team has operated with urgency from the start, knowing that the impacts of these initiatives could reshape communities nationwide.

Delays and Future Impacts

Despite Biden’s commitment to these programs, many of their impacts will take time to reach the public. Acknowledging this, Biden recently highlighted the long-term nature of these changes, saying, "The vast majority of this work will be felt over the next decade." Some legislative benefits, such as infrastructure improvements and job creation in manufacturing, are only now beginning to materialize.

The Breakdown of Funding Allocation

Since taking office, Biden has signed several major funding packages:

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: $1.2 trillion for public infrastructure projects.

CHIPS and Science Act: $200 billion to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

Inflation Reduction Act: $750 billion for healthcare, taxes, and climate initiatives.

To date, the administration has announced $642.1 billion in total funding from these programs, with most of it directed toward infrastructure and climate initiatives. However, some of the remaining funds may face opposition or restrictions as Trump assumes office, particularly funding related to clean energy.

Urgent Support for Ukraine

The administration is also accelerating military and financial aid to Ukraine before the transition. With Trump expressing skepticism about continued support, Biden is determined to ensure maximum aid reaches Ukraine. Although $61 billion was allocated earlier this year, any unspent funds could face reconsideration once Trump takes office.

Semiconductor Subsidies and the CHIPS Act

Under the CHIPS Act, the Commerce Department has allocated a substantial portion of the $39 billion earmarked for semiconductor manufacturing subsidies. Over $36 billion has already been awarded to companies like Polar Semiconductor, GlobalFoundries, and Intel. These funds are designed to stimulate American semiconductor production and secure supply chains for critical technology.

While Trump has criticized the CHIPS Act, it has strong bipartisan support due to its potential for creating American jobs. “The CHIPS and Science Act has unlocked more than $400 billion in investments and could create over 125,000 jobs,” noted a Commerce Department spokesperson.

In the coming weeks, the Biden administration aims to finalize additional agreements to ensure the CHIPS funding remains in place, even as Trump’s administration may reconsider certain program aspects.

Looking Ahead

As the Biden administration races to complete these funding allocations, questions remain about the long-term impact of these legislative efforts. With many projects set to take years, if not decades, to reach full completion, the true legacy of Biden’s investments may not be fully realized until well after his presidency. For now, the White House is committed to securing as much progress as possible, preparing to hand over a legacy of ambitious, far-reaching investments in America’s future.