What are Kamala Harris’s Key Achievements as Vice President?

What are Kamala Harris's key achievements as Vice President? See below:

Kamala Harris made history on January 20, 2021, when she was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States, becoming the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to hold this office. Throughout her tenure, Harris has played an active role in shaping the Biden administration's policies, particularly in areas such as legislation, civil rights, healthcare, international diplomacy, and economic recovery.

This article explores Kamala Harris's key achievements as Vice President, focusing on her legislative successes, policy initiatives, advocacy for voting rights, and international diplomacy.

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Breaking Barriers in American Politics

Kamala Harris's election to the vice presidency was a historic moment in American politics. She became a symbol of progress in terms of both gender and racial representation at the highest levels of government. Harris's groundbreaking achievement continues to inspire millions across the nation and the world, highlighting that leadership roles can be accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity or gender.

Legislative Achievements

As Vice President, Kamala Harris plays the critical role of President of the Senate, which means she casts the tie-breaking vote in the Senate when it is equally divided. Harris has set a new record for the number of tie-breaking votes cast, which has been instrumental in passing critical pieces of legislation.

Notable Legislative Wins:

1. American Rescue Plan: In March 2021, Harris cast the tie-breaking vote for this $1.9 trillion stimulus package, aimed at helping Americans recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided direct payments to citizens, extended unemployment benefits, and allocated funds for vaccine distribution.

2. Inflation Reduction Act: In August 2022, Harris's vote helped pass this legislation, which focused on reducing inflation, promoting clean energy, and making healthcare more affordable. Notably, the act aimed to lower prescription drug prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: In June 2022, Harris was key in the passage of this gun safety law, which strengthens background checks, supports mental health services, and funds crisis intervention programs. This was a significant step forward in gun safety reforms, an issue that Harris has consistently advocated for.

Advocacy for Civil Rights and Reproductive Rights

Kamala Harris has always been a staunch advocate for civil rights, and her vice presidency has been no exception. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, she emerged as a leading voice in the fight to protect reproductive freedoms.

Key Initiatives:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Harris has launched nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of reproductive rights and to mobilize support for legislation that protects these freedoms.

• Legislative Advocacy: Harris has been an outspoken advocate in Congress, urging lawmakers to pass measures that protect abortion rights at both federal and state levels.

Harris’s advocacy in this area is not limited to women’s rights but also includes a broader commitment to ensuring healthcare access for all Americans, especially in underserved communities.

Voting Rights Advocacy

One of Kamala Harris’s top priorities has been the protection of voting rights, particularly in light of recent state-level legislation aimed at restricting voter access.

Key Efforts:

1. John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: Harris has championed this legislation, which seeks to restore protections against voter suppression and ensure equal access to the ballot.

2. National Voter Registration Act: She has advocated for reforms that would simplify the voter registration process and expand access to marginalized communities.

Harris’s work in this area underscores her commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring that every American has the right to vote.

Economic Recovery Efforts

Economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a key focus of Harris's vice presidency. She has emphasized the need to support small businesses and create job opportunities, especially in economically disadvantaged communities.

Significant Contributions:

• Small Business Relief: Harris has been a key advocate for providing financial relief to small businesses hit hardest by the pandemic, ensuring they have access to government funding and resources to remain afloat.

• Child Tax Credit Expansion: Harris was a strong supporter of the expanded Child Tax Credit, which helped reduce child poverty rates significantly during its implementation.

Healthcare Improvements

Throughout her career, Harris has been dedicated to improving healthcare access, especially for underserved populations. As Vice President, she has prioritized initiatives aimed at maternal health and mental health services.

Major Accomplishments:

• Postpartum Medicaid Extension: Under Harris's leadership, Medicaid coverage for postpartum care was extended from two months to 12 months, addressing significant gaps in maternal healthcare access.

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Harris supported the creation of a hotline that offers mental health support to new mothers, focusing on holistic care.

International Diplomacy

On the global stage, Kamala Harris has played a significant role in international diplomacy. Her efforts include strengthening alliances, addressing climate change, and promoting human rights around the world.

Noteworthy Contributions:

• Foreign Trips: Harris has made numerous foreign trips to meet with world leaders, including discussions on global security, economic cooperation, and climate action.

• Strengthening Alliances: Harris has worked to reinforce existing international partnerships while fostering new collaborations on issues like trade agreements and multilateral responses to global challenges.

Challenges and Public Perception

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Kamala Harris has faced challenges related to public perception. Critics have raised concerns about her visibility and effectiveness, while others have questioned her ability to connect with the electorate. However, Harris continues to diligently work behind the scenes on critical issues such as voting rights, reproductive health, and international relations.

Political Landscape

The deeply divided political landscape in the United States poses additional hurdles to advancing legislation. Nevertheless, Harris remains committed to her progressive policy agenda and continues to advocate for change on issues like gun safety, healthcare, and economic equity.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris’s tenure as Vice President has been marked by numerous historic achievements and significant contributions across a wide range of areas, including legislation, civil rights advocacy, healthcare improvements, economic recovery, and international diplomacy. As she navigates both triumphs and challenges in her role, Harris continues to be a symbol of progress and dedication to public service.

Her legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of leaders, especially women and people of color, as they continue the fight for equity, justice, and representation in American politics.

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FAQ

1. What are Kamala Harris's most notable accomplishments as Vice President?

   • Kamala Harris has made significant contributions, including her role in the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. She has also focused on reproductive rights and voting rights advocacy.
   • Source: White House, Source: Planned Parenthood

2. How has Kamala Harris impacted legislation?

   • As Vice President, Harris has cast more tie-breaking votes than any previous VP, playing a crucial role in advancing significant legislation during politically divisive times. This includes her tie-breaking vote on the American Rescue Plan, which aimed to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Source: The Washington Post

3. What is Kamala Harris's stance on reproductive rights?

   • Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Harris has emerged as a strong advocate for reproductive rights, pushing for legislation to protect access to abortion and reproductive health services.
   • Source: ACLU

4. What initiatives has Kamala Harris championed for voting rights?

   • Harris has actively supported the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and has advocated for reforms to protect against voter suppression, aiming to ensure fair access to the ballot box.
   • Source: ACLU

5. What economic initiatives has Kamala Harris promoted?

   • Harris has focused on economic recovery by advocating for small business relief programs and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which significantly reduced child poverty rates during its implementation.
   • Source: SBA

6. How has Kamala Harris contributed to healthcare improvements?

   • Harris has prioritized maternal health, extending postpartum Medicaid coverage, and establishing a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline to provide support for new mothers.
   • Source: CDC

7. What challenges has Kamala Harris faced during her tenure?

   • Harris has dealt with scrutiny over her public image and effectiveness as Vice President, especially in a deeply divided political landscape. However, she continues to work on advancing her agenda.
   • Source: FiveThirtyEight

8. What is Kamala Harris's role in foreign diplomacy?

   • Harris has participated in numerous foreign trips, meeting with world leaders to discuss critical global issues, reinforcing alliances, and promoting international cooperation.
   • Source: Foreign Policy