Vice President Kamala Harris has navigated a complex and often scrutinized role within the Biden administration. While vice presidents traditionally operate behind the scenes, Harris has been tasked with leading on several critical issues and stepping into the spotlight on key policy matters. This article delves into what Kamala Harris has done during her vice presidency, examining her involvement in areas such as abortion rights, immigration and border security, and voting rights.
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Harris’s tenure has been marked by both significant policy pushes and public scrutiny. Early in the administration, she faced the challenge of differentiating her role from President Biden’s while also amplifying the administration’s agenda. This dynamic is not unique to Harris; many vice presidents have historically strived to establish their relevance and impact within the executive branch. Despite these inherent challenges, Harris has taken a prominent position on several key issues, aiming to shape policy and public discourse.
Abortion Rights Advocacy
Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion rights became a central focus for the Democratic party, and Vice President Harris emerged as a leading voice on this issue. She dedicated significant effort to advocating for reproductive rights, particularly in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections. As Time magazine noted, Harris effectively became “the voice with a megaphone no one can ignore” on abortion rights, engaging with lawmakers from numerous states to discuss and strategize on protecting reproductive healthcare access.
Harris’s commitment to abortion rights was further underscored by a landmark visit in March 2024. She toured a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, a visit that the White House highlighted as the first time a sitting president or vice president had visited a clinic providing abortion services. This visit was part of her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, launched in January 2024 to advocate for increased abortion access nationwide following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, according to NBC News. Her actions reflect a strategic emphasis on abortion rights as a core component of her political identity and the Democratic platform.
Addressing Immigration and the Southern Border
One of the significant challenges assigned to Vice President Harris by President Biden was addressing the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. Tasked with spearheading the administration’s response to immigration issues, Harris faced immediate scrutiny regarding her approach. Her initial response, including a delayed first visit to the border region, drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, as reported by The Guardian. An interview with NBC News further amplified the controversy, with The Washington Post noting it “awkwardly downplayed the urgency” of the situation.
Despite the initial criticism, Harris has focused on addressing the root causes of migration through the “Central America Forward” initiative. This program, as CNN reported, has garnered over $4.2 billion in private sector investments aimed at fostering economic opportunities and stability in Central American countries. The goal of these investments is to mitigate the factors driving mass migration by creating jobs and improving living conditions in migrants’ home countries. While some experts, cited by The New York Times, acknowledge these investments as a tangible action, questions remain about their long-term effectiveness and impact on reversing public perception of her handling of the border crisis. The Border Patrol union has been particularly critical, publicly condemning her perceived lack of progress in reducing illegal immigration, as reported by Fox News.
Efforts on Voting Rights Protection
Voting rights have also been a key area of focus for Vice President Harris. She played a central role in advocating for the passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. This legislation aimed to expand upon the 1965 Voting Rights Act and establish federal oversight for certain changes to local election laws. Politico highlighted Harris’s deep involvement in this effort, noting her work in building coalitions with civil rights leaders, lobbying Congress, and engaging in private negotiations with lawmakers to push for the bill’s passage.
Despite her efforts, the voting rights legislation ultimately stalled in Congress due to opposition in the Senate. This outcome, as Politico pointed out, reflects the broader challenges and political headwinds Harris has faced as vice president. While she dedicated significant energy and political capital to the issue, the legislative roadblocks underscored the limitations of the vice presidential role in overcoming entrenched political divisions.
Looking Ahead
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kamala Harris remains a central figure in the Democratic party. Her work as Vice President, particularly on issues like abortion rights, immigration, and voting rights, provides a clear record of her policy priorities and political focus. Whether viewed as impactful successes or works in progress, these initiatives highlight the areas where Harris has concentrated her efforts and sought to make a difference during her time in office. Her future political trajectory will likely be shaped by the ongoing debates and outcomes surrounding these critical issues.
