08/20/2024
Over the past four years, the Democratic Party, particularly under the Biden administration and Democratic-controlled Congress, has passed several significant bills and policies. Here are some key accomplishments and the corresponding legislation:
1. American Rescue Plan Act (2021)
Summary: A $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that provided direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, increased funding for vaccine distribution, expanded the Child Tax Credit, and supported schools and small businesses.
Link: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021)
Summary: A $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that invests in roads, bridges, public transit, water systems, broadband internet, and clean energy. It's considered a major investment in
the nation's infrastructure.
Link: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
3. Inflation Reduction Act (2022)
Summary: A bill focused on reducing inflation by lowering prescription drug costs, extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, investing in clean energy, and increasing corporate taxes.
Link: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
4. Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022)
Summary: A bipartisan gun safety bill that enhances background checks for buyers under 21, funds mental health programs, and closes the "boyfriend loophole" to prevent domestic abusers from purchasing fi****ms.
Link: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
5. CHIPS and Science Act (2022)
Summary: A bill to bolster American semiconductor manufacturing, scientific research, and technological innovation to enhance the U.S.'s global competitiveness, especially in relation to China.
Link: CHIPS and Science Act
6. Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy (2021)
Summary: An executive order aimed at increasing competition across various sectors of the economy, addressing labor practices, promoting internet access, and regulating Big Tech.
Link: Executive Order on Promoting Competition
7. Ending the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan (2021)
Summary: The Biden administration completed the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history. This decision has been widely debated and marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Link: Fact Sheet on Afghanistan Withdrawal
8. American Families Plan (Proposed)
Summary: While not passed as a single bill, parts of the American Families Plan, which focuses on expanding access to education, child care, and paid family leave, were incorporated into other legislation, including the American Rescue Plan and budget proposals.
Link: American Families Plan Fact Sheet
9. Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (2021)
Summary: This legislation established Juneteenth (June 19th) as a federal holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Link: Juneteenth National Independence Day Act
10. COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (2021)
Summary: A law aimed at addressing the rise in hate crimes, particularly against Asian Americans, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The act expedites the review of hate crimes and provides guidance on reporting such crimes.
Link: COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
11. Postal Service Reform Act (2022)
Summary: A bipartisan effort to address the financial troubles of the U.S. Postal Service by eliminating the requirement to pre-fund retiree health benefits and enhancing transparency in postal operations.
Link: Postal Service Reform Act of 2022
12. Expansion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Summary: Through the American Rescue Plan and other legislative actions, the Biden administration expanded access to affordable health care by increasing subsidies for ACA marketplace plans, making coverage more affordable for millions of Americans.
Link: Affordable Care Act Enhancements
13. Executive Actions on Climate Change
Summary: President Biden signed several executive orders and rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, prioritizing climate change by setting ambitious targets for carbon reduction and promoting clean energy.
Link: Paris Climate Agreement Rejoining
14. Student Loan Relief and Forgiveness Efforts
Summary: The Biden administration paused federal student loan payments multiple times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and attempted broader student loan forgiveness, though it faced legal challenges.
Link: Student Loan Relief Information
15. Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Summary: Through executive orders and policy changes, the administration has promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion across federal agencies and in federal hiring practices.
Link: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce
16. Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity (2021)
Summary: This order directed the federal government to advance equity for all, focusing on underserved communities, and to identify and address systemic barriers in federal policies and programs.
Link: Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity
17. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act (2020)
Summary: This legislation includes a variety of provisions to improve benefits and healthcare services for veterans, including expanded support for mental health care, homelessness prevention, and access to education benefits.
Link: Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act
18. PACT Act (Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022)
Summary: A comprehensive bill addressing health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service, including burn pits. The act expands eligibility for VA health care and presumes exposure to toxins for many veterans.
Link: Honoring Our PACT Act
19. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization (2022)
Summary: The reauthorization of VAWA strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also expands access to legal services and housing for survivors.
Link: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
20. COVID-19 Economic Relief Packages (2020-2021)
Summary: Multiple relief packages were passed under both the Trump and Biden administrations, with strong support from Democrats. These packages provided financial relief to individuals, small businesses, and state and local governments during the pandemic.
Link: CARES Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
21. Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety (2021)
Summary: This order directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers from COVID-19 by issuing updated guidance on workplace safety and increasing enforcement.
Link: Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety
22. Biden Administration's Commitment to Addressing the Climate Crisis (2021)
Summary: Through a series of executive orders, the Biden administration committed to achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. This includes pausing new oil and gas leases on public lands and offshore waters.
Link: Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis
23. Executive Order on Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (2021)
Summary: This order aims to improve public safety and criminal justice for Native Americans, address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous people, and enhance federal investigations into these cases.
Link: Executive Order on Native American Public Safety
24. Emmett Till Antilynching Act (2022)
Summary: This law designates lynching as a federal hate crime, finally enacting legislation that had been pursued for over a century. It symbolizes a significant step toward addressing historical racial violence.
Link: Emmett Till Antilynching Act
25. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Broadband Expansion (2021)
Summary: Part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this initiative focuses on expanding broadband internet access to underserved areas, aiming to close the digital divide across the country.
Link: Broadband Infrastructure Program
26. Executive Order on Advancing LGBTQI+ Equality (2021)
Summary: This order directs the federal government to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and promotes inclusivity in policies ranging from health care to education.
Link: Executive Order on LGBTQI+ Equality
