On Inauguration Day this past January, my family and I found ourselves in different locations. I was working from home, my partner, a hospital chaplain, was with patients, and our kids were at school. Although we couldn’t be in the same place, we donned our Biden-Harris hoodies and our daughters sported their Kamala t-shirts. We were excited for the dawn of a new administration, especially with a Black, South Asian woman as Vice President, signaling that progress is indeed possible.
Vice President Harris has been a prominent ally to Joe Biden throughout the campaign, making history with her victory speech in Delaware on November 7th, 2020. But what has she been doing since the inauguration? Beyond being the “next in line” for the presidency, what exactly does the vice president do? The roles of the vice president often depend on the president’s preferences and priorities. Biden, during his tenure as vice president under Obama, took on significant responsibilities, such as managing the economic recovery plan and foreign policy. The initial 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration have provided a platform to define Harris’s role.
1. Tiebreaker in the Senate
One of the constitutional duties of the vice president is to act as a tiebreaker in the Senate. In cases of a tie, Harris casts the decisive vote. Some vice presidents have had more opportunities to exercise this power than others; for instance, former VP Mike Pence broke ties 13 times, while Biden had no such occasions during his tenure. With the Senate currently split evenly between 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, it’s likely Harris will frequently find herself in the Senate chamber. Just last month, she was called from a meeting in the Oval Office to cast the tiebreaking vote on Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, which was crucial for countless Americans.
2. Vaccine Advocate
Since the passage of the relief bill, Harris has been traveling across the country (with her partner, Doug Emhoff, alongside her) to emphasize the importance of the COVID-19 relief plan and the critical role of vaccinations. As a woman of color, she is uniquely positioned to connect with communities of color, where vaccine hesitancy is prevalent. In an interview with MSNBC, Harris assured viewers, “I promise you this vaccine is safe… It will save your life and the lives of your family and your community.”
3. Advocate for Civil Rights
Beyond vaccines, Harris’s platform allows her to address pressing issues, particularly the ongoing assault on voting rights reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Her identity as a Black woman deeply informs her perspective on these issues. Harris has made her stance clear: “Americans today want to vote for the same reason the Selma teachers marched to that courthouse: to have a say in their lives.” Her voice is essential in the fight for fair voting access.
4. Voice Against Anti-Asian Hate
With a surge in violence against Asian Americans, it’s crucial for leaders like Harris to speak out. As the first Asian American vice president, she has taken a strong stance against xenophobia. Harris remarked, “Our Administration has taken actions to address these xenophobic attacks. We must commit ourselves to combating racism and discrimination.” She was present when President Biden signed an executive order to combat anti-Asian discrimination, consistently showing her support for vital policies.
5. Migration Coordinator
One of President Biden’s first actions was to reverse the previous administration’s harsh border policies. Harris has been appointed to oversee the administration’s approach to migration, navigating the complexities of processing thousands of migrants and addressing the needs of unaccompanied minors. She acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We will enforce the law and we must address the root causes that lead people to make the trek here.”
6. The “Last Voice in the Room”
Biden valued having the “last voice in the room” during decision-making as vice president, and he has pledged the same for Harris. This means that her insights will be considered on all matters, not just those explicitly assigned to her.
I eagerly await further insights from our vice president, especially regarding the safe return of migrant children to their families and progress on criminal justice reform. This administration is committed to restoring America and guiding us out of the pandemic, prioritizing a steady approach over rushing to check items off a list. With a First Lady who shares cookies with those who protect her family, and a Vice President who values time with her loved ones, they embody the hope for a return to normalcy in our lives. Their dedication to serving the American people is evident, and together, we can take pride in our homeland.
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Summary:
This article highlights Vice President Kamala Harris’s significant contributions during her early tenure, including her roles as a tiebreaker in the Senate, vaccine advocate, civil rights voice, and migration coordinator. It emphasizes her commitment to various issues, including voting rights and combating anti-Asian hate, while also exploring her influence in decision-making processes within the Biden administration.