In a political landscape marked by infighting and a shifting balance of power, President Joe Biden’s first term has proven surprisingly productive. Despite losing control of the House to Republicans and facing internal disagreements within the Democratic party, Biden has managed to pass several major pieces of legislation, some with bipartisan support.
The American Rescue Plan, a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of Biden’s earliest victories. The plan provided financial support to Americans and facilitated a nationwide vaccine rollout. This was followed by a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at repairing the nation’s roads, bridges, and railways, and bringing high-speed internet to rural communities.
In the wake of mass shootings in Texas and New York, Biden signed the first major gun-safety bill in decades into law. This was followed by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which allocated roughly $53 billion in federal funding to manufacture semiconductor chips in the U.S., reducing reliance on foreign production.
One of the most significant pieces of legislation was the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at tackling inflation by reducing the federal deficit, promoting the production of certain goods, and limiting the cost of some prescription drugs. Despite the ambitious nature of this package, it passed through Congress, marking a significant victory for the Biden administration.
Internationally, Biden has shown strong support for Ukraine’s defense against a Russian invasion, with the U.S. contributing over $100 billion in total aid.
- The American Rescue Plan in response to COVID-19, which provided financial support to Americans and facilitated a nationwide vaccine rollout.
- A $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill to repair the nation’s roads, bridges, and railways, and bring high-speed internet to rural communities.
- The first major gun-safety bill in decades following mass shootings in Texas and New York.
- The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which allocated roughly $53 billion in federal funding to manufacture semiconductor chips in the U.S.
- The Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to tackle inflation by reducing the federal deficit, promoting the production of certain goods, and limiting the cost of some prescription drugs.
- Support for Ukraine’s defense against a Russian invasion, with over $100 billion in total contribution.
- Congress extends the Debt Ceiling until 2025 with a near 2/3rds majority in the Senate.
As Biden seeks a second term, he is framing the race as a referendum on competence and governance. Despite his low approval rating, even among Democrats, Biden’s allies argue that his strategy reflects his broader view of the presidency: focusing on making a prolonged impact rather than engaging in daily political chatter.
The budget agreement with Republicans, which protects Biden’s infrastructure and climate laws and spending on Social Security and Medicare, is seen by Biden’s team as a significant achievement. They believe this deal provides them with “running room” through the 2024 election to focus on making people feel the impacts of the legislation Biden signed into law, as well as begin to lay out their priorities for what he would do with another term and more Democrats in Congress.
Despite these accomplishments, Biden’s age and the potential for future “hostage-taking” over the debt ceiling remain concerns. However, his team remains focused on the results, believing that their pragmatic approach will ultimately prove successful. As the 2024 election approaches, Biden’s record of legislative victories will be put to the test and we hope more people will see the results the closer it comes to time to vote.