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Summary of President Joe Biden's Time in Office

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Written by: Administrator

Category: President Joe Biden

Published: 14 June 2024

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oe Biden serves as the 46th President of the United States. His presidency has focused on several key areas, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, and social justice.

Key Policies and Actions:

1. COVID-19 Response:

   • American Rescue Plan Act (2021): A $1.9 trillion relief package that included direct stimulus payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution.
   • Vaccine Distribution: Accelerated the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, achieving widespread vaccine availability and implementing mandates for federal employees and large businesses.

2. Economic Policies:

   • Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): A $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill aimed at upgrading roads, bridges, public transit, broadband, and more.
   • Build Back Better Plan: A proposed but not yet fully realized package focusing on social services, climate change, and reducing income inequality. Aspects of the plan faced significant legislative hurdles.

3. Climate and Environmental Policies:

   • Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement: Reversed Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement and committed the U.S. to ambitious climate goals.
   • Climate Action: Proposed measures to reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy, and address environmental justice.

4. Social Justice and Civil Rights:

   • Executive Orders: Issued orders addressing racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and combating discrimination.
   • Police Reform: Advocated for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, though it has faced challenges in Congress.

5. Healthcare:

   • Affordable Care Act (ACA): Expanded ACA provisions, increased subsidies, and opened special enrollment periods to boost health insurance coverage.

6. Foreign Policy:

   • Afghanistan Withdrawal: Completed the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending the 20-year conflict. The chaotic evacuation drew significant criticism.
   • Russia and Ukraine: Provided substantial support to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion in February 2022, including financial aid and military assistance.
   • China Relations: Continued a tough stance on China regarding trade, human rights, and regional security issues.

7. Judicial and Legislative Appointments:

   • Supreme Court: Appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
   • Federal Judges: Accelerated the nomination and confirmation of diverse federal judges.

Challenges and Criticisms:

1. Inflation and Economic Concerns:

   • High inflation rates have been a significant issue, driven by supply chain disruptions, increased consumer demand, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Efforts to manage inflation have included working with the Federal Reserve on monetary policy.

2. Immigration:

   • Faced criticism from both sides regarding immigration policies. Efforts to reverse Trump-era policies and manage the influx of migrants at the southern border have been contentious.

3. Legislative Hurdles:

   • Significant parts of Biden’s agenda, particularly the Build Back Better plan, have faced obstacles in Congress, leading to compromises and delays.

Key Legislation and Executive Actions:

1. American Rescue Plan Act (2021)
2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021)
3. Executive Orders on Climate Change, Equity, and COVID-19 Response
4. Support for Ukraine: Including financial aid and military support in response to the Russian invasion.

Conclusion

President Biden’s tenure has been marked by efforts to address immediate crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery, while also pushing for long-term policy changes in areas like infrastructure, climate change, and social justice. His administration has faced significant challenges, including managing inflation, legislative gridlock, and complex foreign policy issues.

Sources

• White House: Briefing Room
• Congressional Research Service (CRS): Reports on major legislative actions.
• Major News Outlets: Coverage from sources like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and BBC for detailed event reports.