VP Harris is Making Progress, and I’m Here for It

On Inauguration Day this past January, my family and I were in different locations. I was working remotely, my partner, a hospital chaplain, was attending to patients, and our kids were at school. Though we couldn’t all be together, we proudly wore our Biden-Harris hoodies and our daughters donned their Kamala t-shirts. We were excited for this new chapter, thrilled to see a Black, South Asian woman as Vice President, reminding us that progress is indeed achievable.

Vice President Harris emerged as a vocal partner to Joe Biden throughout the campaign, making history with her victory speech in Delaware on November 7, 2020. But since taking office, what has she been doing? What exactly is the role of the vice president? Beyond being the “next in line” for the presidency, the duties of the vice president are largely shaped by the president’s preferences. Biden, during his vice presidency under Obama, took on various responsibilities, including leading economic recovery efforts and managing foreign policy. The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration have been pivotal in defining Harris’s responsibilities.

1. Tie-Breaker in the Senate

While the vice president’s primary constitutional role is to serve as a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, the frequency of this duty can vary. For example, VP Mike Pence cast 13 tie-breaking votes, while Biden had none during his vice presidency. Given the current 50-50 split in the Senate, Harris is likely to have numerous opportunities to wield this power. Just last month, she was called out of an Oval Office meeting to cast the deciding vote on Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. While the president deserves recognition for this significant legislation, it was Harris’s tie-breaking vote that made it possible.

2. Vaccine Advocate

Since the passage of the relief bill, Harris has been traveling across the nation (often accompanied by her husband, Doug Emhoff) to emphasize the importance of the COVID-19 relief plan. She has focused particularly on promoting vaccines, encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. As a woman of color, she is well-positioned to address vaccine hesitancy in communities of color. In a candid interview with MSNBC’s Joy Reid, Harris assured, “I promise you, this vaccine is safe… It will save your life and the lives of your family and your community.”

3. Champion for Civil Rights

Harris’s platform also allows her to address numerous pressing issues, including the ongoing attack on voting rights reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. As a Black woman and vice president, she is personally and politically affected by these challenges. She has made her stance clear, stating, “Americans today want to vote for the same reason the Selma teachers marched: to have a say in their lives… Our laws should make it easier, not harder, to exercise that right.”

4. Advocate Against Asian Hate

With the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, it’s crucial to have prominent leaders like Harris speak out. As the first Asian vice president, Harris addressed these attacks alongside fellow Asian American leaders, affirming, “We must continue to commit ourselves to combating racism and discrimination.” When President Biden signed an executive order addressing anti-Asian discrimination, Harris was present to show her support.

5. Migration Coordinator

One of the first actions taken by Biden and Harris was to reverse the Trump administration’s harsh border policies. However, the task of processing thousands of migrants remains. Biden has appointed Harris to oversee these efforts, tasked with addressing both the immediate situation and the root causes that drive individuals to seek refuge in the U.S. Harris expressed her readiness to tackle this challenge, acknowledging its complexity.

6. The “Last Voice in the Room”

Biden has committed to allowing Harris to be the “last voice in the room” when crucial decisions are made. This means her influence will extend beyond the topics mentioned here, as she will be a key advisor to the president on all matters, ensuring her unique perspective is considered.

I am eager to hear more from our vice president, especially regarding the safe return of unaccompanied minors at the border and advancements in criminal justice reform for a fairer system. This administration is focused on restoring America and leading us out of the pandemic while maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing through issues. With a First Lady who personally delivers treats to her security team and a Vice President who prioritizes time with her family, they embody the essence of Americans first, leaders second. Their thoughtful approach will surely guide us toward a brighter future.

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Summary:

Vice President Harris is actively shaping her role in the Biden administration, engaging in critical issues from vaccine advocacy to civil rights. With her unique perspective as a Black and South Asian woman, she addresses pressing topics such as voting rights and anti-Asian violence while overseeing migration policies. Her commitment to being the “last voice in the room” ensures that her insights will influence the administration’s decisions moving forward.

Keyphrase: Kamala Harris Vice President
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