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On Inauguration Day this past January, my family found ourselves in different locations. I was working from home, my partner, a hospital chaplain, was attending to patients, and our children were at school. Although we couldn’t physically be together, we proudly donned our Biden-Harris hoodies, and our daughters sported their Kamala t-shirts. We were ready for this pivotal moment — welcoming a Black, South Asian woman as Vice President, a true testament that progress is achievable.
Vice President Harris has been a prominent and vocal partner to Joe Biden throughout the campaign, delivering a historic victory speech in Delaware on November 7, 2020. Since taking office, what has Harris been engaged in? What are her actual responsibilities? Beyond being the “next in line,” what is the vice president’s role?
The truth is, the specific duties of the vice president can vary based on the president’s and vice president’s preferences. When Biden was the vice president to Obama, he took on significant projects like implementing the economic recovery plan and overseeing foreign policy. The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration have been a critical period for defining Harris’s role.
1. Senate Tie-Breaker
One of the constitutional responsibilities of the vice president is to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate. When the Senate is divided 50-50, Harris has the power to tip the scales. While some vice presidents, like Mike Pence, frequently broke ties, Biden never did during his tenure. Given the current split, it’s likely Harris will have ample opportunities to exercise this power. Just recently, she was called out of a meeting to cast the decisive vote on President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. While Biden deserves credit for the law aimed at alleviating financial burdens on struggling Americans, Harris’s tie-breaking vote was pivotal in its passage.
2. Vaccine Advocate
Following the bill’s passage, Harris has been traveling nationwide with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to emphasize the significance of the COVID-19 relief plan. She has been particularly focused on promoting vaccine uptake, especially in communities of color, where hesitancy exists. As a woman of color, Harris can communicate effectively and authentically. In an interview with MSNBC, she stated, “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
There are numerous issues where Vice President Harris can leverage her platform, particularly regarding civil rights and the ongoing attack on voting rights reminiscent of Jim Crow. As a Black woman and vice president, she brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Harris has voiced her commitment: “Americans want to vote to have a say in their lives and communities. Our laws should make it easier, not more difficult, to exercise that right.”
4. Advocate Against Anti-Asian Hate
With the alarming rise in violence against Asian Americans, it is crucial for prominent leaders to speak out. Vice President Harris, being the first Asian American vice president, has actively addressed this issue. She expressed, “Our Administration has taken actions to address these xenophobic attacks. We must continue to commit ourselves to combating racism and discrimination.” When President Biden signed an executive order to confront anti-Asian discrimination, Harris was by his side, showcasing her support for these vital initiatives.
5. Migration Coordinator
One of Biden and Harris’s initial actions in office was to reverse the previous administration’s harsh border policies. However, there’s still much work to be done regarding the processing of thousands of migrants. President Biden has appointed Harris as the primary point person for migration. She accepted this responsibility with confidence, stating, “We will enforce the law and must address the root causes that lead people to make the trek here.”
6. Final Advisor
During his vice presidency, Biden was seen as the “last voice in the room” for Obama’s major decisions. President Biden has committed to giving Harris the same role, meaning her influence will extend beyond the issues already mentioned. She will serve as a key advisor on every matter, ensuring her unique perspective is considered in the administration’s decision-making process.
I eagerly anticipate more from our vice president, particularly regarding the safe reunification of migrant children with their families. I also hope to see advancements in criminal justice reform to create a more equitable system. This administration is working diligently to restore America, guiding us toward recovery from the pandemic, and they are committed to a thoughtful, measured approach. We have a First Lady who delivers cookies to her protectors and a Vice President who ensures her staff has weekends off to enjoy family time. They prioritize being Americans first and leaders second, aspiring for a semblance of normalcy for all. Their steady approach will lead us there.
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Summary
Vice President Kamala Harris has taken on a range of critical roles since her inauguration, from casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate to advocating for civil rights and addressing the challenges of migration. Her unique perspective as a woman of color positions her to influence significant issues, while she actively promotes vaccination in communities of color and combats discrimination. Harris’s role as the “last voice in the room” ensures her input shapes the Biden administration’s policies moving forward.
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