Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated that, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.” This was a theme he returned to again and again throughout his life. Dr. King actually borrowed and reworked this theme from The Rev. Theodore Parker, an abolitionist minister from Boston who preached and took direct action to end slavery. Both Rev. Parker and Dr. King knew that actions were required for history to “bend towards justice” and that is what their life’s work was all about. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have worked hard during their time in office to lead us to a better and more just future. Here are some of their most important accomplishments:
The American Rescue Plan
Just six weeks into their administration, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law. The prior administration had developed the Covid 19 vaccine, but did not create a plan to get it into the arms of Americans. Remember how we scrambled to try to get that first vaccine? This Plan quickly got 300 million shots into the arms of Americans in 150 days, curtailing the spread of the disease and saving countless lives. The administration fulfilled a moral obligation to provide urgent healthcare for all Americans.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
For decades, presidents had promised to pass a bill to address the aging infrastructure in our nation, but they were unable to get it done. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris worked across the aisle to make it happen. Now we are rebuilding our nation’s roads and bridges, upgrading public transportation, cleaning up pollution and providing high-speed internet to Americans everywhere. The benefits of this plan have justly been experienced by red and blue states everywhere.
The Inflation Reduction Act
It’s hard to tell from the name, but this is the most significant climate change law ever passed by Congress. The Inflation Reduction Act is a transformative law designed to help the United States meet its climate goals by reducing the production of greenhouse gasses. It also provides energy security by developing more US based green energy projects. This investment in US energy production creates good-paying jobs while decreasing energy costs. This climate action moves us to a more sustainable future. There is, after all, no planet B! The Act also reduced health care costs for families, capping monthly insulin costs at $35 for millions of Americans. Although no Republicans voted for this bill, that did not stop them from taking credit for all the jobs it created in their districts!
The Confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Judge Brown Jackson is the first African American woman and the first public defender to serve on our nation’s highest court. She brings a much needed perspective to a court that has been packed with Republican appointees to the extent that the Court is out of touch with the concerns of most Americans. She has already written powerful dissents such as in the recent decision that gives a President full immunity for official acts taken while in office. She provides a powerful voice for justice!
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
This was the first federal gun law passed in nearly 30 years. It closed the “boyfriend loophole” to prevent people convicted of domestic abuse from owning a gun. Previously this applied only to family members. This law strengthens provisions for background checks, and further punishes those who make “straw purchases” and traffic in illegal guns. It creates violence prevention services and increases funding for mental health interventions and support. Keeping our communities safer bends the arc of history towards justice!
Expanded health care for veterans through the Pact Act
This Act is the most significant expansion of veteran benefit services in over 30 years. It provides benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxins. This Act helps fulfill our moral obligation to take care of our nation’s veterans who are called upon to sacrifice so much.
Respect for Marriage Law
This law establishes marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples as federal law. It requires all states to recognize and protect the rights of married people no matter where they were married. Marriage laws are established by the states. This law guarantees that no state can disavow a marriage that legally took place in another state.
Protecting Reproductive Rights
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade the Administration has issued orders to preserve access to reproductive care and protect the right to travel across state lines to receive care. Kamala Harris, in particular, has become an outspoken advocate for reproductive justice for all women.
Criminal Justice Reform
In fiscal 2024, additional funding is supporting criminal justice and behavioral health systems across the country as they work to safely divert people from the justice system and improve access to treatment and services. Second Chance Act grants have provided support to people reentering society after incarceration which includes education, housing, mentoring, and employment training. Criminal justice reform can also provide tremendous cost savings by reducing recidivism.
The Biden/Harris administration has passed more legislation that will have a positive impact on America’s future than any other in recent history! They have worked to bend the arc of history towards justice. In contrast stands the MAGA movement which wants to bend the arc of history backwards to a less diverse and free era. Forward progress does not happen automatically. It takes moral courage from our leaders and the support of Americans everywhere. Find ways in your life to work for a more just future. Speak out about what matters to you. When necessary, protest. And VOTE! Kamala Harris needs your support. With her leadership, our government, powered by the passion of the American people, can help bend our nation’s path towards a more just future.
