kamala harris
 · 2 min read
 · Arnold Schwarzenschnitzel
Table of contents

Kamala Harris's Key Legislative Achievements in the Senate

Introduction

During her tenure in the U.S. Senate from 2017 to 2021, Kamala Harris established herself as a prominent voice on various issues including healthcare, criminal justice reform, and economic equity. Her legislative achievements reflect her commitment to addressing systemic challenges and advocating for marginalized communities. This article outlines the most significant legislative accomplishments attributed to her time in the Senate.

Details

  • Criminal Justice Reform

    • First Step Act Support
      • Played an integral role in the bipartisan passage of the First Step Act, which aimed to reform the federal prison system.
      • Focused on reducing recidivism and addressing sentencing disparities for non-violent offenses.
    • Justice in Policing Act
      • Co-sponsored the Justice in Policing Act aimed at combating police misconduct and enhancing accountability.
      • The legislation was part of broader calls for police reform following the George Floyd protests.

  • Healthcare Initiatives

    • Affordable Care Act Protection
      • Actively fought against efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing access to healthcare for millions.
      • Advocated for provisions that would enhance coverage and affordability, particularly for low-income communities.
    • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Support
      • Introduced legislation to expand access to mental health resources and substance use disorder treatment.
      • Focused on integrating mental health services into primary care as part of the overall healthcare framework.

  • Economic Equity and Support for Families

    • Child Tax Credit Expansion
      • Supported the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which significantly increased financial relief for families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • Advocated for making the credit fully refundable to ensure low-income families received adequate support.
    • COVID-19 Economic Relief Efforts
      • Played a critical role in the negotiations for COVID-19 relief packages, ensuring provisions were included for small businesses and employment support.
      • Focused on relief for marginalized communities that were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

  • Environmental Justice

    • Environmental Justice for All Act
      • Co-sponsored the Environmental Justice for All Act, which aimed to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on low-income and minority communities.
      • The act sought to ensure that environmental decision-making includes input from affected communities.

  • Innovation and Technology

    • Support for Affordable Broadband Access
      • Advocated for legislation to expand access to affordable broadband, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
      • Emphasized the importance of internet access during the pandemic for education and telehealth services.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris's Senate career was marked by significant legislative achievements that reflected her dedication to social justice, economic equity, and health care reform. From her efforts in criminal justice reform and support for vulnerable families to her advocacy for environmental justice, Harris's initiatives have left a notable impact on American legislation. As she continues her role as Vice President, the work she initiated in the Senate remains an integral part of her broader political legacy.