Kamala D. Harris became the Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021. She made history as the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American in this role. As Vice President, she works to unite people and support families across the nation.
She fights for important rights like women’s reproductive freedom, protection from gun violence, and voting rights. She also works to ensure everyone has access to clean water and air.
Throughout her career, Vice President Harris has made big strides. She helped secure a $20 billion settlement for those who lost homes in the Great Recession. She also got a $1.1 billion settlement for students and veterans misled by for-profit colleges.
She has made corporate polluters pay over $1 billion to clean up polluted areas. Additionally, she obtained more than $230 million from Big Pharma for their harmful practices.
As a senator, Kamala Harris supported laws to help small businesses in underserved communities. She introduced bills on clean water, lead pipes, and drought resilience. These bills were later passed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Now, as Vice President, she continues to fight for Americans’ rights and well-being. She aims to create an Opportunity Economy where everyone can compete and succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Kamala Harris is the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States.
- She has fought for fundamental freedoms, including reproductive rights, protection from gun violence, voting rights, and access to clean water and air.
- Throughout her career, Harris has secured significant settlements and held corporations accountable for their actions.
- As a senator, she championed legislation investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
- Vice President Harris aims to create an Opportunity Economy where everyone has a chance to compete and succeed.
Kamala Harris: Making History as Vice President
Vice President Kamala Harris has been a trusted partner to President Joe Biden. Together, they’ve made big changes that help many Americans. They’ve worked hard to boost the economy, create jobs, and keep unemployment low.
Since the historic election, Vice President Harris has visited over 19 countries. She’s met with more than 150 world leaders. Her efforts have led to lower insulin costs for seniors, cheaper prescriptions, and better care for new moms.
They’ve also passed a gun safety law and invested $1 trillion in infrastructure. These steps show their dedication to making a difference.
“We did it. We did it, Joe. You’re going to be the next president of the United States.”
Vice President Harris has broken barriers in many ways:
- First woman to hold the position of Vice President
- First Black American and South Asian American elected as Vice President
- Set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a Vice President in history
- Presided over confirming the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court
| Historic Firsts | Details |
|---|---|
| First Woman Vice President | Kamala Harris became the first woman to hold the position of Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021. |
| First Black American and South Asian American VP | She is also the first Black American and the first South Asian American to be elected Vice President. |
| Record Tie-Breaking Votes | Vice President Harris set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a Vice President in history. |
| First Black Woman Supreme Court Justice | She presided over confirming the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court. |
Vice President Kamala Harris keeps working hard with President Joe Biden. They aim to make America better for everyone. Their historic election and achievements show their commitment to helping Americans through new ideas and teamwork.
Early Life and Education
Vice President Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her parents, immigrants from India and Jamaica, taught her about justice and public service. Growing up, she was surrounded by a loving family that encouraged her to make a difference.
Childhood in Oakland, California
Kamala Harris learned about community and fighting for rights from her parents. They were active in the civil rights movement. Her mother, a scientist, was a strong role model, showing the value of hard work and determination.
Howard University and UC Hastings College of Law
Kamala Harris’s education shows her commitment to excellence. She graduated from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. This experience shaped her worldview and strengthened her dedication to public service.
After Howard, Harris attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She earned her Juris Doctor in 1989 and was admitted to the California Bar in 1990. Her legal education prepared her for a career in public service and fighting for justice.
| Educational Institution | Degree | Year of Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Howard University | Bachelor’s in Political Science and Economics | 1986 |
| University of California, Hastings College of the Law | Juris Doctor | 1989 |
“My mother had a saying: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last.'” – Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris’s early life and education gave her a strong sense of purpose. Her experiences as an Oakland native and the daughter of immigrants shaped her values. They prepared her for a life dedicated to justice and equality.
Career as a Prosecutor
Kamala Harris started her career as a prosecutor in 2004. She became the first woman to be theDistrict Attorney of San Francisco. Harris focused onfighting for the people and making the criminal justice system better.
District Attorney of San Francisco
As District Attorney, Harris created the Back on Track program. It helped first-time offenders get a high school degree and a job. This aimed to lower the rate of people going back to jail.
Harris also started the environmental justice unit. This showed her commitment to protecting the environment and punishing polluters.
Harris was dedicated toprosecuting child sexual assault cases. She worked hard to bring justice to victims and make sure offenders were punished. Her work showed her strong commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
Attorney General of California
In 2010, Harris became the first female, Black, and South Asian Attorney General of California. She led the largest state justice department. Harris continued to fight for the people and hold powerful interests accountable.
During her time as attorney general, Harris got a big settlement from banks over bad mortgage practices. This helped homeowners who were wrongly foreclosed upon. Harris also got a big judgment against Corinthian Colleges, a company that took advantage of students and veterans.
| Initiative | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Back on Track | Job training program for first-time nonviolent offenders | Reduced recidivism rates |
| OpenJustice | Criminal justice open data initiative for transparency | Increased accountability and public trust |
| Implicit Bias Training | Law enforcement training program on implicit bias | Promoted fairness and equity in policing |
Harris also started the OpenJustice program. It made a public database of state crime statistics. This increased transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. She also started a law enforcement training program on implicit bias to promote fairness and equity in policing.
“My career has been based on an understanding that, as a prosecutor, my duty is to seek justice, not to win convictions. I believe that a fair and equitable criminal justice system is one that treats people equally and strives to ensure safe communities.”
Kamala Harris showed her commitment tofighting for the people and justice throughout her career. Her work, like the Back on Track program and OpenJustice initiative, showed her dedication to reforming the criminal justice system. As Vice President, Harris uses her experience to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Americans.
United States Senator
In 2017, I was sworn in as a United States Senator from California. I made history as the second African-American woman and the first South Asian-American in the Senate. I dedicated myself to fighting for what matters most to Californians and our nation.
Legislation Championed
As a California senator, I pushed for laws to tackle big challenges. I fought hunger, helped families with rent, and improved health care for new moms. I also worked to help small businesses and fix our infrastructure.
I knew we had to act fast on climate change. So, I focused on these critical issues.
Being part of the Democratic Party, I worked with others on many bills. We aimed to:
- Raise wages for working families
- Fix our criminal justice system
- Make healthcare more accessible
- Stop substance abuse
- Help veterans and military families
- Give working parents more childcare options
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
I served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. My goal was to keep Americans safe from threats. I helped pass laws to secure our elections.
Being on the Judiciary Committee, I questioned Supreme Court nominees. This was my duty to advise and consent on their lifetime appointments. I took this job very seriously, checking their records to see if they would protect our rights.
As a senator, I always put the people of California and our nation first. I worked with integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to justice and equality.
Vice Presidency
On January 20, 2021, I made history as the first woman of color vice president. This moment was a big step for our nation. As Vice President, I’ve worked hard to push forward important projects and goals for the American people.
Historic Election
My election as Vice President broke barriers. I became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American in this role. This achievement shows our nation’s progress and inspires future generations.
Key Initiatives and Accomplishments
As Vice President, I’ve focused on key initiatives and achievements. I’ve set a record for the most tie-breaking votes by a Vice President. One big vote was for the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest investment in fighting climate change.
I also presided over the vote to confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. She’s the first Black woman on the highest court. This moment shows our commitment to diversity and equal representation.
| Key Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|
| Inflation Reduction Act | Largest investment in combating climate change |
| Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Confirmation | First Black woman on the Supreme Court |
| Reproductive Rights Advocacy | Met with lawmakers from 18 states to discuss abortion rights |
| Central America Forward Initiative | Secured $4.2 billion in private sector commitments to address mass migration |
I’ve also been a strong voice for reproductive rights. I’ve met with lawmakers from at least 18 states to talk about abortion rights after Roe v. Wade. I’m committed to protecting these rights for all Americans.
“Over 20 of Harris’s former colleagues and collaborators described her as a roll-up-the-sleeves leader.”
As Vice President, I’ve taken a hands-on approach to leadership. I’ve worked hard to tackle challenges like climate change and social justice. I’m dedicated to creating a better future for all Americans.
Fighting for Fundamental Freedoms
As Vice President, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting the freedoms every American should have. These include the right to make choices about our bodies, live without fear of gun violence, vote, and have clean water and air. Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022, I’ve led the fight to bring back reproductive rights.
I’ve organized over 50 events in at least 16 states, rallying more than 15,000 students on my “Fight for Our Freedoms” tour. My upcoming “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour will unite thousands to fight for reproductive rights. We’ll share stories of those affected by abortion bans and push back against extremist attacks on reproductive freedom.
Reproductive Rights
The battle for reproductive rights is at the heart of my work. I’m the first sitting Vice President to visit a reproductive health clinic, standing up for women’s health care access. In Kansas, a vote on abortion rights drew more voters than any other primary, showing the issue’s power. I believe linking big ideas like freedom to real policies, like the right to choose, is key to connecting with voters.
Civil Rights and Freedoms
I’m also a strong advocate for various civil rights and freedoms. I support laws that protect the right to vote, join unions, and pass gun control. Political scientist Melvin L. Rogers says it’s vital to link these freedoms to policies that affect people’s lives. I envision a freedom that includes government action to ensure all Americans can enjoy clean water, air, and safety from gun violence.
Throughout my career, I’ve used freedom to inspire and set a high goal, as Cody Keenan noted. From using Beyoncé’s “Freedom” as my campaign song to reclaiming the word from Republicans, freedom is at the core of my message. I’m inspired by advocates for justice and redemption who have paved the way for progress.
| Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fight for Our Freedoms college tour | Mobilized over 15,000 students across 8 states |
| Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour | Will bring together thousands to advocate for reproductive rights |
| Visiting reproductive health care clinic | First sitting Vice President to do so |
| Supporting bills for voting rights, unions, and gun control | Connecting freedoms to tangible policies |
Strengthening the Middle Class
As Vice President, I’m dedicated to making the middle class stronger and more prosperous. My plans aim to create an economy where everyone can succeed, not just the rich. We’ll cut taxes for families, lower costs for health care, housing, and groceries, and create more jobs.
One key goal is to cut taxes for over 100 million working and middle-class families. My plan offers a tax credit of up to $3,600 per child. This will help over 100 million people, building on the success of the Child Tax Credit in 2021.
We also aim to make everyday costs lower for middle-class families. This includes making health care more affordable and increasing the supply of affordable housing. We’ll also work to lower the cost of groceries and other essentials.
Creating good-paying jobs is crucial for a strong middle class. Under my leadership, we’ll add more than a million new jobs. This will help everyone in the economy, not just the wealthy.
| Policy | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cut taxes for working families | Benefit more than 100 million Americans |
| Expand Child Tax Credit | Provide up to $3,600 per child for middle-class families |
| Lower costs of health care, housing, groceries | Ease financial burden on middle-class families |
| Create more than 1 million new jobs | Add 10,000 to 30,000 more jobs per month |
| Build 3 million additional homes | Increase supply of affordable housing |
| Provide $25,000 in down-payment assistance | Help more Americans buy their first home |
My administration will fight every day to build an opportunity economy that works for working families, not just the wealthy and well-connected. By cutting taxes, lowering costs, and creating good-paying jobs, we can strengthen the middle class and build a brighter future for all Americans.
Strengthening the middle class is key to our nation’s values. By investing in our people and creating opportunities for all, we can build a stronger, more prosperous America for generations to come.
Personal Life and Family
Kamala Harris’s life shows the power of modern American families. Born in 1964, she grew up with a focus on education, hard work, and helping others. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer researcher from India. Her father, Donald J. Harris, was born in 1938 and came from Jamaica.
Marriage to Douglas Emhoff
In 2014, Kamala Harris married Douglas Emhoff, a successful lawyer born in the same year as her. Their marriage was a big deal, as Emhoff became the first Jewish spouse of a vice-president in 2020. The couple supports each other, with Emhoff often being there for Harris during important times.
Blended Family
Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff have a loving blended family. They have Emhoff’s children, Ella and Cole, from a previous marriage. Ella, born in 1999, graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She’s now a model, working with IMG Models and walking in shows for big brands.
Cole, born in 1994, graduated from Colorado College in 2017. He’s also making his mark in the world. The family is close, often cooking together on Sundays. They share music and meals, building a strong bond.
| Family Member | Relation to Kamala Harris | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas Emhoff | Husband | First Jewish spouse of a vice-president |
| Ella Emhoff | Stepdaughter | Signed with IMG Models in 2021 |
| Cole Emhoff | Stepson | Graduated from Colorado College in 2017 |
| Maya Harris | Younger sister | Served as a senior policy advisor to Hillary Clinton in 2016 |
| Meena Harris | Niece | Graduated from law school and advised Kamala through her political career |
Kamala Harris has a big family that supports her. Her sister, Maya Harris, is a lawyer who worked for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Maya’s daughter, Meena Harris, also followed in her aunt’s footsteps, graduating from law school. The Harris family’s commitment to justice is clear, and Kamala finds strength in her family’s support.
Vision for the Future
Looking to the future, I’m filled with hope and determination. I think every American should have the chance to thrive, not just get by. That’s why I aim to create an economy that benefits everyone, not just the rich.
Economic Priorities
As president, my main goal is to lower costs for families. I’ll tackle greedy health insurance companies and push Big Pharma to cut drug prices. I’ll also take on corporate landlords to stop unfair rents and hold companies accountable for price hikes.
I plan to invest in innovation and create jobs in key areas like steel, biotech, and autos. I’ll introduce a new “America Forward” tax credit to boost these sectors. I’ll also increase the tax deduction for new small businesses to $50,000, helping entrepreneurs start up.
To support families, I’ll push for policies like the expanded child tax credit. I’ll also fight for a federal ban on price gouging on food and groceries, like 37 states already do. I’ll work to eliminate degree requirements for some jobs and promote skills-based hiring to open more doors for Americans.
| Economic Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Business Tax Deduction | Increase to $50,000, up from $5,000 |
| Registered Apprenticeships | Double the number by the end of first term |
| America Forward Tax Credit | Targeted at investment and job creation in key industries |
| Federal Ban on Price Gouging | First-ever ban on food and groceries, similar to 37 states |
Restoring Reproductive Freedom
I believe health care choices should be up to women and their doctors, not politicians. As president, I’ll keep fighting to restore reproductive freedom and protect women’s health care access. I aim to pass a law that guarantees the right to an abortion nationwide, letting women control their bodies and futures.
“I believe that health care decisions belong to women and their doctors, not politicians or the government.”
My vision for the future is one where every American can succeed, with lower costs and more jobs. We can build an economy that works for all and a nation that lives up to its ideals. Together, we can make it happen.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris has always stood up for the people and made a big difference. She started as the District Attorney of San Francisco and later as Attorney General of California. Now, she’s a United States Senator and Vice President.
As Vice President, she works closely with President Joe Biden. Together, they’ve achieved great things that help millions of Americans. They’ve made life better for many.
Kamala Harris is leading the way with her vision for the future. She wants to help the middle class, restore reproductive freedom, and lower costs. Her election as Vice President is a big step forward for our nation.
Looking ahead, Vice President Kamala Harris will keep making a difference. Her leadership with President Biden is what our nation needs. They’re working towards a brighter future for everyone.
Her career has already had a huge impact. And I think the best is yet to come. She’s a true leader.