
Kamala Harris made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her first 107 days in office were packed with significant actions and milestones. Did you know she played a pivotal role in promoting COVID-19 vaccinations and addressing the root causes of migration from Central America? Harris also cast several tie-breaking votes in the Senate, showcasing her influence in a 50-50 split chamber. From advocating for climate change policies to championing women's rights, her tenure has been nothing short of impactful. Let's dive into 30 fascinating facts about Kamala Harris's first 107 days in office.
Kamala Harris: A Trailblazer in Politics
Kamala Harris has made history in numerous ways. Her journey to becoming Vice President of the United States is filled with groundbreaking achievements and fascinating facts.
- Kamala Harris is the first female Vice President of the United States.
- She is also the first Black and South Asian Vice President.
- Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California.
- Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher from India.
- Her father, Donald Harris, is an economist from Jamaica.
- She has a younger sister named Maya Harris, a lawyer and public policy advocate.
- Kamala Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C.
- She earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
- Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
- She became the first woman and first African American to serve as San Francisco's District Attorney in 2003.
Breaking Barriers in California
Kamala Harris continued to break barriers as she moved up the political ladder in California, setting the stage for her national career.
- In 2010, Harris was elected as California's Attorney General, becoming the first woman and first African American to hold the position.
- She was re-elected as Attorney General in 2014.
- Harris played a significant role in the national mortgage settlement in 2012, securing $20 billion for California homeowners.
- She launched the Bureau of Children's Justice to address issues like truancy and foster care.
- Harris also created the Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit to safeguard consumer privacy.
- She fought for marriage equality and refused to defend Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.
A Rising Star in the Senate
Kamala Harris's tenure in the U.S. Senate showcased her commitment to justice and equality, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in American politics.
- In 2016, Harris was elected as the U.S. Senator from California, becoming the second African American woman to serve in the Senate.
- She served on several important committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
- Harris was known for her sharp questioning during Senate hearings, particularly during the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
- She introduced the Maternal CARE Act to address racial disparities in maternal health.
- Harris co-sponsored the Green New Deal, aiming to address climate change and economic inequality.
- She was a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, introducing the Justice in Policing Act following the murder of George Floyd.
The Road to the Vice Presidency
Kamala Harris's journey to the Vice Presidency was marked by her historic campaign and her role as a key player in the Biden administration.
- In January 2019, Harris announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President.
- She suspended her campaign in December 2019 but later endorsed Joe Biden.
- On August 11, 2020, Biden announced Harris as his running mate, making her the first Black and South Asian woman on a major party's presidential ticket.
- Harris and Biden won the 2020 election with over 81 million votes, the most in U.S. history.
- On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
- She became the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history.
- Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, is the first Second Gentleman of the United States.
- As Vice President, Harris has focused on issues like immigration reform, voting rights, and economic recovery.
The Final Word on Kamala Harris' 107 Days
Kamala Harris' first 107 days as Vice President were packed with significant events and decisions. From addressing the COVID-19 pandemic to tackling immigration issues, she made her mark quickly. Harris' role in promoting the American Rescue Plan showcased her commitment to economic recovery. Her diplomatic efforts, particularly with Central American countries, aimed to address root causes of migration. Harris also focused on climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions. Her historic position as the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President added a layer of inspiration for many. These 107 days were just the beginning of her journey in shaping policies and making impactful changes. Harris' actions during this period set the tone for her tenure, highlighting her dedication to addressing pressing issues and advocating for a better future.
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