# The Role and Influence of Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States
In January 2021, Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first female Vice President, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first African American and Asian American Vice President. Her role has since been under scrutiny as she navigates complex domestic and international issues. This article explores Vice President Harris’s background, political career, key roles and responsibilities, and the impactful initiatives she has undertaken while in office.
Biographical Background and Political Ascendita
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer scientist who immigrated from India, and her father, Donald Harris, an economics professor from Jamaica. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Harris quickly rose through the ranks to become the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003. In this role, she initiated a program that gave first-time drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment. Elected as California’s Attorney General in 2010, she was noted for securing a $25 billion settlement for homeowners affected by foreclosure malpractices.
In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Democrat from California. During her time in the Senate, she served on notable committees such as the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Judiciary Committee.
Key Roles and Responsibilities as Vice President
As Vice President of the United States under President Joe Biden, Kamala Harris performs various crucial functions. She serves as president of the Senate, a largely ceremonial role except when her vote is needed to break a tie. Additionally, Harris plays an active part in shaping policy and legislation within the executive branch.
Harris has been tasked with addressing significant issues like immigration at the southern border and expanding broadband internet access across rural America. The Vice President also actively participates in diplomatic engagement with foreign leaders to enhance U.S alliances and tackle global challenges such as climate change.
Influential Initiatives and Policy Influence
Since her inauguration as Vice President, Harris has embarked on numerous initiatives aimed at improving different aspects of life for Americans. She has been notably involved in discussing racial justice, voting rights, and economic disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The administration’s focus on an extensive infrastructure bill also sees Harris advocating for investments in clean energy and technological advancements to stimulate job growth and counteract climate change. Moreover, given her legal background, she has continually emphasized the importance of upholding high levels of ethics and compliance within governance structures.
Impact on Domestic Policy
Domestically, Harris’s emphasis has been on healthcare reform, gun control measures, women’s rights advocacy, and strengthening the middle class through tax reforms and education policies. Her visibility during times of crisis such as mass shootings or natural disasters helps frame national conversations around these dire situations.
Engagement in Foreign Affairs
On the international stage, Harris has aimed to reinforce bilateral relationships vital to both security and trade. She traveled abroad to meet with world leaders addressing critical topics such concerning economic partnership agreements and cooperation on defense.
Public Perception and Criticism
Public perception of politicians can sway widely over time due to ideological perspectives or specific policy impacts affecting varied demographics. Kamala Harris has received both praise for breaking glass ceilings and criticism regarding her handling of some aspects of her portfolio.
Notes
Image Description: A formal portrait of Kamala Harris with a blazer suit stands confident against an American flag backdrop surrounded by books signifies her role as Vice President of the United States. Her expression conveys determination indicative of an official engaged with their public duty.