Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joe Biden

1934: Midterm Election Since 1934

It was the first midterm election since 1934 in which the president's party lost no state legislative chambers.

1968: Clerked at a law firm and supported Russell W. Peterson

In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a law firm headed by William Prickett and supported Republican Russell W. Peterson for Delaware governor.

1968: Historical reference of presidential nominee

In 2024, Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic presidential nominee marked the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.

1969: Resumed practicing law and joined the Democratic Forum

In 1969, Joe Biden resumed practicing law as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware and joined the Democratic Forum.

1969: Admitted to the Delaware bar

In 1969, Joe Biden was admitted to the Delaware bar.

1970: Ran for New Castle County Council

In 1970, Joe Biden ran for the fourth district seat on the New Castle County Council.

January 5, 1971: Took office on New Castle County Council

On January 5, 1971, Joe Biden took office on the New Castle County Council.

1972: Elected as U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Joe Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware.

1972: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 1972, Joe Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate representing Delaware.

January 1, 1973: End of term on New Castle County Council

On January 1, 1973, Joe Biden's term on the New Castle County Council ended.

1974: Described political positions

In 1974, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues, including abortion and military conscription.

1976: Endorsed Jimmy Carter for President

In 1976, Joe Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Governor Jimmy Carter for president in the Democratic primary.

1976: Supported measure forbidding federal funds for transporting students

Joe Biden supported a 1976 measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.

1977: Co-sponsored amendment closing loopholes

Joe Biden co-sponsored a 1977 amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students.

1978: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1978, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1978: President Carter signed amendment into law

President Carter signed the 1977 amendment co-sponsored by Joe Biden into law in 1978.

1979: Worked on arms control

After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed in 1979 by Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev and President Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.

1980: Historical Reference to Jimmy Carter

In 2024, Joe Biden lost the American Samoa contest to venture capitalist Jason Palmer, becoming the first incumbent president to lose a contest while appearing on the ballot since Jimmy Carter in 1980.

1981: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1981, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, marking a significant point in his senatorial career.

1984: Excoriated George Shultz and objected to Strategic Defense Initiative

In 1984, Joe Biden excoriated Secretary of State George Shultz for the Reagan administration's support of South Africa's apartheid and objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan to construct autonomous systems of ICBM defense.

1984: Comprehensive Crime Control Act Passage

In 1984, Joe Biden served as a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. He was praised for modifying some of the law's worst provisions.

1984: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1984, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1986: Midterm Election Since 1986

It was the first midterm election since 1986 in which the incumbent president's party achieved a net gain in governorships.

June 9, 1987: Announcement of Candidacy for 1988 Presidential Nomination

On June 9, 1987, Joe Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination.

September 23, 1987: Withdrawal from Presidential Race

On September 23, 1987, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination due to plagiarism allegations and false claims about his academic record.

1987: Chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary

In 1987, Joe Biden became the chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

1988: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination

In 1988, Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.

1988: Presidential Candidacy

In 1988, Joe Biden was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

1988: Robert Bork Nomination Hearings

In 1988, as chair, Joe Biden presided over the contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Robert Bork. Biden reversed his previous approval of a hypothetical Bork nomination, objecting to Bork's originalism and its conflict with unenumerated rights in the U.S. Constitution. Bork's nomination was rejected.

1990: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1990, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1991: Co-taught seminar at Widener University School of Law

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

1991: Opposed the Gulf War

In 1991, Biden opposed the Gulf War.

1991: Opposition to Authorization for the Gulf War

In 1991, Joe Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War.

1991: Clarence Thomas Nomination Hearings

In 1991, during Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings, Joe Biden's questions were often convoluted. After the committee hearing closed, Anita Hill accused Thomas of making unwelcome sexual comments. Biden's handling of the hearings was criticized.

April 1993: Meeting with Slobodan Milošević

In April 1993, Joe Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević regarding Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence.

1994: Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act Passage

In 1994, Joe Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, including a ban on assault weapons, and the Violence Against Women Act. This act was considered his most significant legislation, though later criticized for resulting in mass incarceration, a sentiment Biden later echoed.

1995: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1995, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee again.

1996: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1996, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1997: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 1997, Joe Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

1997: End of term as ranking minority member

In 1997, Joe Biden ended his term as ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

1999: Support for NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Joe Biden supported the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. He co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution.

2000: Became Senior Senator

In 2000, Joe Biden became the senior senator from Delaware after William Roth was defeated.

2000: Bankruptcy Legislation Veto

In 2000, Joe Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers. However, Bill Clinton vetoed the bill in 2000.

June 2001: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In June 2001, Joe Biden became chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

October 2002: Vote in Favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq

In October 2002, Joe Biden voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, approving the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he assembled witnesses to testify in favor of the authorization.

2002: Voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution

In 2002, Biden voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution.

2002: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2002, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2003: End of term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2003, Joe Biden's term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ended.

2005: Calling Iraq War Vote a Mistake

By 2005, Joe Biden called his 2002 vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq a "mistake".

2005: Base Year for U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emission Target

During the international climate summit held on April 22-23, 2021, Joe Biden announced that the U.S. aimed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act Passage

In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed. Joe Biden was one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, while leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations opposed it.

2005: Greenhouse Gas Emission Levels

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

2006: Shift in Stance on Iraq War

By late 2006, Joe Biden's stance on the Iraq War had shifted considerably.

2006: Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan

In 2006, some observers suggested Biden had been right all along with the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan, as the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified in 2014.

January 2007: Announcement of Candidacy in 2008 Elections

In January 2007, Joe Biden declared his candidacy in the 2008 presidential elections, focusing on the Iraq War and his foreign-policy experience.

September 2007: Endorsement of Plan to Divide Iraq

In September 2007, a non-binding resolution endorsing Joe Biden's plan to divide Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states passed the Senate, but the idea failed to gain traction.

2007: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2007, Joe Biden became chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee again.

January 3, 2008: Withdrawal from 2008 Presidential Race

On January 3, 2008, Joe Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses and withdrew from the 2008 presidential race that evening.

August 2008: Selection as Obama's Running Mate

In August 2008, Barack Obama and Joe Biden met in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration. On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate.

September 2008: Vote for Emergency Economic Stabilization Act

In September 2008, as the 2008 financial crisis reached a peak, Joe Biden voted for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which passed in the Senate.

2008: Increased Political Stature

Despite its lack of success, Joe Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world. It also changed the relationship between Biden and Barack Obama.

2008: Ended teaching at Widener University School of Law

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

2008: Chosen as Obama's running mate

In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election.

2008: Candidacy in 2008 Elections

In 2008, Joe Biden was a candidate in the presidential elections.

2008: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2008, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

January 2009: Resignation from the Senate

In January 2009, after being reelected to the Senate and elected as Vice President, Joe Biden made a point of not resigning from the Senate before he was sworn in for his seventh term. He resigned from the Senate on January 15, 2009.

January 20, 2009: Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2009, Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, becoming the first vice president from Delaware and the first Roman Catholic vice president.

May 2009: Visited Kosovo

In May 2009, Joe Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".

2009: End of term as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2009, Joe Biden's term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ended.

October 2010: Asked to Remain as Running Mate

In October 2010, Barack Obama asked Joe Biden to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election.

December 2010: Compromise Tax Package

In December 2010, Joe Biden's advocacy for a middle ground, followed by his negotiations with Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, were instrumental in producing the administration's compromise tax package that included a temporary extension of the Bush tax cuts. The package passed as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

February 2011: Completed Oversight of Stimulus Spending

In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package. He reported that fraud incidents with stimulus monies were less than one percent.

2011: U.S. Troops Exit from Iraq

In 2011, Joe Biden was the administration's point man in delivering messages to Iraqi leadership before the exit of U.S. troops.

2011: Consideration of Replacing Biden

In late 2011, White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley conducted secret polling and focus group research on the idea of replacing Joe Biden with Hillary Clinton as Obama's running mate for the 2012 election. However, the notion was dropped.

May 2012: Supported Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2012, Joe Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained public attention. This statement prompted Obama to announce his support for same-sex marriage soon after.

August 2012: Colorful Remarks

In August 2012, Joe Biden remarked before a mixed-race audience that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains", drawing attention to his propensity for colorful remarks.

December 2012: Headed Gun Violence Task Force

In December 2012, Barack Obama named Joe Biden to head the Gun Violence Task Force to address school shootings.

2012: 2012 Presidential Election

In 2012, Barack Obama asked Joe Biden to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election.

2012: Campaigning for Obama's Reelection

In 2012, Joe Biden campaigned for Obama's reelection, stating "Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive."

2012: Biden Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Joe Biden has supported same-sex marriage since 2012.

January 20, 2013: Inaugurated to Second Term

On January 20, 2013, Joe Biden was inaugurated to a second term as Vice President.

October 2013: Cut Out of Talks

In October 2013, Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, which resolved the federal government shutdown of 2013 and the debt-ceiling crisis of 2013. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders cut him out of direct talks with Congress, feeling Biden had given too much away during previous negotiations.

2013: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization

In 2013, Joe Biden's Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized again.

2013: Negotiated Deal to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

In the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in 2012, Joe Biden's relationship with Mitch McConnell again proved important as the two negotiated a deal that led to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 being passed at the start of 2013.

January 2014: White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault

In January 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault was begun with Joe Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.

2014: Deportations reach Highest Level Since 2014

From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.

2014: ISIL Insurgency in Iraq

In 2014, as the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified, renewed attention was paid to the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan of 2006.

2014: Continuing Appropriations Act Passed

In October 2013, Joe Biden played little part in discussions that led to the passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, which resolved the federal government shutdown of 2013 and the debt-ceiling crisis of 2013. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders cut him out of direct talks with Congress, feeling Biden had given too much away during previous negotiations.

2014: Pardon for Hunter Biden

On December 1, 2024, President Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden that covered all federal offenses between 2014 and December 1, 2024.

2014: Pardons for Family Members and High-Profile Figures

On his last day in office, President Biden issued pardons for more of his family members and other high-profile figures, covering federal offenses committed or potentially committed since 2014.

2015: Decision Not to Run for President

During 2015, Joe Biden was uncertain about running for president, particularly due to the recent death of his son Beau, before announcing his decision not to run that October.

August 2016: Visited Serbia

In August 2016, Joe Biden visited Serbia and expressed condolences for civilian victims of the bombing campaign during the Kosovo War.

2016: Media Mentions as Presidential Candidate

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.

2016: Considered Presidential Bid

During his second term, Joe Biden was often said to be preparing for a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

2016: Spoke About Sexual Violence at Academy Awards

In 2016, Joe Biden spoke about sexual violence while introducing Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

January 20, 2017: Left Office

On January 20, 2017, Joe Biden left office as Vice President of the United States.

2017: Published Memoir

In 2017, Joe Biden wrote a memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and went on a book tour.

[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover

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2017: Biden proposed reversing corporate tax cuts

Joe Biden proposed partially reversing the corporate tax cuts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

2017: Biden Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Joe Biden signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 2017 to 2020, and signed with them again when his term ended on January 20, 2025.

January 2018: Time for Biden PAC Formed

In January 2018, a political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed.

2018: The Senate went Republican

In the 2024 general election, the Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.

March 2019: Biden Describes Himself as a Bridge

In March 2019, Joe Biden characterized himself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, emphasizing their potential to shape the future of the United States.

April 25, 2019: Launched Presidential Campaign

On April 25, 2019, Joe Biden launched his campaign for president, citing concerns about the Trump administration and a "sense of duty".

September 2019: Trump Pressured Ukraine to Investigate Biden

In September 2019, it was reported that Donald Trump pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, leading to a political scandal and Trump's impeachment.

2019: Left Position at University of Pennsylvania

After leaving the vice presidency, Joe Biden became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. Biden remained in that position until 2019.

2019: Biden Supported Roe V Wade and repealing the Hyde Amendment

In 2019, Joe Biden said he supported Roe v. Wade and repealing the Hyde Amendment.

February 2020: US-Taliban agreement on Afghanistan withdrawal

In February 2020, the US government under President Trump reached an agreement with the Taliban, setting a May 1, 2021, deadline for the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.

April 8, 2020: Sanders Suspends Campaign, Biden Becomes Presumptive Nominee

On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Joe Biden the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president.

November 2020: Biden Elected as 46th President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected as the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump, although the transition was delayed due to false claims of widespread electoral fraud by Trump.

2020: Media Mentions as Presidential Candidate

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Joe Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.

2020: Biden's Campaign Promise on Private Prisons

Despite his 2020 campaign promise to end the practice, the Biden administration worked to extend at least 14 contracts with private prison companies to run immigrant detention centers in the final year of his presidency.

2020: Biden Vows to Nominate Black Woman to Supreme Court

During his 2020 campaign, Joe Biden pledged to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred.

2020: Experts regarded Biden's victory over Trump as his signature accomplishment

Experts regarded Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 election as his signature accomplishment, which was perceived as helping to protect and restore political and institutional norms in U.S. government.

2020: Biden on Decriminalizing Cannabis

In 2020, Joe Biden also ran on decriminalizing cannabis, after advocating harsher penalties for drug use as a senator.

2020: Defeated Trump and Pence in the presidential election

In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris defeated Republican incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

2020: Reuse of "bunch of malarkey" Phrase

Joe Biden reused the phrase "a bunch of malarkey" during his 2020 presidential campaign, a phrase popularized during the 2012 vice-presidential debate.

2020: Biden Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Joe Biden signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 2017 to 2020, and signed with them again when his term ended on January 20, 2025.

January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as 46th President

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at the time. The inauguration was subdued due to COVID-19 and increased security after the January 6 Capitol attack.

February 2021: Ending support for Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen

In February 2021, the Biden administration announced the end of United States support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen and revoked the designation of Yemen's Houthis as terrorists.

March 2021: American Jobs Plan Proposed

In late March 2021, as part of his Build Back Better agenda, President Biden proposed the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package to address transport infrastructure, utilities infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, housing, schools, manufacturing, research, and workforce development.

June 2021: First trip abroad as president

In June 2021, President Biden made his first international trip, visiting Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for a G7 summit, a NATO summit, and an EU summit, and also held talks with Vladimir Putin.

August 2021: Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill

In August 2021, the Senate passed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, covering infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

September 2021: Announcement of AUKUS security pact

In September 2021, President Biden announced AUKUS, a security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

November 2021: House Approves Infrastructure Bill

In early November 2021, the House of Representatives approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan bill focused on infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

2021: Judicial Appointments in 2021

By the end of 2021, President Biden had confirmed 40 nominees to the federal judiciary, prioritizing diversity in his judicial appointments more than any other president in U.S. history.

2021: Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide

In 2021, Joe Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.

2021: Biden revokes Trump's security clearance

In 2021, Joe Biden revoked Donald Trump's security clearance due to Trump's role in inciting the January 6 Capitol attack. Former presidents have traditionally been granted access to intelligence briefings, although this is at the discretion of the current president.

2021: Biden Signs American Rescue Plan Act into Law

In 2021, Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package designed to support the United States' recovery from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Climate Change Conference

In 2021, before and during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), President Biden promoted an agreement for the U.S. and the European Union to cut methane emissions by a third by 2030.

2021: Surge in Border Crossings

In 2021, when President Biden assumed office, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border began to surge.

2021: Biden Proposes U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

On his first day in office in 2021, President Biden proposed the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

2021: The Honoring our PACT Act Introduced

The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 was introduced in 2021.

January 2022: Minimum Wage Increase for Federal Contractors Takes Effect

In January 2022, Joe Biden's executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour went into effect, affecting 390,000 workers.

January 2022: Justice Breyer Announces Retirement

In January 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire.

February 2022: Response to Russian invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Biden imposed severe sanctions on Russia and authorized over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine.

February 2022: Counterterrorism raid in Syria

In early February 2022, President Biden ordered a counterterrorism raid in northern Syria, resulting in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, the leader of the Islamic State.

April 2022: Biden Signs Postal Service Reform Act

In April 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, aimed at revamping the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.

June 25, 2022: Biden Signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

On June 25, 2022, Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, addressing gun reform issues following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act

On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie.

August 9, 2022: Biden Signs CHIPS and Science Act into Law

On August 9, 2022, Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, providing billions of dollars to boost domestic research and manufacture of semiconductors.

August 10, 2022: Biden Signs Honoring our PACT Act into Law

On August 10, 2022, Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which aimed to improve healthcare access and funding for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.

September 2, 2022: Biden's Philadelphia Speech

On September 2, 2022, President Biden gave a nationally broadcast speech in Philadelphia, calling for a "battle for the soul of the nation" and referring to Trump supporters as "semi-fascists".

September 2022: Statement on defending Taiwan

In September 2022, during an interview with 60 Minutes, President Biden stated that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of an "unprecedented attack" by China, contrasting with the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity".

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October 6, 2022: Pardons for Federal Cannabis Possession

On October 6, 2022, President Biden pardoned all Americans convicted of "small" amounts of cannabis possession under federal law.

December 2022: No TikTok on Government Devices Act

In December 2022, Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, prohibiting the use of TikTok on devices owned by the federal government.

2022: Congressional approval of aid to Ukraine

In 2022, Congress approved approximately $113 billion in aid to Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion.

2022: Biden Signs Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and requires the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages.

2022: Bill codifying the protections of Roe into federal law

In 2022, a bill codifying the protections of Roe into federal law, passed the House, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.

2022: Incorporation of Build Back Better Act aspects into Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, aspects of Biden's proposed Build Back Better Act were incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act, which he signed into law.

2022: Biden's political skill

In 2022, journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote that Joe Biden's "most valuable political skill" was "an innate compass for the ever-shifting mainstream of the Democratic Party".

2022: Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, the Build Back Better Act was reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act, covering deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.

February 4, 2023: Shooting down of suspected Chinese surveillance balloon

On February 4, 2023, President Biden ordered the United States Air Force to shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.

March 2023: Bank Failures and Biden's Response

In March 2023, several U.S. banks failed, leading to a decline in global bank stock prices. President Biden opposed a taxpayer bailout and attributed the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank to a partial rollback of Dodd-Frank regulations.

April 4, 2023: Finnish ascension into NATO

On April 4, 2023, Finland formally ascended into NATO.

April 25, 2023: Biden confirms reelection campaign

On April 25, 2023, Joe Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris as his running mate. A Gallup poll on the same day showed his approval rating was 37 percent, with the economy being the main concern for most surveyed.

July 2023: Biden Announces Measures to Protect Population from Heat Waves

In July 2023, as heat waves impacted the United States, President Biden announced measures to protect the population, linking the heat waves to climate change.

September 2023: COVID-19 Student Loan Pause Extended

In September 2023, President Biden extended the COVID-19 student loan pause. Additionally, an "on ramp" period extended some protections through September 30, 2024.

October 2023: Record Domestic Oil Production

Despite his clean energy policies and congressional Republicans characterizing them as a "War on American Energy", domestic oil production reached a record high in October 2023.

October 2023: Deportations Reach Highest Level Since 2014

From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.

October 2023: Response to Hamas attack on Israel

In October 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, President Biden voiced strong support for Israel, condemned Hamas, deployed aircraft carriers to the region, and requested an additional $14 billion in military aid for Israel.

October 2023: Request for additional aid to Ukraine

In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the year ahead.

December 2023: Record High Border Crossings

In December 2023, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border reached an all-time monthly high.

December 22, 2023: Pardons for Cannabis Use on Federal Lands

On December 22, 2023, President Biden pardoned Americans for cannabis use or possession on federal lands, regardless of whether they had been charged or prosecuted.

2023: Biden on Potential Democratic Challengers

In 2023, Joe Biden responded to a question about whether any other Democrats could defeat Donald Trump by stating "Probably 50 of them."

2023: Debt Limit Deal

In 2023, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an agreement, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, to raise the U.S. debt limit and suspend it until January 2025, averting a potential default.

January 2024: Over a Million Migrants Admitted Under Humanitarian Parole

As of January 2024, over a million migrants had been admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole.

January 2024: Biden Supports Bipartisan Immigration Deal

In January 2024, President Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford.

January 17, 2024: House Passes Resolution Denouncing Biden's Border Handling

On January 17, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a Republican-led non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border by a vote of 225–187.

February 29, 2024: Response to killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, President Biden acknowledged that the level of aid entering Gaza was insufficient.

March 7, 2024: Swedish ascension into NATO

On March 7, 2024, Sweden formally ascended into NATO following diplomatic talks led by President Biden.

April 2024: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

In April 2024, President Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could ban social networking services deemed to be controlled by foreign adversaries.

April 2024: Plan to Protect Water Sources Unveiled

In April 2024, President Biden unveiled a plan to protect and restore natural water sources, including 3.2 million hectares of wetlands and 161,000 km of waterways.

April 2024: Additional aid to Ukraine

In April 2024, an additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added.

May 2024: Limited use of weapons against Russian targets

In May 2024, Biden granted an exception to the policy of not allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia, permitting their use for counter-fire purposes near Kharkiv.

May 2024: Increased tariffs on Chinese imports

In May 2024, the Biden administration doubled tariffs on solar cells imported from China and more than tripled tariffs on lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries imported from China, and also raised tariffs on steel, aluminum, and medical materials.

May 31, 2024: Support for Israeli ceasefire proposal

On May 31, 2024, President Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, which aimed to establish a permanent ceasefire, release all hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip.

June 2024: Biden Issues Executive Order on Border Restrictions

In June 2024, President Biden issued an executive order allowing the president to restrict the Mexico–U.S. border.

June 27, 2024: First presidential debate between Biden and Trump

On June 27, 2024, the first presidential debate was held between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden's performance was widely criticized, leading to questions about his health and age. He faced calls to withdraw from the race.

August 6, 2024: Harris becomes the Democratic presidential nominee

On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic presidential nominee after Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21, 2024, endorsing her as his replacement. This was the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.

August 2024: Continued U.S. aid to Afghanistan

As of August 2024, the U.S. remained the biggest aid donor to Afghanistan after the withdrawal, spending at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal, which has helped support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy.

August 2024: Negotiated 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange

In August 2024, President Biden negotiated and oversaw the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange, which was the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War. It involved the release of 26 people, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.

September 2024: Deportations Reach Highest Level Since 2014

From October 2023 to September 2024, deportations from the U.S. reached the highest level since 2014.

September 30, 2024: End of Extended Protections for Student Loans

On September 30, 2024, the extended protections against credit reporting, collection efforts, and late payment fees for student loans, which were part of the COVID-19 student loan pause's "on ramp" period, came to an end.

November 2024: Ceasefire agreement in Israel–Hezbollah conflict

In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict.

December 1, 2024: Pardon for Hunter Biden

On December 1, 2024, President Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden that covered all federal offenses between 2014 and December 1, 2024.

December 12, 2024: Clemency Act for Nonviolent Felons

On December 12, 2024, President Biden granted clemency to about 1,500 nonviolent felons in home confinement who had previously been released from prison.

December 23, 2024: Commutation of Death Row Sentences

On December 23, 2024, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates.

2024: Biden's campaign for president

During his 2024 campaign, Joe Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery, frequently stating his intention to "finish the job" as a political rallying cry.

2024: Withdrawal from 2024 presidential candidacy

In 2024, after facing scrutiny regarding his age and health following the first presidential debate, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection.

2024: Trump defeats Harris in the general election

In the 2024 general election, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris. A YouGov poll conducted on November 6–7, 2024, found that if Joe Biden had been the Democratic nominee, Trump would have won the popular vote by 49% to 42%.

2024: Dean Phillips runs against Biden in Democratic presidential primaries

U.S. Representative Dean Phillips ran against Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries, campaigning as a younger alternative. Biden won the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate. On March 6, 2024 Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden, who became the presumptive nominee on March 12, 2024.

January 2025: Biden claims he could have defeated Trump

In a January 2025 interview, Joe Biden claimed he could have defeated Donald Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite trailing behind Trump in polling. In 2024, Trump won the popular vote over Kamala Harris by 49.8% to 48.3%.

January 2025: Debt Limit Suspended Until January 2025

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which was agreed upon by President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, suspended the debt limit until January 2025.

January 20, 2025: End of Biden's presidential term

Joe Biden's term ended on January 20, 2025. At the end of his presidency, Biden designated former senior advisors to raise funds for the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Library.

2030: Projected Greenhouse Gas Emission Levels by 2030

According to an analysis by the Rhodium Group, the Inflation Reduction Act will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

2030: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target

During the international climate summit held on April 22-23, 2021, Joe Biden announced that the U.S. aimed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

2030: Methane Emission Reduction Target

In 2021, before and during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), President Biden promoted an agreement for the U.S. and the European Union to cut methane emissions by a third by 2030.