Joe Biden's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Joe Biden. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Joe Biden, a prominent figure in American politics, served as the 46th President of the United States (2021-2025). As a Democrat, he previously held the position of the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Prior to his executive roles, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for over three decades, from 1973 to 2009, marking a long career in public service.
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.
December 2010: Compromise Tax Package
In December 2010, Joe Biden's advocacy and negotiations with Senator Mitch McConnell were instrumental in producing the administration's compromise tax package.
February 2011: Completion of Stimulus Oversight Role
In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package, reporting less than one percent fraud.
2013: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
In 2013, Joe Biden's Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized again.
August 18, 2020: Democratic Party Nominee
On August 18, 2020, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden officially became the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 2020 election.
November 2020: Election as President
In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president, defeating Donald Trump.
2020: Re-election and Malarkey
In 2020, Joe Biden reused the phrase "a bunch of malarkey" during his presidential campaign. On November 6, Barack Obama and Joe Biden were reelected as President and Vice President.
2020: Biden Wins the Democratic Nomination
In 2020, Joe Biden secured the Democratic Party's nomination for president, choosing Kamala Harris as his running mate. They subsequently defeated incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the presidential election.
January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack and Election Certification
On January 6, 2021, during the electoral vote count, Trump told supporters to march to the Capitol, after which some supporters attacked the Capitol. Biden addressed the nation, calling the events "an unprecedented assault". Congress later certified Biden and Harris as the winners.
January 20, 2021: Inauguration as 46th President
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. At 78, he became the oldest person to assume the office, and he is the second Catholic president and the first president whose home state is Delaware.
November 2021: House Approval and Signing of Infrastructure Bill
In November 2021, the House approved the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Biden signed the bill into law.
January 2022: Minimum Wage Increase for Federal Contractors
In January 2022, an executive order signed by Biden to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour went into effect for 390,000 workers.
April 2022: Signing of Postal Service Reform Act
In April 2022, Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to revamp the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.
June 25, 2022: Signing of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
On June 25, 2022, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, aiming to address gun reform issues following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
August 9, 2022: Signing of CHIPS and Science Act
On August 9, 2022, Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, providing billions in funding to boost domestic research and manufacture of semiconductors.
August 10, 2022: Signing of Honoring our PACT Act
On August 10, 2022, Biden signed the Honoring our PACT Act into law. The act intends to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
April 4, 2023: Finland's ascension into NATO
On April 4, 2023, Finland officially ascended into NATO, marking a significant expansion of the alliance following support from President Biden and the U.S.
October 2023: Easing of Inflation
By October 2023, inflation eased to 3.2%.
February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President by Historians
In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll ranked Joe Biden as the 14th-greatest president, noting that this high ranking was unusual given the absence of military victories or institutional expansion during his presidency.
