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.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. served as the 46th U.S. President (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously served as the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017). Before becoming Vice President, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1972: Elected as U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Joe Biden was elected as the junior U.S. Senator from Delaware, defeating Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs.

2008: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination and selection as VP running mate

In 2008, Joe Biden unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, but was later chosen as Barack Obama's running mate.

December 2010: Biden instrumental in tax compromise

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.

2013: Biden negotiates deal to avert "fiscal cliff"

In the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in 2013, 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.

November 2020: Biden elected president

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president of the United States, defeating the incumbent, Donald Trump.

2020: Biden's Victory Over Trump

In February 2024, pollsters noted that Biden's ranking was unusually high and experts polled generally regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election.

2020: Elected President of the United States

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

August 2021: Senate Passes Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

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

November 2021: House Approves Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

In early November 2021, the House approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in a bipartisan manner, and Biden signed the bill into law in mid-November 2021.

2021: 5.9% Growth in 2021

After 5.9% growth in 2021, real GDP growth cooled in 2022 to 2.1%, after slightly negative growth in the first half spurred recession concerns.

2021: Biden Signs American Rescue Plan Act

In 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package aimed at supporting the U.S. recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The package included direct payments, unemployment benefits extension, and funds for vaccine distribution in 2021.

2021: Introduction of the Honoring our PACT Act

The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 was introduced in 2021 and signed into law by Biden on August 10, 2022. The act intends to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, during military service.

January 2022: Minimum Wage Increase for Federal Contractors

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

April 2022: Biden Signs Postal Service Reform Act

In April 2022, President 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: Biden Signs Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

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

August 9, 2022: Biden Signs CHIPS and Science Act

President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law on August 9, 2022. It provided billions in funding to boost domestic research and manufacture of semiconductors.

August 10, 2022: Biden Signs Honoring our PACT Act

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

2022: Biden Signs Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, President 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.

April 4, 2023: Finnish Ascension into NATO

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

October 2023: Inflation Eases to 3.2%

Inflation eased to 3.2% by October 2023, recovering from a peak of 9.1% in June of 2022.

2023: Debt Limit Standoff and Agreement

In 2023, President Biden and congressional Republicans engaged in a standoff after the U.S. hit its debt limit. Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a deal to raise the debt limit, averting a potential default.

February 8, 2024: No Charges Brought Against Biden in Classified Documents Case

On February 8, 2024, Robert K. Hur announced that no charges would be brought against Biden regarding the handling of classified documents.

February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President in APSA Poll

In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Biden as the 14th-greatest president, diverging from public assessments.