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 is an American politician who served as the 46th U.S. President (2021-2025). A Democrat, he was the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and a U.S. Senator representing Delaware (1973-2009). His career spans decades in public service, holding significant roles in both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.

Sections (7)

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

1972: Elected 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 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: Completion of Infrastructure Spending Oversight

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

2019: South Carolina Primary Win

Throughout 2019, Joe Biden stayed generally ahead of other Democrats in national polls. However, Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary by more than 28 points.

November 2020: Biden Elected President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. Trump made false claims of widespread electoral fraud, delaying Biden's transition until November 23, when Emily W. Murphy formally recognized Biden as the winner and authorized the transition process.

2020: Biden's victory over Trump

Historians and scholars regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election.

2020: Biden Selected Kamala Harris as Running Mate

In 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and they defeated Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the presidential election.

August 2021: Senate Passes Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

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

November 2021: House Approves and Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill

In early November 2021, the House approved the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In mid-November 2021, President Biden signed the bill into law, focusing on infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

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 all Democrats in favor, all Republicans opposed, and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. The bill aimed to address energy, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.

2022: Siena College Research Institute Ranking

In 2022, the Siena College Research Institute's survey ranked Joe Biden 19th out of 45 presidents.

April 4, 2023: Finnish ascension into NATO

Finnish ascension into NATO occurred on April 4, 2023.

2023: Debt Limit Standoff and Deal

In 2023, Biden and congressional Republicans engaged in a standoff after the U.S. hit its debt limit. Biden and House speaker Kevin McCarthy struck a deal, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, to raise the debt limit, which suspended the debt limit until January 2025. Biden signed it on June 3, averting a default.

February 2024: Historians and Scholars Rank Biden as the 14th-Greatest President

In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Biden as the 14th-greatest president, noting that his ranking was unusually high given the absence of military victories or institutional expansion and the presence of personal scandals.

March 7, 2024: Formal Swedish Ascension into NATO

Biden led diplomatic talks resulting in formal Swedish ascension into NATO on March 7, 2024.

2024: Biden in the 2024 Democratic Presidential Primaries

In 2024, Dean Phillips ran against Biden in the Democratic presidential primaries. Despite not being on the ballot in the New Hampshire primary on January 23, Biden won it as a write-in candidate. He secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan. He won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday, but lost the American Samoa contest. Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden on March 6. On March 12, Biden secured the delegates needed to become the presumptive nominee.