Joe Biden — 46th U.S. President (2021

President Details

President Number: 46
Years in Office: 2021 - 2025
Term Dates: January 20, 2021 – January 20, 2025
Political Party: Democratic
Vice President(s): Kamala Harris

Legacy Summary

Biden's presidency focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic's aftermath and stabilizing the economy through the American Rescue Plan, while passing major legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to invest in infrastructure, clean energy, and health care.

On foreign policy he oversaw the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and led sustained U.S. support for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion; his tenure emphasized restoring alliances, addressing global challenges, and shaping the federal judiciary with key appointments.

Notable Actions

Passed the American Rescue Plan for COVID-19 relief (2021); Enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021); Signed the Inflation Reduction Act advancing climate and health policy (2022); Oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021); Led sustained U.S. support for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion; Appointed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Timeline Entries

Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.

Showing 12 of 255 entries.

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FDA advisory committee recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster for older adults, high-risk and high-exposure groups

October 14, 2021 • Joe Biden

Domestic Policy

FDA advisory committee recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster for older adults, high-risk and high-exposure groups

On 2021-10-14, the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted to recommend booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and individuals at high risk of severe disease or high occupational exposure.

Senate parliamentarian bars inclusion of citizenship pathway in reconciliation package

October 13, 2021 • Joe Biden

Legislation

Senate parliamentarian bars inclusion of citizenship pathway in reconciliation package

On October 13, Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants could not be included in the Democrats' budget reconciliation bill under Senate rules.

Signs short-term continuing resolution to avert federal government shutdown

September 30, 2021 • Joe Biden

Legislation

Signs short-term continuing resolution to avert federal government shutdown

Biden signed a stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government funded through early December 2021, preventing an immediate shutdown at the end of the fiscal year.

CDC endorses Pfizer-BioNTech booster for older adults and high-risk groups

September 24, 2021 • Joe Biden

Domestic Policy

CDC endorses Pfizer-BioNTech booster for older adults and high-risk groups

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally recommended Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster doses for people 65 and older and adults at high risk of severe disease or occupational exposure.

White House requests emergency funding for Afghanistan evacuees and related needs

September 23, 2021 • Joe Biden

Crisis Response

White House requests emergency funding for Afghanistan evacuees and related needs

The Biden administration submitted an emergency supplemental funding request to Congress to support Afghan evacuees, humanitarian assistance, and related military and diplomatic expenses following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots for older and high-risk Americans

September 22, 2021 • Joe Biden

Domestic Policy

FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots for older and high-risk Americans

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the Pfizer-BioNTech EUA to authorize a third (booster) dose for people 65 and older and certain high-risk and frontline populations.

Delivers address to the 76th United Nations General Assembly

September 21, 2021 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

Delivers address to the 76th United Nations General Assembly

On 2021-09-21 President Biden delivered the U.S. statement to the U.N. General Assembly in New York, addressing COVID-19 cooperation, climate action, and global security concerns including recent developments in Afghanistan.

Sen. Joe Manchin announces he cannot support $3.5 trillion reconciliation package

September 20, 2021 • Joe Biden

Legislation

Sen. Joe Manchin announces he cannot support $3.5 trillion reconciliation package

On September 20, 2021, Senator Joe Manchin (D‑WV) publicly stated he would not support the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation framework Democrats had been negotiating, citing concerns about its size and economic impact.

Diplomatic fallout as France recalls ambassadors after AUKUS announcement

September 17, 2021 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

Diplomatic fallout as France recalls ambassadors after AUKUS announcement

Following the AUKUS announcement, France recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in protest over the cancellation of a French submarine contract and how the pact was negotiated.

Administration initiates inspector‑general reviews of Afghanistan withdrawal and Kabul evacuation

September 16, 2021 • Joe Biden

Crisis Response

Administration initiates inspector‑general reviews of Afghanistan withdrawal and Kabul evacuation

The White House announced that multiple inspector generals would review U.S. planning, intelligence assessments and the execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal and the Kabul airlift amid widespread criticism of the evacuation.

U.S. announces purchase of 500 million Pfizer COVID-19 doses for global donation

September 16, 2021 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

U.S. announces purchase of 500 million Pfizer COVID-19 doses for global donation

The Biden administration announced it would purchase 500 million Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine doses to donate to low- and middle-income countries, to be distributed largely through COVAX beginning in 2022.

Announces AUKUS security partnership with the UK and Australia

September 15, 2021 • Joe Biden

Foreign Policy

Announces AUKUS security partnership with the UK and Australia

President Biden joined British and Australian leaders to announce AUKUS, a trilateral security pact to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation including support for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

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