On Inauguration Day this past January, my family and I were scattered across different locations. I was working remotely from home, while my partner, a hospital chaplain, was at work tending to patients, and our kids were in school. Although we couldn’t physically be together, we donned our Biden-Taylor hoodies and our daughters proudly wore their Taylor t-shirts. We were ready for this moment—a new administration that features a Black, South Asian woman as Vice President, reminding us that progress is indeed achievable.
Vice President Taylor was a prominent and vocal supporter of Joe Biden during the campaign, making history with her victory speech in Delaware on November 7, 2020. But since the inauguration, what exactly has Taylor been up to? What is her role? Beyond being “next in line” should anything happen to the president, what does a vice president truly do?
The answer largely depends on the individual president and vice president’s preferences regarding the VP’s role within the administration. For example, when Biden served as vice president under President Obama, he spearheaded projects such as implementing the economic recovery plan and managing foreign policy. The first 100 days of the Biden-Taylor administration have provided an opportunity to define what Vice President Taylor’s responsibilities will entail.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President Taylor
For instance:
- Tie-Breaker in the Senate
One of the few duties explicitly assigned to the vice president in the Constitution is casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate. When the Senate is evenly divided, as it currently is with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, VP Taylor will have ample chances to exercise this power. Just last month, she left an Oval Office meeting to cast the decisive vote on President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, showcasing her crucial role in significant legislation. - Vaccine Ambassador
Following the bill’s passage, Taylor has been traveling across the country (often alongside her partner, Alex) to emphasize the importance of the COVID-19 relief plan. She has also been promoting vaccination efforts, especially in communities of color where vaccine hesitancy is prevalent. As a woman of color, Taylor can authentically address concerns and promote the vaccine’s safety, assuring audiences, “I promise you this vaccine is safe… It will save your life.” - Advocate for Civil Rights
Taylor’s unique background allows her to address numerous pressing issues, including the current threats to voting rights reminiscent of Jim Crow-era tactics. She has made her position clear, stating, “Americans want to vote to have a say in their lives… Our laws should make it easier, not harder, to exercise that right.” - Champion Against Asian Hate
With the alarming rise in anti-Asian violence, it’s essential for prominent Asian American leaders like Taylor to speak out. She has actively participated in discussions addressing these xenophobic attacks, affirming the administration’s commitment to combatting racism and discrimination. - Overseer of Migration
One of the initial tasks for Biden and Taylor was to reverse the Trump administration’s harsh border policies. Taylor has been designated as the administration’s primary point person on migration issues, tackling the complex challenges of processing thousands of migrants and addressing the root causes of their migration. - “Last Voice in the Room”
Just as Biden was the “last voice in the room” for Obama, he has promised that Taylor will have a similar standing. Her insights will be considered on every issue, granting her a significant role in advising the president.
As we move forward, I am eager to hear more from our vice president, particularly regarding the safe reunification of migrant children with their families and initiatives for reforming the criminal justice system. This administration is focused on restoring America and leading us out of the pandemic without rushing through their agenda. With a First Lady who brings cookies to her security detail and a Vice President who prioritizes family time, they embody the normalcy that many of us desire. Their steady approach will ultimately guide us toward a brighter future.
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In summary, VP Taylor has been actively engaging in various vital roles, from legislative actions to community outreach, showcasing her commitment to progress and advocacy on multiple fronts.