Tracking Biden's 1st-year progress delivering on promises
WASHINGTON (AP) — During his first year in office, President Joe Biden took action on a number of his key campaign promises, from rebuilding U.S. alliances globally to distributing vaccines across America and the world.
But others remain works in progress or dependent on Congress to address. That's particular true of his promises to reform the nation’s immigration system, where Biden is caught between the demands of his Democratic base and Latino voters and the realities of a steep influx of migrants to the U.S.
A look at where Biden stands on some of his key promises as he rounds out his first year:
COVID-19
— Reach a semblance of normalcy by Christmas 2021.
Broken. The delta and then the omicron variants drove fresh records in infections, spikes in hospitalizations, business closures and shortages of goods nationwide over the holiday season.
— Provide Americans with 1 billion home tests.
In progress. In December, Biden pledged to provide 500 million rapid tests amid a surge in the highly transmissible omicron variant, and announced plans last week to distribute an additional 500 million tests. A distribution website launches Wednesday.
— Provide 100 million vaccine shots to Americans in his first 100 days, and vaccinate 70% of the world’s population against COVID by September 2022.
In progress. Biden surpassed the domestic vaccination goal, but only about 61% of the world’s population has received one dose.
— Safely reopen a majority of K-8 schools and keep them open.
Mostly accomplished. Schools are largely back to in-person learning, but the omicron surge has caused closures and other issues in a handful of school districts nationwide.
— Pass a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief legislative package.
Done; the bill...