The Biden administration faced a setback in passing the “caregiving” agenda, which aimed to provide child care, paid leave, and home care for seniors and people with disabilities. Vice President Kamala Harris was a strong advocate for these policies since the presidential transition and continued to push for them. With Election Day approaching, Harris is the presumptive 2024 nominee for the Democrats, and her commitment to the caregiving agenda indicates that it would be a priority if she were to win the presidency.
Harris has a history of championing issues related to caregiving, including protecting foster kids, sponsoring a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, and supporting paid leave legislation. Her personal experiences, such as caring for her sick mother, have shaped her dedication to these causes. As a senator, Harris cosponsored the Child Care for Working Families proposal, demonstrating her commitment to expanding access to affordable child care.
Harris has already made references to child care and paid leave in her speeches, indicating that these issues would be central to her legislative agenda as president. Passing major legislation on caregiving would require settling on the right policies and rounding up enough votes in Congress. With a potential Democratic majority, Harris could have the opportunity to implement transformative reforms, particularly with the expiration of Trump-era tax cuts providing new funding sources.
While Harris is known for her ability to relate to and effectively communicate with the public on policy issues, her skills in navigating Congress remain a question mark. Harris has not had much experience in legislative negotiations, but her background as a prosecutor has prepared her for selling policies and gaining public support. Harris’ unique perspectives as a woman leader and parent give her a personal connection to caregiving issues that could make her a compelling messenger for these initiatives.
Passing comprehensive caregiving legislation would require bipartisan cooperation, but even more modest initiatives have the potential to become law. Both Democrats and Republicans have shown support for some forms of child care and family support programs, suggesting that compromise is possible. Harris’ pragmatic approach to policy and willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints could help bridge the gap and advance caregiving initiatives through Congress.
