5 Major Legislative Wins By The Modern Day Democratic Party
Over the past few decades, the Democratic Party in the United States has been working towards creating a more equitable and just society through the passage of various legislative measures. Here are five of the most significant legislative wins by the Democratic Party.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama. This landmark legislation aimed to expand access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans who were previously uninsured or underinsured. The ACA prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, extended coverage to young adults up to age 26 under their parents’ insurance plans, and created health insurance marketplaces where individuals could shop for affordable plans.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package aimed at helping Americans recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine distribution and testing, aid to small businesses, and support for state and local governments. The ARPA is a historic investment in the American people and is expected to lift millions out of poverty.
The Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA)
The Voting Rights Advancement Act is a proposed legislation that aims to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was weakened by a Supreme Court decision in 2013. The VRAA would require states with a history of voter suppression to obtain federal approval before making changes to voting laws or procedures. This legislation is crucial in ensuring that every American has access to the ballot box and can exercise their right to vote.
The Equality Act
The Equality Act is a proposed legislation that aims to protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and other areas of life where discrimination still persists despite legal victories such as marriage equality. The Equality Act would provide comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ people and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect under the law.
Dreamers Protection
President Joe Biden recently introduced an immigration reform bill that includes protection for Dreamers – undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. This protection would provide them with a pathway to citizenship and prevent them from being deported back to countries they may not even remember living in. This legislation is crucial in recognizing the contributions that Dreamers make to American society and providing them with a path to legal status.
These legislative wins are just a few examples of the progress made by the modern-day Democratic Party toward creating a fairer and more inclusive society. While there is still much work to be done, these legislative victories demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equality that will hopefully continue in the years to come.