ABSTRACT
After his initial success in gaining the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the confirmation of his cabinet-level nominees, Biden’s legislative challenges and difficulties became more arduous, time consuming, and difficult. They also became increasingly relevant for his future legislative relations, the midterm elections, and the president’s stature as a legislative leader. Improving the environment was a key priority of the Biden administration and Democratic Congress. In a speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Biden promised to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. The focus on Biden’s three principal legislative priorities, The American Rescue Act of 2021, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and the Build Back Better Act delayed consideration of other issues: background checks for gun purchases, the legalization of undocumented immigrants, policing reforms, and qualified immunity for law enforcement officers accused of misconduct.
