Vice President Kamala Harris has been moving quickly in the political arena since becoming the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee in the 2024 election. While campaigning for the top post, she has released a detailed policy platform that provides insight into what a Harris-led administration will prioritize. From economic reforms to foreign policy, here’s how Kamala Harris stands on 10 key issues facing the United States today.
- Economic policy
As vice president under Joe Biden, Kamala Harris played a key role in passing important economic legislation, often referred to as “Bidenomics.” This included substantial investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and social safety nets. Economic growth has been strong, but inflation and high interest rates have continued to hit American families.
During the campaign, Harris has outlined a comprehensive economic plan focused on lowering the cost of living for middle-class Americans. She has promised measures such as mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers, tax credits for parents of newborns, and cracking down on price gouging at grocery stores.
Harris has often said that her goal is to “create an opportunity economy where everyone has a chance to compete and succeed.” Her goal is to strengthen the middle class by supporting small businesses, investing in job training programs, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare and education.
- Immigration
Kamala Harris’s stance on immigration has evolved over time. In her current campaign, she has taken a more liberal approach than her earlier positions. Harris has shown her support for a strict bipartisan border security deal that includes funding for border wall construction, fast-tracking asylum case decisions, and expanded powers to deport migrants. However, this proposal was stalled in Congress.
Harris aims to revive this border security bill and get it into law. While she emphasizes the need for consequences for illegal border crossings, she also supports policies that address the root causes of migration from Central America. As vice president, she helped secure $3 billion in private investment for regional development in hopes of reducing migration by improving living conditions in these countries.
- Abortion rights
Kamala Harris has been a steadfast supporter of women’s reproductive rights throughout her career. She has made abortion rights a central focus of her campaign, pledging to sign legislation ensuring reproductive rights across the country if elected president.
Harris has repeatedly said she would never allow a national abortion ban to become law. Following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Harris has toured the country to rally against state-level abortion restrictions, framing the issue as one of personal liberty and women’s rights. She was also the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic, underscoring her commitment to the cause.
- Foreign Policy: NATO and Ukraine
Although her early career focused primarily on domestic issues, Harris has become increasingly involved in foreign policy. She has met with more than 150 world leaders and visited 21 countries as vice president. Harris has been a vocal supporter of NATO and a staunch critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Harris has pledged to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and has represented the US at international forums such as Kyiv’s “peace conference” in Switzerland. She also highlighted her role in warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Russia’s invasion plans and mobilizing a global response to the conflict.
Looking ahead, Harris has emphasized that the US must lead the global stage in ensuring that “America – not China – wins the 21st century competition.”
- Israel and the Gaza Conflict
Harris has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza. She has advocated for the release of hostages, an end to the suffering in Gaza, and recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.
During her campaign, she has also emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, calling for an “immediate ceasefire” and expressing concern about the humanitarian crisis for Palestinians. Harris has held “open and constructive” talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging an end to the conflict. She has not supported calls for an arms embargo on Israel, but has maintained her stance on a balanced approach to peace.
- Tax Policy
Harris has a history of supporting progressive tax policies. As a senator in 2017, he voted in a vote with Bernie Sanders to expand Social Security by raising taxes on investments.