Exploring Kamala Harris’ Campaign Promises on Reproductive Rights and Gun Laws

In recent weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris has become the Democratic party’s presidential nominee. Though she has not yet announced her full policy agenda, hints have emerged throughout her various campaign speeches. From vowing to protect reproductive rights to reform gun laws, Harris is painting a picture of the future she envisions for the United States.

National Protections for Reproductive Freedoms

Harris has been vocal about her commitment to championing reproductive freedoms. In speeches held in Atlanta, Houston, and Indianapolis, she has vowed to sign legislation to restore federal reproductive rights, including abortion, if these are passed by Congress. Harris’ dedication to this issue was demonstrated, notably through her nationwide ‘Reproductive Freedoms Tour.’ Interestingly, she likely stands as the first president or vice president to have visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minneapolis.

Notably, at her first rally with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz—her chosen running mate—Harris commended his efforts in restoring abortion access in the aftermath of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning the right. This legislative move set Minnesota as the first state to protect these rights.

‘Building up the Middle Class’

Another frequent topic in Harris’ campaign speeches is the middle class. Harris seems intent on continuing the Biden administration’s focus on economic policies that bolster the middle class’ standing. She declared, “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.”

More specifically, Harris detailed her vision for an affordable future, encompassing affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare, as well as paid leave. She further expressed support for student loan forgiveness during a speech at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, aligning her position with one of the Biden administration’s major goals.

Gun Law Reform

Fighting for freedom from gun violence also features heavily in Harris’ speeches. She has detailed her intent to pass universal background checks, red flag laws, and an assault weapon ban. Harris’ work in this domain isn’t new: during her vice presidency, she oversaw the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which aimed to build on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022—the biggest gun safety package passed in the last 30 years.

Partnered with her, Gov. Walz brings his own experience with strengthening gun control laws. While he was supported by gun rights groups like the National Rifle Association previously, he began advocating for tougher gun laws after the 2018 shooting in Parkland.

Commitments to Voting Rights

Harris has always been a strong advocate for voting rights. Continuing her push towards preserving these rights, she aims to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. During her vice presidency, Harris worked hard to secure voting rights, especially with the extension of protections from the 1965 Voting Rights Act and federal approval for specific local election laws changes, even though these efforts often faced challenges in Congress.