Timeline of the Joe Biden presidency (2021 Q3)

The third quarter of 2021 (July-September) of the Joe Biden presidency was marked by several significant events across domestic and foreign policy. Key themes included the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, continued efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and legislative efforts to advance President Biden's economic agenda.

July 2021

• COVID-19: The Delta variant of COVID-19 became the dominant strain in the United States, leading to a surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly among the unvaccinated. The Biden administration intensified its efforts to promote vaccination, including public awareness campaigns and incentives.
• Infrastructure: Negotiations continued regarding a bipartisan infrastructure bill focused on improving roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure.
• Withdrawal from Afghanistan: The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan continued at a rapid pace. Concerns mounted about the Taliban's growing control over the country.
• Executive Order on Competition: President Biden signed an executive order aimed at promoting competition in the American economy, targeting issues such as anti-competitive practices in tech, healthcare, and agriculture.

August 2021

• Afghanistan Crisis: The Taliban rapidly advanced across Afghanistan, capturing major cities and provincial capitals. The Afghan government collapsed, and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. The U.S. faced a chaotic and criticized withdrawal, with efforts focused on evacuating American citizens and Afghan allies from Kabul.
• Infrastructure Deal: The Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill.
• COVID-19 Boosters: The Biden administration announced plans to offer COVID-19 booster shots to all Americans starting in September, citing concerns about waning immunity and the spread of the Delta variant (subject to FDA and CDC authorization).
• Hurricane Ida: Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, causing widespread destruction and flooding. The Biden administration declared a major disaster and pledged federal support for recovery efforts.

September 2021

• Withdrawal Completion: The United States completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31st, ending the 20-year war. The withdrawal was followed by ongoing efforts to evacuate remaining American citizens and Afghan allies and address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: President Biden announced new vaccine mandates for federal workers and contractors, as well as for private companies with more than 100 employees. The move was aimed at increasing vaccination rates and curbing the spread of COVID-19.
• Debt Ceiling Debate: Congress faced a deadline to raise or suspend the debt ceiling to avoid a potential government default.
• Infrastructure and Reconciliation Bills: The House of Representatives began considering both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and a larger reconciliation package containing President Biden's economic and social policy priorities. Negotiations continued within the Democratic party regarding the size and scope of the reconciliation bill.
• France-Australia-U.S. Security Pact (AUKUS): The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia announced a new trilateral security pact, AUKUS, under which Australia would acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The announcement led to strained relations with France, as Australia cancelled a previous agreement to purchase submarines from France.