For almost a century, Democratic presidents and lawmakers have led the way in building the foundation of modern American life: retirement security, health care, workers’ rights, civil rights, infrastructure and a stronger middle class.
Social Security
Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1935
Social Security was created during the Great Depression to provide a measure of financial security for retired workers and their families. It established the principle that Americans who work hard throughout their lives should be able to retire with dignity.
Today, Social Security provides benefits to millions of retirees, people with disabilities, surviving spouses and children. It remains one of the nation’s most successful anti-poverty programs and a cornerstone of economic security for American families.
Minimum Wage and Worker Protections
Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1938
The Fair Labor Standards Act established the federal minimum wage, overtime pay and restrictions on child labor. These protections created a fairer workplace and gave working families a stronger chance to get ahead.
The G.I. Bill
Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944
The G.I. Bill helped millions of veterans attend college, buy homes and start businesses after World War II. It expanded the middle class and opened doors of opportunity for families across the country.
Medicare and Medicaid
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965
Medicare and Medicaid were created to expand access to health care for Americans who might otherwise struggle to afford it. Medicare provides health coverage for seniors and certain people with disabilities, while Medicaid helps low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities receive needed care.
Together, these programs have improved health outcomes and provided financial security for millions of Americans. They help ensure that access to medical care is based on need, not simply the ability to pay.
Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964 and 1965
These landmark laws helped end legal segregation, banned discrimination and protected the right to vote, enfranchising millions of Americans. These laws moved America closer to its promise of equal rights and equal opportunity for all.
Family and Medical Leave Act
Signed by President Bill Clinton, 1993
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible workers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child, a serious health condition, or to care for a close family member. It helps ensure that Americans do not have to choose between their jobs and their families during major life events.
Before the FMLA, many workers risked losing their jobs when they needed time away for family or medical reasons. The law established an important workplace protection that has helped millions of Americans balance work, health, and family responsibilities.
Affordable Care Act
Signed by President Barack Obama, 2010
The Affordable Care Act expanded health coverage, protected people with pre-existing conditions, allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance and helped millions afford care.
Since its passage, tens of millions of Americans have gained health insurance coverage through the ACA, and the uninsured rate has fallen significantly from pre-2010 levels. For many families, the law has meant greater financial security, better access to doctors and hospitals, and peace of mind that a serious illness will not result in the loss of health coverage.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Signed by President Joe Biden, 2021
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, airports, public transit system, and water infrastructure while expanding access to high-speed internet. These investments improve safety, strengthen communities and support long-term economic growth.
The law is also creating good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. By modernizing critical infrastructure, it helps ensure that American families and businesses can thrive.
Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Signed by President Joe Biden, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act gave Medicare the power to negotiate some prescription drug prices, capped insulin costs for many seniors and limited out-of-pocket prescription costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Clean Energy and American Jobs
Signed by President Joe Biden, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act also made major investments in clean energy, manufacturing and energy efficiency. These investments are creating jobs, lowering energy costs and helping protect the environment for future generations.
The Democratic Difference
From Social Security to Medicare, from civil rights to affordable health care, Democrats have fought to make government work for everyday people.
These accomplishments help seniors retire with dignity, help families afford health care, help workers earn fair pay, help veterans build new lives and empower communities like ours to grow stronger.
Democrats believe America works best when opportunity is open to everyone — not just the wealthy and well-connected.