Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Party affiliation: Democratic
Birthday: Nov. 20, 1942
Birthplace/Where he has lived: Biden was born in Scranton, Pa., and lived there until age 10. In his early teens he moved to Claymont, Del. and then moved to Wilmington several years later.
Education: Biden attended Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., followed by the University of Delaware. After college he went on to receive a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968.
Previous jobs: Biden practiced corporate and criminal law in Wilmington and was elected to the New Castle County Council while still practicing law.
As a result of vigorous campaigning, he was able to secure a Senate spot in the 1972 election, at age 30.
Since 1991, Biden has also taught a seminar on constitutional law as an adjunct professor at the Widener University School of Law.
Current job: Senior Senator from Delaware.
Key legislation: Was a key player in the creation of several laws, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the "Kids 2000" legislation, which provided technology for underequipped schools.
He was also involved in anti-drug legislation as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-sponsored the Sense of the Senate resolution calling for the United States to work with the United Nations on climate negotiations.
Additionally, he helped pass the bipartisan initiative that created a Commission on Civil Rights in 1983.
Biden also helped promote women's rights by establishing National Mammography Awareness Day and writing the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.
More recently, in 2007, Biden authored the Rail Security Act. Biden's amendment to the Port Security Act provided $1.1 billion for enhanced rail security. The legislation was co-sponsored by John McCain.
Fun facts:
Biden became a senator at age 30, and was the fifth-youngest elected senator in U.S. history. By comparison, Barack Obama was 43 when elected.
He made two unsuccessful presidential bids, one in 1988 and one in 2008.
He has been listed as the second-poorest member in Congress.
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