HIGHLIGHTS OF

A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S 

A N D R E S U LTS

THE A DMI N ISTR ATION OF

PRESIDENT

George W Bush

2001 – 2009

.
“I’ve been witness to the character of the 

people of America, who have shown 

calm in times of danger, compassion for 

one another, and toughness for the long 

haul. All of us have been partners in a 

great enterprise.” 

—President George W. Bush

•
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highlights of accomplishments and results

Over the past eight years, President Bush has set 

clear guiding principles, and applied those principles to 

confront great challenges at home and abroad. 

The following are highlights of the accomplishments from 

the Administration of President George W. Bush 

and Vice President Richard B. Cheney.
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KEPT AMERICA SAFE AND PROMOTED LIBERTY ABROAD

Protecting the American people is the President’s most solemn obligation. Since 

the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the President has carried with him a symbol of sacrifice 

and courage: a police shield given to him by the mother of an officer who died at the 

World Trade Center. As the President noted after the attack, “This is my reminder of 

lives that ended, and a task that does not end. . . . I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not 

relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.” 

Waged the Global War on Terror

After 9/11, recognizing the ongoing threat posed by radical extremists, President 

Bush deployed all elements of national power to wage a global war on terror. The 

President enlisted a coalition of more than 90 nations to cooperate in a campaign to 

dismantle terrorist networks by drying up their financing, hunting down operatives, 

and bringing terrorist leaders to justice. 

In this war on terror, America has taken the fight to the enemy. Hundreds of terrorists have been captured or killed in two dozen countries, including the mastermind 

of the 9/11 attacks—Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. 

“The resolve of our great Nation is being tested. But make no 

mistake: We will show the world that we will pass this test.”

President Bush, September 11, 2001 
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highlights of accomplishments and results

In Afghanistan, the United States and our allies removed the regime that harbored the terrorists who plotted the 9/11 attacks. As a result, more than 25 million 

Afghans are free; the terrorist training camps have been shut down; and Afghanistan 

has become an ally in the war on terror. 

Today Afghanistan has a democratically elected President, a national assembly, and 

a market economy. Women are voting and starting their own businesses. Millions 

more children are in school, including girls who were once banned from the classroom. President Bush and President Karzai established the U.S.-Afghan Women’s 

Council in 2002 to help give Afghan women the opportunity to improve their lives 

and rebuild their country. First Lady Laura Bush made three trips to Afghanistan to 

underscore America’s commitment to this work. Although Afghanistan still faces 

serious challenges, the international community is working together to help this 

emerging democracy succeed.

In Iraq, the United States led a 

coalition to remove a dictator who 

murdered his own people, invaded his 

neighbors, and threatened the United 

States. Because our coalition acted to 

remove Saddam Hussein, 25 million 

Iraqis are free; the Iraqi people have 

the most progressive constitution in 

the Arab world; and Iraq has become 

an ally in the war on terror. 

With Saddam Hussein gone from 

power, the coalition’s mission turned 

to helping the Iraqi people defend 

their freedom against violent extremists. When the battle in Iraq reached 

a pivotal point, the President rejected 

calls for retreat. Instead, in January 2007, he ordered a new strategy supported by a 

surge in forces. This historic decision dramatically reduced violence and created the 

conditions for political and economic progress to take place. 

“War came to our shores on September the 11th, 2001. It was a war 

we did not ask for, it’s a war we did not want, but it is a war that I 

intend to deal with so long as I’m your President.”

President Bush, April 6, 2008
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One of the most dramatic outcomes was the transformation of 

Anbar Province, an area once 

reported by intelligence experts to 

be lost to al Qaeda. Local citizens 

took a stand against the terrorists, 

and an additional 4,000 Marines 

were sent to support them as part 

of the surge. As a result, the rule of 

law was restored in Anbar. 

As conditions have improved 

across Iraq, America has reduced 

combat troops through the President’s Return on Success plan. So far, all five surge brigade combat teams, two 

Marine battalions, and a Marine Expeditionary Unit have come home. 

“Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of selfgovernment, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves 

to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our 

Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the 

urgent requirement of our Nation’s security, and the calling of our 

time.”

President Bush, Second Inaugural Address 

Did You Know?

•	 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured and is in 

custody.

•	 Iraqi forces have taken over security responsibilities from U.S. forces in 

more than two thirds of Iraqi provinces and helped reduce attacks to the 

lowest level in more than four years.

•	 More than six million children now attend Afghan schools, compared 

to fewer than one million in 2001; a third of these are girls who were 

previously barred from attending school. 

•	 The Afghan economy has doubled since 2001. 

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Transformed the Institutions and Tools of War

President Bush has given our Nation the institutions and tools necessary for 

prevailing in the long struggle ahead. The President retooled a Cold War-era 

DefenseDepartment into an agile, flexible, and adaptive organization. The President 

increased defense funding 73 percent to dramatically expand America’s all-volunteer 

force and purchase advanced technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The 

National Guard was elevated from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve. The 

Defense Department modified the military command structure by creating U.S. 

Northern Command and U.S. Africa Command. Additionally, other reforms have 

bolstered efforts to combat the danger of weapons of mass destruction and have allowed special operations forces to better confront emerging challenges. 

“We will direct every resource at our command to win the war 

against terrorists: every means of diplomacy, every tool of 

intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial 

influence. We will starve the terrorists of funding, turn them against 

each other, rout them out of their safe hiding places, and bring them 

to justice.”

President Bush, September 24, 2001
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highlights of accomplishments and results

President Bush improved our country’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. The 

President worked with Congress to enact four major pieces of legislation: 1. The 

USA Patriot Act; 2. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act; 

3. The Protect America Act; and 4. Modernization of the Foreign Intelligence 

Surveillance Act. The President established the Director of National Intelligence, 

tore down the “wall” that once divided law enforcement and intelligence operations, 

created the National Counterterrorism Center, and shifted the focus of the FBI

from investigating terrorist attacks to preventing them. 

The President also bolstered America’s homeland security. More than 20 Federal 

agencies were merged together to create the Department of Homeland Security

(DHS). This department provided more than $27 billion in homeland security grants 

to cities and States to strengthen response capabilities and information-sharing and 

to protect critical infrastructure, such as chemical and nuclear facilities. The Administration also worked with cities and States to create interagency response plans to 

ensure clear lines of responsibility in the event of another attack. 

To protect the homeland, President Bush also increased funding for border 

security and immigration enforcement efforts by more than 160 percent. As a result, 

the number of Border Patrol agents has doubled to more than 18,000 agents. The 

Border Patrol has been equipped with better technology. The practice of “catch and 

release” was effectively ended at our borders, and a program was created to screen 

foreign travelers using biometrics and other 21st Century technology. 

After 9/11, the Administration also strengthened airport security. The Transportation Security Administration was created to screen every commercial air passenger 

in the country, and the number of Federal marshals on passenger flights increased. 

The Administration improved security at our ports. Nearly 100 percent of cargo 

containers that arrive at America’s ports are now screened for radiological and nuclear 

threats, and the people who load and unload these containers are credentialed through 

a special program. Through an international program, the vast majority of shipments 

entering our ports are screened at foreign ports long before they dock in our waters.

To combat the threat of biological and chemical attacks, the Administration created 

a new air monitoring system that is now operating in 30 American cities. This new 

system is designed to detect harmful biological agents and accelerate the government’s 

response. The Administration also increased America’s stockpile of vaccines and 

antibiotics to prepare our Nation for a biological attack or other health emergency. 
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The President led an international campaign against terrorist financing and money 

laundering and created the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the 

Treasury Department to lead efforts that have made it harder, costlier, and riskier 

for al Qaeda and like-minded allies to raise and move money around the world. 

Together, all these measures have helped close critical intelligence gaps and provided 

America’s law enforcement and intelligence communities with much-needed tools for 

preventing acts of terror. More than seven years have passed without another attack 

on our soil. This is not for lack of trying on the part of the terrorists. Since 9/11, the 

United States and our allies have stopped deadly terrorist plots, including a 2002 plot 

to hijack an airplane and fly it into the tallest skyscraper in Los Angeles, a 2003 plot 

to hijack and crash planes into targets on the East Coast, and a 2006 plot to blow up 

multiple passenger jets traveling from London. 

“In this new century, there is a great divide between those who place 

no value on human life, and rejoice in the suffering of others, and 

those who believe that every life has matchless value, and answer 

suffering with compassion and kindness. The contrast is vivid—and 

the position of America is clear. We will lead the cause of freedom, 

justice, and hope, because both our values and our interests demand 

it...We also know that nations with free, healthy, prosperous people 

will be sources of stability, not breeding grounds for extremists and 

hate and terror.”

President Bush, December 14, 2006

Did You Know?

•	 President Bush implemented the largest reorganization of the Federal 

national security apparatus since 1947.

•	 More than 400 individuals and entities that posed a threat to America had 

assets frozen, transactions blocked, or were isolated from the U.S. financial 

system.

•	 The increase in defense funding is the largest increase since the Truman 

Administration.

•	 Intelligence experts believe the 2006 plot to blow up multiple passenger 

jets traveling from London was only weeks from being carried out.
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highlights of accomplishments and results

Advanced Missile Defense and Counterproliferation 

President Bush took unprecedented measures to prevent weapons of mass destruction (WMD) from falling into hands of our enemies. The President launched a 

global threat reduction program that has removed enough material for more than 30 

nuclear bombs from sites around the world. Under the Global Initiative to Combat 

Nuclear Terrorism, a coalition of 75 nations is working together to enhance protection, detection, and response to nuclear terrorism. This Administration also worked 

with our allies to shut down dangerous proliferation networks. 

President Bush persuaded Libya to disclose and dismantle all aspects of its 

WMD and advanced missile programs and renounce terrorism. The Administration 

dismantled the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network, which had previously spread 

sensitive nuclear technology and capability to Iran and North Korea. Through the 

Six-Party talks, the United States worked to secure a commitment from North Korea 

to abandon its nuclear weapons and its nuclear weapons program. And by working 

with our partners in the international community, America increased pressure on 

Iran to abandon its pursuit of uranium enrichment activities. 

To protect against the danger of rogue regimes armed with ballistic missiles, the 

Administration withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and made missile 

defense operational. The Administration also concluded agreements with the Czech 

Republic and Poland to host missile defense sites that will help protect America and 

our allies.

Did You Know?

•	 This Administration halved the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile by 2007—

five years ahead of schedule.

•	 The President’s Proliferation Security Initiative united more than 90 

nations to cooperate to stop of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, 

their delivery systems, and related materials.

•	 The United States persuaded the UN Security Council to require all UN 

members to take enforcement actions against the proliferation of WMD 

and related materials. 
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Established the Freedom Agenda to Spread Hope Through Liberty

In the long run, expanding liberty and democracy is the best way to defeat extremists and their ideology of hatred. So under President Bush’s leadership, the United 

States has worked to aid the rise of free societies around the world. In countries from 

Lebanon, to Ukraine, to Georgia, America supported successful democratic revolutions. In Pakistan, America supported elections that reflected the will of the people. 

In the Balkans, America recognized Kosovo as an independent country. In the Holy 

Land, President Bush became the first American President to support a two-state 

solution with a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine living side-by-side 

in peace. And around the globe, President Bush more than doubled funding for the 

promotion of democracy. 

Brave democratic reformers and dissidents from Damascus to Tehran to Havana 

have found a true ally in President Bush. The President has met with activists from 

more than 35 countries. He has spoken out against human rights abuses, called for 

the release of political prisoners by repressive regimes, and candidly pressed nations 

with whom America has good relations for greater freedoms, such as Egypt, Saudi 

Arabia, and China. President Bush has also applied tough sanctions on the regimes 

of Belarus, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Burma, where Mrs. Bush has also been a leading 

advocate for human rights. This Administration also led the international response 

to the genocide in Darfur. 
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highlights of accomplishments and results

President Bush has also strengthened partnerships with other democracies. An 

expanded NATO Alliance is now deploying on important missions across the 

world in defense of freedom. The United States completed a historic civil nuclear 

agreement with India, reshaping the relationship between the world’s two largest 

democracies. And thanks to new agreements and alliances with the European Union, 

Central America, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and Brazil, the world 

is more secure. 

Did You Know?

•	 The President increased the budget for the National Endowment for 

Democracy by more than 150 percent since 2001.

•	 The United States provided more than $1.5 billion in new funding for 

humanitarian and peacekeeping aid to Darfur.

•	 President Bush directed all senior U.S. officials serving in undemocratic 

countries to maintain regular contact with political dissidents and 

democracy activists to help give them a voice. 
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Established a New Approach to International Development

The Administration ushered in a new era in development assistance by doubling funding and transforming the way it is delivered. Through new development 

assistance tools such as the Millennium Challenge Account, governments that accept 

U.S. assistance are held accountable for making democratic and economic reforms to 

increase transparency, strengthen their economies, improve the lives of their citizens, 

and ultimately decrease their dependence on aid.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in history. Since the President 

launched this initiative in 2003, PEPFAR has supported life-saving treatment for 

more than 2.1 million people and care for more than 10.1 million people worldwide. 

The Program was reauthorized in 2008, and under this legislation the next phase of 

the program will support treatment for a total of at least three million people, the 

prevention of 12 million new infections, and care for 12 million people, including five 

million orphans and vulnerable children. 

The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) is on track to reduce malaria deaths by 

half in 15 targeted countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2007 alone, the PMI 

reached more than 25 million people with lifesaving treatment and prevention 

services, and this good work continues. America’s also became the first and largest contributor to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. 

America also expanded an initiative to treat more than 300 million people in Africa, 

Asia, and Latin America suffering from seven major neglected tropical diseases.

“For decades, the success of development aid was measured only in 

the resources spent, not the results achieved. . . . We must accept a 

higher, more difficult, more promising call. Developed nations have a 

duty not only to share our wealth, but also to encourage sources that 

produce wealth: economic freedom, political liberty, the rule of law, 

and human rights.”

President Bush, March 22, 2002

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The results-based Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is investing in 

countries that fight corruption, govern justly, and invest in the health and education 

of their people. Millennium Challenge programs have invested $6.7 billion in 35 

countries around the world. Among other benefits, these investments strengthen 

relationships and create new markets for U.S. exports. 

The President extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

AGOA assists African countries in building their exports while creating markets 

for U.S. exports. The African Financial Sector Initiative encouraged the financial 

community to create several new private equity funds, which helped mobilize nearly 

$2 billion in private investment for Africa. 

The Bush Administration dramatically increased funding to send children in 

the developing world to school through programs such as the African Education 

Initiative. This initiative increased education opportunities for more than 34 million 

children.

“We fight against poverty because faith requires it and conscience 

demands it. And we fight against poverty with a growing conviction 

that major progress is within our reach.” 

President Bush, March 22, 2002
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highlights of accomplishments and results

During this Administration, America led the world in providing food aid and 

natural disaster relief. In addition to feeding the hungry, the United States helped 

lead relief efforts after the Southeast Asian tsunami, the cyclone in Burma, and the 

tropical storms that devastated Caribbean and Central American countries. 

Did You Know?

•	 Since 2001, the United States has provided $16 billion in food aid.

•	 The MCC has now signed agreements, which seek transformational change 

in the development of recipient countries, for $6.7 billion in grant funding 

for 35 countries. 

•	 The President committed $1 billion through the African Education 

Initiative and the Initiative for Expanded Education for the World’s 

Poorest Children to educate children in poor nations.

•	 The United States has provided $10 billion for international disaster relief 

and other humanitarian efforts since 2001.
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LOWERED TAXES & INSTITUTED PRO-GROWTH POLICIES

President Bush enacted the largest tax relief in a generation. For only the third 

time in history, Americans received across-the-board tax relief. Tax rates fell for 

everyone who pays income taxes, and more than 13 million Americans saw their 

income taxes eliminated altogether. The President worked with Congress to double 

the child tax credit, reduce the marriage penalty, and put the death tax on the road 

to extinction. 

President Bush also worked with Congress to reduce tax rates on dividends and 

long-term capital gains. Since these policies went into effect, capital gains have 

increased nearly 150 percent, and dividend income growth has increased from an 

average annual rate of about 8.5 percent to more than 14 percent. These pro-growth 

policies helped America’s economy emerge from the recession that President Bush 

inherited when he entered office in 2001. America’s economy rebounded with six 

years of uninterrupted economic growth and an unprecedented 52 consecutive months 

of job creation. 

“It’s your money. Tax relief will give you a chance to set your 

priorities for your family. It says that we in the Federal government 

have a fundamental trust in the people of America, and that’s where 

our faith should be—in the people.”

President Bush, February 20, 2001
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highlights of accomplishments and results

At the end of his Administration, the President responded to new economic challenges. When the housing market began to decline in 2007, the President moved 

aggressively to help struggling families keep their homes. The Administration 

launched FHA Secure and implemented Hope for Homeowners to help families 

move into government-backed mortgages. The Administration helped facilitate the 

formation of the HOPE NOW Alliance to coordinate private sector efforts to help 

homeowners. Together, these efforts have helped more than two million American 

families so far. 

When the overall economy began to slow in early 2008, the President worked with 

Congress to enact a $150 billion growth package. This package delivered rebates to 

individuals and families and provided incentives for businesses to make new investments. 

When our Nation faced an unprecedented financial crisis in September, the 

President called for an unprecedented response. He rallied Members of Congress to 

enact a $700 billion rescue plan to avert a global financial meltdown. And together 

with leaders from around the world, whom he convened in Washington, D.C., in 

November, the President has worked to restore stability to our financial system and 

return our economy to the path of prosperity and growth. 

In the long run, the future of our economy depends in large part on opening new 

markets for American goods, services, and crops. When President Bush took office 

in 2001, the United States had free trade agreements (FTAs) in force with only three 

countries. Today, America has agreements in force with 14 countries, and Congress 

has approved FTAs with another three. These agreements have benefited American 

farmers, workers, and small business owners. For example, after the Dominican 

Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) 

came into force, U.S. exports to Central America increased dramatically. Thanks in 

part to President Bush’s leadership on free trade, America’s exports now account for a 

larger percentage of our Gross Domestic Product than at any other time on record. 

 In the 21st century global economy, America’s spirit of innovation is one of our 

country’s greatest advantages. To unleash this spirit, President Bush launched the 

American Competitiveness Initiative. The Federal government has increased its 

“We must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the 

world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. 

Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability 

to sell American goods and crops and services all over the world. 

So we’re working to break down barriers to trade and investment 

wherever we can.”

President Bush, January 28, 2008
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investment in research and development to a record $143 billion – an increase of 

57 percent from 2001. 

Throughout their Administration, President Bush and Vice President Cheney 

emphasized the importance of spending taxpayer dollars wisely. While always ensuring that the men and women responsible for protecting America received all the 

resources they needed, the President presided over a dramatic reduction in the rate 

of growth of non-security discretionary spending from 16 percent in 2001 to less 

than three percent today. 

President Bush also instituted policies that reduced wasteful Federal spending, 

saved taxpayers billions of dollars, and brought greater accountability and effectiveness to the Federal Government. 

Over the past five years, nearly $40 billion in taxpayer money has been saved by 

ending or reforming ineffective federal programs. And by increasing accountability, 

federal agencies have reduced improper payments by $8 billion since 2004. 

 To protect taxpayer dollars, this Administration shined a bright light on the Congressional practice of slipping pet projects, known as earmarks, into legislation at 

the last minute out of public view. President Bush established the website earmarks.

omb.gov to bring thousands of earmark projects totaling tens of billions of dollars 

into public view. 

To protect taxpayer dollars, the President also launched the USASpending.gov 

website. This site provides visitors with information about Federal contracts, grants, 

loans, and other types of government spending. 

Did You Know?

•	 The President’s tax relief helped fuel growth that led to the largest threeyear increase in revenues in 26 years.

•	 A family of four earning $40,000 kept an average of $2,000 more of their 

own money in 2007 thanks to the President’s tax relief.

•	 Americans with the highest incomes—the top five percent—pay a greater 

share of the total Federal income tax burden today than they did before the 

President’s tax relief. 

•	 Growth in exports, to a record $1.6 trillion, accounted for about half of 

U.S. economic growth in 2007.

•	 U.S. agriculture exports were $92.4 billion in 2007, up 74 percent 

from 2000.

•	 After-tax per-capita income increased 12 percent from 2000 to 2007.
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highlights of accomplishments and results

REFORMED GOVERNMENT TO BETTER SERVE AMERICANS

Brought Greater Accountability to Schools and Delivered Results for Students

 President Bush’s focus on accountability transformed America’s education system by replacing a culture of low expectations for some with a commitment to high 

achievement for all. The President worked with Members of Congress from both 

sides of the aisle to pass the landmark No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This 

law asks states to set measurable standards and hold schools accountable for ensuring 

every child learns to read and do math at grade level. Six years after NCLB became 

law, the results are clear. According to the Nation’s Report Card, fourth-grade 

students achieved their highest reading and math scores on record, and eighthgrade students achieved their highest math scores on record. African-American and 

Hispanic students posted all-time highs in reading and math, and the achievement 

gap has narrowed. 

“It’s easy to set low expectations. . . . That’s the easy way out. What 

No Child Left Behind says is that we’re going to take the hard way. 

We’re going to set high standards, and then we’re going to measure to 

determine whether or not those standards are being met.”

President Bush, January 7, 2008
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NCLB has also provided parents with valuable information about how schools 

are performing. When schools fall short of standards, the law empowers parents 

with options, such as transferring their children to a better public school or enrolling 

them in free tutoring. To further expand options for parents, the Administration has 

provided funding to more than half of all public charter schools. And working with 

Congress, the Administration created the first Federal private school-choice program. 

Through D.C. Opportunity Scholarships, families in our Nation’s capital can now 

choose to send their children to a private school, including a religious school. 

Instituted Market-Oriented Health Care Programs & Prescription Drug Benefit

The President worked with Congress to create the groundbreaking 

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. 

Under this program, private drug plans 

compete against each other to provide 

coverage for beneficiaries. This competition has helped drive down prices. 

The average premiums in 2008 were 

40 percent lower than the original 

estimates. Overall, the projected spending for the program between 2004 

and 2013 is 38 percent lower than originally expected—a reduction of about 

$240 billion. 

The Administration also expanded 

consumer choice and competition 

Did You Know?

•	 NCLB helped increase the percentage of first graders reading at grade level 

in 44 of 50 States.

•	 President Bush created a $100 million Teacher Incentive Fund to reward 

teachers who improve student achievement in high-need school districts.

•	 1.2 million more students are attending college in the 2008-09 year 

compared to 2001-02 thanks to a near doubling of Pell Grant funding to 

$16.2 billion and an increase of the largest maximum Pell Grant award to 

$4,700. 

•	 The number of charter schools in the United States has doubled since 

2000, thanks in part to an infusion of Federal funding.
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highlights of accomplishments and results

for health care in other areas. Through the Medicare Advantage program, more 

Medicare recipients have chosen the option of a private plan for their health care 

coverage. Through Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), Americans of all ages have put 

away money for routine medical expenses free of taxes. The number of individuals 

covered by HSA-eligible plans at small businesses increased by 70 percent in 2008. 

The President also increased transparency of health care pricing and quality of care 

and launched an initiative to make electronic health records available to most Americans within 10 years.

Improved Lives by Partnering With Faith-Based and Community Groups

America’s faith-based and community organizations play an important role in 

confronting problems like poverty, hunger, and disease. Unfortunately, for many 

years, these organizations struggled to compete for federal funds. So the President 

created the Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) to level the playing field 

and empower America’s armies of compassion. 

Did You Know?

•	 Nearly 10 million Americans are enrolled in private Medicare Advantage 

programs, and virtually every county in America has a private plan option.

•	 Among seniors, the satisfaction rate with the drug benefit is close to 

90 percent.

•	 The President added preventive screening to Medicare to help diagnose 

illnesses earlier.

•	 Since 2001, more than 1,200 community health centers have opened or 

expanded nationwide.

•	 Nearly seven million more Americans now have coverage in HSA-eligible 

plans. 

“The Administration has upheld its promise to treat community 

and faith-based organizations as trusted partners. We’ve held your 

organizations to high standard and insisted on clear results. And 

your organizations have delivered on those results. You’ve helped 

revolutionize the way government addresses the greatest challenges 

facing our society.”

President Bush, June 27, 2008

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highlights of accomplishments and results

This initiative has produced incredible results. It has supported the recovery 

of more than 200,000 substance abuse 

addicts, matched more than 100,000 

children of prisoners with mentors, and 

provided former inmates with the tools 

to make a new and more hopeful start 

on life. Partnerships with faith-based 

and community groups have helped 

homeless Americans find a safe place 

to stay. These efforts have contributed to more than 50,000 individuals 

moving from shelters and streets to a 

new residence. And through partnerships with local non-profits, which have been 

central to providing care for more than 10 million people affected by HIV/AIDS, 

the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief reflects the vision of the FBCI by 

supporting efforts of grassroots organizations to tackle community health needs.

Throughout his Administration, the President has challenged Americans to build 

communities of service and a Nation of character. Following the attacks of September 

11th, 2001, the President called on all Americans to spend at least 4,000 hours in 

service to our country over their lifetime. The President also created USA Freedom 

Corps to help connect Americans with opportunities for service. The American 

people have responded by volunteering in record numbers. 

Did You Know?

•	 The President’s first Executive Order established the White House Office 

of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Similar offices were established 

at 11 Federal agencies, and 35 Governors now have State offices or liaisons 

of their own.

•	 More than 515,000 children received after-school tutoring through 

Supplemental Educational Services, many from faith-based and 

community providers.

•	 In response to Hurricane Katrina, National Service programs have given 

more than 5.4 million hours of service, directing 405,000 volunteers in 

recovery efforts. 

•	 In 2007 alone, more than 2,200, or 87 percent, of partners in the 

President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief were indigenous groups, and 

nearly one-quarter were faith-based.
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Provided Unprecedented Resources for Those Who Defended Our Freedom

President Bush honored our solemn commitment to care for those who have served 

in uniform. During his Administration, the President nearly doubled funding for the 

Department of Veterans Affairs. The President expanded grants to help homeless 

veterans in all 50 states, because veterans who served in distant lands should not have 

to live without shelter in the land they fought to defend. The number of homeless 

veterans dropped nearly 40 percent between 2001 and 2007. The President also 

signed a GI Bill for the 21st century. This legislation significantly expanded education benefits and allowed those who have defended our country to transfer unused 

benefits to their spouses or children. The President also signed legislation and issued 

regulations amending the Family Medical Leave Act to permit family members of 

injured service members to take additional time away from their jobs to care for their 

loved one.

President Bush also worked to help America’s wounded warriors build lives of hope, 

promise, and dignity. Over the past three years, the VA has dedicated more than a 

billion dollars to support traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder 

research and treatment. President Bush repealed a century-old provision to ensure 

that military retirees with severe disabilities receive both their military retirement 

pay and VA disability compensation. The President also oversaw other important 

reforms including implementing recommendations from the Dole-Shalala commission he established. 

Did You Know?

•	 The President committed more than $6 billion to modernize and expand 

VA facilities.

•	 VA’s polytrauma system of care was expanded to 22 network sites and clinic 

support teams to provide state-of-the-art treatment to injured veterans 

closer to home.

•	 Under this Administration, DoD, in cooperation with VA, created the 

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic 

Brain Injury to take advantage of cutting-edge medical technology.

“Caring for our veterans is a solemn responsibility of the Federal 

government. It is our enduring pledge to every man and woman who 

puts on our Nation’s uniform.”

President Bush, October 30, 2007

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SET A BRIGHT COURSE FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE

Advanced Energy Production

President Bush worked to reduce America’s dependence on oil. In 2005, the 

President signed an energy bill that established a national Renewable Fuels standard 

to encourage greater use of fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. In 2007, the President 

called for modernizing fuel economy standards and increasing alternative fuels. Later 

that year, the President signed the Energy Independence and Security Act into law. 

This legislation established a national fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon 

by 2020 and will help save billions of gallons of fuel. This legislation also mandated 

a five-fold increase in the use of renewable fuels by 2022. 

“America is the kind of country that when [we] see a problem, we 

address it head-on. I’ve set a great goal for our country, and that 

is to reduce our dependence on oil by investing in technologies that 

will produce abundant supplies of clean and renewable energy, and 

at the same time show the world that we’re good stewards of the 

environment.”

President Bush, March 5, 2008
27

highlights of accomplishments and results

The President also encouraged the development of a new generation of clean 

energy technologies. The Administration committed nearly $18 billion to promote 

new ways of powering our automobiles and generating electricity, such as biofuels, 

hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear power, and wind and solar energy. The President also 

signed legislation giving the Department of Energy the authority to provide up to 

$67.5 billion in loans and loan guarantees to help support innovative energy projects 

for reducing greenhouse gas or air pollutant emissions and for retooling auto plants 

to produce more efficient vehicles. 

When gas prices soared in 2008, President Bush lifted the executive prohibition on 

offshore exploration for oil and gas. This will create a tremendous opportunity to expand domestic production. At the urging of this Administration and with widespread 

support from the public, Congress also removed its ban on offshore exploration. 

Protected the Environment

Throughout his Administration, President Bush made protecting the environment 

for future generations a top priority. 

President Bush worked to improve air quality. Between 2001 and 2007, air pollution fell 12 percent. This Administration put in place new air quality standards 

that are the most stringent in history as well as new rules that will cut diesel engine 

emissions by 90 percent. Policies like these will help produce even more dramatic 

cuts in air pollution in the years ahead. 

Did You Know?

•	 Ethanol production quadrupled from 2000 to 2007, and nearly $1 billion 

was invested to advance cellulosic ethanol made from switchgrass, wood 

chips, and other non-food sources. 

•	 This Administration launched the Nuclear Power 2010 Program and other 

significant efforts that helped encourage industry to submit 17 applications 

for 26 new nuclear reactors in the United States. 

•	 The President’s $2 billion commitment to the Coal Research Initiative was 

fulfilled three years early.

•	 $1.2 billion was invested in hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle research and 

development. 
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The President worked to protect our forests. In 2002, he launched the Healthy 

Forest Initiative. This initiative improved and protected more than 27 million acres 

of Federal forests and grasslands and helped protect communities from catastrophic 

fires. 

President Bush worked to preserve our wetlands. In 2004, the President announced the Wetlands Initiative to protect, restore, or improve three million acres 

of wetlands by 2009. When that goal was met a year early in 2008, a new goal was 

launched to protect four million additional acres over the next five years. 

The President worked with America’s farmers and ranchers to protect our Nation’s 

soil, wildlife, and water. Under the Conservation Reserve Program, the Administration re-enrolled and extended contracts covering 28 million acres. 

President Bush worked to protect ocean and coastal ecosystems. Through the 

Oceanic Action Plan, the Administration worked to end overfishing, advance marine 

science, and educate the public about the need for preservation. The President also 

designated nearly 140,000 square miles of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as 

a Marine National Monument. Today, this monument is the world’s largest fully 

protected marine area. 

President Bush worked to confront climate change through a rational and balanced 

approach. The President put our Nation on track to reduce greenhouse gas intensity 

18 percent by 2012 and set a goal to stop the growth of greenhouse gas emissions 

by 2025. To help reach this goal, the Administration has advanced a series of new 

Federal mandates, tens of billions of dollars in incentives, and innovative technology 

partnerships.

Did You Know?

•	 Between 2001 and 2008, the United States committed more than 

$22 billion total to climate change technology research. 

•	 The new Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument protects more 

than 7,000 species.

•	 More than 220 Preserve America grants were awarded in more than 

650 communities in all 50 States to protect America’s cultural and natural 

heritage. 

•	 Record funding was provided to repair and improve our national parks 

through the President’s National Parks Centennial Initiative, a priority of 

First Lady Laura Bush.

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Reduced Crime, Lowered Teen Drug Use, and Protected Vulnerable Children

During this Administration, the overall incidence of reported crime reached its 

lowest level in decades. Thanks in part to the creation of Project Safe Neighborhoods and innovative programs for enforcing Federal firearm laws, the overall rate of 

reported crimes reached a 30-year low in 2007. The government also moved aggressively to prosecute those who committed corporate fraud and corruption. Overall, 

Federal prosecutors secured nearly 1,300 convictions for corporate fraud. 

Under President Bush’s leadership, the Administration developed an effective 

National Drug Control Strategy for reducing teenage drug use. Since 2001, the 

number of American teenagers using drugs has declined by nearly 900,000—a 25 

percent reduction. In addition, the Administration has helped dismantle more than 

5,000 drug trafficking organizations. 

Under President Bush’s leadership, the Administration took steps to protect 

children from sexual predators. In 2003, the Administration launched the Innocence Lost Initiative to combat childhood prostitution. Since the start of this 

“Our nation has made this commitment: Anyone who targets a child 

for harm will be a primary target of law enforcement.”

President Bush, October 23, 2002
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highlights of accomplishments and results

initiative, more than 575 children have been rescued from sexual exploitation and 

more than 300 defendants have been convicted. To combat predators on the Internet, the Administration created Project Safe Childhood and expanded the Internet 

Crimes Against Children program. The expansion of this program helped lead to the 

apprehension of more than 2,350 suspected child predators in Fiscal Year 2007—a 

15 percent increase from Fiscal Year 2006. 

Did You Know?

•	 A national network of 59 Federally funded regional task forces was created 

to investigate computer-related child sexual exploitation.

•	 President Bush signed the PROTECT Act, which gave law enforcement 

new tools to prevent, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes against 

children and increased the punishment for these crimes. 

•	 Federal prosecutions of child predators jumped nearly 30 percent in 2007.

•	 This Administration awarded approximately $10 billion to support 

local housing and service programs that contributed to the decline in 

homelessness.
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STOOD ON PRINCIPLE & SHOWED THE WAY AHEAD

Promoted a Culture of Life

The President worked to build a culture where every human being is welcomed 

in life and protected in law. The President signed legislation banning the abhorrent 

procedure known as partial birth abortion, and his Administration successfully 

defended the law before the Supreme Court. The President also signed legislation 

extending legal protection to children who are born despite abortion attempts and 

allowing prosecutors to charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with harming or killing her unborn child as well. The Administration took steps to protect the 

rights of health care providers to act according to their conscience. Additionally, by 

restoring the Mexico City Policy, President Bush also ensured that America’s international family planning organizations do not indirectly subsidize abortion. 

The President helped empower doctors and scientists to pursue new medical treatments while respecting ethical boundaries. This Administration became the first 

in history to make federal funds available for embryonic stem cell research, but this 

historic step was taken in a way that did not encourage the destruction of human 
33

highlights of accomplishments and results

embryos. Subsequent research has shown that adult skin-cells have the potential 

to be reprogrammed to act like embryonic stems cells. This discovery supports the 

President’s principle that our Nation can advance the boundaries of science while 

maintaining a culture of life. 

Appointed Judges Committed to Ruling by the Letter of the Law

President Bush kept his promise to appoint judges who strictly interpret the law 

instead of legislating from the bench. The President appointed John Roberts and 

Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court of the United States. Overall, the President’s 

appointees now account for more than one third of all active Federal judges.

Showed Leadership on Reforms of Entitlement Programs and Immigration

The greatest long-term challenge to America’s fiscal health is the unsustainable 

growth of entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The 

President recognized these challenges and proposed innovative solutions to confront 

them. While the Congress failed to act on these proposals, President Bush succeeded 

in raising awareness about this important issue. 

On immigration, President Bush proposed a comprehensive plan for reform. This 

plan recognized that America is both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. 

It included provisions for securing America’s borders, creating a temporary worker 

program, holding employers accountable, and addressing the status of illegal immigrants already living in the United States. While the Congress did not pass the 

President’s proposals, they will help shape the debate over immigration reform for 

years to come. Even without this legislation, actions taken during this Administration 

have increased employer accountability for hiring practices, put in place hundreds of 

miles of tactical infrastructure, and increased staffing at the border. These actions 

have slowed the flow of illegal immigrants into this country and have set the stage for 

the next Administration to tackle this difficult issue. 
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President Bush led with a hopeful vision, met complex 

and rapid-fire challenges with steady resolve, and based his 

decisions on principle. 

Asked how he thinks he’ll be remembered, he said: 

“I think I’ll be remembered as a guy who was 

dealt some pretty tough issues and I dealt with them 

head-on and I didn’t try to shy away. I helped this 

country protect itself, and at the same time was 

unabashed at spreading certain values to others—

the main one being liberty.”

100 Things 

Americans May Not Know 

About the Bush Administration Record
39

highlights of accomplishments and results

100 THINGS AMERICANS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT 

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION RECORD

KEPT AMERICA SAFE

•	 For more than seven years after September 11, 2001, prevented another 

attack on our homeland. 

Waged the Global War on Terror

•	 Removed threatening regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, which freed 

50 million people. 

•	 Weakened the al-Qaeda network and its affiliates. 

•	 Disrupted terrorist plots and built a coalition of more than 90 nations to 

fight terrorism. 

Transformed Our Approach to Combating Terrorism After the 

9/11 Attacks 

•	 Transformed the United States military and retooled the Department of 

Defense to meet 21st century challenges. 

•	 Established the Director of National Intelligence, the National 

Counterterrorism Center, the Department of Homeland Security, and the 

Homeland Security Council. Shifted the FBI’s focus from investigating 

terrorist attacks to preventing them. 

•	 Advocated for and signed the Patriot Act, the Intelligence Reform and 

Terrorism Prevention Act, and a modernization of the Foreign Intelligence 

Surveillance Act. 

Protected the United States Homeland 

•	 Arrested and convicted terrorists in the United States and captured and 

isolated key financiers and facilitators of terrorism. 

•	 Expanded the Border Patrol and improved border security. 

•	 Created the Transportation Security Administration, built a consolidated 

watchlist program, and strengthened programs for screening individuals 

entering the United States. 

•	 Provided approximately $27 billion in homeland security grants, increased 

national preparedness, protected key infrastructure, and strengthened the 

capabilities of all levels of government. 
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•	 Improved cargo screening and security at U.S. ports and increased 

containerized cargo screening overseas. 

•	 Invested more than $38 billion in public health and medical systems, created 

a biothreat air monitoring system, and developed a national strategy and 

international partnership on avian and pandemic flu. 

Advanced Missile Defense and Counterproliferation Efforts, and 

Prevented our Enemies from Threatening America and our Allies with 

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

•	 Secured a commitment from North Korea to end its nuclear weapons 

program. 

•	 Persuaded Libya to disclose and dismantle all aspects of its WMD and 

advanced missile programs and renounce terrorism. 

•	 Withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and operationalized 

missile defense. 

•	 Dismantled the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network. 

•	 Established the Proliferation Security Initiative and multilateral coalitions 

to stop WMD proliferation and strengthen our ability to locate and secure 

nuclear and radiological materials around the world. 

•	 Halved the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile five years ahead of schedule. 

PROMOTED LIBERTY ABROAD 

Removed Totalitarian Regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq and Helped 

Transform Both Nations into Emerging Democracies and Allies in the 

War on Terror

•	 Helped establish an emerging democratic Afghan government and helped 

improve the lives of the Afghan people, especially women and children. 

•	 Helped establish an emerging democratic Iraqi government and the Iraqi 

Army, and ordered the surge of U.S. forces, which dramatically reduced 

violence and created the conditions for political and economic progress. 

•	 Established innovative programs, such as Provincial Reconstruction Teams, 

to help create the conditions for peace and security in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Created Institutions to Propel the Spread of Democracy Worldwide, 

Helped Oppressed People Secure their Freedom, and Strengthened 

Support for Dissidents and Democracy Activists

•	 Created international organizations to promote the spread of freedom 

abroad and more than doubled funding to promote democracy worldwide. 

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•	 Generated international pressure to end the Syrian occupation of Lebanon 

and helped restore democracy and civilian rule in Pakistan. 

•	 Supported the development of democracy in Ukraine and Georgia and 

helped establish Kosovo as an independent, multi-ethnic democracy. 

•	 Focused international attention and applied tough sanctions on oppressive 

regimes in Burma, Belarus, Zimbabwe, and other nations, and bolstered 

civil society activists in countries such as Cuba and Venezuela. 

Confronted Threats and Helped Defuse Regional Conflicts

•	 Worked with our international partners to confront Iran’s destructive 

policies and to pressure Iran to suspend nuclear enrichment. 

•	 Laid the foundation for a future Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement and 

a democratic Palestinian state by launching direct negotiations between 

Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) at the Annapolis Conference and 

working with the PA to build accountable institutions. 

•	 Led the international response to the genocide in Darfur and worked to end 

major conflicts in Africa. 

HELPED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD 

THROUGH A NEW APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

•	 Doubled foreign assistance worldwide and transformed our foreign 

assistance programs to increase transparency and hold governments 

accountable for making democratic and economic reforms. 

•	 Helped save millions of lives through the President’s Emergency Plan for 

AIDS Relief and the President’s Malaria Initiative. 

•	 Committed $350 million over five years to treat more than 300 million 

people suffering from seven neglected tropical diseases and became the first, 

and largest, contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, 

and Malaria. 

•	 Created the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which holds recipient 

countries of foreign aid accountable to make political and economic reforms, 

expanded the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and provided debt 

relief to impoverished nations. 

•	 Created programs that will help educate more than 65 million children in 

the developing world. 

•	 Provided more than $16 billion for global food aid and more than 

$10 billion for disaster relief and other humanitarian efforts worldwide 

since 2001. 
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highlights of accomplishments and results

STRENGTHENED AMERICA’S INTERESTS AND 

ALLIANCES ABROAD

•	 Transformed the State Department and our approach to diplomacy to 

help spread democracy worldwide and combat the conditions that breed 

terrorism. 

•	 Transformed the NATO Alliance by inviting new members, launching 

operations around the globe, and developing 21st century capabilities. 

•	 Improved our relationship with China, while encouraging democratic 

change, transformed our alliances with democracies in East Asia, and 

strengthened our partnership with the European Union to advance freedom 

around the world. 

•	 Signed an historic civil nuclear agreement with India, worked with Brazil 

to develop and promote alternative fuels, and developed broad strategic 

partnerships with both countries. 

•	 Worked with Mexico and Central American nations to combat drug 

cartels and gangs and helped Colombia fight narco-terrorism and restore 

democratic governance. 

LOWERED TAXES, INSTITUTED PRO-GROWTH POLICIES, 

AND ADDRESSED ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

•	 Provided tax relief to every American who pays income taxes, which helped 

fuel more than six years of uninterrupted economic growth and 

52 consecutive months of job growth. 

•	 Helped businesses grow and add workers by reducing the tax burden. 

•	 Led the response to the 2008 financial crisis. 

REDUCED WASTEFUL SPENDING AND IMPROVED 

GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

•	 Reduced the growth of non-security discretionary spending from a rate of 

16 percent to below the rate of inflation. 

•	 Saved taxpayers nearly $40 billion over five years through sensible 

entitlement reform and by terminating and reducing ineffective Federal 

programs. 

•	 Delivered transparency to the earmark process. 

•	 Increased the accountability, transparency, and effectiveness of the Federal 

Government, which improved the Government’s performance and helped 

save billions of dollars. 
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IMPROVED EDUCATION FOR EVERY AMERICAN CHILD

•	 Held public schools accountable, through the No Child Left Behind Act, 

for producing results for all students and required highly-qualified teachers 

in every classroom. 

•	 Raised reading and math scores and narrowed the achievement gap between 

white and minority students. 

•	 Provided parents with more information about school performance and 

choices for students stuck in low-performing schools, and created the first 

Federal school-choice program. 

•	 Increased the size of college Pell Grants to an all-time high and nearly 

doubled support for the Pell Grant program. 

•	 Established the Helping America’s Youth Initiative, led by First Lady Laura 

Bush, to help adults connect with at-risk children. 

REFORMED MEDICARE AND ADDED A PRESCRIPTION DRUG 

BENEFIT 

•	 Provided more than 40 million Americans with better access to prescription 

drugs through the market-based Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. 

•	 Added preventive screening programs to Medicare. 

•	 Increased competition and choices by stabilizing and expanding Private 

Plan Options through the Medicare Advantage program, and increased 

enrollment to nearly 10 million Americans. 

STRENGTHENED AMERICA’S Health care SYSTEM

•	 Empowered Americans to take charge of their health care decision-making 

by establishing tax-free Health Savings Accounts. 

•	 Infused transparency about price and quality into the health care system 

and launched an initiative to make electronic health records available to 

most Americans within 10 years. 

•	 Helped provide treatment to nearly 17 million people by establishing or 

expanding 1,200 community health centers focused in high-poverty areas. 

•	 Bolstered funding for medical research, which contributed to medical 

breakthroughs and new discoveries, including the HPV cancer vaccine. 

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highlights of accomplishments and results

IMPROVED LIVES BY ENGAGING FAITH-BASED 

ORGANIZATIONS AND PROMOTING VOLUNTEERISM

•	 Helped millions in need by expanding partnerships with nonprofits and 

leveling the playing field for faith-based and community organizations. 

•	 Created USA Freedom Corps following 9/11 to help Americans volunteer 

to serve causes greater than themselves. 

PROVIDED UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

•	 Increased total funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs more than 

98 percent since 2001 and helped millions of veterans receive expedited and 

improved care. 

•	 Instituted reforms for the care of wounded warriors, many of which were 

based on the recommendations of the Dole-Shalala Commission, and 

dramatically expanded resources for mental health services. 

•	 Expanded education benefits for service members and veterans, increased 

placement and career counseling for returning veterans, and significantly 

reduced the processing time for disability claims. 

•	 Reduced the number of homeless veterans by nearly 40 percent from 2001 

to 2007. 

SUPPORTED AMERICAN WORKERS BY INCREASING TRADE, 

JOB TRAINING, AND COMPETITIVENESS

Expanded and Enforced Trade Agreements to Open New Markets for 

American Products 

•	 Leveled the playing field for American workers by increasing the number of 

countries partnered with the U.S. on free trade agreements from three 

to 14. 

•	 Negotiated and signed a trade agreement that helped increase U.S. exports 

to Central America by nearly $8 billion from 2005 to 2008. 

Helped American Workers and Businesses Remain Competitive 

•	 Created the American Competitiveness Initiative to help Americans 

compete in the global economy and increased research and development 

funding. 

•	 Invested nearly $1 billion in new job training initiatives to prepare workers 

for 21st century jobs and ensured fair pay for American workers. 
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•	 Helped make broadband access available in 99 percent of America’s zip 

codes. 

•	 Created a new National Space Policy to ensure the continued free access and 

use of space for peaceful purposes and to help advance America’s economic 

competitiveness. 

SET A BRIGHT COURSE FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE

Took Unparalleled Action to Advance Cooperative Conservation and 

Protect the Environment

•	 Created the world’s largest fully protected marine area and protected our 

oceans by taking action to end overfishing and conserve habitats. 

•	 Improved and protected the health of more than 27 million acres of Federal 

forest and grasslands and protected, restored, and improved more than three 

million acres of wetlands. 

•	 Instituted policies that helped reduce air pollution by 12 percent from 2001 

to 2007 and adopted new policies that will produce even deeper reductions. 

•	 Provided more than $6.5 billion to repair and improve our national parks, 

launched the National Parks Centennial Initiative, and established the 

Preserve America Initiative with First Lady Laura Bush to protect our 

cultural and natural heritage. 

Advanced America’s Energy Security and Took Steps to Develop 

Cleaner, More Efficient Sources of Energy

•	 Called for and signed legislation to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption by 

tens of billions of gallons of fuel and significantly improve energy efficiency. 

•	 Instituted policies that helped quadruple ethanol production to more than 

six billion gallons. 

•	 Removed the executive prohibition on offshore exploration for oil and gas. 

•	 Provided nearly $18 billion to research, develop, and promote alternative 

and more efficient energy technologies such as biofuels, solar, wind, clean 

coal, nuclear, and hydrogen. 

•	 Encouraged the deployment of new nuclear reactors in the United States, 

which resulted in the first license applications to construct and operate new 

nuclear power plants in 30 years. 
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highlights of accomplishments and results

Reduced Crime, Lowered Teen Drug Use, Protected Vulnerable 

Children, and Helped Make America a More Equitable Country

•	 Launched innovative strategies that contributed to the lowest overall 

incidence of reported crime in three decades. 

•	 Convicted nearly 1,300 individuals of corporate fraud and corruption. 

•	 Reduced drug use among teens by 25 percent. 

•	 Rescued more than 575 children from sexual exploitation, arrested and 

convicted thousands of suspects, and helped recover nearly 400 missing 

children since 2002 by strengthening the AMBER Alert program. 

•	 Protected the right to vote for generations to come by reauthorizing the 

Voting Rights Act and advanced civil rights. 

Reduced Homelessness and Aided Struggling Homeowners

•	 Reduced the number of chronically homeless people by approximately 

30 percent between 2005 and 2007. 

•	 Helped more than two million individuals and families keep their homes by 

launching FHA Secure and helping to facilitate the HOPE NOW Alliance. 

Improved Transportation and Import Safety and Protected American 

Consumers

•	 Implemented congestion relief and safety measures that have made our 

highways and airways safer and more efficient. 

•	 Increased import safety for American consumers. 

•	 Enacted the Do Not Call List, which 145 million Americans have utilized 

to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. 

STOOD ON PRINCIPLE, REFUSED TO PUT OFF TOUGH 

DECISIONS, AND SHOWED THE WAY AHEAD 

Advanced a Culture of Life

•	 Outlawed partial birth abortion, ensured that every infant born alive is 

protected, established consequences for violence toward unborn children, 

and took steps to protect the rights of health care providers to act according 

to their conscience. 

•	 Provided government funding for stem cell research while refusing to 

sanction the destruction of human life. 

•	 Prohibited foreign nongovernmental organizations that receive U.S. tax 

dollars for family planning from performing or actively promoting abortion. 
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Appointed Judges Committed to Ruling by the Letter of the Law

•	 Appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice 

Samuel Alito, and more than one-third of all active Federal judges, who will 

not legislate from the bench. 

Confronted Climate Change through Innovation and without Harming 

our Economy

•	 Set the country on course to stop the growth of greenhouse gas emissions 

below projected levels by 2025 and invested more than $44 billion in climate 

change-related programs. 

•	 Worked to build international consensus on practical actions to address 

climate change as a global issue. 

Demonstrated Leadership on Reforming Entitlement Programs, the 

Immigration System, and Government Sponsored Enterprises

•	 Proposed initiatives to fix Social Security and address the greatest threat to 

America’s fiscal future—the uncontrolled growth of Federal entitlements. 

•	 Laid out a comprehensive plan to reform and fix our broken immigration 

system. 

•	 Warned of the risk that government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and 

Freddie Mac posed to America’s financial security beginning in 2001. 

Directed Unprecedented Preparations for a Smooth Presidential 

Transition 

•	 Led the most comprehensive and forward-leaning effort in modern history 

to facilitate a smooth and effective transition. 

Published December 2008