George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009. A Republican and former governor of Texas, his presidency was shaped by the response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and consequential domestic policies.
Bush's presidency is most widely remembered for the response to the September 11 attacks, the launch of the global War on Terror, and military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Decisions on intelligence, national security, and counterterrorism had long-lasting international and political effects.
On the domestic front, his administration passed major laws including the No Child Left Behind education reform and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, and he appointed two Supreme Court justices. The 2008 financial crisis and emergency responses also significantly influenced assessments of his record.
Led U.S. response to 9/11 and launched the War on Terror; Ordered U.S. invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003); Enacted No Child Left Behind education reform (2001); Created Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit (2003); Appointed Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito; Responded to the 2008 financial crisis, including signing the TARP bailout
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act authorizing construction of hundreds of miles of reinforced fencing and enhanced surveillance along the U.S.–Mexico border.
President Bush signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006, establishing procedures for military commissions and limiting detainees' access to federal habeas corpus review.
After North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test on October 9, President Bush condemned the test and called for a strong international response, urging action at the U.N. Security Council.
President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act into law, authorizing the construction of reinforced fencing, vehicle barriers, and additional surveillance along the U.S.–Mexico border (up to 700 miles) and funding related enforcement measures.
President Bush addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, urging international pressure on Iran over its nuclear program, defending U.S. policy in Iraq, and promoting democracy in the Middle East.
On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, President Bush participated in memorial ceremonies at Ground Zero in New York and at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, delivering remarks honoring victims, first responders, and military personnel.
President George W. Bush traveled to the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2006 to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, surveying damage and meeting with local officials and residents about recovery efforts.
President Bush signed the Pension Protection Act of 2006 into law, enacting broad reforms to pension funding rules and incentives for retirement savings.
President Bush publicly welcomed the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and expressed U.S. support for UN Security Council Resolution 1701 aimed at ending the fighting in Lebanon.
On 2006-08-14 President George W. Bush issued a White House statement welcoming the cease-fire that took effect between Israel and Hezbollah and expressing U.S. support for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and deployment of international peacekeepers to southern Lebanon.
President Bush issued a veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act on July 19, 2006, rejecting congressional legislation that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
Following Hezbollah's cross‑border attack and capture of two Israeli soldiers on July 12, 2006, President Bush issued a public condemnation of the attack and declared U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself.