The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 2, 2002

A Record of Accomplishment for the American People

At his July 8 press conference, President Bush called on Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority, tough new corporate accountability legislation, and his proposal to create the Department of Homeland Security. In the month of accomplishments following the President’s press conference, Congress took action on all three.

This is just the latest chapter in a Presidency of accomplishments. History shows that most Presidents in their first term achieve one or two major domestic accomplishments. In less than two years, President Bush will have signed at least four major priorities into law.

Action on Other Presidential Priorities

Strengthening Homeland Security. The President has signed legislation to increase aviation security, enhance border security, improve protections from bioterrorism, and expand the ability of law enforcement to prevent terrorism. The President proposed and the House of Representatives passed legislation creating the new Department of Homeland Security – the most significant transformation of the U.S. government in over a half-century.

Winning the War Against Terrorism. The President signed legislation to help win the war against terrorism, pay our troops, strengthen airport security and help New York City recover from the terrorist attacks. Both the House and Senate have passed the President's historic increases in defense spending to boost national security.

Protecting Pensions. The President’s proposed pension reforms will give Americans more control over their pensions and better access to investment advice. The House of Representatives passed pension reform on April 11.

Reducing America’s Dependence on Foreign Oil. The President sent Congress his comprehensive and balanced plan to increase energy conservation, create new American jobs, and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. The House passed energy legislation on August 2, 2001 and the Senate passed energy legislation on April 25.

Issuing a National Call to Service. The President created the USA Freedom Corps to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since then, interest in volunteer service has skyrocketed. The USA Freedom Corps is matching volunteers with organizations in record numbers to prepare for crises at home, help those in need, and extend American compassion around the world.

Protecting Family Farmers and Promoting Agriculture. On May 13, the President signed legislation into law creating a safety net for the American farmers who feed our Nation and much of the world.

Rallying America’s Armies of Compassion. The President’s faith-based proposal to rally America’s armies of compassion to help those most in need passed the House on July 19.

Cleaning Up Our Environment. The President signed brownfields legislation that will encourage the restoration and redevelopment of old industrial properties - cleaning up our environment, creating new jobs and protecting small businesses from frivolous lawsuits.

Helping Seniors to Afford Prescription Drugs. While the Senate remains mired in debate, the President has taken action by proposing a prescription drug discount card for seniors that will help reduce expensive drug bills. The House passed a plan to provide prescription drugs to seniors on June 28.

Reforming the Campaign Finance System. The President signed legislation to improve our campaign finance system.


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