Career Timeline of George W. Bush: Major Achievements and Milestones
How George W. Bush built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
George W. Bush served as the 43rd U.S. President (2001-2009). A Republican and son of President George H.W. Bush, he previously served as the 46th Governor of Texas (1995-2000). His presidency was largely defined by the September 11th terrorist attacks, leading to the launch of the War on Terror, including military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, he enacted education reform through the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as tax cuts and expansion of Medicare. His administration faced criticism for its handling of Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis of 2008.
1935: George Mahon Held the District for the Democratic Party
In 1935, George Mahon held the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 19th congressional district for the Democratic Party.
May 1968: Commissioned into the Texas Air National Guard
In May 1968, George W. Bush was commissioned into the Texas Air National Guard, starting his military service.
1973: Drilling with Alabama Air National Guard
In late 1972 and early 1973, George W. Bush drilled with the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard.
November 21, 1974: Honorable Discharge from the Air Force Reserve
On November 21, 1974, George W. Bush was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.
1975: Graduation from Harvard Business School
In 1975, George W. Bush graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA degree, becoming the only U.S. president to hold this degree.
1977: Establishment of Arbusto Energy
In 1977, George W. Bush established Arbusto Energy, a small oil exploration company.
1978: Arbusto Energy Operations Begin
In 1978, Arbusto Energy, established by George W. Bush, began its operations in oil exploration.
1978: Run for U.S. House of Representatives
In 1978, George W. Bush ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 19th congressional district but lost the election to Kent Hance.
1981: Father Becomes Vice President
In 1981, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush's father, became Ronald Reagan's vice president.
1984: Merger with Spectrum 7
In 1984, Arbusto Energy merged with the larger Spectrum 7, and George W. Bush became chairman.
1988: Moved to Washington, D.C. for Father's Campaign
In 1988, George W. Bush and his family moved to Washington, D.C., to work on his father's campaign for the U.S. presidency.
April 1989: Purchase of Texas Rangers Stake
In April 1989, George W. Bush arranged for investors to purchase a controlling interest in the Texas Rangers, investing himself.
1989: Father Becomes President
In 1989, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush's father, became the 41st U.S. president.
December 1991: Appointed as Campaign Advisor for Father's Re-election
In December 1991, George W. Bush was appointed as a campaign advisor for his father's 1992 presidential re-election campaign.
1992: Served as Campaign Advisor for Father's Re-election Campaign
In 1992, George W. Bush served as a campaign advisor for his father's presidential re-election campaign.
1993: End of Father's Presidential Term
In 1993, George H.W. Bush's term as the 41st U.S. president came to an end.
1994: Candidacy for Texas Governor
In 1994, George W. Bush declared his candidacy for the Texas gubernatorial election.
1994: Election as Governor of Texas
In 1994, George W. Bush was elected as the Governor of Texas, marking a significant step in his political career.
1995: George W. Bush Becomes Governor of Texas
In 1995, George W. Bush became the 46th Governor of Texas, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
1998: Re-election as Governor of Texas
In 1998, George W. Bush won re-election as Governor of Texas with a record 68 percent of the vote.
1998: Sale of Texas Rangers Shares
In 1998, George W. Bush's sale of his shares in the Texas Rangers brought him over $15 million from his initial investment.
1999: Law for Renewable Energy
In 1999, George W. Bush signed a law requiring electric retailers to buy energy from renewable sources, contributing to Texas becoming a leading producer of wind power.
July 25, 2000: Selection of Dick Cheney as Running Mate
On July 25, 2000, George W. Bush selected Dick Cheney as his running mate for the presidential election.
2000: Presidential Campaign
By early 2000, the presidential race had centered on George W. Bush and Arizona Senator John McCain.
2000: Elected President of the United States
In 2000, George W. Bush won the presidential election against Al Gore after a contested Electoral College win.
2000: End of Bush's Term as Texas Governor
In 2000, George W. Bush's term as the 46th Governor of Texas came to an end, paving the way for his pursuit of the U.S. presidency.
2000: Potential Presidential Candidate
Throughout George W. Bush's first term as Texas Governor, he became the focus of national attention as a potential future presidential candidate.
May 2001: Executive Order on Energy Projects in May 2001
In May 2001, George W. Bush signed an executive order to create an interagency task force to streamline energy projects.
August 9, 2001: Executive Order on Stem Cell Research Funding
On August 9, 2001, George W. Bush signed an executive order lifting the ban on federal funding for research on existing stem cell lines.
October 7, 2001: Start of Bombing Campaigns in Afghanistan
On October 7, 2001, U.S. and British forces initiated bombing campaigns in Afghanistan, leading to the arrival of Northern Alliance troops in Kabul on November 13, with the goal of defeating the Taliban and driving al-Qaeda out of Afghanistan.
December 2001: Taliban Defeat Reported
In December 2001, the Pentagon reported that the Taliban had been defeated in Afghanistan, but cautioned that the war would continue to weaken Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders. The UN had installed the Afghan Transitional Administration chaired by Hamid Karzai.
2001: Condoleezza Rice becomes National Security Advisor
In 2001, Condoleezza Rice became George W. Bush's National Security Advisor
2001: Bush's Tax Cut Program in 2001
In 2001, George W. Bush proposed a $1.35 trillion tax cut program, arguing that the surplus was the people's money and should be returned to taxpayers. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan warned of a recession.
2001: Inauguration as 43rd President
In 2001, George W. Bush was inaugurated as the 43rd President of the United States, commencing his presidency.
January 29, 2002: State of the Union Address: Axis of Evil
In his January 29, 2002 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush asserted that an "axis of evil" consisting of North Korea, Iran, and Ba'athist Iraq was "arming to threaten the peace of the world", which became the basis for the Bush Doctrine.
2002: Clear Skies Act Proposed in 2002
In 2002, George W. Bush proposed the Clear Skies Act, which aimed at amending the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution through emissions trading programs.
2002: No Child Left Behind Act Signed into Law in 2002
In early 2002, George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, aiming to measure and close the gap between rich and poor student performance and provide options to parents with students in low-performing schools.
January 2003: Announcement of PEPFAR
In the State of the Union address in January 2003, Bush outlined a five-year strategy for global emergency AIDS relief, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
March 20, 2003: Invasion of Iraq Launched
On March 20, 2003, the "coalition of the willing", led by the United States, launched the invasion of Iraq.
April 9, 2003: Fall of Baghdad
On April 9, 2003, Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, fell to U.S. forces.
2003: Military Intervention in Haiti
From 2003 to 2004, George W. Bush authorized U.S. military intervention in Haiti and Liberia to protect U.S. interests.
2003: Signing of the Syria Accountability Act
In 2003, Bush signed the Syria Accountability Act, which expanded sanctions on Syria.
2003: Medicare Act of 2003
In 2003, George W. Bush signed the Medicare Act, which included changes to the Medicare program by providing beneficiaries with assistance in paying for prescription drugs, while relying on private insurance.
2003: Initiation of AIDS Relief Program and Invasion of Iraq
In 2003, President Bush initiated the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and ordered the invasion of Iraq.
2003: Push for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Regulations in 2003
In 2003, the Bush administration pushed for increased regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but the regulations failed in the Senate after passing the House.
2003: Troop Withdrawal from Saudi Arabia
In 2003, the U.S. withdrew most of its troops from Saudi Arabia.
2003: Another Tax Cut Passed in 2003
In 2003, the economy showed signs of improvement, though job growth remained stagnant, and another tax cut was passed during George W. Bush's presidency.
2003: Diplomatic Crisis and Iraq War
In late 2002 and early 2003, George W. Bush urged the United Nations to enforce Iraqi disarmament mandates, precipitating a diplomatic crisis and leading to the U.S. invasion of Iraq without UN approval. The Bush administration's claim that the Iraq War was part of the War on Terror had been questioned.
2004: Military Intervention in Liberia
From 2003 to 2004, George W. Bush authorized U.S. military intervention in Haiti and Liberia to protect U.S. interests.
2004: 2004 Re-election Campaign
In 2004, George W. Bush ran for re-election with broad Republican support, emphasizing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the USA PATRIOT Act, constitutional amendments against abortion and same-sex marriage, Social Security reform, and opposition to mandatory carbon emissions controls. He also proposed a guest worker program for immigrants.
2004: Re-election as President
In 2004, George W. Bush was re-elected as President, defeating John Kerry and winning the popular vote.
2004: Executive orders to freeze assets
In 2004, executive orders were signed by Bush authorizing the Treasury Department to freeze the assets of certain individuals.
2004: CIA Director Nomination and Purge
In 2004, following George Tenet's resignation, George W. Bush nominated Porter Goss as CIA director and ordered a purge of officers deemed disloyal, leading to the dismissal or resignation of many senior agents. The CIA was later accused of leaking classified information to undermine the 2004 election.
January 2005: Elections Held in Iraq
In January 2005, elections recognized by the West as free and fair were held in Iraq for the first time in 50 years.
June 2005: Executive Order on Sanctions Against Syria
In June 2005, an executive order was issued to act on the sanctions against Syria, freezing American bank accounts of Syrian institutions.
July 19, 2005: Nomination of John Roberts
On July 19, 2005, President Bush nominated federal appellate judge John Roberts to replace Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, following her retirement on July 1.
September 29, 2005: Roberts Confirmed as Chief Justice
On September 29, 2005, John Roberts was confirmed by the Senate as the Chief Justice of the United States, after William Rehnquist's death.
October 3, 2005: Nomination of Harriet Miers
On October 3, 2005, President Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to succeed Sandra Day O'Connor as Associate Justice.
October 2005: Referendum to Approve a Constitution in Iraq
In October 2005, a referendum to approve a constitution in Iraq was held, supported by most Shiites and many Kurds.
November 1, 2005: Launch of National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza on November 1, 2005
On November 1, 2005, George W. Bush launched a National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.
2005: Condoleezza Rice becomes Secretary of State
In 2005, Condoleezza Rice became George W. Bush's Secretary of State
2005: Campaigning for Social Security Reform in 2005
In 2005, George W. Bush embarked on a national tour to campaign for his Social Security reform initiative, but public support declined due to political fallout from Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Social Security Reform Initiative in 2005
In 2005, George W. Bush outlined a major initiative to reform Social Security, including partial privatization and personal Social Security accounts, despite opposition from Congress.
January 31, 2006: Alito Confirmed to Supreme Court
On January 31, 2006, Samuel Alito was confirmed by the Senate to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court, after Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination in October 2005.
March 2006: Bush Visits India
In March 2006, George W. Bush visited India, focusing on nuclear energy, counter-terrorism cooperation, and discussions leading to the India-United States Civil Nuclear Agreement.
May 2006: Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan in May 2006
In May 2006, the Homeland Security Council published an implementation plan resulting from Bush's National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.
July 19, 2006: Veto of Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
On July 19, 2006, George W. Bush used his veto power for the first time to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would have permitted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
October 17, 2006: Signing of the Military Commissions Act
On October 17, 2006, Bush signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006 into law, allowing the U.S. government to prosecute unlawful enemy combatants by military commission rather than a standard trial.
2006: Creation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006
In 2006, George W. Bush declared the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, creating the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest marine reserve to date, comprising 84 million acres and home to 7,000 species.
2006: Call for Temporary Guest-Worker Program
In 2006, George W. Bush urged Congress to allow over twelve million illegal immigrants to work in the U.S. through a "temporary guest-worker program," while also seeking funds for border security and deploying National Guard troops.
2006: Advanced Energy Initiative Launched in 2006
In his 2006 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush declared, "America is addicted to oil" and launched his Advanced Energy Initiative to increase energy development research.
January 10, 2007: Troop Surge and Aid Package for Iraq
On January 10, 2007, Bush launched a surge of 21,500 more troops for Iraq, as well as a job program for Iraqis, more reconstruction proposals, and $1.2 billion for these programs.
March 2007: Additional Troops to Afghanistan
In March 2007, George W. Bush commissioned 3,500 additional troops to Afghanistan due to the unexpectedly large and fierce Taliban insurgency.
May 1, 2007: Veto of Troop Withdrawal Deadline Bill
On May 1, 2007, Bush used his second-ever veto to reject a bill setting a deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
May 7, 2007: North Korea Agrees to Shut Down Nuclear Reactors
On May 7, 2007, North Korea agreed to shut down its nuclear reactors immediately pending the release of frozen funds held in a foreign bank account.
June 2007: Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
From May to June 2007, George W. Bush strongly supported the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, envisioning a legalization program, guest worker program, and enhanced border enforcement.
June 28, 2007: Defeat of Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
On June 28, 2007, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act was defeated in the Senate, causing a rift within the Republican Party and leading George W. Bush to express disappointment over the failure of one of his key domestic initiatives.
September 2, 2007: North Korea Agrees to Disclose and Dismantle Nuclear Programs
On September 2, 2007, North Korea agreed to disclose and dismantle all its nuclear programs by the end of 2007.
November 2007: Assets of Lebanese and Syrian Individuals Frozen
In November 2007, the Treasury Department froze the assets of two Lebanese and two Syrians, accusing them of activities to "undermine the legitimate political process in Lebanon".
2007: State of the Union Address: Foreign Oil Reduction Pledge
In his 2007 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush renewed his pledge to work toward diminished reliance on foreign oil by reducing fossil fuel consumption and increasing alternative fuel production.
March 8, 2008: Veto of Bill on Intelligence Oversight and Interrogation
On March 8, 2008, Bush vetoed H.R. 2082, a bill that would have expanded congressional oversight over the intelligence community and banned the use of waterboarding.
March 2008: Praise for Iraqi Government's Action in Basra
In March 2008, Bush praised the Iraqi government's "bold decision" to launch the Battle of Basra against the Mahdi Army.
May 21, 2008: Signing of Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act on May 21, 2008
On May 21, 2008, George W. Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act into law, protecting Americans against health insurance and employment discrimination based on genetic information.
June 2008: Lifting of Offshore Drilling Ban
In June 2008, amid high gasoline prices, George W. Bush lifted a ban on offshore drilling, emphasizing the need for congressional action to access vast oil reserves and promoting alternative energy technologies as a long-term solution.
July 2008: Withdrawal of Additional American Forces
By July 2008, American troop deaths had reached their lowest number since the war began, and due to increased stability in Iraq, Bush withdrew additional American forces.
2008: Support for Ukraine and Georgia's NATO Admission
In early 2008, George W. Bush vowed full support for admitting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO, and during the 2008 Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis, he condemned Russia for recognizing the separatist government of South Ossetia and for invading Georgia.
2008: State of the Union Address: Clean Energy Fund Commitment
In his 2008 State of the Union Address, George W. Bush committed $2 billion over three years to an international fund to promote clean energy technologies and combat climate change, advocating for international agreements with commitments from major economies.
2009: Condoleezza Rice leaves office as Secretary of State
In 2009, Condoleezza Rice left office as George W. Bush's Secretary of State
2009: End of Presidential Term
In 2009, George W. Bush's tenure as the 43rd President of the United States concluded.
January 2010: Clinton Bush Haiti Fund Established
In January 2010, at President Obama's request, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to raise money for relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
2012: Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana Awarded
In 2012, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves awarded George W. Bush the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his work in expanding NATO, recognizing his contributions to international relations and security.
2012: Foreword of The 4% Solution
In 2012, George W. Bush wrote the foreword of The 4% Solution: Unleashing the Economic Growth America Needs, an economics book published by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
2013: PEPFAR's Impact
By 2013, The U.S. government had spent some $44 billion on PEPFAR and related programs which saved an estimated five million lives.
2014: Hosted a forum on education and health
In 2014, alongside the 2014 United States–Africa Leaders Summit, Bush, Michelle Obama, the State Department, and the George W. Bush Institute hosted a daylong forum on education and health with the spouses of the African leaders attending the summit.
June 12, 2015: Bush discusses ISIS and troop deployment in Iraq
On June 12, 2015, George W. Bush stated that "boots on the ground" were needed to defeat ISIS. He also defended his decision to increase troop deployment in Iraq to defeat Al Qaeda, rather than withdrawing them as some suggested.
2016: Bush Campaigns for Jeb, Expresses Concern Over Republican Party's Direction
In 2016, George W. Bush campaigned for his brother Jeb during the Republican primaries. After Donald Trump won the nomination, Bush expressed concern about the Republican Party's direction and did not endorse Trump, and left his ballot blank during the general election.
February 2017: Bush Releases Book of Veteran Portraits
In February 2017, George W. Bush released "Portraits of Courage", a book featuring his portraits of veterans.
February 2017: Bush Releases 'Portraits of Courage'
In February 2017, George W. Bush released "Portraits of Courage", a book of his paintings of veterans.
September 7, 2017: Bush Partners with Former Presidents for Hurricane Relief
On September 7, 2017, George W. Bush partnered with former presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama to work with One America Appeal to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
May 2019: Bush Presents Portrait to Roh Moo-hyun's Family
In May 2019, George W. Bush drew a portrait of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun to give to his family on the tenth anniversary of Roh's death.
2023: Estimated Lives Saved by PEPFAR
By 2023, PEPFAR was estimated to have saved over 25 million lives, alleviating the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2082: Veto of H.R. 2082
On March 8, 2008, Bush vetoed H.R. 2082, a bill that would have expanded congressional oversight over the intelligence community and banned the use of waterboarding.
