> CHRONOLOGY

2000

  • George W. Bush elected president.

2001

  • Terrorists attack World Trade Center and Pentagon.

  • U.S.-led coalition drives Taliban government out of Afghanistan.

  • USA Patriot Act passes.

  • Federal taxes cut by $1.35 trillion.

2002

  • No Child Left Behind Act passes.

  • Department of Homeland Security established.

2003

  • United States attacks Iraq.

  • Prescription drug coverage added to Medicare.

2004

  • President Bush reelected.

2005

  • Hurricane Katrina devastates Gulf states.

2007

  • Bush begins troop surge in Iraq.