On January 20, 2001, President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney were sworn into office. They brought with them a clear philosophy and a set of policies to make America stronger, more competitive, and more hopeful. They promised to: Rebuild and transform our Armed Forces and our alliances to meet the threats of the 21st century. 1) Raise standards in education and bring accountability to public schools so that no child in America is left behind. 2) Reduce taxes and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. 3) Strengthen America's "armies of compassion" by supporting faith based and community groups. 4) Provide unprecedented support for America's veterans. 5) Resist the twin temptations of isolationism and protectionism by engaging the world with confidence and promoting free trade. 6) Harness America's innovative spirit to develop new energy technologies, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and preserve the beauty and quality of our environment. 7) Reform our health care system, and make health care more affordable and more accessible for more Americans. 8) Foster a culture of life and affirm in law the dignity of every human life. Over the past eight years, President Bush and his Administration worked to meet these pledges. President Bush also adapted to unexpected crises. The greatest of these was the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2001. President Bush responded with a bold strategy to protect the American people. He reorganized the government and strengthened our defenses at home. He rallied allies to confront terrorists and their state sponsors abroad. And he launched a historic effort to support freedom and democracy as an alternative to tyranny and terror, especially in the Middle East.