When one analyzes the most notable legislation of the decade now ending, it is clear that the national government has seen growth in its responsibilities and powers, ironically under a Republican President (George W. Bush) and Congress, with only two pieces of the top ten being under Democratic Congresses, and only the last one signed by a Democratic President (Barack Obama).
In chronological order, the legislation would be as follows:
1. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001
2. Use of Military Force Against Terrorists in 2001 (Afghanistan) and 2002 (Iraq)
3. Patriot Act of 2001
4. No Child Left Behind Act of 2002
5. Homeland Security Act of 2002
6. Partial Birth Abortion Ban of 2003
7. Medicare Overhaul Prescription Plan (Part D) of 2003
8. Theresa Marie Schiavo Legislation of 2005
9. Emergency Economic Stabilization (TARP) of 2008
10.American Recovery And Reinvestment (Stimulus) of 2009
When one looks back on these pieces of legislation, it is clear to the author that most of these laws were destructive of the country’s economy, foreign policy, and civil liberties. No wonder that Time Magazine called the decade now ending the “Decade of Hell”!