President Bush challenged Congress with his sweeping agenda to improve education, boost energy production, provide tax relief and give patients legal protection. My conservative colleagues and I have joined the President to make life better for all Americans. I have worked alongside the President for the last 6 months to make sure that his vision for a more productive, compassionate and protected America becomes a reality.

George W. Bush was the first President to make education his top priority -- the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed his "Leave No Child Behind Act" that focuses on the child - not on Washington bureaucrats. Parents in East Tennessee can be sure that accountability, flexibility and local control are the cornerstones of this education plan. The President and I also agree about the importance of Character Education in our schools. I sponsored an amendment to double the funding for character education across the county. It was a privilege to play a role in this monumental legislation that will improve public education at the local level.

All across the country, individuals and families are receiving tax refund checks because taxpayers have been overcharged and deserve some of their money back. The economy needed a stimulus and the President deserves the credit for ignoring the "pundits" and doing the right thing by allowing the folks who earn the money to get some of it back.

The President also stated a desire to sign legislation that will truly protect patients. Individuals need to have some legal recourse once all of their appeals have been exhausted against a Managed Care Organization if they have been denied healthcare. President Bush is expected to sign this much-needed Patient Bill of Rights in the coming months. The House recently passed this legislation with my support on August 2nd.

Another top priority for President Bush and me is to strengthen our national defense by making sure that our men and woman in uniform have the best equipment, resources and training available to protect this great country. We are also concerned about the quality of life in the armed forces. Recently, the President signed a Supplemental Appropriations bill that came out of my Committee to fund additional pay, benefits and health care to our military this year. A "top to bottom" military review is underway and we are working together to prepare our troops for any threat that may come in this ever-changing world.

Many of us here in East Tennessee have also been worried about the high price of gasoline and home heating costs. Our nation's energy crisis is a critical concern for President Bush and Vice President Cheney. They tackled this problem early by creating a comprehensive plan that involves slowing the growth of demand, encouraging conservation and increasing supplies. I have long believed that we cannot conserve our way out of this problem nor can we pump our way out - we have to do both and President Bush's plan is right on track to bring down energy costs today while preparing us for tomorrow's energy demands.

Another high priority for President Bush is his faith-based initiative program. The government should not have a monopoly on helping people. In fact, many faith-based and non-profit groups do a much better job of helping people than the government. The initial bill, which passed by the House two weeks ago, will enable these "armies of compassion" to do even more to help people in need.

President Bush's priorities are a blueprint for the future of America - strong schools, free enterprise, limited government, a prepared military and hope for those who need it most. His leadership and our support will create a future full of opportunity for every person who wants it.