Sandra Day O'Connor Resigns
Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, resigned her position at age 75. Later in the month, President Bush nominated 50-year-old Judge John Glover Roberts, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to replace Justice O'Connor.
August Full Aug. 2005 Archive
Katrina Devastates Gulf Coast and FEMA
As Hurricane Katrina laid waste to the Gulf Coast, FEMA, already under fire for its lackluster response, begged for patience.
That's Mr. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
The Arizona-dwelling cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls was dropped from the federal endangered species list.
September Full Sept. 2005 Archive
Rehnquist Dies, Roberts Confirmed as Chief Justice
Chief Justice of the United States William Hubbs Rehnquist died at age 80. On Sept. 29, the Senate voted 78-22 to confirm President Bush's nomination of John G. Roberts to become the 17th Chief Justice of the United States.
Rep. DeLay Indicted
After being indicted for allegedly taking part in a campaign-finance conspiracy, U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay temporarily resigned his post.
Katrina Blows Away FEMA Director
Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Brown resigned under intense criticism of both his qualifications and his handling of the federal government’s response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. President Bush named R. David Paulison, a top official in the Department of Homeland Security, as Brown's replacement.
October Full Oct. 2005 Archive
Harriet Miers Saga Leads to Alito Nomination
President as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, replacing retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. When it didn't exactly work out, Miers withdrew her nomination and President Bush nominated 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. for the job. The Senate is expected to consider the Alito nomination in January 2006.
Greenspan Steps Down
President Bush's chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Dr. Ben Bernanke replaced Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Gun Makers Win Legal Protection
In a 283-144 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives gave final Congressional approval to a controversial bill giving U.S. gun makers broad protection from civil lawsuits.
Saddam Hussein Trial Begins
The trial of Saddam Hussein began in Iraq, with that nation's former dictator entering a plea of not guilty to charges of crimes against humanity.
November Full Nov. 2005 Archive
U.S. Representative Admits Taking Bribes
U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R – California, 50th) resigned his office after pleading guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes in exchange for help in securing Defense contracts.
Who Needs a Fearless Mouse?
You have to wonder why, but National Institutes of Health researchers discovered that knocking out a specific gene in the brains of mice creates mice that are basically fearless.
Ramsey Clark to Defend Hussein
Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark joined Saddam Hussein's legal defense team. After leaving his Attorney General post, Clark stirred controversy in the late 1960s by becoming an anti-Vietnam War activist.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finally Goes Live
Enrollment in the confusing but beneficial new Medicare prescription drug program opened on November 15.
December Full Dec. 2005 Archive
Secret Wiretaps and the Patriot Act
Upset over disclosure that President Bush had authorized non-court ordered wiretaps, a bi-partisan group of Senators blocked the bill extending the life of much of the USA Patriot Act. In response, Bush and the Justice Department clicked off a list of 30 new civil liberties safeguards included in the new, improved Patriot Act.
