It's not up to Bush as much as it's up to Congress. Otherwise you are exactly right. They will never go there. It's not just that they love big government. The whole pack of them, Republicans and Democrats, are so damn paternalistic you just want to scream.
Makes one wonder about politicians who want to play mommy or daddy to the citizens while at the same time supporting abortion...
Now THAT spells trouble!
Bush can simply not appoint a head of FDA. They say that the President has to obey the non-discretionary budget. Not true. The President can simply veto it. He can say here is a list of agencies I don't like and got to go. Send me a budget without apportioning for them and I will sign it. Otherwise, I will send the budget back to you. With Republicans in charge we can get rid of at least a few of the unwanted agencies.