GAO releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they released reports, testimony and correspondence this week on topics, such as defense, homeland security and food stamps. Want to know more about the GAO? Check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Emergency Preparedness: Current Emergency Alert System Has Limitations, and Development of a New Integrated System Will Be Challenging. GAO-07-411, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-411
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07411high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-07-406SP, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-406SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07406sphigh.pdf
• Best Practices: An Integrated Portfolio Management Approach to Weapon System Investments Could Improve DOD's Acquisition Outcomes. GAO-07-388, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-388
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07388high.pdf
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Earnings Increased for Many SSA Beneficiaries after Completing VR Services, but Few Earned Enough to Leave SSA's Disability Rolls. GAO-07-332, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-332
• Foreign Assistance: Enhanced Coordination and Better Methods to Assess the Results of U.S. International Basic Education Efforts Are Needed. GAO-07-523, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-523
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07523high.pdf
• Freedom of Information Act: Processing Trends Show Importance of Improvement Plans. GAO-07-441, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-441
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07441high.pdf
• Information Security: Further Efforts Needed to Address Significant Weaknesses at the Internal Revenue Service. GAO-07-364, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-364
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07364high.pdf
• Financial Audit: Independent and Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2006. GAO-07-531, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-531
• Crude Oil: Uncertainty about Future Oil Supply Makes It Important to Develop a Strategy for Addressing a Peak and Decline in Oil Production. GAO-07-283, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-283
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07283high.pdf
• Disaster Preparedness: Better Planning Would Improve OSHA's Efforts to Protect Workers' Safety and Health in Disasters. GAO-07-193, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-193
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07193high.pdf
• Port Risk Management: Additional Federal Guidance Would Aid Ports in Disaster Planning and Recovery. GAO-07-412, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-412
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07412high.pdf
• Department of Energy: Major Construction Projects Need a Consistent Approach for Assessing Technology Readiness to Help Avoid Cost Increases and Delays. GAO-07-336, March 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-336
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07336high.pdf
• Food Stamp Program: FNS Could Improve Guidance and Monitoring to Help Ensure Appropriate Use of Noncash Categorical Eligibility. GAO-07-465, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-465
• Information Security: Sustained Progress Needed to Strengthen Controls at the Securities and Exchange Commission. GAO-07-256, March 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-256
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07256high.pdf
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: Caseload Has Grown and Taxpayers Report Being Satisfied, but Additional Measures of Efficiency and Effectiveness Are Needed. GAO-07-156, February 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-156
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07156high.pdf
• Federal Capital: Three Entities' Implementation of Capital Planning Principles Is Mixed. GAO-07-274, February 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-274
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07274high.pdf
• Telecommunications: GSA Has Accumulated Adequate Funding for Transition to New Contracts but Needs Cost Estimation Policy. GAO-07-268, February 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-268
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07268high.pdf

Correspondences

• Food and Drug Administration: Revenue Information on Certain Companies Participating in the Medical Device User Fee Program. GAO-07-571R, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-571R
  
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: Preliminary Observations on Iraqi Security Forces' Logistics and Command and Control Capabilities. GAO-07-503R, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-503R
• Posthearing Questions: Major Management Challenges at the Department of the Interior. GAO-07-659R, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-659R
• Defense Infrastructure: Environmental Cleanup of Former Naval Facilities on Vieques. GAO-07-552R, March 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-552R
• Defense Services Acquisition: Questions for the Record. GAO-07-640R, March 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-640R

Testimonies

• NASA: Issues Surrounding the Transition from the Space Shuttle to the Next Generation of Human Space Flight Systems, by Allen Li, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-07-595T, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-595T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07595thigh.pdf
• Joint Planning and Development Office: Progress and Key Issues in Planning the Transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-07-693T, March 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-693T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07693thigh.pdf
• Anthrax Detection: DHS Cannot Ensure That Sampling Activities Will Be Validated, by Keith A. Rhodes, chief technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering, applied research and methods, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-687T, March 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-687T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07687thigh.pdf
• Improper Payments: Agencies' Efforts to Address Improper Payment and Recovery Auditing Requirements Continue, by McCoy Williams, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-635T, March 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-635T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07635thigh.pdf
• Royalties Collection: Ongoing Problems with Interior's Efforts to Ensure A Fair Return for Taxpayers Require Attention, by Mark E. Gaffigan, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-07-682T, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-682T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07682thigh.pdf
• Airport Finance: Preliminary Analysis Indicates Proposed Changes in the Airport Improvement Program May Not Resolve Funding Needs for Smaller Airports, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-617T, March 28. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-617T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07617thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Future Combat System Risks Underscore the Importance of Oversight, by Paul L. Francis, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-672T, March 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-672T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07672thigh.pdf

Hearings on U.S. Attorneys

Yesterday the Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing entitled "Preserving Prosecutorial Independence: Is the Department of Justice Politicizing the Hiring and Firing of U.S. Attorneys?–Part III." You can watch the testimony and read prepared statements at this site.

Want to read more on the hearing? Check out the Washington Post article "Ex-Aid Contradicts Gonzales on Firings."

Want to read some of the documents on this controversy? Check out the previous posting on this blog.

United Nations and Space

The United States has a space program, so does Russia and the European Union, but did you know that the United Nations also has an office dedicated to space? The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs works to promote the peaceful use of space. The office has several charges, some of which are listed here:

• the activities and resources of the United Nations, the specialized agencies and other international bodies relating to the peaceful uses of outer space
• legal problems which might arise in programmes to explore outer space
• to assist in the study of measures for the promotion of international cooperation in outer space activities.

Want to know what objects have been launched into space? You can search their database, which lists both manned and unmanned spacecraft.

Want to know the latest information on space exploration and research? Check out Highlights in Space 2006.

Want more resources? Check out the library's guide on Space and Astronomy.

This weeks discovered CRS reports...

Secrecy News released information this week on how the Congressional Research Service (CRS) is further cracking down on the release of CRS reports. They received a copy of a memo to CRS staff in which CRS director Daniel P. Mullohan states "I have concluded that prior approval should now be required at the division or office level before products are distributed to members of the public." While you can always get CRS reports from congressional members, researchers, other government agencies and journalists have also been able to get reports directly from CRS, which now appears to be forbidden.

Here are the latest CRS reports found by OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

• Awards of Attorneys' Fees by Federal Courts and Federal Agencies
• Intelligence Issues for Congress
• China-U.S. Aircraft Collision Incident of April 2001: Assessments and Policy Implications
• The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
• Medicare's Skilled Nursing Facility Payments
• Long-Term Care: Consumers, Providers, Payers, and Programs
• Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music Act of 2007 (S. 256): Section-by-Section Analysis
• Stock Options: The Backdating Issue
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: FY2007 Appropriations
• An Overview of Recent U.S. Supreme Court Jurisprudence in Patent Law
• Selected Federal Compensation Programs for Physical Injury or Death
• Ethanol and Biofuels: Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Market Constraints Related to Expanded Production
• Recent Changes to the Section 8 Voucher Renewal Funding Formula
• Subprime Mortgages: Primer on Current Lending and Foreclosure Issues
• The Corporation for National and Community Service: Overview of Programs and FY2008 Funding
• Illegal Logging: Background and Issues
• Who Are the "Middle Class"?
• Congressional Redistricting: The Constitutionality of Creating an At-Large District
• U.S. Foreign Aid to Lebanon: Issues for Congress
• Medicaid Citizenship Documentation

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at Boulder, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Want to check out some other free sources of reports? Check out the library's guide.

White House and U.S. Automakers

President Bush met today with the CEOs of Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. Check out the flex-car demonstration on the lawn of the White House (transcript and video).

Want to read more about the meeting? Check out the Associated Press article "Bush, Auto Execs to talk Flex-Fuel Cars." President Bush has launched an initiative "Twenty in Ten" (announced in the State of the Union address) to reduce consumption of oil by 20% in the next ten years.

Want to know more about our energy consumption? Check out the library's guide to energy information.

GAO Releases for the week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released reports, testimony and correspondence this week on topics, such as Medicare, education, Iraq and Yellowstone Park. Want to know more about the GAO? Check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Reading First: States Report Improvements in Reading Instruction, but Additional Procedures Would Clarify Education's Role in Ensuring Proper Implementation by States. GAO-07-161, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-161
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07161high.pdf
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: DOD Should Apply Lessons Learned Concerning the Need for Security over Conventional Munitions Storage Sites to Future Operations Planning. GAO-07-444, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-444
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07444high.pdf
• Social Security Reform: Greater Transparency Needed about Potential General Revenue Financing. GAO-07-213, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-213
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07213high.pdf
• Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management: Approaches Used by Foreign Countries May Provide Useful Lessons for Managing U.S. Radioactive Waste. GAO-07-221, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-221
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07221high.pdf
• Pediatric Drug Research: Studies Conducted under Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act. GAO-07-557, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-557
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07557high.pdf
• Data Mining: Early Attention to Privacy in Developing a Key DHS Program Could Reduce Risks. GAO-07-293, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-293
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07293high.pdf
• VA Health Care: VA Should Better Monitor Implementation and Impact of Capital Asset Alignment Decisions. GAO-07-408, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-408
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07408high.pdf
• Coastal Barrier Resources System: Status of Development That Has Occurred and Financial Assistance Provided by Federal Agencies. GAO-07-356, March 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-356
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07356high.pdf

Testimonies

• No Child Left Behind Act: Education Assistance Could Help States Better Measure Progress of Students with Limited English Proficiency, by Cornelia M. Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, before the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-07-646T, March 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-646T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07646thigh.pdf
• Defense Trade: National Security Reviews of Foreign Acquisitions of U.S. Companies Could Be Improved, by Ann M. Calvaresi-Barr, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-661T, March 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-661T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07661thigh.pdf
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: DOD Should Apply Lessons Learned Concerning the Need for Security over Conventional Munitions Storage Sites to Future Operations Planning, by Davi M. D'Agostino, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-639T, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-639T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07639thigh.pdf
• Stabilizing Iraq: Preliminary Observations on Budget and Management Challenges of Iraq's Security Ministries, by Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-637T, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-637T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07637thigh.pdf
• Drug Safety: FDA Needs to Further Address Shortcomings in Its Postmarket Decision-making Process, by Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-599T, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-599T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07599thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Analysis of Costs for the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Program, by Michael J. Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and Seapower and Expeditionary Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-656T, March 22. (2 p.m.)
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-656T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07656thigh.pdf
• Federal Aviation Administration: Key Issues in Ensuring the Efficient Development and Safe Operation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, by Gerald L. Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-636T, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-636T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07636thigh.pdf
• Next Generation Air Transportation System: Progress and Challenges in Planning and Implementing the Transformation of the National Airspace System, by Susan A. Fleming, Acting Director, Physical Infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-07-649T, March 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-649T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07649thigh.pdf
• United States Government Accountability Office: Supporting the Congress through Oversight, Insight, and Foresight, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-644T, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-644T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07644thigh.pdf
• Maritime Security: Public Safety Consequences of a Liquefied Natural Gas Spill Need Clarification, by James E. Wells, Jr., director, natural resources and environment, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-633T, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-633T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07633thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Continuing Attention to Privacy Concerns is Needed as Programs Are Developed, by Linda D. Koontz, director, information management issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-630T, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-630T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07630thigh.pdf
• Foreign Assistance: U.S. Agencies Face Challenges to Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Food Aid, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade, before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. GAO-07-616T, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-616T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07616thigh.pdf
• Federal Aviation Administration: Observations on Selected Changes to FAA's Funding and Budget Structure in the Administration's Reauthorization Proposal, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-625T, March 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-625T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07625thigh.pdf
• Fiscal Year 2006 U.S. Government Financial Statements: Sustained Improvement in Federal Financial Management Is Crucial to Addressing Our Nation's Accountability and Fiscal Stewardship Challenges, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-607T, March 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-607T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07607thigh.pdf
• Medicare: Thousands of Medicare Part B Providers Abuse the Federal Tax System, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-587T, March 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-587T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07587thigh.pdf
• Critical Infrastructure: Challenges Remain in Protecting Key Sectors, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice issues, and David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-626T, March 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-626T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07626thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Operational, Technological, and Management Challenges, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-632T, March 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-632T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07632thigh.pdf
• Yellowstone National Park: Preliminary Observations on the Implementation of the Interagency Bison Management Plan, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-07-638T, March 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-638T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07638thigh.pdf

Special Publication

• GAO's Performance Plan for Fiscal Year 2008. GAO-07-421SP, March 2007.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-421SP

Presentations by Comptroller General

• "Improving Performance, Transparency, and Accountability Through Use of Key National Indicators" before the OECD Workshop on Indicators for Developing, Monitoring, and Analyzing Agri-Environmental Policies, in Washington. GAO-07-642CG, March 19. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07642cg.pdf
• "Fiscal Facts and Keeping America Great" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States. The John Hazen White Lecture at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. GAO-07-648CG, March 15. [text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07648cg.pdf

New royalty rates for Internet Radio stations

How many of you listen to radio stations on the Internet or through satellite radios? Many do at work or in the car, but what most people don't know about are the recent proposed changes to how those stations pay royalties for the music they play. On March 2nd, the Copyright Review Board, a branch of the Copyright Office at the Library of Congress, announced new royalty rates, and plans to retroactively enforce them to January 1, 2006.

The heart of the controversy centers around the issue of royalty fees for artists whose music is played on Internet radio stations, both the large corporate sites like Live365 and Yahoo, and the smaller basement broadcasters feeding their internet hobby through playing their favorite music. The Digital Performance Rights in Sound Recordings Act requires Internet, cable and satellite radio stations to submit royalties to record companies in exchange for playing their artists' songs. There are various rate catagories but the highest current rate is 10.9% of the station's annual revenue.

The new rates level a graduated tax ($0.0008 for 2006 to $0.019 by 2010) based on performance numbers rather than by revenue. A performance is defined as one song to one listener. For example, stations usually play 16 songs per hour. For a station with 500 listeners, that is 16 songs x $0.0011 per song (2007 rate) x 500 listeners = $8.80 an hour. Most internet stations broadcast 24 hrs a day so that is $211.20 a day. Take that times 365 days and the yearly fee to run an internet station with 500 listeners would be $77,088.00.

On one hand the Recording Industry Association of America, who proposed the new rates, says they want to make sure artisits get the royalties due them. On the other hand, opposers of the new rates say many stations will be unable to pay these much higher fee and many will go out of business. Feel strongly one way or the other? Let your Senator or Representative know!

For more information on copyright, go to the library's Copyright Subject Guide.

World Water Day

Today has been designated World Water day by the United Nations. Want to learn more? Here are some blog postings from the United Nations affiliated organizations:

• UNESCO: World Water Day: Coping With Scarcity Did you know that 40% of the population lacks access to basic water treatment facilities?
• World Bank: Water and Poverty Almost 2 million children die each year due to lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation.

Want some additional resources? Check out the UNDP's Human Development Report, Beyond Scarcity or the UN's World Water Development Report.

If you still need more information, check out the library's guide to water resources.

Deparement of Justice releases information on U.S. Attorney firings

The story has been in the news for a while now, but there is now quite a collection of correspondence from the Department of Justice office, in a bunch of different places.

What story? It is the debate over the firing of eight U.S. attorneys in 2006. There is discussion of whether the attorneys were fired for political reasons or for job performance. The Department of Justice released another 3000 pages of documents last night. The problem is that there is no one source for these materials, but here are three sources:

• U.S. House Judiciary Committee currently the documents are under What's New. There are also selected materials listed under documents on demand. Unfortunately, you will just have to click on each item to see what it is about since there is no index.
  
• National Public Radio Selected emails are listed on the left next to the story.
• Washington Post In addition to linking to all the stories on this topic, you can also find links to selected documents on the right.

CRS reports to check out

I have found a few regularly updated sources for Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports, so the blog will now start featuring a list of new CRS reports on Tuesdays.

What are CRS reports? They are reports written by the CRS for members of Congress. They usually range from 6 to 20 pages long and are written in a clear and concise manner. These reports cover anything of interest to Congress, which can mean you will can find a report on defense spending or maybe a report on the effects of climate change.

Here are this weeks reports:

• Iraq: Tribal Structure, Social, and Political Activities
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Overview, FY2008 Budget in Brief, and Key Issues for Congress
• The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and Single-Employer Plan Terminations
• Railroad Retirement Board Annuities for Widows and Widowers
• Forestry in the 2007 Farm Bill
• School Finance Litigation
• The FY2008 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• The 2006 Increase in U.S. Motor Vehicle Imports from Japan
• Health Care Spending and the Aging of the Population
• The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA): Background and Issues for PDUFA IV Reauthorization
• The Whistleblower Protection Act: An Overview
• The Budget for Fiscal Year 2008
• Aviation Finance: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization and Related Issues
• District of Columbia School Reform Proposal: Authority of the D.C. Council To Implement
• The Charter of the American National Red Cross: Current Issues and Proposed Changes
• Institutional Eligibility for Participation in Title IV Student Aid Programs Under the Higher Education Act: Background and Reauthorization Issues
• Mining on Federal Lands: Hardrock Minerals
• Project BioShield: Appropriations, Acquisitions, and Policy Implementation Issues for Congress
• Largest Mergers and Acquisitions by Corporations, 2006
• China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities -- Background and Issues for Congress
• Data Security Breaches: Context and Incident Summaries
• Bolivia: Political and Economic Developments and Implications for U.S. Policy
• The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

These links are coming to you courtesy of OpenCRS and Secrecy News.

Want access to historical reports back to 1916? Those of you either here on campus or affiliated with campus can access the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has full-text access.

For those of you without campus access, check out the library's guide.

Iraq, Four years

Today the President spoke on the fourth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. You can read, listen to or watch his eight minute speech from this morning. You can also read more from the White House on Iraq, in their guide "Renewal in Iraq."

Want some analysis of his speech? Check out the Washington Post's "Bush Warns U.S. Security will suffer if troops withdraw from Iraq."

Want more information on the military or operations in Iraq? Check out the library's War Against Terrorism or Military guides.

GAO releases for the week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released reports, testimony and correspondence this week on topics, such as homeland security, fiscal responsibility, and nuclear proliferation. Want to know more about the GAO? Check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Defense Acquisitions: Key Decisions to Be Made on Future Combat System. GAO-07-376, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-376
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07376high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy Generates Results but Delivers Less at a Higher Cost. GAO-07-387, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-387
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07387high.pdf
• Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief: Continued Findings of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. GAO-07-300, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-300
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07300high.pdf
• Reagan National Airport: Update on Capacity to Handle Additional Flights and Impact on Other Area Airports. GAO-07-352, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-352
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07352high.pdf
• Joint Strike Fighter: Progress Made and Challenges Remain. GAO-07-360, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-360
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07360high.pdf
• Financial Market Regulation: Agencies Engaged in Consolidated Supervision Can Strengthen Performance Measurement and Collaboration. GAO-07-154, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-154
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07154high.pdf
• Maritime Security: Public Safety Consequences of a Terrorist Attack on a Tanker Carrying Liquefied Natural Gas Need Clarification. GAO-07-316, February 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-316
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07316high.pdf
• Financial Audit: Capitol Preservation Fund's Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004 Financial Statements. GAO-07-335, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-335
• Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE's International Radiological Threat Reduction Program Needs to Focus Future Efforts on Securing the Highest Priority Radiological Sources. GAO-07-282, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-282
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07282high.pdf
• Foreign Assistance: Actions Needed to Better Assess the Impact of Agencies' Marking and Publicizing Efforts. GAO-07-277, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-277
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07277high.pdf
• Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005. GAO-07-462, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-462

Correspondences

• Military Personnel: Medical, Family Support, and Educational Services Are Available for Exceptional Family Members. GAO-07-317R, March 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-317R
• Railroad Safety--Responses to Posthearing Questions. GAO-07-610R, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-610R

Testimonies

• Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-547T, March 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-547T
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: Preliminary Observations on Iraqi Security Forces' Logistical Capabilities, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-582T, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-582T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07582thigh.pdf
• Federal Housing Administration: Ability to Manage Risks and Program Changes Will Affect Financial Performance, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-615T, March 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-615T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07615thigh.pdf
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS's Decision to Procure and Deploy the Next Generation of Radiation Detection Equipment Is Not Supported by Its Cost-Benefit Analysis, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-581T, March 14. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-581T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07581thigh.pdf
• Nuclear Nonproliferation: Focusing on the Highest Priority Radiological Sources Could Improve DOE's Efforts to Secure Sources in Foreign Countries, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-580T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-580T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07580thigh.pdf
• Stabilizing Iraq: Factors Impeding the Development of Capable Iraqi Security Forces, by Joseph A. Christoff, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-612T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-612T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07612thigh.pdf
• Veterans' Disability Benefits: Processing of Claims Continues to Present Challenges, by Daniel Bertoni, acting director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-562T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-562T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07562thigh.pdf
• Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of March 13, 2007, by Terrell G. Dorn, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations.GAO-07-601T, March 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-601T

Presentations by the Comptroller General

• "Improving Performance, Transparency, and Accountability in the Federal Government" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Federal Financial Management Conference, in Washington, D.C. GAO-07-603CG, March 13. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07603cg.pdf
• "America's Fiscal Future: A Call for Citizen Involvement" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States. The Flory Public Policy Lecture at McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas. GAO-07-613CG, March 11. [Text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07613cg.pdf
• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour in Cincinnati, Ohio, GAO-07-624CG, March 9. [Slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07624cg.pdf
• "Fiscal Stewardship and Defense Transformation" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland. GAO-07-600CG, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07600cg.pdf

UFOs

For my last post of Sunshine week I thought I would highlight some government documents on UFOs. There is of course the well known discussion of Roswell (see the FBI, Air Force, and Department of Defense). But what did they know when? Check out the article "CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947-90" this article discusses the possible fears of the U.S. government that UFOs were advanced technologies from the USSR and the various government initiatives researching UFOs.

Want more reports? The library has created a guide to UFOs.

Scientific Writing class

This is a blog entry for the ENVS3020 class. Feel free to discuss issues or any other discussions from the class here in the blog. This blog is monitored by librarians, so feel free to ask questions of us as well as each other. The handout used in this class is available online.

Happy Birthday Albert Einstein!

Today is Albert Einstein's birthday. In celebration of his birthday why not check out the FBI's files on Albert Einstein? He was investigated due to his numerous ties as a member, sponsor, or honorary Charmain of numerous groups associated with the Communist Party.

As mentioned before this is Sunshine week (see Monday's entry) and the files on Einstein are available due to Freedom of Information Act requests. There are numerous files available at the FBI to view online, check out their Electronic Reading Room for reports on people such as Marilyn Monroe or groups like the Quakers.

Want to read more previously classified documents? For those of you on campus, check out the Declassified Documents Reference Service or Digital National Security Archive databases.

For the rest of you, check out the library's guide to declassified documents which has numerous links to free sources on the web.

Does the Census have current data on America?

For those of you here in Boulder, I will be doing a drop-in session this afternoon from 4-5 in E160 (right across from the reference desk on the first floor) entitled "Does the Census have current data on America?"

Data from Census 2000 too old for you now? With the new American Community Survey, some cities and counties will have access to annual demographic and socio-economic estimates from the Census. By 2010, every county, Census place (city or town) and Census tract will have new data every year, not just every ten years. Come learn about the American Community Survey and see a demonstration of the American Factfinder website.

The handout for the class is available online.

State of the World's Forests

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has released the 2007 edition of the State of the World's Forests. This annual report examines the forest cover of the world and has specific reports on each countries growth or loss of forest cover. Did you know that from 1990 to 2005, the world lost three percent of its total forest area, an average decrease of some 0.2 percent per year, according to FAO data. From 2000 to 2005, 57 countries reported an increase in forest area, and 83 reported a decrease. However, the net forest loss remains at 7.3 million hectares per year or 20,000 hectares per day, equivalent to an area twice the size of Paris.

For a quick overview of the report, check out the FAO's press release.

Want to learn more about the FAO? Check out the library's guide.

Want more forestry resources? Check out the library's guide.

Selected recent CRS reports

In continued celebration of Sunshine week, today I want to highlight Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports. As mentioned last week, while CRS reports are not classified, the average citizen can only get these reports by requesting them from his or her Senator or Representative. Here are this weeks reports from OpenCRS and Federation of American Scientists:

• Follow-On Biologics: Intellectual Property and Innovation Issues
• House Committee Funding, 110th Congress
• Climate Change: The Role of the U.S. Agriculture Sector
• Modifying the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): Revenue Costs and Potential Revenue Offsets
• Supreme Court Decision in Jones v. Bock: Exhaustion Requirements under the Prison Litigation Reform Act
• Genetic Discrimination: Overview of the Issue and Proposed Legislation
• The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: A Framework for Evaluation
• Senate Committee Expenditures Resolutions, 110th Congress, and Funding Authorizations, 104th - 110th Congresses
• Living Organ Donation and Valuable Consideration
• China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues
• National Guard Personnel and Deployments: Fact Sheet
• Drug Trafficking and North Korea: Issues for U.S. Policy

Want to learn more about the Congressional Research Service? Check out the library's guide.

For those of you on campus who would like access to historical reports, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database which has CRS reports back to 1916 in full-text.

President Bush in Latin America

President Bush is touring Latin America this week (and this past weekend). You can view the speeches and press releases for this trip on the White House web site.

Want to see what people are saying about the various stops on the trip? Check out the Washington Post's On the Plane it allows you to see stories and blog postings on this trip.

And if all this talk of politics has made you want to look at some pictures, check out the Washington Post's slide show of the visit.

Want to learn more about the countries on this tour? Check out the library's foreign country guide.

Sunshine Week

This is the week of the year when journalists and others highlight the citizens ability (or inability) to get at government records. The House is scheduled to vote this week on the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007. The Senate Judiciary committee will be holding a hearing, "Open Government: Reinvigorating the Freedom of Information Act" this Wednesday.

Want to read a little more on how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is used? Check out the Denver Post article "Big week for freedom of information."

Want to learn more FOIA itself? Check out the library's guide.

Finally, for those of you who love to read those previously hidden government documents, check out the library's guide to declassified documents.

GAO releases for the week

This week the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released information on higher education accreditation, under inflated tires, and nuclear weapons. Want to know more about the GAO? Check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Higher Education: Issues Related to Law School Accreditation. GAO-07-314, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-314
• World Trade Organization: Congress Faces Key Decisions as Efforts to Reach Doha Agreement Intensify. GAO-07-379, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-379
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07379high.pdf
• VA Student Financial Aid: Management Actions Needed to Reduce Overlap in Approving Education and Training Programs and to Assess State Approving Agencies. GAO-07-384, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-384
• Medicare: Improvements Needed to Address Improper Payments for Medical Equipment and Supplies. GAO-07-59, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-59
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0759high.pdf
• Aviation Safety: Improved Data Collection Needed for Effective Oversight of Air Ambulance Industry. GAO-07-353, February 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-353
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07353high.pdf

Testimony

• Homeland Security: Preparing for and Responding to Disasters, by William O. Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-395T, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-395T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07395thigh.pdf
• DOD and VA Health Care: Challenges Encountered by Injured Servicemembers during Their Recovery Process, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-606T, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-606T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07606thigh.pdf
• Coast Guard: Status of Efforts to Improve Deepwater Program Management and Address Operational Challenges, by Stephen L. Caldwell, acting director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-575T, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-575T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07575thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Issues Concerning Airlift and Tanker Programs, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management issues, and William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management issues, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-566T, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-566T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07566thigh.pdf
• Passenger Rail Security: Federal Strategy and Enhanced Coordination Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts, by Norman J. Rabkin, managing director, homeland security and justice issues, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-583T, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-583T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07583thigh.pdf
• Veterans' Disability Benefits: Long-Standing Claims Processing Challenges Persist, by Daniel Bertoni, acting director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-512T, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-512T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07512thigh.pdf
• Elections: All Levels of Government Are Needed to Address Electronic Voting System Challenges, by Randolph C. Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems, before the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-576T, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-576T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07576thigh.pdf
• Private Pensions: Increased Reliance on 401(k) Plans Calls for Better Information on Fees, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-07-530T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-530T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07530thigh.pdf
• Medicare Spending: Preliminary Findings Regarding an Approach Focusing on Physician Practice Patterns to Foster Program Efficiency, by A. Bruce Steinwald, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-567T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-567T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07567thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Federal Workforce Challenges in the 21st Century, by J. Christopher Mihm, managing director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-556T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-556T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07556thigh.pdf
• Performance and Accountability: Transportation Challenges Facing Congress and the Department of Transportation, by Patricia A. Dalton, managing director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-545T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-545T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07545thigh.pdf
• Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy: Preliminary Observations on Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, by Katherine Siggerud, director, physical infrastructure, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-07-551T, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-551T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07551thigh.pdf
• DOD and VA Health Care: Challenges Encountered by Injured Servicemembers during Their Recovery Process, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-589T, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-589T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07589thigh.pdf

Correspondence

• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the General Federation of Women's Clubs for Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004. GAO-07-469R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-469R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Reports for the Blinded Veterans Association for Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004. GAO-07-470R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-470R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Reports for the National Conference on Citizenship for Fiscal Years 2003 through 2005. GAO-07-471R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-471R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the Reserve Officers Association of the United States for Fiscal Year 2005. GAO-07-472R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-472R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the Military Chaplains Association for the United States of America for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2003. GAO-07-473R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-473R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the National Federation of Music Clubs for Fiscal Year 2004. GAO-07-474R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-474R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the National Society, Daughters of the American Colonists for Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004. GAO-07-475R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-475R
• Federally Chartered Corporation: Financial Statement Audit Report for the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., for Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004. GAO-07-476R, March 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-476R
• Military Personnel: DMDC Data on Officers' Commissioning Programs is Insufficiently Reliable and Needs to be Corrected. GAO-07-372R, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-372R
• National Institutes of Health Extramural Research Grants: Oversight of Cost Reimbursements to Universities. GAO-07-294R, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-294R
• Defense Acquisitions: Air Force Decision to Include a Passenger and Cargo Capability in Its Replacement Refueling Aircraft Was Made without Required Analyses. GAO-07-367R, March 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-367R
• Nuclear Weapons: Annual Assessment of the Safety, Performance, and Reliability of the Nation's Stockpile. GAO-07-243R, February 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-243R
• Foreign Assistance: U.S. Assistance to the West Bank and Gaza for Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006. GAO-07-443R, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-443R
• Section 1206 Security Assistance Program--Findings on Criteria, Coordination, and Implementation. GAO-07-416R, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-416R
• Underinflated Tires in the United States. GAO-07-246R, February 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-246R

Presentations by Comptroller General

• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour at the Citadel School of Business Administration, in Charleston, South Carolina. GAO-07-602CG, March 6. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07602cg.pdf
• "Fiscal and Health Care Challenges" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Federation of American Hospitals' annual public policy conference, in Washington. GAO-07-577CG, March 5. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07577cg.pdf
• "GAO's Initiatives to Improve Performance, Transparency, and Accountability in the Federal Government" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, at a senior level coordination meeting between GAO and the Congressional Research Service, in Washington. GAO-07-569CG, March 2. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07569cg.pdf

UN Peace Operations

The United Nations has peacekeeping operations going on all across the globe. They have released the 2006 year in review report on operations.

There are currently 16 peacekeeping operations going on and there have been 61 since 1946. Check out this map of operations on the second page you can find out how long the operation has been going on, the number of fatalities and cost.

The top 10 contributors of personnel to this missions are:
Pakistan (9,867), Bangladesh (9,681), India (9,483), Jordon (3,820), Ghana (2,694), Nepal (2,607), Uruguay (2,586), Italy (2,462), Nigeria (2,408), and France (1,988). The rest of the world contributes 32,772 personnel. These numbers are also illustrated on a graph that shows how in recent years the number of personnel in missions has increased.

Want to know more about the United Nations? Check out the library's guide.

Human Rights report

The U.S. Department of State has released the Human Rights report for 2006. This report looks at the human rights record in the past year for 196 countries. This report is submitted annually to Congress (see past reports online).

Want to know who is covered? The law (Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) states that the Department of State must submit "a full and complete report regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights, within the meaning of subsection (A) in countries that receive assistance under this part, and (B) in all other foreign countries which are members of the United Nations and which are not otherwise the subject of a human rights report under this Act." In other words, it is all countries who receive funding for human rights projects and all the members of the United Nations.

Want some analysis of this year's report? The Washington Post has an article "State Dept. Human Rights Report Faults China's Curbs on Internet." You could also listen to a report on NPR focusing on the plight of Non-Governmental Organizations "Rights Report Focuses on Plight of NGOs."

Want more information on human rights? Check out the library's guide.

Libby found guilty on 4 of 5 counts

The jury, after 10 days of deliberation, found I. Lewis Libby, former Chief of Staff for Vice President Cheney, guilty of 4 counts: obstruction of justice, false statements (in regards to a conversation with NBC's Tim Russert), perjury (in regards to same conversation), perjury (in regards to other reporters, including Time magazine report Matthew Cooper). He was found innocent of false statements in regards to a conversation with Cooper.

In case you haven't heard the background, Libby has been found guilty of misleading FBI agents investigating the leaking of the identity of Valerie Plame, a former CIA agent, who was married to former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV.

The verdict form filled out by the jury is not on at U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, but you can see a copy obtained by the Washington Post. Judge Reggie B. Walton will now have to make a ruling on sentencing.

Want to read more? Check out the Washington Post's "Libby Found Guilty in CIA Leak Case." On the same page as this article you can also find information such as the inditment and evidence in the case.

Some recent CRS reports

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research branch of the Library of Congress. They write short reports at the request of Congress. Unlike most government groups the CRS does not release the reports they write. They are not classified, but the reports can only be released by a member of Congress. There is no index produced to this material, so the first step is finding out a report exists and then making a request of your representative or senator.

Fortunately this documents are not copyrighted, so there are groups that gather these reports and put them up on the web. One of these is OpenCRS, whose mission is to encourage Congress to provide access to all CRS reports.

Here are some recent reports loaded on OpenCRS:

• Spain: Current Issues and U.S. Policy
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): FY2007 Appropriations and FY2008 Budget
• Unaccompanied Alien Children: Policies and Issues
• Tracking Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Resources
• Election Reform: Issues and Legislative Proposals in the 109th Congress
• District of Columbia School Reform Proposals: Congress's Possible Role in the Charter Amendment Process>
• Post-Katrina Insurance Issues Surrounding Water Damage Exclusions in Homeowners' Insurance Policies
• Iraq: Elections, Constitution, and Government
• Airport Improvement Program: Issues for Congress
• U.S.-World Merchandise Trade Data: 1948-2006
• Iran's Nuclear Program: Recent Developments
• Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security
• Business Tax Issues in 2007

As you can see these reports cover everything from Katrina recovery to Iraq to trade information.

Want to see more reports? For those of you on campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916. For everyone else, check out the library's guide to find a list of additional free sources of reports.

Walter Reed Hearing

Today the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing examining the the conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. The witness list and links to testimony is available online.

The Washington Post broke this story a week ago, if you want to see their take on the hearings check out "Apologies, Anger at Walter Reed Hearing."

Want to hear the President's reaction check out the Press Briefing by Tony Snow.

GAO Releases for the week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of the legislative branch (Congress). These are their releases for this week. Want to know more? Check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Defense Inventory: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Management of DOD's Acquisition Lead Times for Spare Parts. GAO-07-281, March 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-281
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07281high.pdf
• GSA Leasing: Initial Implementation of the National Broker Services Contracts Demonstrates Need for Improvements. GAO-07-17, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-17
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0717high.pdf
• Disaster Assistance: Better Planning Needed for Housing Victims of Catastrophic Disasters. GAO-07-88, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-88
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0788high.pdf
• Hurricane Katrina: Agency Contracting Data Should Be More Complete Regarding Subcontracting Opportunities for Small Businesses. GAO-07-205, March 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-205
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07205high.pdf
• Energy Efficiency: Long-standing Problems with DOE's Program for Setting Efficiency Standards Continue to Result in Forgone Energy Savings. GAO-07-42, January 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-42
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0742high.pdf
• Architect of the Capitol: Committed, Sustained Leadership Needed to Continue Progress. GAO-07-407, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-407
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07407high.pdf
• Financial Audit: American Battle Monuments Commission's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005. GAO-07-321, March 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-321
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07321high.pdf
• Highlights of a GAO Forum: Engaging and Retaining Older Workers. GAO-07-438SP, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-438SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07438sphigh.pdf
• Hurricane Katrina: Allocation and Use of $2 Billion for Medicaid and Other Health Care Needs. GAO-07-67, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-67
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0767high.pdf
• Foreign Assistance: USAID Signature Tsunami Reconstruction Efforts in Indonesia and Sri Lanka Exceed Initial Cost and Schedule Estimates, and Face Further Risks. GAO-07-357, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-357
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07357high.pdf
• Aviation Security: TSA's Staffing Allocation Model Is Useful for Allocating Staff Among Airports, but Its Assumptions Should Be Systematically Reassessed. GAO-07-299, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-299
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07299high.pdf
• Youthbuild Program: Analysis of Outcome Data Needed to Determine Long-Term Benefits. GAO-07-82, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-82
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0782high.pdf

Testimony

• Federal Financial Management: Critical Accountability and Fiscal Stewardship Challenges Facing Our Nation, by David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-542T, March 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-542T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07542thigh.pdf
• Children's Health Insurance: States' SCHIP Enrollment and Spending Experiences and Considerations for Reauthorization, by Kathryn G. Allen, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-558T, March 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-558T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07558thigh.pdf
• Information Security: Veterans Affairs Needs to Address Long-Standing Weaknesses, by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-532T, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-532T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07532thigh.pdf
• Older Workers: Some Best Practices and Strategies for Engaging and Retaining Older Workers, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-07-433T, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-433T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07433thigh.pdf
• Advanced Energy Technologies: Key Challenges to Their Development and Deployment, by Jim Wells, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-550T, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-550T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07550thigh.pdf
• Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Planning and Management Improvements Needed to Control Risks, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice issues, and Randolph C. Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems issues, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-504T, February 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-504T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07504thigh.pdf
• Tobacco Settlement: States' Allocations of Payments from Tobacco Companies for Fiscal Years 2000 through 2005, by Lisa Shames, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. GAO-07-534T, February 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-534T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07534thigh.pdf

Correspondence

• The Department of Energy: Key Steps Needed to Help Ensure the Success of the New Loan Guarantee Program for Innovative Technologies by Better Managing Its Financial Risk. GAO-07-339R, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-339R
• NASA: Enhanced Use Leasing Program Needs Additional Controls. GAO-07-306R, March 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-306R
• Improper Payments: Posthearing Responses on a December 5, 2006, Hearing to Assess the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002. GAO-07-533R, February 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-533R
• Defense Management: DLA Has Made Progress in Improving Prime Vendor Program, but Has Not Yet Completed All Corrective Actions. GAO-07-396R, February 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-396R

Presentations by Comptroller General

• "Medicare: Taking Care of Your Future" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Pepper Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. GAO-07-526CG, February 22. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07526cg.pdf
• "Fiscal, Retirement, and Health Care Challenges" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association's 2007 Savings and Retirement Symposium, in Washington. GAO-07-544CG, March 1. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07544cg.pdf