The decline of the bee?

Much has been said recently in the news media about the surprising die offs of bee colonies in the United States. At this point there is no single culprit that has been identified as a cause. The US Department of Agriculture has gathered many of the newspaper, radio and government documents on this decline in a single site.

On March 29th, there was even a Congressional hearing "Public Hearing to review the colony collapse disorder in honey bee colonies across the United States" (scroll down to March 29th for the witness statements).

Want to learn more about beekeeping? Check out the beekeeping website from the Department of Agriculture. It has links to in-depth publications as well as quick fact sheets, such as "Beekeeping for Beginners."

Want print materials to take home and read through as you wait for the honey to flow? If you are here in Colorado, we have a number of publications you can borrow from the library. Try such search terms as "bee culture" (another word for beekeeping), "bees and agriculture" or "bee culture Colorado."

Still want more resources on agriculture? Check out the library's guide.

Look what's been discovered ... from the CRS

It's Tuesday and once more we can look at Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports. The CRS is a research agency for the U.S. Congress and writes reports at their request. This week brings us reports on the appropriations, climate change, terrorism, and much more. This is NOT a complete list of recent reports, only members of Congress have access to a complete list, but these are reports requested from Congress by members of the public, like you. If you want to request a report, just talk to your local Representative or Senator. These are the reports that OpenCRS and Secrecy News found and released this week:

• Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Issues and Reform Proposals in the 110th Congress
• Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Request for Appropriations
• Energy Savings Act of 2007 (S. 1321): Summary of Major Provisions
• Social Security: The Chilean Approach to Retirement
• Immigration Fraud: Policies, Investigations, and Issues
• Lobbying Reform Legislation: Side-by-Side Analysis of Lobbying Provisions in S. 1 and H.R. 2316, 110th Congress
• The Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: Massachusetts v. EPA
• WTO Compliance Status of the Conservation Security Program (CSP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
• U.S. Food and Agricultural Imports: Safeguards and Selected Issues
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: FY2008 Appropriations
• U.S.-Funded Assistance Programs in China
  
• North Korean Provocative Actions, 1950-2007
  
• North Korea: Terrorism List Removal?
  
• The North Korean Economy: Overview and Policy Analysis
  
• Presidential Directives: Background and Overview
• Terrorist Precursor Crimes: Issues and Options for Congress

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

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Memorial Day

President Bush paid tribute to veterans today with a visit to the tomb of the unknown soldier. You can read his statement online (where you can also watch or listen to it from the right sidebar).

The Department of Defense has set up a special page to honor Memorial Day. From this page you can view memorial day tributes as well as press releases from various government officials.

Want to find more military information? Check out the library's guide.

From the Government Accountability Office

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as mining, homeland security and education. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Veterans' Employment and Training Service: Labor Could Improve Information on Reemployment Services, Outcomes, and Program Impact. GAO-07-594, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-594
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07594high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Success of Advanced SEAL Delivery System Hinges on Establishing a Sound Contracting Strategy and Performance Criteria. GAO-07-745, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-745
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07745high.pdf
• Securing, Stabilizing, and Reconstructing Afghanistan: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight. GAO-07-801SP, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-801SP
• Information Security: FBI Needs to Address Weaknesses in Critical Network. GAO-07-368, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-368
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07368high.pdf
• Defense Infrastructure: Actions Needed to Guide DOD's Efforts to Identify, Prioritize, and Assess Its Critical Infrastructure. GAO-07-461, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-461
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07461high.pdf
• Great Lakes: EPA and States Have Made Progress in Implementing the BEACH Act, but Additional Actions Could Improve Public Health Protection. GAO-07-591, May 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-591
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07591high.pdf
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Improved Information and Practices May Enhance State Agency Earnings Outcomes for SSA Beneficiaries. GAO-07-521, May 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-521
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07521high.pdf
• Ambulance Providers: Costs and Expected Medicare Margins Vary Greatly. GAO-07-383, May 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-383
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07383high.pdf

Testimonies

• Foreign Assistance: Various Challenges Limit the Efficiency and Effectiveness of U.S. Food Aid, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-07-905T, May 24. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-905T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07905thigh.pdf
• Federal Real Property: An Update on High Risk Issues, by Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-895T, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-895T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07895thigh.pdf
• Energy Markets: Mergers and Other Factors That Influence Gasoline Prices, by Thomas J. McCool, Director, Applied Research and Methods, before the Joint Economic Committee. GAO-07-894T, May 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-894T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07894thigh.pdf
• Tax Debt Collection: Measuring Taxpayer Opinions Regarding Private Collection Agencies, by Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, before the House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-07-890T, May 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-890T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07890thigh.pdf
• Internet Access Tax Moratorium: Revenue Impacts Will Vary by State, by James R. White, Director, Strategic Issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-07-896T, May 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-896T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07896thigh.pdf
• Energy Markets: Factors That Influence Gasoline Prices, by Thomas J. McCool, Director, Applied Research and Methods, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-902T, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-902T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07902thigh.pdf
• United States Government Accountability Office: Status of GAO's Human Capital Transformation Efforts, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before a joint hearing of subcommittees of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-872T, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-872T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07872thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Efforts to Enhance Diversity and Ensure a Fair and Inclusive Workplace at GAO, by Ronald A. Stroman, managing director, office of opportunity and inclusiveness, before a joint hearing of subcommittees of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-901T, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-901T
• Pediatric Drug Research: The Study and Labeling of Drugs for Pediatric Use under the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, by Marcia G. Crosse, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-898T, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-898T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07898thigh.pdf
• Rail Safety: The Federal Railroad Administration Is Better Targeting Safety Risks, but Needs to Assess Results to Determine the Impact of Its Efforts, by Katherine A. Siggerud, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-07-841T, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-841T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07841thigh.pdf

Correspondences

• Unified Motor Carrier Fee System: Progress Made but Challenges to Implementing New System Remain. GAO-07-771R, May 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-771R
• Compacts of Free Association: Micronesia's and the Marshall Islands' Use of Sector Grants. GAO-07-514R, May 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-514R
• Internal Control: Improvements Needed in the Library of Congress' Capitol Preservation Fund-Related Internal Controls. GAO-07-732R, May 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-732R
• Managerial Cost Accounting Practices at the Department of the Interior. GAO-07-298R, May 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-298R
• Defense Infrastructure: Full Costs and Security Implications of Cheyenne Mountain Realignment Have Not Been Determined. GAO-07-803R, May 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-803R

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the group concerned with health within the United Nations System. They deal with health issues from AIDS to Avian Influenza.

There are two major areas of their web site that might be of interest to those of you looking at world health issues. The first section is the Countries page. On this page all the members of the United Nations are listed and on each page is some basic statistics, including life expectancy. There are also links to any programs or outbreaks dealing with health.

The second section of interest is the Health Topics page. This page links to in-depth looks at health issues on a global scale. There is information in here on the topics you might expect such as AIDS and tuberculosis, but there is also links to information on topics you may not expect to find, such as Alcohol and Drinking water.

Finally, the World Health Organization produces a number of publications, many of which are freely available online. Today they released World Health Statistics 2007. This third edition includes a section with 10 highlights of global health statistics for the past year as well as an expanded set of 50 health statistics for all 193 UN member countries.

Want some more health information? Check out the library's guide.

Living on Food Stamps for a week

House Representatives Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) spent this week attempting to live on food stamps. This was part of an effort to illustrate their quest for an increase in food stamp funding. They are all co-sponsors of H.R.2129, "To strengthen the Food Stamp Act of 1977. "

Want to read about their varying levels of success eating on $3 a day? They started a blog where they link to articles on the experience as well as discuss the hardships. (Rep. Ryan had his peanut butter and jam confiscated at airport security and had only cornflakes for the last day.)

Interested in knowing more about food assistance? Food assistance is provided by the Department of Agriculture, here is their web page on Nutrition Assistance Programs.

From CRS this week

It's Tuesday and once more we can look at Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports. The CRS is a research agency for the U.S. Congress and writes reports at their request. This week brings us reports on the military, freedom of speech, trade, and much more. This is NOT a complete list of recent reports, only members of Congress have access to a complete list, but these are reports requested from Congress by members of the public, like you. If you want to request a report, just talk to your local Representative or Senator. These are the reports that OpenCRS and Secrecy News found and released this week:

• Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa
• Congressional Oversight Manual
• China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues
  
• Sea-Based Ballistic Missile Defense -- Background and Issues for Congress
  
• Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment
  
• The Military Commissions Act of 2006: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Previous DOD Rules and the Uniform Code of Military Justice
• Iraq: Government Formation and Performance
• Wildfire Funding
• Disability Evaluation of Military Service Members
• Patent Reform in the 110th Congress: Innovation Issues
• Currency Manipulation: The IMF and WTO
• Veterans Benefits: Merchant Seamen
• Immigration Reform: Brief Synthesis of Issue
• Surface Transportation Congestion: Policy and Issues
• U.S. Immigration Policy on Permanent Admissions
• Financial Services and General Government (FSGG): FY2008 Appropriations
• Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations
• Foreign Direct Investment: Effects of a "Cheap" Dollar
• Prescription Drug Importation: How S. 242 / H.R. 380 Would Change Current Law
• U.S. Furniture Manufacturing: Overview and Prospects

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

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

From GAO this week

It is time again for the list of weekly releases from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as mining, homeland security and education. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Military Base Closures: Management Strategy Needed to Mitigate Challenges and Improve Communication to Help Ensure Timely Implementation of Air National Guard Recommendations. GAO-07-641, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-641
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07641high.pdf
• Defense Budget: Trends in Operation and Maintenance Costs and Support Services Contracting. GAO-07-631, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-631
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07631high.pdf
• Information Security: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Needs to Sustain Progress Improving Its Program. GAO-07-351, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-351
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07351high.pdf
• DHS Immigration Attorneys: Workload Analysis and Workforce Planning Efforts Lack Data and Documentation. GAO-07-206, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-206
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07206high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Greater Synergies Possible for DOD's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems. GAO-07-578, May 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-578
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07578high.pdf
• International Trade: Persistent Weaknesses in the In-Bond Cargo System Impede Customs and Border Protection's Ability to Address Revenue, Trade, and Security Concerns. GAO-07-561, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-561
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07561high.pdf
• IRS Emergency Planning: Headquarters Plans Supported Response to 2006 Flooding, but Additional Guidance Could Improve All Hazard Preparedness. GAO-07-579, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-579
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07579high.pdf
  
• Aviation Security: Efforts to Strengthen International Passenger Prescreening are Under Way, but Planning and Implementation Issues Remain. GAO-07-346, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-346
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07346high.pdf
• Mine Safety: Better Oversight and Coordination by MSHA and Other Federal Agencies Could Improve Safety for Underground Coal Miners. GAO-07-622, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-622
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07622high.pdf
• Consumer Protection: Some Improvements in Federal Oversight of Household Goods Moving Industry Since 2001, but More Action Needed to Better Protect Individual Consumers. GAO-07-586, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-586
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07586high.pdf
• Rebuilding Iraq: Integrated Strategic Plan Needed to Help Restore Iraq's Oil and Electricity Sectors. GAO-07-677, May 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-677
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07677high.pdf
• Financial Audit: Congressional Award Foundation's Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005 Financial Statements. GAO-07-786, May 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-786
• DOD Business Systems Modernization: Progress Continues to Be Made in Establishing Corporate Management Controls, but Further Steps Are Needed. GAO-07-733, May 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-733
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07733high.pdf
• Business Systems Modernization: DOD Needs to Fully Define Policies and Procedures for Institutionally Managing Investments. GAO-07-538, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-538
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07538high.pdf

Testimonies

• Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Premiums Continue to Rise, but Rate of Growth Has Recently Slowed, by John E. Dicken, director, health care, 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-07-873T, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-873T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07873thigh.pdf
• Emergency Management: Status of School Districts' Planning and Preparedness, by Cornelia M. Ashby, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-821T, May 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-821T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07821thigh.pdf
• Teacher Quality: Approaches, Implementation, and Evaluation of Key Federal Efforts, by George A. Scott, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-07-861T, May 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-861T
• DOD Personnel Clearances: Delays and Inadequate Documentation Found for Industry Personnel, by Derek B. Stewart, director, defense capabilities and management, 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-07-842T, May 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-842T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07842thigh.pdf
• Mine Safety: MSHA's and Other Federal Agencies' Improved Oversight Could Enhance Safety for Coal Miners, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-07-855T, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-855T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07855thigh.pdf
• Child Welfare: Additional Federal Action Could Help States Address Challenges in Providing Services to Children and Families, by Cornelia M. Ashby, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-07-850T, May 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-850T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07850thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Observations on DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Major and Catastrophic Disasters and Address Related Recommendations and Legislation, by William O. Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice issues, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-835T, May 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-835T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07835thigh.pdf

Correspondence

• Global War on Terrorism: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense. GAO-07-783R, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-783R
• Data on Hispanic Representation in the Federal Workforce. GAO-07-493R, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-493R
• Management Report: IRS's First-Year Implementation of the Requirements of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Revised Circular A-123. GAO-07-692R, May 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-692R
• MSHA's Revised Hiring Process Has Improved the Agency's Recruiting Efforts, but Its Human Capital Strategic Plan Does Not Adequately Project or Address Its Future Workforce Needs. GAO-07-704R, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-704R
• Department of Veterans Affairs' Lack of Timely and Accurate Information on Unexpended Balances Limits Effective Management and Congressional Oversight. GAO-07-410R, May 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-410R
• Management Report: Improvements Needed in IRS's Internal Controls. GAO-07-689R, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-689R

Presentation by the Comptroller General

• "Keeping America Great: Doing Your Part," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, at commencement ceremonies for the Kogod School of Business and the School of Public Affairs, American University, in Washington, D.C. GAO-07-887CG, May 13. [text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07887cg.pdf

Congress passes budgetary plan

Congress took another step towards funding the government for Fiscal Year 2008. Both the House and Senate passed a concurent resolution laying out the budgetary plan. You can read the concurrent resolution online.

Want to see how your representatives voted? Check out the Congressional Votes database from the Washington Post.

Want to read about some of the politics behind it? Check out the Washington Post article "Congress Passes $2.9 Trillion 2008 Budget."

Want some more information on the budgetary process? Check out the library's guide.

Learn about the World Bank

With all the discussion in the news recently about the World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, I thought it might be time to discuss what the World Bank does. (For the report on Wolfowitz's actions in regards to a pay raise for his girlfriend, check out the report of the Ad Hoc group who investigated the actions.)

The World Bank is not a bank in the traditional sense of the word. They are a source of financial assistance to developing countries, but it is actually an international organization made up of two organizations, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

The IBRD focuses its efforts on middle-income and credit worthy poorer countries by providing "loans, guarantees, risk management products, and analytical and advisory services." The IDA focuses on the world's poorest countries by providing "interest-free loans and grants."

Many people have asked whether the World Bank has been effective in helping these countries. The World Bank is actually concerned with this and has commissioned numerous independent evaluations of its efforts, some of which you can find on their web site.

Want to check out some of the products of this work? You can find freely available online some publications, data and research. For those of you interested in finding out what they do in a particular country, check out their countries pages.

For those of you on the Boulder campus, we have three databases from the World Bank:

• Global Development Finance --This database contains statistical data for the 147 countries and country groups. The database covers external debt stocks and flows, major economic aggregates, and key debt ratios as well as average terms of new commitments, currency composition of long-term debt, debt restructuring, and scheduled debt service projections.
  
• World Development Indicators --This database contains statistical data for over 575 development indicators and time series data for over 220 countries and country groups. Data includes social, economic, financial, natural resources, and environmental indicators.
• World Bank e-Library This is an electronic portal to the World Bank's full-text collection of books, reports, and other documents. New titles and working papers are added to the database as they become available.

Finally, for those of you who still want more, check out the library's guide.

CRS reports found this week!

This week the online blog, Secrecy News, posted an item entitled "CRS Director Defends Access Restrictions." This blog posting discusses a defense on restricted access to CRS reports written by CRS director Daniel P. Mulhollan. But just because there is no central location for CRS reports online they can be requested directly from your Congressional representatives.

Why do you want access to these reports? Because they give a concise (usually 10-20 pages) look at topics of interest to Congress. They have wonderful bibliographies linking to the authoritative sources on the topic and are written by experts in the field.

Are you interested now? Here is a list of the reports OpenCRS and Secrecy News found online this week (for older reports look for the databases listed under the titles):

• Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding and Oversight
  
• Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy
  
• Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
  
• U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues
  
• Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations
  
• Nuclear Weapons: The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program
  
• International Reaction to the Palestinian Unity Government
  
• Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
  
• Underlying Strains in Taiwan-U.S. Political Relations
  
• The Speech or Debate Clause: Recent Developments
• Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
• Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance
• U.S. Aid to the Palestinians

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

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

President issues Executive Order on Emmission Standards

The Supreme Court earlier this year that the EPA did not have valid grounds for not regulating greenhouse gas emissions (Massachusetts, et. al. v. Environmental Protection Agency, et. al.). Today the President issued an Executive Order, entitled "Cooperation Among Agencies in Protecting the Environment with Respect to Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Motor Vehicles, Nonroad Vehicles, and Nonroad Engines." This orders federal agencies to develop regulations on greenhouse gas emission before the end of his term.

The President made a brief statement on the decision at the Rose Garden today.

If you would like to know more, check out the Washington Post article "Bush Sets Deadline for Emissions Effort."

Want more resources? Check out the various guides to Environment and Energy from the library!

New Interface for Chinook, CU's library catalog

Chinook, CU's library catalog, is undergoing a complete redesign. The layout and design have been streamlined and simplified to make the catalog easier to use without compromising any functionality. The new catalog will debut on June 1st. In the meantime, please check out the beta version at http://libraries.colorado.edu:2082.

You will find in the new catalog a number of new features, such as relevancy ranking and spelling hints! Please feel free to send comments to the blog or click on the "send comments" in the page footer.

From GAO this week

It is time again for the list of weekly releases from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as medicare, homeland security and energy. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Aviation Security: Foreign Airport Assessments and Air Carrier Inspections Help Enhance Security, but Oversight of These Efforts Can Be Strengthened. GAO-07-729, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-729
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07729high.pdf
• Department of Energy: Consistent Application of Requirements Needed to Improve Project Management. GAO-07-518, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-518
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07518high.pdf
• Defense Health Care: Activities Related to Past Drinking Water Contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. GAO-07-276, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-276
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07276high.pdf
• Homeland Security: DHS Enterprise Architecture Continues to Evolve but Improvements Needed. GAO-07-564, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-564
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07564high.pdf
• Medicare Part D: Challenges in Enrolling New Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries. GAO-07-272, May 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-272
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07272high.pdf
• Global Health: Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria Has Improved Its Documentation of Funding Decisions but Needs Standardized Oversight Expectations and Assessments. GAO-07-627, May 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-627
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07627high.pdf
• Aviation Security: Risk, Experience, and Customer Concerns Drive Changes to Airline Passenger Screening Procedures, but Evaluation and Documentation of Proposed Changes Could Be Improved. GAO-07-634, April 16. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-634
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07634high.pdf
• Hospital Quality Data: HHS Should Specify Steps and Time Frame for Using Information Technology to Collect and Submit Data. GAO-07-320, April 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-320
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07320high.pdf

Testimonies

• Defense Acquisitions: Improved Management and Oversight Needed to Better Control DOD's Acquisition of Services, by John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Defense, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-832T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-832T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07832thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, 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-07-833T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-833T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07833thigh.pdf
• Information Technology: Homeland Security Information Network Needs to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Initiatives, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-822T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-822T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07822thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Diversity in the Federal SES and the Senior Levels of the U.S. Postal Service, by George H. Stalcup, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-838T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-838T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07838thigh.pdf
• Public Transportation: Preliminary Analysis of Changes to and Trends in FTA's New Starts and Small Starts Programs, by Katherine Siggerud, director, physical infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-812T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-812T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07812thigh.pdf
• Medicare: Providing Systematic Feedback to Physicians on their Practice Patterns Is a Promising Step Toward Encouraging Program Efficiency, by A. Bruce Steinwald, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-07-862T, May 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-862T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07862thigh.pdf
• Internal Revenue Service: Assessment of the 2008 Budget Request and an Update of 2007 Performance, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, and James R. White, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-719T, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-719T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07719thigh.pdf
• Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Coalition Support and International Donor Commitments, by Joseph A. Christoff, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-07-827T, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-827T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07827thigh.pdf
• Drug Safety: Further Actions Needed to Improve FDA's Postmarket Decision-making Process, by Marcia G. Crosse, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-856T, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-856T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07856thigh.pdf
• Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status of the Transition to the Future Air Traffic Control System, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-784T, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-784T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07784thigh.pdf
• Medicare Part D: Enrolling New Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries in Prescription Drug Plans, by Kathleen M. King, director, health care, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-07-824T, May 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-824T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07824thigh.pdf
• Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy: Progress Made in Approving Applications, but Ability to Identify Remaining Individuals Is Limited, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-07-858T, May 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-858T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07858thigh.pdf
• Information Technology: VA and DOD Are Making Progress in Sharing Medical Information, but Are Far from Comprehensive Electronic Medical Records, by Valerie C. Melvin, director, human capital and management information systems issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-852T, May 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-852T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07852thigh.pdf
• Employee Misclassification: Improved Outreach Could Help Ensure Proper Worker Classification, by Sigurd R. Nilsen, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-07-859T, May 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-859T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07859thigh.pdf
• Maritime Security: Opportunities Exist to Further Clarify the Consequences of a Liquefied Natural Gas Tanker Spill, by Mark Gaffigan, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in Farmingville, New York. GAO-07-840T, May 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-840T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07840thigh.pdf

Correspondences

• General Services Administration Could Better Manage Unexpended Construction Balances and Make Its Budget More Transparent. GAO-07-409R, May 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-409R
• Defense Transportation: DOD Has Taken Actions to Incorporate Lessons Learned in Transforming Its Freight Distribution System. GAO-07-675R, May 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-675R

Blair announces he will step down June 27th

Today Prime Minister of Great Britain, Tony Blair, announced he will step down on June 27th. I happened to be studying abroad in London when he was elected 10 years ago and remember the climate of change that came with the election, which brought the Labour party into majority.

For those of you who don't know how the parliamentary system works, it is different then the presidential system (which we have here in America). The people elect members of Parliament and the party that has the largest membership gets to select the Prime Minister. Generally when the elections are held the populace knows who is going to be selected as Prime Minister, but the Prime Minister can be changed without having another election (which is what will happen in Britain). Want to learn more about the two types of Democracy? Check out the U.S. state department's What's Democracy, the Democratic government chapter compares the two forms of government.

Want to read more about his resignation? Check out the Prime Minister's announcement with links to an image gallery. Read more on the Washington Post article "Britain's Blair Announces His Resignation: Long-Serving Labor Party Leader to Step Down on June 27" By Kevin Sullivan."

Want to know more about Great Britain? Check out the library's guide?

Bioenergy in the news

I have talked before about the great UN agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (read the previous entry). They have released a few reports in the past few days dealing with bioenergy. There are significant benefits to farms from the growth of this industry, but the development needs to be examined. The UN released a report "Sustainable Energy: A Framework for Decision Makers" that examines this issue in more detail. For those interested in a quick summary, check out this press release.

The FAO also announced the release of the new Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) web site. This web site provides links to the work of the GBEP as well as that of other groups in this developing field. There is not a lot of information here yet, but hopefully the site will continue to expand and grow.

Want to find more energy information? Check out the library's guide.

Congressional Research Service for this week

Ah, another day another Congressional Research Service (CRS) report. The CRS is a research agency for the U.S. Congress and writes reports at their request. This week brings us reports on Iraq, drug evaluation by the FDA, and much more. This is NOT a complete list of recent reports, only members of Congress have access to a complete list, but these are reports requested from Congress by members of the public, like you. If you want to request a report, just talk to your local Representative or Senator. These are the reports that OpenCRS and Secrecy News found and released this week:

• FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Other Purposes
  
• Congressional Authority To Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq
  
• Presidential Signing Statements: Constitutional and Institutional Implications
  
• Clinical Trials Reporting and Publication
  
• Nuclear Warheads: The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program and the Life Extension Program
• Veterans' Benefits: Issues in the 110th Congress
• Foreign Direct Investment: Current Issues
• Juvenile Justice Funding Trends
• Israel: Background and Relations with the United States
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy
• Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE): A Comparison of Selected Legislation in the 110th Congress
• FDA's Authority to Ensure That Drugs Prescribed to Children Are Safe and Effective
• Scientific Evaluations of Approaches to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
• Genetic Non-discrimination in Employment: A Comparison of Title II Provisions in S. 358 and H.R. 493, 110th Congress
• Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance: A Side-by-Side Comparison of the Title I Provisions in H.R. 493 and S. 358

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

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

This week from GAO we have ...

It is time again for the list of weekly releases from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as climate change, agriculture, and aviation. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Food Stamp Program: Use of Alternative Methods to Apply for and Maintain Benefits Could Be Enhanced by Additional Evaluation and Information on Promising Practices. GAO-07-573, May 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-573
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07573high.pdf
• Information Technology: Numerous Federal Networks Used to Support Homeland Security Need to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Information-Sharing Initiatives. GAO-07-455, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-455
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07455high.pdf
• Tax Administration: Additional Time Needed to Complete Offshore Tax Evasion Examinations. GAO-07-237, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-237
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07237high.pdf
• Interstate Compacts: An Overview of the Structure and Governance of Environment and Natural Resource Compacts. GAO-07-519, April 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-519
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07519high.pdf
• Aviation Security: Federal Efforts to Secure U.S-Bound Air Cargo Are in the Early Stages and Could Be Strengthened. GAO-07-660, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-660
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07660high.pdf
• Securing Wastewater Facilities: Costs of Vulnerability Assessments, Risk Management Plans, and Alternative Disinfection Methods Vary Widely. GAO-07-480, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-480
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07480high.pdf
• Financial Market Preparedness: Significant Progress Has Been Made, but Pandemic Planning and Other Challenges Remain. GAO-07-399, March 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-399
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07399high.pdf
• Employer-Sponsored Health and Retirement Benefits: Efforts to Control Employer Costs and the Implications for Workers. GAO-07-355, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-355
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07355high.pdf
• Medicare: Focus on Physician Practice Patterns Can Lead to Greater Program Efficiency. GAO-07-307, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-307
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07307high.pdf
• Medicaid Financing: Federal Oversight Initiative Is Consistent with Medicaid Payment Principles but Needs Greater Transparency. GAO-07-214, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-214
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07214high.pdf
• Transportation Security: DHS Efforts to Eliminate Redundant Background Check Investigations. GAO-07-756, April 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-756
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07756high.pdf
• Bureau of Justice Statistics: Quality Guidelines Generally Followed for Police-Public Contact Surveys, but Opportunities Exist to Help Assure Agency Independence. GAO-07-340, March 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-340
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07340high.pdf
• Information Technology: Immigration and Customs Enforcement Needs to Fully Address Significant Infrastructure Modernization Program Management Weaknesses. GAO-07-565, April 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-565
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07565high.pdf
• Privacy: Lessons Learned about Data Breach Notification. GAO-07-657, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-657
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07657high.pdf
• Defense Management: High-Level Leadership Commitment and Actions Are Needed to Address Corrosion Issues. GAO-07-618, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-618
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07618high.pdf

Testimonies

• Tax Compliance: Challenges in Ensuring Offshore Tax Compliance, by Michael Brostek, director, strategic issues, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-07-823T, May 3. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-823T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07823thigh.pdf
• Crop Insurance: Continuing Efforts Are Needed to Improve Program Integrity and Ensure Program Costs Are Reasonable, by Lisa R. Shames, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-819T, May 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-819T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07819thigh.pdf
• Climate Change: Financial Risks to Federal and Private Insurers in Coming Decades are Potentially Significant, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. GAO-07-820T, May 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-820T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07820thigh.pdf
• Nursing Home Reform: Continued Attention Is Needed to Improve Quality of Care in Small but Significant Share of Homes, by Kathryn G. Allen, director, health care, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-07-794T, May 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-794T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07794thigh.pdf
• Medicaid: Concerns Remain about Sufficiency of Data for Oversight of Children's Dental Services, by James C. Cosgrove, acting director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-826T, May 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-826T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07826thigh.pdf
• Bankruptcy Reform: Value of Credit Counseling Requirement Is Not Clear, by Yvonne D. Jones, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-07-778T, May 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-778T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07778thigh.pdf
• Financial Literacy and Education Commission: Further Progress Needed to Ensure an Effective National Strategy, by Yvonne D. Jones, director, financial markets and community investment, 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-07-777T, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-777T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07777thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Missile Defense Agency's Flexibility Reduces Transparency of Program Cost, by Paul Francis, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Defense, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-799T, April 30. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-799T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07799thigh.pdf

Correspondences

• DOD and VA Outpatient Pharmacy Data: Computable Data Are Exchanged for Some Shared Patients, but Additional Steps Could Facilitate Exchanging These Data for All Shared Patients. GAO-07-554R, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-554R
• Nursing Workforce: HHS Needs Methodology to Identify Facilities with a Critical Shortage of Nurses. GAO-07-492R, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-492R
• Immigration Benefits: Sixteenth Report Required by the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998. GAO-07-796R, April 27. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-796R

Presentations by the Comptroller General

• "Transformation Challenges for the 21st Century" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the National Association of State Chief Information Officers 2007 Mid-Year Conference, in Washington, D.C. GAO-07-848CG, May 3. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07848cg.pdf
• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today: Fiscal, Retirement, and Health Care Insecurity," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, in Washington, D.C. GAO-07-843CG, May 2. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d07843cg.pdf

Related Material

• Interstate Compacts: Results of a Survey of Officials from Interstate Compact Commissions That Address Environment and Natural Resource Management Issues. GAO-07-524SP, April 3. [Internet only]
  http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/gao-07-524sp/

State Budget signed

Governor Bill Ritter signed the state budget for Fiscal 2007-08 into law yesterday. You can check out the bill and the actions on the General Assembly web site. Governor Ritter also released a summary of the bill and a justification for his selected vetoes.

Want to learn more about the budget? Check out the Denver Post's "Ritter signs budget, notes changes in priority from Owens' tenure."

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

Fire danger...normal in Colorado this year

The National Interagency Fire Center has released the Wildland Fire Outlook for the United States. Colorado has normal fire concerns this year, but there is the possibility of problems due to the dead trees (thanks to the Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle) and early snow melt. (And to think I was enjoying the fact that I can now sit on my porch when I read the paper.)

You can also check out the maps and some additional data at the NICC Predictive Services web site. As the summer progresses, you can get monthly and even daily outlooks for fire danger.

Want more information on the national parks and forests? Check out the library's guide.

And finally, thanks Government News for Montana for pointing out this site.

Congressional Research Service Reports available this week

Despite the difficulties in getting Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports (there is no freely available source, you have to request them from your congressional representative). A few have made it out into the general circulation, thanks to the people at OpenCRS and Secrecy News. Check 'em out:

• Sudan: The Crisis in Darfur and Status of the North-South Peace Agreement
• China's Anti-Satellite Weapon Test
• Universal Service Fund: Background and Options for Reform
• Financial Services Regulatory Relief: Implementation and Reintroduced Provisions in the 110th Congress
• Animal Identification: Overview and Issues
• School and Campus Safety Programs and Requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Higher Education Act
• Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA) Reauthorization
• Veto Override Procedure in the House and Senate

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has created a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

President Bush enacts second veto

President Bush enacted the second veto of his term as President, vetoing the "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes" bill this afternoon. This is the bill that would have enacted a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq.

Want to know the President's reasons for rejecting the bill? You can read or watch his statement on the White House web site.

Want to read the mass media's response to this expected action? Check out the Washington Post's "President Bush Vetoes War-Funding Bill."

Want more information? Check out the library's guides to Congress and the Presidents.

Country Reports on Terrorism

The State Department has released the 2006 Country Reports on Terrorism. This report is required by Congress and examines both countries and groups involvement in terrorism across the world. You can actually go back to 1976 with this title (and it's precursor, Patterns of Global Terrorism) if you want to come into the library (here's the record in the catalog).

If you would like some highlights of this report, check out this transcript of the press briefing. If you want some analysis, why not check out the Washington Post's "Iran Leads on Terror Sponsor List" or the New York Times's "Terrorist Attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan Rose Sharply Last Year, State Department Says."

Want more resources on terrorism? Why not check out the library's guide.