The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released third quarter information on the US's GDP. According to the press release the GDP went up by 3.9% in the third quarter. These are initial figures and may be revised later, but this is a small increase from the 3.8% increase in the second quarter.
Want to know more about the GDP? Check out the BEA's Primer on GDP. You can also examine the figures over time (some back to 1963) using the BEA's interactive tables.
Want to read some analysis of this release? Check out the Washington Post's "U.S. Economy Grows at Faster Than Expected Rate."
Want more information on Business and Economics? Check out these library guides.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Reports from Congressional Research Service
This week brings us Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports on China, Medicaid, exports, and much more. CRS is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- Covert Action: Legislative Background and Possible Policy Questions
- U.S.-China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy
- Mexico's Drug Cartels
- Burma-U.S. Relations
- The Export Administration Act: Evolution, Provisions, and Debate
- Status of a Member of the House Who Has Been Indicted for or Convicted of a Felony
- Medicaid Citizenship Documentation
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Supreme Court to Hear Exxon Valdez Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by the Exxon Mobil Corporation. Exxon is seeking to overturn $2.5 billion in punitive damages they were ordered to pay by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the 1989 Alaskan oil spill. The Supreme Court agreed to take the case to settle the question of whether the award violates federal maritime law. The case, Exxon Shipping Company, et al., Petitioners v. Grant Baker, et al. (No. 07-219), is expected to clarify the question of punitive damages and will be heard in Spring 2008.
In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez supertanker ran aground on a reef and spilled eleven million gallons of oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound. That spill polluted over 1,200 miles of the Alaskan coastline, killed hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, and marine animals and damaged the local economy. Almost 33,000 Native Alaskans, fishermen, landowners, canneries, and local governments and businesses filed a class-action suit against Exxon Mobil. In 1994, an Alaskan jury awarded the plaintiffs $5 billion. That award was cut in half by the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in December 2006 (No. 04-35182).
For background information and history on the Exxon Valdez check out these sites:
Want more information? Check out the library's guide on Energy.
In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez supertanker ran aground on a reef and spilled eleven million gallons of oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound. That spill polluted over 1,200 miles of the Alaskan coastline, killed hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, and marine animals and damaged the local economy. Almost 33,000 Native Alaskans, fishermen, landowners, canneries, and local governments and businesses filed a class-action suit against Exxon Mobil. In 1994, an Alaskan jury awarded the plaintiffs $5 billion. That award was cut in half by the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in December 2006 (No. 04-35182).
For background information and history on the Exxon Valdez check out these sites:
- Exxon Valdez Oil Spill from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council
- Long-Term Monitoring Program from NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration
- Prince William Sound: An Ecosystem in Transition
- Prince William Sound: Our Changing Perspective on Recovery
- NMFS Office of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Damage Assessment and Restoration from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Want more information? Check out the library's guide on Energy.
Friday, October 26, 2007
GAO Releases this week
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.
Reports
Reports
- Federal Electricity Subsidies: Information on Research Funding, Tax Expenditures, and Other Activities That Support Electricity Production. GAO-08-102, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-102 - Fusion Energy: Definitive Cost Estimates for U.S. Contributions to an International Experimental Reactor and Better Coordinated DOE Research Are Needed. GAO-08-30, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-30
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0830high.pdf - Energy Employees Compensation: Actions to Promote Contract Oversight, Transparency of Labor's Involvement, and Independence of Advisory Board Could Strengthen Program. GAO-08-4, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-4
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d084high.pdf - Information Technology: Improvements for Acquisition of Customs Trade Processing System Continue, but Further Efforts Needed to Avoid More Cost and Schedule Shortfalls. GAO-08-46, October 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-46
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0846high.pdf - State and Local Government Retiree Benefits: Current Status of Benefit Structures, Protections, and Fiscal Outlook for Funding Future Costs. GAO-07-1156, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1156
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071156high.pdf - Terrorist Watch List Screening: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Management Oversight, Reduce Vulnerabilities in Agency Screening Processes, and Expand Use of the List. GAO-08-110, October 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-110
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08110high.pdf - Measuring Our Nation's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability: Highlights of a Forum Jointly Convened by the Comptroller General of the United States and the National Academy of Science. GAO-08-127SP, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-127SP
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08127sphigh.pdf - Project Bioshield: Actions Needed to Avoid Repeating Past Problems with Procuring New Anthrax Vaccine and Managing the Stockpile of Licensed Vaccine. GAO-08-88, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-88
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0888high.pdf - Climate Change Research: Agencies Have Data-Sharing Policies but Could Do More to Enhance the Availability of Data from Federally Funded Research. GAO-07-1172, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1172
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071172high.pdf - Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Progress Has Been Made, but Improvements Are Needed to Effectively Manage Risks. GAO-08-18, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-18
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0818high.pdf - Debt Management: Treasury Has Improved Short-Term Investment Programs, but Should Broaden Investments to Reduce Risks and Increase Return. GAO-07-1105, September 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1105
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071105high.pdf
- Single Audit Quality: Actions Needed to Address Persistent Audit Quality Problems, by Jeanette M. Franzel, 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-08-213T, October 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-213T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08213thigh.pdf - Drug Control: U.S. Assistance Has Helped Mexican Counternarcotics Efforts, but the Flow of Illicit Drugs into the United States Remains High, by Jess. T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-08-215T, October 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-215T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08215thigh.pdf - Aviation and the Environment: Impact of Aviation Noise on Communities Presents Challenges For Airport Operations and Future Growth of the National Airspace System, by Gerald L. Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-08-216T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-216T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08216thigh.pdf - Terrorist Watch List Screening: Recommendations to Enhance Management Oversight, Reduce Potential Screening Vulnerabilities, and Expand Use of the List, by Eileen Larence, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-194T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-194T - Private Pensions: 401(k) Plan Participants and Sponsors Need Better Information on Fees, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-08-95T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-95T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0895thigh.pdf - Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Trends in Energy Derivatives Markets Raise Questions about CFTC's Oversight, by Orice M. Williams, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, House Committee on Agriculture. GAO-08-174T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-174T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08174thigh.pdf - Information Technology: VA and DOD Continue to Expand Sharing of Medical Information, but Still Lack 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-08-207T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-207T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08207thigh.pdf - Secure Border Initiative: Observations on Selected Aspects of SBInet Program Implementation, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-131T, October 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-131T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08131thigh.pdf - Project BioShield: Actions Needed to Avoid Repeating Past Mistakes, by Keith A. Rhodes, chief technologist, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-208T, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-208T - Freight Railroads: Updated Information on Rates and Other Industry Trends, by JayEtta Z. Hecker, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-08-218T, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-218T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08218thigh.pdf - Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Further Actions Needed to Effectively Manage Risks, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-08-183T, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-183T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08183thigh.pdf - Internet Infrastructure: Challenges in Developing a Public/Private Recovery Plan, by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-212T, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-212T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08212thigh.pdf
- Military Base Realignments and Closures: Transfer of Supply, Storage, and Distribution Functions from Military Services to Defense Logistics Agency. GAO-08-121R, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-121R - U.S. Involvement at Major International Air Shows Principally Depends on Agencies' Missions and Aerospace Companies' Resources. GAO-07-1165R, September 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1165R
- "Fiscal, Health, and Retirement Challenges," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Conference of Consulting Actuaries' annual conference, in San Antonio, Texas. GAO-08-237CG, October 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08237cg.pdf - "America's Fiscal Future and Retirement Security," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the American Council of Life Insurers' CEO Capital Forum, in Washington, D.C. GAO-08-236CG, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08236cg.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 Hartford, Connecticut. GAO-08-234CG, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08234cg.pdf - "America's Fiscal Future," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Association for Financial Professionals' annual conference, in Boston, Massachusetts. GAO-08-235CG, October 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08235cg.pdf - "The Evolving Role of Supreme Audit Institutions in Addressing Fiscal and Other Key Sustainability Challenges," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the 20th Public Audit Forum hosted by the Board of Audit of Japan, in Tokyo, Japan. GAO-07-1232CG, August 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071232cg.pdf
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Natural Disaster images from NASA
NASA keeps a web site of satellite imagery for various natural disasters that occur across the world. The picture to the right is of the fires and smoke in California and is from the MODIS Rapid Response Team, Goddard Space Flight Center. You can read more about this image on Earth Observatory page.The Earth Observatory Natural Hazards page in addition to having images of the US also covers natural disasters, such as the dust storm in Egypt this weekend.
Want more aerial photography and satellite imagery? Check out the library's guide.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fires in California
Anyone who has picked up a newspaper, turned on the TV or radio probably has heard about the fires raging across Southern California. The government, both state and federal, has been involved in the fires and their affects. Here are a few resources to check out:
- San Diego Union Tribune This is the local paper for San Diego, where many of the over 1,300 homes destroyed are located. It has stories on the fires paths, links to road closures, evacuation notices, and much more.
- San Diego County Emergency This is the County's web page for everything from shelters, closures, and much more.
- Cal Fires This is the state web site for the fires in California. On the front page you can actually view where the various fires are located or you can view the larger Google map.
- NOAA information This press release from NOAA links to weather and fire forecasts.
- FEMA information The President announced major disaster declaration for southern California. This frees up federal funds to help supply shelters and for individuals recovering after the disaster. You can view the exact assistance the various federal agencies have supplied on this page.
The fallen of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
The Department of Defense has been releasing a list of casualty numbers every day. While one can find names, ages, branches by searching press releases and local papers, there has been no central source with all this information. The Washington Post just launched a new web site Faces of the Fallen. It has pictures, a brief biography, the information on the cause and date. You can browse the site by clicking on pictures or look at service members from operation, age, year of death, home state, and military branch.
Looking for more information on operations in Iraq or Afghanistan? Check out the library's guide.
Want more resources on the military? Check out the library's guide.
Looking for more information on operations in Iraq or Afghanistan? Check out the library's guide.
Want more resources on the military? Check out the library's guide.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Congressional Research Service reports
This week brings us Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports on Iraq, the electricity industry, intelligence, and much more. CRS is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- India-U.S. Relations
- Iraq: Oil and Gas Legislation, Revenue Sharing, and U.S. Policy
- Electric Transmission: Approaches for Energizing a Sagging Industry
- Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis?
- Intelligence Issues for Congress
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Federal Civil Service Annuities
- Retirement Savings Accounts: Fees, Expenses, and Account Balances
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Blogging government officials
It has been a while since I have introduced you to any new blogs and after reading the Denver Post this morning I thought it might be time to highlight a few new ones. In "Cabinet blogs dish D.C. talk" you can read about some cabinet members who are out there in the blogsphere.
First, is Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff who is a contributor to the Leadership Journal. This blog covers topics ranging from IED attacks to Wilson Churchill.
If you want entries actually written (not just edited) by a Cabinet member, check out Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt's blog. He candidly talks about what he has been doing at work throwing in some personal observations that are often missed in press releases. For an example of this check out his entry on the Gates Malaria Forum.
Finally, leaving the cabinet behind why not check out the GovGab blog from the people who bring us USA.gov. This blog unlike the first two is all about how to use government information in your daily life. It gives links for choosing cable, shopping online, and even how to store those leftovers.
Still need more? Check out USA.gov's list of blogs.
First, is Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff who is a contributor to the Leadership Journal. This blog covers topics ranging from IED attacks to Wilson Churchill.
If you want entries actually written (not just edited) by a Cabinet member, check out Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt's blog. He candidly talks about what he has been doing at work throwing in some personal observations that are often missed in press releases. For an example of this check out his entry on the Gates Malaria Forum.
Finally, leaving the cabinet behind why not check out the GovGab blog from the people who bring us USA.gov. This blog unlike the first two is all about how to use government information in your daily life. It gives links for choosing cable, shopping online, and even how to store those leftovers.
Still need more? Check out USA.gov's list of blogs.
Friday, October 19, 2007
GAO Releases this week
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.
Reports
Reports
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Trends in Energy Derivatives Markets Raise Questions about CFTC's Oversight. GAO-08-25, October 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-25
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0825high.pdf - Defense Trade: Clarification and More Comprehensive Oversight of Export Exemptions Certified by DOD Are Needed. GAO-07-1103, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1103 - State Department: Evacuation Planning and Preparations for Overseas Posts Can Be Improved. GAO-08-23, October 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-23
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0823high.pdf - State Department: Survey of Overseas Posts' Emergency Action Committees on Planning, Preparing for, and Conducting Evacuations. GAO-08-24SP, October 19. [Internet Only]
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-24SP - Assigning Air Traffic Control Costs to Users: Elements of FAA's Methodology Are Generally Consistent with Standards but Certain Assumptions and Methods Need Additional Support. GAO-08-76, October 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-76 - Department of Homeland Security: Challenges in Implementing the Improper Payments Information Act and Recovering Improper Payments. GAO-07-913, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-913
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07913high.pdf - Beginning Farmers: Additional Steps Needed to Demonstrate the Effectiveness of USDA Assistance. GAO-07-1130, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1130
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071130high.pdf - Department of Homeland Security: Risk Assessment and Enhanced Oversight Needed to Manage Risk of Contracting for Selected Services. GAO-07-990, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-990
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07990high.pdf - Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain. GAO-07-1036, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1036
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071036high.pdf - Medical Devices: FDA's Approval of Four Temporomandibular Joint Implants. GAO-07-996, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-996
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07996high.pdf - Immigration Enforcement: ICE Could Improve Controls to Help Guide Alien Removal Decision Making. GAO-08-67, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-67
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0867high.pdf - SSA Disability Representatives: Fee Payment Changes Show Promise, but Eligibility Criteria and Representative Overpayments Require Further Monitoring. GAO-08-5, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-5
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d085high.pdf - Export-Import Bank: Improvements Needed in Assessment of Economic Impact. GAO-07-1071, September 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1071
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071071high.pdf
- Intellectual Property: Risk and Enforcement Challenges, by Loren D. Yager, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-08-177T, October 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-177T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08177thigh.pdf - Digital Television Transition: Preliminary Information on Progress of the DTV Transition, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-08-191T, October 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-191T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08191thigh.pdf - Defense Business Transformation: A Full-time Chief Management Officer with a Term Appointment Is Needed at DOD to Maintain Continuity of Effort and Achieve Sustainable Success, 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-08-132T, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-132T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08132thigh.pdf - Critical Infrastructure Protection: Multiple Efforts to Secure Control Systems Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain, by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information technology issues, before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-119T, October 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-119T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08119thigh.pdf - Department of Homeland Security: Risk Assessment and Enhanced Oversight Needed to Manage Reliance on Contractors, by John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-142T, October 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-142T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08142thigh.pdf - Project-Based Rental Assistance: HUD Should Streamline Its Processes to Ensure Timely Housing Assistance Payments, by David G. Wood, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-08-199T, October 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-199T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08199thigh.pdf - Transportation Security: Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security Are Under Way, but Challenges Remain, by Cathleen A. Berrick, director, homeland security and justice, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-08-140T, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-140T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08140thigh.pdf - Aviation Security: DHS Has Made Progress in Securing the Commercial Aviation System, but Key Challenges Remain, by Cathleen A. Berrick, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-139T, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-139T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08139thigh.pdf - Maritime Security: One Year Later--A Progress Report on the SAFE Port Act, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland security and justice, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-171T, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-171T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08171thigh.pdf - Medicare Advantage: Required Audits of Limited Value, by Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, managing director, financial management and assurance, and James Cosgrove, acting director, health care, accompanied by Kimberly Brooks, assistant director, financial management and assurance, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-08-154T, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-154T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08154thigh.pdf
- Questions for the Record Related to the Benefits and Medical Care for Federal Civilian Employees Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. GAO-08-155R, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-155R - Information on Recent Default and Foreclosure Trends for Home Mortgages and Associated Economic and Market Developments. GAO-08-78R, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-78R - USDA: Information on Classical Plant and Animal Breeding Activities. GAO-07-1171R, September 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1171R
- "America's Fiscal Future," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before Leadership America, in Washington. GAO-08-205CG, October 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08205cg.pdf - "America's Fiscal Future," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Institutional Investor's Public Funds Symposium, in Washington. GAO-08-204CG, October 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08204cg.pdf
Bombing in Pakistan
Yesterday, there was a bomb set off near former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She was uninjured, but over 100 people were injured. This is Bhutto's first return to Pakistan after eight years spent in exile. President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat condemned the attacks in a press release.
You can read more about the attack and Bhutto's response in the Washington Post article "Bhutto Undeterred by Militant Bomb Attacks: Former Leader to Pursue Political Ambitions."
Want more on Pakistan? Check out the library's guide.
You can read more about the attack and Bhutto's response in the Washington Post article "Bhutto Undeterred by Militant Bomb Attacks: Former Leader to Pursue Political Ambitions."
Want more on Pakistan? Check out the library's guide.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
This week from the CRS
This week brings us Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports on Burma, terrorism, federal aid, laws, and much more. CRS is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy
- North Korean Refugees in China and Human Rights Issues: International Response and U.S. Policy Options
- Saudi Arabia: Terrorist Financing Issues
- Terrorism in Southeast Asia
- Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations
- Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress
- Presidential Directives: Background and Overview
- Safe Drinking Water Act: Selected Regulatory and Legislative Issues
- German Foreign and Security Policy: Trends and Transatlantic Implications
- Burning Crosses, Hangman's Nooses, and the Like: State Statutes That Proscribe the Use of Symbols of Fear and Violence with the Intent to Threaten
- Child Support Enforcement Program Incentive Payments: Background and Policy Issues
- Federal Indian Education Programs: Background and Issues
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Issues for the 110th Congress
- Spending by Employers on Health Insurance: A Data Brief
- Burma Sanctions: Background and Options
- Crop Insurance and Disaster Assistance: 2007 Farm Bill Issues
- Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Research: Background, History, and Overview
- Electronic Rulemaking in the Federal Government
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Turkish Parliament Authorizes Military Operations in Iraq
The Turkish Parliament voted 507-19 in favor of allowing the government to begin military operations in Northern Iraq to pursue Kurdish rebels responsible for attacks on soldiers, police and civilians. Turkish officials announced last week that they were preparing to seek parliamentary authority to launch cross-border military operations into Iraq targeting Kurdish separatists, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The military incursion can happen at anytime in the next year.
"We are making it very clear to Turkey that we don't think it is in their interests to send troops into Iraq," President Bush told reporters at today's press conference. He also discussed the U.S. Congress resolution (H.RES.106) declaring the mass killings of Armenians between 1915 and 1923 by the Ottoman Empire as genocide. Read more articles from the Washington Post on both situations on their Tensions Rise in Turkey site.
Read "Turkey Authorizes Military Operation in Iraq: Parliament Votes to Allow Strike Against Kurdish Separatist Rebels" from the Washington Post and "Turkish Parliament Approves Iraq Cross-Border Incursion" from FOX News. You might also want to read "Parliament authorizes cross-border operation against PKK" from the Turkish Daily News and "Turkish MPs back attacks in Iraq" from BBC News.
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Turkey and Iraq.
"We are making it very clear to Turkey that we don't think it is in their interests to send troops into Iraq," President Bush told reporters at today's press conference. He also discussed the U.S. Congress resolution (H.RES.106) declaring the mass killings of Armenians between 1915 and 1923 by the Ottoman Empire as genocide. Read more articles from the Washington Post on both situations on their Tensions Rise in Turkey site.
Read "Turkey Authorizes Military Operation in Iraq: Parliament Votes to Allow Strike Against Kurdish Separatist Rebels" from the Washington Post and "Turkish Parliament Approves Iraq Cross-Border Incursion" from FOX News. You might also want to read "Parliament authorizes cross-border operation against PKK" from the Turkish Daily News and "Turkish MPs back attacks in Iraq" from BBC News.
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Turkey and Iraq.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Reducing School Violence Television Program
In light of all the recent school shootings, the Department of Education will air "Reducing School Violence: Keeping Children Safe and Ready to Learn" on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST. This program is part of Education News Parents Can Use, a monthly television show from the Department of Education. Find out when and where to watch from the Broadcast Information Center. Can't catch it tonight? You can watch the archived webcast tomorrow night on the Education News Parents Can Use website.
Read the press release, "Reducing School Violence Topic of Tuesday TV Show: TV Program to Spotlight Keeping Children Safe, Ready to Learn," from the Department of Education.
Check out these recent publications from the National Center for Education Statistics:
Read the press release, "Reducing School Violence Topic of Tuesday TV Show: TV Program to Spotlight Keeping Children Safe, Ready to Learn," from the Department of Education.
Check out these recent publications from the National Center for Education Statistics:
- Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools, Findings from the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2005-06 (September 2007)
- Public School Practices for Violence Prevention and Reduction: 2003–04 (September 2007)
- Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2006 (December 2006)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Color Barrier
In honor of the Colorado Rockies quest for their first World Series title, we look back at one of baseball's greats. Jackie Robinson threw out the first ceremonial pitch in the second game of the World Series on this day in 1972. The game also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the breaking of the "color line." Robinson became the first African-American in the 20th century to play Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson played his rookie season for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated every April 15th. In 2005, Robinson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to civil rights and sports. Just nine days after the ceremonial pitch, on October 24, 1972, Robinson died of a heart attack.
For more information on Jackie Robinson and his career, check out "Baseball and Jackie Robinson" from the Library of Congress American Memory and his biography from the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Black History and Civil Rights.
For more information on Jackie Robinson and his career, check out "Baseball and Jackie Robinson" from the Library of Congress American Memory and his biography from the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Black History and Civil Rights.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Former President Al Gore Awarded 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Former Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were jointly awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize today for their work in promoting awareness and political action in global warming. The IPCC, a joint project of the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization, was founded in 1988 to assess global climate change. Gore won an Oscar for his 2006 documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Gore will donate around half of his $1.5 million award to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a non-profit organization he chairs.
Read the Nobel Peace Prize announcement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Also check out the reaction to the announcement from the IPCC.
Read Gore, U.N. Body Win Nobel Peace Prize: Former Vice President Says Climate Change Is 'A Planetary Emergency' from the Washington Post and Gore, U.N. Panel Share 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for Climate-Change Efforts from FOX News.
Do you want more information on both sides of global warming predictions? Check out The Fact Checker: An Inconvenient Truth for Al Gore from the Washington Post. It includes links to lawsuits, studies and websites on both sides of the issue. It also includes a link to the homepage for The Great Global Warming Swindle, a documentary and answer to An Inconvenient Truth from Martin Durkin.
Want more information? Check out the library's guide on climate change.
Read the Nobel Peace Prize announcement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Also check out the reaction to the announcement from the IPCC.
Read Gore, U.N. Body Win Nobel Peace Prize: Former Vice President Says Climate Change Is 'A Planetary Emergency' from the Washington Post and Gore, U.N. Panel Share 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for Climate-Change Efforts from FOX News.
Do you want more information on both sides of global warming predictions? Check out The Fact Checker: An Inconvenient Truth for Al Gore from the Washington Post. It includes links to lawsuits, studies and websites on both sides of the issue. It also includes a link to the homepage for The Great Global Warming Swindle, a documentary and answer to An Inconvenient Truth from Martin Durkin.
Want more information? Check out the library's guide on climate change.
GAO Releases this week
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.
Reports
Reports
- Financial Regulation: Industry Trends Continue to Challenge the Federal Regulatory Structure. GAO-08-32, October 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-32
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0832high.pdf - Hazardous Materials: EPA May Need to Reassess Sites Receiving Asbestos-Contaminated Ore from Libby, Montana, and Should Improve Its Public Notification Process. GAO-08-71, October 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-71
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0871high.pdf - Defense Health Care: DOD Needs to Address the Expected Benefits, Costs, and Risks for Its Newly Approved Medical Command Structure. GAO-08-122, October 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-122
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08122high.pdf - Retirement Security: Women Face Challenges in Ensuring Financial Security in Retirement. GAO-08-105, October 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-105
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08105high.pdf - Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: U.S. Ministry Capacity Development Efforts Need an Overall Integrated Strategy to Guide Efforts and Manage Risk. GAO-08-117, October 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-117
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08117high.pdf - Tax Administration: The Internal Revenue Service Can Improve Its Management of Paper Case Files. GAO-07-1160, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1160
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071160high.pdf
- Residential Treatment Programs: Concerns Regarding Abuse and Death in Certain Programs for Troubled Youth, by Gregory D. Kutz and Andy O'Connell, forensic audits and special investigations, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-08-146T, October 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-146T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08146thigh.pdf
- Improvement Continues in DOD's Reporting on Sustainable Ranges, but Opportunities Exist to Improve Its Range Assessments and Comprehensive Plan. GAO-08-10R, October 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-10R - Ryan White Care Act: Impact of Legislative Funding Proposal on Urban Areas. GAO-08-137R, October 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-137R - Prescription Drugs: Trends in Usual and Customary Prices for Drugs Frequently Used by Medicare and Non-Medicare Health Insurance Enrollees. GAO-07-1201R, September 7.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1201R
- "Keeping America Great: Doing Your Part," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, as part of the Presidential Lecture Series at the University of Montana, in Missoula, Montana. GAO-08-178CG, October 9. [text]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08178cg.pdf - "Keeping America Great," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, at the University of Montana, in Missoula, Montana. GAO-08-179CG. October 9. [slides]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08179cg.pdf - "America's Fiscal Future," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Society of Professional Journalists, in Washington. GAO-08-170CG, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08170cg.pdf
Guidance
- Financial Audit Manual, Volume I. (Audit Methodology) (Exposure draft.) GAO-08-81G, October 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-81G - Financial Audit Manual, Volume II. (Audit Tools) (Exposure draft.) GAO-08-82G, October 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-82G
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Infant Cold Medicines Withdrawn from Market
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), which represents the leading manufacturers of non-prescription cough and cold medicines, announced the voluntary withdrawal of all infant cold medicines in response to safety concerns. Next week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a Joint Meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Pediatric Advisory Committee to review the safety of oral over-the-counter cold and cough medications for children and infants under the age of two.
Check out the press release from CHPA, "Makers of OTC Cough and Cold Medicines Announce Voluntary Withdrawal of Oral Infant Medicines." You might also want to look at CHPA's Over-the-Counter Safety website.
Read "14 Infant Cold Medicines Pulled Off Market" from the Washington Post and "Johnson & Johnson Recalls Infant Cold, Cough Products, Citing Overdose Dangers" from FOX News.
Want more on consumer information? Check out the library's guide.
Check out the press release from CHPA, "Makers of OTC Cough and Cold Medicines Announce Voluntary Withdrawal of Oral Infant Medicines." You might also want to look at CHPA's Over-the-Counter Safety website.
Read "14 Infant Cold Medicines Pulled Off Market" from the Washington Post and "Johnson & Johnson Recalls Infant Cold, Cough Products, Citing Overdose Dangers" from FOX News.
Want more on consumer information? Check out the library's guide.
Education funding worldwide
Those of us who work in the higher education system have heard a lot about the lack of funding from the government for higher education. Check out this report from the Colorado Department of Education if you want to see how the schools here stack up to their public counterparts in other states. But it turns out overall that the United States does the best at funding education in the world. According to the press release "its [the US] public education budget is close to that of all governments in the six regions combined: the Arab States, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa."
Want to read the report? You can view a pdf copy on the UNESCO web site.
Need more education resources? Check out the library's guide.
Want to read the report? You can view a pdf copy on the UNESCO web site.
Need more education resources? Check out the library's guide.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
This Day in History: Vice President Agnew Resigns
On October 10, 1973, Spiro Agnew became the first American Vice President to resign in disgrace. Accused of accepting bribes, Agnew pleaded no contest to federal income tax evasion in exchange for dropping the political corruption charges. His resignation triggered the first time the 25th Amendment was used to fill a vice presidential vacancy. Gerald Ford, the House Minority Leader, was appointed and confirmed as the 40th Vice President. On August 9, 1974 President Richard Nixon resigned as well. The Nixon-Agnew resignations mark the first time in history that both the president and his vice president resigned from office.Check out Spiro Agnew's biography from the Senate Historical Office. Read more information on the 25th Amendment from the National Archives.
Want more information on the presidency? Check out the library's guide.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Congressional Research Service brings us...
This week brings us Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports on food, trade and unemployment. CRS is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)
- Campaign Finance: Developments in the 110th Congress
- U.S. Trade Statutes: Expiration Dates and Mandated Periodic Reports to Congress
- Congressional Investigations of the Department of Justice, 1920-2007: History, Law, and Practice
- U.S. Food and Agricultural Imports: Safeguards and Selected Issues
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Poetry and the Government
I have been a documents librarian for a few years now and when someone asks me what do documents have to offer the average patron I say everything. We have historic art material from the Smithsonian, political upheaval from all the agencies, and even a little bit of poetry. Poetry you say? Yes, for all of you English majors out there you too can grow up to be a documents librarian (like me).
So in honor of government and the arts, check out this poem, "In the Library" by Charles Simic. We also have a few of those nice old volumes that creak and groan when you open them up. Looking for a whiff of old book smell? Go on down to the Norlin Basement and walk among the Serial Set volumes from the 1800s.
While I can't offer you up a web guide on government literature, why not check out some aerial photography?
So in honor of government and the arts, check out this poem, "In the Library" by Charles Simic. We also have a few of those nice old volumes that creak and groan when you open them up. Looking for a whiff of old book smell? Go on down to the Norlin Basement and walk among the Serial Set volumes from the 1800s.
While I can't offer you up a web guide on government literature, why not check out some aerial photography?
Friday, October 05, 2007
GAO Releases this week
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.
Reports
Reports
- Cost of Prisons: Bureau of Prisons Needs Better Data to Assess Alternatives for Acquiring Low and Minimum Security Facilities. GAO-08-6, October 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-6
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d086high.pdf - Information Technology: Census Bureau Needs to Improve Its Risk Management of Decennial Systems. GAO-08-79, October 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-79
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0879high.pdf - General Services Administration: Improvements Needed in Managing Delegated Authority of Real Property Activities. GAO-07-1000, September 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1000
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071000high.pdf - Global Health: U.S. Agencies Support Programs to Build Overseas Capacity for Infectious Disease Surveillance. GAO-07-1186, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1186
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071186high.pdf - Energy Efficiency: Opportunities Exist for Federal Agencies to Better Inform Household Consumers. GAO-07-1162, September 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1162 - Workforce Investment Act: One-Stop System Infrastructure Continues to Evolve, but Labor Should Take Action to Require That All Employment Service Offices Are Part of the System. GAO-07-1096, September 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1096
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071096high.pdf - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Hiring Efforts Are Not Sufficient to Reduce the Patent Application Backlog. GAO-07-1102, September 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1102
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071102high.pdf - Premium Class Travel: Internal Control Weaknesses Governmentwide Led to Improper and Abusive Use of Premium Class Travel. GAO-07-1268, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1268
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071268high.pdf - Telecommunications: FCC Should Take Steps to Ensure Equal Access to Rulemaking Information. GAO-07-1046, September 6.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1046
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071046high.pdf - Department of State: Human Capital Strategy Does Not Recognize Foreign Assistance Responsibilities. GAO-07-1153, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1153
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071153high.pdf - Military Personnel: Number of Formally Reported Applications for Conscientious Objectors Is Small Relative to the Total Size of the Armed Forces. GAO-07-1196, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1196
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071196high.pdf - Information Security: Selected Departments Need to Address Challenges in Implementing Statutory Requirements. GAO-07-528, August 31. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-528
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07528high.pdf - Wildland Fire Management: Better Information and a Systematic Process Could Improve Agencies' Approach to Allocating Fuel Reduction Funds and Selecting Projects. GAO-07-1168, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1168
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071168high.pdf - Social Security Administration: Policies and Procedures Were in Place over MMA Spending, but Some Instances of Noncompliance Occurred. GAO-07-986, August 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-986
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07986high.pdf - Financial Audit: Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2007. GAO-07-1205, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1205
- Global Health: U.S. Agencies Support Programs to Build Overseas Capacity for Infectious Disease Surveillance, by David B. Gootnick, director, international affairs and trade, 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-08-138T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-138T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08138thigh.pdf - Environmental Right-to-Know: EPA's Recent Rule Could Reduce Availability of Toxic Chemical Information Used to Assess Environmental Justice, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-08-115T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-115T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08115thigh.pdf - High-Containment Biosafety Laboratories: Preliminary Observations on the Oversight of the Proliferation of BSL-3 and BSL-4 Laboratories in the United States, by Keith A. Rhodes, chief technologist, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-08-108T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-108T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08108thigh.pdf - Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act and Efforts to Secure Our Nation's Seaports, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-08-86T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-86T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0886thigh.pdf - Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Serious Challenges Confront U.S. Efforts to Build the Capacity of Iraqi Ministries, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-124T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-124T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08124thigh.pdf - Combating Terrorism: Law Enforcement Agencies Lack Directives to Assist Foreign Nations, statement for the record by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-144T, October 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-144T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08144thigh.pdf - Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Program: Management Problems May Increase Vulnerability of U.S. Agriculture to Foreign Pests and Diseases, by Lisa R. Shames, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, House Committee on Agriculture. GAO-08-96T, October 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-96T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0896thigh.pdf - Nuclear Energy: NRC Has Made Progress in Implementing Its Reactor Oversight and Licensing Processes but Continues to Face Challenges, by Mark E. Gaffigan, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. GAO-08-114T, October 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-114T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08114thigh.pdf - Elections: Further Testing Could Provide Increased but Not Absolute Assurance That Voting Systems Did Not Cause Undervotes in Florida's 13th Congressional District, by Nabajyoti Barkakati, senior-level technologist, applied research and methods, before the Task Force on Florida-13, House Committee on House Administration. GAO-08-97T, October 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-97T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0897thigh.pdf - Federal Emergency Management Agency: Ongoing Challenges Facing the National Flood Insurance Program, by Orice M. Williams, director, financial markets and community investments, before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GAO-08-118T, October 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-118T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08118thigh.pdf - Foreign Assistance: Multiple Challenges Hinder the Efficiency and Effectiveness of U.S. Food Aid, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-83T, October 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-83T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0883thigh.pdf
- Disaster Housing: Implementation of FEMA's Alternative Housing Pilot Program Provides Lessons for Improving Future Competitions. GAO-07-1143R, August 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1143R
- "Fiscal and Health Care Challenges," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before KPMG Partners' Meeting, in Arlington, Virginia. GAO-08-158CG, October 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08158cg.pdf - "An Accountability Update from Washington," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before AICPA's peer review program conference, in Atlanta, Georgia. GAO-08-149CG, October 1. [slides]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08149cg.pdf - "Fiscal Stewardship in the 21st Century," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Commerce Club, in Atlanta, Georgia. GAO-08-150CG, October 1. [slides]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08150cg.pdf - "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour at Georgia State University, in Atlanta, Georgia. GAO-08-151CG, October 1. [slides]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08151cg.pdf - "Keep America Great: Doing Your Part," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, the Gortner Lecture at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. GAO-08-152CG, October 2. [text]
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08152cg.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 Manchester, New Hampshire. GAO-07-1275CG, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071275cg.pdf
Guidance
- Financial Audit Manual, Volume I. (Audit Methodology) (Exposure draft.) GAO-08-81G, October 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-81G - Financial Audit Manual, Volume II. (Audit Tools) (Exposure draft.) GAO-08-82G, October 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-82G
- Border Security: Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored U.S. Border Locations. GAO-07-884T, September 27. [Reposted file includes a link to digital video simulating the transport of radioactive material and other contraband across northern and southern U.S, borders at unmanned or unmonitored locations.]
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-884T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07884thigh.pdf
Thursday, October 04, 2007
50th Anniversary of Space Travel
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the space age. On October 4, 1957 the Soviet Union successfully launched an unmanned satellite, Sputnik 1, into orbit. It orbited the Earth for 23 days. Sputnik 2 was launched November 3, 1957 and carried the first living passenger into space on a one-way trip--Laika the dog. The launch began the space race between the USSR and the United States. Sputnik spurred the US government to increase spending on scientific research and education. The US successfully launched Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958 and created NASA in October 1958.Check out NASA's sites on the anniversary:
You might also want to check out Space Race from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Read "Sputnik 1" and "Russia celebrates Sputnik's 50th anniversary" from the Russian News and Information Agency, "Sputnik Hailed on Its 50th Anniversary" from the Washington Post, and "The Scientific Legacy of Sputnik" from FOX News (this site includes archived Movietone newsreels showing the launch of Sputnik).
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Space and Russia.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Blackwater and Private Military contractors
Yesterday the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on "Private Security Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan." This is the hearing where the owner of Blackwater, Erik Prince, testified on his companies work in Iraq. The testimony and the documents discussed are all available at the hearing link, but the discussion was brought about in large part by a memo from Congressional staff on Blackwater activities in Iraq. If you want more history on the discussions (this is not the first hearing on this topic) of Congress in regards to Blackwater, check out the sidebar on the committee's home page.
The hearing did not discuss the September 19th incident which resulted in the deaths of sixteen citizens in Iraq, due to an ongoing investigation by the FBI. All you will find on this investigation is this really brief press release. There has been no reports from the State Department released yet, but if you want to read some of their responses to questioning, I recommend checking out the daily press briefings, which you can watch or read online.
Still want to read more? Check out the Washington Post's "Blackwater Chariman Defends His Company."
Need more resources on Iraq? Check out the library's guide.
The hearing did not discuss the September 19th incident which resulted in the deaths of sixteen citizens in Iraq, due to an ongoing investigation by the FBI. All you will find on this investigation is this really brief press release. There has been no reports from the State Department released yet, but if you want to read some of their responses to questioning, I recommend checking out the daily press briefings, which you can watch or read online.
Still want to read more? Check out the Washington Post's "Blackwater Chariman Defends His Company."
Need more resources on Iraq? Check out the library's guide.
From September 11th to Operation Iraqi Freedom
Want to know what you can find in the library on the September 11th attacks? Or maybe you are interested in terrorism resources or facts on Operation Iraqi Freedom. If you are here in Boulder stop by room E160 in the Norlin Library (across from the reference desk on the 1st floor) from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
A couple of us from here in Gov Pubs will be there to talk to you about these resources and hopefully introduce you to some new sources. The handout for the drop-in session is already available online.
A couple of us from here in Gov Pubs will be there to talk to you about these resources and hopefully introduce you to some new sources. The handout for the drop-in session is already available online.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
From the Congressional Research Service
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern, this week gives us reports on AIDS, Ethanol and presidential signing statements. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- Brazil's WTO Case Against U.S. Agricultural Support: A Brief Overview
- International Monetary Fund (IMF): Financial Reform and the Possible Sale of IMF Gold
- Consumer Spending by Older Americans, 1985 to 2005
- Pandemic Influenza: An Analysis of State Preparedness and Response Plans
- Public Transit Program Funding Issues in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
- Ethanol and Other Biofuels: Potential for U.S.-Brazil Energy Cooperation
- PEPFAR: From Emergency to Sustainability
- Journalists' Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses
- Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations
- Presidential Claims of Executive Privilege: History, Law, Practice and Recent Developments
- Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process
- Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- Extraterritorial Application of American Criminal Law
- Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
- The FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues
- Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76: Implications for the Future
- Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2008 Appropriations
- Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2007
- The Military Commissions Act of 2006: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Previous DOD Rules and the Uniform Code of Military Justice
- Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1999-2006
- Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy
- Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues
- Iraq: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy
- Presidential Signing Statements: Constitutional and Institutional Implications
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Supreme Court Begins Term Today
The new term of the U.S. Supreme Court begins today. The Court's term begins on the first Monday in October. Some of the cases before the Court this term include:
Read "Supreme Court to Take On Contentious Cases in New Term" from the Washington Post and "Lethal Injection, Child Porn, Guantanamo Bay on New Docket for Supreme Court" from FOX News.
Want more information on the Supreme Court? Check out the library's guide.
- Guantanamo Detainees: Court will determine whether detainees can use U.S. civil courts to challenge indefinite incarceration (Boumediene v. Bush, 06-1195, Al-Odah v. U.S., 06-1196).
- Lethal Injections: Court will determine whether lethal injection violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment (Baze v. Rees, 07-5439).
- Voter Photo ID: Court will determine whether laws requiring voters to show photo identification to vote violates the Constitution. (Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 07-21, Indiana Democratic Party v. Rokita, 07-25).
- Presidential Power: Court will hear a separation of powers case where they will determine whether the president has the power to set aside a state law to abide by international treaty in the case of a convicted Mexican national (Medellin v. Texas, 06-984).
Read "Supreme Court to Take On Contentious Cases in New Term" from the Washington Post and "Lethal Injection, Child Porn, Guantanamo Bay on New Docket for Supreme Court" from FOX News.
Want more information on the Supreme Court? Check out the library's guide.
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