Press conference of President Bush

President Bush had a press conference today on economy and energy issues. You can read, watch, listen, or look at pictures of the conference online. If you want to read more about the President's energy policy you can check out their guide to energy.

Want to read the media analysis? For some different perspectives check out the Washington Post's "President Repeats First-Term Answers to Rising Gas Prices" and Fox News's "Bush Calls for More Measures to Aid Americans' Pocketbooks."

Want more? Check out the energy and business and economy guides.

World Food Issues

Now anyone who has gone to the grocery store recently knows that food prices are on the rise. The Washington Post has started a new series on the "Global Food Crisis." So I thought I would highlight a few international sources of information on this topic:

• UN World Food Programme This is the United Nations organization that steps in and helps feed people who are faced with starvation. They also work to enable development in these countries. If you are interested in playing a game to donate rice the World Food Programme, check out the Free Rice web site.
  
• World Food Situation This site from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides the latest news, numbers and reports on the materials that make up the world food supply.
• Crop Prospects and Food Situation This site from the FAO provides a quick report on the prospects of both the harvest and prices of the crops worldwide.

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

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 abstinence education, nanotechnolgy, homeland security, and drug safety. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Antidumping and Countervailing Duties: Congress and Agencies Should Take Additional Steps to Reduce Substantial Shortfalls in Duty Collection. GAO-08-391, March 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-391
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08391high.pdf
• Defense Infrastructure: Continued Management Attention Is Needed to Support Installation Facilities and Operations. GAO-08-502, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-502
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08502high.pdf
• Homeland Security: Enhanced National Guard Readiness for Civil Support Missions May Depend on DOD's Implementation of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. GAO-08-311, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-311
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08311high.pdf
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance: DOD Can Better Assess and Integrate ISR Capabilities and Oversee Development of Future ISR Requirements. GAO-08-374, March 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-374
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08374high.pdf
  
• Nanotechnology: Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure Accurate Reporting of Federal Research Focused on Environmental, Health, and Safety Risks. GAO-08-402, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-402
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08402high.pdf
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Is Making Progress to Rapidly Deliver Low Cost Space Capabilities, but Challenges Remain. GAO-08-516, April 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-516
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08516high.pdf

Correspondence

• Highways and Environment: Transportation Agencies Are Acting to Involve Others in Planning and Environmental Decisions. GAO-08-512R, April 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-512R
• International Boundary and Water Commission: Two Alternatives for Improving Wastewater Treatment at the United States-Mexico Border. GAO-08-595R, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-595R

Testimonies

• Abstinence Education: Assessing the Accuracy and Effectiveness of Federally Funded Programs. GAO-08-664T, April 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-664T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08664thigh.pdf
• Drug Safety: Preliminary Findings Suggest Recent FDA Initiatives Have Potential, but Do Not Fully Address Weaknesses in Its Foreign Drug Inspection Program. GAO-08-701T, April 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-701T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08701thigh.pdf
  
• Export Controls: State and Commerce Have Not Taken Basic Steps to Better Ensure U.S. Interests Are Protected, by Ann Marie Calvaresi Barr, director, acquisition and sourcing 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-08-710T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-710T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08710thigh.pdf
• Federal Records: Agencies Face Challenges in Managing E-Mail. GAO-08-699T, April 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-699T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08699thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Workforce Diversity Governmentwide and at the Small Business Administration. GAO-08-725T, April 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-725T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08725thigh.pdf
  
• Nanotechnology: Accuracy of Data on Federally Funded Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Could Be Improved, by Robert A. Robinson, managing director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-08-709T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-709T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08709thigh.pdf
• NASA: Challenges in Completing and Sustaining the International Space Station, by Cristina T. Chaplain, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-08-581T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-581T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08581thigh.pdf
• National Transportation Safety Board: Progress Made in Management Practices, Investigation Priorities, Training Center Use, and Information Security, But These Areas Continue to Need Improvement. GAO-08-652T, April 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-652T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08652thigh.pdf
  
• Residential Facilities: State and Federal Oversight Gaps May Increase Risk to Youth Well-Being, by Kay E. Brown, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-08-696T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-696T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08696thigh.pdf
• Residential Programs: Selected Cases of Death, Abuse, and Deceptive Marketing, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. [Link to audio recording of undercover phone calls demonstrating deceptive marketing practices on page 5.] GAO-08-713T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-713T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08713thigh.pdf
• Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Improving the Cost-Effectiveness of Filling the Reserve, by Franklin W. Rusco, acting director, natural resources and environment, before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. GAO-08-726T, April 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-726T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08726thigh.pdf

Galaxies Explode!

Friday has arrived and I thought rather then end the week with something on the edifying side I would instead provide you all with some pretty pictures. NASA released (yesterday) some pictures of galaxies colliding to celebrate the 18th birthday of the Hubble telescope. The picture to the left is of "Arp 148 is nicknamed Mayall's object and is located in the constellation of Ursa Major, the Great Bear, approximately 500 million light-years away" (from the Hubblesite).

Want to look at some resources with those pictures? Why not check out the Astronomy and Space library guide.

Congressional Research Service Reports

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 brings us CRS reports on the China, Navy, social security, and much more. 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:

• Science and Technology Policymaking: A Primer
• Information Security and Data Breach Notification Safeguards
• Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives
• Data Mining and Homeland Security: An Overview
• Security Implications of Taiwan’s Presidential Election of March 2008
• China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities -- Background and Issues for Congress
• Social Security Reform: Possible Effects on the Elderly Poor and Mitigation Options
• Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress
• Navy Attack Submarine Force-Level Goal and Procurement Rate: Background and Issues for Congress
• Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Drought: Species and Ecosystem Management
• Summary of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
• Tibet: Problems, Prospects, and U.S. Policy
• Food Price Inflation: Causes and Impacts
• East Asia's Foreign Exchange Rate Policies
• Navy DD(X) and LCS Ship Acquisition Programs: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress
• District of Columbia v. Heller: The Supreme Court and the Second Amendment

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 a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day, which was started on April 22, 1970 in protest over the smog and dirty rivers in the United States (according to the EPA's history page). In addition to any other fun activities you might be enjoying (like riding the bus to work or planting a tree), why not check out a few Earth Day resources from the government:

• Earth Day 2008 This page from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides links to events and actions you can take at home, work, school and more.
• 2008 Photo Contest This contest from the EPA let citizens send in pictures of the environment and the creatures in it and all I have to say is wow! If you want to see a picture that looks like it is out of a fairytale, check this one out!
• EarthDay.gov Okay, this site doesn't have the fancy pictures or quite as an in-depth set of resources, but I thought it should at least be mentioned.

Finally, if you still want more environmental resources, why not check out the library guide.

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 terrorism, health care, homeland defense, and the 2010 Census. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Combating Terrorism: The United States Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Destroy the Terrorist Threat and Close the Safe Haven in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. GAO-08-622, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-622
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08622high.pdf
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Pending Legislation Would Apply U.S. Immigration Law to the CNMI with a Transition Period. GAO-08-466, March 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-466
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08466high.pdf
• Freedom of Information Act: Agencies Are Making Progress in Reducing Backlog, but Additional Guidance Is Needed. GAO-08-344, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-344
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08344high.pdf
• Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections. GAO-08-283, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-283
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08283high.pdf
• Highlights of a Forum Convened by the Comptroller General of the United States: Improving the Federal Government's Financial Management Systems. GAO-08-447SP, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-447SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08447sphigh.pdf
• Highlights of a Forum Convened by the Comptroller General of the United States: Strengthening the Use of Risk Management Principles in Homeland Security. GAO-08-627SP, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-627SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08627sphigh.pdf
• Homeland Defense: Steps Have Been Taken to Improve U.S. Northern Command's Coordination with States and the National Guard Bureau, but Gaps Remain. GAO-08-252, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-252
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08252high.pdf
• Homeland Defense: U.S. Northern Command Has Made Progress but Needs to Address Force Allocation, Readiness Tracking Gaps, and Other Issues. GAO-08-251, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-251
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08251high.pdf

Correspondence

• Defense Management: Observations on DOD's FY 2009 Budget Request for Corrosion Prevention and Control. GAO-08-663R, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-663R

Testimonies

• 2010 Census: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies, by Mathew Scire, director, strategic issues; and David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-685T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-685T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08685thigh.pdf
• Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of April 15, 2008, by Terrell G. Dorn, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-677T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-677T
• Defense Travel System: Overview of Prior Reported Challenges Faced by DOD in Implementation and Utilization, by McCoy Williams, managing director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-649T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-649T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08649thigh.pdf
• Department of Defense: Observations on the National Industrial Security Program, by Ann Marie Calvaresi Barr, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-695T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-695T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08695thigh.pdf
• Drinking Water: The District of Columbia and Communities Nationwide Face Serious Challenges in Their Efforts to Safeguard Water Supplies, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-687T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-687T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08687thigh.pdf
• Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-673T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-673T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08673thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Federal Efforts Are Helping to Address Some Challenges Faced by State and Local Fusion Centers, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-636T, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-636T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08636thigh.pdf
• Humane Methods of Handling and Slaughter: Public Reporting on Violations Can Identify Enforcement Challenges and Enhance Transparency, by Lisa R. Shames, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-686T, April 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-686T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08686thigh.pdf
• Internal Revenue Service: Assessment of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request, 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-08-620T, April 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-620T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08620thigh.pdf
• Transportation Security: Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security Continue to Progress, but More Work Remains, by Cathleen A. Berrick, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-651T, April 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-651T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08651thigh.pdf

Presentation By The Acting Comptroller General

• "Working to Improve Accountability in an Evolving Environment," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the 2008 Maryland Association of CPAs' Government and Not-for-Profit Conference, in College Park, Maryland. GAO-08-720CG, April 18. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d08720cg.pdf

Maps, data, oh what more do you need?

If you have read this blog with any sort of regularity I am sure you have noticed that I am a big fan of new and interesting ways of accessing data. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided me with a new resource to play with and share with all of you. The IMF Data Miner has maps and data from the world and on country level.

So why should ya care? Well, you can map and chart a variety of economic statistics from GDP to information on government statistics such as taxes collected. While the information comes in maps and charts, when you export you have the option to take it as an excel table. Have fun and feel free to share comments on the site.

Taxes are due by 12 tonight!!!!!

Now I know (because I worked the reference desk here in the library last night) that many of you have not finished your taxes yet. Well, unfortunately the procrastination needs to end today. Your tax returns must be postmarked (or submitted online) by 12 tonight. But, do not despair, here are a few resources to help you get through the day:

• In Boulder? Don't want to print out a 60 page instruction booklet? We have the paper tax forms here in the Government Publications Library, check out this list.
• Need more time? Check out the IRS's helpful page on filing an extension.
• All done, but it is after 5? Many post offices are open late, but not all. Check out 9News handy guide to who is open.
• If you make less then $54,000 you are eligible to file online for free! So if you want to save the stamp, check out this site.
• Where does that check you just wrote go? Well, quite a bit of it goes out in contracts, grants, and federal assistance. Check out how much and where at USAspending.gov.
  

Good luck!

This week 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 brings us CRS reports on theIraq, violence against women, and virtual reality, and much more. 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:

• Tibet: Problems, Prospects, and U.S. Policy
• Judicial Review of Removal Orders
• Avatars, Virtual Reality Technology, and the U.S. Military: Emerging Policy Issues
• International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues
• Awards of Attorneys’ Fees by Federal Courts and Federal Agencies
• The Executive Office of the President: An Historical Overview
• Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment
• United States Military Casualty Statistics: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
• Iraqi Civilian Deaths Estimates

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 a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

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 government purchase card fraud and mine safety. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Electronic Government: Additional OMB Leadership Needed to Optimize Use of New Federal Employee Identification Cards. GAO-08-292, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-292
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08292high.pdf
  
• Governmentwide Purchase Cards: Actions Needed to Strengthen Internal Controls to Reduce Fraudulent, Improper, and Abusive Purchases. GAO-08-333, March 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-333
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08333high.pdf
• International Trade: U.S. Trade Preference Programs Provide Important Benefits, but a More Integrated Approach Would Better Ensure Programs Meet Shared Goals. GAO-08-443, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-443
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08443high.pdf
• Media Ownership: Economic Factors Influence the Number of Media Outlets in Local Markets, While Ownership by Minorities and Women Appears Limited and Is Difficult to Assess. GAO-08-383, March 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-383
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08383high.pdf
• Mine Safety: Additional Guidance and Oversight of Mines' Emergency Response Plans Would Improve the Safety of Underground Coal Miners. GAO-08-424, April 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-424
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08424high.pdf

Correspondence

• Millennium Challenge Corporation: Analysis of Compact Development and Future Obligations and Current Disbursements of Compact Assistance. GAO-08-577R, April 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-577R
• United Nations: Renovation Schedule Accelerated after Delays, but Risks Remain in Key Areas. GAO-08-513R, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-513R
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08513rhigh.pdf

Testimonies

• Census 2010: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, and Mathew J. Scire, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-659T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-659T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08659thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: 2009 Review of Future Combat System Is Critical to Program's Direction, by Paul L. Frances, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-638T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-638T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08638thigh.pdf
• Department of Homeland Security: Progress Made in Implementation of Management Functions, but More Work Remains, by Norman J. Rabkin, managing director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-08-646T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-646T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08646thigh.pdf
• Employee Security: Implementation of Identification Cards and DOD's Personnel Security Clearance Program Need Improvement, by Linda D. Koontz, director, information management issues, and Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-551T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-551T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08551thigh.pdf
• Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-616T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-616T
• Force Structure: Restructuring and Rebuilding the Army Will Cost Billions of Dollars for Equipment but the Total Cost Is Uncertain, by Janet A. St. Laurent, managing director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-669T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-669T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08669thigh.pdf
• Internet Sales: Undercover Purchases on eBay and Craigslist Reveal a Market for Sensitive and Stolen U.S. Military Items, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-644T, April 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-644T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08644thigh.pdf
• VA Health Care: Recruitment and Retention Challenges and Efforts to Make Salaries Competitive for Nurse Anesthetists, by Marjorie E. Kanof, managing director, health care, before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-08-647T, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-647T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08647thigh.pdf

Reissued Product

• DOD Pharmacy Program: Continued Efforts Needed to Reduce Growth in Spending at Retail Pharmacies. GAO-08-327, April 4. [Revised to correct the first sentence under "Why GAO Did This Study" on the highlights page to read "estimated to reach $15 billion by 2015" instead "estimated to reach $15 million by 2015."]
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-327
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08327high.pdf

Hearings on Iraq: The past two days

Unless you avoid all news media you have probably heard something about the two-day hearings on the situation in Iraq. If you want to see what was said there are a few options.

Today's (Wed) hearings:

• Reading this before they finish? Check out the live webcast.
• Reading this later?
• Audio transcript for the morning: Part 1 and Part 2
• Video webcast for the morning: Part 1 and Part 2
• Audio transcript for the afternoon
• Video webcast for the afternoon

Yesterday's (Tues) hearings:

• No video or audio from the Senate, but you can view the prepared statements.
• Want to watch the presidential candidates debate this? Never fear, C-Span has all the video you could need on their pages.

Want some media reaction? Oh, where to start? How about the Washington Post's "Petraeus Dismisses Talk of Another Buildup" or on the other end try "Day 2 of Petreaus-Crocker Hearings Continue Focus on Iraq, Iran" from FoxNews.

Still not enough? Well, how about a library guide on Iraq or the military operations in Iraq.

CRS reports from this week

Today brings us another Tuesday and another collection of CRS reports. 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 brings us CRS reports on the North Korea, taxes, income inequality, and much more. 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:

• The REAL ID Act of 2005: Legal, Regulatory, and Implementation Issues
• The Social Security Number: Legal Developments Affecting Its Collection, Disclosure, and Confidentiality
• Congressional Authority To Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq
• Taiwan’s 2008 Presidential Election
• The North Korean Economy: Leverage and Policy Analysis
• The War Powers Resolution: After Thirty-Four Years
• The Federal Grand Jury
• Federalism, State Sovereignty and the Constitution: Basis and Limits of Congressional Power
• Public-Private Partnership Options for Managing Wireless Networks
• Trends in Discretionary Spending
• Expiration and Extension of the Individual Income Tax Cuts Enacted in 2001 Through 2007
• Medicaid Targeted Case Management (TCM) Benefits
• Tax Provisions of the Economic Stimulus Package
• Financial Turmoil: Federal Reserve Policy Responses
• Understanding Stagflation and the Risk of Its Recurrence
• Coal Mine Safety and Health
• The Disparity Between Retail Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices
• Medicaid and Outpatient Hospital Services
• The Conservation Reserve Program: Legal Analysis of Proposed Legislation to Change the Structure and Taxation of Benefits Received
• Medicaid Rehabilitation Services
• Retirement and Survivor Annuities for Former Spouses of Federal Employees
• Income Inequality, Income Mobility, and Economic Policy: U.S. Trends in the 1980s and 1990s
• The Role of Offsets in a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap-and-Trade Program: Potential Benefits and Concerns
• Oil Industry Profit Review 2007

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 a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Want some country info?

Regular readers of this blog may have noticed the links to guides to countries that are at the end of many of our posts. Well, due to the tireless work of Darci, CU has managed to create a country guide for all the countries of the world!

Each of these pages contains the following information: Government Information, Country Profiles, Articles & Databases, Diplomatic Relations, Health, Peacekeeping & Military Information, Resources in the Catalog and Related Topics.

While there are a few resources that are databases only accessible to CU users, the majority of the resources are freely available to all. Feel free to check out the guides and let us know what ya think.

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 Yellowstone bison, combating terrorism, and youth education and employment. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Combating Terrorism: State Department's Antiterrorism Program Needs Improved Guidance and More Systematic Assessments of Outcomes. GAO-08-336, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-336
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08336high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-08-467SP, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-467SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08467sphigh.pdf
• Disconnected Youth: Federal Action Could Address Some of the Challenges Faced by Local Programs That Reconnect Youth to Education and Employment. GAO-08-313, February 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-313
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08313high.pdf
• DOD Pharmacy Program: Continued Efforts Needed to Reduce Growth in Spending at Retail Pharmacies. GAO-08-327, April 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-327
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08327high.pdf
• Federal Contracting: Congressional Action Needed to Address Long-standing Problems with Reporting of Advisory and Assistance Services. GAO-08-319, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-319
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08319high.pdf
• Financial Audit: Special Counsel Expenditures for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007. GAO-08-541, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-541
• Homeland Security: Strategic Solution for US-VISIT Program Needs to Be Better Defined, Justified, and Coordinated. GAO-08-361, February 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-361
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08361high.pdf
• Yellowstone Bison: Interagency Plan and Agencies' Management Need Improvement to Better Address Bison-Cattle Brucellosis Controversy. GAO-08-291, March 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-291
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08291high.pdf

Correspondence

• Defense Critical Infrastructure: DOD's Risk Analysis of Its Critical Infrastructure Omits Highly Sensitive Assets. GAO-08-373R, April 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-373R
• Defense Infrastructure: DOD Funding for Infrastructure and Road Improvements Surrounding Growth Installations. GAO-08-602R, April 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-602R
  
• Internal Control: Improvements Needed in SEC's Accounting and Financial Reporting Process. GAO-08-461R, April 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-461R
• Military Personnel: Better Debt Management Procedures and Resolution of Stipend Recoupment Issues Are Needed for Improved Collection of Medical Education Debts. GAO-08-612R, April 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-612R
• Nuclear Material: DOE Has Several Potential Options for Dealing with Depleted Uranium Tails, Each of Which Could Benefit the Government. GAO-08-606R, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-606R
• Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders: NIH Supports a Wide Range of Research. GAO-08-454R, April 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-454R

Testimonies

• Defense Acquisitions: Assessment of Progress Made on Block 2006 Missile Defense Capabilities and Oversight, by Paul Francis, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-08-608T, April 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-608T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08608thigh.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Increased Reliance on Service Contractors Exacerbates Long-standing Challenges, by David M. Walker, then comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Defense, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-08-621T, January 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-621T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08621thigh.pdf
• Federal Advisory Committee Act: Issues Related to the Independence and Balance of Advisory Committees, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-08-611T, April 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-611T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08611thigh.pdf
  
• Federal Compensation Programs: Perspectives on Four Programs for Individuals Injured by Exposure to Harmful Substances, by Anne-Marie F. Lasowski, acting director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-08-628T, April 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-628T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08628thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Diversity in the Federal SES and Senior Levels of the U.S. Postal Service and Processes for Selecting New Executives, by George H. Stalcup, director, strategic issues, and Katherine Siggerud, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-08-609T, April 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-609T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08609thigh.pdf
• Medicaid Financing: Long-standing Concerns about Inappropriate State Arrangements Support Need for Improved Federal Oversight, by James C. Cosgrove, acting director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-08-650T, April 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-650T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08650thigh.pdf
• NASA: Ares I and Orion Project Risks and Key Indicators to Measure Progress, by Cristina T. Chaplain, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-08-186T, April 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-186T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08186thigh.pdf
• Nuclear Material: Several Potential Options for Dealing with DOE's Depleted Uranium Tails Could Benefit the Government, by Robert A. Robinson, managing director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-08-613T, April 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-613T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08613thigh.pdf

CRS reports from this week

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 brings us CRS reports on the subprime mortgages, refugees, child molestation, and much more. 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:

• Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program
• Unaccompanied Refugee Minors
• The FY2009 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Nicaragua: Political Situation and U.S. Relations
• Merida Initiative: Proposed U.S. Anticrime and Counterdrug Assistance for Mexico and Central America
• Disability Retirement for Federal Employees
• Estate and Gift Tax Revenues: Past and Projected in 2008
• The Budget for Fiscal Year 2009
• Bear Stearns: Crisis and "Rescue" for a Major Provider of Mortgage-Related Products
• Organizing for Homeland Security: The Homeland Security Council Reconsidered
• North Korea's Abduction of Japanese Citizens and the Six-Party Talks
• Medicaid and Graduate Medical Education
• Averting Financial Crisis
• Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Reforms: Regulatory Impacts Upon Innovation and Competition
• Medicaid Provider Taxes
• Capital Punishment: Constitutionality for Non-Homicide Crimes Such as Child Rape
• The NATO Summit at Bucharest, 2008
• Government Interventions in Financial Markets: Economic and Historic Analysis of Subprime Mortgage Options
• Medicaid Regulation of Governmental Providers
• The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill provides funding for civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Department
• Medicaid Financing
• Enlargement Issues at NATO’s Bucharest Summit
• Selected Federal Homeland Security Assistance Programs: A Summary
• Selected Laws Governing the Disclosure of Customer Phone Records by Telecommunications Carriers
  

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 a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.