Last Friday, March 27, President Obama announced a new U.S. military strategy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the transcript of his announcement, which can be found on the White House blog (both text and video are available), President Obama states that he "want[s] the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future."
A white paper on the new U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan can be found here. To read military leaders' responses to the new policy, see this press release at the Department of Defense's website.
For a less current, but more in-depth, report on U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan, read the Five-Year Afghanistan Report that was issued in 2006 to recognize the five-year anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom.
You can find more government resources on Afghanistan in our guide to resources about Terrorism.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Obama Demands Changes at GM and Chrysler
Today President Obama outlined restructuring plans for auto-makers General Motors and Chrysler, which included the required resignation of GM Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner and the suggestion that Chrysler partner with Italian auto-maker Fiat. Read about these government ultimatums in the Detroit Free press.
In today's White House blog post, President Obama explains that these restructuring decisions are a response to his Auto Task Force's completed evaluation of the viability of General Motors and Chrysler. You can find a list of the members of this Task Force on the Treasury Department's website.
For specifics on the restructuring of GM and Chrysler, see these government documents:
In today's White House blog post, President Obama explains that these restructuring decisions are a response to his Auto Task Force's completed evaluation of the viability of General Motors and Chrysler. You can find a list of the members of this Task Force on the Treasury Department's website.
For specifics on the restructuring of GM and Chrysler, see these government documents:
- Obama Administration New Path to Viability for GM & Chrysler
- Warrantee Commitment Program: covers warranties on new vehicles purchased from GM and Chrysler
- GM Viability Assessment
- Chrysler Viability Assessment
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 the Ryan White CARE Act, the HUBZone Program, federal student aid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and private health insurance. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.Reports
- Commercial Vehicle Security: Risk-Based Approach Needed to Secure the Commercial Vehicle Sector. GAO-09-85, February 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-85
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0985high.pdf - Commuter Rail: Many Factors Influence Liability and Indemnity Provisions, and Options Exist to Facilitate Negotiations. GAO-09-282, February 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-282
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09282high.pdf - Defense Management: Actions Needed to Address Stakeholder Concerns, Improve Interagency Collaboration, and Determine Full Costs Associated with the U.S. Africa Command. GAO-09-181, February 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-181
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09181high.pdf - Department of Defense: Additional Actions and Data Are Needed to Effectively Manage and Oversee DOD's Acquisition Workforce. GAO-09-342, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-342
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09342high.pdf - Federal Land Management: Additional Documentation of Agency Experiences with Good Neighbor Authority Could Enhance Its Future Use. GAO-09-277, February 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-277
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09277high.pdf - Federal Student Aid: Recent Changes to Eligibility Requirements and Additional Efforts to Promote Awareness Could Increase Academic Competitiveness and SMART Grant Participation. GAO-09-343, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-343
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09343high.pdf - HUBZone Program: Fraud and Abuse Identified in Four Metropolitan Areas. GAO-09-440, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-440
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09440high.pdf - Iraq: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight. GAO-09-294SP, March 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-294SP - Nonprescription Drugs: Considerations Regarding a Behind-the-Counter Drug Class. GAO-09-245, February 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-245
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09245high.pdf - Ryan White CARE Act: Implementation of the New Minority AIDS Initiative Provisions. GAO-09-315, March 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-315
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09315high.pdf - State Children's Health Insurance Program: CMS Should Improve Efforts to Assess whether SCHIP Is Substituting for Private Insurance. GAO-09-252, February 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-252
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09252high.pdf
- Urban Partnership Agreements: Congestion Relief Initiative Holds Promise; Some Improvements Needed in Selection Process. GAO-09-154, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-154
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09154high.pdf
- Private Health Insurance: 2008 Survey Results on Number and Market Share of Carriers in the Small Group Health Insurance Market. GAO-09-363R, February 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-363R - Securities and Exchange Commission: Oversight of U.S. Equities Market Clearing Agencies. GAO-09-318R, February 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-318R
- 2010 Census: Communications Campaign Has Potential to Boost Participation, by Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-525T, March 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-525T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09525thigh.pdf - Climate Change: Observations on Federal Efforts to Adapt to a Changing Climate, by John Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-534T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-534T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09534thigh.pdf - Coast Guard: Observations on Changes to Management and Oversight of the Deepwater Program, by John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-09-462T, March 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-462T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09462thigh.pdf - Defense Acquisitions: Key Considerations for Planning Future Army Combat Systems, by Paul L. Francis, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-410T, March 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-410T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09410thigh.pdf - Defense Management: Key Challenges Should be Addressed When Considering Changes to Missile Defense Agency's Roles and Missions, by John H. Pendleton, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-466T, March 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-466T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09466thigh.pdf - Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division's Complaint Intake and Investigative Processes Leave Low Wage Workers Vulnerable to Wage Theft, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, and Jonathan T. Meyer, assistant director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-09-458T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-458T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09458thigh.pdf - HUBZone Program: Fraud and Abuse Identified in Four Metropolitan Areas, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the House Committee on Small Business. GAO-09-519T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-519T - Inspectors General: Independent Oversight of Financial Regulatory Agencies, by Gary L. Kepplinger, general counsel, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-524T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-524T - Iraq and Afghanistan: Security, Economic, and Governance Challenges to Rebuilding Efforts Should Be Addressed in U.S. Strategies, by Jacquelyn Williams-Bridgers, managing director, international affairs and trade, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-476T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-476T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09476thigh.pdf - Human Subjects Research: Undercover Tests Show the Institutional Review Board System Is Vulnerable to Unethical Manipulation, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-448T, March 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-448T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09448thigh.pdf - Next Generation Air Transportation System: Issues Associated with Midterm Implementation of Capabilities and Full System Transformation, by Gerald L. Dillingham, Ph.D., director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-09-481T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-481T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09481thigh.pdf - Private Pensions: Conflicts of Interest Can Affect Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans, by Charles A. Jeszeck, acting director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-09-503T, March 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-503T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09503thigh.pdf - Small Business Administration: Status of Efforts to Address Previous Recommendations on the HUBZone Program, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the House Committee on Small Business. GAO-09-532T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-532T - Social Security Administration: Further Actions Needed to Address Disability Claims and Service Delivery Challenges, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support and the Subcommittee on Social Security, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-09-511T, March 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-511T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09511thigh.pdf - U.S. Department of Agriculture: Improved Management Controls Can Enhance Effectiveness of Key Conservation Programs, by Lisa Shames, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research, House Committee on Agriculture. GAO-09-528T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-528T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09528thigh.pdf - U.S. Postal Service: Escalating Financial Problems Require Major Cost Reductions to Limit Losses, by Phillip Herr, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-475T, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-475T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09475thigh.pdf
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Early Spring Blizzard Storms into Colorado
An early spring snowstorm descended upon Colorado today, blanketing the state's Front Range with anywhere from 6 to 24 inches of snow and shutting down schools, businesses, and roads while forcing airlines to cancel flights to and from Denver International Airport (see the report at 9News.com).
The blizzard shut down University of Colorado's Boulder campus, but that doesn't prevent us from posting to our blog. And today seems like an appropriate day to draw your attention to government web resources on weather. All of these are from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
The blizzard shut down University of Colorado's Boulder campus, but that doesn't prevent us from posting to our blog. And today seems like an appropriate day to draw your attention to government web resources on weather. All of these are from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
- Watchings, Warnings, or Advisories for Colorado is updated every 2 to 3 minutes.
- Storm Events database (National Climatic Data Center) provides state- and county-level data on all weather events from 1993 to the present as well as select data going back to 1955.
- Climate Prediction Center features research reports, annual summaries, predictions, and data.
- Climate Data Online allows you to search for climate data by country, geographic region, data set, station name, and mapping option.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Could Sharif Play a New Role in U.S.-Pakistan Relations?
In "U.S. Weighs Sharif as Partner in Pakistan," yesterday's New York Times suggests the Obama administration is considering whether Pakistani opposition leader Nawaz Sharif can be a reliable partner in the U.S.'s fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Sharif, who was Pakistan's prime minister for six years from 1990 to 1999 before being ousted by General Pervez Musharraf, regained government support in Pakistan this month when he led a protest causing the government to restore Pakistan's Chief Justice Chaudhry. You can read more about Sharif's role in Pakistani politics in the U.S. Department of State's Background Notes on Pakistan or in this Times Topics article.
For the latest perspective on Pakistan from the U.S. Department of Defense, take a look at this news article from March 13. For a less current, but more detailed, report on U.S.-Pakistan relations, see this Congressional Research Service Issue Brief from 2003.
For more resources on Pakistan and its relations with the U.S., see our guide to Pakistan.
Sharif, who was Pakistan's prime minister for six years from 1990 to 1999 before being ousted by General Pervez Musharraf, regained government support in Pakistan this month when he led a protest causing the government to restore Pakistan's Chief Justice Chaudhry. You can read more about Sharif's role in Pakistani politics in the U.S. Department of State's Background Notes on Pakistan or in this Times Topics article.
For the latest perspective on Pakistan from the U.S. Department of Defense, take a look at this news article from March 13. For a less current, but more detailed, report on U.S.-Pakistan relations, see this Congressional Research Service Issue Brief from 2003.
For more resources on Pakistan and its relations with the U.S., see our guide to Pakistan.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on foreign relations, CO2 capture, nuclear weapons, and much more. Although 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 OpenCRS and Secrecy News:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- Authoritative Resources on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
- Bahrain: Key Issues for U.S. Policy
- Capturing CO2 from Coal-Fired Power Plants: Challenges for a Comprehensive Strategy
- China's Foreign Aid Activities in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia
- China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy
- Nuclear Weapons R&D Organizations in Nine Nations
- Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress
- The Constitutionality of Federal Contracting Programs for Minority-Owned and Other Small Businesses
- Ongoing Government Assistance for American International Group (AIG)
- China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy
- Climate Change: Current Issues and Policy Tools
- Covert Action: Legislative Background and Possible Policy Questions
- Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress
- Department of Defense Facilities Energy Conservation Policies and Spending
- Whales and Sonar: Environmental Exemptions for the Navy's Mid-Frequency Active Sonar Training Program
- Foreign Investor Visas: Policies and Issues
- Honduran-U.S. Relations
- Instability in Chad
- International Drug Control Policy
- Iraq: Politics, Elections and Benchmarks
- Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties
- Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis?
- Israel and Hamas: Conflict in Gaza (2008-2009)
- Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy
- Liberia's Post-War Recovery: Key Issues and Developments
- Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer
- Nigeria: Current Issues
- Nonproliferation and Threat Reduction Assistance: U.S. Programs in the Former Soviet Union
- North Korea: Terrorism List Removal?
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: Strategies, Approaches, Results, and Issues for Congress
- Oversight of High-Containment Biological Laboratories: Issues for Congress
- Overview of Filipino Veterans' Benefits
- Proposed Termination of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F136 Alternate Engine
- Reserve Component Personnel Issues: Questions and Answers
- Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations
- Somalia: Current Conditions and Prospects for a Lasting Peace
- Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis, Peace Talks, Terrorism, and U.S. Policy
- Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990
- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Summary and Proposed Amendments
- The Social Security Number: Legal Developments Affecting Its Collection, Disclosure, and Confidentiality
- Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: Economic, Program, and Policy Issues
- U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians
- Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy
- Veterans Affairs: The Appeal Process for Veterans' Claims
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, March 23, 2009
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 the global War on Terrorism, aviation security, the Bank Secrecy Act, and oil and gas leasing. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.Reports
- Aviation Security: Preliminary Observations on TSA's Progress and Challenges in Meeting the Statutory Mandate for Screening Air Cargo on Passenger Aircraft, by Stephen M. Lord, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-422T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-422T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09422thigh.pdf - Bank Secrecy Act: Federal Agencies Should Take Action to Further Improve Coordination and Information-Sharing Efforts. GAO-09-227, February 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-227
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09227high.pdf - Defense Acquisitions: DOD Must Prioritize Its Weapon System Acquisitions and Balance Them with Available Resources, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the House Committee on the Budget. GAO-09-501T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-501T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09501thigh.pdf - Defense Acquisitions: Production and Fielding of Missile Defense Components Continue with Less Testing and Validation Than Planned. GAO-09-338, March 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-338
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09338high.pdf - Department of State: Undercover Tests Reveal Significant Vulnerabilities in State's Passport Issuance Process. GAO-09-447, March 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-447
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09447high.pdf - Federal Financial Assistance: Preliminary Observations on Assistance to AIG, by Orice M. Williams, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-09-490T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-490T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09490thigh.pdf - Freedom of Information Act: DHS Has Taken Steps to Enhance Its Program, but Opportunities Exist to Improve Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness. GAO-09-260, March 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-260
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09260high.pdf - Global War on Terrorism: DOD Needs to More Accurately Capture and Report the Costs of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. GAO-09-302, March 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-302
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09302high.pdf - High Speed Passenger Rail: Future Development Will Depend on Addressing Financial and Other Challenges and Establishing a Clear Federal Role. GAO-09-317, March 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-317
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09317high.pdf - Information Security: Securities and Exchange Commission Needs to Consistently Implement Effective Controls. GAO-09-203, March 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-203
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09203high.pdf - Medicare and Medicaid Participating Facilities: CMS Needs to Reexamine Its Approach for Funding State Oversight of Health Care Facilities. GAO-09-64, February 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-64
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0964high.pdf - Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status of Transformation and Issues Associated with Midterm Implementation of Capabilities, by Gerald L. Dillingham, Ph.D., director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-09-479T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-479T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09479thigh.pdf - Seafood Fraud: FDA Program Changes and Better Collaboration among Key Federal Agencies Could Improve Detection and Prevention. GAO-09-258, February 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-258
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09258high.pdf - Small Business Administration: Additional Guidance on Documenting Credit Elsewhere Decisions Could Improve 7(a) Program Oversight. GAO-09-228, February 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-228
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09228high.pdf
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting with Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. GAO-09-391R, March 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-391R - Federal Real Property: Authorities and Actions Regarding Enhanced Use Leases and Sale of Unneeded Real Property. GAO-09-283R, February 17
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-283R
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: GAO's Role in Helping to Ensure Accountability and Transparency for Science Funding, by Patricia Dalton, managing director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-515T, March 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-515T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09515thigh.pdf - Emergency Management: Actions to Implement Select Provisions of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, by William O. Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-433T, March 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-433T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09433thigh.pdf - Financial Regulation: Review of Regulators' Oversight of Risk Management Systems at a Limited Number of Large, Complex Financial Institutions, by Orice M. Williams, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investments, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GAO-09-499T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-499T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09499thigh.pdf - Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: Continuing Leadership Needed from HHS to Prioritize Prevention Practices and Improve Data on These Infections, by Dr. Marjorie Kanof, managing director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-09-516T, March 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-516T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09516thigh.pdf - International Trade: Effective Export Programs Can Help in Achieving U.S. Economic Goals, by Loren Yager, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-480T, March 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-480T - Oil and Gas Leasing: Federal Oil and Gas Resource Management and Revenue Collection in Need of Comprehensive Reassessment, by Frank Rusco, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-09-506T, March 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-506T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09506thigh.pdf - Tax Compliance: Offshore Financial Activity Creates Enforcement Issues for IRS, by Michael Brostek, director, strategic issues, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-09-478T, March 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-478T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09478thigh.pdf - Troubled Asset Relief Program: Status of Efforts to Address Transparency and Accountability Issues, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Oversight, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-09-484T, March 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-484T
- "Challenges Facing the New Administration and the 111th Congress," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the JFMIP 2009 Federal Financial Management Conference, in Washington, D.C. GAO-09-510CG, March 12, 2009.
http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d09510cg.pdf
Friday, March 20, 2009
Budget Outlook Bad for Colorado
Colorado's budget woes are even greater than the $600 million shortfall legislators had initially uncovered. The state's Legislative Council informed the Joint Budget Committee that Colorado's budget deficit for the fiscal year ending in June would increase by another $207.5 million. If the next budget year, starting in July, is included, this means that the state now faces a $1.4 billion shortfall. More discouraging news about the Colorado economy is that the state lost 48,000 jobs, or 2.3 percent of its workforce, between August and January. Read the Denver Post article here.
See the Colorado government's website for more about Colorado's economic downturn:
See the Colorado government's website for more about Colorado's economic downturn:
- Colorado Joint Budget Committee
- Colorado Legislative Council
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
Thursday, March 19, 2009
House Holds Hearing on AIG
Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing to discuss the global economic impact of insurance company American International Group (AIG), which has received over $150 billion in federal aid within the past year and is offering $165 million in bonuses to its executives. Read about the hearing in the New York Times.
To watch a webcast of the hearing, "American International Group’s Impact on the Global Economy: Before, During, and After Federal Intervention," see the House Financial Committee's website. You can also view the blog on WhiteHouse.gov to read President Obama's criticism of the AIG bonuses.
And now would be an interesting time to see what FinancialStability.gov has to say about the AIG bonuses. Unfortunately, the top of this web page still reads, "This site is coming soon."
For additional resources, see our guide to Business and Economic Information.
To watch a webcast of the hearing, "American International Group’s Impact on the Global Economy: Before, During, and After Federal Intervention," see the House Financial Committee's website. You can also view the blog on WhiteHouse.gov to read President Obama's criticism of the AIG bonuses.
And now would be an interesting time to see what FinancialStability.gov has to say about the AIG bonuses. Unfortunately, the top of this web page still reads, "This site is coming soon."
For additional resources, see our guide to Business and Economic Information.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Boulder Not Meeting Kyoto Protocol Targets
Although the United States as a nation did not sign the Kyoto Protocol, many American cities have nevertheless committed themselves to meeting this treaty's goals by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to 7% below 1990 levels. According to an article in Boulder's Daily Camera , 900 mayors representing 81 million Americans have pledged that their cities would comply with the Kyoto Protocol. Boulder, Colorado, is one of these cities.
Unfortunately, Boulder’s Office of Environmental Affairs told the Boulder City Council that without more funding the city will only meet one-third of its emissions target.
To meet its "Kyoto Resolution" (see the City of Boulder's "Climate Action Plan" web page), the City is thinking about raising its carbon tax.
Want more information about the Kyoto Protocol? See our guide to Treaties. Need to find resources for the City of Boulder's government? Be sure to check out this guide.
Unfortunately, Boulder’s Office of Environmental Affairs told the Boulder City Council that without more funding the city will only meet one-third of its emissions target.
To meet its "Kyoto Resolution" (see the City of Boulder's "Climate Action Plan" web page), the City is thinking about raising its carbon tax.
Want more information about the Kyoto Protocol? See our guide to Treaties. Need to find resources for the City of Boulder's government? Be sure to check out this guide.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on broadband Internet access, Medicare, the financial crisis, and more. Although 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 OpenCRS and Secrecy News:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs
- Credit for Military Service Under Civilian Federal Employee Retirement Systems
- Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative: Legal Authorities and Policy Considerations
- Medicare Primer
- Filling U.S. Senate Vacancies: Perspectives and Contemporary Developments
- Analysis of Legislative Proposals Addressing Guantanamo Detainees
- The Financial Crisis: Impact on and Response by the European Union
- Tax Reform: An Overview of Proposals in the 111th Congress
- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Summary of Actions in Support of Housing and Financial Markets
- North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons
- Japan’s Nuclear Future: Policy Debate, Prospects, and U.S. Interests
- The United Arab Emirates Nuclear Program and Proposed U.S. Nuclear Cooperation
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, March 16, 2009
ICRC Report Suggests CIA Violated International Law
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ended a confidential report on CIA prisons by stating that the Bush administration's treatment of al-Qaeda prisoners "constituted torture," a conclusion with a strong suggestion that CIA interrogation methods violated international law. Read the article in the Washington Post.
The ICRC's 2007 report "states that some U.S. practices amounted to 'cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.' Such maltreatment of detainees is expressly prohibited by the Geneva Conventions." You can read more about the Geneva Conventions on this page of the ICRC's website.
At least five copies of the ICRC's secret report were shared with the CIA and top White House officials in 2007 but "barred from public release by ICRC guidelines intended to preserve the humanitarian group's strict policy of neutrality in conflicts," according to the Post. Nevertheless, journalism professor and author Mark Danner obtained a copy of the report and has published excerpts from it in the New York Review of Books.
For more resources on this topic, see our guides to Human Rights and Treaties.
The ICRC's 2007 report "states that some U.S. practices amounted to 'cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.' Such maltreatment of detainees is expressly prohibited by the Geneva Conventions." You can read more about the Geneva Conventions on this page of the ICRC's website.
At least five copies of the ICRC's secret report were shared with the CIA and top White House officials in 2007 but "barred from public release by ICRC guidelines intended to preserve the humanitarian group's strict policy of neutrality in conflicts," according to the Post. Nevertheless, journalism professor and author Mark Danner obtained a copy of the report and has published excerpts from it in the New York Review of Books.
For more resources on this topic, see our guides to Human Rights and Treaties.
Friday, March 13, 2009
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 clean coal, Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), highway infrastructure, and Afghanistan Security. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.Reports
- Afghanistan Security: U.S. Programs to Further Reform Ministry of Interior and National Police Challenged by Lack of Military Personnel and Afghan Cooperation. GAO-09-280, March 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-280
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09280high.pdf - Business Systems Modernization: Internal Revenue Service's Fiscal Year 2009 Expenditure Plan. GAO-09-281, March 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-281
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09281high.pdf - Clean Coal: DOE's Decision to Restructure FutureGen Should Be Based on a Comprehensive Analysis of Costs, Benefits, and Risks. GAO-09-248, February 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-248
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09248high.pdf - Defense Acquisitions: Decisions Needed to Shape Army's Combat Systems for the Future. GAO-09-288, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-288
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09288high.pdf - Highway Infrastructure: Federal Efforts to Strengthen Security Should Be Better Coordinated and Targeted on the Nation's Most Critical Highway Infrastructure. GAO-09-57, January 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-57
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0957high.pdf - Highway Trust Fund: Improved Solvency Mechanisms and Communication Needed to Help Avoid Shortfalls in the Highway Account. GAO-09-316, February 6.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-316
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09316high.pdf - Joint Strike Fighter: Accelerating Procurement before Completing Development Increases the Government's Financial Risk. GAO-09-303, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-303
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09303high.pdf - Medicare: Improvements Needed to Address Improper Payments in Home Health. GAO-09-185, February 27
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09185.pdf
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09185high.pdf
- Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center: Clarifying Rationale for the Research and Development Funding Decisions Would Increase Accountability. GAO-09-339R, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09339r.pdf - GSA Global Supply's Direct Vendor Delivery Proposal Addresses Declining Office Product Sales, but Annual Reviews May Be Needed to Monitor Impact on Small Business Participation. GAO-09-230R, February 6.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-230R - Responses to Questions for the Record: February 11, 2009, Hearing on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. GAO-09-467R, March 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-467R - Ryan White CARE Act: Estimated Effect of Proposed Stop-Loss Provision on Urban Areas. GAO-09-472R, March 6.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-472R
- Clean Coal: DOE Should Prepare a Comprehensive Analysis of the Relative Costs, Benefits, and Risks of a Range of Options for FutureGen, by Mark Gaffigan, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-465T, March 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-465T - DOD's High Risk Areas: Actions Needed to Reduce Vulnerabilities and Improve Business Outcomes, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-460T, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-460T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09460thigh.pdf - Forest Service: Emerging Issues Highlight the Need to Address Persistent Management Challenges, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-443T, March 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-443T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09443thigh.pdf - Information Technology: Challenges Remain for VA's Sharing of Electronic Health Records with DOD, by Valerie C. Melvin, director, information management and human capital issues, before the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-427T, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-427T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09427thigh.pdf - National Cybersecurity Strategy: Key Improvements Are Needed to Strengthen the Nation's Posture, by David Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-432T, March 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-432T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09432thigh.pdf - Transportation Programs: Challenges Facing the Department of Transportation and Congress, by Katherine Siggerud, managing director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-435T, March 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-435T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09435thigh.pdf - Troubled Asset Relief Program: Status of Efforts to Address Transparency and Accountability Issues, by Richard J. Hillman, managing director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-474T, March 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-474T - VA Health Care: Challenges in Budget Formulation and Execution, by Randall B. Williamson, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-459T, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-459T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09459thigh.pdf
Colo. Governor Approves of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants
According to an article in today's Denver Post, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter claims he'd sign a bill that would offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants if it reaches his desk. Until now, Ritter hadn't made clear whether or not he supported Colorado Senate Bill 170, which would require that a person attending a Colorado high school for at least 3 years and enrolling in a
Colorado college or university within 5 years would gain in-state tuition privilege regardless of immigration status.
You can go to the Colorado Department of Higher Education's website to find current classification guidelines for higher education in Colorado. See this page to find out how the State of Colorado defines "immigrants" or "resident aliens" for tuition purposes.
As of today, the second reading of Senate Bill 170 has been referred, with amendments, to the Senate Appropriations Committee. To see the history of, find various versions of, and find additional information about this and other Colorado legislation, see the web page of the Colorado General Assembly. Still searching for more information about education and legislation in Colorado State? See our guide to Colorado State Resources.
Colorado college or university within 5 years would gain in-state tuition privilege regardless of immigration status.
You can go to the Colorado Department of Higher Education's website to find current classification guidelines for higher education in Colorado. See this page to find out how the State of Colorado defines "immigrants" or "resident aliens" for tuition purposes.
As of today, the second reading of Senate Bill 170 has been referred, with amendments, to the Senate Appropriations Committee. To see the history of, find various versions of, and find additional information about this and other Colorado legislation, see the web page of the Colorado General Assembly. Still searching for more information about education and legislation in Colorado State? See our guide to Colorado State Resources.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
CRS reports this week
Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on agriculture, piracy, greenhouse gas, and more. Although 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 OpenCRS:
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Rural Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- Arms Control and Nonproliferation: A Catalog of Treaties and Agreements
- Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding
- Automobile and Light Truck Fuel Economy: The CAFE Standards
- Campaign Finance
- Carbon Tax and Greenhouse Gas Control: Options and Considerations for Congress
- Clean Air Issues in the 111th Congress
- Discriminatory Pricing and the Robinson-Patman Act: Brief Background and Analysis
- Economic Stimulus: Issues and Policies
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) Issues Regarding Columbia Basin Salmon and Steelhead
- End-of-Life Care: Services, Costs, Ethics, and Quality of Care
- Estimates of Carbon Mitigation Potential from Agricultural and Forestry Activities
- Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization: An Overview of Selected Provisions in Proposed Legislation
- Federal Lands Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service (FS): Issues for the 11th Congress
- Federal R&D, Drug Discovery, and Pricing: Insights from the NIH-University-Industry Relationship
- Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Issues in the 111th Congress
- Funding for Education in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (PL 111-5)
- Globalized Supply Chains and U.S. Policy
- Enemy Combatant Detainees: Habeas Corpus Challenges in Federal Court
- Immigration: The Effects on Low-Skilled and High-Skilled Native-Born Workers
- Federal Information Security and Data Breach Notification Safeguards
- Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade
- Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges
- Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program: Background, Status, and Issues
- Medicare Advantage
- Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2009 Appropriations
- National Aviation Security Policy, Strategy, and Mode-Specific Plans: Background and Considerations for Congress
- Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier (CVN) Homeporting at Mayport: Background and Issues for Congress
- Net Neutrality: The Federal Communications Commission's Authority to Enforce its Network Management Principles
- Ocean Acidification
- Ocean Piracy and Its Impact on Insurance
- Offshore Oil and Gas Development: Legal Framework
- Peacekeeping/Stabilization and Conflict Transitions: Background and Congressional Action on the Civilian Response/Reserve Corps and other Civilian Stabilization and Reconstruction Capabilities
- Postage Subsidies for Periodicals: History and Recent Developments
- Products Liability: A Legal Overview
- Public Health and Medical Preparedness and Response: Issues in the 111th Congress
- Congressional Nominations to U.S. Service Academies: An Overview and Resources for Outreach and Management
- Selected Issues Related to an Expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
- Small Business Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- State Medicaid and SCHIP Coverage of Noncitizens
- The Bayh-Dole Act: Selected Issues in Patent Policy and the Commercialization of Technology
- The Congressional Review Act and Possible Consolidation into a Single Measure of Resolutions Disapproving Regulations
- The Economic Effects of Capital Gains Taxation
- The Evolving Broadband Infrastructure: Expansion, Applications, and Regulation
- The FHA Modernization Act of 2008
- The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit: An Economic Analysis
- The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
- The National Security Council: An Organizational Assessment
- The Potential Role of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant in the Recession Gene Falk
- Transportation Security: Issues for the 110th Congress
- U.S. Civilian Space Policy Priorities: Reflections 50 Years After Sputnik
- U.S. Farm Income
- Unemployment and Health Insurance: Current Legislation and Issues
- Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- United Nations Reform: U.S. Policy and International Perspectives
- War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance
- Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- Who Regulates Whom? An Overview of U.S. Financial Supervision
Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.
Monday, March 09, 2009
World Bank Claims Global Economic Downturn Could Hurt Developing Countries Most
A new report released by the World Bank warns that the first global recession since World War II is taking a major toll on developing countries, undoing efforts to reduce poverty and possibly leading to political instability. See the article in the Washington Post or read the full World Bank report, Swimming Against the Tide, which is available on its website as a PDF.
The World Bank suggests ways in which developed nations dealing with their own financial struggles can still assist developing countries. One proposal is for developed countries to contribute 0.7 percent of the money spent on stimulus programs to a new Vulnerability Fund to help developing countries. The Vulnerability Fund is described in this press release.
For additional resources, see our guides to the World Bank and Development.
The World Bank suggests ways in which developed nations dealing with their own financial struggles can still assist developing countries. One proposal is for developed countries to contribute 0.7 percent of the money spent on stimulus programs to a new Vulnerability Fund to help developing countries. The Vulnerability Fund is described in this press release.
For additional resources, see our guides to the World Bank and Development.
Friday, March 06, 2009
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 influenza pandemic, the 2010 Census, and immigration enforcement. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.Reports
- Debt Management: Treasury's Cash Management Challenges and Timing of Payments to Medicare Private Plans. GAO-09-118, January 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-118
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09118high.pdf - Dietary Supplements: FDA Should Take Further Actions to Improve Oversight and Consumer Understanding. GAO-09-250, January 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-250
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09250high.pdf - Defense Management: DOD Needs to Increase Attention on Fuel Demand Management at Forward-Deployed Locations. GAO-09-300, February 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-300
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09300high.pdf - Environmental Protection Agency: Major Management Challenges. GAO-09-434, March 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-434
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09434high.pdf - Immigration Enforcement: Better Controls Needed over Program Authorizing State and Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws. GAO-09-109, January 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-109
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09109high.pdf - Information Technology: Census Bureau Testing of 2010 Decennial Systems Can Be Strengthened. GAO-09-262, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-262
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09262high.pdf - Influenza Pandemic: Sustaining Focus on the Nation's Planning and Preparedness Efforts. GAO-09-334, February 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-334
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09334high.pdf - NASA: Assessments of Selected Large-Scale Projects. GAO-09-306SP, March 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-306SP
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09306sphigh.pdf - Nuclear Detection: Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Should Improve Planning to Better Address Gaps and Vulnerabilities. GAO-09-257, January 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-257
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09257high.pdf
- Nuclear Weapons: NNSA and DOD Need to More Effectively Manage the Stockpile Life Extension Program. GAO-09-385, March 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-385
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09385high.pdf - Property Management: NASA's Goal of Increasing Equipment Reutilization May Fall Short without Further Efforts. GAO-09-187, January 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-187
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09187high.pdf
- DHS: Organizational Structure and Resources for Providing Health Care to Immigration Detainees. GAO-09-308R, February 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-308R
- GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Developing and Managing Capital Program Costs. GAO-09-3SP, March 2009.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-3SP
- 2010 Census: Fundamental Building Blocks of a Successful Enumeration Face Challenges, by Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues; and David Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-430T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-430T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09430thigh.pdf - 2010 Census: Little Time Remains to Address Operational Challenges, by Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues; and David Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-408T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-408T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09408thigh.pdf - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: GAO's Role in Helping to Ensure Accountability and Transparency, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-453T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-453T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09453thigh.pdf - Climate Change: Observations on the Potential Role of Carbon Offsets in Climate Change Legislation, by John Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-456T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-456T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09456thigh.pdf - Defense Acquisitions: DOD Must Balance Its Needs with Available Resources and Follow an Incremental Approach to Acquiring Weapon Systems, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-431T, March 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-431T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09431thigh.pdf - Defense Management: Increased Attention on Fuel Demand Management at DOD's Forward-Deployed Locations Could Reduce Operational Risks and Costs, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Readiness, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-388T, March 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-388T - Department of Energy: Contract and Project Management Concerns at the National Nuclear Security Administration and Office of Environmental Management, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-406T, March 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-406T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09406thigh.pdf - Department of Homeland Security: Organizational Structure, Spending, and Staffing for the Health Care Provided to Immigration Detainees, by Alicia Puente Cackley, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-401T, March 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-401T - Department of the Interior: Major Management Challenges, by Robin M. Nazzaro and Franklin Rusco, directors, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-09-425T, March 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-425T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09425thigh.pdf - Disaster Recovery: Past Experiences Offer Recovery Lessons for Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and Future Disasters, by Stanley J. Czerwinski, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-437T, March 3.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-437T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09437thigh.pdf - DOD Business Transformation: Status of DOD's Actions on Previous Recommendations for the Defense Travel System, by Asif A. Khan, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-416T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-416T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09416thigh.pdf - Immigration Enforcement: Controls over Program Authorizing State and Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws Should Be Strengthened, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-381T, March 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-381T - Information Technology: Census Bureau Testing of 2010 Decennial Systems Can Be Strengthened, by David Powner, director, information technology management issues; and Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-414T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-414T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09414thigh.pdf - Information Technology: Census Bureau Needs to Strengthen Testing of 2010 Decennial Systems, by David Powner, director, information technology management issues; and Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-413T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-413T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09413thigh.pdf - NASA: Projects Need More Disciplined Oversight and Management to Address Key Challenges, by Cristina Chaplain, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-436T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-436T - Systemic Risk: Regulatory Oversight and Recent Initiatives to Address Risk Posed by Credit Default Swaps, by Orice M. Williams, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-09-397T, March 5.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-397T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09397thigh.pdf
Aid Workers Forced to Leave Sudan
The Times Online (London) reports that the Sudanese government, in protest of the warrant for the arrest of its president, is creating a humanitarian crisis by expelling aid organizations from the country. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant for the arrest of President Omar Al Bashir on March 4 for "war crimes and crimes against humanity."
Sudan told 13 international charities--including Oxfam, Medicins sans Frontieres, and Care--that it was revoking their licenses to operate in Sudan because the organizations had provided information to the ICC. The Sudanese government denounces the arrest warrant on its website, describing the ICC "as the White Man Court which strives to politicize justice paving the way for new colonization." However, a UN News Centre article warns that the expulsion of the aid agencies could have dire humanitarian consequences for the region.
For additional resources about Sudan, see our guide to this country.
Sudan told 13 international charities--including Oxfam, Medicins sans Frontieres, and Care--that it was revoking their licenses to operate in Sudan because the organizations had provided information to the ICC. The Sudanese government denounces the arrest warrant on its website, describing the ICC "as the White Man Court which strives to politicize justice paving the way for new colonization." However, a UN News Centre article warns that the expulsion of the aid agencies could have dire humanitarian consequences for the region.
For additional resources about Sudan, see our guide to this country.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress' request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern. This week brings us reports on presidential records, arms control, the motor vehicle industry, and more. Although 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:
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.
- Presidential Records: Issues for the 111th Congress
- F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program: Background, Status, and Issues
- Strategic Arms Control After START: Issues and Options
- Herring v. United States: Extension of the Good-Faith Exception to the Exclusionary Rule in Fourth Amendment Cases
- U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Federal Financial Assistance and Restructuring
- India-U.S. Relations
- Compulsory DNA Collection: A Fourth Amendment Analysis
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.
Monday, March 02, 2009
EU Discord over Bailout of Eastern European Countries
Today the Washington Post reported that European leaders refused to meet a request by Hungary for $240 billion in financial assistance to Eastern European countries. Read the article here. An EU summit was held in Brussels on Sunday to discuss the economic crisis, which has hit Eastern Europe particularly hard with currency devaluations and financial difficulties. The EU has issued a press release about the summit on its Europa website.
The Post article states that Hungary and Latvia have received financial bailouts from the International Monetary Fund and that the World Bank has approved aid to the region. A January IMF article website discusses the necessity of financially assisting "emerging Europe," and a World Bank article provides the same suggestion.
Want to learn more about the situation? See our guide to the European Union.
The Post article states that Hungary and Latvia have received financial bailouts from the International Monetary Fund and that the World Bank has approved aid to the region. A January IMF article website discusses the necessity of financially assisting "emerging Europe," and a World Bank article provides the same suggestion.
Want to learn more about the situation? See our guide to the European Union.
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