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 the supreme court, homeland security, Iran, 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:

• Supreme Court Nominations: Senate Floor Procedure and Practice, 1789-2009
• Inherently Governmental Functions and Department of Defense Operations: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Federal Rulemaking: The Role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
• Homeland Security Department: FY2010 Request for Appropriations
• Iran’s 2009 Presidential Elections

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.

Wolves Back onto the Endangered Species List in the Great Lakes Region

Since February 2007 the Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program has had an on-again/off again policy with respect to delisting gray wolves in the Great Lakes region. Pending receipt and analysis of public comments, the gray wolves in that region are back on the list. For additional information about the program, consult our Endangered Species page.

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 aviation safety, nuclear smuggling, the Internal Revenue Service, and energy markets. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Army Corps of Engineers: Recent Changes Have Reduced the Use of Continuing Contracts, but Management Processes Need to Be Improved. GAO-09-552, June 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-552
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09552high.pdf
• Aviation Safety: Better Data and Targeted FAA Efforts Needed to Identify and Address Safety Issues of Small Air Cargo Carriers. GAO-09-614, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-614
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09614high.pdf
  
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Improved Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, but Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New Technology. GAO-09-655, May 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-655
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09655high.pdf
• Contract Management: Minimal Compliance with New Safeguards for Time-and-Materials Contracts for Commercial Services and Safeguards Have Not Been Applied to GSA Schedules Program. GAO-09-579, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-579
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09579high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments Needed to Address V-22 Aircraft Operational and Cost Concerns to Define Future Investments. GAO-09-482, May 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-482
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09482high.pdf
• Energy Markets: Estimates of the Effects of Mergers and Market Concentration on Wholesale Gasoline Prices. GAO-09-659, June 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-659
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09659high.pdf
• Human Capital: Actions Needed to Better Track and Provide Timely and Accurate Compensation and Medical Benefits to Deployed Federal Civilians. GAO-09-562, June 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-562
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09562high.pdf
  
• Internal Revenue Service: Status of GAO Financial Audit and Related Financial Management Report Recommendations. GAO-09-514, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-514
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09514high.pdf
• International Aviation: Federal Efforts Help Address Safety Challenges in Africa, but Could Benefit from Reassessment and Better Coordination. GAO-09-498, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-498
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09498high.pdf
• Job Corps: Better Targeted Career Training and Improved Preenrollment Information Could Enhance Female Residential Student Recruitment and Retention. GAO-09-470, June 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-470
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09470high.pdf
• Medicaid: Source of Screening Affects Women's Eligibility for Coverage of Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment in Some States. GAO-09-384, May 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-384
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09384high.pdf
  

Presentations By The Acting Comptroller General

• "Ensuring Accountability in a Time of Financial and Fiscal Stress," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Association of Government Accountants' professional development conference, in New Orleans, Louisiana. GAO-09-847CG, June 23, 2009.
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d09847cg.pdf
• "Key Challenges Facing Government Managers," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Interagency Resources Management Conference, in Cambridge, Maryland. GAO-09-609CG, April 21, 2009
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d09609cg.pdf
• "The Recovery Act and TARP: GAO's Oversight Role," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the National State Auditors Association annual conference, in Savannah, Georgia. GAO-09-846CG, June 17, 2009
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d09846cg.pdf

Correspondence

• Coast Guard: Observations on the Genesis and Progress of the Service's Modernization Program. GAO-09-530R, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-530R
• Defense Logistics: Information on the Test and Evaluation and Assignment and Cancellation of National Stock Numbers as It Relates to MILITEC-1. GAO-09-735R, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-735R
• The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Critical Infrastructure Protection Cost-Benefit Report. GAO-09-654R, June 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-654R
• Federal Tort Claims Act: Information Related to Implications of Extending Coverage to Volunteers at HRSA-Funded Health Centers. GAO-09-693R, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-693R
  
• Firearm and Explosives Background Checks Involving Terrorist Watch List Records. GAO-09-125R, May 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-125R
• Management Report: Improvements Are Needed to Enhance IRS's Internal Controls and Operating Effectiveness. GAO-09-513R, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-513R
• Military Personnel: Reserve Component Servicemembers on Average Earn More Income while Activated. GAO-09-688R, June 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-688R

Testimonies

• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Lessons Learned from DHS Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-804T, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-804T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09804thigh.pdf
• Corporate Crime: Preliminary Observations on DOJ's Use and Oversight of Deferred Prosecution and Non-Prosecution Agreements, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-09-636T, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-636T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09636thigh.pdf
• Cybersecurity: Continued Federal Efforts Are Needed to Protect Critical Systems and Information, by Gregory Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-835T, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-835T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09835thigh.pdf
• High Speed Passenger Rail: Effectively Using Recovery Act Funds for High Speed Rail Projects, by Susan A. Fleming, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-09-786T, June 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-786T
• Highway Trust Fund: Options for Improving Sustainability and Mechanisms to Manage Solvency, by Phillip R. Herr, director, physical infrastructure issues, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-09-845T, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-845T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09845thigh.pdf
• Human Capital: Continued Monitoring of Internal Safeguards and an Action Plan to Address Employee Concerns Could Improve Implementation of the National Security Personnel System, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the National Security Personnel System Task Group, Defense Business Board. GAO-09-840, June 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-840
• Prescription Drugs: Overview of Approaches to Control Prescription Drug Spending in Federal Programs, by John E. Dicken, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-819T, June 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-819T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09819thigh.pdf
  
• V-22 Osprey Aircraft: Assessments Needed to Address Operational and Cost Concerns to Define Future Investments, by Michael J.Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-692T, June 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-692T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09692thigh.pdf

Reposted Product

• VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: Better Incentives, Workforce Planning, and Performance Reporting Could Improve Program. GAO-09-34, January 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-34
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0934high.pdf

Stimulus Funds Could Narrow Colorado' s Digital Divide

Colorado officials hope to get federal stimulus dollars to build broadband infrastructure in rural pockets of the state, the Denver Post stated in a recent article. Colorado's Office of Information Technology (OIT) projects that the state could get $120 million of the $7.2 billion that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allots for building broadband lines across America.

Developing statewide broadband capability is one of the five strategic objectives listed in Colorado's Information Technology Strategic Plan for 2008-2011. On this state web page, you can see a breakdown of ARRA funding for broadband and read about how the Colorado Governor's Office and OIT intend to apply for those funds. One plan is to create a GIS-based map of broadband availability in the state.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: A Colorado Status Report (June 19, 2009) describes how federal stimulus funds have been and will be used in Colorado. For additional resources, see our guides to the economic stimulus and telecommunications.

CRS Reports on Sotomayor and Related Topics

Every Tuesday we list the latest Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports that have been discovered on the web, but now and then we like to draw your attention to specific CRS reports as they relate to hot topics.

CRS recently produced a report on the current Supreme Court nominee--Judge Sonia Sotomayor: Analysis of Selected Opinions. The 59-page report analyzes opinions written by Sotomayor during her tenure on the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The report's summary states that one of Sotomayor's most consistent tendencies has been to uphold the doctrine of stare decisis, which is the sustaining of past judicial precedents. The summary also mentions Sotomayor's "careful application of particular facts at issue in a case and a dislike for situations in which the court might be seen as overstep[p]ing its judicial role."

Closely related to Sotomayor herself is the topic of Supreme Court nominations, which is why I'd like to point out another relevant CRS report: Supreme Court Nominations: Senate Floor Procedure and Practice, 1789-2009. The report mentions that of 158 nominations for Supreme Court submitted to the Senate between 1789 and 2006, 122 were confirmed. So Sotomayor appears to have a 77 percent chance of taking a seat on the Supreme Court bench.

For additional resources on Sotomayor and the Supreme Court, see our May 27 blog post or take a look at our guide to the federal court system.

Newly Released Nixon Docs Shed Light on History

Five days before U.S. and South Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia on April 29, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon received support from the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. An article in the Washington Post reports that this is one of many new revelations disclosed in documents released by the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum. The materials are being made available to researchers at the Nixon Presidential Library in California and the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Yesterday the Nixon Presidential Library opened about 154 hours of tape recordings from the Nixon White House recorded in January and February 1973. These recently declassified materials cover such topics as the peace settlement between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the return of American POWs, Nixon’s second inauguration, the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, energy policy, the reorganization of the executive branch, and the first Watergate trial. You can find audio files and tape subject logs here.

Thirteen presidential libraries are overseen by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). You can learn more about the presidential libraries at this NARA website. For additional online sources on Richard Nixon, check out audio files of the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy presidential debates from CPD or listen to Nixon Watergate recordings on History and Politics Out Loud.

Want more resources on U.S. presidents? Take a look at our guide.

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 Canada, military issues, carbon emissions, 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 Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate
• Advance Appropriations for Veterans' Health Care: Issues and Options for Congress
• Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
• Alert Systems for Missing Adults in Eleven States: Background and Issues for Congress
• Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC): Transfer and Disposal of Military Property
• Canada-U.S. Relations
• Cars and Climate: What Can EPA Do to Control Greenhouse Gases from Mobile Sources?
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
• China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues
• China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities -- Background and Issues for Congress
• Closing the Guantanamo Detention Center: Legal Issues
• Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
• Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Concurrent Receipt: Background and Issues for Congress
• Controversies over Redefining "Fill Material" Under the Clean Water Act
• Costa Rica: Background and U.S. Relations
• Cuban Migration to the United States: Policy and Trends
• Department of Homeland Security Assistance to States and Localities: A Summary and Issues for the 111th Congress
• Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs
• Factors Affecting the Demand for Long-Term Care Insurance: Issues for Congress
• FDA Tobacco Regulation: The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009
• France: Factors Shaping Foreign Policy, and Issues in U.S.-French Relations
• German Foreign and Security Policy: Trends and Transatlantic Implications
• Global Warming: The Litigation Heats Up
• Greeenhouse Gas Legislation: Summary and Analysis of H.R. 2454 as Reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Gun Control: Statutory Disclosure Limitations on ATF Firearms Trace Data and Multiple Handgun Sales Reports
• Hiring and Pay Authorities for Federal Scientific and Technical (S&T) Personnel
• Immigration Policies and Issues on Health- Related Grounds for Exclusion
• Intellectual Property Rights and Access to Medicines: International Trade Issues
• International Criminal Court Cases in Africa: Status and Policy Issues
• Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
• Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress
• Kyrgyzstans Closure of the Manas Airbase: Context and Implications
• Lebanon: Background and U.S. Relations
• Madagascar's 2009 Political Crisis
• Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Control: Selected Proposals in the 111th Congress
• Middle East Elections 2009: Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq
• Military Aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Program: Background and Issues for Congress
• North Korea: Terrorism List Removal?
• North Korea's Nuclear Weapons: Technical Issues
• Oversight and Related Issues Concerning International Security Agreements Concluded by the United States
• Overview of the Air Carrier Access Act
• Rothe Development Corporation v. Department of Defense: The Constitutionality of Federal Contracting Programs for Minority-Owned and Other Small Businesses
• Russian Energy Policy toward Neighboring Countries
• Rwanda: Background and Current Developments
• Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: An Overview and Selected Issues
• Senate Rejections and Committee Votes Other Than to Report Favorably, 1939-2009
• Service Piracy off the Horn of Africa
• Somalia: Current Conditions and Prospects for a Lasting Peace
• South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations
• Summary of Waxman-Markey Draft Greenhouse Gas Legislation
• Tax Credit Bonds: Overview and Analysis
• Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector
• The Department of Homeland Security Intelligence Enterprise: Operational Overview and Oversight Challenges for Congress
• The European Union: Questions and Answers
• The U.S. Mental Health Delivery System Infrastructure: A Primer
• U.S. Military Stop Loss Program
• U.S. Security Assistance to Lebanon
• VXX Presidential Helicopter: Background and Issues for Congress

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

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

Government Proposes New Financial Regulations

The Obama administration recently unleashed a proposal to provide stronger regulation of the financial industry. This proposal was introduced one week ago in a Washington Post op-ed piece by U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers. The proposal is also discussed in this White House press release.

The plan would require new standards for, and supervision of, U.S. financial institutions. These changes would include granting new supervisory powers to the Federal Reserve, increasing regulation of securities markets, and creating a new Consumer Financial Protections Agency. The full Treasury Department report, Financial Regulatory Reform: A New Foundation, describes all details of the new proposal. You can also find a more condensed version of the proposal in the Executive Summary.

Other online documents about the regulatory proposal include the following fact sheets:

• Requiring Strong Supervision and Regulation of All Financial Firms
• Strengthening Regulation of Core Markets and Market Infrastructure
• Strengthening Consumer Protection
• Providing the Government with Tools to Effectively Manage Financial Crisis
• Improving International Regulatory Standards and Cooperation

For more resources, see our guides to the economic crisis and banking.

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 fisheries management, firearms trafficking, influenza pandemic, and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Defense Exports: Foreign Military Sales Program Needs Better Controls for Exported Items and Information for Oversight. GAO-09-454, May 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-454
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09454high.pdf
• Firearms Trafficking: U.S. Efforts to Combat Arms Trafficking to Mexico Face Planning and Coordination Challenges. GAO-09-709, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-709
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09709high.pdf
• Hurricanes Gustav and Ike Disaster Assistance: FEMA Strengthened Its Fraud Prevention Controls, but Customer Service Needs Improvement. GAO-09-671, June 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-671
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09671high.pdf
• Influenza Pandemic: Increased Agency Accountability Could Help Protect Federal Employees Serving the Public in the Event of a Pandemic. GAO-09-404, June 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-404
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09404high.pdf
  
• Military Training: DOD Needs a Strategic Plan and Better Inventory and Requirements Data to Guide Development of Language Skills and Regional Proficiency. GAO-09-568, June 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-568
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09568high.pdf
• NASA: Commercial Partners Are Making Progress, but Face Aggressive Schedules to Demonstrate Critical Space Station Cargo Transport Capabilities. GAO-09-618, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-618
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09618high.pdf
• OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs: Improved Oversight and Controls Would Better Ensure Program Quality. GAO-09-395, May 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-395
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09395high.pdf
• Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites: With Costs Increasing and Data Continuity at Risk, Improvements Needed in Tri-agency Decision Making. GAO-09-564, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-564
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09564high.pdf
• Tax Gap: Requiring Information Reporting for Charitable Cash Contributions May Not Be an Effective Way to Improve Compliance. GAO-09-555, May 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-555
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09555high.pdf
• Technology Transfer: Clearer Priorities and Greater Use of Innovative Approaches Could Increase the Effectiveness of Technology Transfer at Department of Energy Laboratories. GAO-09-548, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-548
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09548high.pdf
• Troubled Asset Relief Program: June 2009 Status of Efforts to Address Transparency and Accountability Issues. GAO-09-658, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-658
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09658high.pdf

Related/Special Product

• Troubled Asset Relief Program: Capital Purchase Program Transactions for October 28, 2008, through May 29, 2009, and Information on Financial Agency Agreements, Contracts, Blanket Purchase Agreements, and Interagency Agreements Awarded as of June 1, 2009 (an e-supplement to GAO-09-658). GAO-09-707SP, June 17
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-707SP

Correspondence

• American Battle Monuments Commission: Management Action Needed to Improve Internal Control Procedures. GAO-09-714R, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-714R
  
• CBP Could Improve Its Estimation of Funding Needed for New Border Patrol Agents. GAO-09-542R, June 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-542R
• Fisheries Management: Alleged Misconduct of Members and Staff of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. GAO-09-508R, May 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-508R
• Military Pay: The Defense Finance and Accounting Service--Indianapolis Could Improve Control Activities over Its Processing of Active Duty Army Military Personnel Federal Payroll Taxes. GAO-09-557R, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-557R
• U.S. and Canadian Governments Have Established Mechanisms to Monitor Compliance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement but Face Operational Challenges. GAO-09-764R, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-764R
• Veterans Affairs: Implementation of Temporary Residence Adaptation Grants. GAO-09-637R, June 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-637R

Testimonies

• Broadcasting to Cuba: Observations Regarding TV Marti's Strategy and Operations, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-09-758T, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-758T
• Defense Acquisitions: Issues to Be Considered for Army's Modernization of Combat Systems, by Paul L. Francis, managing director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Airland, Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-793T, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-793T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09793thigh.pdf
• Federal Bankruptcy Judges: Measuring Judges' Case-Related Workload, by William Jenkins, Jr., director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, House Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-09-808T, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-808T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09808thigh.pdf
• Firearms Trafficking: U.S. Efforts to Combat Arms Trafficking to Mexico Face Planning and Coordination Challenges, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-09-781T, June 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-781T
• Identity Theft: Governments Have Acted to Protect Personally Identifiable Information, but Vulnerabilities Remain, by Dan Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-759T, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-759T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09759thigh.pdf
• Influenza Pandemic: Greater Agency Accountability Needed to Protect Federal Workers in the Event of a Pandemic, by Bernice Steinhardt, director, strategic issues, 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-09-783T, June 16.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-783T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09783thigh.pdf
  
• International Trade: Observations on U.S. Government Efforts to Address Textile Transshipment, by Loren Yager, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, House Committee on Small Business. GAO-09-813T, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-813T
• Medical Devices: Shortcomings in FDA's Premarket Review, Postmarket Surveillance, and Inspections of Device Manufacturing Establishments, by Marcia Crosse, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-370T, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-370T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09370thigh.pdf
• New Markets Tax Credit: Minority Entities Are Less Successful in Obtaining Awards than Non-Minority Entities, by Michael Brostek, director, strategic issues, before a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology, House Committee on Financial Services; and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-09-795T, June 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-795T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09795thigh.pdf
  
• Polar-Orbiting Satellites: With Costs Increasing and Data Continuity at Risk, Improvements Needed in Tri-agency Decision Making, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-772T, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-772T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09772thigh.pdf
• Telecommunications: Preliminary Observations about Consumer Satisfaction and Problems with Wireless Phone Service and FCC's Efforts to Assist Consumers with Complaints, by Mark Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-09-800T, June 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-800T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09800thigh.pdf

EPA Announces Public Health Emergency at Montana Site

Yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was declaring a public health emergency at the Libby asbestos site in Montana, where cases of asbestos-related disease have been affecting the residents in the towns of Libby and Troy for decades. This is the first time that the EPA has declared a public health emergency under 1980's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (popularly known as CERCLA or Superfund).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be providing a short-term grant to provide medical care to residents of Libby and Troy. You can read a local account of this news in Libby's Western News.

You can also find the EPA's laws and regulation on asbestos at its website. For additional government resources, see our guide to the environment.

Government Datasets Available on Data.gov

The U.S. government recently unveiled its latest source of government-generated data at Data.gov. It was developed by the Federal CIO Council, and the website's stated purpose is "to increase public access to high value, machine readable datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government."

Data.gov contains two catalogs: one for raw datasets and one for tools that allow you to manipulate the data. On the advanced search page, you can search for information by category (topic), agency, keyword, or file type (XML, CSV, KML, etc.). Search results are separated into two sections: one for raw datasets and one for tools. Your search results page will feature titles on the left, which link to helpful metadata pages (with thorough descriptions of the datasets or tools). On the right side of your results page you can find links to the actual datasets or tools.

Data.gov does not index a comprehensive collection of data just yet--At press time it featured a total of 261 raw datasets and 30 tools from 31 government agencies. The database's keyword search capabilities are quite limited--you can't use Boolean operators or search for phrases. We recommend that you just search by category, agency, or format until the keyword search functionality becomes more sophisticated.

Also note that you can't change the order in which your search results are sorted; they're arranged in alphabetical order, and you'll have to click the "View All" icon on the bottom-right of your results to expand your list.

Can't find the data you want? The metadata pages in the data.gov catalog seem particularly helpful, because they provide hyperlinks to the source agency for the data--so you know where to go for more information. Another nice feature of data.gov is its Datasets Rating function, which allows any user to rate the data (see an example here).

Enjoy exploring Data.gov. Additional government sources for statistics can be found in our guide.

Climate Change Report

The U.S. Global Change Research Program released a new report today on climate change and its effect, with a time line, in the United States. “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States” has sections devoted to the effect on each region. Colorado is divided in two, the Southwest and Great Plains, but the effect for both areas is an increase in temperature and for the Southwest a possible decrease in precipitation. This report's release today has been highlighted by the White House, with blog postings and live streams of the release (although the link wasn't working when I checked).

Why all the discussion? According to the Washington Post's article "Report: Climate Change Already Affecting U.S.": "What's different this time is the report's scope -- at 196 pages, the report attempts to present the fullest picture yet of the threats to the United States -- and its timing. It comes out as Congress is considering a mammoth bill that would impose the first national cap on emissions, and then seek to reduce them sharply over the next 41 years."

H.R. 2454, "To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy" is the huge (495 sections) bill on energy issues, including a cap and trade provision for emissions. If you are interested in reading, commenting, etc. on this bill you might want to check out the OpenCongress web site. This nonprofit groups provides a forum for discussion of congressional legislation.

Still want more information? Check out the library's guides to climate change and legislation.

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 arms sales to Pakistan, medical marijuana, GIS, and other topics. 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:

• Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: Updated ‘Safeguards’ and Net Assessments
• Congressional Oversight and Related Issues Concerning International Security Agreements Concluded by the United States
  
• Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations
• Geospatial Information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Current Issues and Future Challenges
  
• Landsat and the Data Continuity Mission
  
• Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001
• Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies
  
• Political Turmoil in Thailand and U.S. Interests
• The President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy: Issues for Congress
  
• The Role of the Department of Defense During a Flu Pandemic
  
• The State Secrets Privilege and Other Limits on Litigation Involving Classified Information

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.

I lost my TV signal

I am sure many of you have cable or satellite or some other subscription TV service, but I still live in the land of over-the-air TV signals. I had purchased my digital converter box and scanned my channels and thought I was ready for the end of analog signal on Friday night, but I lost access to PBS. After spending time moving the antenna around, I decided it was time to do some research.

First, loss of signal due to switch from analog to digital. There are maps that show you coverage by area and network. For example, check out Denver, which shows on page 23 and 24 that I am stuck in "coverage lost and no other service by same network" when it comes to PBS. Interestingly, it appears there is less then 2% loss for my PBS station, since it is not on the Signal Loss Report.

Second, fixing the problem. There is a interactive guide that can walk you through finding your signal. If you are lucky it will tell you how to solve the problem. One possible solution is to check out the site antennaweb.org, which can tell you which way to orient your antenna for maximum reception.

Still lost, confused, frustrated? Well, the FCC is ready to take your calls at 1-888-CALL-FCC.

Want to do some research on some statistics related to this change? Check out the DTV statistics page, which had some interesting numbers. Approximately 11% of the US gets their TV over the air, but in Colorado about 13% do not subscribe to a TV subscription service.

And just in case you don't have enough to think about, for further information on telecommunications, check out the library's guide.

USPS Could Cut Services

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) may get rid of Saturday mail delivery and close more post offices as a way to deal with fiscal losses caused by decreased mail volume. The Wall Street Journal reports that increased tendencies to use the Internet for correspondence and bill payment have reduced the amount of mail handled by the USPS, and the recession has had an additional negative impact on the agency: the USPS lost nearly $2 million for the second quarter ending March 31. Also see the USPS Annual Report 2008.

Postmaster General John Potter told the Journal that although the USPS has eliminated nearly 200,000 full-time positions since 2000, it still needs to cut expenses as well as "tens of thousands" more jobs.

If mail delivery were reduced from 6 to 5 days per week, the change would have to be approved by Congress and then signed off by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The PRC is an independent agency that has been regulating the USPS since 1970.

How are other communications formats faring in comparison with the postal service? Check out our guide to Telecommunications.

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 real estate tax deductions, public housing, and voters with disabilities. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Army Working Capital Fund: Actions Needed to Improve Budgeting for Carryover at Army Ordnance Activities. GAO-09-415, June 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-415
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09415high.pdf
• Aviation and Climate Change: Aircraft Emissions Expected to Grow, but Technological and Operational Improvements and Government Policies Can Help Control Emissions. GAO-09-554, June 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-554
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09554high.pdf
• Biomonitoring: EPA Needs to Coordinate Its Research Strategy and Clarify Its Authority to Obtain Biomonitoring Data. GAO-09-353, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-353
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09353high.pdf
• Coast Guard: Administrative Law Judge Program Contains Elements Designed to Foster Judges' Independence and Mariner Protections Assessed Are Being Followed. GAO-09-489, June 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-489
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09489high.pdf
• Defense Infrastructure: DOD Needs to Improve Oversight of Relocatable Facilities and Develop a Strategy for Managing Their Use across the Military Services. GAO-09-585, June 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-585
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09585high.pdf
• Federal Energy and Fleet Management: Plug-in Vehicles Offer Potential Benefits, but High Costs and Limited Information Could Hinder Integration into the Federal Fleet. GAO-09-493, June 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-493
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09493high.pdf
• Federal Land Management: BLM and the Forest Service Have Improved Oversight of the Land Exchange Process, but Additional Actions Are Needed. GAO-09-611, June 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-611
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09611high.pdf
• Nuclear and Worker Safety: Limited Information Exists on Costs and Reasons for Work Stoppages at DOE's Hanford Site. GAO-09-451, May 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-451
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09451high.pdf
• Public Housing: HUD's Oversight of Housing Agencies Should Focus More on Inappropriate Use of Program Funds. GAO-09-33, June 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-33
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0933high.pdf
• Real Estate Tax Deduction: Taxpayers Face Challenges in Determining What Qualifies; Better Information Could Improve Compliance. GAO-09-521, May 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-521
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09521high.pdf
• Telecommunications: Broadband Deployment Plan Should Include Performance Goals and Measures to Guide Federal Investment. GAO-09-494, May 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-494
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09494high.pdf
• Voters with Disabilities: More Polling Places Had No Potential Impediments Than in 2000, but Challenges Remain. GAO-09-685, June 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-685
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09685high.pdf

Testimonies

• Environmental Contamination: Lessons Learned from the Cleanup of Formerly Used Defense and Military Munitions Sites, by Anu Mittal, 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-09-779T, June 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-779T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09779thigh.pdf
• EPA Chemical Assessments: Process Reforms Offer the Potential to Address Key Problems, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology. GAO-09-774T, June 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-774T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09774thigh.pdf
• Scientific Integrity: EPA's Efforts to Enhance the Credibility and Transparency of Its Scientific Processes, by John B. Stephenson, director, natural resources and environment, before a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and its Subcommittee on Oversight. GAO-09-773T, June 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-773T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09773thigh.pdf
• VA Health Care: Overview of VA's Capital Asset Management, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-09-686T, June 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-686T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09686thigh.pdf
• VA Real Property: VA Emphasizes Enhanced-Use Leases to Manage Its Real Property Portfolio, by David Wise, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-09-776T, June 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-776T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09776thigh.pdf

Tobacco Law Passes Both Chambers of Congress

Exactly one month ago, we blogged on the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of HR 1256, a bill that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products. Now this bill has passed the Senate (see the latest version of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act here). According to this article in the New York Times, President Obama has said he would sign the legislation once it reaches his desk.

The legislation puts new limitations on tobacco-product manufacturing, and it allows the FDA to set standards on nicotine content and regulate chemicals in tobacco products. However, it does not give the FDA authority to ban cigarettes or nicotine. In our May blog post we had provided a link to an FDA statement explaining that the agency could not regulate tobacco. This page no longer exists--perhaps it will be replaced by far more assertive and powerful language. Stay tuned . . .

For further resources, see our guide to health.

Government Resources on Health Reform

Lately the news media are issuing numerous reports on government healthcare reform (such as this article in the Washington Post). So it seems appropriate to explore government web pages and documents on this topic.

President Obama issued an executive order in April that created the White House Office of Health Reform. There is also a government website devoted--HealthReform.gov--devoted to this topic. On this website you can find information about the White House Forums on Health Reform, which include links to video clips, slide shows, blogs, and, from the first forum on March 5, a full report. In addition, the website provides an Online Series on Health Reform and links to government reports such as

• Americans Speak on Health Reform: Report on Health Care Community Discussions
  
• 2008 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports

To find legislation on health reform, try doing a Title search on "health care reform" in FDsys.

For additional resources, see our guide.

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 airlines, foreign relations, armed forces, 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:

• Mexico’s Drug-Related Violence
• The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
• USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives After 15 Years: Issues for Congress
• Airport Improvement Program (AIP): Reauthorization Issues for Congress
• Identity Theft: Trends and Issues
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Legislative Initiatives
• Georgia [Republic] and NATO Enlargement: Issues and Implications
• Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA)
• Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier (CVN) Homeporting at Mayport: Background and Issues for Congress
• Ocean Acidification
• Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations
• The National Security Council: An Organizational Assessment
• Zimbabwe: Current Issues

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.

The Politics of Weatherization

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 grants over $11 billion for the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, which gives funding and technical assistance to help state and local governments, Indian tribes, and international agencies adopt renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies. An increasing percentage of these funds is being used to weatherize homes in hot states--keeping in cool, rather than hot, air. The New York Times reports that some are unhappy with this, because reducing electricity for cooling is not as efficient as reducing electricity for heating.

In 1995, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nearly doubled the amount of weatherization funds it devotes to states with hot climates. This was because it changed its allocation formula to "address the concerns of warm-climate states regarding the equitable distribution of funds." As one person in the Times is quoted as saying, the allocation of funds tries to find a balance between national interests and state interests.

The DOE's website provides other information about U.S. energy programs related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
• Weatherization Assistance
• State Energy Program

Need more resources? See our guides to energy and the economic stimulus.

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 rebuilding Iraq, influenza pandemic, public transportation, and crop insurance. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Alaska Native Villages: Limited Progress Has Been Made on Relocating Villages Threatened by Flooding and Erosion. GAO-09-551, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-551
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09551high.pdf
• Crop Insurance: Opportunities Exist to Reduce the Costs of Administering the Program. GAO-09-445, April 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-445
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09445high.pdf
• Hospital Emergency Departments: Crowding Continues to Occur, and Some Patients Wait Longer than Recommended Time Frames. GAO-09-347, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-347
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09347high.pdf
• Indian Health Service: Millions of Dollars in Property and Equipment Continue to Be Lost or Stolen. GAO-09-450, June 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-450
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09450high.pdf
• Information Technology: FDA Needs to Establish Key Plans and Processes for Guiding Systems Modernization Efforts. GAO-09-523, June 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-523
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09523high.pdf
  
• International Food Assistance: Local and Regional Procurement Can Enhance the Efficiency of U.S. Food Aid, but Challenges May Constrain Its Implementation. GAO-09-570, May 29.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-570
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09570high.pdf
• Internal Revenue Service: Review of the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request. GAO-09-754, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-754
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09754high.pdf
• New Markets Tax Credit: Minority Entities Are Less Successful in Obtaining Awards Than Non-Minority Entities. GAO-09-536, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-536
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09536high.pdf
• Privacy and Security: Food and Drug Administration Faces Challenges in Establishing Protections for Its Postmarket Risk Analysis System. GAO-09-355, June 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-355
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09355high.pdf
• Rebuilding Iraq: Improved Management Controls and Iraqi Commitment Needed for Key State and USAID Capacity Building Programs. GAO-09-526, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-526
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09526high.pdf
• Regulation SHO: Recent Actions Appear to Have Initially Reduced Failures to Deliver, but More Industry Guidance Is Needed. GAO-09-483, May 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-483
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09483high.pdf
• Tax Administration: Interim Results of IRS's 2009 Filing Season. GAO-09-640, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-640
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09640high.pdf

Related/Special Product

• Hospital Emergency Departments: Bibliography (GAO-09-348SP, April 30, 2009), an E-supplement to GAO-09-347. GAO-09-348SP, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-348SP

Correspondence

• Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Enrollee Cost Sharing for Selected Specialty Prescription Drugs. GAO-09-517R, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-517R
• Defense Management: Observations on DOD's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request for Corrosion Prevention and Control. GAO-09-732R, June 1.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-732R
• Nuclear Forensics: Comprehensive Interagency Plan Needed to Address Human Capital Issues. GAO-09-527R, April 30.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-527R
• Nuclear Waste: DOE's Environmental Management Initiatives Report Is Incomplete. GAO-09-697R, June 2.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-697R

Testimonies

• Export Controls: Fundamental Reexamination of System Is Needed to Help Protect Critical Technologies, by Anne-Marie Lasowski, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-767T, June 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-767T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09767thigh.pdf
• Influenza Pandemic: Continued Focus on the Nation's Planning and Preparedness Efforts Remains Essential, by Bernice Steinhardt, director, strategic issues, before the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-760T, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-760T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09760thigh.pdf
• International Food Assistance: Local and Regional Procurement Provides Opportunities to Enhance U.S. Food Aid, but Challenges May Constrain Its Implementation, by Thomas Melito, director, international affairs and trade team, before the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-09-757T, June 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-757T
• Military and Dual-Use Technology: Covert Testing Shows Continuing Vulnerabilities of Domestic Sales for Illegal Export, 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-09-725T, June 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-725T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09725thigh.pdf
• Public Transportation: New Starts Program Challenges and Preliminary Observations on Expediting Project Development, by A. Nicole Clowers, acting director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GAO-09-763T, June 3.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-763T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09763thigh.pdf

OAS to Lift Ban on Cuba

After intense discussion that pitted nations against one another, the Organization of American States (OAS) agreed to allow Cuba to become a member of the OAS provided that Cuba meet requirements on democracy and human rights. Cuba has been banned from the OAS for 47 years. As described in the Washington Post, the Cuba issue had Nicaragua and Venezuela threatening to quit OAS and forced the U.S. to make compromises.

The OAS consists of 35 nations of the Western Hemisphere (North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean) that aim to strengthen democracy, promote human rights, and find solutions to problems such as poverty, terrorism, illegal drugs, and corruption. Member states are listed here; as you can see, Cuba is currently listed as "excluded" from the organization.

The OAS has not yet posted an updated statement about Cuba to its website. You can read a U.S. perspective on the decision in this press release from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The OAS website provides a number of resources on topics affecting the Americas (see the "OAS Sectors and Topics" box at the top of each OAS web page). For additional resources, check out our portal to international organizations.

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 swine flu, enemy combatant detainees, Medicare, foreign aid, 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:

• The 2009 H1N1 \"Swine Flu\" Outbreak: An Overview
• The 2010 Decennial Census: Background and Issues
  
• Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs
  
• Algeria: Current Issues
  
• America COMPETES Act and the FY2010 Budget
  
• Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
• Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress
  
• Enemy Combatant Detainees: Habeas Corpus Challenges in Federal Court
• Federal Tort Claims Act
  
• Fifth Summit of the Americas, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, April 2009: Background, Agenda, and Expectations
• Foreign Aid: An Introduction to U.S. Programs and Policy
• The Global Peace Operations Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress
• How Would Medicare Part B Premiums Be Affected If There Is No Social Security COLA?
  
• The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA)
• Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks
  
• Iraq: U.S. Casualties
  
• Legal Analysis of Religious Exemptions for Photo Identification Requirements
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
  
• Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy
• NATO in Afghanistan: A Test of the Transatlantic Alliance
  
• Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
  
• Navy-Marine Corps Strike-Fighter Shortfall: Background and Options for Congress
  April 10, 2009
• Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier (CVN) Homeporting at Mayport: Background and Issues for Congress
  
• Patent Reform in the 111th Congress: Innovation Issues
• U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress
• U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians
  

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

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

Nuclear Info Mistakenly Released to the Public

The New York Times reports that the federal government mistakenly released a 266-page confidential report providing information about hundreds of the nation’s civilian nuclear sites and programs, including maps displaying the locations of fuel for nuclear weapons. President Obama had originally sent the document to Congress for review, and the Government Printing Office (GPO) then posted the report to its website. On Tuesday evening the report was withdrawn from the GPO site.

Various nuclear experts are reported as disagreeing over whether this erroneous posting posed a danger to the United States. The document did not actual contain information about the U.S. stockpile of nuclear weapons, but one expert is reported as saying that thieves or terrorists could have taken advantage of the report's information.

Is information about U.S. civilian nuclear sites and programs readily available on the web? Actually . . . yes; it's made available from the U.S. government:

• International Nuclear Safety Center The INSC operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy. The website provides information on nuclear plants, including maps, research reactors, and fuel facilities from around the world.
• EIA Nuclear Report, Data, Surveys This web page from the U.S. Energy Information Administration provides statistics, reports, analyses, and forecasts about nuclear energy.

For additional government resources on nuclear power, see our guide to Energy.

Vets May Soon Qualify for In-State Tuition in Colorado

Today Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is expected to sign into law HB-1039, a Colorado House bill that would offer in-state tuition to all honorably discharged military veterans when they become Colorado residents. The bill would make it more affordable for out-of-state veterans to attend public colleges and universities in Colorado. You can find a history of the bill on the Colorado General Assembly's website.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay the full cost of in-state tuition for military veterans. To read more about the latest GI bill and compare it with past versions, see the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Website.

For more information on military resources, take a look at our guide.

Last Titanic Survivor Passes Away

Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the sinking of RMS Titanic, died Sunday in Southampton, England. The 97-year-old Dean was just a few months old when the steamship hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912. Dean's brother and mother survived the disaster, but her father did not. You can read more about Dean and the Titanic tragedy in the Wall Street Journal.

Although there are no longer any remaining survivors of the Titanic, its history is captured in a number of digitized materials, many of which are found in the Library of Congress' collections:

• American Treasures of the Library of Congress: The Titanic Disaster Features a digitization of the New York Herald's April 15, 1912, front page announcing the sinking of the Titanic steamship.
• Titanic Treasure Trove 1998 article describing items in the LOC collection related to the sinking of RMS Titanic.
• LOC Prints and Photographs Enter "titanic" in the search box to find images from the LOC collections.
• Final Report on the Senate Inquiry into the Titanic Disaster The LOC website links to this Senate report, which is available via the Titanic Inquiry Project.
  

Want more resources on natural disasters? See our guide.