The Government Information Library at the University of Colorado Boulder: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New United Nations Publications

In this blog post, we highlight some of the newest United Nations publications available on the UN's websites. Most of these publications are available in multiple languages, but for simplicity we just include the English links here. Leave us a comment or contact us at govpubs@colorado.edu if you need help finding the document in French, Spanish, or German. To find additional UN publications, take a look at the links and suggestions in our guide.

General UN Publications

Annual Report of the Secretary-General
http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/64/1(SUPP)

General Debate of the 64th Session: 23-26 & 28-30 September 2009
http://www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate/index.shtml

Security Council Reform - Report of the Open-ended Working Group (A/63/47) English, French & Spanish:
http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/63/47(SUPP)

Ten Stories the World Should Hear More About 2008
http://www.un.org/en/events/tenstories/08/printable/index.shtml
"The UN tries to make sure that stories that do not necessarily grab the headlines are not forgotten."

New Titles
(added in September 2009)

The Holocaust and the UN Outreach Programme: Discussion Papers Journal.
United Nations. New York. 2009. vi, 129 p.
http://www.un.org/holocaustremembrance/docs.shtml
Further material available at the UNRIC Library:
http://www.unric.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18410

Monthly bulletin of Statistics / Bulletin mensuel de statistique:
Issue No. 1057, Vol. LXIII, No. 7, July 2009 / Edition n° 1057, Vol.
LXIII, n° 7, juillet 2009. United Nations/Nations Unies. New York. 2009. xii, 306 p.
(ST/ESA/STAT/SER.Q/439)
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/mbs

Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization.
General Assembly. Official Records.
Sixty-fourth Session. Supplement No. 1.
United Nations. New York. 2009. iv, 74 p. (A/64/1)
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N09/443/89/PDF/N0944389.pdf?OpenElement

Resolutions and Decisions adopted by the General Assembly during its
sixty-third session - Volume II: Decisions, 16 September - 24 December 2008.
General Assembly. Official Records. Sixty-third Session. Supplement No.
49 (A/63/49/Vol.II). United Nations. New York. 2009. 38 p.
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N09/372/98/PDF/N0937298.pdf?OpenElement

Trade and Development Report, 2009: Responding to the global crisis;
Climate change mitigation and development.
United Nations. New York and Geneva. 2009. xiii, 181 p. (UNCTAD/TDR/2009)
Sales No. E.09.II.D.16. ISBN 978-92-1-112776-8.
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/tdr2009_en.pdf

UN Police Magazine: Sustainable Peace through Justice and Security.
United Nations. 2rd edition, July 2009. DPI/2524. 28 p.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/police/

World Economic and Social Survey 2009: Promoting Development, Saving
the Planet. United Nations. New York. 2009. xxxi, 207 p.
(E/2009/50/Rev.1-ST/ESA/319) Sales No. E.09.II.C.1. ISBN
978-92-1-109159-5.
http://www.un.org/esa/policy/wess/wess2009files/wess09/wess2009.pdf

World Investment Report 2009: Transnational Corporations, Agricultural Production and
Development. United Nations. New York and Geneva.
2009. xxxii, 280 p. (UNCTAD/WIR/2009)
Sales No. E.09.II.D.15. ISBN 978-92-1-112775-1.
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=11904&intItemID=1397&lang=1&mode=downloads

Tuesday, September 29, 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 fire, water, foreign policy, 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 OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports dating 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, September 28, 2009

G-20 Summit Concluded in Pittsburgh

The G-20 (Group of Twenty) Summit took place last week in Pittsburgh, as you may have noticed in news accounts about numerous protesters (read Saturday's article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). The official website of the Pittsburgh Summit, which took place September 24 and 25, can be found at http://www.pittsburghsummit.gov/. The G-20 defines itself as " an informal forum that promotes open and constructive discussion between industrial and emerging-market countries on key issues related to global economic stability"(from its official website, http://www.g20.org, where you can find information about past summits).

For President Obama's summary of the progress made at the summit, check out this video clip on the White House website. On the Pittsburgh Summit site, you can also find a fact sheet of key accomplishments, a progress report on financial regulatory reform, and other publications listed under the website's Resources section.

For additional links to resources on international meetings and organizations, take a look at our portal to international organizations.

Friday, September 25, 2009

GAO Reports This Week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated the Troubled Asset Relief Program, federal student aid, the No Child Left Behind act, and other topics. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

1. Troubled Asset Relief Program: Status of Government Assistance Provided to AIG. GAO-09-975, September 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-975
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09975high.pdf

2. Proprietary Schools: Stronger Department of Education Oversight Needed to Help Ensure Only Eligible Students Receive Federal Student Aid. GAO-09-600, August 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-600
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09600high.pdf

3. Low-Income and Minority Serving Institutions: Management Attention to Long-standing Concerns Needed to Improve Education's Oversight of Grant Programs. GAO-09-309, August 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-309
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09309high.pdf

4. High-Containment Laboratories: National Strategy for Oversight is Needed. GAO-09-574, September 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-574
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09574high.pdf

5. Flood Insurance: Opportunities Exist to Improve Oversight of the WYO Program. GAO-09-455, August 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-455
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09455high.pdf

6. Defense Contracting Integrity: Opportunities Exist to Improve DOD's Oversight of Contractor Ethics Programs. GAO-09-591, September 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-591
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09591high.pdf

7. Recovery Act: Funds Continue to Provide Fiscal Relief to States and Localities, While Accountability and Reporting Challenges Need to Be Fully Addressed. GAO-09-1016, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1016
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091016high.pdf

8. No Child Left Behind Act: Enhancements in the Department of Education's Review Process Could Improve State Academic Assessments. GAO-09-911, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-911
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09911high.pdf

9. Affordable Housing in Transit-Oriented Development: Key Practices Could Enhance Recent Collaboration Efforts between DOT-FTA and HUD. GAO-09-871, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-871
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09871high.pdf

10. State Department: Wide Range of Emergency Services Provided to American Citizens Overseas, but Improved Monitoring Is Needed. GAO-09-989, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-989
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09989high.pdf

11. Results-Oriented Management: Strengthening Key Practices at FEMA and Interior Could Promote Greater Use of Performance Information. GAO-09-676, August 17.
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09676.pdf
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09676high.pdf

12. 401(k) Plans: Policy Changes Could Reduce the Long-term Effects of Leakage on Workers' Retirement Savings. GAO-09-715, August 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-715
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09715high.pdf

13. Interagency Collaboration: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight of National Security Strategies, Organizations, Workforce, and Information Sharing. GAO-09-904SP, September 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-904SP
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09904sphigh.pdf

14. Military Readiness: DOD Needs to Strengthen Management and Oversight of the Defense Readiness Reporting System. GAO-09-518, September 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-518
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09518high.pdf

15. NASA: Constellation Program Cost and Schedule Will Remain Uncertain Until a Sound Business Case Is Established. GAO-09-844, August 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-844
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09844high.pdf

16. Understanding the Primary Components of the Annual Financial Report of the United States Government. GAO-09-946SP, September 2009.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-946SP

Related Product

1. Defense Contracting Integrity: Survey on Contractor Ethics Programs (GAO-09-646SP, September 2009), an E-supplement to GAO-09-591. GAO-09-646SP, September 22. [Internet only] http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-646SP

2. School Meal Programs: Changes to Federal Agencies' Procedures Could Reduce Risk of School Children Consuming Recalled Food. GAO-09-649, August 20.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-649
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09649high.pdf

3. School Meal Programs: Improved Reviews, Federal Guidance, and Data Collection Needed to Address Counting and Claiming Errors. GAO-09-814, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-814
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09814high.pdf

4. National Institutes of Health: Completion of Comprehensive Risk Management Program Essential to Effective Oversight. GAO-09-687, September 11.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-687
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09687high.pdf

5. Department of State: Additional Steps Needed to Address Continuing Staffing and Experience Gaps at Hardship Posts. GAO-09-874, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-874
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09874high.pdf

6. Department of State: Comprehensive Plan Needed to Address Persistent Foreign Language Shortfalls. GAO-09-955, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-955
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09955high.pdf

7. Recovery Act: Funds Continue to Provide Fiscal Relief to States and Localities, While Accountability and Reporting Challenges Need to Be Fully Addressed (State Appendixes). GAO-09-1017SP, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1017SP

8. DCAA Audits: Widespread Problems with Audit Quality Require Significant Reform. GAO-09-468, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-468
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09468high.pdf

9. HIV/AIDS: Federal and State Efforts to Identify Infected Individuals and Connect Them to Care. GAO-09-985, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-985
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09985high.pdf

Correspondence

1. Juvenile Justice: A Time Frame for Enhancing Grant Monitoring Documentation and Verification of Data Quality Would Help Improve Accountability and Resource Allocation Decisions. GAO-09-850R, September 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-850R

2. Overseas Contingency Operations: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense. GAO-09-1022R, September 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1022R

Testimonies

1. Biosafety Laboratories: BSL-4 Laboratories Improved Perimeter Security Despite Limited Action by CDC, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-1038T, September 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1038T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091038thigh.pdf

2. High-Containment Laboratories: National Strategy for Oversight Is Needed, by Nancy Kingsbury,Ph.D., managing director, applied research and methods, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-1036T, September 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1036T

3. DCAA Audits: Widespread Problems with Audit Quality Require Significant Reform, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, and Gayle L. Fischer, assistant director, financial management and assurance, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-1009T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1009T

4. High-Containment Laboratories: National Strategy for Oversight Is Needed, by Nancy Kingsbury, Ph.D., managing director, applied research and methods, before the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, Senate Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-09-1045T, September 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1045T

5. Troubled Asset Relief Program: Status of Efforts to Address Transparency and Accountability Issues, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GAO-09-1048T, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1048T

6. Government Performance: Strategies for Building a Results-Oriented and Collaborative Culture in the Federal Government, by Bernice Steinhardt, 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-09-1011T, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1011T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091011thigh.pdf

7. Defense Acquisitions: Sound Practices Critical to Ensuring Value for the Defense Logistics Agency's Acquisitions, by William M. Solis, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-09-1040T, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1040T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091040thigh.pdf

4. Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service Has Taken Some Initial Steps to Address Its Challenges, but Vulnerabilities Still Exist, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure, before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-09-1047T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1047T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091047thigh.pdf

5. Department of State: Persistent Staffing and Foreign Language Gaps Compromise Diplomatic Readiness, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-1046T, September 24.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1046T

Thursday, September 24, 2009

More on the Flavored Cigarettes Ban

In our last post, we mentioned that congressional hearings were a good place to find further information about the regulation of menthol cigarettes. We should also mention that the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on tobacco regulation in May of this year, and it provides some illuminating information about why menthol cigarettes are not included in the government's ban on flavored tobacco products. See "FDA Tobacco Regulation: The Family Smoking and Tobacco Control Act of 2oo9" (May 28, 2009). One interesting quote from this report: "Menthol cigarettes are an important component of the U.S. cigarette industry, accounting for more than one-quarter of the approximately $70 billion domestic market. The exemption for menthol is widely viewed as an important compromise that was negotiated with Philip Morris in order to secure the company's support for the legislation."

Flavored Cigarettes Banned in United States

A ban on the U.S. manufacture, shipping, and sale of flavored cigarettes went into effect this past Tuesday, September 22. The ban on candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes is part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (HR 1256) that was signed into law in June by President Obama. This legislation, enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, is an attempt to cut down on the number of children who start smoking after being attracted to these flavored tobacco products. This FDA fact sheet provides some statistics on the number of young smokers who use flavored cigarettes.

The Washington Post reports that one notable exception to this ban is menthol cigarettes, which will remain legal. The Post article notes that menthol cigarettes are a "significant source of revenue for tobacco companies," but if you search for the keyword "menthol" on the FDA's Flavored Tobacco web pages or in HR 1256, you will not find an explanation of why menthol is excluded from the ban. To find better information on what, exactly, has been reported to Congress about menthol cigarettes, you'll want to take a look at congressional hearings associated with HR 1256:

"The Need for FDA Regulation of Tobacco" (Senate Committee Hearing, February 2007)
"The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act" (House Subcommittee Hearing, October 2007)

Need more government resources related to tobacco products? Take a look at our guide.

Tuesday, September 22, 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 the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, U.S. arms sales to Pakistan, 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 OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

Monday, September 21, 2009

FCC to Propose Net Neutrality Rules

Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made advances in enforcing a policy of Internet neutrality (as described in this New York Times article). In a speech to the Brookings Institution, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed that the FCC add two new principles of net neutrality to the four principles currently guiding its enforcement of Internet access (see this FCC press release for more details). These new principles would forbid Internet access providers from discriminating against particular Internet content or applications and would require providers to be transparent about their network management practices. The FCC will begin making rules associated with the four initial principles, and the two new ones, in October.

You can also find a transcript of Chairman Genachowski's speech on the FCC's website. For additional resources, see our guide to telecommunications.

Friday, September 18, 2009

GAO Reports 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 security, minerals, and government personnel. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Homeland Defense: Greater Focus on Analysis of Alternatives and Threats Needed to Improve DOD's Strategic Nuclear Weapons Security. GAO-09-828, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-828
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09828high.pdf
Ryan White CARE Act: Effects of Certain Funding Provisions on Grant Awards. GAO-09-894, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-894
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09894high.pdf
Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed. GAO-09-896, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-896
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09896high.pdf
Reserve Forces: Army Needs to Finalize an Implementation Plan and Funding Strategy for Sustaining an Operational Reserve Force. GAO-09-898, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-898
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09898high.pdf
Depot Maintenance: Improved Strategic Planning Needed to Ensure That Army and Marine Corps Depots Can Meet Future Maintenance Requirements. GAO-09-865, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-865
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09865high.pdf
Nuclear Nonproliferation: National Nuclear Security Administration Has Improved the Security of Reactors in its Global Research Reactor Program, but Action Is Needed to Address Remaining Concerns. GAO-09-949, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-949
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09949high.pdf
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: More Strategic Approach Needed for Processing Complex Plans Prone to Delays and Overpayments. GAO-09-716, August 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-716
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09716high.pdf
Mineral Revenues: MMS Could Do More to Improve the Accuracy of Key Data Used to Collect and Verify Oil and Gas Royalties. GAO-09-549, July 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-549
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09549high.pdf
Energy Policy Act of 2005: Greater Clarity Needed to Address Concerns with Categorical Exclusions for Oil and Gas Development under Section 390 of the Act. GAO-09-872, September 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-872
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09872high.pdf
Missile Defense: DOD Needs to More Fully Assess Requirements and Establish Operational Units before Fielding New Capabilities. GAO-09-856, September 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-856
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09856high.pdf
DOD Business Systems Modernization: Navy Implementing a Number of Key Management Controls on Enterprise Resource Planning System, but Improvements Still Needed. GAO-09-841, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-841
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09841high.pdf
Medicaid Preventive Services: Concerted Efforts Needed to Ensure Beneficiaries Receive Services. GAO-09-578, August 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-578
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09578high.pdf
Royalty-in-Kind Program: MMS Does Not Provide Reasonable Assurance It Receives Its Share of Gas, Resulting in Millions in Forgone Revenue. GAO-09-744, August 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-744
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09744high.pdf

Testimonies

Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-09-1013T, September 17.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1013T
Human Capital: Improved Tracking and Additional Actions Needed to Ensure the Timely and Accurate Delivery of Compensation and Medical Benefits to Deployed Civilians, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-1019T, September 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1019T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091019thigh.pdf
Federal Oil and Gas Management: Opportunities Exist to Improve Oversight, by Franklin Rusco, director, natural resources and environment, before the House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-09-1014T, September 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1014T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091014thigh.pdf
Personnel Security Clearances: Progress Has Been Made to Reduce Delays but Further Actions Are Needed to Enhance Quality and Sustain Reform Efforts, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-684T, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-684T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09684thigh.pdf
Homeland Security: Despite Progress, DHS Continues to Be Challenged in Managing Its Multi-Billion Dollar Annual Investment in Large-Scale Information Technology Systems, by Randolph C. Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems issues, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-1002T, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1002T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091002thigh.pdf
Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Preliminary Observations on Preparedness to Recover from Possible Attacks Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security, in Brooklyn, New York. GAO-09-996T, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-996T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09996thigh.pdf

Correspondence

Management Report: Opportunities for Improvements in FDIC's Internal Controls and Accounting Procedures. GAO-09-943R, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-943R

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Pinnacol Assurance Reverses Course

Quasi-governmental agency Pinnacol Assurance, the Colorado workers' compensation insurance fund that was on the verge of requesting greater autonomy from the state, changed course on Wednesday.

In July Pinnacol had proposed paying taxes in return for its autonomy from the state. But after holding a meeting with various business groups, Pinnacol officials decided that it should maintain the status quo. A special Colorado committee has been examining the insurance agency since August to determine whether it should receive more state control or a greater level of autonomy. Check the Denver Post for news about the latest Pinnacol decision; see links on the right side of the article for past media coverage of the Pinnacol issue.

Colorado's Pinnacol Assurance special committee web page can be found here, where you can also find a list of committee members; meeting details, agendas, and summaries; and reports and memoranda such as these statistics on Workers Compensation Insurance Market Share.

Searching for links to more Colorado government resources? Take a look at our guide.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Report Recommends Simpler Homeland Security Advisory System

A new Department of Homeland Security report, authored by the Homeland Security Advisory System Task Force, recommends that the government modify its color-coded terrorism advisory system to include just three levels, instead of the current five, and redefine the levels so that they are more transparent to the public. As this Washington Post article describes, there have been past complaints that the advisory system was used as a political tool that failed to communicate useful information.

The report has six major themes (listed in the executive summary):

The terrorism advisory system has "enduring merit."
The terrorism advisory system has two primary audiences: the public and institutions (government agencies and the private sector).
The public does not have confidence in the current advisory system.
The advisory system should be lowered to a "guarded" status.
The advisory system should be more specific in identifying which entities or locations are at risk.
The advisory system requires dedicated infrastructure, staff, and established protocols and procedures.

The advisory system was created by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3 in 2002. For additional resources about homeland security, take a look at our guide.

Tuesday, September 15, 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 sequestering carbon, don't ask don't tell policy, economic issues, 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 OpenCRS and SecrecyNews:

Monday, September 14, 2009

Crime Statistics for 2008

The FBI released the crime statistics for 2008 today. As the chart to the left (from the press release) demonstrates for violent crimes the rates dropped between 2007 and 2008.

This data demonstrates one of the factors to always keep in mind when searching for statistics. It is September 14th and we are just now able to view crime statistics for last year. This is because it takes time to compile the data from all over the country, so when searching for statistics, always keep in mind that most recent data available may be a year or two old.

This data comes from the FBI publication "Crime in the United States 2008" which is available in its entirety online. In this online version you can find tables, such as "Offenses Known to Law Enforcement, by State by University and College, Colorado, 2008," which has the number of crimes reported to law enforcement on each campus. When looking at this table, and any other table for that matter, it is important to keep track of those footnotes. As you will see this table based its enrollment figures on 2007 data, despite the fact that this is 2008 crime statistics. This data all comes from the Uniform Crime Reports, which has archived data and publications back to the mid-1990s for the majority and its publications.

Still want more crime and justice information? Check out the library's guide.

Friday, September 11, 2009

GAO Reports This Week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated social security, military bases, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and other topics. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

1. Information Technology: DOD Needs to Strengthen Management of Its Statutorily Mandated Software and System Process Improvement Efforts. GAO-09-888, September 8.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-888
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09888high.pdf

2. Employee Misclassification: Improved Coordination, Outreach, and Targeting Could Better Ensure Detection and Prevention. GAO-09-717, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-717
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09717high.pdf

3. Social Security Disability: Additional Performance Measures and Better Cost Estimates Could Help Improve SSA's Efforts to Eliminate Its Hearings Backlog. GAO-09-398, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-398
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09398high.pdf

4. Homeland Defense: U.S. Northern Command Has a Strong Exercise Program, but Involvement of Interagency Partners and States Can Be Improved.
GAO-09-849, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-849
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09849high.pdf

5. Military Base Realignments and Closures: Transportation Impact of Personnel Increases Will Be Significant, but Long-Term Costs Are Uncertain and Direct Federal Support Is Limited. GAO-09-750, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-750
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09750high.pdf

6. Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Options Exist to Enhance Transportation Planning Capacity and Federal Oversight. GAO-09-868, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-868
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09868high.pdf

7. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Analysis of Options for Revising the Housing Enterprises' Long-Term Structures. GAO-09-782, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-782
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09782high.pdf

Related Product

1. Survey of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (GAO-09-867SP, September 2009), an E-supplement to GAO-09-868. GAO-09-867SP, September 9. [Internet only] http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/gao-09-867sp/

2. Wildland Fire Management: Federal Agencies Have Taken Important Steps Forward, but Additional, Strategic Action Is Needed to Capitalize on Those Steps. GAO-09-877, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-877
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09877high.pdf

3. Aviation Weather: FAA and the National Weather Service Are Considering Plans to Consolidate Weather Service Offices, but Face Significant Challenges. GAO-09-761,
September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-761
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09761high.pdf

4. United States Merchant Marine Academy: Internal Control Weaknesses Resulted in Improper Sources and Uses of Funds; Some Corrective Actions Are Under Way. GAO-09-635, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-635
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09635high.pdf

Testimonies

1. Afghanistan and Pakistan: Oversight of U.S. Interagency Efforts, by Jacquelyn Williams-Bridgers, managing director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on national security and foreign affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-09-1015T, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1015T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091015thigh.pdf

2. Ryan White CARE Act: Program Changes Affecting Minority AIDS Initiative and Part D Grantees, by Marcia Crosse, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-09-1027T, September 9.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-1027T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d091027thigh.pdf

3. Recovery Act: States' and Localities' Current and Planned Uses of Funds While Facing Fiscal Stresses, by J. Christopher Mihm, managing director, strategic issues, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-09-908T, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-908T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09908thigh.pdf

Thursday, September 10, 2009

France to Levy CO2 Tax

The Wall Street Journal reports that France will start taxing the carbon dioxide emissions of both households and companies starting next year. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday that his government will levy a tax of €17 ($24.81) for each ton of CO2 emitted by fossil fuels such as heating oil, gasoline, coal, and natural gas.

The article reports that the French government "has pledged to divide its CO2 emissions by four in 2050 from the level of 1990." The government wants to show that it is following through on its environmental promises prior to a United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen in December.

President Sarkozy said households will be levied 17 euros per ton of CO2 emissions because he did not believe they would be willing to pay significantly higher taxes on CO2 emissions than industrial corporations, which trade CO2 emissions certificates at about 15 euros via the EU's emission trading system.

For more resources on climate change data and greenhouse-gas policies, see our guide.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Iran May Have Fuel to Build Nuclear Bomb

American intelligence sources say Iran has enough nuclear fuel to create enriched uranium needed for a nuclear weapon, the American ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency claimed on Wednesday. In his statement to the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Ambassador Glyn Davies claimed that Iran is moving "closer to a dangerous and destabilizing possible breakout capacity" in its uranium enrichment activity.

Read what the media has to say about the issue in the New York Times. For more in-depth resources on Iran from the IAEA, check out this "In Focus" web page or this nuclear power profile of Iran.

Want more resources? Check out our guide to energy and alternative fuels or our country guide to Iran.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

SEC and Madoff: Full Report Now Available

Last Thursday we blogged about the the SEC Office of Inspector General's report on Bernard Madoff (and the SEC's failure to adequately investigate his fraudulent investment company). At the time you could only find the report's executive summary on the SEC's website. The full 477-page report, "Investigation of Failure of the SEC to Uncover Bernard Madoff's Ponzi Scheme," is now available here.

We welcome your questions and comments about available resources on this issue.

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 policy, economic issues, defense, 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 OpenCRS:

Friday, September 04, 2009

GAO Reports This Week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated home mortgages, disaster recovery, Medicare, and other issues. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

1. Home Mortgage Interest Deduction: Despite Challenges Presented by Complex Tax Rules, IRS Could Enhance Enforcement and Guidance. GAO-09-769, July 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-769
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09769high.pdf

2. Disaster Recovery: Experiences from Past Disasters Offer Insights for Effective Collaboration after Catastrophic Events. GAO-09-811, July 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-811
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09811high.pdf

3. Border Patrol: Checkpoints Contribute to Border Patrol's Mission, but More Consistent Data Collection and Performance Measurement Could Improve Effectiveness. GAO-09-824, August 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-824
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09824high.pdf

4. Medicare Physician Payments: Fees Could Better Reflect Efficiencies Achieved When Services Are Provided Together. GAO-09-647, July 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-647
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09647high.pdf

Correspondence

Private Health Insurance: Research on Competition in the Insurance Industry. GAO-09-864R, July 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-864R

Reissued Product

Private Pensions: Alternative Approaches Could Address Retirement Risks Faced by Workers but Pose Trade-offs. GAO-09-642, July 24. [Reissued to correct table 12 on page 53.]
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-642
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d09642high.pdf

Thursday, September 03, 2009

SEC Lax in Examining Madoff, Report Claims

A report by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Inspector General reveals that the SEC repeatedly failed to discover Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme despite investigations dating back to the early '90s. Read a New York Times account of the Inspector General's report.

In June Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for fraud, money laundering, and perjury that cost investors $65 billion over 20 years. Although the SEC received evidence that warranted a thorough investigation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, a complete investigation was never launched, the report's executive summary states. On the SEC's website you can find Chairman Mary L. Schapiro's statement on the executive summary's release and a description of the SEC's "Post-Madoff Reforms."Check the SEC's website during the next few days for the full 450-page report from the OIG.

For additional government resources about fraud and money laundering, see our guide to crime and justice.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

$320 Million Cuts Implemented in Colorado

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter's FY 2009-2010 budget balancing plan went into effect yesterday, September 1. Governor Ritter's budget balancing package, which includes $320 million in budget cuts, was submitted to Colorado's Joint Budget Committee on August 24, 2009.

Governor Ritter issued an Executive Order Saturday (August 29) implementing the budget cuts (as the executive order explains, Colorado law requires the governor to issue an Executive Order before such budget cuts can be implemented). This article in the Denver Post mentions that although state law only allows Ritter to order a spending cut for three months, he plans to extend the order for the entire fiscal year. The text of the Executive Order clarifies that it will expire on November 30, and then the governor intends to declare "subsequent Executive Orders issued periodically throughout the remainder of the fiscal year."

Want additional links to Colorado government resources? Take a look at our guide.

Tuesday, September 01, 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 the insurance, nuclear weapons, contracting, 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 OpenCRS and Secrecy News:

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

Friday, September 11, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Friday, September 04, 2009

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

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