GAO Reports

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated Medicare, tsunami preparedness, the Cash for Clunkers program, and other issues. If you would like to know more about GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Defense Logistics: Actions Needed to Improve Implementation of the Army Logistics Modernization Program. GAO-10-461, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-461
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10461high.pdf

Defense Infrastructure: DOD Needs to Determine and Use the Most Economical Building Materials and Methods When Acquiring New Permanent Facilities. GAO-10-436, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-436
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10436high.pdf

Veterans' Disability Benefits: Expanded Oversight Would Improve Training for Experienced Claims Processors. GAO-10-445, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-445
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10445high.pdf

Auto Industry: Lessons Learned from Cash for Clunkers Program. GAO-10-486, April 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-486
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10486high.pdf

Information Security: Opportunities Exist for the Federal Housing Finance Agency to Improve Controls. GAO-10-528, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-528
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10528high.pdf

U.S. Tsunami Preparedness: NOAA Has Expanded Its Tsunami Programs, but Improved Planning Could Enhance Effectiveness. GAO-10-490, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-490
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10490high.pdf

U.S. Tsunami Preparedness: NOAA Has Expanded Its Tsunami Programs, but Improved Planning Could Enhance Effectiveness. GAO-10-490, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-490
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10490high.pdf

Troubled Asset Relief Program: Update of Government Assistance Provided to AIG. GAO-10-475, April 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-475
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10475high.pdf

Language Access: Selected Agencies Can Improve Services to Limited English Proficient Persons. GAO-10-91, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-91
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1091high.pdf

End-Stage Renal Disease: CMS Should Monitor Access to and Quality of Dialysis Care Promptly after Implementation of New Bundled Payment System. GAO-10-295, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-295
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10295high.pdf

8(a) Program: Fourteen Ineligible Firms Received $325 Million in Sole-Source and Set-Aside Contracts. GAO-10-425, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-425
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10425high.pdf

Homeland Defense: DOD Can Enhance Efforts to Identify Capabilities to Support Civil Authorities during Disasters. GAO-10-386, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-386
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10386high.pdf

Homeland Defense: DOD Needs to Take Actions to Enhance Interagency Coordination for Its Homeland Defense and Civil Support Missions. GAO-10-364, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-364
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10364high.pdf

Small Business Administration: Steps Have Been Taken to Improve Administration of the 8(a) Program, but Key Controls for Continued Eligibility Need Strengthening. GAO-10-353, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-353
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10353high.pdf

Defense Supplier Base: DOD Should Leverage Ongoing Initiatives in Developing Its Program to Mitigate Risk of Counterfeit Parts. GAO-10-389, March 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-389
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10389high.pdf

Medicare Contracting Reform: Agency Has Made Progress with Implementation, but Contractors Have Not Met All Performance Standards. GAO-10-71, March 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-71
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1071high.pdf


Correspondences

Health Coverage Tax Credit: Participation and Administrative Costs. GAO-10-521R, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-521R

Quadrennial Defense Review: 2010 Report Addressed Many but Not All Required Items. GAO-10-575R, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-575R

Preliminary Observations on the Department of Defense's Counternarcotics Performance Measurement System. GAO-10-594R, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-594R

Defense Infrastructure: Department of Defense Renewable Energy Initiatives. GAO-10-681R, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-681R

Depot Maintenance: Sustainment Strategy for Harrier Aircraft Could Be Enhanced with Additional Metrics. GAO-10-618R, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-618R

Force Structure: Assessment of Army Progress in Modular Restructuring, Prepositioned Equipment, and Equipment Reset. GAO-10-507R, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-507R

Military Personnel: Status of Implementation of GAO's 2006 Recommendations on DOD's Domestic Violence Program. GAO-10-577R, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-577R


Presentations By The Acting Comptroller General

"Oversight and Accountability in a Time of Fiscal Stress," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Association of Government Accountants, in Dallas, Texas. GAO-10-653CG, April 23, 2010 http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d10653cg.pdf

"Leadership Challenges Given Today's Fiscal Realities," by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Excellence in Government Conference, in Washington, D.C. GAO-10-652CG. April 19, 2010 http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d10652cg.pdf


Reissued Product

Surface Coal Mining: Financial Assurances for, and Long-Term Oversight of, Mines with Valley Fills in Four Appalachian States. GAO-10-206, January 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-206
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10206high.pdf


Related Product

Acceso al Idioma: Ciertos organismos pueden mejorar los servicios que prestan a las personas que tienen dominio insuficiente del ingles (DII) GAO-10-685, 26 de abril 2010 Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10685high.pdf


Testimonies

Anti-Money Laundering: Better Communication Could Enhance the Support FinCEN Provides to Law Enforcement, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-10-622T, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-622T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10622thigh.pdf

Bank Secrecy Act: FinCEN Needs to Further Develop Its Form Revision Process for Suspicious Activity Reports, by Richard J. Hillman, managing director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-10-609T, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-609T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10609thigh.pdf

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Pervasive Internal Control Weaknesses Hindered Effective Contract Management, by Kay L. Daly, director, financial management and assurance, before the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-10-637T, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-637T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10637thigh.pdf

Department of Veterans Affairs: Preliminary Observations on Issues Related to Contracting Opportunities for Veteran-owned Small Businesses, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, House Committee on Veterans Affairs. GAO-10-673T, April 29.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-673T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10673thigh.pdf

Military Personnel: Comparisons between Military and Civilian Compensation Can be Useful, but Data Limitations Prevent Exact Comparisons, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Personnel, Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-10-666T, April 28.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-666T

Coast Guard: Civil Rights Directorate's Action Plans to Improve Its Operations Could Be Strengthened by Implementing Several Aspects of Project Planning and Implementation Practices, by Laurie Ekstrand, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-10-571T, April 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-571T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10571thigh.pdf

Social Security Disability: Management of Disability Claims Workload Will Require Comprehensive Planning, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Social Security and the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-10-667T, April 27.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-667T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10667thigh.pdf

AZ Immigration Law Challenged by Federal Govt?

An interesting update on Arizona's new immigration law surfaced in the Washington Post today ("Justice Department Considers Suing Arizona to Block Immigration Law," April 29, 2010). According to the Post, the Justice Department may sue Arizona over it's new law in order to block the legislation from being enforced. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder are highly critical of this law, which defines illegal immigration as trespassing and requires police to question anyone they suspect is an illegal immigrant. The federal government rarely challenges state laws, so this would be an unusual action.

You can find links to different versions of the bill, a list of sponsors, summaries, fact sheets, and other information at the web site of the Arizona State Legislature, on the web page for SB1070. The Justice Department's web site doesn't yet provide any information about a possible lawsuit against Arizona, but you can search for related government resources by using our guide to immigration.

DOE Launches New Green Energy Database

If Earth Day inspired you to seek out research on renewable energy, then the U.S. Department of Energy has made your search a little bit easier. The agency just launched DOE Green Energy, a new database that provides free public access to publications on thousands of DOE-sponsored R&D projects about renewable energy topics such as geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass energy. The database contains links to citations, full-text reports, and patents.

DOE Green Energy uses a simple keyword search function and supports Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), so you can refine or expand your results using multiple search terms. After you do a search, you'll notice separate tabs near the top of the screen that distinguish between R&D results and patents. Although the web site doesn't provide the specific date range of its content, I've found results dating as far back as 1944.

DOE Green Energy was launched by DOE's Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI), which also provides the OSTI Information Bridge of DOE research reports. For additional government resources on alternative (and conventional) energy, 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 Africa, gays in the military, immigration, 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. These reports were discovered by Open CRS and Secrecy News:

• "Don't Ask, Don't Tell:" The Law and Military Policy on Same-Sex Behavior
• A U.S.-centric Chronology of the International Climate Change Negotiations
• Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa
• Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
• Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives
• Dispute Settlement in the World Trade Organization (WTO): An Overview
• DOD Leases of Foreign-Built Ships: Background for Congress
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization: An Overview of Legislative Action in the 111th Congress
• Financial Regulatory Reform and the 111th Congress
• Immigration of Foreign Workers: Labor Market Tests and Protections
• Impeachment: An Overview of Constitutional Provisions, Procedure, and Practice
• International Criminal Court Cases in Africa: Status and Policy Issues
• Iran Sanctions
• Is the U.S. Current Account Deficit Sustainable?
• Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections
• Monetary Policy and the Federal Reserve: Current Policy and Conditions
• Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress
• Navy Aegis Cruiser and Destroyer Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress
• Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background for Congress
• Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress
• Navy Irregular Warfare and Counterterrorism Operations: Background and Issues for Congress
• Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier (CVN) Homeporting at Mayport: Background and Issues for Congress
• Navy Nuclear-Powered Surface Ships: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
• Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress
• Telework for Executive Branch Employees: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Legislation Pending in the 111th Congress
• The Global Economic Crisis: Impact on Sub-Saharan Africa and Global Policy Responses
• The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement: Effects After Five Years
• U.S. Immigration Policy on Haitian Migrants
• U.S. Immigration Policy on Permanent Admissions
• U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications
• Veterans Benefits: Federal Employment Assistance

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.

Government Response to Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

An explosion last week on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig near Louisiana caused an oil spill that now covers more than 1,800 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico (read about the spill in today's New York Times). Officials are trying to activate a blowout preventer to seal off the well.

You can read more details about oil spill monitoring, containment, and cleanup on this page of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) web site. NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration is part of the unified command for the Deepwater Horizon Explosion Response, which also includes the U.S. Coast Guard, BP, the Marine Spill Response Corporation, National Response Corporation, and Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check the web pages of these groups and agencies for more information about the oil spill:

• Unified Command web site, featuring updates on the oil spill and including photos.
  
• "The Emergency Response Division (ERD) Role in OR&R" from NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration.
• "What's the Story on Oil Spills?" is also provided by NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration. It provides a table that can give you an idea of how much 42,000 gallons is (this is the amount of oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon rig per day. The leak would have to continue for 262 days to match the amount of oil spilled in the Exxon Valdex disaster in 1989).

Need to find more resources about pollution and environmental cleanup efforts? Take a look at our guide.

GAO Reports

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated the 2010 Census, financial regulation, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other topics. If you would like to know more about GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

2010 Census: Plans for Census Coverage Measurement Are on Track, but Additional Steps Will Improve Its Usefulness. GAO-10-324, April 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-324
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10324high.pdf

Combating Gangs: Federal Agencies Have Implemented a Central American Gang Strategy, but Could Strengthen Oversight and Measurement of Efforts. GAO-10-395, April 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-395
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10395high.pdf

Best Practices: DOD Can Achieve Better Outcomes by Standardizing the Way Manufacturing Risks Are Managed. GAO-10-439, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-439
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10439high.pdf

Financial Regulation: Clearer Goals and Reporting Requirements Could Enhance Efforts by CFTC and SEC to Harmonize Their Regulatory Approaches. GAO-10-410, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-410
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10410high.pdf

National Flood Insurance Program: Continued Actions Needed to Address Financial and Operational Issues
GAO-10-631T, April 21, 2010
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10631t.pdf
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10631thigh.pdf

Next Generation Air Transportation System: Challenges with Partner Agency and FAA Coordination Continue, and Efforts to Integrate Near-, Mid-, and Long-term Activities Are Ongoing
GAO-10-649T, April 21, 2010
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10649t.pdf
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10649thigh.pdf

Surface Transportation Security: TSA Has Taken Actions to Manage Risk, Improve Coordination, and Measure Performance, but Additional Actions Would Enhance Its Efforts
GAO-10-650T, April 21, 2010
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10650t.pdf
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10650thigh.pdf

Operation Iraqi Freedom: Actions Needed to Facilitate the Efficient Drawdown of U.S. Forces and Equipment from Iraq. GAO-10-376, April 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-376
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10376high.pdf

Poorly Performing Nursing Homes: Special Focus Facilities Are Often Improving, but CMS's Program Could Be Strengthened. GAO-10-197, March 19.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-197
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10197high.pdf



Correspondence

The Office of Management and Budget's Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan for Civilian Agencies. GAO-10-459R, April 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-459R

Securing and Stabilizing Iraq: An Assessment of the U.S. Joint Campaign Plan for Iraq. GAO-10-584R, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-584R

Securities and Exchange Commission: Information on Fair Fund Collections and Distributions. GAO-10-448R, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-448R

Federal Reserve Banks: Areas for Improvement in Information Security Controls
GAO-10-640R, April 21, 2010
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10640r.pdf

Firms Reported in Open Sources as Having Commercial Activity in Iran's Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Sectors. GAO-10-515R, March 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-515R



Testimonies

Debt Settlement: Fraudulent, Abusive, and Deceptive Practices Pose Risk to Consumers, by Gregory D. Kutz, managing director, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-10-593T, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-593T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10593thigh.pdf

U.S. Postal Service: Action Needed to Facilitate Financial Viability, by Phillip Herr, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-10-601T, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-601T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10601thigh.pdf

VA's Fiduciary Program: VA Plans to Improve Program Compliance and Policies, but Sustained Management Attention is Needed, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-10-635T, April 22.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-635T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10635thigh.pdf

Surface Transportation Security: TSA Has Taken Actions to Manage Risk, Improve Coordination, and Measure Performance, but Additional Actions Would Enhance Its Efforts, by Stephen M. Lord, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. GAO-10-650T, April 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-650T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10650thigh.pdf

Next Generation Air Transportation System: Challenges with Partner Agency and FAA Coordination Continue, and Efforts to Integrate Near-, Mid-, and Long-term Activities Are Ongoing, by Gerald L. Dillingham, Ph.D., director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-10-649T, April 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-649T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10649thigh.pdf

National Flood Insurance Program: Continued Actions Needed to Address Financial and Operational Issues, by Orice Williams Brown, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, House Committee on Financial Services. GAO-10-631T, April 21.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-631T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10631thigh.pdf

How Is the Government Celebrating Earth Day?

Today I ran into a Greenpeace worker after lunch, and he reminded me that it was Earth Day. How could I have forgotten? It's the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and there are numerous government web sites reminding us of this occasion--namely the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) web site. President Obama also acknowledges Earth Day on WhiteHouse.gov. Here are some other interesting government resources related to Earth Day:

• Earth Day 2010 Report: Turning Green Jobs to Gold, Safely. A report by the Department of Labor (DOL).
• "The Environment and Human Health: The Role of HHS" This hearing was convened today by the House Subcommittee on Health. Though not an Earth Day event per se, the hearing covers an issue very appropriate to the spirit of the occasion.
• Interactive guides to clean energy in your home and community. From the Department of Energy.
• Teaching Resources on environmental topics. From the EPA.
• "Turning Green to Gold Safely" Campaign. During the next year, DOL will be tracking actions that organizations and businesses have taken to support green job growth and introduce climate-friendly practices.

To find additional government resources about the environment and related issues, take a look at our subject guides listed under the category of Environment and Energy.

World Bank Provides Free Data

As frequent readers of this blog may know, one of my favorite things to talk about is data. And there is nothing better then when a large organization decides to provide their data freely to everyone. And yesterday, the World Bank did just that! You can hear all about it in this short and nifty World Bank YouTube video.

Now why should you care? Oh, there is so many reasons, but I thought I would show why through highlights on the ways you can navigate the new site:

• Topics This web site can be navigated by topic. In here you can use these broad areas to get down to very specific resources, such as a map of the percentage of land that is forest.
• Country Want to know all the details on a particular country? Check it out here and you will get nice little graphs, tables and much more. These pages are more then simply lists of numbers, it has trend lines and maps as well as the ability to just export those raw numbers.
• Indicators This page lets you browse by indicator, but just 331 of them (the other 200 are available in the World Databank). You can go here for maps and data of particular indicators (for example, did you know that in 2007 the United States had 259 tractors per 100 sq. km of arable land?)
• World Databank All the resources listed above act more as web pages on the topic, this lets you customize how the data is presented. For those who have used the subscription resources on data from the World Bank (World Development Indicators, Global Development Finance, etc.) this is where you go now for these resources.

In summary, this announcement is wonderful! There are charts, raw data, maps, oh so much fun! Want trade data? Want to compare the unemployment in India and China? All of this is possible in these resources. But don't take my word for it, go check them out and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Volcanic Ash in the European Airspace

Airports in Europe and Asia are restoring flights after six days of restrictions due to a volcanic eruption under Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier, which has caused a plume of volcanic ash to spread over Europe's airspace. The volcanic ash has led to the cancellation of over 100,000 flights, and it could take some time for air traffic to return to normal, according to this article in the New York Times.

This page from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that volcanic ash is often in the air. A worldwide network of Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) monitor the atmospheric impact, issuing advisories when necessary. NOAA operates two of these VAACs, while the London VAAC monitors volcanic ash over the UK, Iceland, and parts of the North Atlantic Ocean. The London VAAC provides some informative pages about its forecasting methods, detection tools, and observations:

• Observations of volcanic dust over Great Britain (April 20, 2010)
• Volcanic ash forecasting
  
• Volcanic ash detection tool

To find other governmental resources about the atmosphere, see our guide to Climate and Weather.

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 economic issues, defense, 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. These reports were discovered by Secrecy News:

• Economic Impacts of Prison Growth
• The Role of the Senate in Judicial Impeachment Proceedings: Procedure, Practice, and Data
• Military Personnel and Freedom of Religious Expression: Selected Legal Issues
• Multilateral Development Banks: Overview and Issues for Congress
• Foreign Aid Reform, National Strategy, and the Quadrennial Review
• Supreme Court Appointment Process: Roles of the President, Judiciary Committee, and Senate

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.

Visit a National Park for Free

This week is National Park Week for the U.S. National Park Service, which means that entrance to all national parks is free of charge (April 17 to 25)! Use this web directory to find a national park in your state (search by name, location, activity, or topic). The NPS Reference Desk provides additional contact information.

Even if you can't make it out to the parks this week, you can still take a virtual tour of our nation's natural resources:

• Views of the National Parks Select a park or theme, and then use the tabs at the top of screen to view photos and learn about the area's ecology, wilderness, and research efforts.
  
• NPS Focus This digital library searches across multiple National Park Service databases and provides full-text access to reports.
• Virtual Museum Exhibits These are virtual exhibits of the National Parks museum collections.

Want more resources about our nation's parks, forests, and other natural and historical places? Take a look at our guide.

GAO Reports

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, traffic safety, intellectual property, and other topics. If you would like to know more about GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Military Training: Actions Needed to Further Improve the Consistency of Combat Skills Training Provided to Army and Marine Corps Support Forces. GAO-10-465, April 16.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-465
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10465high.pdf

Combating Terrorism: Planning and Documentation of U.S. Development Assistance in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas Need to Be Improved. GAO-10-289, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-289
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10289high.pdf

Domestic Food Assistance: Complex System Benefits Millions, but Additional Efforts Could Address Potential Inefficiency and Overlap among Smaller Programs. GAO-10-346, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-346
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10346high.pdf

Federal Deposit Insurance Act: Regulators' Use of Systemic Risk Exception Raises Moral Hazard Concerns and Opportunities Exist to Clarify the Provision. GAO-10-100, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-100
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10100high.pdf

International Security: DOD and State Need to Improve Sustainment Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation for Section 1206 and 1207 Assistance Programs. GAO-10-431, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-431
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10431high.pdf

Traffic Safety Data: State Data System Quality Varies and Limited Resources and Coordination Can Inhibit Further Progress. GAO-10-454, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-454
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10454high.pdf

Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service's Contract Guard Program Requires More Oversight and Reassessment of Use of Contract Guards. GAO-10-341, April 13.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-341
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10341high.pdf

Contingency Contracting: Improvements Needed in Management of Contractors Supporting Contract and Grant Administration in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO-10-357, April 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-357
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10357high.pdf

Intellectual Property: Observations on Efforts to Quantify the Economic Effects of Counterfeit and Pirated Goods. GAO-10-423, April 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-423
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10423high.pdf

U.S. Postal Service: Strategies and Options to Facilitate Progress toward Financial Viability. GAO-10-455, April 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-455
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10455high.pdf

Disaster Recovery: FEMA's Long-term Assistance Was Helpful to State and Local Governments but Had Some Limitations. GAO-10-404, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-404
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10404high.pdf

Oil and Gas Management: Interior's Oil and Gas Production Verification Efforts Do Not Provide Reasonable Assurance of Accurate Measurement of Production Volumes. GAO-10-313, March 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-313
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10313high.pdf

Information Security: Concerted Effort Needed to Consolidate and Secure Internet Connections at Federal Agencies. GAO-10-237, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-237
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10237high.pdf

Information Security: Agencies Need to Implement Federal Desktop Core Configuration Requirements. GAO-10-202, March 12.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-202
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10202high.pdf


Correspondences

Defense Management: Observations on Department of Defense and Military Service Fiscal Year 2011 Requirements for Corrosion Prevention and Control. GAO-10-608R, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-608R

Defense Management: Observations on the Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request for Corrosion Prevention and Control. GAO-10-607R, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-607R

Rare Earth Materials in the Defense Supply Chain. GAO-10-617R, April 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-617R


Testimonies

Defense Acquisitions: Opportunities and Challenges for Army Ground Force Modernization Efforts, by Michael J. Sullivan, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Airland, Senate Committee on Armed Services. GAO-10-603T, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-603T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10603thigh.pdf

Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-10-574T, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-574T

Social Security Administration: Better Planning Needed to Improve Service Delivery, by Barbara D. Bovbjerg, managing director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on Social Security, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-10-586T, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-586T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10586thigh.pdf

U.S. Postal Service: Action Needed to Facilitate Financial Viability, by Phillip Herr, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-624T, April 15.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-624T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10624thigh.pdf

Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service's Use of Contract Guards Requires Reassessment and More Oversight, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-10-614T, April 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-614T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10614thigh.pdf

Human Capital: Status of Actions Needed to Improve the Timely and Accurate Delivery of Compensation and Medical Benefits to Deployed Civilians, by Janet A. St. Laurent, managing 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-10-615T, April 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-615T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10615thigh.pdf

U.S. Government Financial Statements: Fiscal Year 2009 Audit Highlights Financial Management Challenges and Unsustainable Long-Term Fiscal Path, by Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-10-483T, April 14.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-483T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10483thigh.pdf

Deadline to File Your Tax Returns

Today is the April 15 deadline to file your tax returns. If you need more time, there are federal and state options for extending this due date:

• This IRS page explains how to use IRS Free File to request your federal extension. Note that this is an extension to file, not to pay.
• "Tax Tips: Extension to File Your Tax Return - April 2010" On YouTube the IRS has posted this short video that explains tax-extension basics.
• Extending the deadline to file your Colorado tax return is even simpler: The Colorado Department of Revenue gives Colorado tax-payers an automatic six-month extension to file their state income tax returns. Once again, note that this is an extension to file, not to pay.
  

For help finding other information about taxes, check out our guide.

Earthquake Hits Southwestern China

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake (some sources say 7.1) has killed at least 400 and wounded 10,000 today in Qinghai province, China, in the country's mountainous Tibetan Plateau (see "Earthquakes in China Kill 400, Injure Thousands" in today's NPR). The earthquake produced several aftershocks, and sources say 70 percent of schools in the region have collapsed. Many people are still trapped inside buildings, so it is feared that the death toll may rise. Over 5,000 soldiers, medical workers and other rescuers have been called up to join 700 soldiers already on the ground, China' Xinhua news agency has reported. Following are some Chinese, U.S., and international resources about this natural disaster:

• Chinese Government's Official Web Portal: "Hu, Wen Urge All-Out Efforts to Save People in Quake-Hit Zone"
• International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: Information Bulletin, China: Earthquake
• Red Cross Society of China: "RCSC Makes Emergency Response to 7.1-Magnitude Quake in Quinghai"
• ReliefWeb: "ShelterBox Responds to Earthquake in Western China"
• U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Details

To find other resources about China, including official government web pages, see our guide to China.

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 judicial activity, automotive industry, 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. These reports were discovered by Secrecy News:

• North Korea’s 2009 Nuclear Test: Containment, Monitoring, Implications
• Judicial Activity Concerning Enemy Combatant Detainees: Major Court Rulings
• Federal Building and Facility Security
• The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy
• U.S. Initiatives to Promote Global Internet Freedom: Issues, Policy, and Technology

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.

Nuclear Security Summit Begins Today

Today begins the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. Almost 50 representatives from countries and international organization are meeting to discuss "a comprehensive nuclear security agenda to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world within four years" (from The White House Blog, April 12, 2010). You can find an international perspective on the summit at the UN News Centre.

This summit begins less than one week after President Obama signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (access PDFs of the treaty and the protocol here). This treaty was signed shortly after the U.S. Department of Defense released the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review Report, which "provides a roadmap for implementing President Obama's agenda for reducing nuclear risks to the United States, our allies and partners, and the international community."

To find additional government resources about nuclear weapons, take a look at our guide to military information.

GAO Reports and Releases

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated military issues, ATVs, offshore drilling, and other topics. If you would like to know more about GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Military Munitions Response Program: Opportunities Exist to Improve Program Management. GAO-10-384, April 9.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-384
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10384high.pdf
• All-Terrain Vehicles: How They Are Used, Crashes, and Sales of Adult-Sized Vehicles for Children's Use. GAO-10-418, April 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-418
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10418high.pdf
• Nuclear Weapons: Actions Needed to Address Scientific and Technical Challenges and Management Weaknesses at the National Ignition Facility. GAO-10-488, April 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-488
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10488high.pdf
• American Samoa and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Wages, Employment, Employer Actions, Earnings, and Worker Views Since Minimum Wage Increases Began. GAO-10-333, April 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-333
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10333high.pdf
• Offshore Oil and Gas Development: Additional Guidance Would Help Strengthen the Minerals Management Service's Assessment of Environmental Impacts in the North Aleutian Basin. GAO-10-276, March 8.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-276
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10276high.pdf
• Troubled Asset Relief Program: Automaker Pension Funding and Multiple Federal Roles Pose Challenges for the Future. GAO-10-492, April 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-492
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10492high.pdf
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Update to National Infrastructure Protection Plan Includes Increased Emphasis on Risk Management and Resilience. GAO-10-296, March 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-296
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10296high.pdf
• Delaware River Deepening Project: Comprehensive Reanalysis Corrected Errors, but Several Issues Still Need to Be Addressed. GAO-10-420, March 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-420
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10420high.pdf
  

Correspondence

• Coast Guard: Deployable Operations Group Achieving Organizational Benefits, but Challenges Remain. GAO-10-433R, April 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-433R
• GAO Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Certification of the Secure Flight Program--Cost and Schedule Estimates. GAO-10-535R, April 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-535R
  

Court Rules Against FCC's Internet Authority

A couple of weeks ago we published a blog post about how Internet service providers were challenging the U.S. Federal Communication Commission's (FCC's) authority to regulate the Internet (see "ISPs Challenge FCC's Internet Authority," 3-25-2010). On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the FCC does not have authority over network management practices (Comcast Corp. v. Federal Communications Commission, no. 08-1291). An article in the Washington Post ("Court Rules for Comcast over FCC in 'Net Neutrality' Case," 4-27-2010) suggests that this court ruling could hamper other FCC initiatives concerning Internet regulations.

Who knows how this ruling will affect customer Internet access in the coming months and years? Here are some decision-makers' comments and actions following the court ruling:

• Statement of Commissioner Michael J. Copps
  on the Comcast V. FCC Decision In this statement, the most virulent from any of the FCC commissioners, Copps comments that the "only way the Commission can make lemonade out of this lemon of a decision is to do now what should have been done years ago: treat broadband as the telecommunications service that it is."
• Statement of Commissioner Robert M. McDowell
• Statement of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
• Statement of Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker
• Statement of U.S. Representative Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• FCC Announces Broadband Action Agenda Despite the court ruling, the Commission announced its Broadband Action Agenda today. Chairman Genachowski is quoted as saying, "The court decision earlier this week does not change our
  broadband policy goals . . ."

For additional resources, see our previous blog post on this subject and our guide to telecommunications.

Revolution in Kyrgyzstan

Yesterday, there was a revolution in Kyrgyzstan and the country is still in turmoil. The results of the revolution are still unclear with media reports stating President Kurmanbek Bakiyev refuses to step down, but the opposition has control of the capitol. ("Amid violent protests, Kyrgyz opposition establishes interim government," Washington Post)

This Central Asian country is has "a Coalition Airbase at Manas Airport outside of the capital city of Bishke" (Central Command page on Kyrgyzstan). Manas airbase is a major air base for the NATO operations in Afghanistan, the revolutionary government has issued preliminary statements in support of the base.

To read more about Kyrgyzstan check out the library's guide.

Safety Violations at Coal Mines

Today the Washington Post reported that Upper Big Branch coal mine, the site of Monday's explosion that killed at least 25 workers, was written up more than 50 times last month for safety violations. Rescuers are still searching for four missing miners, and the government is planning to investigate the explosion.

You can find your own data on mine safety, for any U.S. mine or mine operator, by searching in the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) Mine Data Retrieval System. The MSHA has also created a web page containing information and resources about the explosion. It provides a link to general mining statistics, which you might be interested in comparing to Upper Big Branch's safety record.

The Post article mentions that the MINER Act of 2006 (PL 109-236) enhanced MSHA's ability to regulate mine safety (you can find a summary of the act here). Could MSHA be doing more? The administration is holding a public meeting on April 27 to discuss the subject of mine emergency preparedness and response.

To find additional government resources about occupational safety, 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 the Government Accountability Office, climate change, terrorism, 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. These reports were discovered by Secrecy News:

• Federal Efforts to Address the Threat of Bioterrorism: Selected Issues for Congress
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress
• Deforestation and Climate Change
• The Impact of Major Legislation on Budget Deficits: 2001 to 2009
• GAO Bid Protests: An Overview of Timeframes and Procedures
• GAO Bid Protests: Trends, Analysis, and Options for Congress
• The Future of U.S. Trade Policy: An Analysis of Issues and Options for the 111th Congress
• Europe’s Preferential Trade Agreements: Status, Content, and Implications
• F-35 Alternate Engine Program: Background and Issues for Congress
• Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive

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.

GAO Reports

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week GAO investigated lobbyists, health care, workforce planning, and other topics. If you would like to know more about GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

Army Corps of Engineers: Budget Formulation Process Emphasizes Agencywide Priorities, but Transparency of Budget Presentation Could Be Improved. GAO-10-453, April 2.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-453
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10453high.pdf

2009 Lobbying Disclosure: Observations on Lobbyists' Compliance with Disclosure Requirements. GAO-10-499, April 1.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-499
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10499high.pdf

VA Health Care: VA Has Taken Steps to Make Services Available to Women Veterans, but Needs to Revise Key Policies and Improve Oversight Processes. GAO-10-287, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-287
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10287high.pdf

Defense Health Care: 2008 Access to Care Surveys Indicate Some Problems, but Beneficiary Satisfaction Is Similar to Other Health Plans. GAO-10-402, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-402
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10402high.pdf

Medicare Recovery Audit Contracting: Weaknesses Remain in Addressing Vulnerabilities to Improper Payments, Although Improvements Made to Contractor Oversight. GAO-10-143, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-143
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10143high.pdf

Workforce Planning: Interior, EPA, and the Forest Service Should Strengthen Linkages to Their Strategic Plans and Improve Evaluation. GAO-10-413, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-413
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10413high.pdf

Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-10-388SP, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-388SP
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10388sphigh.pdf

Warfighter Support: DOD Needs to Improve Its Planning for Using Contractors to Support Future Military Operations. GAO-10-472, March 30.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-472
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10472high.pdf

Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE Needs to Address Uncertainties with and Strengthen Independent Safety Oversight of Its Plutonium Disposition Program. GAO-10-378, March 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-378
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10378high.pdf

VA's Fiduciary Program: Improved Compliance and Policies Could Better Safeguard Veterans' Benefits. GAO-10-241, February 26.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-241
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10241high.pdf

Superfund: Information on Cost and Other Issues Related to the Cleanup of the Federal Creosote Site. GAO-10-277, February 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-277
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10277high.pdf

Vehicle Fuel Economy: NHTSA and EPA's Partnership for Setting Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards Improved Analysis and Should Be Maintained. GAO-10-336, February 25.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-336
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d10336high.pdf


Correspondence

Military Personnel: Military and Civilian Pay Comparisons Present Challenges and Are One of Many Tools in Assessing Compensation. GAO-10-561R, April 1.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-561R

Defense Budget: Fourth Quarter Obligation Rates and Contract Obligations for Fiscal Years 2006-09. GAO-10-527R, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-527R

Final Review of Expenses from the Department of Justice Permanent Indefinite Appropriation Covering the 7-Month Period Ending September 30, 2009. GAO-10-524R, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-524R

Management Report: Improvements Needed in SEC's Internal Controls and Accounting Procedures. GAO-10-443R, March 31.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-443R

Today is National Census Day

It's National Census Day, and various events are taking place across the country to recognize it. The U.S. 2010 Census form, which you should have received by mail in March, poses 10 questions about the people residing at your home address today.

Census data determine the number of seats allotted to your state in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they also help the federal government decide how funds are distributed for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public-works projects, and emergency services (see "How it Affects the Nation"). Sometimes it can be difficult convincing U.S. residents to fill out and return the forms (see "Trying to Break Down Resistance to the Census" in today's New York Times). The Census Bureau's web site provides answers to several questions that U.S. residents may have:

• How does the Census account for the homeless?
• How does the Census protect your personal information?
• What if your Census form was lost, damaged, or you never received it in the mail?

Census data are useful not only to the government but to anyone doing research about the demographics of our nation. Our Guide to Census Information provides you with the steps to do this research.