Montana Floodplain Mapping

From the Missoulian: "Missoula and Flathead will be the first two Montana counties to have their Flood Insurance Rate Maps digitalized.

"It's part of a five-year, $1 billion program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to modernize floodplain maps in every county in the country."

For more information, visit the FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping program website. The site includes information on modernization efforts, information for homeowners, and much more.

The Montana Flood Map Modernization Program can also provide useful information. Floodplain management information is available via the Water Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Some floodplain maps are available online via the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS).

Source: "Missoula, Flathead flood maps to go digital: Counties first in Montana to take part in FEMA effort." Missoulian October 27, 2005. B1.

Fire Retardant Lawsuit

From the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics press release: "In an opinion released today, Montana U.S. District Court Judge Don Molloy ruled that the U.S. Forest Service’s use of millions of gallons of toxic aerial fire retardant annually violates two environmental laws. The judge ordered the Forest Service to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but issued no injunction stopping retardant use because the plaintiff, Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, had not requested one. FSEEE is a non-profit organization of Forest Service employees and citizens who care about the nation’s forests."

You can read the order issued by Judge Molloy online for more details.

The National Interagency Fire Center's page on fire retardant may provide helpful background information. The Wildland Fire Chemicals website provides technical information.

Source: "Judge rules USFS negligent in considering retardant's impact." Missoulian October 27, 2005. A3.

Low-income Household Heating Legislation

From the Missoulian: "The U.S. Senate on Wednesday shot down two more attempts to increase federal funding to help low-income households pay heating bills this winter.

"Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., who voted for the more generous proposal, called its rejection an 'outrage' and 'a slap in the face to Montanans who are staring down the barrel at some hard choices this winter: to heat their homes or to put food on the table'."

The Senate failed to pass Senate Amendment 2194, "To provide for appropriations for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program," because it failed to reach the 60 "yea" votes needed to override the point of order (in roll call vote 270).

The other item was Senate Amendment 2253, "To increase appropriations for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program by $1,276,000,000, with an across-the-board reduction," which was rejected 53-46 (roll call vote 271).

In Montana, the Governor has announced the "Warm Homes Montana" program. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has a Montana office ready to help. You may also want to visit the Public Service Commission (PSC) website for more information.

Source: "Senate says no to more funding for heating bills." Missoulian October 27, 2005. A1.

October 19th Order in Earth Island Institute Case

From MSNBC: "Permits for Christmas tree cutting and mushroom picking can likely be issued, but wildfire prevention projects such as prescribed burns and thinning are still being held up under a judge's order to give the public greater say in national forest management, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday."

Judge Singleton's clarifying order is now available online. The letter from the Forest Service Chief is also available on the Forest Service site. The Forest Service page on the Earth Island Institute case includes other pertinent documents.

Source: "Judge clarifies Forest Service order: Activists welcome move, say agency had slowed work to create outrage." MSNBC.com. October 21, 2005.

New Federal Reserve Board Chairman Appointed

From Yahoo! News: "President Bush named top White House economic adviser Ben Bernanke as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on Monday in place of near-legendary Alan Greenspan as the official in closest control of interest rates. Bernanke instantly announced his first priority would be 'to maintain continuity with the policies and policy strategies under the Greenspan era'."

The transcript of the announcement at the White House is available online. The White House site also includes a biography of Ben Bernanke.

Bernanke is currently chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. He has also served on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. A search for "Bernanke" on the Fed website retrieves numerous speeches by Bernanke.

Source: "Bush Picks Bernanke As New Fed Chairman." Yahoo! News. October 24, 2005.

Reports on the Indian Health Service and New Legislation

The article in Sunday's Missoulian talks about a recent General Accountability Office (GAO) report on the Indian Health Service: "Indian Health Service: Health Care Services Are Not Always Available to Native Americans."

Other reports by the GAO may also be informative:

Indian Health Service: Basic Services Mostly Available; Substance Abuse Problems Need Attention

Indian Health Service: Contracting for Health Services Under the Indian Self-Determination Act

Indian Health Service: Efforts to Recruit Health Care Professionals

Indian Health Service: Improvements Needed in Credentialing Temporary Physicians

Indian Self-Determination Contracting: Effects of Individual Community Contracting for Health Services in Alaska

The article also talks about the new legislation introduced this year to revise and amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, S. 1057. You can track the status of the bill using THOMAS. The Indian Health Service also has a website on the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act was initially passed in 1976, and it has been amended periodically, including in 1992, 1996, and 2000. Some of the testimony from the hearings held in association with the 2000 amendment process are available on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs website (March 8, 2000, May 10, 2000, and July 26, 2000). The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board has a good legislative history of the act available on its website.

Source: "Health agency for Indians needs reform." Missoulian October 23, 2005. B1.

BLM Changes to Oil, Gas, and Coal Development

From the Missoulian: "In an aggressive push by the Bush administration to open more public land to oil and gas production, the Interior Department has quit conducting environmental reviews and seeking comments from local residents every time drilling companies propose new wells."

The director of the Bureau of Land Management issued an instruction memorandum on September 30, 2005, outlining the policy change: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance for Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Development. Another instruction memorandum was issued that day on coal lease modifications: Interim Guidance for Implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 [P.L. 109-58] for Federal Coal Leasing. Both memos cite the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which was signed into law on August 8, 2005.

Sources: "Interior waives environmental reviews on new drilling." Missoulian October 19, 2005. A5.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2004
A Bureau of Justice Statistics report.

Crime in the United States 2004
The FBI released the new national data this week.

E.D. TAB: State Library Agencies: Fiscal Year 2004
A new report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Growth, Poverty and Inequality in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union
A World Bank publication.

Independent Undergraduates: 1999-2000
An NCES report.

Next Steps After Your Diagnosis: Finding Information and Support
A guide from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (part of the Department of Health and Human Services).

Office for Victims of Crime: Report to the Nation 2005
A Department of Justice report.

Report of the Secure Flight Working Group
A report presented to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Report on the Status of 9/11 Commission Recommendations Part II: Reforming the Institutions of Government
A report issued by the Public Discourse Project, a continuation of the work of the 9-11 Commission.

Census Bureau Reports:

Construction: Montana (2002 Economic Census)

Finance and Insurance: Montana (2002 Economic Census)

Management of Companies and Enterprises: United States and States (2002 Economic Census)

Market Absorption of Apartments: First Quarter 2005 Absorptions

Mining: General Summary (2002 Economic Census)

Transportation and Warehousing: Montana (2002 Economic Census)

Transportation and Warehousing: Product Lines (2002 Economic Census)

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Biological Resources

The Retirement of Justice O'Connor: Quorum Requirements, Rehearings and Vote Counts in the Supreme Court

Retirement Plan Participation and Contributions: Trends from 1998 to 2003

Rural Housing: USDA Disaster Relief Provisions

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act -- A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU or SAFETEA): Selected Major Provisions

Social Security: The Cost-of-Living Adjustment in January 2006

Speed of Presidential and Senate Actions on Supreme Court Nominations, 1900-2005

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Community Policing Grants: COPS Grants Were a Modest Contributor to Declines in Crime in the 1990s

Elections: Federal Efforts to Improve Security and Reliability of Electronic Voting Systems Are Under Way, but Key Activities Need to Be Completed

Environmental Cleanup: Transfer of Contaminated Federal Property and Recovery of Cleanup Costs

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Challenges Facing the National Flood Insurance Program

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Improvements Needed to Enhance Oversight and Management of the National Flood Insurance Program

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Oversight and Management of the National Flood Insurance Program

Foreign Affairs: Agencies Have Improved the Intercountry Adoption Process, but Further Enhancements Are Needed

Passenger Rail Security: Enhanced Federal Leadership Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts

Rebuilding Iraq: Enhancing Security, Measuring Program Results, and Maintaining Infrastructure Are Necessary to Make Significant and Sustainable Progress

Reserve Forces: Army National Guard's Role, Organization, and Equipment Need to be Reexamined

Reserve Forces: Plans Needed to Improve Army National Guard Equipment Readiness and Better Integrate Guard into Army Force Transformation Initiatives

Results-Oriented Government: Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain Collaboration among Federal Agencies

Social Security Reform: Other Countries' Experiences Provide Lessons for the United States

Transfer Students: Postsecondary Institutions Could Promote More Consistent Consideration of Coursework by Not Basing Determinations on Accreditation

Veterans' Disability Benefits: VA Could Enhance Its Progress in Complying with Court Decision on Disability Criteria

United Nations Documents:

A comprehensive review of the situation in Kosovo

Human Development Report 2005

Report of the International Court of Justice

Report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reports

From the Montana Office of Public Instruction press release: "Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch today released the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reading and Mathematics Test scores showing Montana students ranked among the nation's top students."

The new National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports are available on the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Nation's Report Card website:

The Nation's Report Card: Reading 2005

NAEP Reading 2005 State Snapshot Reports

Montana Grade 4 Reading

Montana Grade 8 Reading

The Nation’s Report Card: Mathematics 2005

NAEP Mathematics 2005 State Snapshot Reports

Montana Grade 4 Mathematics

Montana Grade 8 Mathematics

Source: "Montana beats national average in math, reading." Billings Gazette October 19, 2005.

National Clandestine Service

From the Washington Post: "Intelligence officials yesterday announced establishment of a National Clandestine Service at the CIA, saying the step is necessary because of the dramatic expansion in U.S. human intelligence collection abroad since Sept. 11, 2001.

"The NCS, which will be based at the CIA, will carry out that agency's espionage, taking over what has been called the Directorate of Operations, and will coordinate, though it will not actually direct, the increasing spying and covert activities conducted worldwide by the Pentagon and FBI, officials said."

The CIA press release on the establishment of the National Clandestine Service is available online. A fact sheet is also available.

Source: "CIA Spies Get a New Home Base: Agency Will Set Up the National Clandestine Service." Washington Post October 14, 2005.

Friday Resource Round-Up

2004 Annual Report of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)-Related Deaths and Injuries
A report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2005-2006 U.S. Winter Outlook
The annual winter weather outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Congressional Pictorial Directory: 109th Congress
The new directory is now available on GPO Access.

Digest of Education Statistics, 2004
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recently released the new version of this annual report.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Unclassified Cyber Security Program—2005
An evaluation report for the program.

Long-Term Economic Effects of Chronically Large Federal Deficits
A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq
A Defense Department report to Congress.

Model Year 2006 Fuel Economy Guide
Thinking of buying a new car? See what gas mileage it gets.

New Electronic Titles: July 2005
The new list of web-based titles is now available from GPO.

OSHA's Lost Workday Injury and Illness Database
This database was archived by the Memory Hole website.

Precedents, Variables, and Options in Planning a U.S. Military Disengagement Strategy from Iraq
A paper issued by the Army's Strategic Studies Institute.

Report on the Privacy Act
2004-05 annual report on the Canadian Privacy Act.

Senate Committee on the Judiciary: Supreme Court Nomination Hearings (1971-forward)
Due to the large size of the PDF files, GPO has broken the hearings down into more easily downloadable pieces.

USAID South Asia Earthquake
Provides earthquake relief information.

U.S. Government Manual, 2005-06
The latest version of the official handbook of the federal government was released this week.

Census Bureau Reports:

2002 Economic Census, Product Lines, Accommodation and Food Services

2002 Economic Census, Product Lines, Educational Services

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

The Americans with Disabilities Act: Legislation Concerning Notification Prior to Initiating Legal Action

Cultural Property: International Conventions and United States Legislation

The Economic Effects of Raising National Saving

Federal and State Laws Regarding Pharmacists Who Refuse to Dispense Contraceptives

High-Threat Chemical Agents: Characteristics, Effects, and Policy Implications

Hurricanes Katrina & Rita: Addressing the Victims' Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Needs

Military Base Closures: Highlights of the 2005 BRAC Commission Report and Proposed Legislation

Presidential and Vice Presidential Succession: Overview and Current Legislation

Renditions: Constraints Imposed by Laws on Torture

Social Security Survivors Benefits

Specialty Crop Issues in the 109th Congress

Sudan: Economic Sanctions

U.S. Military Operations in the Global War on Terrorism: Afghanistan, Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia

Veterans Affairs: Basic Eligibility for Disability Benefit Programs

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Electronic Rulemaking: Progress Made in Developing Centralized E-Rulemaking System

Higher Education: Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Programs and Related Trends

Waters and Wetlands: Corps of Engineers Needs to Better Support Its Decisions for Not Asserting Jurisdiction

United Nations Documents:

Civil and political rights, including the questions of independence of the judiciary, administration of justice, impunity

Global efforts for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the
comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

Human resources development

Mental Health Atlas 2005

Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Report of the Security Council, 1 August 2004-31 July 2005

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and on the achievements of the technical assistance in the field of human rights

State of World Population, 2005

World Economic and Social Survey 2005: Financing for Development

Coal-to-Diesel Issues

From the Billings Gazette: "Contrary to claims by Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a large coal-to-liquid fuels plant in Montana would be a major polluter and wouldn't do much to offset foreign fuel imports, says a memo prepared for one of the state's leading conservation groups.

"The memo, prepared for the Northern Plains Resource Council, says a plant the size being promoted by the governor would create thousands of tons per year of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, solid waste and other pollutants - as well as use huge amounts of water."

Read the Northern Plains Resource Council memo for more details.

Governor Schweitzer's perspective on "coal-to-liquids" technology is available on the state website.

Background information on the Fischer-Tropsch process and "clean coal" initiatives is available on the EPA and Department of Energy websites.

Sources: "Memo: Coal-to-fuels process big polluter." Billings Gazette October 12, 2005.
"Coal Rush." Missoula Independent October 6, 2005.

Categorical Exclusion Rulings and Forest Service Response

From the Region 1 press release: "The Forest Service will suspend a variety of projects and activities implementing land and resource management plans in response to a court order directing nationwide application of a ruling in the Eastern District of California, according to Regional Forester Abigail Kimbell.

"The decision required public notice, comment, and appeal provisions to accompany all categorical exclusions after July 7, 2005."

Federal District Judge James K. Singleton of the Eastern District of California issued an initial decision on July 2, 2005, and an amended decision on September 16 in the Earth Island Institute v. Ruthenbeck case. The Forest Service Chief's memorandum indicating steps to take to follow the order is available on the Forest Service site.

For more background information, visit the Sierra Club webpage on the case. Information on the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and the Forest Service Decision Making and Appeals Reform Act (which is Section 322 of Public Law 102-381) may also be helpful.

More information on categorical exclusions is available on the following Forest Service pages:

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Categorical Exclusions for Hazardous Fuels Reduction and for Fire Rehabilitation

Categorical Exclusions for Limited Timber Harvest

To get an idea of the affected projects, visit the Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) website.

Source: "FS suspends more than 90 projects." Missoulian October 12, 2005. A1.

Winter Heating Outlook

From the Missoulian: "Winter heating bills will be a third to a half higher for most families across the country, with the sharpest increases expected for those who heat with natural gas, the Energy Department forecast Wednesday."

The Short-Term Energy Outlook released today provides information on anticipated winter heating costs by type of fuel and by region (PDF for October release).

Source: "Natural Gas Users to Take Hit This Winter." Missoulian October 12, 2005.

NAFTA Decision on Softwood Lumber

From Senator Burns' press release: "U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns reacted to the fact that the binational panel created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) yesterday dealt a damaging blow to U.S. lumber interests. This extra-governmental entity again ruled against U.S. interests when it failed to uphold the decision of the U.S. that Canadian lumber is subsidized and therefore given an unfair advantage in U.S. markets."

The recent NAFTA decision on softwood lumber products from Canada is available online.

Also in lumber industry news, Senator Baucus announced that workers laid off from the Stimson Lumber Company will be eligible for Department of Labor assistance. Specifically, workers can take advantage of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program.

Avian Influenza

From the New York Times: "Fear of the bird flu sweeping across Asia has played a major role in the government's flurry of preparations for a worldwide epidemic.

"That concern prompted President Bush to meet with vaccine makers on Friday to try to persuade them to increase production, and it led Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt to depart yesterday for a 10-day trip to at least four Asian nations to discuss planning for a pandemic flu."

You can learn more about the avian flu through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. The CDC also released an announcement recently indicating that researchers had been able to reconstruct the 1918 pandemic flu virus, with the goal of advancing preparedness.

The State Department held a meeting late last week of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. The State Department provides additional background information and information about recent actions addressing the bird flu:

Fact sheets on the International Partnership

Avian Influenza Fact Sheet

Avian Influenza links

Global Issues: Bird Flu

Finally, the World Health Organization (WHO) is an excellent for recent information on avian influenza.

Sources: "Europe on high alert over avian flu." Guardian Unlimited October 10, 2005.
"Danger of Flu Pandemic Is Clear, if Not Present." New York Times October 9, 2005.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2004
An Energy Information Administration (EIA) report.

Annual Report and Analysis of Competitive Market Conditions With Respect to Commercial Mobile Services
A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assessment of the cell phone market.

Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2002, Featuring Population-Based Trends in Cancer Treatment
A report issued in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and released as an open access article.

The External Effects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Reprioritization Efforts
An audit report from the FBI's Inspector General.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 Superfund Annual Report
The EPA released the first annual report highlighting the "environmental and financial performance of the Superfund program."

Foreign Relations, 1969-1976: Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972
State Department materials on the history of foreign relations during the Nixon and Ford administrations.

FTC Testifies on Spyware
This Federal Trade Commission page links to a prepared statement presented to Congress and other documents relating to spyware.

Investing in Our Future: ENERGY STAR and Other Voluntary Programs
The EPA released the 2004 annual report on Energy Star this week.

Maternal Fish Consumption, Hair Mercury, and Infant Cognition in a U.S. Cohort
An Environmental Health Perspectives article from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Miller NAWSA Suffrage Scrapbooks, 1897-1911
Ephemera and memorabilia related to the women's suffrage movement which has been digitized and added to the Library of Congress' American Memory Collection.

New Resources from Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE)
Newly highlighted resources include the National Jazz Curriculum, ComPADRE (physics and astronomy), Civil War Treasures, Minerals Management Service Kids' Pages, and much, much more.

Nonemployer Statistics
The Census Bureau recently released data on companies with no paid employees. The Montana Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC) highlights the Montana data.

A Profile of the American High School Senior in 2004: A First Look. Initial Results From the First Follow-up of the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002)
A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
The University of Michigan Digital Library includes a newly digitized version of the Public Papers of the Presidents. The database of papers is keyword searchable--a terrific enhancement of this core gov docs resource.

Postsecondary Institutions in the United States: Fall 2004 and Degrees and Other Awards Conferred: 2003-04
A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report.

Retirement Plan Design and the Mobile Workforce
A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) article.

Summary of OPI Activities-October 2005
Activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

U.S. Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Natural Gas Liquids Reserves: 2004 Annual Report
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has released the advance summary of this annual report.

Census Bureau Reports:

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: November 2005

Residential Finance Survey: 2001

School Enrollment

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Aging Infrastructure: Dam Safety

Clean Water Act Issues in the 109th Congress

The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan and Enhanced Base Security Since 9/11

Davis-Bacon Suspension and Its Legislative Aftermath

Daylight Saving Time

Detainees at Guantanamo Bay

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Emergency Waiver of EPA Regulations: Authorities and Legislative Proposals in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Free Mail for Troops Overseas

Hurricane-Damaged Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities: Impacts, Needs, and Response

Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Expiring Amendments in Brief

Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Sunset Amendments

The Middle East Peace Talks

NASA's Voyager Spacecraft: A Fact Sheet

NEPA and Hurricane Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding Efforts

Pakistan's Domestic Political Developments

The United Kingdom: Issues for the United States

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Commercial Aviation: Bankruptcy and Pension Problems Are Symptoms of Underlying Structural Issues

A Glossary of Terms Used in the Federal Budget Process

Human Capital: Preliminary Observations on the Administration's Draft Proposed "Working for America Act"

Medicaid: Transfers of Assets by Elderly Individuals to Obtain Long-Term Care Coverage

Passenger Rail Security: Enhanced Federal Leadership Needed to Prioritize and Guide Security Efforts

Securing U.S. Nuclear Materials: Poor Planning Has Complicated DOE's Plutonium Consolidation Efforts

Wetlands Protection: Corps of Engineers Does Not Have an Effective Oversight Approach to Ensure That Compensatory Mitigation Is Occurring

United Nations Documents:

Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities

Agricultural Workers and their Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

Contribution made by the Department of Management to the improvement of management practices, and time-bound plan for the reduction of duplication, complexity and bureaucracy in the United Nations administrative processes and procedures

Human rights and mass exoduses

Measures to strengthen accountability at the United Nations

Midterm global review of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010

Migration in an interconnected world: New directions for action

Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Vital Investment

Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

Report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples for 2005 (Decolonization Report)

Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict

United Nations Fund for International Partnerships

United Nations World Youth Report 2005

GAS Act of 2005

From the Washington Post: "A House bill ostensibly aimed at easing the nation's energy crisis would dramatically weaken pollution laws by relaxing environmental standards on both oil refineries and aging power plants, several clean-air experts said."

The bill being debated is H.R. 3893, the Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005. You can find the House Report on the bill through THOMAS.

The Government Reform Minority Office has been a vocal opponent to this bill.

In related news, the Department of Energy is promoting various means of conserving energy through EnergySavers.gov, FuelEconomy.gov, and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The White House also has a webpage on speeches on energy and energy policy.

Sources: "Experts: Bill puts air quality at risk." Missoulian October 6, 2005. A5.
"Clean-Air Advocates Criticize GOP Gas Bill
Measure Set For Passage Friday Would Weaken Pollution Laws, Experts Say." Washington Post October 6, 2005.

President's Speech on the "War on Terror"

From the New York Times: "President Bush on Thursday tried to refocus American attention on terrorism, declaring in a speech that the United States and its partners had disrupted 10 serious plots since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001."

The text of the President's speech before the National Endowment for Democracy is available on the White House website.

The list of the ten plots and an additional fact sheet are also available.

Sources: "10 Plots Foiled Since Sept. 11, Bush Declares." New York Times October 7, 2005.
"Bush attempts to rally war on terror." Missoulian October 7, 2005. A4.

Farm Service Agency Changes

From the Montana Farm Service Agency office: "The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Management Team has proposed a plan for consolidation of FSA offices in Montana to meet the national FSA effort entitled FSA Tomorrow. The proposed offices for consolidation in Montana are Meagher, Park, Ravalli, Treasure, Sanders, and Sweetgrass. Foremost in the evaluation process was the affect the consolidation would have on producer access to FSA offices. Additional consideration was given by reviewing administrative cost to program dollar outlay and choosing the counties that rank the lowest in program dollar outlay and workload and the highest in administrative costs. Travel patterns of producers in conjunction with regional trade centers were strongly considered."

The Secretary of Agriculture's press release on the changes is available on the national Farm Service Agency (FSA) website. The site also includes further information on the "FSA Tomorrow" plan.

The state office provides more details on the proposed changes in Montana. The map of planned office consolidations shows the affected areas.

Source: "FSA outlines office closure plan." Billings Gazette October 6, 2005.

New Supreme Court Cases

The Supreme Court heard the oral arguments in two cases yesterday, one on assisted suicide and the other on special education. These are the first cases to be heard with John Roberts as Chief Justice. Roberts did not participate in the Schaffer v. Weast case since his former law firm represents the school system in the case.

Gonzales et al. v. Oregon et al.

Docket No. 04-623

Petitioners' brief

For respondent State of Oregon

For respondents Peter A. Rasmussen, M.D. and David M. Hochhalter

For respondent Patient-Respondents

Previously heard in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (summary and opinion)

Schaffer et al. v. Weast

Docket No. 04-698

Petitioners' brief

Petitioners' reply brief

Previously heard in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals

Sources: "Roberts sounds skeptical about assisted suicide law." Missoulian October 6, 2005. A4.
"Justices Hear Special-Ed Case: Supreme Court Appears to Concur With Montgomery Schools." Washington Post October 6, 2005.

Senate Amendment on Interrogation and Torture

From the Washington Post: "The Senate defied the White House yesterday and voted to set new limits on interrogating detainees in Iraq and elsewhere, underscoring Congress's growing concerns about reports of abuse of suspected terrorists and others in military custody."

Senator John McCain is championing Senate Amendment 1977, which is an amendment to H.R. 2863, "Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes." The text of the amendment begins on page S10908 of the Congressional Record.

The amendment references the Army Field Manual on Intelligence
Interrogation, FM 34-52 as the model for interrogation standards.

The amendment also references the Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution and the United States Reservations, Declarations and Understandings to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The amendment was agreed to 90-9 (roll call vote 249). A conference committee will most likely resolve the differences between the Senate and House versions of this bill.

Sources: "Senators fight to add anti-torture language to spending bill." Missoulian October 6, 2005. A3.
"Senate Supports Interrogation Limits: 90-9 Vote on the Treatment of Detainees Is a Bipartisan Rebuff of the White House." Washington Post October 6, 2005.

The Interim is Out

The October 2005 issue of The Interim newsletter is out.

From the publisher's website: "The Interim newsletter is published monthly (except during regular legislative sessions) by the Legislative Services Division. The Interim contains articles related to interim committee work, general Legislative Branch news, and other articles of legislative interest. The last page(s) of The Interim contains a calendar of upcoming meetings and events of interest."

Harriet Miers Nominated for Supreme Court

From the Washington Post: "President Bush nominated Harriet Ellan Miers, his White House counsel and former personal attorney, to the Supreme Court yesterday, choosing a woman who broke barriers in the male-dominated Texas legal world but brings no judicial experience or constitutional background to her new assignment."

The transcript of remarks made by President Bush and the nominee, Harriet Miers, at the press conference Monday are available on the White House website. Biographical information on Miers is also available on the site.

FindLaw has a link to Miers' litigation record (registration required).

Edited to add: The University of Michigan Law Library has created an excellent webpage with links to articles by Miers, cases involving Miers, and additional information about Miers. It is also evident that the page will be updated with links to the confirmation hearings and White House records as they become available.

Sources: "Bush nominates old friend to fill high court vacancy." Missoulian October 4, 2005. A1.
"White House Counsel Miers Chosen for Court: Some Question Her Lack of Experience As a Judge." Washington Post October 3, 2005.