Friday Resource Round-Up

The Decline of the National Disaster Emergency Response System
A staff report of the House Committee on Government Reform Minority Office.

E.D. TAB: Revenues and Expenditures by Public School Districts: School Year 2002-03
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Form EIA-906 and EIA-920 Databases
Power plant data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Hispanic Population of the United States
2004 data is now available from the Census Bureau.

House Rules and Manual
"Contains the fundamental source material for parliamentary procedure used in the House of Representatives."

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Resource Page
Resources for housing and mortgage funding for victims of the recent hurricanes.

Iraq: Assessment of Progress in Economic Reconstruction and Governmental Capacity Iraq: Assessment of Progress in Economic Reconstruction and Governmental Capacity
Staff Trip Report to the Committee on Foreign Relations, Senate Committee Print 109-40.

Latin American Government Documents Archive
This archive, created and hosted by the University of Texas Libraries, "contains copies of the Web sites of over 100 government ministries and presidencies, captured on multiple dates during a two month period in the Fall of 2005."

A National Dialogue: The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education
Links to the agenda, presentations, and testimony for the meeting.

Semiannual Report to Congress
A report of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Short-Term Energy Outlook
The latest outlook from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Survey of Plant Capacity: 2004
A Census Bureau report from the Current Industrial Reports series.

U.S. Congress Votes Database
This new database compiled by the Washington Post provides access to roll call votes from the 102nd Congress through the present and allows you to see all votes by a particular Senator or Representative.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Azerbaijan's 2005 Legislative Election: Outcome and Implications for U.S. Interests

China's Currency: Brief Overview of U.S. Options

China's Space Program: An Overview

Congress's Power to Legislate Control Over Hate Crimes: Selected Legal Theories

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: A Legal Overview

Federal Hurricane Recovery Coordinator: Appointment and Oversight Issues

Federal Income Tax Thresholds for Selected Years: 1996 Through 2006

Parental Notification and Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

Space Exploration: Issues Concerning "Vision for Space Exploration"

Space Stations

Trade in the U.S. Gulf Region: Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Beyond

Trade Liberalization Challenges Post-CAFTA

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Internet Management: Prevalence of False Contact Information for Registered Domain Names

Older Workers: Labor Can Help Employers and Employees Plan Better for the Future

Public Housing: Distressed Conditions in Developments for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities and Strategies Used for Improvement

Veterans' Disability Benefits: Claims Processing Challenges and Opportunities for Improvements

United Nations Documents:

Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Health Synthesis

Global Forest Resources Assessment

Human Rights and World Trade Agreements: Using general exception clauses to protect human rights

Key Indicators of the Labour Market

Report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict

Report of the Security Council mission to Central Africa, 4 to 11 November 2005

NHTSA Report on Rural Crashes

From the Billings Gazette: "A country drive might be relaxing, but it can also be dangerous.

"Forty-two percent more fatal crashes occur in rural parts of the country than on busy stretches of highways through cities and suburbs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday."

The report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Contrasting Rural and Urban Fatal Crashes 1994 - 2003," is now available online.

Source: "Montana leads nation in fatal crashes on rural roads." Billings Gazette December 8, 2005.

PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report

From the New York Times: "House and Senate negotiators reached agreement today on reauthorizing the USA Patriot Act, the sweeping anti-terrorism measure that granted the federal government new powers after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a Republican Senate leader said."

The Conference Report sets 4-year sunset provisions for sections 206 (roving wiretaps) and 215 (acquisition of business, and library, records) of the original PATRIOT Act and makes all other provisions permanent. The text of the Conference Report is available on the House Judiciary Committee website. A shorter, section-by-section summary of the Conference Report is also available.

You can find more information on the "USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005" (H.R.3199) through THOMAS. Information on the original USA PATRIOT Act, including the text of the law, is also available.

Source: "House-Senate Panel Reaches Agreement on Patriot Act." New York Times December 8, 2005.

Wagnon v. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

From the Associated Press: "The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that states have the power to tax fuel sold on Indian reservations.

"In a 7-2 vote, the high court said Kansas can tax distributors who sell fuel at an Indian-owned and operated gas station near the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe's casino. Most of the Nation Station's fuel customers are patrons of the casino, which is 15 miles north of Topeka, Kan."

Wagnon v. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Docket 04-631

Supreme Court opinion

Petitioner's brief

Respondent's brief

Petitioner's reply brief

Transcript of oral arguments

Source: "High court favors taxes on fuel on Indian reservations." Associated Press. December 6, 2005.

LAWS website available for the December Special Session

From a Legislative Services Division press release: The Legislative Services Division of the Montana Legislative Branch announced today that the Legislative Automated Workflow System (LAWS) website has been activated and is now available in preparation for the upcoming December 2005 legislative special session.LAWS is an up-to-the-minute database application used for updating and tracking bill status. The web interface portion of LAWS provides public access to bill status, bill text, various reports, and other legislative information. It contains detailed information on all bills and bill drafts prior to, during, and after the Montana legislative session. During a legislative session, floor agendas, journals, and floor action summaries for both the house and senate chambers are available from LAWS. Committee hearing schedules are also available during the session.

Mesothelioma in Montana

A new report has been produced by the Montana Environmental Public Health Tracking Project regarding Mesothelioma in Montana.

From the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services press release: Mesothelioma is the form of cancer that develops after a person has been exposed to asbestos. The report describes mesothelioma, the mechanisms believed to lead to mesothelioma, major sources of asbestos in Montana, and information about Montanas diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Other resources on mesothelioma and asbestos:

What is asbestos? A webpage from the Montana Environmental Public Health Tracking Project and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Asbestos A site provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lung cancer and Mesothelioma A site that provides infromation on hospitals, patient stories, and clincal trials.

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers A fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute.

Special Session of Montana Legislature and Governor's School Funding Plan

From the Helena Independent Record: "Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Monday called a special session of the state Legislature to begin Dec. 14, telling lawmakers they will be called back to Helena to fix the school funding and the state pension problems.

"Schweitzer outlined a plan few had heard about before Monday to permanently increase school funding by about $30 million a year. He also called for putting about $33 million in one-time money next school year into school buildings, Indian Education for All and energy cost relief for schools."

The Governor's announcement is available on the state website. The new school funding proposal has also been posted as an Excel file.

Source: "Governor calls special session." Helena Independent Record December 5, 2005.

9/11 Commission Update

From Chairman Thomas Kean's statement: "We see some positive changes. But there is so much more to be done. There are far too many C's, D's, and F's in the report card we will issue today. Many obvious steps that the American people assume have been completed, have not been. Our leadership is distracted."

The new report from the 9/11 Commission members is available on the 9/11 Public Discourse Project website.

Sources: "Former 9/11 panel: U.S. at risk." Missoulian December 5, 2005. A1.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Audit of Oversight of Highway Rail Grade Crossing Accident Reporting, Investigations, and Safety Regulations
A report of the Department of Transportation Inspector General.

Characteristics of U.S. 15-Year-Old Low Achievers in an International Context: Findings From PISA 2000
A new National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report.

Corporate Income Tax Rates: International Comparisons
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Country Analysis Brief: United States
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has issued a report on the use of various energy sources in the United States.

eAccessibility of public sector services in the European Union
An e-government assessment from the European Union.

Economic Report of the President
The Federal Reserve has digitized these annual reports from 1960 through 1985 and made them available through FRASER (Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research).

Education Statistics Quarterly
The latest issue of new statistical findings is now available.

Email Address Harvesting and the Effectiveness of Anti-Spam Filters
A report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Federal Criminal Proceedings Against Mining Companies, 1979-2005
The Memory Hole has archived this report from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Housing Tenure and Wealth Distribution in Life-Cycle Economies
A Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta working paper.

Small Business Administration Research Resources
"This guide is designed as a portal to direct faculty, students, and researchers to small business data and research."

Summary of OPI Activities for December 2005
An overview of the activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction for December is now available.

Urban District Report Cards
Report cards in reading and math for major urban areas like Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more.

Census Bureau Reports:

American Community Survey: Additional 2004 Data

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE)

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Budget Reconciliation FY2006: Provisions Affecting the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)

Combating Terrorism: The Challenge of Measuring Effectiveness

Costs and Benefits of Clear Skies: EPA's Analysis of Multi-Pollutant Clean Air Bills

Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt

Forestry in the Farm Bill

Improvised Explosive Devices in Iraq: Effects and Countermeasures

Internet Development and Information Control in the People's Republic of China

Muslims in Europe: Integration Policies in Selected Countries

Organic Agriculture in the U.S.: Program and Policy Issues

Secret Sessions of Congress: A Brief Historical Overview

Trade Integration in the Americas

Welfare Reauthorization: A Side-By-Side Comparison of Current Law, Senate Committee-Approved and House Budget Reconciliation Bill Provisions

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Aviation Security: Federal Air Marshal Service Could Benefit from Improved Planning and Controls

Chemical Regulation: Approaches in the United States, Canada, and the European Union

Electricity Restructuring: Key Challenges Remain

Environmental Protection: More Complete Data and Continued Emphasis on Leak Prevention Could Improve EPA's Underground Storage Tank Program

Fair Housing: Annotated Complainant Survey

Fair Housing: HUD Needs Better Assurance That Intake and Investigation Processes Are Consistently Thorough

Federal Water Requirements: Challenges to Estimating the Cost Impact on Local Communities

Housing Finance: Ginnie Mae Is Meeting Its Mission but Faces Challenges in a Changing Marketplace

Medicaid: States' Payments for Outpatient Prescription Drugs

Medicare: CMS's Beneficiary Education and Outreach Efforts for the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card and Transitional Assistance Program

Medicare: CMS's Implementation and Oversight of the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card and Transitional Assistance Program

Offshoring of Services: An Overview of the Issues

Terrorist Financing: Better Strategic Planning Needed to Coordinate U.S. Efforts to Deliver Counter-Terrorism Financing Training and Technical Assistance Abroad

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Adult Participation in Recommended Levels of Physical Activity - United States, 2001 and 2003

Surveillance for Certain Health Behaviors Among States and Selected Local Areas - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2003

United Nations Documents:

Best Practices for Improving Law Compliance in the Forest Sector

Building Back Better: A 12-month Update on UNICEF’s Work to Rebuild Children's Lives and Restore Hope since the Tsunami

Tsunami: One Year Update

USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Reports:

Cotton and Wool Yearbook

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade

Potato Statistics

U.S. Strawberry Industry, 1970-2004

W.R. Grace Appellate Court Opinion

From the Helena Independent Record: "The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday agreed with a lower court's ruling that the company, which filed for bankruptcy in 2001, must pay the Environmental Protection Agency the full $54.5 million for asbestos cleanup in Libby, along with any future costs.

"'The situation confronting the EPA in Libby is truly extraordinary,' the appeals court wrote in its opinion. 'We cannot escape the fact that people are sick and dying as a result of this continuing exposure'."

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals opinion is now available online.

Sources: "Appeals Court upholds order that Grace must pay $54.5 million." Missoulian December 2, 2005. A9.
"Court: Grace must pay $54 million for asbestos cleanup." Helena Independent Record December 2, 2005.

Upper Lolo Watershed Restoration Project

From the Missoulian: "The Lolo National Forest has put the finishing touches on its plan to improve water quality in the upper Lolo Creek watershed - now all it needs is some help to fund the ambitious project."

Information on the Upper Lolo Watershed Restoration Project is available on the Lolo National Forest website. The decision notice is included on the site.

Information on the TMDL process for this watershed is available on the Lolo Forest website, and the Upper Lolo Watershed Report, water restoration plan, and EPA TMDL approval are all available online.

Source: "Lolo forest finishes watershed restoration plan, now needs funding." Missoulian December 2, 2005. A1.

McCulloch Plan

From the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) press release: "The McCulloch Plan provides just under $71 million new state dollars to Montana schools. All the proposed programs relate to the Legislature’s definition for a system of quality education as defined in Senate Bill 152. The Montana Supreme Court directed the Legislature to relate all school funding to educationally relevant factors from a definition for quality education."

The plan is outlined on the OPI website in an Excel spreadsheet.

The plan is summarized in the press release:

$11.4 Million for Full Day Kindergarten

$38.9 Million for $3000 per educator entitlements

$15.0 Million for Indian Education for All

$ 3.5 Million for Retirement Funding for Federal Employed Educators

$ 2.0 Million School Facilities Condition Inventory

The release also addresses the property tax impacts of the McCulloch Plan.

Source: "McCulloch offers school funding fix." Missoulian November 30, 2005. B1.

Fundraising Rules for National Parks

From the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) press release: "In a quiet but far-reaching change, the National Park Service is poised to adopt a new policy of aggressively seeking corporate sponsorship of park projects and facilities. In return for financial sponsorships, the plan will give corporate donors naming rights, use of National Park symbols and personnel in advertising and much greater influence over park managers, according to public comments filed today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)."

The proposed Director's Order is available on the National Park Service (NPS) website. An executive summary and the text of the existing fundraising rules may prove helpful for context. The Reference Guide within the proposed rule links to a guide to legal issues in creating partnerships with the NPS and information on creating partnerships for NPS capital campaigns.

PEER has issued comments on the donation solicitation policy and a comparison between the proposed and existing rules.

The Federal Register notice indicates that comments will be accepted until December 5, 2005:
John Piltzecker, NPS, Partnership Program Manager, National Partnership Office, 1849 C. St, NW., Mail Stop 2206, Washington, DC 20240
partnerships@nps.gov.

Source: "Corporate Sponsorship in National Parks Proposed." About.com, December 1, 2005.

State Pension Bailout

From the Billings Gazette: "The taxpayer bailout of the state's public employee pension systems will cost nearly $300 million over the next six years under a plan that could be headed to a special legislative session.

"An interim legislative panel unanimously approved the plan Wednesday, which includes a one-time infusion of $125 million into the retirement systems for public employees, teachers, sheriffs and game wardens."

You can follow the work of the State Administration and Veterans' Affairs Interim Committee on their website. The text of newly drafted bills, meeting agendas, and minutes are available on the site. The bill which calls for appropriations of $125 million from the general fund is LC2005-2.

Sources: "Plan calls for $288 million pension bailout." Missoulian December 1, 2005. B4.
"Pension bailout likely to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions." Billings Gazette November 30, 2005.

National Strategy for Victory in Iraq

From the Washington Post: "President Bush, facing increasing opposition to the war in Iraq, went on the offensive today, releasing a detailed plan for fighting the war and then delivering a major speech in an attempt to show the country that the administration has a clear vision for victory in Iraq."

The White House website has the transcript of the President's remarks this morning. It also links to the new document, "National Strategy for Victory in Iraq." A fact sheet on training Iraqi forces is also available.

Source: "Bush Releases Detailed Strategy Plan." Washington Post November 30, 2005.

Monday Resource Round-Up

Due to the holiday last week, I'm posting a belated round-up of recently issued government publications today.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2002
An article from the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Indicator
This indicator has recently been updated by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Changes in Patterns of Prices and Financial Aid
A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results - FY2005
An EPA report on compliance and enforcement activities.

Contraceptive Use - United States and Territories, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002
An article from the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Dealing With the Effects of Trauma: A Self-Help Guide
A guide from the National Mental Health Information Center (a division of the Department of Health and Human Services).

Depression among Adults
A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Developing Cultural Competence in Disaster Mental Health Programs: Guiding Principles and Recommendations
A guide from the National Mental Health Information Center.

Environmental Protection Agency FY 2005 Performance and Accountability Report
An annual report from the EPA's Chief Financial Officer.

Federal Trade Commission Performance and Accountability Report
An annual report from the FTC.

Hate Crime Statistics 2004
New data from the FBI.

Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2005
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

International Comparisons of Hourly Compensation Costs for Production Workers in Manufacturing
A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report v. 54, no. 46
The latest MMWR features articles on diabetes, poliomyelitis, and HIV.

No Child Left Behind Act: Improved Accessibility to Education's Information Could Help States Further Implement Teacher Qualification Requirements
A General Accountability Office (GAO) report.

Prospects for the Global Economy
A World Bank assessment.

The Role of Immigrants in the U.S. Labor Market
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report issued at the request of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Science.gov
Science.gov has been upgraded (version 3.0) to incorporate improved search capability.

Subsidy Estimates for Guaranteed and Direct Student Loans
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Superfund National Accomplishments Summary Fiscal Year 2005
An EPA update.

To the Geneva Summit: Perestroika and the Transformation of U.S.-Soviet Relations
Documents on the 1985 summit have been posted on the National Security Archive website.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Bosnia: Overview of Issues Ten Years After Dayton

The Budget Reconciliation Process: The Senate's "Byrd Rule"

Child Welfare: Foster Care and Adoption Assistance Provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bills

Committee Controls of Agency Decisions

The Homeless Management Information System

The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on the State Budgets of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi

Internet Privacy: Overview and Pending Legislation

Iran's Influence in Iraq

Legislative Maps of ANWR

Methamphetamine: Legislation and Issues in the 109th Congress

Pandemic Flu Liability Limitation Legislation

Rumsfeld v. FAIR: The Solomon Amendment and Free Speech

U.S. Military Overseas Basing: New Developments and Oversight Issues for Congress

United Nations Documents:

Afghanistan Opium Survey: 2005

AIDS Epidemic Update

Changing a Harmful Social Convention: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament transcripts

Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine

Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2006

Report of the Committee against Torture

Report of the Economic and Social Council for 2003

Report of the Security Council mission to Central Africa, 4 to 11 November 2005

The State of Food Insecurity in the World: 2005

WHO Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women

Hydroelectric Power and Salmon

From the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) press release: "Increased water spills over Columbia and Snake river dams and changes in river flows to aid juvenile salmon and steelhead migration in 2006, sought by plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit, would raise the cost of electricity in the Northwest this winter and also could increase the risk of power failures, according to an analysis by the staff of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council."

The Council analysis is available on the NPCC website.

The analysis references lawsuits brought by the National Wildlife Federation. For more information on the National Wildlife Federation viewpoint, read their recent report: "Salmon Recovery Under Attack." The July 26, 2005, opinion issued by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is available online.

The lawsuit is in response to a series of Biological Opinions issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Fisheries Service; the most recent was issued on November 30, 2004. The SalmonRecovery.gov site includes some of the related court documents.

Source: "Power council says dam, fish plan would raise bills." Missoulian November 26, 2005. A1.

Missouri River Draft Annual Operating Plan

From the Missoulian: "In 2005, low reservoir levels decreased the navigation season by a record 48 days. For 2006, the corps projects a reduction of 14-58 days."

The cover letter and draft 2005-2006 Annual Operating Plan for the Missouri River Mainstem System are now available on the Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Basin website.

Source: "Missouri River reservoirs up over last year's levels." Missoulian November 20, 2005. B8.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Biometrics for Airport Access Control
A new report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Thanks to beSpacific for the link.

Child Care and Early Education Arrangements of Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: 2001
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Judge Samuel Alito Published Opinions
AskSam is providing free searching of Alito's opinions.

Older patients with caregivers and assistance for activities of daily living: 1998 and 2000
A report from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Preliminary Births for 2004: Infant and Maternal Health
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Review of Alleged Actions Violating The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, as Amended
The report from the Inspector General of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Summary of OPI Activities for November 2005
Activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Top Ten Art Crimes
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the top 10 art crimes and artworks to look out for.

U.S. Jobs Gained and Lost through Trade: A Net Measure
A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

World Bank Privatization Database
"This site provides information on more than 9,000 privatization transactions in developing countries from 1988 to 2003."

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Federal Voluntary Voting System Guidelines: Summary and Analysis of Issues

Hurricane Katrina Recovery: Contracts Awarded by the Federal Government

Immunities Accorded to Foreign Diplomats, Consular Officers, and Employees of International Organizations Under U.S. Law

Invoking Cloture in the Senate

The Largest Spending Programs in the Federal Budget: FY2002 Outlays Over $10 Billion

Omnibus Appropriations Acts: Overview of Recent Practices

Pandemic Influenza: Domestic Preparedness Efforts

Supplemental Appropriations for the 2004 Hurricanes and Other Disasters

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

U.S. Military Overseas Basing: New Developments and Oversight Issues for Congress

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Tax Credit

Department of Justice Reports:
Thanks to DocuTicker for these links.

Assessing and Managing the Terrorism Threat

Capital Punishment, 2004

Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps

Engaging the Private Sector To Promote Homeland Security: Law Enforcement-Private Security Partnerships

Hate Crimes Reported by Victims and Police

Intelligence-Led Policing: The New Intelligence Architecture

Knowledge Management in Policing

Law Enforcement Tech Guide for Small and Rural Police Agencies

National Summit on Campus Public Safety: Strategies for Colleges and Universities in a Homeland Security Environment

Racially Biased Policing: A Principled Response

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Aviation Security: Federal Action Needed to Strengthen Domestic Air Cargo Security

Food and Drug Administration: Decision Process to Deny Initial Application for Over-the-Counter Marketing of the Emergency Contraceptive Drug Plan B Was Unusual

Mortgage Financing: Additional Action Needed to Manage Risks of FHA-Insured Loans with Down Payment Assistance

National Airspace System: Transformation will Require Cultural Change, Balanced Funding Priorities, and Use of All Available Management Tools

United Nations Documents:

Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers

Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005

Report of the Group of Experts concerning Cote d'Ivoire

Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Country of Origin Labeling Bill

From Senator Burns' press release: "U.S. Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Max Baucus (D-MT), incensed by recent legislation that would delay implementing a comprehensive Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law, held a press conference today to introduce further legislation that will restore the deadline of September 30, 2006. Both Senators will make their comments from the press conference available today by satellite feed."

The Senators introduced S. 2038, "A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to restore the original deadline for mandatory country of origin," yesterday. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

The press release references an earlier law that includes country of origin labeling provisions, Public Law 107-171 (full text: PDF, text).

Source: "Meat labeling battle sizzles." Billings Gazette November 17, 2005.

Montana School Funding Legislation

The draft bills for the school funding formula and health insurance proposal are now available.

School funding bill

Health Insurance Act

More information is available via the Quality Schools Interim Committee website.

Montana School Funding Proposals

From the Missoulian: "Missoula education officials may throw their support to an alternative school funding proposal, although a local member of Montana's Quality Schools Interim Committee believes that may scuttle any chance of legislating changes this year."

Details of the "Montana's Promise" proposal are available on the Montana Quality Education Coalition website.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) released "two spreadsheets providing the latest analysis of what the proposed new school funding formula means for individual school districts" yesterday. More information on the Quality Schools Interim Committee is available on their website.

Source: "Missoula educators face two choices for school funding." Missoulian November 16, 2005. A1.

Schaffer v. Weast

From the New York Times: "The Supreme Court ruled in a closely watched education case on Monday that parents who disagree with a school system's special-education plan for their child have the legal burden of proving that the plan will not provide the 'appropriate' education to which federal law entitles all children with disabilities."

Here are some of the key documents in the Schaffer v. Weast case.

Supreme Court opinion

Docket 04-698

Question presented

Petitioners' brief

Petitioners' reply brief

Transcript of oral arguments

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion

The Montgomery County Public Schools have posted briefs related to the case.

Source: "Parents Carry Burden of Proof in School Cases, Court Rules" New York Times November 15, 2005.

Appellate Court Opinion in Cobell v. Norton

From the Washington Post: "A federal appeals court decided yesterday that it was unreasonable to require a historical accounting of money the government has been managing for American Indians, saying the bookkeeping chore would 'take 200 years'."

The latest opinion in the Cobell v. Norton case is available on the D.C. Appellate Court website.

The Department of the Interior issued a press release in response to the ruling, and a September progress report on the historical accounting has been posted recently. The plaintiffs in the case also issued a press release on the Indian Trust website.

Other references to Cobell v. Norton appear on this blog on December 11, 2004, February 24, 2005, June 21, 2005, July 13, 2005, and July 22, 2005.

Sources: "Court: Indian money accounting impossible." Missoulian November 16, 2005. A9.
"Detailed Tally of Indians' Money Is Blocked." Washington Post November 16, 2005.

Senate Legislates Reports on Iraq

From the New York Times: "The Senate signaled its growing unease with the war in Iraq today, voting overwhelmingly to demand regular reports from the White House on the course of the conflict and on the progress that Iraqi forces are making in securing their own country."

The Senate approved Senate Amendment 2518 yesterday in roll call vote 323 (79-19). This is an amendment to Senate Bill 1042, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, which was also approved yesterday in roll call vote 326.

Sources: "Senate seeks clarity on exit: Confidence in White House policies appears dwindling." Missoulian November 16, 2005. A1.
"Senate Votes to Demand Regular Iraq Updates From White House." New York Times November 15, 2005.

Mining Amendments in the Deficit Reduction Act

From the Missoulian: "A revision of the 1872 mining law tucked away in a massive federal budget-cutting package is coming under fire from hunters and environmentalists who say the legislation could result in millions of acres of public land in the West being sold for development.

"Representatives of the mining industry say those claims are an 'overreaction'."

The article refers to House Bill 4241, The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The text of the bill can provide more information; the sections on mining appear under Subtitle B, "Miscellaneous Amendments Relating to Mining" and include Sections 6201-6207. House Report 109-276 (1,446 pages: text, PDF) provides information on the Congressional intent behind the proposed mining changes. The House Budget Committee, which produced the report, also has more information on the Deficit Reduction Act.

"An act to promote the Development of the mining Resources of the United States" (or the Mining Law of 1872, as it is commonly known) was passed on May 10, 1872, during the 2nd session of the 42nd Congress. The Library of Congress has scanned the Statutes at Large for the 42nd Congress, and the text of the law begins on page 91.

Source: "Mining law proposal draws fire." Missoulian November 15, 2005. A1.

Delisting Yellowstone Grizzlies

From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): "On November 15, 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the Yellowstone Distinct Population Segment (DPS) is a recovered population no longer meeting the ESA's definition of threatened or endangered. This DPS has increased from estimates as low as 136 individuals when listed in 1975 to more than 580 animals as of 2004. This population has been increasing since the mid 1990s and is increasing at 4 to 7 percent per year. The range of this population also has increased dramatically as evidenced by the 48 percent increase in occupied habitat since the 1970s. Yellowstone grizzly bears continue to increase their range and distribution annually and grizzly bears in the Yellowstone area now occupy habitats they have been absent from for decades. Currently, roughly 90 percent of females with cubs occupy the Primary Conservation Area (PCA) and about 10 percent of females with cubs have expanded out beyond PCA within the DPS. Grizzly bears now occupy 68 percent of suitable habitat within the proposed DPS and may soon occupy the remainder of the suitable habitat within the proposed DPS." The Federal Register notice is scheduled to be published on November 17.

The Department of Interior homepage links to today's press release on delisting grizzly bears in Yellowstone. More information on the Yellowstone DPS is available on the Mountain-Prairie Region FWS website. The Yellowstone DPS site also includes links to fact sheets, management and recovery plans, and other recovery areas. The species profile page for Grizzly bears may also prove helpful.

Source: "Feds to propose delisting grizzly." Billings Gazette November 11, 2005.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Cigarette Smoking Among Adults - United States, 2004

State-Specific Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Quitting Among Adults - United States, 2004
Two new articles from the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Guidelines to Improve Airport Preparedness Against Chemical and Biological Terrorism
A report prepared by Sandia National Laboratories. Thanks to DocuTicker for the link.

Individuals and the Compliance Costs of Taxation: A Joint Economic Committee Study
A study of the various costs (economic and non-economic) to individuals in filing taxes.

International Religious Freedom: 2005
An annual State Department publication.

New Electronic Titles
Electronic government publications cataloged in August and September are now available from the Government Printing Office (GPO).

No Child Left Behind: A Road Map to State Implementation
A new report from the Department of Education.

Participation in Adult Education for Work-Related Reasons: 2002-03
A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

State of the Inner City Economies: Small Businesses in the Inner City
A research report from the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

STD Surveillance 2004
New data on sexually transmitted diseases from the CDC.

Transportation Investment and GDP, Some Concepts, Data, and Analysis: 2005
A report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

Census Bureau Publications:

Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns of First-Time Mothers: 1961–2000

Participation of Mothers in Government Assistance Programs: 2001

The Population Profile of the United States: Dynamic Version

Who’s Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Winter 2002

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Budget Reconciliation FY2006: Medicaid, Medicare, and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Provisions

Budget Reconciliation Legislation in 2005

Congressional Gifts and Travel, Legislative Proposals for the 109th Congress

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Percentage of Total Tax Returns and Credit Amount By State

Energy and Mineral Issues in the FY2006 Budget Reconciliation Bill

Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2006

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Contracts and Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma v. Leavitt: Agency Discretion to Fund Contract Support Costs

Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Caused by a Global Saving Glut?

The Global Fund and PEPFAR in U.S. International AIDS Policy

Supplemental Appropriations: Trends and Budgetary Impacts Since 1981

Topics in Aging: Income and Poverty Among Older Americans in 2004

Wagnon v. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation: State Tax on Motor Fuels Distributed to Indian Tribal Retailers

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Army Corps of Engineers: History of the Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Hurricane Protection Project

Border Security: More Emphasis on State's Consular Safeguards Could Mitigate Visa Malfeasance Risks

Childhood Obesity: Most Experts Identified Physical Activity and the Use of Best Practices as Key to Successful Programs

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Preliminary Observations on Contracting for Response and Recovery Efforts

Mad Cow Disease: An Evaluation of a Small Feed Testing Program FDA Implemented in 2003 With Recommendations for Making the Program a Better Oversight Tool

Nuclear Nonproliferation: IAEA Has Strengthened Its Safeguards and Nuclear Security Programs, but Weaknesses Need to Be Addressed

Prescription Drugs: Strategic Framework Would Promote Accountability and Enhance Efforts to Enforce the Prohibitions on Personal Importation

Private Health Insurance: Number and Market Share of Carriers in the Small Group Health Insurance Market in 2004

Telecommunications: Preliminary Information on the Federal Communications Commission's Spectrum Allocation and Assignment Process

United Nations Publications:

Education for All Global Monitoring Report

The Information Economy Report

Investing in the Children of the Islamic World

Relief and Information Systems for Earthquakes - Pakistan

Towards knowledge societies: UNESCO world report

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder

From NPR's Morning Edition: "Just days before enrollment begins for Medicare's new prescription drug benefit, Medicare officials finally got a crucial program up and running on their Web site. The new 'Prescription Drug Plan Finder' is supposed to help people pick their drug coverage. Medicare beneficiaries in most parts of the country have more than 40 different plans to choose from."

The new Prescription Drug Plan Finder is now available on the Medicare website. The site also includes fact sheets and tools for choosing plans, a Formulary Finder, the Medicare & You guide, and links to a My.Medicare.gov portal.

Source: "Medicare Web 'Drug Finder' Hits Snags." NPR Morning Edition November 11, 2005.

Energy Pricing & Profits Hearing

From the New York Times: "Five of the country's top oil executives walked into a large Congressional hearing room on Wednesday - one filled with nearly a third of all senators and with hundreds of other people, a dozen of them wearing T-shirts reading 'Expose Exxon.'

"Senators from both parties demanded that the executives defend their record profits, amid soaring retail prices for oil and natural gas and suspicions of gasoline price manipulation. The confrontation was a bit theatrical."

Information on the "Energy Pricing & Profits" hearing is available on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation website. The site includes links to witness testimony and archived video of the hearing.

A few related reports may be helpful for background information:

Hurricane Impacts on the U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Markets (EIA)

Oil and Gas: Supply Issues After Katrina (CRS)

Price Increases in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Authority to Limit Price Gouging (CRS)

Oil and Gas Disruption From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (CRS)

Sources: "Senators Grill Oil Executives on Prices and Profits." New York Times November 10, 2005.
"Senate grills oil executives: Sparks fly when lawmakers question companies' profits." Missoulian November 10, 2005. A1.

Yellowstone Winter Use Personal Exposure Monitoring

From the Billings Gazette: "The levels of air and noise pollution that Yellowstone National Park workers were exposed to declined after new limits on the number and type of snowmobiles allowed in the park went into effect, a study shows."

You can read the report on air and noise pollution in Yellowstone on the Yellowstone National Park website: "Yellowstone Winter Use Personal Exposure Monitoring."

Source: "Park winter noise, air pollution down." Billings Gazette November 8, 2005.

Montana Schools Data and Funding Formula

From the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI): "Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch today released 2004-05 test scores for 4th, 8th and 11th grade students for all Montana schools and school districts. Montana students in all grades scored above the national average in all five subject areas of reading, math, science, language arts and social studies."

The new statewide student assessment data is available on the OPI website.

In related news, information on the developing school funding formula is available on the Quality Schools Interim Committee website.

Sources: "On 7-1 vote, school panelists decide to decide." Billings Gazette November 3, 2005.

Registered Traveler Pilot Program

From the Missoulian: "The government plans to offer airline passengers nationwide the chance to avoid extra security checks by paying a fee and agreeing to a background check."

The program was announced at a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security, "The Future of Registered Traveler." Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Chief Kip Hawley's testimony is available on the committee website.

Read more about the Registered Traveler Pilot Program on the TSA website. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed concern about this program.

Source: "Program would allow passengers to avoid security checks." Missoulian November 4, 2005. A4.

Budget Reconciliation Bill

From the New York Times: "The Senate on Thursday narrowly approved a sweeping five-year plan to trim a variety of federal benefit programs and to allow drilling for oil and natural gas in a wilderness area of Alaska, increasing the chances that the energy industry and Alaska officials will achieve a long-sought goal."

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1932, the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005 (also called the Budget Reconciliation bill), 52 - 47 on November 3, 2005. You can read the text of the bill through THOMAS.

Sources: "Senate OKs cuts to Medicare, Medicaid: Federal budget bill also allows oil drilling in Arctic wildlife refuge." Missoulian November 4, 2005. A4.
"Senate Passes Budget With Benefit Cuts and Oil Drilling." New York Times November 4, 2005.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Draft National Infrastructure Protection Plan: Base Plan
The draft of this Homeland Security plan has been uploaded by the Federation of American Scientists.

Economics of 1998 U.S. Geological Survey's 1002 Area Regional Assessment: An Economic Update
An updated USGS report on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and related areas.

LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com
This site gathers information on cyberscams and fraud. "The website was developed and is maintained by a joint federal law enforcement and industry task force. Funding for the site has been provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

A Military Guide to Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century
This is the link to the 2004 edition produced by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. The 2005 edition is available on the Federation of American Scientists site.

Prisoners in 2004
A Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report.

Probation and Parole in the United States, 2004
A Bureau of Justice Statistics publication.

Taking Care: Ethical Caregiving in Our Aging Society
A report of the President's Council on Bioethics.

Unified Agenda
The Unified Agenda "summarizes the rules and proposed rules that each Federal agency expects to issue during the next six months."

World Oil Transit Chokepoints
An Energy Information Administration (EIA) publication.

Census Bureau Reports:

Accommodation and Food Services: Establishment and Firm Size

Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services: Establishment and Firm Size

American Housing Survey: 2004

American Housing Survey for the New Orleans Metropolitan Area: 2004

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: Product Lines

Compendium of Government Finances: 2002

Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2003

Construction: Industry General Summary

Educational Services: Establishment and Firm Size

Health Care and Social Assistance: Product Lines

Information: Establishment and Firm Size

Information: Product Lines

Manufacturing: General Summary

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: Product Lines

Retail Trade: Product Lines

Utilities: Establishment and Firm Size

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Agriculture Conservation Programs: A Scorecard

Air Quality Issues and Animal Agriculture: A Primer

Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs

Campaign Finance Reform: Regulating Political Communications on the Internet

Constitutionality of a Senate Filibuster of a Judicial Nomination

Disaster Response and Appointment of a Recovery Czar: The Executive Branch's Response to the Flood of 1927

The Family and Medical Leave Act: Background and U.S. Supreme Court Cases

Federal Student Loans: Terms and Conditions for Borrowers

Flood Risk Management: Federal Role in Infrastructure

Fuel Ethanol: Background and Public Policy Issues

Immigration: Analysis of the Major Provisions of the REAL ID Act of 2005

Immigration Legislation and Issues in the 109th Congress

Intermodal Rail Freight: A Role for Federal Funding?

Internet Domain Names: Background and Policy Issues

Israel: Background and Relations with the United States

Medicaid Issues for the 109th Congress

Oil and Gas Disruption From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Outer Continental Shelf: Debate Over Oil and Gas Leasing and Revenue Sharing

Recruiting and Retention: An Overview of FY2004 and FY2005 Results for Active and Reserve Component Enlisted Personnel

Secret Sessions of Congress: A Brief Historical Overview

Social Security: Raising or Eliminating the Taxable Earnings Base

Student Loans and FY2006 Budget Reconciliation

Terrorist Capabilities for Cyberattack: Overview and Policy Issues

Treatment of Health Care Expenses under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Amtrak Management: Systemic Problems Require Actions to Improve Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Accountability

Anabolic Steroids Are Easily Purchased Without a Prescription and Present Significant Challenges to Law Enforcement Officials

ATF: Thefts of Explosives from State and Local Government Storage Facilities Are Few but May Be Underreported

Crop Insurance: Actions Needed to Reduce Program's Vulnerability to Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Federal Rulemaking: Past Reviews and Emerging Trends Suggest Issues That Merit Congressional Attention

Federal Student Loans: Challenges in Estimating Federal Subsidy Costs

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Contracting for Response and Recovery Efforts

Indian Tribes: EPA Should Reduce the Review Time for Tribal Requests to Manage Environmental Programs

Influenza Vaccine: Shortages in 2004-05 Season Underscore Need for Better Preparation

Livestock Grazing: Federal Expenditures and Receipts Vary, Depending on the Agency and the Purpose of the Fee Charged

Medicare: Comments on CMS Proposed 2006 Rates for Specified Covered Outpatient Drugs and Radiopharmaceuticals Used in Hospitals

National Assessment of Educational Progress Exclusion Rates for Students with Disabilities

Tax Gap: Multiple Strategies, Better Compliance Data, and Long-Term Goals Are Needed to Improve Taxpayer Compliance

Transportation Services: Better Dissemination and Oversight of DOT's Guidance Could Lead to Improved Access for Limited English-Proficient Populations

United Nations: Preliminary Observations on Internal Oversight and Procurement Practices

VA Benefits: Other Programs May Provide Lessons for Improving Individual Unemployability Assessments

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Reports:

The Averaged Freshman Graduation Rate for Public High Schools from the Common Core of Data: School Years 2001-02 and 2002-03

An Examination of the Conditions of School Facilities Attended by 10th-Grade Students in 2002

Fourth-Grade Students Reading Aloud: NAEP 2002 Special Study of Oral Reading

State Education Data Profiles (new data)

United Nations Documents:

Emergency Response: Pakistan

International migration, remittances, and the brain drain

Landmark Security Council Documents

Manipulation of the Oil-for-Food Programme by the Iraqi Regime

Mehlis Report (on the Hariri assassination)

Strengthened and unified security management system for the United Nations

World Public Sector Report 2005

Forest Service Motor Vehicle Rule

From the Forest Service press release: "U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service today announced a new regulation for recreational motor vehicle use in national forests and grasslands which will forge a sustainable system of routes and areas designated for motorized use in the future."

The new Forest Service motor vehicle rule and related information is available on the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program website. The final rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on or around November 4, 2005.

Source: "OHV rules nothing new in Montana." Missoulian November 3, 2005. B1.

Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito

There are numerous sources of information on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. Here are a few good links:

White House webpage on Alito
Provides biographical information and a link to the President's statement announcing Alito as a nominee.

University of Michigan Law Library's compendium of Alito information
Per usual, the University of Michigan Law Library does a terrific job of pulling together biographical info, judicial opinions, and articles by and about Judge Alito.

Supreme Court Nominations - Samuel A. Alito, Selected Resources in the Law Library Reading Room
This Library of Congress webpage provides a bibliography of works related to Judge Alito, including links to Alito's confirmation hearing when he was appointed to the federal judiciary.

Proposed Income Tax Changes

From the New York Times: "President Bush's advisory commission on taxes unanimously recommended a vastly simplified tax system today that would limit the deduction of interest payments on large mortgages and erase other tax breaks that many Americans enjoy."

You can find the details of the proposed changes in the final report of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform.

Sources: "Panel wants to overhaul income tax: Dropping deductions, credits part of plan." Missoulian November 2, 2005. A7.
"Panel Recommends Major Tax Law Changes." New York Times November 1, 2005.

Pandemic Influenza Plans

From the New York Times: "President Bush announced Tuesday that he would ask Congress for $7.1 billion to prepare the nation for the possibility of a worldwide outbreak of deadly flu. Most of the money would be spent on research and a national stockpile of vaccines and antiviral drugs."

You can read the transcript of the President's announcement on the White House website. The site also links to a fact sheet on pandemic influenza.

The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new website, PandemicFlu.gov, which links to key background information, the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, and the new HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan.

Sources: "Bush outlines flu strategy." Missoulian November 2, 2005. A9.
"Bush Announces Plan to Prepare for Flu Epidemic." New York Times November 2, 2005.

Comments sought on restoration plan for Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers

From a press release issued by the Montana Attorney General's Office: The state is seeking public comment on the October 2005 Restoration Plan for the Clark Fork River and Blackfoot River Near Milltown Dam, in an effort to develop the best blueprint for restoring the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers in coordination with proposed remediation at the Milltown site.

Doug Martin of the NRDP said the document provides a refined vision of how the rivers might be restored once the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have removed the Milltown Dam and a large portion of contaminated sediments.

“The 2005 plan builds upon the previous restoration plan,” Martin said. “The earlier version was a broad scale conceptual plan with restoration concepts, draft design information and restoration cost estimates. This new plan provides new data, validates the previous design concepts and includes recommendations and comments from a peer review process where four national experts reviewed and commented on this refined restoration plan.”

Public comment on the plan is encouraged. Print copies of the plan are available at the Missoula Public Library, the University of Montana Mansfield Library, the Missoula City County Health Department, and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Missoula. The plan is also available at: http://www.doj.mt.gov/lands/naturalresource/milltowndam.asp. The comment period is open until December 9th, 2005.

Other resources:
EPA Milltown Reservoir Superfund Site
Missoula County Milltown Dam site
Clark Fork Coalition