Friday Resource Round-up

Action Today, A Foundation for Tomorrow: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
The second annual report to Congress from the State Department.

Air Travel Consumer Report
The February issue of this Department of Transportation publication is now available.

Black History Month Resources
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) has compiled useful government resources for Black History Month, like "Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project" and "Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site."

Climate of 2005 - Annual Report
The full version of this annual National Climatic Data Center report is now available.

Dying Too Young: Addressing Premature Mortality and Ill Health Due to Non Communicable Diseases and Injuries in the Russian Federation
A World Bank publication.

Environmental Health Perspectives
The February issue features articles on neurodevelopment, the flu vaccine, pesticides and Parkinson's, and more.

ExpectMore.gov
A brand new portal site: "The content on ExpectMore.gov is developed by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and Federal agencies. Together, we assess the performance of every Federal program and hold ourselves accountable for improvement."

Felony Defendants in Large Urban Counties, 2002
A Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report.

Girls and Drugs
A new report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (recently featured on the Today Show).

Highly Enriched Uranium: Striking A Balance
"A historical report on the United States highly enriched uranium production, acquisition, and utilization activities from 1945 through September 1996" (hosted by the Federation of American Scientists).

Independent Evaluation of the Food and Drug Administration's First Cycle Review Performance--Retrospective Analysis Final Report
An FDA report issued in the Federal Register assessing the FDA's review process.

International Affairs Budget
The State Department outlines the proposed budget for international affairs.

National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism
A recently released Defense Department publication.

The Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
This digitized version from the University of Michigan Digital Library now includes the papers of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Report on Orphan Works
The Copyright Office has issued its full report on orphan works, "copyrighted works whose owners may be impossible to identify and locate."

State Transportation Statistics 2005
A Bureau of Transportation Statistics report.

Summary of OPI Activities for February
Activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction for February 2006.

Trial of Saddam Hussein
A new Law Library of Congress website.

We the People: American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States
A Census 2000 special report.

Wiretap Debate Déjà Vu
Background documents from the National Security Archive.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Reports:

Issues in Labor Statistics

Job openings and labor turnover in 2005

Separations due to mass layoffs, 2005

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Conducting Foreign Relations Without Authority: The Logan Act

Data Security: Federal and State Laws

Federal Employees: Pay and Pension Increases Since 1969

The Federal Government Debt: Its Size and Economic Significance

Federal Habeas Corpus Relief: Background, Legislation, and Issues

Federal Student Aid Need Analysis System: Background, Description, and Legislative Action

FEMA's Flood Hazard Map Modernization Initiative

Forest Fire/Wildfire Protection

Health Insurance: Federal Data Sources for Analyses of the Uninsured

Internet Taxation: Issues and Legislation in the 109th Congress

The National Environmental Policy Act: Streamlining NEPA

Navy Role in Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) -- Background and Issues for Congress

Papua, Indonesia: Issues for Congress

The Pattern of Interest Rates in 2006: Could It Signal an Impending Recession?

Probable Cause, Reasonable Suspicion, and Reasonableness Standards in the Context of the Fourth Amendment and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

Reauthorizing and Restructuring the Transportation Security Administration's Aviation Security Functions: Legislative Issues and Approaches

Renewable Energy: Tax Credit, Budget, and Electricity Production Issues

Suspension of Rules in the House: Measure Sponsorship by Party

U.S. Assistance to North Korea: Fact Sheet

The Wetlands Coverage of the Clean Water Act is Revisited by the Supreme Court: Rapanos and Carabell

Economic Research Service (ERS) Reports:

Characteristics and Production Costs of U.S. Corn Farms, 2001

Farm Balance Sheet Data

Season-average Price Forecasts

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE)

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Aviation Security: Significant Management Challenges May Adversely Affect Implementation of the Transportation Security Administration's Secure Flight Program

Breastfeeding: Some Strategies Used to Market Infant Formula May Discourage Breastfeeding; State Contracts Should Better Protect Against Misuse of WIC Name

Community Services Block Grant Program: HHS Needs to Improve Monitoring of State Grantees

National Park Service: Opportunities Exist to Clarify and Strengthen Special Uses Permit Guidance on Setting Grazing Fees and Cost-Recovery

Rebuilding Iraq: Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Financing Challenges

Telecommunications: Challenges to Assessing and Improving Telecommunications For Native Americans on Tribal Lands

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Influenza Vaccination of Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Diagnoses of HIV/AIDS - 33 States, 2001-2004

United Nations Documents:

Global Environment Outlook (GEO) Year Book 2006

Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran

United Nations Documentation: Research Guide

New Economic Research Service Reports

The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) released quite a few significant agricultural reports and data sets today:

2006 Farm Income Forecast

Agricultural Baseline Database

Agricultural Baseline Projection Tables

Agricultural Baseline Projections

Farm Income and Costs

Farm Income Data

USDA Agricultural Baseline Projections to 2015

Montana Roadless Working Group

From the Helena Independent Record: "Conservation, hunting and fishing groups launched a new Web site this week to provide information on the 6.4 million acres of roadless areas in Montana, as well as provide opportunities to comment on state and national proposals that might affect some of those National Forest lands."

Montana Roadless Working Group

Source: "Montana Roadless Working Group launches Web site." Helena Independent Record February 10, 2006.

PATRIOT Act Extension and Reauthorization

From the Washington Post: "Efforts to extend the USA Patriot Act cleared a major hurdle yesterday when the White House and key senators agreed to revisions that are virtually certain to secure Senate passage and likely to win House approval, congressional leaders said."

Details of the compromise are available on Senator Sununu's website. The compromise details affect the conference report for H.R. 3199 , the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005.

The PATRIOT Act has been extended twice already, through H.R. 4647 and H.R. 4659.

Source: "Patriot Act Compromise Clears Way for Senate Vote." Washington Post February 10, 2006.

Bonneville Power Administration Changes

From the Missoulian: "Montana's senators oppose a federal initiative to raise electricity rates for the state's consumers of Bonneville Power Administration electricity by nearly $100 million over the next 10 years.

"The rate increase is part of the president's proposed budget for fiscal year 2007. If carried through, the increases would go into effect in 2008 and 2009."

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is referenced in the Department of Energy section, the appendix, and the analytical perspectives of the proposed federal budget. Yesterday, the Secretary of Energy discussed changes to BPA in an addresss to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

BPA has also issued a press release about sending surplus funds to the Department of the Treasury (rather than using the funds to reduce rates).

Sources: "Senators oppose increase for BPA." Missoulian February 10, 2006. B1.
"Power plan for Northwest delayed, not canceled: Senators criticize energy chief over proposal for BPA." Seattle Post-Intelligencer February 10, 2006.

Indian Tribes and the Federal Election Campaign Act Hearing

From the Missoulian: "U.S. Senate leaders searched for answers Wednesday during a committee hearing about ways to make politically active tribes more accountable for their campaign contributions.

"Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. and chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led six panelists through a discussion on federal election laws and tribal campaign contributions in the wake of a recent lobbying debacle in the nation's capital."

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs webpage on the Indian Tribes and the Federal Election Campaign Act hearing includes Senator McCain's opening statement and the prepared remarks of witnesses.

For campaign finance information (who's donating? how much? to whom?), visit the Federal Election Commission website. The site also includes information on campaign finance laws.

Source: "Panel mulls regulating Indian contributions." Missoulian February 9, 2006. A1.

Hearing on Wartime Executive Power and the NSA's Surveillance Authority

From the Washington Post: "Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales spent more than seven hours yesterday sparring with skeptical lawmakers over a controversial domestic eavesdropping program, defending its legality while refusing to answer dozens of questions about its operations or whether President Bush has authorized other types of warrantless searches or surveillance in the United States."

Prepared statements are available on the Senate Judiciary Committee website.

The Washington Post has made the transcript of the hearing available online:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Source: "Gonzales Defends Surveillance: Senators From Both Parties Challenge Attorney General on Program." Washington Post February 7, 2006.

Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act

From the Missoulian: "National forest land may be sold off to fund a federal program designed to help counties and school districts make up for the loss of money they previously received from federal timber sales.

"The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was signed into law by then-President Clinton in 2000. The law, initially carried by a Democrat and Republican from Oregon, was passed to help counties that previously received significant revenues from timber sales on federal lands."

For background information, you can find more about the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (H.R. 2389) through THOMAS. The section of the proposed budget on the Department of Agriculture addresses the extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (page 42).

Source: "Forest lands may be on the block." Missoulian February 8, 2006. A1.

Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005

From the Missoulian: "The Senate on Wednesday will begin debating a bill to create a $140 billion trust fund to compensate victims of asbestos exposure--including provisions for those in Libby--after Democratic leaders backed off an attempt Tuesday to stop the measure from coming to the floor."

You can find up-to-date information on the FAIR Act of 2005, S. 852, through THOMAS. A transcript of yesterday's discussion of the FAIR Act can be found in the Congressional Record, beginning on page s740. The text of the speech Senator Burns made on the Senate floor is also available on his website. Discussion will continue today, and the transcript will appear in tomorrow's edition of the Congressional Record.

Sources: "Asbestos bill moves to Senate floor: Montana senators praise progress." Missoulian February 8, 2006. A3.
"Asbestos Settlement Advances: Senate Votes To Permit Debate." Washington Post February 8, 2006.

FY 2007 Budget Proposal

From the Washington Post: "President Bush today proposed a $2.8 trillion budget for fiscal 2007 that would cut billions of dollars from domestic programs ranging from Medicare and food stamps to local law enforcement and disease control, while extending most of his tax cuts beyond their 2010 expiration date.

"Under the plan, a budget deficit -- expected to reach $423 billion this year -- would fall to $183 billion by 2010, more than meeting his goal to cut the deficit in half by 2009. But it would rise again to $205 billion in 2011, reflecting the cost of the extensions in the president's tax cuts."

You can find details on the President's Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal on the White House website, or through GPO Access.

Source: "Bush's $2.8T Budget Proposal Cuts Domestic Programs." Washington Post February 6, 2006.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Apologies for the delay. Blogspot was experiencing difficulties on Friday.

100 Companies Receiving The Largest Dollar Volume Of Prime Contract Awards - Fiscal Year 2005
"This report contains summary data on the 100 companies, including their subsidiaries, which were awarded the largest total dollar volume of Department of Defense prime contract awards during fiscal year 2005."

2004 Demographic Profile of the Federal Workforce
An Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publication.

Age of First Use among Admissions for Drugs: 1993 and 2003
A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Amber Waves: February 2006
The latest issue of this USDA publication is now available.

Annual Survey of Manufactures, Geographic Area Statistics: 2004
A new Census Bureau report.

Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data: January-December 2005
Data from the Federal Trade Commission.

Federal Aid to States for Fiscal Year 2004
Census Bureau information on aid from the federal government to state and local governments.

Federal and State Endangered and Threatened Species Expenditures: Fiscal Year 2004
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report.

Food Stamp Program Costs and Error Rates, 1989-2001
An Economic Research Service (ERS) report.

FY2006-07 Budget Limitation Summary
Budget information for school districts from the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI).

Globalization, Biosecurity, and the Future of the Life Sciences
You can browse this National Academies Press book online for free.

Guideline for Implementing Cryptography In the Federal Government
A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report.

Homeschooling in the United States: 2003
A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

NSF’S Cyberinfrastructure Vision for 21st Century Discovery
A National Science Foundation (NSF) report.

Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatality Rates by Type and Size of Vehicle
A Traffic Safety Facts Research Note from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Quadrennial Defense Review Report
This Defense Department report is published every four years and covers "national defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plan, and other elements of the defense program and policies of the United States with a view toward determining and expressing the defense strategy of the United States and establishing a defense program for the next 20 years."

Secretary's One Month Progress Report on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
A report from Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Reports:

Access to and Participation in Employer-Provided Health Care Plans, Private Industry, 2005

BLS Update

Employment Situation: January 2006

Monthly Labor Review (January 2006)

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Bank and Thrift Deposit Insurance Premiums: The Record from 1934 to 2004

Communications Act Revisions: Selected Issues for Consideration

Digital Television: An Overview

Energy: Useful Facts and Numbers

FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products: A Policy and Legal Analysis

Foreign Science and Engineering Presence in U.S. Institutions and the Labor Force

FY2005 Budget Documents: Internet Access and GPO Availability

Higher Education Tax Credits: Test An Economic Analysis

Internet: An Overview of Key Technology Policy Issues Affecting Its Use and Growth

Kosovo's Future Status and U.S. Policy

Legal Analysis and Background on the EPA's Proposed Rules for Regulating Mercury Emissions from Electric Utilities

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Officials: Process for Adjusting Pay and Current Salaries

Mexico's Importance and Multiple Relationships with the United States

Nuclear Weapons Complex Reconfiguration: Analysis of an Energy Department Task Force Report

Reserve Component Personnel Issues: Questions and Answers

Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs

Space Exploration: Issues Concerning the "Vision for Space Exploration"

Spectrum Use and the Transition to Digital TV

U.S. Aid to the Palestinians

Votes Other Than Favorably on Judicial Nominations, 1939-2003

Wireless Technology and Spectrum Demand: Advanced Wireless Services

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Defense Acquisitions: DOD Management Approach and Processes Not Well-Suited to Support Development of Global Information Grid

Defense Management: Fully Developed Management Framework Needed to Guide Air Force Future Total Force Efforts

Energy Markets: Factors Contributing to Higher Gasoline Prices

Mandatory Spending: Using Budget Triggers to Constrain Growth

Nuclear Weapons: NNSA Needs to Refine and More Effectively Manage Its New Approach for Assessing and Certifying Nuclear Weapons

Veterans' Employment and Training Service: Greater Accountability and Other Labor Actions Needed to Better Serve Veterans

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Assessment of Health-Related Needs After Tsunami and Earthquake - Three Districts, Aceh Province, Indonesia, July-August 2005

Childhood Influenza Vaccination Coverage - United States, 2003-04 Influenza Season

Imported Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis - United States, 2005

Surveillance Guidelines for Smallpox Vaccine (vaccinia) Adverse Reactions

United Nations Documents:

The Afghanistan Compact

Definition of basic concepts and terminologies in governance and public administration

Implementation of the recommendations of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (with addendum)

The New Public Finance

Deficit Reduction Act

From the Washington Post: "The House yesterday narrowly approved a contentious budget-cutting package that would save nearly $40 billion over five years by imposing substantial changes on programs including Medicaid, welfare, child support and student lending."

The Deficit Reduction Act (S. 1932) passed the House via House Resolution 653. View roll call vote 4 for details of the action.

Source: "Budget Cuts Pass By a Slim Margin: Poor, Elderly and Students to Feel Pinch." Washington Post February 2, 2006.

GAO Report on Accountability for Hurricane Response

From the New York Times: "No one from the federal government was clearly in charge of the response to Hurricane Katrina, Congressional investigators said Wednesday, and in the absence of clear leadership the general federal approach was 'to wait for affected states to request assistance.'

"In a preliminary report, the Government Accountability Office, the nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress, criticized Michael Chertoff, the homeland security secretary, for waiting until Tuesday, the day after the storm hit, to designate Hurricane Katrina an 'incident of national significance,' a status that more clearly put his department in charge."

The full report is available on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) website: "Statement by Comptroller General David M. Walker on GAO's Preliminary Observations Regarding Preparedness and Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Sources: "Congressional investigators blame Bush, Chertoff for Katrina response." Missoulian February 2, 2006. A5.
"Investigators Criticize Response to Hurricane." New York Times February 2, 2006.

State of the Union Address 2006

You can find the transcript of the President's State of the Union address on the White House website. The State of the Union page also offers archived video of the address and links to further information on initiatives mentioned in the address:

"A Strong America Leading the World"

"American Competitiveness Initiative"

"The Advanced Energy Initiative"

"Affordable and Accessible Health Care"

You can also find transcripts of State of the Union addresses, archived video, and various responses to the speech on the C-SPAN State of the Union website.

Edit: The GPO Access page on State of the Union addresses has the text of addresses from 1992 through the present (including the 2006 address).

Source: "Bush promotes alternative energy sources: President also defends Iraq war in State of the Union address." Missoulian February 1, 2006. A1.

Senate Confirms Alito

From the Washington Post: "Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. became the nation's 110th Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, confirmed with the most partisan victory in modern history after a fierce battle over the future direction of the high court."

Yesterday the Senate voted 72-25 to close debate on Alito's nomination and bring the matter to a final vote (a "Cloture Motion"). Today, the Senate voted 58-42 to confirm Judge Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court.

Source: "Senate Confirms Alito to Supreme Court." Washington Post January 31, 2006.

New FirstGov.gov Search Engine

From GovExec.com: "The General Services Administration launched a beefed-up online search engine late Monday night, calling the tool for government Web site-querying the most powerful of its kind...

"The search engine expands FirstGov's hunting capabilities to include state, local, tribal and territorial government Web sites, and will look through 40 million documents, up from the previous 8 million."

The new FirstGov.gov search engine (FirstGov Search) features Vivisimo's Clusty technology, which clusters search results by type. You can look at results by topic, agency, or source and expand or collapse result subgroups. The search engine gives you more control over the structure of your search results. Give it a try!

Source: "GSA launches upgraded FirstGov search engine." GovExec.com. January 24, 2006.

CBO Report on Deficit Reduction Act

From the New York Times: "Millions of low-income people would have to pay more for health care under a bill worked out by Congress, and some of them would forgo care or drop out of Medicaid because of the higher co-payments and premiums, the Congressional Budget Office says in a new report."

You can find details in the full Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report: "S. 1932, Deficit Reduction Act of 2005."

Source: "Budget to Hurt Poor People on Medicaid, Report Says." New York Times January 30, 2006.

Report on Agency Activities with Tribal Nations and Populations

This year, for the first time, the Tribal Relations Report is being prepared and submitted to the Governor and the Tribal Governments as one document, highlighting the major accomplishments or activities of individual agencies. It provides a single source for anyone to look at activities involving any tribe or agency.

From the report:
Section 2-15-143, MCA, was passed during the 2003 legislative session to emphasize the unique relationship between the Montana Indian Nations and the State of Montana. It supports the idea that sovereign tribal governments and the state can effectively work together with honor and trust on matters of concern to both. This report, required each year, measures how well the State of Montana met that challenge.

Report Appendices can be accessed here.

Also from the report:
The Governor’s first Executive Order created a task force, now known as the Governor’s American Indian Nations (GAIN) Council, with the primary purpose to ensure that all activities conducted between the Nations and the State of Montana are conducted government-to-government. In addition, GAIN is responsible to ensure proper protocol is followed with the Tribal Nations. Administratively, GAIN coordinates and reviews state agreements and activities with tribes to ensure consistent principles are followed and meaningful tribal consultation has occurred.

GAIN consists of the highest level of the Schweitzer Administration including the Chief of Staff, Budget Director, policy staff and department directors. The Indian Affairs Coordinator assists to ensure proper protocol is followed and to provide cultural competency training when appropriate.

Friday Resource Round-Up

2005 Monthly Tourism Statistics
Data from International Trade Administration (ITA) Office of Travel & Tourism Industries.

Access to and Participation in Employer-Provided Health Care Plans, Private Industry, 2005
A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774-2005
The Government Printing Office has released the The 16th edition of a classic reference tool which offers biographical information on members of Congress.

Cattle Inventory Report
New data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Deaths: Final Data for 2003
New data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams
A presentation from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Education Statistics Quarterly
The most recent issue of this serial is now available.

Fire and the Older Adult
A report from the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center.

Freight Rail Transportation: Long-Term Issues
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Human Factors Considerations for Passwords and Other User Identification Techniques
A report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Internal Controls Over the Emergency Disaster Relief Transportation Services Contract
An assessment from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.

The Legal Significance of Presidential Signing Statements
This 1993 Department of Justice document has gained new prominence in light of recent controversial signing statements from President Bush.

Management of Rapid Regional Response Program Contracts in South-Central Iraq
A report of Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.

Medicare Payments for Ambulance Transports
A report from the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Mineral Commodity Summaries 2006
A report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

National Infrastructure Protection Plan
Version 2.0 of the plan has been released by the Department of Homeland Security. The text, originally issued via email, has been posted by the National Infrastructure Institute (NI2) Center for Infrastructure Expertise.

Natural Gas Processing: The Crucial Link between Natural Gas Production and Its Transportation to Market
An Energy Information Administration (EIA) report.

Redacting with Confidence: How to Safely Publish Sanitized Reports Converted From Word to PDF
A report from the National Security Agency (posted by the Federation of American Scientists).

Registry of U.S. Government Publication Digitization Projects
A new database of digitization projects has been created by the Government Printing Office (GPO).

Research Publications 2005
A bibliography of publications from the Small Business Administration's Office of Economic Research.

Sheep and Goats
Inventory data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

State of the Union Addresses
of the American Presidents
A searchable database from askSam.

U.S. Government Printing Office 2005 Annual Report
Report on GPO's activities in 2005.

Women-Owned Firms: 2002
A Census Bureau report from the 2002 Economic Census Survey of Business Owners series.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Banking and Securities Regulation and Agency Enforcement Authorities

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

Congressional Oversight

Constitutionality of Proposals to Prohibit the Sale or Rental to Minors of Video Games with Violent or Sexual Content or "Strong Language"

Education-Related Hurricane Relief: Legislative Action

The Internal Revenue Service's Use of Private Debt Collection Agencies: Current Status and Issues for Congress

Lobbying Disclosure and Ethics Proposals Related to Lobbying Introduced in the 109th Congress: A Comparative Analysis

Protection of Classified Information by Congress: Practices and Proposals

The Republic of the Philippines: Background and U.S. Relations

USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199): A Legal Analysis of the Conference Bill

Economic Research Service (ERS) Reports:

Agricultural Contracting Update: Contracts in 2003

Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program: Final Report Fiscal 2005 Activities

Food Security Status File: Survey of Program Dynamics

Sugar and Sweeteners

Federal Reserve Board Publications:

The Beige Book

Escaping the Samaritan's Dilemma: Implications of a Dynamic Model of Altruistic Intergenerational Transfers

Post Brown vs. the Board of Education: The Effects of the End of Court-Ordered Desegregation

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Drinking Water: EPA Should Strengthen Ongoing Efforts to Ensure That Consumers Are Protected from Lead Contamination

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

Homeland Security: Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Operating, but Management Improvements Are Still Needed

Internet Access Tax Moratorium: Revenue Impacts Will Vary by State

Mine Safety: MSHA's Programs for Ensuring the Safety and Health of Coal Miners Could Be Strengthened

NASA: Implementing a Knowledge-Based Acquisition Framework Could Lead to Better Investment Decisions and Project Outcomes

Social Security Numbers: Stronger Protections Needed When Contractors Have Access to SSNs

Strategic Studies Institute Reports:

Assessing the Biological Weapons and Bioterrorism Threat

Revisions in Need of Revising: What Went Wrong in the Iraq War

United Nations Documents:

2005 Update on the HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Response in China

Security Council 2005 Round-up

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2006

Budget Deficit Projection

From the Washington Post: "The CBO forecast a $337 billion deficit for this fiscal year and lingering deficits through the end of the decade, offering a pessimistic backdrop as Bush prepares to release his 2007 budget request in the coming weeks. The deficit fell to $318 billion last year after three years of sharp increases, and Republicans had hoped the tide of red ink was finally receding. But spending on hurricane relief will push the deficit back up in 2006."

"The Budget and Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2007 to 2016" (196 pages) is available from the Congressional Budget Office website. A six-page summary is also available.

Sources: "Congressional estimators project $337 billion budget deficit." Missoulian January 27, 2006. A4.
"Budget Office Expects Deficit to Edge Up." Washington Post January 27, 2006.

Forest Service Reservations

From the Missoulian: "Beginning Feb. 2, the Forest Service will use a new phone and online reservation system for rental cabins, lookout towers, and group-use areas throughout the country, including all national forests in Montana."

You can find information on the new system on the ReserveUSA.com website.

Source: "Forest Service using new reservation system." Missoulian January 27, 2006. E4.

BSE Case in Alberta

From the Government of Alberta press release: "Canada’s fourth case of BSE has been confirmed in an animal from an Alberta farm. No part of the animal entered either the human or animal feed chain, and there is no threat to human health from this case.

"The disease was found in a six-year-old cross-bred cow. While this cow was born after the 1997 ban on feeding rendered carcasses of ruminants (such as sheep, goats, cattle, deer and elk) to other ruminants, it is likely that contaminated feed caused the infection. Ruminant-to-ruminant feed is the main way BSE is spread in cattle."

Information on the most recent case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) BSE in North America page.

Statements from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford are also available.

Sources: "Canadian officials confirm case of mad cow disease." Helena Independent Record January 23, 2006.
"BSE finding in Canada draws mixed response." Billings Gazette January 24, 2006.

Krepinevich Report

From the Missoulian: "Stretched by frequent troop rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army has become a 'thin green line' that could snap unless relief comes soon, according to a study for the Pentagon."

The recent article referenced in the news has not yet been released to the public, but other articles by Andrew F. Krepinevich appear on the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments website.

Another paper on the U.S. military has been issued by the The National Security Advisory Group and posted on the Senate Democrats website: "The U.S. Military: Under Strain and at Risk."

Statements by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld are available on the DefenseLink website. The site also has an article from the American Forces Press Service on the issue.

Sources: "Repeated war deployment stretch Army to breaking point, study says." Missoulian January 25, 2006. A4.
"Rumsfeld: Military not overextended but 'battle hardened'." Missoulian January 26, 2006. A4.

Justice Department Paper on NSA Intercepts

From the New York Times: "The Bush administration offered its fullest defense to date Thursday of the National Security Agency's domestic eavesdropping program, saying that authorization from Congress to deter terrorist attacks 'places the president at the zenith of his powers in authorizing the N.S.A. activities.'

"In a 42-page legal analysis, the Justice Department cited the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the writings of presidents both Republican and Democratic, and dozens of scholarly papers and court cases in justifying President Bush's power to order the N.S.A. surveillance program."

The Government Printing Office has posted the Department of Justice whitepaper on the issue of NSA
intercepts on the GPO Access website: Legal Authorities Supporting the Activities of the National Security Agency Described by the President.

Source: "Legal Rationale by Justice Dept. on Spying Effort." New York Times January 20, 2006.

American Indian Student Achievement in Montana Public Schools

From the Missoulian: "Montana's achievement gap between Indian and white students is greater if the Indian student lives in a poor, isolated reservation community rather than in an integrated and prosperous community, a recent study by the Montana Legislature's Office of Research and Policy Analysis concludes."

You can find a copy of the report on the Quality Schools Committee webpage: "American Indian Student Achievement in Montana Public Schools: Features of the Achievement Gap and Policy Prescriptions."

Source: "Study finds isolated students fall behind." Missoulian January 23, 2006. A1.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Avian and Human Influenza: Financing Needs and Gaps
A World Bank publication.

Draft Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters
An EPA document.

National Taxpayer Advocate's 2005 Annual Report to Congress
An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) report.

Oversight of Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery: A 90-Day Progress Report to Congress
A joint publication of the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency and the Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency.

Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision: Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age
A vision statement from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.

Significant Worldwide Earthquakes in 2005
Information from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Army Documents:
DocuTicker has posted an excellent collection of Army-related documents this week.

How the Army Runs

A Hundred Osamas: Islamist Threats and the Future of Counterinsurgency (Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College)

Occupations, Cultures, and Leadership in the Army and Air Force

"Seeing the Other Side of the Hill": The Art of Battle Command, Decisionmaking, Uncertainty, and the Information Superiority Complex

Transformation for What (Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College)

U.S. Army Corrections System: Procedures for Military Executions (via the Federation of American Scientists)

Census Bureau Reports:

Business Expenses: 2002

Market Absorption of Apartments: Second Quarter 2005 Absorptions

Committee on Government Reform, Minority Staff Reports:

Congressional Oversight of the Bush Administration

Congressional Oversight of the Clinton Administration

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Comparison of 9/11 Commission Recommended Intelligence Reforms, Roberts Draft Bill, H.R. 4104, S. 190, S. 1520, S. 6, H.R. 4584, and Current Law

Mentoring Programs Funded by the Federal Government Dedicated to Disadvantaged Youth: Issues and Activities

A Review of Medical Child Support: Background, Policy, and Issues

Statutory Procedures Under Which Congress Is To Be Informed of U.S. Intelligence Activities, Including Covert Actions

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Combating Terrorism: Determining and Reporting Federal Funding Data

Hazardous Waste: EPA Needs to Clarify the Types of Mercury Waste That Can Be Treated and Disposed of Using the Debris Regulations

Nursing Homes: Despite Increased Oversight, Challenges Remain in Ensuring High-Quality Care and Resident Safety

Risk Management: Further Refinements Needed to Assess Risks and Prioritize Protective Measures at Ports and Other Critical Infrastructure

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Assessment of Health-Related Needs After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, New Orleans Area, Louisiana, October 17-22, 2005

Health Concerns Associated with Mold in Water-Damaged Homes After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - New Orleans Area, Louisiana, October 2005

Public Health Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - Louisiana, 2005

Surveillance in Hurricane Evacuation Centers - Louisiana, September-October 2005

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Reports:

Education Statistics Quarterly-Vol. 7 Issues 1&2

Public Elementary and Secondary Students, Staff, Schools, and School Districts: School Year 2003-04

United Nations Documents:

Workers Initiative for a Lasting Legacy (WILL 2006)

The World's Women 2005: Progress in Statistics

Eavesdropping Lawsuits

From the New York Times: "Two leading civil rights groups plan to file lawsuits Tuesday against the Bush administration over its domestic spying program to determine whether the operation was used to monitor 10 defense lawyers, journalists, scholars, political activists and other Americans with ties to the Middle East.

"The two lawsuits, which are being filed separately by the American Civil Liberties Union in Federal District Court in Detroit and the Center for Constitutional Rights in Federal District Court in Manhattan, are the first major court challenges to the eavesdropping program."

Information on the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit is available on the ACLU website. The official complaint is available online.

The Center for Constitutional Rights also has information on their lawsuit online, including a digital version of the formal complaint.

Others posts related to this issue appeared on January 8, 2006, and December 19, 2005.

Sources: "Lawsuits seek ban on eavesdropping: Groups say program bypasses 1978 law." Missoulian January 18, 2006. A7.
"Two Groups Planning to Sue Over Federal Eavesdropping." New York Times January 17, 2006.

Lobbying Reform Proposals

Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL), presented a lobbying reform proposal at a press conference yesterday (thanks to Red Tape for the link).

Today, the Democrats in Congress issued information on the forthcoming "Open Government Act." A formal declaration and a press release are also available.

Sources: "Two Parties Rush to Offer Proposals to Curb Lobbying." New York Times January 18, 2006.
"Democrats Unveil Their Own Plan for Rules on Lobbying." New York Times January 18, 2006.

Montana Heart Disease and Stroke State Plan 2006-2010

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services recently released the Montana Heart Disease and Stroke State Plan 2006-2010. The plan "outlines goals, objectives, and specific strategies that can realistically be achieved within a five-year period to improve the health of Montanans".

From the Department's press release: "Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death of Montanans. The state plan is the culmination of a 15-month planning process involving the state's Cardiovascular Disease/ Obesity Prevention Task Force. It includes population-based objectives and strategies for use within health-care, community, and worksite settings. "

Copies of the report can also be found at the following libraries throughout Montana:
Montana State Library - Helena
Montana Historical Society - Helena
Mansfield Library, University of Montana - Missoula
Renne Library, Montana State University - Bozeman
Rosebud County Library - Forsyth
MSU Northern Library - Havre
Lincoln County Public Library - Libby
Missoula Public Library - Missoula

NorthWestern Energy's Electric Plan

From the Missoulian: "While residential customers of NorthWestern Energy already are paying among the highest electric rates in the region, a company power-buying plan warns that rates likely will increase more in the future.

"The plan, filed late last month with the state Public Service Commission, is a blueprint of how NorthWestern hopes to line up enough electricity to serve its 310,000 Montana customers in the short and long term."

The Electric Default Supply Resource Procurement Plan is available on Montana Energy Forum, a NorthWestern Energy website.

Information on Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) activities is available on the Montana PSC site.

Source: "NorthWestern electric plan warns rate increases likely." Missoulian January 15, 2006. A1.

Gonzales v. Oregon

From the New York Times: "The Supreme Court upheld Oregon's assisted-suicide law today, declaring that the Bush administration had exceeded its authority in trying to undo the statute by punishing doctors who help people end their lives." Documents relating to the case are below.

Gonzales v. Oregon
Docket 04-623

Supreme Court opinion

Question presented

Merits briefs

Transcript of oral arguments

Appellate Court Decision (and summary)

State of Oregon page on physician-assisted suicide

Controlled Substances Act (included in the U.S. Code as Title 21, Chapter 13)

21 CFR 1306.04 (regulation on purpose of a prescription)

Source: "Supreme Court Upholds Oregon Assisted Suicide Law." New York Times January 17, 2006.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Crop Production Summary
An end of year summary from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Estimative Products on Vietnam: 1948-1975
Newly declassified national intelligence information from the Vietnam War era.

GDA Report: Public-Private Alliances for Transformational Development
A U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) report.

The Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans and Alternatives: Detailed Update for Fiscal Year 2006
A presentation from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Nonfatal, Unintentional Medication Exposures Among Young Children - United States, 2001-2003
An article from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

OPEC Revenues Fact Sheet
An overview of OPEC revenues and prices from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Click on the links for the full report in the right-hand column of the EIA site.

Report to Congress on the Benefits of the President's E-Government Initiatives
An Office of Management and Budget (OMB) report.

Review of the Transportation Security Administration’s Management Controls Over the Screener Recruitment Program
An audit from the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security.

Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D): An NIMH Study to Guide Treatment Choices for Resistant Depression
A National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report.

Tracking the Dragon: Selected National Intelligence Estimates on China, 1948-1976
Recently released documents from the CIA.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Reports:

Employment and Wages, Annual Averages 2004

Is Job Enrichment Really Enriching?

Monthly Labor Review

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Accounting Problems at Fannie Mae

Authorization For Use Of Military Force in Response to the 9/11 Attacks (P.L. 107-40): Legislative History

Cleanup after Hurricane Katrina: Environmental Considerations

Constitutionality of Requiring Sexually Explicit Material on the Internet to be Under a Separate Domain Name

Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Legislation for Disaster Assistance: Summary Data FY1989 to FY2005

Federal Spending by Agency and Budget Function, FY2001-FY2005

Immigration: Selected Opinions of Judge Samuel Alito

Marine Security of Hazardous Chemical Cargo

Reimbursement of Local Private Nonprofit Organizations Under the Stafford Act

Status of a Member of the House Who Has Been Indicted for or Convicted of a Felony

Supreme Court Nominations, 1789 - 2005: Actions by the Senate, the Judiciary Committee, and the President

U.S. and International Responses to the Global Spread of Avian Flu: Issues for Congress

U.S. Assistance to Women in Afghanistan and Iraq: Challenges and Issues for Congress

U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel

Venue: A Legal Analysis of Where a Federal Crime May Be Tried

Wireless Privacy and Spam: Issues for Congress

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Public Service Announcement Campaigns: Activities and Financial Obligations for Seven Federal Departments

VA Long-Term Care: Trends and Planning Challenges in Providing Nursing Home Care to Veterans

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Reports:

Parents' Reports of School Practices to Provide Information to Families: 1996 and 2003

Teacher Professional Development in 1999-2000: What Teachers, Principals, and District Staff Report

United Nations Documents:

Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council: 1 August 2004 - 31 July 2005

The Songhua River Spill China, December 2005: Field Mission Report

Idaho Wolf Management

From the Helena Independent Record: "Idaho wants to kill as many as 51 wolves in the north-central part of the state, according to a plan that state Department of Fish and Game managers say will help boost the region's elk herds.

"The killings would take place on the state's mountainous border with Montana, near State Highway 12. Biologists estimate there are between 43 and 69 wolves there, but too few elk for hunters.

The plan is to initially kill 75 percent of the area's wolves."

On January 5, 2006, Idaho Fish and Game assumed primary responsibility for wolf management in the state of Idaho. The memorandum of understanding for this transfer and other wolf management documents are available on the Idaho Fish and Game's Wolf Management webpage.

Source: "Idaho wants to kill more than 50 wolves to help elk." Helena Independent Record January 12, 2006.

Change of Venue Request Denied

From the Missoulian: "A federal court judge denied a motion Wednesday that would have moved a criminal trial against W.R. Grace and Co. outside of Montana, where the company's Libby mine released deadly asbestos into the air."

The order denying the change of venue request is available in six parts on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana website:

First part of the order

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

Attachment 3 (Appendix A)

Attachment 4 (Appendix B)

Attachment 5 (Appendix C)

Many more documents relating to the case are available on the court website.

Source: "Judge won't move W.R. Grace trial." Missoulian January 12, 2006. A1.

Samuel Alito Hearings

From the Washington Post: "Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito was aggressively questioned Wednesday by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee who accused him of inconsistencies on issues ranging from voting rights to ethics to his membership in a conservative organization."

You can find more information on the hearings on the Senate Judiciary Committee website. Also, you can watch the hearings online via C-SPAN.org.

The Washington Post has been releasing early transcripts of the hearings (thanks to beSpacific for the links). Official government transcripts will not be ready for several weeks.

Monday, January 9, Part 1

Monday, January 9, Part 2

Tuesday, January 10, Part 1

Tuesday, January 10, Part 2

askSam has also made hearing transcripts (and published opinions) freely available to the public.

Sources: "Alito Faces Familiar Issues in Hearing." Washington Post January 11, 2006.
"Alito vows 'open mind' on abortion: Nominee pleases GOP senators but not Democrats." Missoulian January 11, 2006. A4.

Snowpack Report

From the Billings Gazette: "Montana's winter season is off to a brisk start, with mountain snowpack statewide near average and in better shape than a year ago, a federal report said Friday.

"The Natural Resources Conservation Service reported snowpack in river basins across much of the state as being near or above average, with central Montana faring particularly well. The Bozeman-based agency measures snowpack in terms of the snow's water content."

You can find details in the weekly Snowpack/Drought Monitor Update. A Montana-specific report is available on the NRCS Montana state website. The website also provides more information on the Montana Snow Survey Program and links to long-term data.

Information on drought status in Montana by county is available on the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) website.

Source: "Report: Snow season off to better start." Billings Gazette January 6, 2006.

DEQ Proposed Rule Changes

From the Missoulian: "Environmental advocates say they are wary of a new streamlining of Montana's environmental laws that was authorized by the 2005 Legislature and will soon be put into effect through rules proposed by the state Department of Environmental Quality."

You can view the proposed rules on the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website. A public meeting will be held at 10:30 A.M. on January 31st in Room 152 of the State Capitol in Helena, and comments are due by 5 P.M. on February 7th.

The new rules were drafted due to two bills passed in the 2005 Regular Legislative Session, House Bill 428 and House Bill 429.

The DEQ website also recently posted two interesting documents on proposed changes to hard rock mining application requirements:

Economic Impacts of The Petition for Proposed Amendment of ARM 17.24.116 Pertaining to Hard Rock Mining Application Requirements for Operating Permits

Alternatives Analysis of Proposed Rule Making to Amend ARM 17.24.116 Pursuant to 2-4-405, MCA Application Requirements for Hard Rock Mine Operating Permits

Source: "DEQ plans to streamline enforcement." Missoulian January 9, 2006. A1.

CRS Report on Wiretapping Authority

From the Washington Post: "A report by Congress's research arm concluded yesterday that the administration's justification for the warrantless eavesdropping authorized by President Bush conflicts with existing law and hinges on weak legal arguments.

"The Congressional Research Service's report rebuts the central assertions made recently by Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales about the president's authority to order secret intercepts of telephone and e-mail exchanges between people inside the United States and their contacts abroad."

You can read the full Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, "Presidential Authority to Conduct Warrantless Electronic Surveillance to Gather Foreign Intelligence Information," on the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) website. FAS also posted a link to a related Justice Department memo in the January 6th Secrecy News.

Source: "Report Rebuts Bush on Spying: Domestic Action's Legality Challenged." Washington Post January 7, 2006.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005
A report of the House Judiciary Committee.

Congressional Budget Justification and Annual Performance Plan
An accounting from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Employees in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2004, and Salaries of Full-Time Instructional Faculty, 2004-05
A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report.

The Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government: FY 2004
An Office of Personnel Management (OPM) report to Congress.

EPA Nanotechnology Draft White Paper
The paper is "a road map that identifies critical questions that must be addressed in order for the United States to reap the potential environmental and economic benefits of nanotechnology."

Historical Effective Federal Tax Rates: 1979 to 2003
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Iraq: Assessment of Progress in Economic Reconstruction and Governmental Capacity
A staff trip report to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Meeting the Challenge of Bird Flu: Commitment Science Response
A State Department document.

National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas
A new EPA publication.

New Electronic Titles, November 2005
A new list of web-based government documents is now available.

Notice of Intent To Audit
The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a public notice of the intent to audit 11 "nonsubscription and new subscription services that transmit sound recordings under statutory licenses."

Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management: Fiscal 2003-2005 Activities
A new report from the Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service (ERS).

Report on U.S. Portfolio Holdings of Foreign Securities
End of year (2004) data from the Treasury Department (the latest available).

The Role of Information Technology and Surveillance Systems in Bioterrorism Readiness
Bioterrorism and Health System Preparedness, Issue Brief No. 5 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

State Standards and Capacity to Track Frequency of Caseworker Visits With Children in Foster Care

State Standards and Practices for Content of Caseworker Visits With Children in Foster Care
Two reports from the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General. Thanks to DocuTicker for the links.

The Status of Telework in the Federal Government 2005
A report from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Summary of OPI Activities for January
Activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI).

U.S.-UK Relations at the Start of the 21st Century
A new eBook issued by the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Agricultural Issues in the 109th Congress

Budget Reconciliation and the PBGC

Child Welfare and TANF Implementation: Recent Findings

Credit Card Minimum Payments

The "Farm Bill" in Brief

Federal Funding for Unauthorized Aliens' Emergency Medical Expenses

Federalism: Selected Opinions of Judge Samuel Alito

The Google Book Search Project: Is Online Indexing a Fair Use Under Copyright Law?

Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and Issues

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Schaffer v. Weast Determines Party Seeking Relief Bears the Burden of Proof

Interest Payments on the Federal Debt: A Primer

Mandatory Funding for Agriculture Conservation Programs

Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies

National Security Whistleblowers

Russian Oil and Gas Challenges

Social Security Administration: Suspension of Benefits for Fugitive Felons

U.S. Arms Sales: Agreements with and Deliveries to Major Clients, 1997-2004

Veterans Benefits Issues in the 109th Congress

Vulnerability of Concentrated Critical Infrastructure: Background and Policy Options

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Student Consolidation Loans: Potential Effects of Making Fiscal Year 2006 Consolidation Loans Exclusively through the Direct Loan Program

Welfare Reform: More Information Needed to Assess Promising Strategies to Increase Parents' Incomes

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Improved National Prevalence Estimates for 18 Selected Major Birth Defects - United States, 1999-2001

Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule - United States, 2006

United Nations Documents:

Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians

Peacebuilding Commission Resolution

Federal Funds for Montana

From the Missoulian: "Montana has slipped a few notches in its share of annual federal spending.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Consolidated Federal Funds Report for fiscal 2004, Montanans stand 14th in the nation for receiving $8,084.85 per person. Montana ranked 11th in 2003. The national average was $7,222 for every American in 2004."

You can find more details on the geographic distribution of federal expenditures in the full Consolidated Federal Funds Report. The Montana Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC) provides a helpful map showing county-level expenditures for Montana.

Sources: "Per person spending slips to 14th in U.S." Missoulian January 6, 2006.
"State's aging population brings in big federal bucks." Missoulian January 6, 2006.

Fire Shelter Report

From the Region 1 Forest Service press release: "The review board determined that the three firefighters; a dozer operator and two dozer bosses, were qualified for their assignments, acted properly, and that their actions mitigated the consequences of erratic fire behavior. The deployment occurred on the evening of August 10, 2005 on the Tarkio Fire, one of the I-90 Complex of fires on the Lolo National Forest."

The full report should be available soon on the Region 1 Fire Information page. The press release points to an excellent site for more fire shelter information.

Source: "Review finds use of fire shelters was warranted." Missoulian January 5, 2006. B1.

Big Game Hunting Regulations

From Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP): "Tentative hunting regulations, approved by the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission earlier this month, will be the subject of eleven public meetings around west-central Montana’s Region 2 in January. Public comments will be weighed as the Commission finalizes Montana’s 2006 hunting regulations in February."

Visit the FWP site for a list of meeting dates and locations and for more information on the proposed regulation changes.