| Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations |
25-Feb-2009 |
|
| Authors:
Stephen Daggett; Amy Belasco; Pat Towell; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
 | Soon after the 111th Congress convened, it began drafting H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, generally referred to as the economic stimulus bill. This bill added a total of $8.5 billion to amount previously appropriated for DOD in FY2009. Of the additional funds provided by H.R. 1, $4.6 billion was for accounts funded by the regular FY2009 DOD appropriations provided by Division D of the Consolidated ... |
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| Demonstrating and Communicating Research Impact. Preparing NIOSH Programs for External Review |
Jan-2009 |
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| Authors:
David Adamson; Eric Landree; Valerie Williams; Elisa Eiseman; RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA INST FOR CIVIL JUSTICE
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| From 2005 to 2008, the National Academies conducted an external review of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research programs. The National Academies' review assessed the programs' impact on and relevance to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. This book describes the methodology that RAND researchers developed to help NIOSH research programs demonstrate and communicate the impact of their activities. The methodology is based on the use of ... |
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| Whither Strategic Communication? A Survey of Current Proposals and Recommendations |
Jan-2009 |
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| Authors:
Christopher Paul; RAND CORP ARLINGTON VA NATIONAL SECURITY RESEARCH DIV
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| Countless studies, articles, and opinion pieces have announced that U.S. strategic communication and public diplomacy are in crisis and are inadequate to meet current demand. There is consensus that such capabilities are critical and that they need to be improved. This paper reviews contemporary thinking regarding the advancement of U.S. strategic communication, cataloging recent recommendations and identifying common themes and the frequency with which they are endorsed. Based on the ... |
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| The President's Office of Science and Technology Policy: Issues for Congress |
10-Nov-2008 |
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| Authors:
Deborah D Stine; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) through the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-282). The act states that "The primary function of the OSTP Director is to provide, within the Executive Office of the President [EOP], advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest level of Government." Further, "The Office shall ... |
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| Status of Department of State Economic Support Fund Interagency Agreements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq |
28-Oct-2008 |
32 pages |
| Authors:
Robert Gabriel; David R Warren; Dorian L Herring; Frank W Slayton; OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ARLINGTON VA SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION
|
 | SIGIR has frequently been asked why expenditure rates for the Economic Support Funds (ESF) are relatively low as compared other appropriations being used in Iraq. SIGIR analyzed ESF obligations and expenditures for three interagency agreements to better understand why this occurs. The ESF is an appropriation account authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Specific ESF dollar amounts are requested within the President's Budget to Congress and approved by ... |
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| Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation |
10-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
John D Moteff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g., electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed). This report discusses in more detail the evolution of a national critical infrastructure policy and the institutional ... |
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| Millennium Challenge Account |
08-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
Curt Tarnoff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| In a speech on March 14, 2002, President Bush outlined a proposal for a major new U.S. foreign aid initiative. The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) provides assistance through a competitive selection process to developing nations that are pursing political and economic reforms in three areas: ruling justly, investing in people, and fostering economic freedom. The MCC differs in several respects from past and current U.S. aid practices: (1) the competitive ... |
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| U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians |
08-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
Jim Zanotti; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| U.S. aid to the Palestinians has fluctuated considerably over the past three years, largely due to Hamas's changing role within the Palestinian Authority (PA). After Hamas led the PA government for over a year, its forcible takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007 led to the creation of a non-Hamas government in the West Bank. Since then, the U.S. has dramatically boosted aid levels to bolster the PA and ... |
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| China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy |
02-Oct-2008 |
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| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Given its relatively low savings rate, the U.S. economy depends heavily on foreign capital inflows from countries with high savings rates (such as China) to help promote growth and to fund the federal budget deficit. China has intervened heavily in currency markets to limit the yuan's appreciation. As a result, China has become the world's largest and fastest growing holder of foreign exchange reserves (FER). China has invested a large ... |
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| The National Nanotechnology Initiative. Research and Development Leading to a Revolution in Technology ad Industry. Supplement to the President's 2009 Budget |
30 SEP 2008 |
57 pages |
| Authors:
NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY COORDINATION OFFICE ARLINGTON VA
|
| This document provides supplemental information to the President's 2009 Budget and serves as the Annual Report on the NNI called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (P.L. 108-153). In particular, the report summarizes NNI programmatic activities for 2007 and 2008, as well as those planned for in 2009. NNI budgets for 2007-2009 are presented by agency and PCA. Information on the use of the SBIR and ... |
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| Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations |
29-Sep-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Pat Towell; Stephen Daggett; Amy Belasco; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The President's FY2009 federal budget request, released February 4, 2008, included $611.1 billion in new budget authority for national defense. This total included $515.4 billion in discretionary new budget authority for the base budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) i.e., activities not associated with combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The budget included an additional $2.9 billion in mandatory spending for the DOD base budget and $22.8 billion for ... |
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| Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2009 Appropriations |
17-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
Christine Scott; Daniel H Else; Sidath V Panangala; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The President submitted his FY2009 appropriations request to Congress on February 4, 2008, including $115.3 billion for programs covered in this appropriations bill: $24.4 billion for Title I (military construction and family housing): $90.8 billion for Title II (veterans affairs): and $183 million for Title III (related agencies). Compared with funding thus far appropriated for FY2008 (emergency supplemental appropriations are pending), this represents increases for Title I of $3.8 billion ... |
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| The Department of Defense, Science and Technology Program: An Analysis, FY1998-FY2007 |
12-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
John D Moteff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Every year Congress appropriates billions of dollars for the Science and Technology Program of the Department of Defense. Besides deciding on how much money to appropriate, Congress must also decide on how best to allocate those resources. Over the last ten years, the Science and Technology program has grown to historic levels in inflation-adjusted dollars. However, the funding increases appear to have peaked. In light of growing federal budget deficits, ... |
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| Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress |
11-Sep-2008 |
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| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Of the Coast Guard's three polar icebreakers, two -- Polar Star and Polar Sea -- have exceeded their intended 30-year service lives. The Polar Star is not operational and has been on caretaker status since July 1, 2006. A 2007 report from the National Research Council (NRC) on the U.S. polar icebreaking fleet states that "U.S. [polar] icebreaking capability is now at risk of being unable to support national interests ... |
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| Missile Defense: Actions Needed to Improve Planning and Cost Estimates for Long-Term Support of Ballistic Missile Defense |
01-Sep-2008 |
53 pages |
| Authors:
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
|
| The Department of Defense (DOD) has spent a total of over $115 billion since the mid-1980s to develop a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) comprised of land, air, and sea-based elements such as missiles and radars working together as an integrated system. Since the cost to operate and support a weapon system usually accounts for most of a system's lifetime costs, the resources needed to fund BMDS could be significant ... |
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| Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: An Overview |
20-Aug-2008 |
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| Authors:
Wendy H Schacht; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| A program of regional centers to assist small and medium-sized manufacturing companies use knowledge and technologies developed under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was created by P.L. 100-418. The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that provide technical and managerial assistance to firms. Federal funding is matched by non-federal sources. Funding increased until FY1999, when support ... |
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| Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Quarterly Report and Semiannual Report to the United States Congress |
30-Jul-2008 |
271 pages |
| Authors:
Bowen; Stuart W Jr; OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ARLINGTON VA SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION
|
| This 18th Quarterly Report to the Congress provides a new look at the relief and reconstruction effort in Iraq, presenting a province-by-province review of progress on reconstruction and capacity-building in four key areas of concern -- economics, essential services, governance, and security. This new review catalogues a series of informative snapshots on the achievements and challenges affecting each of Iraq's 18 provinces. The United States has now appropriated more than ... |
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| The Global Nuclear Detection Architecture: Issues for Congress |
07-Jul-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Dana A Shea; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| In 2006, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established within the Department of Homeland Security to centralize coordination of the federal response to an unconventional nuclear threat. The office was codified through the passage of the SAFE Port Act (P.L. 109-347) and given specific statutory responsibilities to protect the United States against radiological and nuclear attack, including the responsibility to develop a global nuclear detection architecture. Determining the range ... |
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| Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Year 2009 |
Jul-2008 |
244 pages |
| Authors:
Carlos M Gutierrez; Samuel W Bodman; Marburger; John H III; CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE PROGRAM WASHINGTON DC
|
| Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Year 2009 describes the activities and plans of the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), which incorporates the U.S. Global Change Research Program established under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, and the Climate Change Research Initiative that was established by the President in 2001. CCSP coordinates and integrates scientific research on climate and global change supported by 13 ... |
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| Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations |
18-Jun-2008 |
|
| Authors:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The President's FY2009 federal budget request, released February 4, 2008, included $611.1 billion in new budget authority for national defense. This total included $515.4 billion in discretionary new budget authority for the base budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) i.e., activities not associated with combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The budget included an additional $2.9 billion in mandatory spending for the DOD base budget and $22.8 billion for ... |
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| Intelligence Issues for Congress |
30-May-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Best; Richard A Jr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| To address the challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community in the 21st century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108- 458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation also established a separate ... |
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| Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance |
22 MAY 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Curt Tarnoff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| A large-scale assistance program has been undertaken by the United States in Iraq since mid-2003. To date, nearly $45 billion has been appropriated for Iraq reconstruction. On December 26, 2007, H.R. 2764, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was signed into law (P.L. 110-161). Although it specifically rejects most regular or supplemental economic assistance to Iraq under the State/Foreign Operations appropriations, it provides about $2.1 billion in reconstruction assistance, mostly for ... |
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| International Illegal Trade in Wildlife: Threats and U.S. Policy |
19-May-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Liana S Wyler; Pervaze A Sheikh; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Global trade in illegal wildlife is a growing illicit economy, estimated to be worth at least $5 billion and potentially in excess of $20 billion annually. Some of the most lucrative illicit wildlife commodities include tiger parts, caviar, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and exotic birds and reptiles. Demand for illegally obtained wildlife is ubiquitous, and some suspect that illicit demand is growing. International wildlife smuggling may be of interest to ... |
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| China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy |
19-May-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Given its relatively low savings rate, the U.S. economy depends heavily on foreign capital inflows from countries with high savings rates (such as China) to help promote growth and to find the federal budget deficit. China has intervened heavily in currency markets to limit the yuan's appreciation. As a result, China has become the world's largest and fastest growing holder of foreign exchange reserves (FER), which totaled $ 1.5 trillion ... |
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| Best Practices: Portfolio Management |
14-May-2008 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J Sullivan; GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC ACQUISITION AND SOURCING MANAGEMENT
|
| This briefing looks at the differences in procurement of major systems by DoD and commercial companies. |
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| Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance |
13 MAY 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Christopher Bolkcom; Blas Nunez-Neto; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the lead agency charged with securing our nation's borders. While CBP is charged with overall border enforcement, within the bureau a distinction is made concerning border enforcement at and between ports of entry (POE). At POE, CBP officers are responsible for conducting immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections on individuals presenting themselves for entry into the United States. ... |
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| It's the Economy that Matters Most |
07-May-2008 |
43 pages |
| Authors:
Richard J Holdren; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
|
| Three sets of security challenges face the United States: the current challenge of winning the "long war," potential security challenges identified by U.S. strategy documents, and unforeseen or uncertain events which can shock the system. This paper argues that the best way to mitigate risk across a broad range of current, identifiable, and uncertain security challenges is to develop a national strategy that focuses on developing an adaptive, responsive economy. ... |
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| Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations |
05 MAY 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Pat Towell; Stephen Daggett; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins ... |
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| Science and Technology Policymaking: A Primer |
22-Apr-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Deborah D Stine; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Scientific and technical knowledge and guidance influences not just policy related to science and technology, but also many of today's public policies as policymakers seek knowledge to enhance the quality of their decisions. Science and technology policy is concerned with the allocation of resources for and encouragement of scientific and engineering research and development, the use of scientific and technical knowledge to enhance the nation's response to societal challenges, and ... |
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| Organizing the U.S. Government for National Security: Overview of the Interagency Reform Debates |
18-Apr-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Nina Serafino; Pat Towell; Catherine Dale; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| A growing community of interest, including Members of Congress, senior officials in the executive branch, and think-tank analysts, is calling for a reexamination of how well the U. S. government, including both the executive branch and Congress, is organized to apply all instruments of national power to national security activities. The organizations and procedures used today to formulate strategy, support presidential decision-making, plan and execute missions, and budget for those ... |
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| Organizing for Homeland Security: The Homeland Security Council Reconsidered |
19-Mar-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Harold C Relyea; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush established the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council (HSC). In his June 2002 proposal for a Department of Homeland Security, President Bush appeared to anticipate the continued operation of both of these entities. However, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which mandated the new department, statutorily rechartered the HSC as an ... |
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| Merida Initiative: Proposed U.S. Anticrime and Counterdrug Assistance for Mexico and Central America |
18-Mar-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Colleen W Cook; Rebecca G Rush; Clare R Seelke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Increasing violence perpetrated by drug cartels, youth gangs, and other criminal groups is threatening citizen security and democracy in Mexico and Central America. Mexican and Central American government efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime have been hindered by inadequate resources, corruption, and weak judicial systems. On October 22, 2007, the United States and Mexico issued a joint statement announcing the Merida Initiative, a multi-year plan for U.S. assistance ... |
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| Paying for the War on Terror: Process and Budget Impacts |
15 MAR 2008 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Denise Atkins; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
|
| The United States is engaged in a long war against terror as a top national security priority. While initial response to the unexpected on September 2001 (9/11), terror attacks was clearly unfunded, the U.S. is still using "emergency" appropriations to fund ongoing operations as well as other non-emergency defense requirements. Since 2001 over $500B has been infused into defense programs and operations through supplemental appropriations, separate from funds provided through ... |
|
| Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq. Actions Needed to Address Inadequate Accountability over U.S. Efforts and Investments |
11 MAR 2008 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
|
| U.S. efforts in Iraq have relied extensively on contractors to undertake reconstruction projects and provide support to U.S. forces. However, a lack of well-defined requirements, poor business arrangements, and inadequate oversight and accountability have negatively affected reconstruction and support efforts. For example, in a July 2007 report, GAO found that DOD completed negotiation for task orders on an oil contract more than 6 months after the work commenced and most ... |
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| Defense or Development? A Decisive Question in Latin America |
05 MAR 2008 |
61 pages |
| Authors:
Esteban Guarda; ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
|
| The purpose of this work is to inform the reader about the recent past, present, and future tendency in the Latin American countries regarding the balance of expenditures between defense and development. First, this paper reviews the theory for establishing the concepts of defense expenditures and development/social expenditures, second, it analyzes the facts and possible relation in the expenses in defense and development in the countries, and finally, it identifies ... |
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| Revising the National Exercise Program |
01-Mar-2008 |
99 pages |
| Authors:
Daniel P Gleason; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The National Exercise Program serves as the primary means for training national leaders and department and agency staff members. Additionally, it serves in promoting collaboration among stakeholders and partners at all levels of government with homeland security missions. Although the National Strategy for Homeland Security directs a National Exercise Program and DHS codifies this program in doctrine, it is continually a work in progress. This paper identifies and discusses four ... |
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| Efficacy of Adjunctive Sleep Interventions for PTSD |
01-Mar-2008 |
19 pages |
| Authors:
SaAnne Germain; Eric A Nofzinger; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
| Since the last report we have successfully achieved all goals initially set in our statement of work and task timeline for the first 24 months of the award. Recruitment has been delayed and accrued at a slower pace than initially anticipated for clinician-initiated referrals. However we have rapidly changed our recruitment strategy and continue to seek opportunities to collaborate effective with our colleagues at the VAPHS to facilitate and enhance ... |
|
| What is Going to Move the Needle on Citizen Preparedness? Can America Create a Culture of Preparedness? |
MAR 2008 |
187 pages |
| Authors:
Annemarie Conroy; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The Federal Government has called for the creation of a Culture of Preparedness. A variety of studies have found that citizens are woefully unprepared for disasters. U.S. Citizens are no more prepared for disasters now than they were prior to Hurricane Katrina. This thesis identifies two major hurdles for a Culture of Preparedness in the United States: (1) changing government so that it embraces citizen preparedness as a forward deployment ... |
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| Personnel Clearances: Key Factors to Consider in Efforts to Reform Security Clearance Processes |
27 FEB 2008 |
22 pages |
| Authors:
Brenda S. Farrell; Jack E. Edwards; James P. Klein; Joanne Landesman; Charles Perdue; Karen D. Thornton; Stephen K. Woods; GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
|
| In 2004, Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act to reform security clearance processes. Much of GAO's experience in evaluating personnel security clearance processes over the decades has consisted of examining the Department of Defense's (DoD) program, which maintains about 2.5 million clearances on service members, DoD civilian employees, legislative branch employees, and industry personnel working for DoD and 23 other federal agencies. Long-standing delays in processing applications ... |
|
| Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: An Overview |
11-Feb-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Wendy H Schacht; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| A program of regional centers to assist small and medium-sized manufacturing companies use knowledge and technologies developed under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was created by P.L.100-418. The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that provide technical and managerial assistance to firms. Federal funding is matched by non-federal sources. Funding increased until FY1999, when support declined ... |
|
| Defense Business Transformation. Sustaining Progress Requires Continuity of Leadership and an Integrated Approach |
07 FEB 2008 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
|
| The Department of Defense (DOD) has stewardship over an unprecedented amount of taxpayer money--with about $546 billion in discretionary budget authority provided thus far in fiscal year 2008, and total reported obligations of about $492 billion to support ongoing operations and activities related to the Global War on Terrorism from September 11, 2001, through September 2007. Meanwhile, DOD is solely responsible for 8 high-risk areas identified by GAO and shares ... |
|
| America COMPETES Act: Programs, Funding, and Selected Issues |
22 JAN 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Deborah D. Stine; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| On August 2, 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES(Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology Education and Science) Act (H.R. 2272), which the President signed into law (P.L. 110-69) on August 9, 2007. The act responds to concerns that the United States may not be able to compete economically with other nations in the future due to insufficient investment today in science and technology research and science, technology, engineering, ... |
|
| Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress |
18 JAN 2008 |
|
| Authors:
John Rollins; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Fusion centers are state-created entities largely financed and staffed by the states, and there is no one "model" for how a center should be structured. State and local law enforcement and criminal intelligence seem to be at the core of many of the centers. Although many of the centers initially had purely counterterrorism goals, for numerous reasons, they have increasingly gravitated toward an all-crimes and even broader all-hazards approach. While ... |
|
| China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy |
09-Jan-2008 |
|
| Authors:
Marc Labonte; Wayne M Morrison; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Given its relatively low savings rate, the U.S. economy depends heavily on foreign capital inflows from countries with high savings rates (such as China) to help promote growth and to fund the federal budget deficit. China has intervened heavily in currency markets to limit the yuan's appreciation. As a result, China has become the world's largest and fastest growing holder of foreign exchange reserves (FER), which totaled $1.4 trillion as ... |
|
| How Crime in the United States is Measured |
03 JAN 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Nathan James; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Crime data collected through the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) are used by Congress to inform policy decisions and allocate federal criminal justice funding to states. As such, it is important to understand how each program collects and reports crime data, and the limitations associated with the data. This report reviews (1) the history of the UCR, the ... |
|
| A Time for Action: The Case for Interagency Deliberate Planning |
Jan-2008 |
43 pages |
| Authors:
Sami Said; Cameron G Holt; DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE WASHINGTON DC
|
| Current U.S. national security execution mechanisms, conceived and resourced for a Cold War security environment, now exhibit a systemic inability to achieve national strategic objectives in the dynamic post-Cold War era. This policy analysis proposes the statutory establishment of interagency deliberate planning as a necessary and practical first step to mature interagency execution. The primary purpose of this initial step is to evolve national-security-related operations from mere coordination of individual ... |
|
| U.S. Competitiveness in Science and Technology |
2008 |
|
| Authors:
Titus Galama; James Hosek; RAND NATIONAL DEFENSE RESEARCH INST SANTA MONICA CA
|
| The purpose of this report is to present and consider information related to whether the United States is losing its edge in science and technology (S&T). Claims have been made about insufficient expenditures on research and development (R&D) (particularly on basic research), problems with U.S. education in science and engineering (S&E), a shortage of S&E workers in the United States, increasing reliance on foreigners in the workforce, and decreasing attractiveness ... |
|
| Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class (CVN-21) Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress |
05 DEC 2007 |
|
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Navy's proposed FY2008 budget requested $2,724 million in procurement funding for CVN-78, the first ship in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class of aircraft carriers, also known as the CVN-21 class. The Navy's proposed FY2008 budget also requested $124 million in advance procurement funding for CVN-79, the second ship in the class, and $233 million in research and development funding for the two ships. The Navy s estimated procurement ... |
|
| Real Identification Act Requirements for State Issued Drivers' Licenses and Identification Cards: A Policy Analysis |
DEC 2007 |
73 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph A. Giuliani; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| State issued driver's licenses and identification (DL/ID) cards are commonly accepted in the U.S. as a valid form of identification, and once obtained allow the holder access to move about the country legally. In order to prevent terrorists from illegally obtaining state issued DL/ID cards the 9/11 commission recommended the federal government establish national standards for the state issuance of DL/ID cards. The federal government responded to this recommendation by ... |
|
| Defense Science Board Task Force on Directed Energy Weapons |
DEC 2007 |
98 pages |
| Authors:
Jr Schneider William; DEFENSE SCIENCE BOARD WASHINGTON DC
|
| Directed energy continues to offer promise as a transformational game changer as the Department of Defense (DOD) encounters new asymmetric and disruptive threats, while facing increasingly sophisticated traditional challenges. Yet years of investment have not resulted in any currently operational high-energy laser capability. In addition, the single high-energy laser program of record, the Airborne Laser (ABL) for boost phase missile defense, continues to experience delays and potential budget reductions. There ... |
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Reports by Keyword(s)
FEDERAL BUDGETS
