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SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program (SVOG) [Updated July 5, 2022]
From the Summary: "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs to assist their recovery from natural disasters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance their access to capital; management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion; and contracting programs to increase their opportunities in federal contracting. Congressional interest in the SBA's programs has always been high, but has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the U.S. economy. During the 116th Congress, in an effort to assist small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19, Congress approved legislation that provided the SBA $1.088 trillion in appropriations, a 35,282% increase over the $3.075 billion the SBA received during the 115th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Levin, Adam G.
2022-07-05
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Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences: The Safety Valve and Substantial Assistance Exceptions [Updated July 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The United States Code houses hundreds of offenses punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Although only a handful of these mandatory minimum offenses are prosecuted with any regularity, drug trafficking offenses accounted for over three-quarters of the total. Congress has created three procedures that make punishment for these offenses a little less mandatory. One, the so-called safety valve (18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)), permits a sentencing court to disregard a statutory minimum sentence for the benefit of a low-level, nonviolent, cooperative defendant with a minimal prior criminal record, convicted under several mandatory minimum controlled substance offenses. The other two, 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) and Rule 35(b) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, afford a sentencing court comparable latitude but only on the motion of the prosecutor, based on the defendant's substantial assistance to the government, and without regard to the offense charged."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2022-07-05
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Insurgency in Northern Mozambique: Nature and Responses [Updated July 5, 2022]
From the Document: "An armed Islamic State-linked insurgency in Mozambique's far north--launched in 2017 with an attack on several police posts in Cabo Delgado province--remains highly active and poses challenges to U.S. peace, security, and development goals in the country. The insurgency and state security responses to it have resulted in many serious human rights abuses and killings, widespread social trauma and property destruction, and massive population displacements, creating a complex humanitarian crisis. Insurgent attacks also prompted the French energy firm TotalEnergies (Total) to declare force majeure and suspend a $20 billion, partially U.S. government-financed natural gas processing project, one of several major projects designed to tap large gas fields discovered offshore in 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2022-07-05
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 1, 2022
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) is a government published scientific periodical series offering public health information. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths -- United States and 28 Other High-Income Countries, 2015 and 2019"; "Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guideline for Testing of Transplant Candidates Aged
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-07-01
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3512, Disaster Contract Improvement Act
From the Document: "S. 3512 would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group, consisting of representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Agriculture, state and local governments, and the debris services contractor industry. The working group would review current agency guidance on debris removal and implement revisions designed to streamline the contracting and debris removal process. Under the bill, FEMA also would disseminate the materials developed by the working group to state and local governments. The bill also would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the use and adoption rate of advance contracts for debris removal and recommend ways to improve the contracting process. Using information from FEMA and GAO about the cost of similar activities, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing S. 3512 would cost $1 million over the 2022-2027 period, most of which would be incurred in 2023 and 2024. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-07-01
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 4166, Technological Hazards Preparedness and Training Act of 2022
From the Document: "S. 4166 would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to provide state, local, and tribal governments with technical assistance and training to prepare for technological hazards and related emerging threats. The bill defines technological hazards as materials created by humans that pose a threat to the public and the environment. S. 4166 would require FEMA to conduct risk assessments and mapping to identify communities with the highest risk and report annually to the Congress on assistance provided to state, local, and tribal governments. S. 4166 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million in each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for those purposes. Using historical spending patterns, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing the bill would cost $40 million over the 2022-2027 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-07-01
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H. Rept. 117-396: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2023, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 8257, July 1, 2022
From the Document: "The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-07-01
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H. Rept. 117-397: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, Report to Accompany H.R. 7900, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, July 1, 2022
From the Purpose of the Legislation: "The bill would: (1) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for procurement and for research, development, test, and evaluation; (2) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for operation and maintenance and for working capital funds; (3) authorize for fiscal year 2023 the personnel strength for each Active Duty Component of the military departments, and the personnel strength for the Selected Reserve for each Reserve Component of the Armed Forces; (4) modify various elements of compensation for military personnel and impose certain requirements and limitations on personnel actions in the defense establishment; (5) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for military construction and family housing; (6) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for the Department of Energy national security programs; and (7) authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for the Maritime Administration."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-07-01
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated July 1, 2022]
From the Summary: "Israel has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas. A 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. Some Members of Congress have increased their scrutiny over Israel's use of U.S. security assistance, contributing to debate on the subject."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2022-07-01
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SCOTUS Bolsters State Criminal Jurisdiction on Tribal Lands [July 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Rejecting the view that states lack criminal jurisdiction on tribal reservations unless Congress specifically grants such jurisdiction, on June 29, 2022, the Supreme Court announced [hyperlink] in 'Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta' that 'the default is that States have criminal jurisdiction in Indian country unless that jurisdiction is preempted.' In practice, this decision will allow Oklahoma--and likely other states that choose to follow Oklahoma's lead--to prosecute crimes involving non-Indian perpetrators within reservations and other Indian lands, even when the victims are members of federally recognized tribes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwartz, Mainon A.
2022-07-01
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Cryptocurrency in 401(k) Retirement Plans [July 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Digital assets, which include cryptocurrencies, crypto-assets, or digital tokens, among others, are digital representations of value and are issued and transferred using distributed ledger or blockchain technology. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are among the most well-known cryptocurrencies. A November 2021 Pew Research Center and a March 2022 NBC [National Broadcasting Company] News poll found that around one-fifth of Americans indicated that they had invested, traded, or otherwise used cryptocurrency. In recent months, policymakers have paid increasing attention to the prospect of defined contribution (DC) pension plan participants being able to invest in cryptocurrency. While some contend that cryptocurrency in retirement accounts could benefit participants, others have expressed concern about its appropriateness as an investment option."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Topoleski, John J.; Myers, Elizabeth A. (Analyst in income security)
2022-07-01
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State Partnership Program: DOD Should Ensure Partner States Record Completed Activities and Clarify Appropriate Authorities, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "DOD views the SPP [State Partnership Program] as a critical tool for conducting security cooperation activities and establishing and sustaining relationships with international partners. Since 1993, the SPP has expanded from 15 to 93 partner nations across six combatant commands. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review DOD's oversight and resourcing of the SPP. This report describes 1) how the NGB [National Guard Bureau] has prioritized SPP funding; and evaluates the extent to which: 2) partner states have recorded completed SPP activities in a timely manner, and 3) DOD has addressed SPP stakeholders' understanding about which statutory authorities to apply when conducting SPP activities. [...] GAO is making two recommendations to DOD to prioritize partner states' timely recording of completed SPP activities, and to set a time frame for clarifying the use of statutory authorities that apply to SPP activities. DOD concurred with both recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Federal Spending Transparency: OIGs Identified a Variety of Issues with the Quality of Agencies' Data Submissions, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "One of the purposes of the DATA Act [Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014] is to increase accountability and transparency of federal spending. The act required OIGs [Offices of Inspector Generals] to issue three reports evaluating the completeness, timeliness, quality, and accuracy of each agency's spending data and its implementation and use of applicable data standards. The act also includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the OIG reports and to assess and compare the completeness, timeliness, quality, and accuracy of federal agencies' submitted data and their implementation and use of data standards. This is the third GAO review of the OIG reports. This report summarizes the results in the 57 reports OIGs issued on or before December 31, 2021, assessing the quality of agencies' federal spending data. [...] In March 2022, GAO recommended [hyperlink] that Congress consider amending the DATA Act to extend the requirement for OIGs to review the completeness, timeliness, quality, and accuracy of their agencies' data submissions periodically. GAO is not making recommendations in this report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: July 2022
This July 2022 edition of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin contains the following content: "Hewitt, Texas, Police Department"; "Rochester, Illinois, Police Department"; "Leveraging Data to Predict Outcomes in Hostage and Barricade Incidents"; "Bulletin Notes"; "Leadership Spotlight: The Connected Leader"; "Perspective: Benefits of a Youth Leadership Academy"; "The FBI Laboratory's Bank Robbery Note File."
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2022-07
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How Did Federal Aid to States and Localities Affect Testing and Vaccine Delivery?
From the Abstract: "We estimate whether federal aid for state and local governments played a role in advancing population testing for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and the administration of vaccines. To overcome biases that can result from the endogeneity of federal aid allocations, we use an instrumental-variables estimator reliant on the substantial variation in federal aid predicted by variation in states' congressional representation. We find that federal fiscal assistance dollars had a modest if any impact on the pace of vaccine rollouts, may have improved the equitability of vaccine administration, and had a substantial impact on the volume of tests administered. Regarding the total number of vaccines delivered, we estimate that an additional $1,000 in fiscal relief per resident, which would amount to $330 billion nationwide, translated into just under 1,200 extra doses of the vaccine being delivered per 100,000 people, with the upper bound of our confidence interval suggesting that we can rule out effects in excess of 7,030 extra doses per 100,000 people. We find that federal dollars predict a smaller gap between the vaccination rates of those with a college education relative to those with a high school education. Finally, our baseline estimate implies that each $1,000 in COVID-19 relief aid per capita generated 55,850 additional tests per 100,000 people."
National Bureau of Economic Research
Clemens, Jeffrey; Hoxie, Philip; Kearns, John . . .
2022-07
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Contact Tracing for Air Travel: CDC's Data System Needs Substantial Improvement
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has underscored the importance of public health measures aimed at controlling the transmission of communicable diseases. Air travel can play a role in quickly spreading communicable diseases across the world and throughout communities. Given this potential, contact tracing for air passengers is an important measure for protecting public health. GAO was asked to examine CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]'s process for collecting and managing air passengers' contact information to facilitate contact tracing. This report addresses: (1) the factors that affect CDC's ability to collect this information, (2) recent actions CDC has taken to improve the quality of the information it collects, and (3) how effectively it collects and manages this information. GAO reviewed relevant federal documentation, including regulations, orders, technical guidance, and public comments, as well as available CDC data. GAO also interviewed officials from CDC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and selected representatives from the aviation, travel, and public health industries."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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2020 Elections: State and Local Perspectives on Election Administration During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Highlights: "Election officials faced unprecedented challenges in conducting the 2020 elections during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act provided $400 million in grants for states to use to prevent, prepare for, and respond to issues related to the pandemic for the 2020 federal election cycle. The EAC [U.S.
Election Assistance Commission] was responsible for administering the grants. In addition, the EAC serves as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of federal elections. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report describes (1) the steps states and local jurisdictions took to prepare for and conduct elections in 2020 during the pandemic and the challenges they reported facing, (2) how states and local jurisdictions reported using CARES Act grant funding, and the challenges they reported facing, and (3) what EAC resources and guidance states and local jurisdictions used and their perspectives on such assistance. To address all three objectives, GAO conducted two web-based surveys of election officials. One survey was administered to election offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and achieved a response rate of 84 percent. The other survey was administered to a sample of 829 local election jurisdictions. The survey achieved a weighted response rate of 47 percent, and the design and analysis allows GAO to provide national estimates of the perspectives of local election officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Expanding Capacity for Vaccines Against Covid-19 and Future Pandemics: A Review of Economic Issues
From the Abstract: "We review economic arguments for using public policy to accelerate vaccine supply during a pandemic. Rapidly vaccinating a large share of the global population helps avoid economic, mortality, and social losses, which in the case of Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] mounted into trillions of dollars. However, pharmaceutical firms are unlikely to have private incentives to invest in vaccine capacity at the socially optimal scale and speed. The socially optimal level of public spending may cause some sticker shock but--as epitomized by the tagline 'spending billions to save trillions'--is eclipsed by the benefits and can be restrained with the help of careful policy design and advance preparations. Capacity is so valuable during a pandemic that fractional dosing and other measures to stretch available capacity should be explored."
University of Chicago. Development Innovation Lab; Becker Friedman Institute. Development Economics Center
Athey, Susan; Castillo, Juan-Camilo; Kremer, Michael, 1964- . . .
2022-07
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Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities: Federal Programs Provide Support for Preventing Falls, but Program Reach is Limited, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Studies report that each year, about one in four older adults--many of whom may also have a disability-- suffers a fall. According to CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], falls were the leading cause of death from unintentional injury among older adults in 2020. They cost billions of dollars in medical expenses. However, studies also show that assessing and modifying the home environment or using other interventions can help prevent falls. This report examines (1) what federal programs are designed to provide evidence-based falls prevention, home assessments, or home modifications for older adults and adults with disabilities and what do national data indicate about those at greatest risk of falls, (2) what do federal agencies know about how these programs affect participants' health, and (3) to what extent do federal agencies coordinate their efforts and provide consumer information to those at risk of falls. GAO [Government Accountability Office] analyzed CDC falls data from 2020, the most recent data available, and surveyed relevant federal programs. GAO interviewed officials from national aging and disability organizations; and reviewed studies of federal programs, falls prevention resources, and relevant federal laws and regulations. [...] GAO is making three recommendations, including that CDC examine falls data for adults of various ages and that ACL facilitate additional information sharing across federal programs and among its disability network. The agencies concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Nuclear Waste Cleanup: DOE's Efforts to Manage Depleted Uranium Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "EM [Office of Environmental Management] is responsible for cleaning up the nuclear waste left behind at two former federal uranium enrichment sites (Portsmouth, in Ohio, and Paducah, in Kentucky). One of the cleanup-related activities is the conversion of DUF6 [depleted uranium hexafluoride]--a highly corrosive by-product of the uranium enrichment process that can be dangerous to human health and the environment--into depleted uranium oxide. This is a more stable chemical form of depleted uranium that can be disposed of or reused. The conversion facilities began operating at Portsmouth in 2010 and Paducah in 2011, but both facilities stopped conversion operations in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Senate Report 117-39 accompanying S. 2792, a bill for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the two conversion facilities. This report examines (1) EM's response to the facilities' COVID-19 shutdown and effects on the facilities' cost and schedule estimates, (2) EM's agreements to provide DUF6 to other entities, and (3) EM's plans for depleted uranium oxide and hydrofluoric acid. GAO reviewed project documentation, transfer and sales agreements, and legislation; and interviewed EM and National Nuclear Security Administration officials, state regulators, and representatives for the disposal facilities. [...] Congress should consider clarifying DOE's [Department of Energy's] authority to sell depleted uranium, as well as any conditions connected to such sales. DOE did not comment on this report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Case Study of What Was at Stake During the USS Roosevelt's COVID-19 Outbreak: Navigating the Tensions of Leading Under Conditions of Crisis and Uncertainty
From the Abstract: "This article examines two leadership cases of Captain Brett Crozier and Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly during the crisis caused by Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] conditions aboard the USS [United States ship] Theodore Roosevelt. Based on consideration of over 1,400 definitions of leadership and examining leadership literature published in the 10 top-tier journals between 2000-2020, the research team further explored 74 leadership domains. Transformational, adaptive, authentic, destructive, and toxic leadership were selected as frameworks for analysis of the cases. The study showed that Crozier's leadership aligned more with adaptive, authentic, and transformational frameworks while Modly's words and actions embodied more elements of transactional, destructive, and toxic leadership. In the face of ethical and leadership challenges, Modly and the Navy put forth shifting narratives and justifications for their actions, while Crozier's message remained steadfast and clear. The study concludes by noting how Crozier's values and actions hold more promise for leading under conditions of crisis and uncertainty by modeling classical Aristotelian concepts of arete and phronesis--dimensions of ethos--accounting for how individuals respond to critical moments in the life of a community in authentic, adaptive, and transformational ways."
Air University (U.S.). Press
Hinck, John M.; Davis, Steven B.; Hinck, Edward A.
2022-07
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Research Reliability: Federal Actions Needed to Promote Stronger Research Practices, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "In 2019, the U.S. government funded more than $42 billion in basic scientific research across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Unsuccessful attempts to reproduce and replicate research results have been documented across many scientific disciplines, including those funded by NASA, NIH [National Institutes of Health], and NSF [National Science Foundation]. The scientific community has expressed concern over the difficulty of replicating prior research results. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review strategies to improve the reliability of federally funded research. Among other things, this report (1) examines what actions, according to experts, federal agencies could take to foster rigor and transparency in the research they fund; and (2) assesses the extent to which selected federal science funding agencies have taken actions to improve rigor and transparency."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Persistent Chemicals: Technologies for PFAS Assessment, Detection, and Treatment, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances] are a large group of heat and stain resistant chemicals, first developed in the 1940s. PFAS are used in a wide range of products, including carpet, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam used at airports and military bases. PFAS can persist in the environment, including in water, soil, and air, for decades or longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that most people in the U.S. have been exposed to two of the most widely studied PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Both have been linked to human health problems. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to conduct a technology assessment on PFAS assessment, detection, and treatment. This report examines (1) technologies for more efficient assessments of the adverse health effects of PFAS and alternative substances; (2) the benefits and challenges of current and emerging technologies for PFAS detection and treatment; and (3) policy options that could help enhance benefits and mitigate challenges associated with these technologies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Enhance IT Program Implementation, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The U.S. Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, relies extensively on IT [information technology] systems and services to carry out its 11 statutory missions. It also relies on operational technology, which encompasses a broad range of programmable systems or devices that interact with the physical environment, such as sensors and radar. Historically, the Coast Guard has had longstanding issues managing its technology resources. As such, it plans to spend $93 million to improve the reliability and performance of these resources in fiscal year 2022. The 'William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021' included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review several aspects of the Coast Guard's IT program. This report addresses, among other things, the extent to which the Coast Guard (1) has a process to plan for network capacity; (2) has cybersecurity risk management processes for IT and for operational technology; and (3) has incorporated federal requirements in its strategy for cloud computing."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Air Travel and Communicable Diseases: Federal Leadership Needed to Advance Research, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has intensified ongoing concerns about air travel's role in spreading disease and raised questions about the safety of passengers and crew. Research that could provide quality information on communicable diseases in air travel can help to protect public health. The CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to monitor and report on federal efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. GAO was also asked to review research on disease transmission in air travel. This report examines: (1) the status of research on communicable diseases in air travel, including stakeholders' views on additional needed research and challenges to conducting it, and (2) the extent to which FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] and other federal agencies are advancing such research."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Credit Reform: Transparency Needed for Evaluation of Potential Federal Involvement in Projects Seeking Loans, Report to the Chairman, Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "FCRA [Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990] was enacted to improve the accuracy of the cost of federal credit programs reported in the federal budget, among other things. It requires agencies to measure the government's cost of federal credit programs over the length of a loan. This facilitates better cost comparisons between credit and noncredit programs. FCRA applies only to loans and loan guarantees made to non-federal borrowers. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how the non-federal borrower concept is applied in practice. This report examines (1) OMB's [Office of Management and Budget] policies for evaluating whether federal loan programs would potentially fund a federal borrower or federal activities; and (2) processes that selected agencies--EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Transportation--use to screen loan applications for potential federal activities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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U.S. Courts: Action Needed to Improve IT Management and Establish a Chief Information Officer, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts relies on IT [information technology] systems to manage information to support its lines of business. These lines of business include case management, court administration, and probation and pretrial services. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Office's IT management. This report evaluates, among other things, the extent to which the Office (1) implemented selected leading IT workforce planning and management practices, (2) implemented selected best practices for planning and managing IT projects, and (3) has a CIO [Chief Information Officer] with the authority to exercise enterprise control and oversight of the Office's IT workforce and project portfolio."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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National Highways: Analysis of Available Data Could Better Ensure Equitable Pavement Condition, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The National Highway System is key to the nation's economy, defense, and mobility. It comprises approximately 220,000 miles of roads and accounts for about 54 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. Poor pavement condition on National Highway System roads could pose safety issues and impede the flow of traffic. House Report 116-106 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review issues related to pavement condition of the National Highway System. This report assesses the extent to which: (1) pavement condition varies on the National Highway System and (2) FHWA [Federal Highway Administration] assesses National Highway System pavement condition within states, such as at the local level."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
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Trafficking in Persons Report, July 2022
From the Document: "Survivors of human trafficking play a vital role in combating this crime. Their perspective and experience should be taken into consideration to better address this crime and to craft a better response to it. [...] The goal of this introduction is to highlight and emphasize the importance of meaningful survivor engagement - specifically with experts with lived experience of human trafficking for whom sufficient time has passed since their victimization - and to share context, lessons learned, and guidance to governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector entities, and other stakeholders who wish to further their survivor engagement efforts. While many anti-trafficking stakeholders have long consulted survivors in their work, it is imperative that this engagement be done in a responsible and meaningful way and that stakeholders develop and improve upon their approaches to doing so. This effort will bolster inclusivity, help prevent sensationalism, and reduce potential re-traumatization of survivors. It will also promote more effective criminal justice responses that provide remedies for victims and survivors and help prevent trafficking crimes. This year's introduction seeks to establish a solid foundation for how to responsibly engage survivors through trauma-informed approaches that promote transparency, trust, equity, inclusivity, and commitment to collaboration."
United States. Department of State
2022-07
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World Trade Center Health Program: Quality Assurance Program Should Include Monitoring of Access to Health Services, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The World Trade Center Health Program provides health services, such as monitoring and treatment for conditions related to the September 11, 2001, attacks, through clinics in the New York City area and the NPN [Nationwide Provider Network]. The program is required to ensure reasonable access to health services through the NPN. However, program stakeholders have reported delays with members' access to these services. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the World Trade Center Health Program. This report examines the extent to which (1) program spending on health services increased, and (2) NIOSH's quality assurance efforts included assessing the timeliness of access to health services for members through the NPN. GAO analyzed data on claims paid by the program. GAO also interviewed NIOSH [National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health] officials and reviewed program documents on its quality assurance governance structure and strategic priorities. [...] GAO is making three recommendations to NIOSH: (1) add ensuring timely access to health services as a program strategic priority, (2) establish metrics for assessing the timeliness of access to health services through the NPN, and (3) ensure that the Quality Assurance Committee review metric data. The agency concurred with our recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-07
