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End of Affordable Housing? A Review of the Trump Administration's Plans to Change Housing Finance in America, Hearing Before the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, October 22, 2019

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This is the October 22, 2019 hearing on "End of Affordable Housing? A Review of the Trump Administration's Plans to Change Housing Finance in America," held before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. From the opening statement of Maxine Waters: "Let me say upfront that the Trump Administration's housing finance reform plan would be disastrous for our housing systems. The Trump Administration is threatening to end the conservatorship of the Government-Sponsored-Enterprise (GSEs) without congressional action to provide an explicit government guarantee. If implemented in this way, it is likely it would create turmoil in the housing market, prevent many Americans from obtaining 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, and block families across the country from attaining the American Dream of homeownership." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark A. Calabria, Benjamin S., Carson, Sr., and Steven T. Mnuchin.

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020
Vulnerable Youth: Background and Policies [October 1, 2012]

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From the Introduction: "Congress has long been concerned about the well-being of youth. The nation's future depends on young people today to leave school prepared for college or the workplace and to begin to make positive contributions to society. Some youth, however, face barriers to becoming contributing taxpayers, workers, and participants in civic life. These youth have characteristics or experiences that put them at risk of developing problem behaviors and outcomes that have the potential to harm their community, themselves, or both. […] The federal government has not adopted a single overarching federal policy or legislative vehicle that addresses the challenges at-risk youth experience in adolescence or while making the transition to adulthood. Rather, federal youth policy today has evolved from multiple programs established in the early 20th century and expanded through Great Society initiatives. These programs, concentrated in six areas--workforce development, education, juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, social services, public health, and national and community service--provide vulnerable youth with opportunities to develop skills that will assist them in adulthood. […] This report first provides an overview of the youth population and the increasing complexity of transitioning to adulthood for all adolescents. It also provides a separate discussion of the concept of 'disconnectedness,' as well as the protective factors youth can develop during childhood and adolescence that can mitigate poor outcomes. Further, the report describes the evolution of federal youth policy, focusing on three time periods, and provides a brief overview of current federal programs targeted at vulnerable youth. […] The report then discusses the challenges of coordinating federal programs for youth, as well as federal legislation and initiatives that promote coordination among federal agencies and support programs with a positive youth development focus."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.

2012-10-01
U.S.-China Relations: Policy Issues [August 2, 2012]

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From the Summary: "Congress faces important questions about what sort of relationship the United States should have with China and how the United States should respond to China's 'rise.' After 30 years of fast-paced economic growth, China's economy is now the second largest in the world after the United States. With economic success, China has developed significant global strategic clout. It is also engaged in an ambitious military modernization drive, including efforts to develop extended-range power projection capabilities and such advanced weapons as a 'carrier killer' anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). At home, it continues to suppress all perceived challenges to the Communist Party's monopoly on power. […] The United States has differed with China over approaches to combating climate change, while cooperating with China in the development of clean energy technologies. Human rights remains one of the thorniest areas of the relationship, with the United States pressing China to ease restrictions on freedom of speech, internet freedom, religious and ethnic minorities, and labor rights, and China's leaders suspicious that the United States' real goal is to end Communist Party rule. This report opens with an overview of the U.S.-China relationship and Obama Administration policy toward China, followed by a review of recent developments in the relationship. A summary of major policy issues in the relationship follows. Throughout, this report directs the reader to other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports for more detailed information about individual topics. This report will be updated periodically."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lawrence, Susan V.

2012-08-02
Appendix A: Additional Accomplishments, Activities, and Outreach [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "This appendix details program and policy advances the Department of Defense (DoD) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) completed during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 (FY20) in addition to those discussed in the main body of the FY20 Annual Report."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics [February 26, 2010]

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From the Summary: "This report is written in response to numerous requests for war casualty statistics and lists of war dead. It provides tables, compiled by sources at the Department of Defense (DOD), indicating the number of casualties among American military personnel serving in principal wars and combat actions. Wars covered include the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Persian Gulf War. Military operations covered include the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission, Lebanon Peacekeeping, Urgent Fury in Grenada, Just Cause in Panama, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Restore Hope in Somalia, Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and the ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). For the more recent conflicts, starting with the Korean War, more detailed information on types of casualties, and, when available, demographics have been included. This report also cites sources of published lists of military personnel killed in principal wars and combat actions. This report will be updated as events warrant."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Leland, Anne; Oboroceanu, Mari-Jana

2010-02-26
Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF): Summary and Issue Overview [August 1, 2012]

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From the Summary: "The new Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF), established by Congress in December 2011, responds to long-standing congressional concerns that the U.S. government needs to address multiple deficiencies that have undermined interagency efforts abroad, in particular efforts to meet emergent challenges. Created as a four-year pilot project by the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 112-81), Section 1207, the GSCF is jointly administered and funded by the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD). The GSCF provides resources for training and other support to enable foreign military and security forces to conduct security and counterterrorism operations and participate in coalition operations, as well as for justice sector, rule of law, and stabilization programs. […] In its February 2012 FY2013 budget submission, the State Department requested a $25 million GSCF appropriation, and $50 million in transfer authority. DOD did not request an appropriation or any new transfer authority. Issues that Congress may choose to consider include the State Department's ability and capacity to lead GSCF activities; possible funding and flexibility drawbacks for DOD; the desirability of providing DOD with authority to train non-military security forces, including law enforcement; and the potential effectiveness of GSCF programs in the absence of a strategy for security assistance. In the context of FY2013 appropriations action, Congress may consider whether to provide a specific GSCF appropriation. The Senate version of the FY2013 Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Appropriations Act (S. 3241) would appropriate $25 million to the GSCF."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Serafino, Nina M.

2012-08-01
Islamist Extremism in Europe [January 6, 2006]

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From the Summary: "Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities are investigating suspected Al Qaeda support to the British perpetrators of the July 7, 2005, terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31612, 'European Counterterrorist Efforts: Political Will and Diverse Responses in the First Year after September 11', and CRS Report RL33166, 'Muslims in Europe: Integration in Selected Countries', by Paul Gallis."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Archick, Kristin; Rollins, John; Woehrel, Steven J.

2006-01-06
Islamic Religious Schools, 'Madrasas': Background [January 10, 2006]

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From the Summary: "Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic religious schools known as 'madrasas' (or 'madrassahs') in the Middle East, Central, and Southeast Asia have been of increasing interest to U.S. policy makers. Some allege ties between madrasas and terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda, and assert that these religious schools promote Islamic extremism and militancy. Others maintain that most madrasas have been blamed unfairly for fostering anti-Americanism and for producing terrorists. This report provides an overview of madrasas, their role in the Muslim world, and issues related to their alleged links to terrorism. The report also addresses the findings of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the '9/11 Commission') and issues relevant to the second session of the 109th Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Blanchard, Christopher M.

2006-01-10
Uzbekistan's Closure of the Airbase at Karshi-Khanabad: Context and Implications [January 11, 2006]

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From the Summary: "In late July 2005, Uzbekistan terminated an agreement permitting U.S. forces to use the Karshi-Khanabad (K2) airbase in the southern part of the country to support coalition military operations in Afghanistan. U.S. forces left the base by late November 2005. Major concerns include whether cooler security ties with Uzbekistan will set back the U.S.-led Global War on Terrorism and other U.S. interests in Central Asia. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22161, 'Unrest in Uzbekistan', by Jim Nichol."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Nichol, James P.

2006-01-11
Military Space Programs: Issues Concerning DOD's SBIRS and STSS Programs [January 4, 2006]

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From the Summary: "The Department of Defense's (DOD's) programs to develop new satellites to alert U.S. military commanders to foreign missile launches, and to support missile defense objectives, are controversial because of cost growth and schedule slippage. SBIRS [Space-Based InfraRed System]-High, managed by the Air Force, would replace existing Defense Support Program 'early warning' satellites. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS, formerly SBIRS-Low), managed by the Missile Defense Agency, would perform missile tracking and target discrimination for missile defense objectives. The SBIRS-High program has breached Nunn-McCurdy cost growth limits several times, and the program is being restructured again. This report will be updated."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Marcia S.

2006-01-04
Costs of Major U.S. Wars [June 29, 2010]

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From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report provides estimates of the costs of major U.S. wars from the American Revolution through current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. It presents figures both in 'current year dollars,' that is, in prices in effect at the time of each war, and in inflation-adjusted 'constant dollars' updated to the most recently available estimates of FY2011 prices. All estimates are of the costs of military operations only and do not include costs of veterans benefits, interest paid for borrowing money to finance wars, or assistance to allies. The report also provides estimates of the cost of each war as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the peak year of each conflict and of overall defense spending as a share of GDP at the peak. Comparisons of war costs over a 230-year period, however, are inherently problematic. One problem is how to separate costs of military operations from costs of forces in peacetime. In recent years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has tried to identify the additional 'incremental' expenses of engaging in military operations, over and above the costs of maintaining standing military forces. Figures used in this report for the costs of the Vietnam War and of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War are official DOD estimates of the incremental costs of each conflict. Costs of post-9/11 military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere are estimates of amounts appropriated to cover war-related expenses. These amounts appear to reflect a broader definition of war-related expenditures than earlier DOD estimates of incremental Vietnam or Persian Gulf War costs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Daggett, Stephen

2010-06-29
Urban Serach and Rescue Task Forces: Facts and Issues [January 5, 2006]

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From the Summary: "Since the early 1990s, Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces have been certified, trained, and funded by the federal government. Twenty-eight task forces are located throughout the United States. When the President issues a major disaster declaration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials may call out the task force (or forces) in closest proximity to the disaster to help locate and extricate victims from collapsed buildings and structures. The task forces represent a partnership involving federal, local government, and private sector experts. Over $100 million in federal funds have been provided in recent years to equip, train, and assist the task forces that are considered to be part of the federal emergency response network. This report provides basic information on the task forces, presents some issues that might be addressed by Congress, and will be updated as circumstances warrant."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bea, Keith

2006-01-05
U.S. Arms Sales: Agreements With and Deliveries to Major Clients, 2004-2011 [September 19, 2012]

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From the Summary: "This report provides background data on U.S. arms sales agreements with and deliveries to its major purchasers during 'calendar years' 2004-2011, made through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. In a series of data tables, it lists the total dollar values of U.S. government-to-government arms sales 'agreements' with its top five purchasers, and the total dollar values of U.S. arms 'deliveries' to those purchasers, in five specific regions of the world for three specific periods: 2004-2007, 2008-2011, and 2011 alone. In addition, the report provides data tables listing the total dollar values of U.S. government-to-government arms 'agreements' with and 'deliveries' to its top 10 purchasers 'worldwide' for the periods 2004-2007, 2008-2011, and for 2011 alone. This report is prepared in conjunction with CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R42678, 'Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 2004-2011,' by Richard F. Grimmett and Paul K. Kerr. That annual report details both U.S. and foreign arms transfer activities globally and provides analysis of arms trade trends. The intent here is to complement that elaborate 'worldwide' treatment of the international arms trade by focusing exclusively on U.S. arms sales and deliveries, and providing the names of the major U.S. arms customers, by region, together with the total dollar values of their arms purchases or deliveries for the calendar years 2004-2007, 2008-2011, and 2011."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Grimmett, Richard F.

2012-09-19
U.S. International Borders: Brief Facts [January 18, 2006]

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From the Summary: "The terrorist attacks of 2001 and continued threats of future attacks have directed the attention of Congress to border related issues. This report provides information on the international boundaries that the United States shares with Canada and Mexico. Included is data on land and water boundaries for the northern Canadian border and the southern Mexican border, as well as the international boundaries for the U.S. states that border these countries. Coastline figures for the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the Great Lakes, and extraterritorial areas are also included. For additional information on current border security issues, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22026, 'Border Security: Fences Along the U.S. International Border'; CRS Report RL33106, 'Border Security and the Southwest Border: Background, Legislation, and Issues'; CRS Report RL31826, 'Protecting Our Perimeter: 'Border Searches' under the Fourth Amendment'; and CRS Report RL32399, 'Border Security: Inspections Practices, Policies, and Issues'. This report will be updated as needed."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Torreon, Barbara Salazar

2006-01-18
Appendix B: Statistical Data on Sexual Assault [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Purpose: "The Department of Defense (DoD) collects data on sexual assault to inform Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) policy, program development, and oversight actions. Congress requires DoD to supply data about sexual assault reports and the outcome of sexual assault investigations. Each year, the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Office (SAPRO) aggregates data on reports of sexual assault, analyzes the results, and presents them in this report."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
H. Rept. 116-671, Part 1: Disadvantaged Community Drinking Water Assistance Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 5347, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, December 18, 2020

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From the Document: "The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 5347) to require the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to close gaps in access to safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities, and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-18
Appendix C: Metrics and Non-Metrics on Sexual Assault [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "In collaboration with the White House, the Department of Defense (DoD) developed the following metrics and 'non-metrics' in 2014 to help illustrate and assess DoD's progress in sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR). As part of the development process, DoD examined sexual assault programs throughout the nation to identify potential points of analysis. Unfortunately, DoD could not find widely accepted, population-based metrics to serve as a reference. Therefore, in a collaborative process involving DoD SAPR program experts and researchers, DoD developed the following 11 metrics and six non-metrics. For the purposes of this document, the term 'metric' describes a quantifiable part of a system's function. Inherent in performance metrics is the concept that there may be a positive or negative valence associated with such measurements. In addition, adjustments in inputs to a process may allow an entity to influence a metric in a desired direction. For example, DoD aspires to encourage greater reporting of sexual assault by putting policies and resources in place. Therefore, an increase in the number of sexual assaults reported may indicate that DoD's efforts may be working. DoD uses the term 'non-metric' to describe outputs of the military justice system that should not be 'influenced,' or be considered as having a positive or negative valence in that doing so may be inappropriate or unlawful under military law. Figures A through BB illustrate points of analysis for metrics and non-metrics."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
Appendix D: Aggregate DoD Data Matrices [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "The data on this page is raw, uninvestigated information about allegations received during FY20. These Reports may not be fully investigated by the end of the fiscal year. This data is drawn from Defense Sexual Assault Database (DSAID) based on Service affiliation of the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) who currently manages the Victim case."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
Appendix F: Sexual Harassment Assessment [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "Sexual harassment has no place in the Department of Defense (DoD). In policy and in practice, DoD strives to provide an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all Service members and civilian employees--and an environment free from sexually harassing behaviors. DoD's goal is to provide the highest-quality response and to hold offenders appropriately accountable. All Service members and civilian employees who experience sexual harassment should feel free to report the behavior without fear of reprisal or retaliation. This appendix provides an overview of complaints of sexual harassment received by the Military Services in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 (FY20), from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
Appendix E: Safe Helpline Data [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline (SHL) provides crisis intervention, support, information, and referrals to resources for members of the DoD community who experience sexual assault. The service is confidential, anonymous, secure, and available at all times. Its availability ensures that everyone impacted by sexual assault has a place to safely talk about their experiences, express concerns, and obtain information. As such, this resource provides Service members and their families a key source of support, particularly for those who might not otherwise reach out for help through face-to-face military channels. DoD leverages SHL as an accessible point-of-entry for the military community that facilitates sexual assault reporting to Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates (SAPR VAs) and other forms of assistance. This summary provides an overview of users served and services provided by SHL in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 (FY20)."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
Appendix G: Domestic Abuse-Related Sexual Assault [Fiscal Year 2020]

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From the Document: "The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is the congressionally mandated Department of Defense (DoD) program responsible for providing clinical assessment, support, and treatment services in response to reported incidents of domestic abuse in military families. Sexual assault occurring within the context of a marriage or intimate partner relationship (sexual abuse) is a subset of domestic abuse."

United States. Department of Defense. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

2021-05-13?
America for Sale? An Examination of the Practices of Private Funds, Hearing Before the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, November 19, 2019

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This is the November 19, 2019 hearing on "America for Sale? An Examination of the Practices of Private Funds," held before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. From the opening statement of Maxine Waters: "Today, this committee convenes for a hearing to examine the impact of private funds on businesses and workers. While there are some examples of private equity firms playing a beneficial role in the U.S. economy, there are far too many examples of private equity firms destroying companies, and preying on hardworking Americans to maximize their profits. Today, we are going to take a hard look at those practices and examine whether Congress should take action to prevent the drastic increase from the $250 million it spent in 2009 on those industries." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Eileen Appelbaum, Giovanna De La Rosa, Drew Maloney, Wayne Moore, and Brett Palmer.

United States. Government Publishing Office

2021
Cost-Benefit and Other Analysis Requirements in the Rulemaking Process [August 30, 2011]

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"Regulatory analytical requirements (e.g., cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis) have been established incrementally during the last 40 to 50 years through a series of presidential and congressional initiatives. The current set of requirements includes Executive Order 12866 and OMB [Office of Management and Budget] Circular A-4, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). These requirements vary in terms of the agencies and rules they cover, and the types of analyses that are required. The most extensive and broadly applicable of the requirements are in Executive Order 12866 and OMB Circular A-4, but they do not apply to independent regulatory agencies. The statutes that provide rule-making authority to independent regulatory agencies often require them to 'consider' regulatory costs and benefits, but do not specifically require cost-benefit analysis. An Office of Management and Budget report indicated that independent regulatory agencies did not estimate both costs and benefits for any of the major rules they issued in FY2010. […] Another more comprehensive approach could be to consolidate all of the analytical requirements in one place, and perhaps expand those requirements to include more agencies or rules, or to require different types of analysis. To do so, or to simply cover independent regulatory agencies by the executive order, the President could arguably amend Executive Order 12866 and OMB Circular A-4, or Congress could enact legislation. Any such changes must be cognizant of the state of existing law in this area, and the resources and data required for agencies to carry out the analyses. This report will not be updated."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Copeland, Curtis W.

2011-08-30
Public Law 116-224: Save Our Seas 2.0 Act

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From the Document: "An Act [t]o improve efforts to combat marine debris, and for other purposes."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-23
DNA Databanking: Selected Fourth Amendment Issues and Analysis [August 16, 2011]

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"Over the past few decades, state and federal lawmakers have promoted the development of databases containing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profiles for individuals who are under the supervision of the criminal justice system due to their known or suspected involvement in a felony or other qualifying crime. Congress has demonstrated concern toward some aspects of DNA databanking by requiring expungement of a DNA profile in certain circumstances, prohibiting most non-forensic uses of DNA profiles and databases, and restricting familial searching. However, in general, Congress has taken a supportive attitude toward DNA databanking and has incentivized the development, expansion, and integration of DNA databases. […] Unlike some state DNA databases, the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) can not be used for either non-forensic research or intentional familial searching. However, the increase in states that authorize familial searching suggests that it may not be long before the constitutionality of familial searching comes before a federal court. As these issues percolate up to the courts, new advances and revelations in the science of forensic analysis and databanking may have potentially significant legal implications. Several courts have suggested that new forensic techniques and scientific findings would require them to reevaluate their legal conclusions and analysis. In particular, research into the scope and nature of the information revealed by the 'junk' DNA used in forensic analysis may alter how courts measure the intrusiveness of DNA profiling if it suggests that 'junk' DNA reveals more sensitive information about its source than scientists previously thought."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Barbour, Emily C.

2011-08-16
Ship Utilization in Support of the Global War on Terror

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"We evaluated the effectiveness of policies and procedures used to ensure that activated Government-owned and -chartered vessels were used to the maximum extent prior to procuring commercial transportation to Southwest Asia. We assessed the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) policies for selecting the most cost-efficient vessel by reviewing the existing United Services Contract for commercial liner services and reviewing records for 249 USTRANSCOM ship movements in support of the Global War on Terror. We also reviewed Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) recommendations made to USTRANSCOM on transporting DoD cargo to Southwest Asia. USTRANSCOM's commercial vessel selection process does not evaluate whether a liner or charter vessel is the most cost-effective alternative. Also, USTRANSCOM officials do not document Southwest Asia vessel selection rationale when selecting from SDDC recommendations. SDDC does not enforce penalties for late delivery of cargo under the Universal Service Contract-5. USTRANSCOM has no formal process to implement or document DoD requirements to annually size the United States sealift fleet in order to meet peacetime, contingency, and projected wartime requirements. We identified internal control weaknesses for the USTRANSCOM vessel selection process and for SDDC relating to the absence of contract management controls to enforce penalties for late deliveries of cargo."

United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General

2009-07-15
Report of Inspection: Nonimmigrant Visa Adjudication: Standards for Refusing Applicants

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"The Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviewed the nonimmigrant visa (NIV) adjudication process to determine how Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is used to determine issuance or refusal. Further, OIG examined the merits of several elements of the visa adjudication process to determine whether they effectively protect the security of the United States. OIG found that much about visa processing has changed since the events of September 11, 2001, focused attention on the process for issuing visas and admitting aliens to the United States. Perhaps most striking is the increased use of the personal interview in determining eligibility. Adjudicating officers believe that the interview is an important tool in determining the bona fides of visa applicants. Section 214(b) provides a basis for the refusal of NIV applicants who do not meet the requirements of most of the NIV classifications under section 101 (a) (15) of the INA. Failure to satisfy these provisions is clearly sufficient to exclude prospective illegal immigrants and aliens wishing to harm the United States. Officers, however, need to better understand how Section 214(b) may be applied. While that information is available, better reference tools and improved training should be provided to refine the officers' knowledge. Section 214(b), by statute, does not apply to all visa categories. OIG believes new legislation restoring H, L, and V visa categories to this section's purview should be considered."

United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General; United States. Broadcasting Board of Governors

2005-03
SECURE Program: Concept of Operations

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This document provides an overview of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SECURE (System Efficacy through Commercialization, Utilization, Relevance and Education) Program, which is "a comprehensive program to enable DHS-S&T [Department of Homeland Security-Science & Technology] to efficiently and cost-effectively leverage the resources, skills, experience and productivity of the Private Sector to develop technologies and products in alignment with specific requirements obtained from DHS Components, the First Responder Community and other End-Users involved in Homeland Security applications."

United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

Cellucci, Thomas A.
School Safety: Funding, Training and Resources

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"To enhance school safety, the Department of Homeland Security offers funding, training, and resources for efforts such as providing money for emergency preparedness, training school bus drivers in security and hardening school buildings' vulnerability."

United States. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Hurricanes

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This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) webpage provides general information about hurricanes as well as information about hurricane preparedness and response and the assistance provided by FEMA.

United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

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