Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Summary of the 2018 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Stakeholder Workshop
From the Key Takeaways: "At the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) 2018 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (CISR) Stakeholder Workshop, held on February 28, 2018, in Washington, D.C., Federal, state, private, and academic stakeholders shared research needs, breakthroughs, and observations about emerging threats and challenges to the security and resilience of the Nation's critical infrastructure. Key takeaways include: [1] Computational models, sensor networks, big data, and self-healing systems are promising approaches to solving CISR challenges; [2] Techniques and technologies developed for one sector or system may be successfully adapted into others; and [3] Research and development (R&D) into the dynamics of interdependent systems and into human and social factors in critical infrastructure systems are of particular interest."
United States. Executive Office of the President; National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)
2018-02-28
-
Education-Related Regulatory Flexibilities, Waivers, and Federal Assistance in Response to Disasters and National Emergencies [February 28, 2018]
"The 21st century has seen the operation of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions and the education of the students they enroll disrupted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, and by national emergencies, such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This report is intended to inform Congress of existing statutory and regulatory provisions that may aid in responding to future disasters and national emergencies that may affect the provision of or access to education and highlight the actions of previous Congresses to provide additional recovery assistance. This report reflects the most recently available guidance, as of the date of publication, related to education-related disaster response and flexibilities. It will be updated should new or additional statutes be enacted or guidance be issued."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Granovskiy, Boris; Hegji, Alexandra
2018-02-28
-
Intelligence Community Directive Number 107: Civil Liberties, Privacy, and Transparency [Effective 31 August 2012; Revised 28 February 2018]
This Intelligence Community Directive, revised on 28 February 2018, is to establish "Intelligence Community (IC) policy for protecting civil liberties and privacy and for providing greater transparency that enhances public understanding of, and trust in, the IC mission, its governance framework, and intelligence activities as defines in EO [Executive Order] 12333."
United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
2018-02-28
-
Special Review: Swearing-In Ceremony of David J. Glawe, DHS Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis
"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (USIA) David J. Glawe used a personal email account to send an invitation to his ceremonial swearing-in event to staff members of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Because the invitation came from a non-DHS email account and resembled a phishing email, Senator Claire McCaskill asked the DHS Office of Inspector General to review the circumstances surrounding the invitation. DHS should develop policies governing when and how to support events involving DHS employees, and ensure that government resources are not used to support unofficial, personal events."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2018-02-28
-
2017 Disaster Contracting: Observations on Federal Contracting for Response and Recovery Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters
"GAO was asked to review federal contracting activity to support the work of FEMA and other federal agencies related to the response to the 2017 hurricanes. This is the first report in a series of GAO reports on this issue. This report provides an overview of contract obligations as of December 31, 2017, for three major hurricanes-- Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Future reports on this subject will focus on the planning, execution, and monitoring of federally awarded contracts. GAO analyzed data from the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation through December 31, 2017; met with officials at the headquarters of FEMA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and met with federal officials at the Joint Field Offices--multiagency coordination centers established by FEMA--in Austin, Texas (Harvey), Orlando, Florida (Irma), San Juan, Puerto Rico (Irma and Maria), and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (Irma and Maria)."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-02-28
-
Blockchain: Background and Policy Issues [February 28, 2018]
"This report explains the technologies which underpin blockchain, how blockchain works, potential applications for blockchain, concerns with it, and potential considerations for Congress. Blockchain is not a new technology; rather it is an innovative way of using existing technologies. It enables parties who may not have reason to trust each other to agree on the current distribution of assets and who has those assets, so that they may conduct new business. But, despite the hype surrounding the technology, it has certain pitfalls which can inhibit its utility."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2018-02-28
-
Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response [February 27, 2018]
"The Syria conflict, now in its seventh year, remains a significant policy challenge for the United States. U.S. policy toward Syria in the past several years has given highest priority to counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL/ISIS), but also included assistance to opposition-held communities, support for diplomatic efforts to reach a political settlement to the civil war, and the provision of humanitarian assistance in Syria and surrounding countries. The counter-IS campaign works primarily 'by, with, and through' local partners, per a broader U.S. strategy initiated by the Obama Administration and continued with modifications by the Trump Administration. The United States has simultaneously advocated for a political track to reach a negotiated settlement between the government of Syrian President Bashar al Asad and opposition forces, within the framework of U.N.-mediated talks in Geneva."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2018-02-27
-
Observations of PV Systems Post-Hurricane [presentation]
From the Background: "[1] Two Category 5 storms, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, damaged Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas among other smaller islands. [...2] Estimated damages ~$7.5 billion. Generation fared well, but ~ 80-90% of the power transmission and distribution systems in the USVI {U.S. Virgin Islands] were damaged. [3] November 2017 estimates were in the range of $850 million in hurricane recovery funding to help 'rebuild a more resilient electrical system.'"
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Hotchkiss, Eliza; Walker, Andy
2018-02-27
-
Analyzing Regulatory Burden: Policies and Analyses Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Retrospective Reviews Could Be Improved, Statement of Michael Clements, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Testimony Before the Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives
"Federal financial regulators must comply with various rulemaking and review requirements, including those in RFA (Regulatory Flexibility Act) and EGRPRA (Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act). These statutes require analyses relating to regulatory burden, small entities, or both. RFA requires analyses of a rule's impact on small entities and alternatives that may minimize any significant economic impact. It also requires agencies to review rules (within 10 years) to determine if the rules should be amended or rescinded. EGRPRA directs specified regulators to review regulations at least every 10 years and identify areas that are outdated, unnecessary, or unduly burdensome on insured depository institutions."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Clements, Michael
2018-02-27
-
Terrorism Designations FAQs
The following is a U.S. Department of State fact sheet on Terrorist Designations FAQs [frequently asked questions]. This fact sheet answers the following FAQs: "What are the different types of terrorism designations for groups and individuals?"; "What is the difference between an FTO [Foreign Terrorist Organizations] and E.O. [Executive Order] 13224 designation?"; "What are the consequences of FTO and E.O. 13224 designations?"; "Who can designate FTOs and SDGTs [Specially Designated Global Terrorist]?"; "What are the criteria for designation?"; "What makes you decide to designate or not designate a group or entity?"; and "How does the process work?"
United States. Department of State
2018-02-27
-
Federal Civil Aviation Programs: In Brief [February 27, 2018]
"Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities are funded under four broad budget accounts: operations and maintenance (such as air traffic control and aviation safety functions); facilities and equipment (such as control towers and navigation beacons); grants for airport improvements under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); and civil aviation research and development conducted or sponsored by FAA. Additionally, certain aviation programs are administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Secretary, including the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes airline service to certain small or isolated communities. These programs are funded primarily through a special trust fund, the Airport and Airways Trust Fund (AATF), and, in part, through general fund contributions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew; Tang, Rachel Y.
2018-02-27
-
Report to Our Citizens: Fiscal Year 2017, Summary of Performance and Financial Information
From the Document: "During Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, in addition to meeting our critical mission to secure our Nation, DHS was on the forefront of the national emergency response to natural disasters affecting more than 25 million people--including multiple hurricanes and wildfires. This resulted in unparalleled collaboration across the Department, other federal agencies, and our state and local government partners. [...] DHS has a robust set of strategic performance measures that gauge and communicate the value we deliver to our stakeholders and the American public. A review of the FY 2017 performance results demonstrate ongoing progress for securing the aviation sector, the border, and federal civilian networks. Also reflected in our results are our efforts to secure key leaders and critical infrastructure, continuing to enhance our immigration system, and our ability to respond to, and recover from, disasters. This is DHS's fifth year for a clean financial statement audit opinion. DHS's Net Cost of Operations for FY 2017 was $66.4 billion as compared to $55.1 billion in fiscal year 2016-- with the most significant increases resulting from the disaster response by our Component, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Whether sustaining a clean opinion on our financial statements or improving internal controls, the value of transparent and accurate financial reporting cannot be stressed enough."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2018-02-27?
-
U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel [February 26, 2018]
"Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. To date, the United States has provided Israel $134.7 billion (current, or non-inflation-adjusted, dollars) in bilateral assistance and missile defense funding. Almost all U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance, although in the past Israel also received significant economic assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2018-02-26
-
Health Care for Dependents and Survivors of Veterans [February 26, 2018]
"The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) was established by the Veterans Health Care Expansion Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-82). CHAMPVA is primarily a health insurance program where certain eligible dependents and survivors of veterans receive care from private sector health care providers. The program is administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Community Care, located in Denver, CO."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga
2018-02-26
-
S. Rept. 115-209: Hack the Department of Homeland Security Act, Report of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs United States Senate to Accompany S. 1281, February 26, 2018
From Purpose and Summary: "S. 1281, the Hack the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017, or the Hack DHS Act, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to establish a bug bounty pilot program at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department) to enhance the Department's cybersecurity by minimizing vulnerabilities to public-facing information technology. The bill also requires the Secretary to ensure compensation is awarded to participants for identifying undisclosed vulnerabilities during the pilot program, and to award contracts to manage the pilot program and patch vulnerabilities, among other things. Lastly, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the pilot program and its findings."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-02-26
-
S. Rept. 115-210: Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2017, Report of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, to Accompany S. 1884, February 26, 2018
From Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of S. 1884, the Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2017, or REPORT Act, is to require that an unclassified report on each act of terrorism that occurs in the United States be provided to Congress not later than one year after a Federal investigation of such act concludes. The Federal agency investigating the act of terrorism shall coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and as appropriate, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) on such a report. The report must include the facts of the act of terrorism, identification of national security gaps that require redress to prevent similar future acts of terrorism, and recommendations for new measures law enforcement could implement or changes in law that could strengthen homeland security and prevent future acts of terrorism. A public summary of the report must also accompany the more detailed report for Congress. This reporting requirement can be waived by the DHS Secretary, the Attorney General, the FBI Director, or the NCTC Director if that individual determines that the report could jeopardize an ongoing investigation or prosecution. In such instances, Congress must be notified of the waiver before the reporting requirement deadline."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-02-26
-
Management Alert - Inadequate FEMA Progress in Addressing Open Recommendations from our 2015 Report, 'FEMA Faces Challenges in Managing Information Technology' (OIG-16-10)
"In November 2015, we reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) information technology (IT) management approach did not adequately address technology planning, governance, and system support challenges to effectively support its mission. We issued five recommendations to the FEMA Chief Information Officer (CIO) aimed at improving the agency's management of IT. Specifically, we recommended the CIO finalize key planning documents related to IT modernization; execute against those planning documents; fully implement an IT governance board; improve integration and functionality of existing systems; and implement agency-wide acquisition, development, and operation and maintenance standards. Since the publication of our report, FEMA has provided six compliance updates on its steps to address our five report recommendations. However, we have closed only recommendation 3 based on FEMA's implementation of an IT governance board charter. Congressional interest, as well as our analysis of the compliance updates, indicated a need for further review to determine the adequacy of FEMA's efforts to resolve our open recommendations."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2018-02-26
-
Bank Secrecy Act: Derisking Along the Southwest Border Highlights Need for Regulators to Enhance Retrospective Reviews, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Some Southwest border residents and businesses have reported difficulties accessing banking services in the region. GAO was asked to review if Southwest border residents and businesses were losing access to banking services because of derisking and branch closures. This report (1) describes the types of heightened BSA/AML compliance risks that Southwest border banks may face and the BSA/AML compliance challenges they may experience; (2) determines the extent to which banks have terminated accounts and closed branches in the region and the reasons for any terminations and closures; and (3) evaluates how regulators have assessed and responded to concerns about derisking in the region and elsewhere, and how effective their efforts have been; among other objectives. GAO surveyed a nationally representative sample of 406 banks, which included the 115 banks that operate in the Southwest border region; analyzed Suspicious Activity Report filings; developed an econometric model on the drivers of branch closures; and interviewed banks that operate in the region."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-02-26
-
After Action Report/Improvement Plan: Limerick Generating Station [November 14, 2017]
From the Executive Summary: "On November 14, 2017, a full-scale Plume Exposure Pathway exercise was conducted and evaluated for the 10 Mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Limerick Generating Station (LGS) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region III. The previous full-scale exercise at this site was evaluated on November 17, 2015. Out-of-Sequence demonstrations were conducted on November 14 and 15, 2017. The purpose of the Exercise and Out-of-Sequence demonstrations was to assess the capabilities of State, counties, and local jurisdictions to implement Radiological Emergency Plans and Procedures (RERP) to protect the property and lives of residents and transients in the event of an emergency at Limerick Generating Station. [...] The evaluation of this Exercise determined that there were no Level 1 Findings identified during the exercise. There were six Level 2 Findings identified, two of which were successfully re-demonstrated during the exercise night on November 14, 2017. The other four Level 2 Findings were re-demonstrated successfully on February 22, 2018. Also, there was one Planning Issue identified."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018-02-26
-
Intellectual Property Rights: Fiscal Year 2017 Seizure Statistics
From the Document: "Products that infringe U.S. trademarks and copyrights or are subject to exclusion orders issued by the United States International Trade Commission, threaten the health and safety of American consumers and pose risks to our national interests. Enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) mitigates the financial and welfare risks posed by imports of such illicit products. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the number of IPR seizures increased 8 percent to 34,143 from 31,560 in FY 2016. The total estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the seized goods, had they been genuine, decreased to $1,206,382,219 from $1,382,903,001 in FY 2016. In FY 2017, ICE-HSI arrested 457 individuals, obtained 288 indictments, and received 240 convictions related to intellectual property crimes."
United States. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Office of Trade
2018-02-26?
-
FEMA Daily Operations Briefings, February 25 - March 3, 2018
This document is a compilation of all the FEMA Daily Operations Briefings from February 25 - March 3, 2018. The FEMA Daily Operations Briefing provides an overview of the current emergency management situation nationwide and includes a summary of current significant events, weather activity, recent emergency declarations and projections for the coming week.
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018-02-25?
-
Defense Spending Under an Interim Continuing Resolution: In Brief [February 23, 2018]
From the Document: "Congress uses an annual appropriations process to fund the routine activities of most federal agencies. This process anticipates the enactment of 12 'regular appropriations bills' to fund these activities before the beginning of the fiscal year. When this process is delayed beyond the start of the fiscal year, one or more continuing appropriations acts (commonly known as continuing resolutions or CRs) can be used to provide funding until action on regular appropriations is completed. An interim continuing resolution (CR) typically provides that budget authority is available at a certain rate of operations or funding rate for the covered projects and activities, and for a specified period of time. The funding rate for a project or activity is based on the total amount of budget authority that would be available annually at the 'referenced funding level', and is prorated based on the fraction of a year for which the interim CR is in effect."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Lynn M.; Roscoe, Jennifer M.
2018-02-23
-
MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, February 23, 2018
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Urban-Rural County and State Differences in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- United States, 2015"; "HIV Diagnoses Among Persons Aged 13-29 Years -- United States, 2010-2014"; "Prevalence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis -- United States, 2014"; "Prevalence of Self-Reported Hypertension and Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years -- United States, 2011-2015"; "Self-Reported Receipt of Advice and Action Taken To Reduce Dietary Sodium Among Adults With and Without Hypertension -- Nine States and Puerto Rico, 2015"; "Notes from the Field: Increase in Acute Hepatitis B Infections -- Pasco County, Florida, 2011-2016"; "Erratum: Vol. 67, No. 4"; and "QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥65 Years Who Had an Influenza Vaccine in the Past 12 Months, by Poverty Status -- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 1999-2001 and 2014-2016."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2018-02-23
-
The European Union: Questions and Answers [February 23, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-02-23
-
Bankruptcy and Student Loans [February 22, 2018]
"As overall student loan indebtedness in the United States has increased over the years, many borrowers have found themselves unable to repay their student loans. Ordinarily, declaring bankruptcy is a means by which a debtor may 'discharge'--that is, obtain relief from--debts he is unable to repay. However, Congress, based upon its determination that allowing debtors to freely discharge student loans in bankruptcy could threaten the student loan program, has limited the circumstances in which a debtor may discharge a student loan. Under current law, a debtor may not discharge a student loan unless repaying the student loan would impose an 'undue hardship' upon the debtor and his dependents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Kevin M.
2018-02-22
-
FY2019 Budget: Government Reorganization and Federal Workforce Reform [February 22, 2018]
"The 'Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2019' stated, in a largely general way, planned initiatives related to government reorganization and federal workforce reform. The initiatives follow from Executive Order 13781, 'Comprehensive Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch,' issued by President Donald Trump on March 13, 2017, and two Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandums. The memorandums, M-17-22, 'Comprehensive Plan for Reforming the Federal Government and Reducing the Federal Civilian Workforce,' issued on April 12, 2017, and M-17-28, 'Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Budget Guidance,' issued on July 7, 2017, required federal agencies to create short- and long-term workforce strategic plans and then submit the long-term plans along with their Agency Reform Plans to OMB concurrent with their budget requests. This Insight summarizes the budget's discussion of these matters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.; Hogue, Henry B.
2018-02-22
-
GAO 2018-2023 Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives for Serving Congress and the Nation
"As the nation confronts a series of both new and long-standing challenges, this plan describes our goals and strategies to support the Congress to identify cost savings and other financial opportunities; to make government more accountable, efficient and effective; and ultimately to improve the safety, security, and well-being of the American people. GAO's [Government Accountability Office] efforts during this planning period will include work that identifies cost-savings, revenue enhancements, and other opportunities through improved government operations and legislative action; draws much-needed attention to long-term fiscal exposures and large and growing areas of federal spending, such as health care and interest costs; monitors and evaluates efforts to protect the government and the nation's critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and other global threats; helps the Congress anticipate and respond to rapid developments in science and technology that will transform a range of activities across government and society; and identifies ways to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and policies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-02-22?
-
GAO 2018-2023 Strategic Plan: Trends Affecting Government and Society
"For nearly 100 years, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has stood at the vanguard of the U.S. government's efforts to ensure government accountability and effectiveness. To help support these efforts, GAO publishes a strategic plan every 4 years that emphasizes consideration of future issues that may affect the federal government and society as a whole. As part of our strategic planning process, we emphasize foresight, continuous environmental scanning, and trend analysis as core activities. It is essential that we understand evolving trends and evaluate emerging issues to inform our decision making in the present. By exploring trends, key uncertainties, and their implications, we can better highlight national issues of greatest concern to the Congress and the American people in the years and decades ahead. Taking a longer view also helps us define the strategic context of our work and better address crosscutting and interconnected challenges that will require sustained collaboration and innovation. [...] What follows are eight trends we believe are having strong effects on both the federal government and society as a whole. In developing these trends, we researched extensively and consulted with a wide variety of experts both inside and outside the federal government."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-02-22
-
EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 18 Issue 8, February 22, 2018
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Hospital emergency plans not enough during 2017 disasters"; "Partnering with private sector security on protests and civil unrest"; "2018 cybersecurity outlook for SLTT (state, local, tribal and territorial) governments"; and "SchoolSafetyInfo.org resources for safer kids".
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2018-02-22
-
Transforming Cardiac Emergency Care with Drone Delivery of AEDs
"Can medical drones reduce the time to cardiac treatment by getting an automated external defibrillator (AED) into the hands of a bystander? Preliminary studies suggest that drones may make a life-saving difference in providing emergency care to cardiac arrest patients, especially those in a rural setting."
United States Fire Administration
2018-02-22
