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Information Technology: IRS Needs to Improve the Reliability and Transparency of Reported Investment Information, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "IRS [Internal Revenue Service] relies extensively on IT [information technology] systems to annually collect more than $2 trillion in taxes, distribute more than $300 billion in refunds, and carry out its mission of providing service to America's taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations. For fiscal year 2014, the agency's budget request is $2.6 billion for IT. Given the size and significance of IRS's IT investments, and the challenges inherent in successfully delivering these complex IT systems, it is important that Congress be provided reliable cost, schedule, and scope information to assist with its oversight responsibilities. Accordingly, GAO's [Government Accountability Office] objectives were to (1) summarize the reported cost and schedule performance for IRS's major IT investments and assess the reporting of the performance information (2) for selected investments, evaluate the reliability of reported cost and schedule variances; and (3) determine IRS's progress in implementing a quantitative measure of functionality delivered for projects. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed documentation, including monthly cost and schedule variance reports, and interviewed staff, including those from selected investments which are critical to IRS's mission. […] GAO is making recommendations for IRS to report more comprehensive and reliable cost and schedule information and improve the transparency of reported scope information for its major investments. IRS agreed with GAO's recommendations and stated it believed it had addressed one of them. GAO continues to believe further actions are needed."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04
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Information Security: IRS Needs to Address Control Weaknesses That Place Financial and Taxpayer Data at Risk, Report to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue
From the Highlights: "The IRS [Internal Revenue Service] has a demanding responsibility in collecting taxes, processing tax returns, and enforcing the nation's tax laws. It relies extensively on computerized systems to support its financial and mission-related operations and on information security controls to protect the financial and sensitive taxpayer information that resides on those systems. As part of its audit of IRS's fiscal years 2013 and 2012 financial statements, GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed whether controls over key financial and tax processing systems are effective in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial and sensitive taxpayer information. To do this, GAO examined IRS information security policies, plans, and procedures; tested controls over key financial applications; and interviewed key agency officials at six sites. […] GAO is recommending that IRS take 3 actions to more effectively implement portions of its information security program. In a separate report with limited distribution, GAO recommends that IRS take 23 specific actions to address identified control weaknesses. In commenting on a draft of this report, IRS agreed to develop a detailed corrective action plan to address each recommendation."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04
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National Nuclear Security Administration: Agency Report to Congress on Potential Efficiencies Does Not Include Key Information, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Nuclear weapons are an essential part of the nation's defense strategy, and NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] is charged with performing key activities in support of this strategy. Like other agencies, however, NNSA is being asked to find ways to operate more efficiently and reduce costs. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 mandated that NNSA submit a report to congressional defense committees that, among other things, includes an assessment of the role of the nuclear security complex sites, as well as opportunities for efficiencies at these sites and how these efficiencies may contribute to cost savings and help strengthen safety and security. The act required that NNSA's report include certain topics and mandated that GAO [Government Accountability Office] assess the report submitted by NNSA. This report evaluates the extent to which the NNSA report (1) assessed the role of nuclear security complex sites in supporting key NNSA activities and (2) identified opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings within the nuclear security complex. GAO analyzed NNSA's statutory reporting requirements, the agency's report to congressional committees and supporting documentation, and interviewed NNSA officials. […] GAO recommends that, when reporting on efficiencies and cost savings in the future, NNSA establish a methodology for estimating the savings derived from potential efficiencies and track savings resulting from efforts. NNSA disagreed, stating that the act did not require, as GAO recommends, that efficiencies be linked to cost savings. GAO believes its recommendation remains valid."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04
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Journal of Military Learning (Volume 6, Number 1)
This April 2022 edition of the "Journal of Military Learning" contains the following articles: "Improving After Action Review (AAR): Applications of Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning" by Kim Cates, Marc Banghart, and Alexander Plant; "A Mixed Methods Analysis of STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] Major Attrition at the U.S. Air Force Academy" by Daniel S. O'Keefe, David Meier, Jorge Valentine-Rodríguez, Lachlan T. Belcher, and Wilson González-Espada; "The Impact of Military Occupational Specialty Training on the Trait Development of Marines" by Tom Miller, Bruce Moore, Michael D. "Mo" Becker, Calvin Lathan, and Adam Beatty; "The Cost of Compliance: A Call for Context in Military Behavioral Compliance Training" by Bradley J. Sanders; "Nontechnical Skills: A Development Hierarchy for Military Teams" by Sandra Veigas Campaniço Cavaleiro, Catarina Gomes, and Miguel Pereira Lopes; and "Upcoming Conferences of Note."
Army University Press (U.S.)
2022-04
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Information Security: SEC Needs to Improve Controls over Financial Systmes and Data, Report to the Chair, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
From the Highlights: "SEC [Securities and Exchange Commission] is responsible for enforcing securities laws, issuing rules and regulations that protect investors, and helping to ensure that securities markets are fair and honest. In carrying out its mission, the commission relies extensively on computerized systems that collect and process financial and sensitive information. Accordingly, it is essential that SEC have effective information security controls in place to protect this information from misuse, fraudulent use, improper disclosure, manipulation, or destruction. As part of its audit of SEC's fiscal years 2013 and 2012 financial statements, GAO assessed the commission's information security controls. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of information security controls for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SEC's key financial systems and information. To do this, GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed security controls in key areas by reviewing SEC documents, testing selected systems, and interviewing relevant officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04
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Risk Management for Distributed Energy Resources [presentation]
From the Summary: "Distributed Energy Resource Cybersecurity Framework (DERCF)[:] [1] A holistic tool for evaluating cybersecurity posture of sites with DER systems. [2] Offers a sharper focus on distributed energy technologies-- and greater emphasis on physical security and technical management. [3] The web-based tool converts simple user inputs to generate customized security control and practice recommendations that relate to their use of DERs. Results downloadable in a PDF report. [...] Distributed Energy Resource Risk Manager (DER-RM)[:] [1] Under development, extends the DERCF by applying it to the NIST RMF process. [2] Will be downloadable application that runs locally and documents all the major requirements for achieving Authority to Operate the DER."
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Sanghvi, Anuj
2021-09-20?
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FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: May 2022
This May 2022 edition of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin contains the following content: "Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Police Department"; "Patch Call: Pennsylvania State Police"; "Preventing Attacks Using Targeted Violence Manifestos"; "Preventing Attacks Using Targeted Violence Manifestos"; "Perspective: Lights On!"; "Community Outreach Spotlight: FBI Explorers"; "Bulletin Reports: Causes of School Violence"; and "Bulletin Notes."
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2022-05
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2014 Annual Report: Additional Opportunities to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication and Achieve Other Financial Benefits, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Document: "The federal government faces an unsustainable fiscal path. Changing this path will likely require difficult fiscal policy decisions to alter both long-term federal spending and revenue. Yet, in the near-term, executive branch agencies and Congress can act to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and activities. Opportunities to take action exist in areas where federal programs or activities are fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative. To highlight these opportunities, GAO [Government Accountability Office] is statutorily mandated to identify and report annually to Congress on federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives--either within departments or government-wide--that have duplicative goals or activities. In addition, we identify additional opportunities to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness that result in cost savings or enhanced revenue collection. […] This report is our fourth in the series, and it identifies additional areas where a broad range of federal agencies may be able to achieve greater efficiency or effectiveness. For each area, we suggest actions that the executive branch or Congress could take to reduce, eliminate, or better manage fragmentation, overlap, or duplication, or achieve other financial benefits. In addition to identifying new areas, we have continued to monitor the progress executive branch agencies and Congress have made in addressing the areas we previously identified. With the release of this report, we are also updating 'GAO's Action Tracker,' a publicly accessible website containing the status of actions suggested in this series of reports. The website will allow executive branch agencies, Congress, and the public to track the progress the government is making in addressing the issues we have identified."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-04
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Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office, Statement of Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "GAO's [Government Accountability Office] mission is to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. GAO provides nonpartisan, objective, and reliable information to Congress, federal agencies, and to the public and recommends improvements, when appropriate, across the full breadth and scope of the federal government's responsibilities. GAO's work supports a broad range of interests throughout Congress. In FY 2013, GAO received requests for our work from 95 percent of the standing committees of Congress and almost two-thirds of their subcommittees. Additionally, senior GAO officials testified at 114 hearings on national and international issues, before 60 committees and subcommittees that touch on virtually all major Federal Agencies. GAO remains one of the best investments in the federal government, and GAO's dedicated staff continues to deliver high quality results. In FY 2013 alone, GAO's work yielded $51.5 billion in financial benefits--a return of about $100 for every dollar invested in GAO. Since FY 2003, GAO's work has resulted in: [1] over ½ trillion dollars in financial benefits; and [2] about 14,500 program and operational benefits that helped to change laws, improve public services, and promote sound management throughout government. GAO is requesting a budget of $525.1 million to preserve its staff capacity and continue critical information technology and building infrastructure investments."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Dodaro, Gene L.
2014-03-11
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Power Sector Cybersecurity Building Blocks: Getting Started [presentation]
This presentation summarizes the focus of the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) report titled "Power Sector Cybersecurity Building Blocks" by Maurice Martin, Tami Reynolds, Anuj Sanghvi, Sadie Cox, and James Elsworth. The report describes the steps taken to manage cybersecurity risks. The full report can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=859762]
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.); United States Energy Association; United States. Agency for International Development
2021-09-14
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Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Competitive Procurement
From the Document: "The EELV [Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle] program is the primary provider of launch vehicles and services for U.S. military and intelligence satellites. EELVs are also used to launch civilian and commercial satellites. The most recent independent cost estimate projects the program will cost about $70 billion through 2030. From 2006 to 2013, the program acquired launch services from a single provider--the United Launch Alliance (ULA)--using a two-contract structure, but had little insight into EELV launch costs. In December 2013, DOD signed a contract modification with ULA, committing the government to buy 35 launch vehicle booster cores over a five-year period, and the associated capability to launch them. The contract modification also covers all activities previously funded by the two-contract structure, and represents significant effort on the part of DOD to negotiate better launch prices through its improved knowledge of contractor costs. In addition to the 35 cores DOD is committed to buy from ULA between fiscal years 2013 and 2017, DOD has set aside up to 14 launches for competition among all certified launch vehicle providers. DOD is currently developing a methodology for comparing launch proposals for the competition, which is expected to begin in fiscal year 2015."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-03-04
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Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, April 29, 2015
This is a compilation of the April 29, 2015 hearing entitled "Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill," held before the House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. From the opening statement of subcommittee chairman Mario Diaz-Balart: "Today I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2016 THUD [Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development] bill to the Subcommittee for your consideration, with goal of a favorable motion to the Full Committee. In total resources, the bill before you today provides $108.7 billion in budget authority and obligation limitation for the various programs in the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] has scored us at the set 302(b) level of $55.27 billion in discretionary budget authority - $1.5 billion above the enacted FY 2015 levels, but when comparing appropriated dollars, this bill is really only $25 million over 2015. […] I'd like to highlight a few areas: (1) We meet the oblim levels contained in the current MAP-21 [Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act] extension for surface programs. We support the authorizing committees proposing an extension bill to carry these important programs forward. (2) We provide $100 million for new TIGER [Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery] awards. (3) We provide $129 million over last year for FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] operations to ensure the orderly operation of the air traffic control system. (4) For FAA NextGen investments, the bill includes $931 million. (5) Every single one of FTA's [Federal Transit Administration] signed full funding grant agreements is funded consistent with the agreed-upon payout schedule, and all the proposed small starts are funded. Further, we provide $250 million for up and coming agreements and $40 million for core capacity projects. (6) CDBG [Community Development Block Grant] is funded at last year's level of $3 billion - $200 million more than the request. (7) HOME [HOME Investment Partnerships Program, not an acronym] is funded at $900 million. (8) Other housing programs are funded at levels sufficient to continue providing a HUD-assisted housing option."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-04-29
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Evolution of Wired Communications Networks: Hearing before the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, October 23, 2013
This testimony compilation is from the October 23, 2013 hearing "The Evolution of Wired Communications Networks" before the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. From the Memorandum dated October 21, 2013: "Just 30 years ago, the communications networks of the United States consisted of the twisted pair of copper telephone wires that ran to most homes, three nationwide broadcast networks, and a fledgling cable industry laying coaxial cables to deliver video to homes. […] A generation raised on the Internet and the power and flexibility of Internet Protocol expect our nation's laws to reflect the technological progress and innovation that has been the economic engine of the United States for decades. Despite our country's staggering technological achievements, our laws fail to reflect the fundamental truth of the last 30 years of investment and innovation: networks are increasingly fungible. […] The Subcommittee's hearing is focused on how the evolution of these networks away from older and less flexible ways of delivering services is impacting consumers and the companies that invest in delivering service to them, and ultimately, whether the laws that were enacted to govern these discrete services are appropriate in an Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled world." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Greg Walden, Fred Upton, John D. Burke, James W. Cicconi, Harold Feld, Mark Iannuzzi, and Randolph May.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce
2013-10-23
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What Are the Elements of Sound Data Breach Legislation? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, January 27, 2015
"This is the January 27, 2015 hearing on 'What Are the Elements of Sound Data Breach Legislation?' held before House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. From the opening statement of Michael C. Burgess: 'The purpose of today's hearing is to move one step closer to a single, Federal standard on data security and breach notification. Increasingly, our personal details, which we need to verify financial transactions, are converted into data and uploaded to networks of servers, and not always can those servers be protected with a simple lock and key. We benefit immensely from the quick access and command this system gives us. Global commerce is literally at our fingertips on a daily basis. And yet such a dynamic environment brings with it dynamic, evolving risks. As our options multiply, so must our defensive measures. Those defensive measures must adapt quickly. As several commentators have noted in testimony before this subcommittee, it is no longer a matter of if a breach occurs. It is when and what happens when. Even so, questions remain as to whether businesses are doing enough to prevent security breaches. That is why I believe Federal legislation should include a single but flexible data security requirement. Now, about 12 States have already implemented such a requirement on commercial actors that are not banks or health care providers.' Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Elizabeth Hyman, Brian A. Dodge, Jennifer Barrett-Glasgow, and Woodrow Hartzog."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2016
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DATA Act Implementation, Joint Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Information Technology and the Subcommittee on Government Operations of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, July 29, 2015
This is the July 29, 2015 hearing entitled "DATA Act Implementation," held before the Subcommittee on Information Technology and the Subcommittee on Government Operations of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. From the opening statement of sebcommittee chairman Jason Will Hurd: "Enacted in May 2014, the Digital Accountability And Transparency Act, or DATA Act, is an important step in leveraging technological capabilities and know-how to make financial spending information accessible to the general public. If implemented properly, the DATA Act will allow anyone from public policy experts and journalists, to academics and average citizens, even Members of Congress, such as myself, to untangle the web of Federal agency receipts, appropriations, obligations, allotments to create a clear picture of government spending. [...] While it is certainly important to meet statutory deadlines, agencies also have an obligation to make sure they are implementing bills correctly, not just on time. The use of standardized data has revolutionized entire industries and drives multi-million-dollar decisions and transactions in the private sector on a daily basis. Similarly, accurate data will help drive efficient decision-making at all levels of the government." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Gene L. Dodaro, David Mader, David A. Lebryk, and Robert A. Taylor.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2016
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Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget, Joint Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, Tuesday, March 22, 2016
This is the March 22, 2016 joint hearing on "Fiscal Year 2017 EPA Budget," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. From the opening statement of Ed Whitfield: "The administration, we recognize, views climate change as the Number 1 issue facing mankind, and they have moved forward aggressively to address it in the U.S. with the Clean Energy Plan. From my personal view, I think it is being done because of international commitments that the President has made as a result of his Georgetown speech and his other commitments internationally to be a leader in addressing climate change." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Gina McCarthy
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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AQIM's Imperial Playbook: Understanding al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb's Expansion into West Africa
From the Executive Summary: "In 2021, the United Nations noted the newfound threats of the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a branch of al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), that extended into Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast, stretching farther yet into Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Had an observer in 2006 had this information presented to them, they might have scarcely believed it. That year, in which AQIM was formed, the group was a thoroughly North African organization and based primarily in Algeria. Fast forward 15 years, how did AQIM end up nearly 1,300 miles away, now posing immediate threats in the states of littoral West Africa? Relying on a combination of primary source jihadi propaganda and historical research, this report argues that over the past 30 years, al-Qa`ida and its branches and allies in North and West Africa have followed what this report calls 'al- Qa`ida's Imperial Playbook,' as they have sought to expand their areas of influence southward. Al-Qa`ida's 'playbook,' this report shows, is composed of five fundamental tactics: befriending or creating militant groups operating in the midst of conflict; integrating themselves into communities where those militants exist; exploiting grievances of those communities to gain sympathy; addressing internal or external dissent either passively or aggressively; and looking toward new theaters once their base is solidified."
Combating Terrorism Center (U.S.)
Weiss, Caleb
2022-04
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Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, June 3, 2015
This is a compilation of the June 3, 2015 hearing "Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill," held before the House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. From the opening statement of subcommittee chairwoman Kay Granger: "All of the members of this Subcommittee know that we live in an increasingly dangerous world where terrorist groups such as ISIL [the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant], Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and al Shabaab, threaten the United States, our allies and partners, and our way of life. We see Russia and China continuing to assert territorial ambitions over their neighbors. The threat of a nuclear Iran is real, and Iran continues to support and fund terrorist activities around the world. For these and many other reasons, this year's bill is first and foremost a national security bill with a focus on: (1) embassy security; (2) aid to our strategic allies and partners -- such as, Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Ukraine; and (3) democracy programs and international broadcasting. The bill also continues to fight the global war on terrorism by supporting aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and the Syrian people. We devote new resources to preventing terrorist safe havens and stopping the flow of foreign terrorist fighters."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-06-03
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Budget Hearing - United Nations and International Organizations: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, April 15, 2015
This is a compilation of the April 15, 2015 hearing entitled "Budget Hearing - United Nations and International Organizations," held before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. From the opening statement of subcommittee chairwoman Kay Granger: "Regarding budget issues, the request includes a significant increase for accounts that fund the United Nations and other international organizations -- approximately 25% higher than last year. Like many increases in the President's request, this one is difficult for me to justify. The United States is by far the largest contributor to the U.N. and more work needs to be done to ensure that the U.N. has its budget under control. For example, U.N. peacekeeping costs have skyrocketed. The Administration should work with the U.N. to phase out peacekeeping missions when possible and lower the rate the United States pays for them. Madam Ambassador, you have committed to reform the U.N. and as you know, our appropriations bill contains strong transparency and accountability requirements. Some progress has been made, but many international organizations continue to fall short. After all of these years, there is simply no excuse for this. I look forward to your thoughts on all of these important issues." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Samantha Powers.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-04-15
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RESCHEDULED: Department of Justice - Budget Hearing, Hearing before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, United States House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, June 13, 2017
"This is the June 13, 2017 hearing on 'RESCHEDULED: Department of Justice - Budget Hearing' held before the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. From the testimony of Rod Rosenstein: 'I am honored to appear before you today to present the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget for the Department of Justice. The Department looks forward to building on our successes and continuing progress on the most pressing issues affecting our communities and our citizens.' Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Rod Rosenstein."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2017-06-13
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United Nations and International Organizations - Budget Hearing, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, June 27, 2017
This testimony compilation is from the June 27, 2017 hearing, "United Nations and International Organizations - Budget Hearing" before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations. From the statement of Nikki R. Haley: "Thanks to U.S. leadership, human rights are at the forefront of the UN agenda. For the first time ever, during the U.S. Presidency of the Security Council, we convened a meeting dedicated solely to the protection of human rights and their relationship to conflict. We made the case that human rights violations and conflict are directly connected. History has played out that when governments don't respect the rights and voices of the people, conflict will soon follow. We've also called out the UN Human Rights Council for legitimizing human rights violators at the expense of their victims. We've put forward reforms to make the Council what it was meant to be: a place of conscience for nations and justice for victims. [...] Peacekeeping is one of the most important things the UN does. We are reviewing each of our peacekeeping missions with an eye toward ensuring they have clear and achievable mandates. We are also working to ensure that troops are ready, professional, and committed to the safety of civilians on the ground". Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Nikki R. Haley.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2017-06-27
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Examining the Consequences of Executive Branch Overreach of the Antiquities Act, Oversight Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Federal Lands of the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, May 2, 2017
This is the May 2, 2017 hearing on "Examining the Consequences of Executive Branch Overreach of the Antiquities Act," held before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Federal Lands of the Committee on Natural Resources. From the opening statement of Tom McClintock: "The Antiquities Act provides the President the authority to designate national monuments on Federal land containing 'historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest.' The law also specified that national monuments 'be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.' Furthermore, the President could only designate national monuments 'upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States.' The purpose of the Act was to give presidents the ability to quickly protect archeological sites from looting. [...] Today, the Subcommittee will hear testimony surrounding the designation of millions of acres under an authority that limits them to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Kathleen Clarke, Paul LePage, Knox Marshall, and Lucas St. Clair.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, May 14, 2015
This is a compilation of the May 14, 2015 hearing entitled "Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill," held before the House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. From the opening statement of committee chairman Hal Rogers: "The bill before us today supports a number of critical programs that keep our country safe and grow our nation's economy, with a total allocation of $51.4 billion. Within that amount, the legislation prioritizes our limited resources on programs with proven results and with a clear economic benefit. […] In other areas, this bill will help spur job creation and boost our country's competitiveness through smart investments in science and space exploration. […] Finally, as with all bills to emerge from our committee, this legislation includes several oversight provisions that will ensure our tax dollars are being spent responsibly. I urge you all to support this bill, and I yield back."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-05-14
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Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, July 9, 2015
This is a compilation of the July 9, 2015 hearing "Subcommittee Markup - FY 2016 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill," held before the House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of subcommittee chairman John Carter: "Threats to our country continue to grow. We see it daily. Federal computer systems are hacked. Floods and other natural disasters confront local communities. The President's open border policy emboldens smugglers, traffickers, and illegal migrants. And the freedoms we cherish are exploited by home-grown terrorists and violent extremists. For those reasons, the Department of Homeland Security's missions are more critical now than ever…and it is why it is imperative that we pass this bill. Working with my colleagues, and the ranking member, Mrs. Roybal-Allard, I believe we are presenting legislation that strengthens the security of our homeland, addresses areas where reform is needed, and cuts inefficiencies within the agencies. Thank you all for your hard work, time and effort on this important legislation. Like every subcommittee, we received a challenging 302(b) allocation. After a thorough scrubbing of the numbers, however, this recommendation ensures both national security and fiscal restraint."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-07-09
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Regulation of Existing Chemicals and the Role of Pre-Emption Under Sections 6 and 18 of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, September 18, 2013
This is the September 18, 2013 hearing on "Regulation of Existing Chemicals" head before the Committee on Energy and Commerce. From the opening statement of John Shimkus: "Today's hearing continues the subcommittee's examination of the Toxic Substances Control Act [TSCA], including statutory provisions, regulatory implementation, and practical outcomes. On June 13, our subcommittee held a hearing on the history and impact of Title I of TSCA. On July 11, the subcommittee explored regulation of chemicals before they enter commerce, under TSCA section 5, and protection of sensitive business information, under TSCA section 14. I believe these hearings have helped us understand a law as complex as it is broad. Our focus now is on regulation of chemicals once they are in commerce, under TSCA section 6, and the role of federal pre-emption, under TSCA section 18. These two sections of TSCA have been subject to a great deal of discussion. Notwithstanding the testimony of three of our witnesses at the July 11 hearing that TSCA section 5 is doing a fine job reviewing and, if necessary, limiting the use of new chemicals, some argue that TSCA is broken because TSCA section 6 has not produced more bans or other limits on chemicals. Others, including some on our panel today, suggest that concern is overstated." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John Shimkus, Fred Upton, Mark A. Greenwood, Justin Johnson, William K. Rawson, Jennifer Thomas, Lemuel M. Srolovic, and Linda Reinstein.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce
2013-09-18
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Budget Hearing - Federal Emergency Management Agency: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, April 23, 2015
This is the April 23, 2015 hearing entitled "Budget Hearing - Federal Emergency Management Agency," held before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of subcommittee chairman John Carter: "In 2014, FEMA responded to 45 major disaster declarations. This number is down from 62 in 2013 and the high-water mark of 99 in 2011. However, there is also a significant amount of recovery and mitigation work that continues from past disasters, including Hurricane Sandy. Your FY16 budget request is $390 million above FY15. Despite a large unspent balance, $340 million of the requested increase is for the disaster relief fund. I look forward to discussing whether the increase is appropriate given the recent decrease in major disasters and the substantial carryover balance from previous years. Your budget request also includes significant increases related to climate change initiatives, such as a Climate Resilience Task Force and the requiring climate change to be considered when developing pre-disaster mitigation plans. In a shrinking budget environment, I would like to hear more about how these initiatives meet the FEMA mission." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: W. Craig Fugate.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations
2015-04-23
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 1546, Combating Online Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2021
From the Document: "The authorization for the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking expired on October 7, 2021. H.R. 1546 would renew the authorization through October 7, 2026. However, the task force continued to operate and fulfill ongoing responsibilities under an Executive Order for combating wildlife trafficking; therefore, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that extending its authorization would not affect the federal budget."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-09
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Syria After the Missile Strikes: Policy Options, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, April 27, 2017
This is the April 27, 2017 hearing on "Syria After the Missile Strikes: Policy Options" held before the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Ranking Member Engel: "This morning, the committee will continue its examination of a challenge that for more than 6 years global powers have been unable or unwilling to resolve: The brutal war that Bashar al-Assad and his enablers have waged against the people of Syria. [...] The missile strike earlier this month escalated American involvement against Assad to a new level. I think the response was appropriate. But a few weeks down the road, we are left asking, where do we go from here? What are our objectives in Syria? What is the strategy? And the short answer is this: At this point, there seems to be no strategy. A pinpoint missile strike is not a strategy. That is a problem for the people of Syria and it is part of a troubling pattern from the White House. [...] If indeed there is a strategy, Congress has been kept in the dark. We were told that the administration would soon present us with its plan. That has not happened". Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael Singh, Charles Lister, and Dafna H. Rand.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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Unconstitutionality of Obama's Executive Actions on Immigration, Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, February 25, 2015
This is the March 3, 2015 hearing on "The Unconstitutionality of Obama's Executive Actions on Immigration," held before the House Committee on the Judiciary. From the opening statement of Chairman Bob Goodlatte: "Twenty-six States believe that President Obama's actions would cause them irreparable harm. They challenged his grant of deferred action in Federal district court in Texas. The court agreed with the States and has granted a temporary injunction halting, for the moment, the Administration's plans. The court stated that the Administration is 'not just rewriting the laws. It is creating them from scratch.' President Obama has justified his actions under the guise of prosecutorial discretion. Law enforcement agencies do have the inherent power to exercise prosecutorial discretion, the authority as to whether to enforce, or not enforce, the law against particular individuals. However, telling entire classes of millions of unlawful aliens that they face no possibility of being removed is not prosecutorial discretion. It is simply an abdication of the executive branch's responsibility to enforce the laws. […] In absolutely no way can President Obama's actions be considered a justifiable use of the Administration's powers of prosecutorial discretion. They are a clear violation of his constitutional responsibility to faithfully execute the laws." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Adam Paul Laxalt, Josh Blackman, Elizabeth Price Foley, and Stephen H. Legomsky.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2015
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Renewing Assurances: Strengthening U.S.-Taiwan Ties, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, June 15, 2017
This is the June 15, 2017 hearing on "Renewing Assurances: Strengthening U.S.-Taiwan Ties," held before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Ted Yoho: "The People's Republic of China is no longer the third party to a great power competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. It has become a challenger, seeking to attain great power status for itself by overturning a peaceful unipolar order. Despite this, our One China Policy has remained virtually unchanged since 1979. It is important for Congress to consider whether our policies are still serving us well and how we might improve them. In particular, renewing our assurances to Taiwan to continue and steadfast U.S. support is especially important. We have convened this hearing today to work toward these goals, and I thank the witnesses and I thank my colleagues for joining me today to help strengthen U.S.-Taiwan ties." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Rupert J. Hammond-Chambers, Dan Blumenthal, and Russell Hsiao.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
