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).
-
President Delivers Remarks on Smallpox [December 13, 2002]
This transcript includes the December 13, 2002 remarks of President Bush in which he discusses the availability of the smallpox vaccination. "Today, through the hard work of our Department of Health and Human Services, ably led by Tommy Thompson, and state and local officials, America has stockpiled enough vaccine, and is now prepared to inoculate our entire population in the event of a smallpox attack. Americans and anyone who would think of harming Americans can be certain that this nation is ready to respond quickly and effectively to a smallpox emergency or an increase in the level of threat."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2002-12-13
-
Statement by the President [December 13, 2002]
"It is with regret that I accept Dr. Kissinger's decision to step down as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the events of Sept 11, 2001 and the years that led up to that event."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-12-13
-
2002 SONS Gulf after Action Report
"The 2002 SONS [Spill of National Significance] Gulf Exercise and the 2002 SONS Gulf Executive Seminar were constructed to allow key personnel at every level to examine the issues presented in an inter-agency/interorganizational forum for setting policy and coordination direction. An important focus was the roles and responsibilities of the USCG National Incident Commander (NIC) and his relationship with the state and local emergency management organizations that represent the ultimate customer and recipient of NIC assistance in a SONS. VADM Thad Allen was designated as the NIC for this SONS Exercise. The exercise surfaced NIC-level issues and the seminar addressed the unresolved issues. In the wake of the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, the issues of homeland security at our ports and the potential of an intentional significant oil spill were discussed at length."
United States. Coast Guard
2002-12-13
-
MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 13, 2002
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: "Exophiala Infection from Contaminated Injectable Steroids Prepared by a Compounding Pharmacy -- United States, July-November 2002"; "Outbreaks of Gastroenteritis Associated with Noroviruses on Cruise Ships -- United States, 2002"; "Measles Outbreak Among Internationally Adopted Children Arriving in the United States, February-March 2001"; and "Erratum: Vol. 51, No. 48". Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2002.htm]"
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2002-12-13
-
Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [December 12, 2002]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. Terrorist activities supported by sophisticated planning and logistics as well as possible access to unconventional weaponry raise a host of new issues. Some analysts' long-held belief that a comprehensive review of U.S. counterterrorism policy, organizational structure, and intelligence capabilities is needed has now become a mainstream view."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael; Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-
2002-12-12
-
Homeland Security - Reducing the Vulnerability of Public and Private Information Infrastructures to Terrorism: An Overview [Updated December 12, 2002]
"This report assesses the impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks on public and private information infrastructures in the context of critical infrastructure protection, continuity of operations (COOP) planning, and homeland security. Analysis of the effects of the terrorist attacks suggests various "lessons learned." These lessons support three general principles. The first principle emphasizes the establishment and practice of comprehensive continuity and recovery plans. One lesson learned in this area is to augment disaster recovery plans...A second lesson is the need to back up data and applications. Without a comprehensive backup system that captures more than just an organization's data files, a significant amount of time can be lost trying to recreate applications, organize data, and reestablish user access...The lesson of decentralizing operations can be applied to the structure and location of an organization's operations...Another lesson in this area is to ensure the ability to communicate with internal and external constituencies. In the event of an emergency, the demand for information skyrockets. An organization not only needs to communicate with employees regarding actions and procedures, but also with the citizens and customers to whom it is responsible for providing goods and services. The third principle involves the institutionalization of system redundancies to eliminate single points of weakness. In this context, the lesson of employing redundant service providers is applied primarily to telecommunications services...Another related lesson learned is the use of generic replaceable technology. In the event of a catastrophe, the ability to replace equipment quickly with easy-to-find products that do not require comprehensive customization, can contribute significantly to how quickly an organization's operations can be functional again." - Excepts from Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seifert, Jeffrey W.
2002-12-12
-
U.S. - Middle East Partnership Initiative: Building Hope for the Years Ahead
This speech was given by Secretary of State Colin Powell at The Heritage Foundation. From the speech: "The Middle East is a vast region of vast importance to the American people. Recognizing the region's importance, we have for half a century and more devoted our blood and our treasure to helping the peoples and governments of the Middle East. Indeed, my own career in public service, and especially military service, has been shaped by events in that region. Our Middle East policy has emphasized winning the war on terrorism, disarming Iraq, and bringing the Arab-Israeli conflict to an end. Through the United States-Middle East Partnership Initiative, we will work with governments to establish economic rules and regulations that will attract foreign investment and allow the private sector to flourish. We will help small and medium-sized businesses gain access to the life-blood of capital. As a first step, I am pleased to announce that we will establish Enterprise Funds for the Middle East, modeled after the successful Polish-American Enterprise Fund, and these funds will begin investing in promising new businesses. We will also help more countries share in the bounty of the global economy. Through the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative, we are adding hope to the U.S.-Middle East agenda. We are pledging our energy, our ability, and our idealism to bring hope to all of God's children who call the Middle East home."
United States. Department of State
Powell, Colin L.
2002-12-12
-
Statement by the Press Secretary [December 12, 2002]
"The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe ice storm, on December 4-6, 2002."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-12-12
-
Serial No. 107-152: America's Heroin Crisis, Colombian Heroin, and How We Can Improve Plan Colombia: Hearing Before the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Second Session, December 12, 2002
The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the drug problem, specifically that of Columbian heroine, in the U.S. "There are a number of different ways to attack this problem and focusing too heavily on one to the detriment of the other will only result in overall failure. We spent most of the Clinton administration focusing too heavily on treatment and too little on eradication and interdiction, and the result has been a dramatic increase in drug production in Colombia. Law enforcement has said it is nearly impossible to stop drugs after they enter the stream of commerce and repeatedly have told us the best place to stop them is in the poppy fields or the coca labs in Colombia before they begin their voyage to the United States.... This decision to focus almost solely on coca eradication at the expense of opium eradication has clearly had unforeseen consequences. The result has been an increase in Colombian heroin available in the United States, an increase in hospital administrations for overdoses and an increase in overdose deaths in nearly every big city and small town east of the Mississippi." Also discussed are human rights issues, the $100 million Cana-Limon pipeline protection program, U.S. involvement with Columbian military, and drug -related terrorism. Statements, witnesses and submissions: Barry Crane, Paul Simons, Rogelio Guevara, Adam Isacson, Felix Jimenez, Tony Marcocci, Scott Pelletier, Tom Carr, Bob Barr, Dan Burton, Elijah Cummings, Benjamin Gilman, John Mica, Janice Schakowsky, John Tierney, and Eleanor Norton
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-12-12
-
Egypt-United States Relations [December 12, 2002]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are tied to maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations focused on Egyptian economic development and military cooperation, developing Egypt's democracy, sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, and continuing U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation reversing Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are the shared concerns over the terrorist attacks against Egyptian police, religious, government, and tourist facilities, and what those attacks may signal for Egypt's domestic stability. The two nations may disagree over Egypt's interpretation of applying human rights practices to Islamic terrorists. The two countries disagree over the speed and depth, but not the need for some of Egypt's economic reforms. Egypt and the United States agree on the importance of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, the need to continue current Arab-Israel peace talks, and the need for regional stability. The two nations agree on Egypt's determination to introduce democratic reforms to Egypt. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of over $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. The United States will reduce Economic Support Funds (ESF) to about $400 million per year by 2008 in keeping with a plan to reduce aid to Israel. The Administration requested $655 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2002 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-12-12
-
Middle East Peace Talks [Updated December 12, 2002]
"Since the founding of Israel, Arab-Israeli conflict marked every decade until the 1990s. With each clash, issues separating the parties multiplied and became more intractable. The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 provided a home for the Jewish people, but the ensuing conflict made refugees of thousands of Arab residents of the formerly British Palestine, with consequences troubling for Arabs and Israelis alike. The 1967 war ended with Israel occupying territory of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Egypt and Syria fought the 1973 war, in part, to regain their lands. In 1982, Israel invaded southern Lebanon to prevent terrorist incursions; it withdrew in 1985, retaining control of a 9-mile 'security zone' over which Lebanon seeks to reclaim. Middle East peace has been a U.S. and international diplomatic goal throughout the years of conflict. The 1978 Camp David talks, the only previous direct Arab-Israeli negotiations, brought about the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2002-12-12
-
Postal Reform [Updated December 12, 2002]
From the Summary: "Although its short-term financial prospects have suddenly brightened by discovery that retirement obligations are less burdensome than presumed, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) faces severe financial straits in the long term. Business use of the mails is declining as alternatives such as e-mail, faxes, and cell phones substitute for hard copy letters. Despite three rate increases in 18 months, USPS has lost well over $2 billion in the past two years, and is approaching its $15 billion debt limit to the Treasury. It has a negative net worth and mounting obligations for retiree health benefits. USPS would be bankrupt but for the fact that it is a government entity. USPS, its board of governors, GAO, and most mailers' organizations believe that the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 no longer provides a viable business model. It is dependent on rising mail volume to cover the ever-increasing cost of arbitrated labor settlements and the addition of 1.7 million new delivery points each year, yet volume has begun to fall. The highly regulated process of setting rates is cumbersome and tendentious. At congressional request, USPS developed a 'Transformation Plan' that briefly considered, and rejected, the alternatives of privatization and a return to regular agency status with appropriations to cover the costs of universal service."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stevens, Nye
2002-12-12
-
Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis, Peace Talks, Terrorism, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 11, 2002]
"Sudan, geographically the largest country in Africa, has been ravaged by civil war intermittently for 4 decades. An estimated 2 million people have died over the past decade due to war-related causes and famine, and millions have been displaced from their homes. According to the United Nations, an estimated 3 million people are in need of emergency food aid. The U.N. has appealed for $190 million for 2002. The relief operation is being coordinated by Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), established in 1989 in response to the 1988 humanitarian crisis in which over 200,000 people died of starvation. The OLS, a consortium of U.N. agencies and three dozen non-governmental organizations (NGOs), operates in both government and rebel-controlled territories. The 19-year civil war has been and continues to be a major contributing factor to recurring humanitarian crisis. There have been many failed attempts to end the civil war in southern Sudan, including efforts by Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, former President Jimmy Carter, and the United States. To that end, the heads of state from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda formed a mediation committee under the aegis of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and held the first formal negotiations in March 1994. The basis of these talks is the Declaration of Principles (DOP), which includes the right of self-determination, separation of religion and the state (secularism), and a referendum to be held in the south with secession as an option. Although the National Islamic Front (NIF) government reluctantly accepted the DOP in 1994, the government in Khartoum has repeatedly resisted secularism, walking out on peace talks in September 1994 and returning in July 1997 after a series of military defeats. In July 2002, the Sudan government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) signed a peace framework agreement in Kenya. In early September, the government of Sudan walked out of the Machakos talks and returned under pressure in early October 2002."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2002-12-11
-
Palestinians and Middle East Peace: Issues for the United States [Updated December 11, 2002]
"The United States began contacts with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in December 1988, after the PLO accepted Israel's right to exist, accepted U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338 that call for an exchange of land for peace, and renounced terrorism. The United States continues its contacts with the PLO and the Palestinian Authority elected in January 1996, and is an active broker in the continuing Middle East peace process. […] On May 4, 1994, Israel and the PLO signed an agreement providing for the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho (withdrawal completed May 11, 1994). The Interim Agreement signed on September 28, 1995 (also called Oslo II or the Taba Agreement), provided for elections for the 88-seat Palestinian Assembly, the release of Israeli-held prisoners, Israeli withdrawal from six West Bank cities, and other issues. The Israelis withdrew from the West Bank cities by the end of 1995, and the Palestinian Assembly was elected on January 20, 1996, and sworn in on March 7, 1996. Israel and the Palestinians agreed to an Israeli withdrawal from Hebron in January 1997, and on October 23, 1998 signed the Wye agreement to meet previous commitments. The peace talks stalled at Camp David in July 2000, and remain suspended since the Palestinian uprising began in September. Some 1,493 Palestinians and 585 Israelis have died in the continuing confrontation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-12-11
-
Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated December 11, 2002]
"The major areas of U.S. concern in Pakistan include: nuclear nonproliferation; counterterrorism; regional stability; democratization and human rights; and economic reform and development. An ongoing Pakistan-India nuclear arms race, fueled by rivalry over Kashmir, continues to be the focus of U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia and a major issue in U.S. relations with both countries. This attention intensified following nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan in May 1998. South Asia is viewed by some observers as a likely prospect for use of such weapons. India has developed short- and intermediate-range missiles, and Pakistan has acquired short-range missiles from China and medium-range missiles from North Korea. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947. […] In October 1999, the government of Prime Minister Sharif was ousted in a blood- less coup led by Chief of Army Staff Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Musharraf has since assumed the title of President, a move ostensibly legitimized by a controversial April 2002 referendum. The United States has strongly urged the Pakistan military government to restore the country to civilian democratic rule. National elections held in October 2002 resulted in no clear majority party emerging and were marked by significant gains for a coalition of Islamic parties. Pakistan continues to face many serious problems, including a beleaguered economy, corruption, terrorism, and poor governance. Pakistan will receive well over one billion dollars in U.S. assistance and several billion dollars from international organizations to help strengthen the country as a strategically important state."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2002-12-11
-
Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty [Updated December 11, 2002]
"A comprehensive test ban treaty, or CTBT, is the oldest item on the nuclear arms control agenda. Three treaties currently limit testing to underground only, with a maximum force equal to 150,000 tons of TNT. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the United States conducted 1,030 nuclear tests, the Soviet Union 715, the United Kingdom 45, France 210, and China 45. The last U.S. test was held in 1992; the last U.K. test, in 1991. Russia claims it has not conducted nuclear tests since 1991. An article of May 2002 reported 'intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing to resume nuclear tests.' Russia rejected the charge. Since 1997, the United States has held 19 'subcritical experiments' at the Nevada Test Site -- most recently on September 26, 2002 -- to study how plutonium behaves under pressures generated by explosives. It asserts these experiments do not violate the CTBT because they cannot produce a self-sustaining chain reaction. Russia has reportedly held some since 1998, including several in 2000. In May 1998, India and Pakistan each announced several nuclear tests and declared themselves nuclear weapons states. Each declared a moratorium on further tests, but separately stated, in the summer of 2000, that the time was not right to sign the CTBT. […] Congress continues to consider the Stockpile Stewardship Program, which seeks to maintain nuclear weapons without testing. The FY2002 budget request for the program (Weapons Activities) was $5.300 billion; the final appropriation was $5.429 billion. The FY2003 request is $5.869 billion; the authorization is $5.902 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.
2002-12-11
-
Immigration and Naturalization Service: Restructuring Proposals in the 107th Congress [Updated December 11, 2002]
"The events of September 11 brought the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to the forefront of the nation's attention. Although all 19 hijackers entered the country legally, three overstayed their visas. And, on March 11, 2002, INS sent student visa notifications for two of the (now deceased) 19 hijackers to the aviation school they attended, provoking an intensification of long-standing criticism of INS for weak management controls, among other things. An underlying theme of criticism concerns what many believe are overlapping and unclear chains of command with respect to INS's service and enforcement functions. There appears to be a consensus among the Administration, Congress, and commentators that the immigration system, primarily INS, is in need of restructuring. There also appears to be a consensus among interested parties that INS's two main functions -- service and enforcement -- need to be separated. There has not been a consensus, however, with regard to how the restructuring should take place. Current proposals to restructure INS center on separating the service and enforcement functions either by keeping INS intact and creating two separate bureaus to carry out the functions, or by dismantling INS and reassigning the functions to DOJ [Department of Justice] and other agencies or a newly created department of homeland security. While separating the two main functions would create a clear chain of command and increase accountability, several questions are raised. Are these functions operationally separable or interdependent? Will both functions receive equal attention and resources? How will separating the main functions address the fragmentation of immigrant-related functions across INS and other federal agencies? How will the separate entities expeditiously share information?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seghetti, Lisa M.
2002-12-11
-
Fact Sheet: Reducing the Threat of Catastrophic Wildfires and Improving Forest Health [December 11, 2002]
"The Bush Administration today announced a series of new administrative steps to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of our nation's forests. President Bush today met with Interior Secretary Norton, Agriculture Secretary Veneman and Council on Environmental Quality Chairman Connaughton and directed them to take several important steps to implement the President's Healthy Forests Initiative. These actions will reduce unnecessary red tape and needless delays that have too often delayed efforts to reduce the threat devastating wildfires and insect infestations that damage both public and private lands. The new procedures will ensure that needed environmental reviews and public review processes are conducted in the most efficient and effective way possible."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-12-11
-
Statement by the President [December 11, 2002]
"Today I have issued the National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction. The strategy establishes a comprehensive approach to counter the growing threat from weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical weapons. This strategy is integral to the National Security Strategy of the United States of America and the National Strategy for Homeland Security. We will not permit the world's most dangerous regimes and terrorists to threaten our Nation and our friends and allies with the world's most destructive weapons. […]Our national strategy to combat WMD is based on three pillars. We will pursue robust counterproliferation policies and capabilities to deter and defend against the use of these weapons. We will strengthen nonproliferation measures to prevent states and terrorists from acquiring WMD. We will increase our preparations to respond effectively to any use of WMD against us or our friends and allies. To succeed, we must use new technologies, strengthen our intelligence capabilities, work even more closely with allies, and establish new partnerships with other key states, including former adversaries."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-12-11
-
Statement by the Press Secretary [December 11, 2002]
"The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Super Typhoon Pongsona on December 8, 2002, and continuing."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-12-11
-
S. Hrg. 107-916: Food Safety Recall Procedures: Hearing before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations United States Senate and the House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress Second Session, Special Hearing December 11, 2002
On December 11, 2002, the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations convenes to discuss and hear testimony regarding Food Safety Recall Procedures. Testifying are John Munsell of Montana Quality Foods, John Swanz of the Montany Stockgrowers Association, Bernard Shire of the American Association of Meat Processors, and William Smith of the Food and Safety Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. John Munsell testifies that "Now is the time for consumers, the cattle industry, meat processors, and especially our elected officials to demand that USDA eliminate its woefully inadequate and ill-intentioned policies and establish safe food as its number one objective regardless of the discomfort that the USDA will experience as it requires big packers to accept sanitary procedures" and that "not only does the existing policy imperil meat consumers and the viability of the final grinding plants or the processing industry, but it jeopardizes the cattle industry, which will have the most to lose as consumers lose confidence in beef, which diminishes not only demand, but also eventually diminishes cattle prices." John Swanz adds that "Food safety issues are of the utmost concern to us as producers because we are reliant on a strong market that is driven by consumer attitude and perception" and that "our ultimate goal must be to reassure the beef consumer that we will not settle for anything less." Bernard Shire testifies that "The closing of small meat and poultry processing plants poses a serious threat to the economy in the rural areas of the United States."
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-12-11
-
Central Asia's New States: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [December 11, 2002]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics and established diplomatic relations with each by mid-March 1992. The United States also supported their admission to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union, and approved the Freedom Support Act and other legislation for this purpose. After the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. Since then, the United States has boosted its security assistance throughout the region for anti-terrorism, counter-narcotics, non-proliferation, border and customs, and defense cooperation programs, while also increasing aid for democratization and free market reforms. U.S. policy goals in Central Asia include fostering stability, democratization, free market economies, free trade and transport throughout the Eurasian corridor, denuclearization in the non-Russian states, and adherence to international human rights standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2002-12-11
-
Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated December 11, 2002]
"The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) makes the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for providing assistance to state and local governments to ensure adequate preparedness for all disasters, including terrorist attacks. Several federal entities with functions relating to state and local preparedness, ranging from entire independent agencies to units of agencies and departments, will be transferred to the new department. Those transferred to the Emergency Preparedness and Response directorate (EPR) include: 1) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in its entirety; 2) National Domestic Preparedness Office and Domestic Emergency Support Teams, (FBI, within the Department of Justice); 3) Office of Emergency Preparedness (HHS), including the National Disaster Medical System and Metropolitan Medical Response System; and, 4) National Strategic Stockpile (HHS). The Justice Departments Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) will be transferred to the Border and Transportation Security directorate. ODP provides training, equipment grants, and technical assistance to states and localities. Its assistance activities focus exclusively on preparedness for terrorist attacks - particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-12-11
-
First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated December 11, 2002]
"In February 2002, the Bush Administration proposed a new block grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative,' to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the Administration proposal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would administer the program, which, if approved, would provide $3.5 billion to states and localities. The Administrations primary goal for the program is to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The program would fund a broad range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The 107th Congress considered a number of bills similar to the Administration proposal. On October 1, 2002, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committed reported S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002. The bill contained several features proposed by the Administration, including a 25% matching requirement, a wide range of eligible activities, and a requirement that states distribute 75% of funds to sub-state regions. S. 2664 also contained some provisions not specified in the Administration proposal, such as establishing standards for training and equipment and prohibiting the use of funds for overtime expenses. Other proposals for preparedness block grants were introduced in the 107th Congress, including S. 2038/H.R. 4059."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-12-11
-
Final Exercise Report: Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant [September 24, 2002]
From the Executive Summary: "On September 24, 2002, an exercise was conducted in the plume exposure pathway emergency planning zone (EPZ) around the Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region V. The purpose of this exercise was to assess the level of State and local preparedness in responding to a radiological emergency. This exercise was held in accordance with FEMA's policies and guidance concerning the exercise of State and local Radiological Emergency Response Plans (RERPs) and procedures. The most recent exercise at this site was conducted on October 25, 2000. [...] This report contains the evaluation of the biennial exercise. The State and local organizations, except where noted in this report, demonstrated knowledge of their emergency response plans and procedures, and adequately implemented them. No Deficiencies were identified during this exercise. Two Areas Requiring Corrective Action (ARCA) were identified during this exercise. The first ARCA was identified in Monroe County under Criterion 5.b.1 wherein staff at the Public Inquiry Hotline (Emergency Information/Rumor Control Center) provided inaccurate or improper information to the public. The second ARCA was identified in Wayne County under Criteria 5.a.1 wherein Emergency Alert System messages included a Livestock Advisory, which was in conflict with the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture's decision not to issue this advisory. There was one prior ARCA for the State of Michigan identified under Criterion 2.b.2, Protective Action Decision Making, which was resolved during this exercise."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2002-12-11
-
War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance [Updated December 10, 2002]
"Two separate but closely related issues confront Congress each time the President introduces armed forces into a situation abroad that conceivably could lead to their involvement in hostilities. One issue concerns the division of war powers between the President and Congress, whether the use of armed forces falls within the purview of the congressional power to declare war and the War Powers Resolution. The other issue is whether Congress concurs in the wisdom of the action. This issue brief does not deal with the substantive merits of using armed forces in specific cases, but rather with the congressional authorization for the action and the application and effectiveness of the War Powers Resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2002-12-10
-
Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated December 10, 2002]
"The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush' s meetings with President Fox. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On November 2, 2002, a military court convicted two Mexican army generals of protecting drug shipments for accused drug lord Amado Carillo Fuentes. On November 22, 2002, new U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza presented his diplomatic credentials to President Fox. During the cabinet-level Binational Commission meetings in Mexico City, on November 25-26, 2002, Secretary of State Powell and Foreign Secretary Castaneda reaffirmed the importance of the relationship between the countries and indicated the intention to continue talks toward a migration agreement. Mexico indicated concern with the impending reduction of tariffs on sensitive agricultural products, and the United States indicated concern about Mexico's continuing failure to provide water in South Texas as required by the 1944 treaty. On November 27, 2002, with safety inspectors and procedures in place, the Bush Administration announced that it would begin the process that will open U.S. highways to Mexican truckers and buses, but opponents went to court in early December 2002 to block the action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2002-12-10
-
Iraq: Weapons Threat, Compliance, Sanctions, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 10, 2002]
"In a September 12 speech before the United Nations, President Bush implied that U.S. military action would be taken against Iraq if the United Nations did not disarm Iraq. On October 11, Congress completed passage of legislation (H.J.Res.114, P.L. 107-243) authorizing the President to use force against Iraq. On November 8, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441, giving U.N. weapons inspectors new authorities. Iraq reluctantly accepted the new resolution and an advance team of inspectors began work in Iraq on November 18. On December 7, Iraq handed over a 12,000 page required "complete and currently accurate" declaration of all its past WMD programs and WMD useful capabilities, reportedly stating it currently has no banned WMD programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-12-10
-
Iraq: U.S. Efforts to Change the Regime [Updated December 10, 2002]
"The United States has been attempting to change Iraq's regime since the 1991 Persian Gulf war, although achieving this goal was not declared policy until 1998. In November 1998, amid a crisis with Iraq over U.N. weapons of mass destruction (WMD) inspections, the Clinton Administration stated that the United States would seek to go beyond containment to promoting a change of regime. A regime change policy was endorsed by the Iraq Liberation Act (P.L. [Public Law] 105-338, October 31, 1998). Bush Administration officials have emphasized regime change as the cornerstone of U.S. policy toward Iraq. This paper discusses past and current U.S. efforts to oust Saddam Hussein and the current debate over the implementation of that policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-12-10
-
Managing for Results: Efforts to Strengthen the Link Between Resources and Results at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
This report on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) documents (1) what managers considered successful efforts at creating linkages between planning and performance information to influence resource choices and (2) the challenges managers face in creating these linkages. Although in differing stages of implementation throughout NRC, NRC designed the Planning, Budgeting, and Performance Management Process (PBPM) to better integrate its strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management processes. PBPM links four individual components: (1) setting the agency's strategic direction, (2) determining activities and performance targets of component offices and related resources, (3) executing the budget and monitoring performance targets and taking corrective actions, if needed, to achieve those targets, and (4) assessing agency progress toward achieving its goals. GAO's report provides examples of how the PBPM framework can influence budget formulation and execution decisions. These examples show (1) how NRC informs its resource allocation decisions by providing strategic direction to operating units prior to budget formulation, (2) how operating units that have implemented these processes link strategic direction to budgets through tools that set priorities and assign resources to office activities to accomplish these priorities, and (3) how operating units monitor performance targets and make adjustments as necessary during budget execution. Integrating budget and planning processes and improving performance management in NRC is an ongoing effort that includes addressing a series of challenges. NRC must also continue developing a cost accounting system to support PBPM.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-12-10
