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• Deterrence and the Future of U.S.-GCC Defense Cooperation: A Strategic Dialogue Event

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  "CNA organized a Track 1.5 forum to encourage dialogue between the United States and its Gulf allies on these issues. The event brought together officials, scholars, and experts from the United States, the six GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] states (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain), Jordan, and Turkey to engage in an unofficial and not-for-attribution discussion on strategic issues. The closed-door setting encouraged frank conversation among the participants, so that regional perceptions and opinions could be explored unhindered by public considerations. The dialogue took place on 6 May 2015 in Istanbul, Turkey. Holding the event outside the Gulf allowed the GCC participants more comfort to speak their minds--especially on topics where their views conflicted with the official policies of their governments. The location also provided an opportunity to incorporate Turkish as well as Jordanian representatives to participate, which enabled the discussion to occasionally move beyond GCC perspectives, while not diluting the overall goal of the event. Discussion among participants at the event was blunt and uninhibited. Regional participants spoke directly to one another in both agreement and disagreement, and freely shared their perspectives with the American delegation. […] It was made clear--and regional participants fully understood--however, that the U.S. attendees (like the regional delegates) did not represent any official entity and were speaking in a purely personal capacity. Nonetheless, many of the views expressed by the regional attendees should be considered with that dynamic in mind. Below is a detailed review of the event." Note: This document has been added to the Homeland Security Digital Library in agreement with the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD (PASCC) as part of the PASCC collection. Permission to download and/or retrieve this resource has been obtained through PASCC.

  CNA Corporation

  Ostovar, Afshon

  2015-07
• Technical Support Document: Social Cost of Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide, Interim Estimates Under Executive Order 13990

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  From the Preface: "The Interagency Working Group (IWG) on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases is committed to ensuring that the estimates agencies use when monetizing the value of changes in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from regulations and other relevant agency actions continue to reflect the best available science and methodologies. This Technical Support Document (TSD) presents interim estimates of the social cost of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide developed under Executive Order 13990. These interim values are the same as those developed by the IWG in 2013 and 2016. The current IWG will take comment on recent developments in the science and economics for use in a more comprehensive update, to be issued by January 2022, which will more fully address the recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine as reported in Valuing Climate Damages: Updating Estimation of the Social Cost of Carbon Dioxide (2017) and other pertinent scientific literature. As a part of that request for comment, the IWG will seek comment on the discussion of advances in science and methodology included in this TSD and how those advances can best be incorporated into the revised final estimates."

  United States. White House Office

  United States. Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases

  2021-02
• One Year After COVID: the Challenges and Outlook of Chinese Micro and Small Enterprises

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  From the Abstract: "The Center for Enterprise Research and the Institute of Social Science Survey at Peking University, in collaboration with Ant Group Research Institute, conducted a new wave of Online Survey of Micro- and Small-Enterprises (OSOME) in March 2021. OSOME is a continuing effort to gain a better understanding of China's micro- and small- enterprises and self-employed businesses (MSEs) by conducting quarterly surveys on MSEs operating on the Alipay platform. The key findings of t he first quarter 2021 survey are as follows: 1. After exposure to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic for over a year, the operational status of micro-and-small enterprises has significantly improved. [...] 2. Cost increases, in some cases due to a price spike in raw materials, and weak demand remain two key challenges facing micro-and-small enterprises and self-employed businesses. [...] 3. Compared with other forms of policy support, tax reduction is the most inclusive. [...] 4. In general, respondents characterized the travel restrictions during Chinese New Year (February 2021) as harmful. [...] 5. In response to the COVID-19 shock, a higher percentage of newly established businesses adopted online sales and electronic information systems than those established earlier. 6. The confidence indices on market demand, production, and revenues for the next quarter have returned to positive territory, indicating an optimistic outlook. The employment index remained just below the normal level, suggesting subdued expectations of expanded employment in the next quarter."

  Center for Global Development

  Kong, Tao; Yang, Xiaohong (Economist); Wang, Ranran . . .

  2021-08
• Preparing for Offshore Drilling in the Arctic: Lessons Learned from the First Season, Field Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, October 11, 2012

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  This is the October 11, 2012 field hearing on "Preparing for Offshore Drilling in the Arctic: Lessons Learned from the First Season" held before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From the opening statement of Mark Begich: "We in Alaska know well the challenges and risks that accompany offshore development. As we look to the future, we need to proceed carefully, safely, and make sure local communities are fully prepared and engaged. The purpose of today's hearing is to take a look back on the first season of exploratory activity, and review the operational lessons learned and, of course, ask what does the future hold for oil and gas, not only through the exploration period but the development period. Of course, not everything went according to plan this season. [...] This review of the first season will help make us better, understand what is going on in the Arctic, but also will help us in Washington, D.C. for legislation needed to move forward in the Arctic." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: David J. Hayes, Thomas P. Ostebo, Laura K. Furgione, Peter E. Slaiby, Jacob Adams and Edith Vorderstrasee.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2013
• Powering Up Clean Energy: Investments to Modernize and Expand the Electric Grid, Hearing Before the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, May 20, 2021

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  This is the May 20, 2021 hearing on "Powering Up Clean Energy: Investments to Modernize and Expand the Electric Grid," held before the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. From the opening statement of Kathy Castor: "Today we are looking at the benefits for our country and workers that come from modernizing and expanding the electric grid. [...] [I]nvesting in our grid will create jobs. That is why renewing and modernizing the grid is the centerpiece of President Biden's American Jobs Plan. By passing the President's infrastructure plan, we can put thousands--hundreds of thousands--of people to work, laying thousands of miles of transmission lines that will connect entire regions across America. It is a historic investment and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in America so we come back stronger. We already have the innovative technologies needed to increase the efficiency, capacity, and flexibility of our electric grid, and the experts here today will help explain how. We know we need to act quickly. As we expand clean energy, we will also reduce pollution and lower electricity bills and will build new transmission lines so that every city, town, and county can access America's affordable and abundant wind and solar energy. We must set ambitious goals via a clean energy and an energy-efficiency standard. Many States are way ahead of us on this, and we need to catch up. Cleaning up the power sector will also help us reduce carbon pollution from the transportation, building, and industrial sectors." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Linda Apsey, Donnie Colston, Emily Sanford Fisher, and Michael Skelly.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the California Coastal National Monument: Trinidad and Point Arena-Stornetta Units

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  From the Introduction: "Climate change can negatively affect rocky shoreline habitats and productivity in several ways. Atmospheric warming is expected to accelerate the current rate of sea-level rise (SLR), inundating many low-lying coastal and intertidal areas, submerging low relief habitats, and posing a threat to important coastal resources. Changing climate also is projected to alter precipitation amounts and timing, air and water temperatures, and overall storm patterns, including more frequent extreme wave events. Many coastal areas are already experiencing early impacts of climate change, including drought, flooding from SLR, and increasing storm intensity and frequency. [...] Vulnerability assessments are an important tool for informing adaptation planning because they consider uncertainty about future climate. Such assessments can help managers and other resource professionals plan and implement actions to lessen climate impacts to important resources such as in rocky shoreline ecosystems. The California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) protects coastline that is nationally recognized for its scenic beauty and diverse array of biological, cultural, and physical resources, including rocky intertidal communities, habitat for seabirds, marine mammals, invertebrates and plant species, and important cultural and historical sites. In this study, we used a vulnerability assessment approach to identify the rocky shoreline features and species that could be the most affected by climate change and SLR within two subunits of the CCNM."

  Geological Survey (U.S.); United States. Department of the Interior

  Thorne, Karen M.; Freeman, Chase M.; Buffington, Kevin . . .

  2021
• Power Outage on Metro-North's New Haven Line: How to Prevent Future Failures Along Passenger Rail's Busiest Corridor, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, October 28, 2013

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  "This is the October 28, 2013 hearing 'Power Outage on Metro-North's New Haven Line: How to Prevent Future Failures Along Passenger Rail's Busiest Corridor' held before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From the opening statement of Richard Blumenthal: 'This hearing is really prompted by the breakdown in service that occurred on September 25, barely more than a month ago, in the Mount Vernon area. But it is really the result of much broader and deeper problems that have manifested themselves over many years and that are the subject of complaints to me, repeated complaints to me and I suspect to many of my colleagues and elected officials who are here this morning, and I thank them very much for being here. Let me just take one comment from a Westport commuter who wrote to me, quote, ''Enough is enough. The outage due to the electrical problem obviously is a major failure, one for which the cause should be determined and the appropriate people held responsible.'' But the fact is that this is only the latest manifestation of the serious service deterioration that Metro-North riders have been putting up with for some time.' Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jim Himes, Elizabeth Esty, Howard Permut, Craig Ivey, James P. Redeker, Otto Lynch, Christopher Murphy, John Hartwell, Joseph H. Boardman, and Joseph McGee."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2014
• Enabling Advanced Reactors and a Legislative Hearing on S. 2795, The Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, April 21, 2016

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  This is the April 21, 2016 hearing "Enabling Advanced Reactors and a Legislative Hearing on S. 2795, The Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act," held before the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. From the opening statement of Shlley Moore Capito: "We are here to examine an exciting topic: advanced nuclear reactors. I would like to thank Senator Carper because I know he has a great interest in this. While nuclear issues may be somewhat new to me, I am learning that these technologies have the potential to make great strides in advancing nuclear technology. This is a topic many of us are very interested in because nuclear energy is an essential component of our all-of-the-above energy strategy. Our current nuclear plants provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to power our economy while providing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in benefits to local communities. They have made vital contributions to our energy security for years, but we need to look forward to what comes next. Advanced reactors have the potential to be cleaner, safer, and more secure." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christina A. Back, Ashley E. Finan, Maria Korsnick, Edwin Lyman, Victor McCree, and Jeffrey S. Merrifield.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Legislative Hearing on S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, Hearing Before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, March 8, 2017

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  This testimony compilation is from the March 8, 2017 hearing, "Legislative Hearing on S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act" held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. From the statement of Maria Korsnick: "Nuclear energy is the largest and most efficient source of carbon-free electricity in the United States. Currently, 99 reactors in 30 states produce nearly 20 percent of our nation's electricity and approximately 63 percent of our carbon-free electricity. Nuclear energy facilities demonstrate unmatched reliability by operating with an average capacity factor greater than 90 percent--higher than all other electricity sources. Nuclear produces electricity 24/7, regardless of weather and with all its fuel on site for 18-to-24 months. The long horizon for nuclear fuel procurements also means nuclear generation is not subject to price spikes occasionally experienced by other generation sources in recent years. Nuclear energy facilities are essential to the country's economy and the local communities in which they operate. The typical operating plant generates $470 million each year in the sale of goods and services in the local community, and employs 700 to 1000 workers. Construction of a new nuclear plant provides in the range of 3500 jobs at peak periods. Collectively, the nuclear industry contributes about $60 billion every year to the U.S. economy, through supporting over 475,000 jobs and producing over $12 billion annually in federal and state tax revenues." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Maria Korsnick, Ashley E. Finan, Tina Back, Edwin Lyman, and Allison Bawden.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Environment and Public Works

  2017-03-08
• Transportation Challenges and Cybersecurity Post-9/11, Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, December 2, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, "Ensuring our security and facilitating economic activity are mutually beneficial, not mutually exclusive. A safe and secure homeland requires that we maintain effective control of our air, land, and sea borders. Secure, well-managed borders must not only protect the United States from threats from abroad--they must also permit the expeditious and safe flow of lawful travel and commerce. We are pursuing both of these objectives through a broad array of programs in areas of special interest to this Committee. Today I would like to highlight some particular actions we are taking to address our security challenges, and how we working to develop multilevel, risk-based strategies that strengthen our security to the greatest extent possible." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John D. (Jay) Rockefeller, Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Janet Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Privacy and Data Security: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World, Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, June 29, 2011

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  From the opening statement of John D. Rockefeller IV: "This is the third hearing on consumer privacy that we've had in this committee in the 112th Congress. As I have repeatedly emphasized, Americans are often unaware of the vast amounts of information that are being collected on them and then used usually to their detriment. I've focused on the need for companies to provide everyday consumers with a clear understanding of what information they are collecting, where the information is going, and how it's being used. I've also asked companies to give consumers an easy way for them to stop those collection processes. I don't think this is too much to ask of companies that are making a lot of money and a lot of money that comes off of consumers' personal information. That should not be happening in America. This is a new cost of doing business in America, and people have to understand that. Government doesn't subsidize what companies need to be doing to protect privacy. Poll after poll shows that Americans are increasingly concerned about their loss of privacy, and these same polls show that Americans don't know what to do about it." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John D. Rockefeller IV, John F. Kerry, Claire McCaskill, Barbara Boxer, Mark Begich, Cameron F. Kerry, Julie Brill, Austin C. Schlick, Stuart K. Pratt, Ioana Rusu, Tim Schaaff, Thomas M. Lenard, Scott Taylor, Patrick J. Toomey, Roger Wicker, Amy Klobuchar, Lisa Liberi, and Lisa Ostella.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2011
• Container Security Initiative and the Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism: Securing the Global Supply Chain or Trojan Horse? Hearing Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, May 26, 2005

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  From the opening statement of Norm Coleman: "Today's hearing will focus on the Federal Government's efforts to secure maritime commerce and the global supply chain. In early 2002, U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched both the Container Security Initiative (CSI), and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), to address the threat of terrorism and the security of the global supply chain. These programs were, and still are, the right concepts for security in our new threat environment. Under the leadership of Commissioner Bonner, CBP aggressively implemented these programs, rather than endlessly debate the details here in Washington. That accomplishment alone is worth applauding. However, these programs have been in existence for over 3 years and it is time to start asking some tough questions and identifying how we can improve upon these promising concepts. While I believe these programs are indeed the right concepts, our oversight investigation into these programs has revealed significant shortcomings that we will address here today. In concert with our efforts, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), conducted two extensive audits of these programs. These reports reveal some significant problems and outline the substantial work that is required to transition these promising initiatives into effective and sustainable programs." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Norm Coleman, Carl Levin, Susan M. Collins, Daniel K. Akaka, Frank Lautenberg, Thomas R. Carper, Robert C. Bonner, Richard M. Stana, Stephen E. Flynn, and C. Stewart Verdery, Jr.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2005
• S. Hrg. 108-683: An Assessment of Current Efforts to Combat Terrorism Financing: Hearing before the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, second session, June 15, 2004

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  From the opening statement of Susan M. Collins:"This is the third hearing the Committee has held during the past year on this issue of great global importance. The focus of our hearing today is a new report by the Independent Task Force on Terrorism Financing sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations. The Councils first report, released in October 2002, begins with these words: The fog of war has long befuddled military and political leaders. Of all the battle fronts in todays war on terrorism, few are as foggy as efforts to combat terrorist financing. As both of these reports make clear, however, this fog is no natural phenomenon. It is entirely manmade. Terrorism thrives in the shadows. It prospers by deceit and deliberate confusion. It is a perverted world in which murderers are called freedom fighters and in which building schools and health clinics can excuse the slaughter of innocents. The answer is relentless scrutiny and then taking forceful and effective action. This new report focuses primarily upon the actions taken by the Governments of the United States and of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides an insightful analysis of the progress that has been made and of the challenges that remain." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Susan M. Collins, George V. Voinovich, Norm Coleman, Arlen Specter, Joseph I. Lieberman, Carl Levin, Daniel K. Akaka, Frank Lautenberg, Mark Pryor, Lee S. Wolosky, Mallory Factor, and David D. Aufhauser.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Counterterrorism Policies and Priorities: Addressing the Evolving Threat: Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, March 20, 2013

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  This is the March 20, 2013 hearing on "Counterterrorism Policies and Priorities: Addressing the Evolving Threat" held before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From the opening statement of Jane Harman: "It is fitting that this Committee--the Foreign Relations Committee--is holding this hearing. As I reflect on my own role and the role of many who tried just as hard to keep us safe after 9/11, we got many of the tactics right but the strategy wrong. We have yet to develop a narrative, a positive-sum roadmap for where we are going and why others will benefit by joining with us. Retired General Stanley McChrystal--former head of Special Operations Command and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan--recently nailed it. In an interview in 'Foreign Affairs' on Iraq and Afghanistan, he first asked 'Where is the enemy?' As the engagement evolved, he asked 'Who is the enemy?' Then, 'What is the enemy trying to do?' Finally, he realized the question we most needed to answer was: 'Why is he the enemy?' This realization is bone-chilling. Many senior policymakers know we cannot kill our way to victory--because kinetics alone are more likely to inflame than persuade. But what is the US doing to persuade? Are we coordinated in our actions? Are we delivering the same message? Our tactics have an impact--and playing whack-a-mole will not win the argument with the kid in rural Syria or Yemen deciding whether or not to strap on a suicide vest." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jane Harman, Michael E. Leiter, and Kenneth L. Wainstein.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2014
• Russian Policies & Intentions Toward Specific European Countries, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, March 7, 2017

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  This testimony compilation is from the March 7, 2017 hearing "Russian Policies & Intentions Toward Specific European Countries" before the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. From the statement of Pavlo Klimkin: "Let me thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with you our assessments and related first-hand information on Russian policies towards a big European country -- towards Ukraine. The current policies of Russia towards Ukraine can be expressed in one word -- the war. It has been already 3 years since Russia launched a military aggression against Ukraine on 20 February 2014. The appalling number of victims highlights the immorality of Kremlin's war against the Ukrainian people: over 9,800 Ukrainian citizens have been killed, about 23 000 wounded and almost 1.8 million have become internally displaced persons. 7.2 % of Ukrainian territory has been seized by Russia and millions of Ukrainian citizens live there under occupation and endless terror." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Pavlo Klimkin, Piotr Wilczek, David Bakradze, Andris Teikmanis, Rolandas Krisciunas, and Eerik Marmei.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Appropriations

  2017-03-07
• Best Practices at Public and Private Shipyards, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, of the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, July 29, 2015

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  This is from the July 29, 2015 hearing, "Best Practices at Public and Private Shipyards," Hearing Before the Senate Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. From the opening statement of Kelly Ayotte: "The topic of today's hearing is Best Practices at Our Shipyards. Our Nation's private and public shipyards manufacture and maintain the Navy's ships and submarines. While the workers at these shipyards are largely civilians, they play a critical role in protecting and defending our country. Combatant commanders and the men and women of the United States Navy look to the workers at our shipyards to provide them technologically advanced, reliable, safe, and combat-ready ships and submarines. To fulfill this essential function, shipyards must constantly reassess practices to promote efficiency, performance, and responsible stewardship of our tax dollars. This requires identifying best practices, assessing their impact on performance, and ensuring those best practices are institutionalized and shared. In addition to private shipyards, like Newport News, our Nation has four public shipyards. Each of these public shipyards plays an indispensable role in sustaining our Nation's naval readiness, but I'm particularly proud of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the Navy's Center of Excellence for fast attack nuclear-powered submarine maintenance, modernization, and repair. That is more than just words. The skilled and dedicated workers at Portsmouth have proven with their performance and their consistent track record of completing projects ahead of schedule and under budget." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ray Bagley, and Paul R. O'Connor.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Lessons Learned from Security at Past Olympic Games, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Competition, Foreign Commerce, and Infrastructure of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, May 4, 2004

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  This is the May 4, 2004 hearing on "Lessons Learned from Security at Past Olympic Games," held before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Competition, Foreign Commerce, and Infrastructure of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From the opening statement of Gordon Smith: "Today's hearing will examine the evolution of Olympic security over the past 30 years, the advancement of technological and operational security tactics employed by domestic and foreign Olympic organizing officials to secure the Games as well as the cost and effectiveness of all of their measures. We'll also hear from two Olympians to get their perspective about how security has evolved over the years and how it affects the athletes who participate in the Games. [...] While it's true that there exist global security concerns heading into this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, I'm confident that the Greek officials are working in conjunction with security officials from around the world to ensure that the athletes and spectators who attend the Greek games will be well protected. It is a great credit to the Greek government that they have budgeted $1.2 billion for security. They have reached out to our Nation for lessons learned, as well as to the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance to provide military support for the security of our athletes and our spectators." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark Camillo, Carl Lewis, Steven Lopez, David G. Maples, and Mitt Romney.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Improving the Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Independence of Inspectors General, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, February 24, 2015

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  This is the February 24, 2015 hearing held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs entitled "Improving the Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Independence of Inspectors General." From the opening statement of Ron Johnson: "Inspectors General (IGs) are statutorily tasked with a mission 'to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness' at their agency and 'to prevent and detect fraud and abuse.' It is no coincidence that the mission is almost identical to the goals that Ranking Member Carper and I developed for our Committee: 'to identify/reduce/eliminate duplication, waste, fraud, and abuse within government' and 'increase the efficiency and effectiveness of federal agencies.' The Inspector General Act is clear: IGs are to be independent from the agency, have access to all records available to the agency, and make their work readily available to the public. It is Congress's job to ensure they are meeting these obligations and have the tools and resources necessary to fulfill their mission. IGs can have significant positive effect on the federal budget, and are a powerful ally to Congress in providing oversight of agency use of funds and ferreting out improper payments. For example, Inspector General O'Carroll at the Social Security Administration estimated his office last year alone saved $552 million through their investigations. Additionally, O'Carroll's office identified more than $5 billion in Federal funds that could be put to better use, over $1 billion in questioned costs, and over $21 million in civil monetary penalties and assessments." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael E. Horowitz, Steve A. Linick, John Roth, and Patrick P. O'Carroll, Jr.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2015-02-24
• Role of Small Businesses in Strengthening Cybersecurity Efforts in the United States, Hearing Before the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, July 25, 2011

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  From the opening statement of Mary L. Landrieu: "Cybersecurity is an issue that is of utmost importance to our country. In the last Congress, I had the opportunity to chair the Subcommittee on the Judiciary Committee that dealt with Homeland Security, cybersecurity issues. And I mention that, because during the course of that chairmanship, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand of the risks to our country. There are cyber criminals out there and I think we all know cyber criminals. But in addition, we also have cyber terrorists that are out there, people who are trying to do havoc to this nation through cyberspace to America. But there are also cyber soldiers, agents of other countries that are operating, that are trying to compromise America's security. […] But cyber terrorists are really trying to cause havoc to this country. They are trying to compromise our security, trying to deal with our energy grids, trying to deal with our transportation grids. An we know that, other countries are interested in trying to compromise our defense strategies through cyber-attacks. So these are issues that are of utmost importance to our country." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Benjamin L. Cardin, Patrick D. Gallagher, Jennifer S. Walsmith, Christian S. Johansson, Charles Iheagwara, Sarah Djamshidi, Gregory von Lehmen, Barbara A. Mikulski, and Mary L. Landrieu.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• Ensuring an Efficient and Effective Diplomatic Security Training Facility for the Twenty-First Century, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development, U.S. Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, October 08, 2015

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  This is a testimony compilation of the October 8, 2015 hearing "Ensuring an Efficient and Effective Diplomatic Security Training Facility for the Twenty-First Century" held before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From the statement of Gregory Starr: "Improved training was a key finding of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board (ARB) in December 2012. The Diplomatic Security Organization and Management Review Panel and Best Practices Panel, both convened as a result of the ARB, recommended that the Department establish a consolidated training facility in close proximity to Washington, D.C. Since that time, attacks on State Department facilities and personnel in Herat, Afghanistan; Erbil, Iraq; and Ankara, Turkey -- plus the need for evacuations from Libya and Yemen -- have highlighted the danger our employees face while fulfilling our diplomatic responsibilities abroad. We have learned from these events and continue to modify our training as needed." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Gregory Starr, Michael Courts, and Connie L. Patrick.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations

  2015-10-08
• Internet Infrastructure in Native Communities: Equal Access to E-Commerce, Jobs and the Global Marketplace, Hearing Before the Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, October 6, 2011

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  From the opening statement of Daniel K. Akaka: "I call this hearing of the Committee on Indian Affairs to order. Aloha and thank you all for being with us at this hearing today, which is on Internet Infrastructure in Native Communities: Equal Access to E-Commerce, Jobs and the Global Marketplace. I am very pleased to chair this hearing, because investing in telecommunications infrastructure is the best way we can help remote Native communities participate in the global marketplace while maintaining the unique character and culture of their homelands. In Hawaii, we live in the most remote location on Earth, alone in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We rely on telecommunications infrastructure to keep us connected to the rest of the world and to help keep our economy running. Within our State, we have Hawaiian Home Lands, similar to Indian reservations or Alaska Native communities. These communities, like many Native communities, had little access to critical health, educational and economic development opportunities available in more urban locations where Internet and related telecommunications infrastructure are readily available. With an investment by FCC [Federal Communications Commission] the majority of the Hawaiian Home Lands communities are now connected with fiber optic cable, the infrastructure necessary to deliver equitable access to Internet and the global marketplace today and for years to come." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Daniel K. Akaka, Al Franken, Lisa Murkowski, Jon Tester, Tom Udall, Geoffrey Blackwell, Robin Puanani Danner, Margo Gray-Proctor, Howard Hays, Carl Marrs, Lance G. Morgan, Michael J. Pollock, Robert Odawi Porter, Darrell Gerlaugh, Margie Mejia, Shirley Sneve, and Joseph Valandra.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• State of Federal Privacy and Data Security Law: Lagging Behind the Times? Hearing Before the Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, July 31, 2012

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  From the opening statement of Daniel K. Akaka: "Today, the Subcommittee will examine the foundation for our Federal privacy and data security laws. Unfortunately, key pieces of this foundation have serious cracks that need to be fixed. The Privacy Act, a cornerstone of Federal privacy protection, was enacted way back in 1974 to respond to the increasing ease of collecting and storing personal information in computer databases. It governs how the Federal Government gathers, shares, and protects Americans' personal information. Despite dramatic technological change over the last four decades, much of the Privacy Act remains stuck in the 1970s. Many of the definitions in the Act are simply out of date and do not make sense in the current data environment. As a result, the Act is difficult to interpret and apply, and it provides inconsistent protection to the massive amount of personal information in the hands of the government. I want to highlight a few specific concerns." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Daniel K. Akaka, Ron Johnson, Thomas R. Carper, Mary Ellen Callahan, Greg Long, Greg Wilshusen, Peter Swire, Chris Calabrese, and Paul Rosenzweig.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• Present and Future Impact of Virtual Currency: Joint Hearing Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, and the Subcommittee on Economic Policy, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, November 19, 2013

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  This is from the November 19, 2013 hearing, "The Present and Future Impact of Virtual Currency," before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. The purpose of this hearing was to discuss establishment of regulatory framework for virtual currencies. From the statement of Jennifer Shasky Calvery: "Virtual currency is a medium of exchange that operates like a currency in some environments but does not have all the attributes of real currency. In particular, virtual currency does not have legal tender status in any jurisdiction. A convertible virtual currency either has an equivalent value in real currency, or 3 acts as a substitute for real currency. In other words, it is a virtual currency that can be exchanged for real currency. At FinCEN [Financial Crimes Enforcement Network], we have focused on two types of convertible virtual currencies: centralized and decentralized. […] Any financial institution, payment system, or medium of exchange has the potential to be exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing. Virtual currency is not different in this regard. As with all parts of the financial system, though, FinCEN seeks to understand the specific attributes that make virtual currency vulnerable to illicit use, so that we can both employ a smart regulatory approach and encourage industry to develop mitigating features in its products." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jenniver Shasky Calvery, David Cotney, Anthony Gallippi, Mercedes Kelley Tunstall, Sarah Jane Hughes, and Paul Smocer.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2014
• Transportation Security: Protecting Passengers and Freight, Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, April 6, 2016

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  This is the April 6, 2016 hearing on "Transportation Security: Protecting Passengers and Freight," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From the opening statement of the Honorable John Thune, U.S. Senator from South Dakota, "On March 22, terrorists associated with ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] detonated three bombs in Brussels, two at an airport and one in a busy metro car. Thirty-five people, including four Americans, were killed in this cowardly attack. The victims of these attacks remain in our thoughts and prayers. The threat from ISIS, Al Qaeda, and their sympathizers is real, and we must ensure that sound policies are in place to enhance security and prevent these deadly attacks. This hearing will focus on the efforts of the Transportation Security Administration to secure surface transportation modes. In light of the attacks in Brussels, however, we will also address the related challenge of safeguarding the areas of airports outside passenger screening checkpoints." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: the Honorable Peter Neffenger.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Science and Health Misinformation in the Digital Age: How Does it Spread? Who is Vulnerable? How Do We Fight it?

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  From the Introduction: "Society has long struggled with the spread of inaccurate or misleading information. However, rapid advancements in communications technology and the development of online networks have rapidly magnified this problem. As enabling as these developments have been for the sharing and dissemination of credible information, the same is true of misinformation. [...] This report synthesizes existing academic research and perspectives shared by academics and practitioners to answer three questions: 1. How is misinformation spread? 2. Who is most likely to fall prey to misinformation? 3. How do we combat misinformation and its effects? In answering these questions, the report highlights three case studies of science communication and misinformation -- climate change, vaccines and COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. It concludes with recommendations for practitioners and government agencies to combat misinformation and its effects in science and health policy."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Merkley, Eric; Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-07
• Report 6: Three Areas in Which Pandemic Management Could Have Been Better

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  From the Document: "The purpose of this retrospection is not to be unduly critical. Certainly, members of Canada's political class should on balance receive at least a passing grade for their management of the pandemic. [...] [M]y goal is to understand whether different courses of action were possible at three key policy junctures. From the perspective of what citizens would consent to or agree to, at least, it does seem possible that other policy paths could have been taken. I look at three different sets of policy choices in particular. First, I examine the application of lockdowns, in particular the trade off of locking-down various essential and non-essential services in exchange for keeping schools open. Second, I look at the use of technology-based tracking and tracing to enable smarter lockdowns. Third, I consider the prioritization of vaccine roll outs."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-07-27
• Report 1: The Waiting is the Hardest

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  From the Introduction: "This report examines Canadian attitudes toward social distancing, government response and COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccines. While retrospectives on the performance of federal and provincial governments will follow at the end of the pandemic, we find that governments have enjoyed broad agreement from Canadians that the pandemic is the most important issue, above all others, and that extraordinary efforts should be taken to combat it."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-01-18
• Report 3: Do Vaccine Brand Preferences Exist?

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  From the Document: "Canada has approved four COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccines for use and secured access to more vaccine doses per person than any other country. With such a wide array of vaccines likely to be made available to them, Canadians' preferences on which vaccine they receive could have a big impact on the vaccination campaign. With data from the Media Ecosystem Observatory, Dr. Peter Loewen breaks down what Canadians consider most important in a vaccine, and which vaccines they prefer."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-03-16
• Report 5: Reaching the Vaccine Hesitant

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  From the Introduction: "The purpose of this report is to provide a real-time view of the vaccine hesitant. There is no shortage of research on who is and is not willing to be vaccinated but this research has limited applicability to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccine roll-out for two reasons. First, much of it concerns childhood vaccinations, and the choices parents make on behalf of their children, which is not applicable to the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines at present. Second, like pandemics, en masse vaccine rollouts are rare. Accordingly, taking an in-the-moment view of who is vaccine hesitant and what factors structure their hesitancy can help us better understand how to confront the challenge of the last stages of mass vaccination. In what follows, I present data demonstrating that vaccine willingness has increased in Canada in the last four months--impressively so. Still, some 20% of Canadians remain reluctant. Tackling vaccine hesitancy requires that we understand their views. Who are these people? Where do they live? How informed are they about COVID-19? The answers to these questions lead to recommendations about how Canada can speed up vaccine uptake."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-05-18
• Report 2: Support for a Canadian 'Vaccine Passport'

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  From the Introduction: "In this report, I explore levels of support for a vaccine passport and a verification database, show how this support varies by sector and region, and explore the differences between individuals in the reasons they support or oppose vaccine passports. I conclude with three observations about a path forward for vaccine passports."

  Public Policy Forum (Ottawa, Ont.)

  Loewen, Peter John, 1979-

  2021-02-16