Government Documents for You

The Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (HIIK) at the Department of Political Science at the University of Heidelberg is a private organization. The work is dedicated to research, document, and analyze national and international political conflicts. The HIIK continually updates the COSIMO-database. The research results are periodically published in the annual Conflict Barometer.

The HIIK annually publishes the Conflict Barometer, which describes recent trends in conflict development, escalations, settlements. This publication is freely available to the public in English from 1997, 2002-Present and can be found here: http://www.hiik.de/en/konfliktbarometer/index.html.

COSIMO (Conflict Simulation Model), is the raw data on national and international conflicts from 1945 - present. The first version of the database, COSIMO 1, comprises data on national and international conflicts from 1945 to 1998 (version 1.3). You can download the dataset as xls or csv. The additional codemanual is available at following link as doc. Data from 1998 - present has not yet been published.

The Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China has provided English-translations of Government White Papers. White Papers are authoritative reports or guides that address issues and how to solve them. Some of the topics covered are:

National Defense
Ethnic Minorities
Energy
Environmental Protection
Democratic Reforms
Human Rights

These papers can be found at the following website: http://china.org.cn/e-white/index.htm

**Description taken from SIGAR's website**

The United States has committed almost $32 billion in humanitarian and other aid to Afghanistan since 2001. This amount constitutes the largest single contribution of any nation supporting the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. When paired with the $25 billion provided by 60 other countries since the fall of the Taliban regime, the total international non-military investment in the rebuilding of Afghanistan exceeds $57 billion. To provide for the independent and objective conduct and supervision of audits, inspections, and investigations relating to these funds, Congress created the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). As such, the Office of the SIGAR is charged with overseeing the accounting for monies expended for the effective reconstruction of Afghanistan, so that it is internally and externally secure, democratic, and inhospitable to terrorism, drug trafficking, and narcotic cultivation.

The appointment of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, endowed with broad investigative powers and underpinned by independence and collegiality, constitutes a formidable and compelling instrument to make oversight of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan a reality.

SIGAR releases quarterly reports, which can be found at the following website: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/Default.aspx

Oversight Mission and Plans: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/missions.aspx

Congressional Testimony: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/testimony/Default.aspx

The Homeland Security Council published the first edition of "Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation," its recommendations for responding to a nuclear detonation in the United States. The HSC is a Federal interagency committee with representation from the Executive Office of the President (Homeland Security Council and Office of Science and Technology Policy), the Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Transportation, Veteran's Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

According to the document, "The purpose of this guidance is to provide emergency planners with nuclear detonation-specific response recommendations to maximize the preservation of life in the event of an urban nuclear detonation. This guidance addresses the unique effects and impacts of a nuclear detonation such as scale of destruction, shelter and evacuation strategies, unparalleled medical demands, management of nuclear casualties, and radiation dose management concepts."

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation: First Edition can be found at the following website: http://www.afrri.usuhs.mil/outreach/pdf/planning-guidance.pdf

This information is particularly relevant to residents of Gulf Coast states in light of recent natural disaster responses.

**Text taken from FEMA Press Release**

National Disaster Housing Strategy Released

Release Date: January 16, 2009
Release Number: FNF-09-001

* National Disaster Housing Strategy Base Document
* National Disaster Housing Strategy Annexes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the release of the National Disaster Housing Strategy. The Strategy summarizes, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing capabilities, principles, and policies that guide and inform the disaster housing process. The Strategy also charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts must take to better meet the disaster housing needs of individuals and communities moving forward.

The Strategy promotes a national housing effort that engages all levels of government, the nonprofit and private sectors, and individuals to collectively meet the urgent housing needs of disaster victims and enable individuals, households and communities to rebuild and restore their way of life when a disaster threatens or strikes.

"The National Disaster Housing Strategy recognizes that effective housing solutions are those that go beyond simply providing a housing unit to also address the complex needs of disaster victims," FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said. "The Strategy reflects the combined efforts of FEMA and many partner agencies, and incorporates feedback from organizations and the public that have a role in disaster housing, whether it's at the tribal, state or local level, with our private sector partners and with individuals."

The Strategy calls for a National Disaster Housing Task Force, which is chaired by FEMA, and jointly led with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National American Red Cross and includes experts from all levels of government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The Task Force will focus full time attention on disaster housing, developing operational plans, building disaster housing capabilities, and achieving the vision and goals of the Strategy.

"The Strategy illustrates the importance of federal, private and local partners working together to provide long-term housing assistance after a disaster," said HUD Secretary Preston. "HUD will continue to assist FEMA and others to address disaster housing needs."

FEMA received nearly 500 comments from individuals, industry representatives, associations, and State and local government representatives during the public comment period. Our housing staff has spent the past six months adjudicating these comments and seeking additional guidance and direction from our stakeholders in order to address these concerns and comments. The final Strategy incorporates most of these comments, as well as the input of numerous agencies and organizations at the federal, state, local levels. It includes seven annexes that summarize current disaster housing efforts and programs and provide the foundation to review, analyze, and improve disaster housing.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

November 9, 2009 is the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. To commemorate this event, I have created a LibGuide highlighting resources available at Mississippi State University and on the Internet about the history of the Berlin Wall. Additionally, in cooperation with the German Missions in the United States, we have books and pamphlets concerning the Berlin Wall and Germany available in the Government Documents, Microforms, and Current Journals Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library.

Additionally, the Mitchell Memorial Library will host an event on November 9th, from 4:30 - 6:00 in the Grisham Room. Five of MSU's professors will each speak about the History of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War, and the lasting significance of this event.

http://guides.library.msstate.edu/Berlin_Wall

The Reference Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library, as part of our continued service, outreach, and engagement to our community has created a new LibGuide: Living in a Recession. Christine Fletcher, Judy Li, and I have created a virtual Recession Survival Skills tool-kit that provides: budget tips, gardening, finding grants and scholarships, and other public concerns.

http://guides.library.msstate.edu/Living_in_a_Recession

We will continue updating the LibGuide over the next few weeks and months as more information becomes available.

Please feel free to send us any comments or suggestions you have!

**Press Release from the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security**

January 14, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and former Subcommittee Chairman for Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, James R. Langevin (D-RI), released a Majority staff report entitled “Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza.”

The report examines the Nation’s state of preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. It identifies sixteen weaknesses in the outgoing Bush Administration’s approach to get prepared for pandemic influenza. In addition, the report provides fifteen critical recommendations for what Congress, the incoming Administration, and the public and private sectors can do to achieve National readiness to combat this threat.

Chairman Thompson released the following statement along with the report:

"It is possible that the next influenza pandemic will result in hundreds of thousands to millions of deaths – even here in the US. Further, pandemic influenza could destroy the security of our Nation and Homeland. Yet despite the horrific consequences, we still are not prepared as a Nation to fully withstand the impact of such a devastating widespread biological event.

The change in Presidential leadership presents a new opportunity to ensure that the Nation is ready to address pandemic influenza from a position of strength. The House Committee on Homeland Security looks forward to working with the Obama Administration to address this threat and achieve National readiness.

The will to meet and overcome pandemic influenza is as great a mission as any on the global battlefield. Our success depends on keeping up the fight until pandemic influenza is overcome.”

The report can be found at the following website: http://homeland.house.gov/SiteDocuments/20090114124322-85263.pdf

"Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq" are quarterly reports to Congress include: updates on the political stability, government reform, economic activity and budget execution, indicators by economic activity, the security environment, the Iraqi security forces - their training and performance.

Useful charts and graphs include:

Oil Production and Export
Average Daily Oil Export and Cumulative Revenue
Average Electricity Demand and Production
Overall Weekly Security Incident Trends
Civilian Deaths
ISF and U.S. Deaths in Iraq
High Profile Attacks
Ethno-Sectarian Deaths
Weapons Caches Found by Coalition and Iraqi Forces
Average Daily Executed Attacks by Province
Neighbor stability
Government Security Efforts
Provincial Iraqi Control map
Iraqi Ministry of Interiorl National Police Forces Operational Readiness

These reports are available at the following website: http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/Iraq_Reports/index.html

The Defense Science Board was established in 1956 to canvass the needs and opportunities presented by new scientific knowledge for radically new weapons systems. Members are selected on the basis of their preeminence in the fields of science, technology and its application to military operations, research, engineering, manufacturing and acquisition process. The DSB works in close coordination with the Director of Defense Research and Engineering to develop and strengthen the Department's research and development strategies for the 21st Century.

Reports from the Defense Science Board are freely available to the public and can be found at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports.htm

The White House Archives has preserved publications, videos, policies, photos, speeches and news releases from the Administration of President George W. Bush and they are available on the Internet. These resources offer an insightful look into President Bush's administration and are freely accessible to the public.

Publications of note:

A Charge Kept: The Record of the Bush Presidency, 2001 - 2009
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/charge-kept.pdf

Highlights of Accomplishments and Results of the Administration of George W. Bush
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/legacybooklet.pdf

100 Things Americans May Not Know About the Bush Administration Record
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/appendix_acc_for_web.pdf

Selected Speeches of President George W. Bush, 2001 - 2008
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/Selected_Speeches_George_W_Bush.pdf

**This blog posting does not constitute any sort of political endorsement and is for informational purposes only.**

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, tasked by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate with using state-of-the-art theories, methods, and data from the social and behavioral sciences to improve understanding of the origins, dynamics, and social and psychological impacts of terrorism. START, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, aims to provide timely guidance on how to disrupt terrorist networks, reduce the incidence of terrorism, and enhance the resilience of U.S. society in the face of the terrorist threat.

START published a research report entitled "Public Response to Terrorism: Findings from the National Survey of Disaster Experiences and Preparedness." A national survey was conducted to study people’s experiences with, preparedness and mitigation actions for, and perceptions related to terrorism and other disasters. The report examines fifteen different questions, with some listed below:

How prepared is the public for future disasters?
What have people done to prepare for terrorism?
What are people avoiding because of terrorism?
What do people know about terrorism and other related topics?
What do people think about the possibility of a future terrorist attack?
How Prepared is the Nation?

"Public Response to Terrorism: Findings from the National Survey of Disaster Experiences and Preparedness" can be found at: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/sciprc/pdf/NC+START+Descriptive+Report.pdf

Other START publications can be found here: http://www.start.umd.edu/start/publications/

The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) is an independent, non-partisan policy research institute established to promote innovative thinking and debate about national security strategy and investment options. CSBA’s goal is to enable policymakers to make informed decisions in matters of strategy, security policy and resource allocation.

The CSBA released a report entitled "Cost of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other Military Operations Through 2008 and Beyond." In this report, CSBA offers a comprehensive picture of the direct budgetary costs of US military operations conducted since 2001. The report also discusses the means used to budget for and finance these operations, and includes projections of how much more these operations might cost over the coming decade.

In their report "Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the US Military’s Plans, Programs, and Budgets," the CSBA assesses the effect that the operations in these two theaters have had on the plans, programs, and budgets of the US military, specifically those of the US Army. It makes projections for the future costs of the operations in these two theaters.

To see these reports, click on the following links or go to CSBA's publications page: http://www.csbaonline.org/2006-1/3.Publications/Publications_List.shtml?

Cost of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other Military Operations Through 2008 and Beyond
Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the US Military’s Plans, Programs, and Budgets

Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience is a publication of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), a temporary federal agency serving the American public as a watchdog for fraud, waste, and abuse of funds intended for Iraq reconstruction programs.

The description below was taken from the SIGIR website.

Since the March 2003 invasion, the Congress appropriated about $50 billion in taxpayer dollars for Iraq's relief and reconstruction. This generous provision funded a continuously evolving rebuilding program that sought, among other things, to restore Iraq's essential services, establish new security forces, create a free-market economy, and put the country on the path to achieving an effective democracy. Some of the initiatives succeeded but others did not. Hard Lessons, the first comprehensive account of the Iraqi reconstruction effort, reviews in detail the United States' rebuilding program, shedding light on why certain programs worked while others fell short of goals.

Beginning with the prewar planning process, Hard Lessons traces the development of reconstruction policy from its modest initial scope to is rapid expansion during the summer of 2003 under the Coalition Provisional Authority's aegis. The report chronicles the difficult challenges that confronted the reconstruction program as Iraq slipped into the grip of a deadly insurgency during 2005 and 2006. Reconstruction officials responded by moving large sums of money into security programs, which ultimately consumed over half of the $50 billion in U.S. appropriations. Increasing conflict in Iraq required a new military strategy - counterinsurgency - and a new plan - the surge - the success of which, seen in 2007, brought violence down to levels not seen since the March 2003 invasion. This salutary development finally allowed reconstruction projects to proceed relatively unimpeded. But by 2008, most of the $50 billion was spent. U.S. efforts now focused on helping Iraq better expend its own resources on the country's continuing national recovery. Hard Lessons concludes with 13 lessons draw from 6 difficult years of Iraq reconstruction.

Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience can be found at the following website: http://www.sigir.mil/hardlessons/pdfs/Hard_Lessons_Report.pdf

The Center for Strategic & International Studies Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency has released its final report, "Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency." The Commission’s three major findings are:

1. Cybersecurity is now one of the major national security problems facing the United States;
2. Decisions and actions must respect American values related to privacy and civil liberties; and
3. Only a comprehensive national security strategy that embraces both the domestic and international aspects of cybersecurity will improve the situation.

The "Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency" report can be found at: http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081208_securingcyberspace_44.pdf

U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) is one of the combat commands of the Department of Defense. It is responsible for: Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, Joint Training, Joint Capabilities Development, and Joint Force Provider. The Joint Forces Command released their Joint Operating Environment 2008 Report, which provides a perspective on future trends, shocks, contexts, and implications for future joint force commanders and other leaders and professionals in the national security field. This document is speculative in nature and does not suppose to predict what will happen in the next twenty-five years. Rather, it is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions about the future security environment at the operational level of war.

The Joint Operating Environment 2008 Report can be found at: http://www.jfcom.mil/newslink/storyarchive/2008/JOE2008.pdf

Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers is the final report from the Genocide Prevention Task Force of the United States Institute of Peace. This report outlines potential plans for the United States, along with international partners, to take preventive action in future cases of genocide and mass atrocities. The fundamental goal of this report is to identify practical steps to enhance the capacity of the U.S. government to prevent and respond to genocide and mass atrocities.

Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers can be found at: http://media.usip.org/reports/genocide_taskforce_report.pdf

The Reference Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library has recently experienced a surge of questions from our patrons about the current economic crisis. Christine Fletcher, Judy Li, and I have created a LibGuide of resources about the crisis
http://guides.library.msstate.edu/economic_crisis

It is a collection of government, scholarly, and online resources providing the latest information about the crisis and how the government is responding to it.

We will continue updating the LibGuide over the next few weeks and months as more information becomes available.

Please feel free to send us any comments or suggestions you have!

MacKay, Andrea P. and Catherine Duran. Adolescent Health in the United States, 2007. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, 2007. SUDOC: HE 20.6202:2007

Adolescence is a period of accelerated growth and change that bridges the complex transition from childhood to adulthood. The second decade of life is often a turbulent period in which adolescents experience hormonal changes, physical maturation, and, frequently, opportunities to engage in risk behaviors. The patterns of behavior they adopt may have long-term consequences for their health and quality of life. Because of the rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional developments that take place during this age period, adolescence is also a time when many health problems may first emerge. Moreover, adolescents also experience special vulnerabilities, health concerns, and barriers to accessing health care.

Adolescent Health in the United States, 2007 describes the health of the population 10–19 years of age. Because the transition to adulthood often continues through ages 20–24 years (young adults), data for young adults are presented in topic areas when comparable data were available. Topics covered are: Population; Health Status; Violence and Victimization; Reproductive Health; Risk Behaviors; and Health Care Access and Utilization.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99341

Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack : critical national infrastructures. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.2:IN 3/EL 2

The physical and social fabric of the United States is sustained by a system of systems; a complex and dynamic network of interlocking and interdependent infrastructures (“critical national infrastructures”) whose harmonious functioning enables the myriad actions, transactions, and information flow that undergird the orderly conduct of civil society in this country. The vulnerability of these infrastructures to threats — deliberate, accidental, and acts of nature — is the focus of greatly heightened concern in the current era, a process accelerated by the events of 9/11 and recent hurricanes, including Katrina and Rita.

The increasingly pervasive use of electronics of all forms represents the greatest source of vulnerability to attack by electromagnetic pulse (EMP). When a nuclear explosion occurs at high altitude, the EMP signal it produces will cover the wide geographic region within the line of sight of the detonation. This broad band, high amplitude EMP, when coupled into sensitive electronics, has the capability to produce widespread and long lasting disruption and damage to the critical infrastructures that underpin the fabric of U.S. society.

This report presents the results of the Commission’s assessment of the effects of a high altitude EMP attack on our critical national infrastructures and provides recommendations for their mitigation.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS101707

**Text is taken from the Preface of the document**

Falk, Justin. Nuclear Power’s Role in Generating Electricity. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Budget Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 10.2/N 88/4

Concerns about the adequacy of electricity supply and the impact of greenhouse-gas emissions on the environment have prompted policymakers to reevaluate the role that nuclear power might play in the future in meeting the nation’s demand for electricity. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) offers incentives for expanding utilities’ capacity to generate electricity using innovative fossil-fuel technologies and a new generation of nuclear reactors that are designed to decrease costs and enhance safety. In addition, policymakers are considering various proposals that would impose charges on entities that emit carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. Such policies could further encourage the use of nuclear power, which emits no such gases, by increasing the cost of generating electricity with competing fossil-fuel technologies.

At the request of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) assessed the competitiveness of nuclear power when compared with other sources of new capacity to generate electricity, focusing on the possible effects of constraints on carbon dioxide emissions and the impact of EPAct incentives. In accordance with CBO’s mandate to provide objective, impartial analysis, this study makes no recommendations.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS93787

**Text taken from Preface of the document**

Career Guide to Industries: 2008-09 Edition. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008. SUDOC: L 2.3/4-3:2008-09

This edition of the Career Guide to Industries contains information about 44 industries, which accounted for 3 out of 4 wage and salary jobs in 2006. This series provides valuable information from an industry perspective for people seeking employment. Here are a few of the questions that this guide seeks to answer: What kinds of workers are employed by a particular industry; what jobs are you qualified for right now; what jobs require special education or training; and what advancement opportunities do these jobs offer?

The industries are broken down in to the following categories: Natural resources, construction, and utilities; Manufacturing; Trade; Transportation and Warehousing; Information; Financial Activities; Professional and business services; Education, health care, and social services; Leisure and hospitality; Government and advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organization.

Information about each industry is broken down into sub-categories: Nature of Industry; Working Conditions; Employment; Occupations in the Industry; Training and Advancement; Earnings; and Outlook.

Searchable database: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS4409

Also see: Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2008-09 Edition. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008.

Current edition available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS51754

Archives available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS4235

Meeting the Information Needs of the American People: Past Actions and Future Initiatives. Washington, D.C. : U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.L 61:2 IN 3/7

This report is a summary of the activities and publications of the National Commission on Libraries and Information science, from its creation in 1970 to its merger with the Institute of Museums and Library Services in 2008. It closes by identifying future issues that library professionals will face. These topics include: Public Libraries and their changing role in Society; Digital Libraries; Building and Sharing Collections; Disaster Planning and Relief Efforts; Copyright; Internet; Library Education; Sustainability of the current model of Scholarly Publishing; and School Libraries.

This document is available online: http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps92741/MeetingtheInformationNeedsoftheAmericanPeople-NCLISFinalReport.pdf

Gehlhaus, Diana. “What Can I Do With My Liberal Arts Degree?” Occupational Outlook Quarterly 51, no.4 (Winter 2007-08): 2-12. SUDOC: L 2.70/4:

This article offers information for college graduates holding liberal arts degrees and their available job options. There is a discussion about advantages to holding a liberal arts degree, tips on how to focus career goals, how to gain the skills needed to achieve these goals, and how to market liberal arts skills to find a job. One assertion is that hiring managers care more about a job candidate’s skills, like communication and critical thinking, than their major in college.

This document is available online: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2007/winter/art01.pdf

Current Issue for Occupational Outlook Quarterly: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/ooqhome.htm

Archives for Occupational Outlook Quarterly (1999 – present): http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/archive.htm

Policy Options for Reducing CO₂ Emissions. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Budget Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 10.2:P 75/6

There is a growing scientific consensus that rising concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which result from the burning of fossil fuels, are gradually warming the Earth’s climate. The amount of damage associated with that warming remains uncertain, but there is some risk that it could be large and perhaps even catastrophic.

Reducing that risk would require restraining the growth of CO2 emissions—and ultimately limiting those emissions to a level that would stabilize atmospheric concentrations—which would involve costs that are also uncertain but could be substantial. The most efficient approaches to reducing emissions of CO2 involve giving businesses and households an economic incentive for such reductions. Such an incentive could be provided in various ways, including a tax on emissions, a cap on the total annual level of emissions combined with a system of tradable emission allowances, or a modified cap-and-trade program that includes features to constrain the cost of emission reductions that would be undertaken in an effort to meet the cap.

This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study was prepared at the request of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and compares policy options based on three key criteria: their potential to reduce emissions efficiently; to be implemented with relatively low administrative costs; and to create incentives for emission reductions that are consistent with incentives in other countries. In keeping with the mandate of the CBO to provide objective, impartial analysis, the report contains no recommendations.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS90587

**Part of this entry is taken from the Preface of the document**

Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 2008. SUDOC: A 110.8:K 64

This pamphlet is a basic, comprehensive guide to simple steps readers can use to improve and ensure food safety from contaminants. Topics include: Foodborne Bacteria; Shopping for Food; Storing Food; Food Preparation; Cooking Food Safety; Special Guidelines for Certain Food; Specific Preparation and Cooking Methods; Serving Food Safely; Transporting Food; Food Safety in an Emergency; and Food Safety Contacts. This is an extremely useful resource for college students away from home and unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts of food preparation and storage!

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99050

Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Hurricane Toolkit: Recovery After the Storm. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2006. SUDOC: HH 1.2:H 94/3

This pamphlet provides information for individuals seeking assistance recovering from hurricanes. The authors highlight information and resources for faith-based and community service providers to assist their constituents and being prepared for crises situations, as well as information about the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) coordination of relief activities and contact information for HUD. Other topics covered: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Federal Housing Administration; Disaster Relief Centers; Finding Family and Friends; and Small Business Administration Assistance.

This document is available in both English and Spanish and is online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS95706

Oversight of Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery: A Semiannual Report to Congress, April 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008. President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency and Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency. Washington, D.C.: PCIE/ECIE, 2008. SUDOC: PREX 2.36:H 94/2008

This semiannual report is intended to keep the public apprised of the Federal Inspector General’s continuing effort to identify fraud, waste, and abuse with Gulf Coast hurricane recovery efforts (Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma). Activities monitored: Public Assistance Grants; Facility Inspections; Design – A&E; Construction; Repair; HMGP – future; Long Term Community; Recovery and Mitigation. At the time of publication, Congress has appropriated more than $149 billion and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expended more than $35 billion on Gulf Coast disaster relief efforts.

This document is available online at: http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/semiannlrpts/OIG_PCIE_ECIE_Apr08_Sep08.pdf

Previous reports are available at: http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/gc_1161113899636.shtm

Congressional Candidates and Committees. Washington, D.C.: Federal Election Commission, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.EL 2/3:13 C 76/2008

This guide summarizes the federal campaign finance laws that apply to candidate committees as of April 2008. The guide is intended to assist House and Senate candidates comply with the Federal Election Campaign Act and FEC regulations. Interested parties can find information on federal campaign finance laws. Topics include: Testing the Waters; Starting the Campaign; Campaign Contributions (types and limits); Sources of Support; Expenditures; Campaign Conduct; Record Keeping; Campaign Communications; and other relevant issues.

This document is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS36736

Future versions of this document are located at: http://www.fec.gov/info/publications.shtml#guides

Sullivan, John V. and Robert A. Brady. How Our Laws Are Made. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2007. SUDOC: Y 1.1/7:110-49

This brief guide, published at the request of Congress, provides a basic outline of how laws are made in Congress. Topics include: the role of Congress; the different types of Congressional action or bills; Referring a matter to a Committee; the Committee process; Reporting a Bill; Calendars; Action on a matter; debate; Conference Committee; and Presidential actions.

This document is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS103851

National Archives, Southeast Region (Atlanta). Family History Sources. Morrow, GA: National Archives, Southeast Region, 2008. SUDOC: AE 1.113:80

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the custodian of the federal government’s records, some of which are useful to people seeking information about their family’s history. The Southeast Region has custody of records from federal offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Examples of resources available: Original Naturalization Records; Slave Manifests; Tennessee Valley Authority; Draft Registration Cards; Military Service and Pension and Bounty Land Application Records; Census Records; Passenger Arrival; Freedman’s Bureau; and Native American Records.

Records NOT kept by NARA: Vital records (birth, death, marriage, or divorce); state or local records; records from the colonial period (1607 – 1789); and church records.

This pamphlet is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS104335

Department of Veterans Affairs. VA-Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans. Washington, D.C.: Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007. SUDOC: VA 1.19:26-4/2007

This pamphlet is designed to provide information for Veterans to obtain a guaranteed loan from Veterans Affairs. It covers issues like: How to arrange a loan; What the VA can do; Requirements for the VA loan; Application process; Loan Repayment; and other relevant information.

Veterans Affairs also has a website devoted to Loan Guaranty Service that includes up-to-date information from the federal government of current benefits and plans available for veterans. Go to the Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Services website at http://www.homeloans.va.gov for up-to-date information.

Wright, Donald P. and Timothy R. Reese. On Point II Transition to the New Campaign: The United States Army in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM May 2003 - January 2005. Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute Press, 2008. SUDOC: D 110.2:OP 2/2

This is a history of the United States Army’s operation in Iraq from May 2003 – January 2005, the time following the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime to the start of the insurgency and Iraqi elections. The discussion focuses on the US Army’s transition from conventional combat to full spectrum operations in support of building a new, free Iraq. The book, intended for soldiers and other military personnel, promotes understanding for the lessons learned by the Army’s experience during this period. The research and appendices are exhaustive in their detail, giving the reader a nuanced understanding of the Army’s activities during this crucial and challenging period.

The full-text of this document is available online at:
http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CSI/LongWarOpHistorySeries.asp#title

The previous edition in this series, On Point: The United States Army in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Through May 2003, is available online at: http://www-cgsc.army.mil/carl/download/csipubs/OnPointI.pdf