A substantial new report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) considers the potential threat posed by radiological dispersal devices or “dirty bombs.” At the direction of Congress, the CRS does not make its publications directly available to the public. The “dirty bomb” report, as well as a shorter, abridged version of the report, and the other new reports listed below were obtained by Secrecy News (all pdf).
“‘Dirty Bombs’: Technical Background, Attack Prevention and Response, Issues for Congress,” June 24, 2011
“‘Dirty Bombs’: Background in Brief,” June 24, 2011
“Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Extended Until June 1, 2015,” June 16, 2011
“Gun Control Legislation,” June 9, 2011
“State Taxation of Internet Transactions,” June 7, 2011
“Kazakhstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests,” June 1, 2011
“U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians,” May 31, 2011
“New Zealand: Background and Bilateral Relations with the United States,” May 27, 2011
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As the efficacy of environmental laws has waned, so has their durability. What was once a broadly shared goal – protecting Americans from environmental harm – is now a political football, with rules that whipsaw back and forth depending on who’s in charge.
It takes the average person over 9 hours and costs $160 to file taxes each year. IRS Direct File meant it didn’t have to.
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