Some other noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service obtained by Secrecy News include the following (all pdf).
“China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities — Background and Issues for Congress,” updated July 10, 2008.
“Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues,” updated June 27, 2008.
“Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress,” updated June 18, 2008.
“U.S. Civilian Space Policy Priorities: Reflections 50 Years After Sputnik,” updated June 20, 2008.
The new alignment signals a clear shift in priorities: offices dedicated to clean energy and energy efficiency have been renamed, consolidated, or eliminated, while new divisions elevate hydrocarbons, fusion, and a combined Office of AI & Quantum.
We came out of the longest shutdown in history and we are all worse for it. Who won the shutdown fight? It doesn’t matter – Americans lost. And there is a chance we run it all back again in a few short months.
Promising examples of progress are emerging from the Boston metropolitan area that show the power of partnership between researchers, government officials, practitioners, and community-based organizations.
Americans trade stocks instantly, but spend 13 hours on tax forms. They send cash by text, but wait weeks for IRS responses. The nation’s revenue collector ranks dead last in citizen satisfaction. The problem isn’t just paperwork — it’s how the government builds.