Incoming members of Congress face a steep learning curve in trying to understand, let alone master, many diverse areas of public policy such as national defense.
To help facilitate that learning process, the Congressional Research Service has issued a series of “defense primers” that provide a brief introduction to a variety of defense policy topics. Several of them have recently been updated, including these:
Defense Primer: Geography, Strategy, and U.S. Force Design, CRS In Focus, updated November 8, 2018
Defense Primer: Department of the Navy, CRS In Focus, updated November 8, 2018
Defense Primer: Naval Forces, CRS In Focus, updated November 8, 2018
Defense Primer: United States Airpower, CRS In Focus, updated November 7, 2018:
Defense Primer: The United States Air Force, CRS In Focus, updated November 7, 2018
Other new and updated reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following.
Energy and Water Development Appropriations: Nuclear Weapons Activities, updated November 9, 2018
The Posse Comitatus Act and Related Matters: The Use of the Military to Execute Civilian Law, updated November 6, 2018
The DOD’s JEDI Cloud Program, CRS Insight, updated November 5, 2018
Iran: Efforts to Preserve Economic Benefits of the Nuclear Deal, CRS In Focus, updated November 8, 2018
Iran Sanctions, updated November 6, 2018
Global Trends in HIV/AIDS, CRS In Focus, November 6, 2018
21st Century U.S. Energy Sources: A Primer, updated November 5, 2018
Most federal agencies consider the start of the hiring process to be the development of the job posting, but the process really begins well before the job is posted and the official clock starts.
The new Administration should announce a national talent surge to identify, scale, and recruit into innovative teacher preparation models, expand teacher leadership opportunities, and boost the profession’s prestige.
Congress should approve a new allowable use of Title I spending that specifically enables and encourages districts to use funds for activities that support and drive equity-focused innovation.
The incoming administration should work towards encouraging state health departments to develop clear and well-communicated data storage standards for newborn screening samples.