Drought in California, Democracy in Hong Kong (CRS)
Noteworthy new Congressional Research Service reports obtained by Secrecy News include the following (all pdf).
“Military Service Records and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources,” December 16, 2009.
“California Drought: Hydrological and Regulatory Water Supply Issues,” December 7, 2009.
“Government Collection of Private Information: Background and Issues Related to the USA PATRTIOT Act Reauthorization,” December 9, 2009.
“Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Set to Expire February 28, 2010,” December 23, 2009.
“Homeland Security Department: FY2010 Appropriations,” December 14, 2009.
“Private Security Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan: Legal Issues,” December 22, 2009.
“International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress,” January 5, 2010.
“U.S. Public Diplomacy: Background and Current Issues,” December 18, 2009.
“Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2012 Election Reforms,” December 10, 2009.
As humans expand our geographic reach, encroach on untouched natural territories, and interact more with animal populations, we will encounter novel zoonotic diseases that threaten the human body. The sooner we act to address these risks, the better.
This report serves as a landscape assessment and toolbox from which local governments can negotiate an informed position when it comes to the levers available to them and includes a first-of-its kind analysis of eight executed community benefits agreements.
When a hurricane hits, it’s all hands on deck – that goes for federal data, too. Pulling back from our investments in timely, accurate, and accessible public data will only make us less prepared and put us all at greater risk.
This is bigger than a singular elimination of race and ethnicity questions. It could accelerate the second wave of widespread reductions to demographic data, leaving public health officials with even less information to deliver better health outcomes for all Americans.