Noteworthy new and newly updated reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following (all pdf).
“Presidential Transitions,” updated December 27, 2007.
“Engineered Nanoscale Materials and Derivative Products: Regulatory Challenges,” January 22, 2008.
“NATO in Afghanistan: A Test of the Transatlantic Alliance,” updated January 7, 2008.
“The Changing U.S.-Japan Alliance: Implications for U.S. Interests,” updated January 10, 2008.
“Does the Army Need a Full-Spectrum Force or Specialized Units? Background and Issues for Congress,” January 18, 2008.
“Security Classified and Controlled Information: History, Status, and Emerging Management Issues,” updated January 2, 2008.
The absence of consistent voting privileges for patient representatives on Advisory Committees hinders representatives from providing an voice on behalf of the community they represent.
Grant funds research of AI’s impact on nuclear weapons, biosecurity, military autonomy, cybersecurity, and other global issues.
AdComm members note a lack of transparency in recruitment methods, insufficient training, and limited understanding of regulatory procedures.
Internal disagreements present a growing concern about FDA leadership overruling the expert opinions of scientific staff and proceeding with official approvals, thus undermining staff expertise, decreasing agency morale, and potentially diminishing public trust.