Notable new reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following (all pdf).
“Renditions: Constraints Imposed by Laws on Torture,” updated October 12, 2007.
“Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals,” November 2, 2007.
“Burma and Transnational Crime,” October 25, 2007.
“The Army’s Future Combat System (FCS): Background and Issues for Congress,” updated October 11, 2007.
“Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress,” updated October 10, 2007.
Datasets and variables that do not align with Administration priorities, or might reflect poorly on Administration policy impacts, seem to be especially in the cross-hairs.
One month of a government shutdown is in the books, but how many more months will (or can) it go? Congress is paralyzed, but there are a few spasms of activity around healthcare and the prospects of a continuing resolution to punt this fight out until January or later.
At a period where the federal government is undergoing significant changes in how it hires, buys, collects and organizes data, and delivers, deeper exploration of trust in these facets as worthwhile.
Moving postsecondary education data collection to the states is the best way to ensure that the U.S. Department of Education can meet its legislative mandates in an era of constrained federal resources.