Last week, the House Appropriations Committee rejected two amendments to improve authorized public access to reports of the Congressional Research Service. However, unauthorized public access remains robust.
The latest Congressional Research Service reports include the following.
RICO: A Brief Sketch, May 18, 2016
Federal Reserve: Legislation in the 114th Congress, May 19, 2016
U.S.-EU Data Privacy: From Safe Harbor to Privacy Shield, May 19, 2016
Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions, May 19, 2016
Framing Spectrum Policy: Legislative Initiatives, May 18, 2016
The EMV Chip Card Transition: Background, Status, and Issues for Congress, May 17, 2016
Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy, May 17, 2016
Federal Student Aid: Need Analysis Formulas and Expected Family Contribution, May 18, 2016
Public Health Service Agencies: Overview and Funding (FY2015-FY2017), May 19, 2016
Waiting in Queue: Options for Addressing the Airport Screening Line Conundrum, CRS Insight, May 18, 2016.
Despite its recognition that CRS has provided “tremendous value” to Congress, the Senate Appropriations Committee rejected a proposed $7.4 million increase in the CRS budget for 2017.
“While the increase requested in fiscal year 2017 includes support for 22 additional full-time equivalents that purports to improve service to Congress, bringing on board new employees in the midst of this budget stagnation may not be a practical or cost-effective solution to optimize service,” the Committee wrote last week.
Instead of increased resources, the Senate Committee told CRS to tighten its belt.
“The Committee directs CRS to examine ways in which the internal structure of the organization may be improved to meet the challenges of the ever-changing Congressional environment and provide a report to the Committee on a proposed restructuring within 120 days of enactment of this act. The report should include recommended changes to staffing, pay levels, the management structure, technology, and research priorities in order to create and support the workflow, products, and services that best meet Congress’ needs.”
FAS commends the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for clearing a historic 75 pieces of legislation, including multiple crucial bills to confront the wildfire crisis.
The United States needs a strategic investment fund (SIF) to shepherd promising technologies in nationally vital sectors through the valley of death.
Standardizing support for Accessibility & Accommodations in federally funded research efforts would open opportunities for disabled scientists and their research programs.
The incoming administration must act to address bias in medical technology at the development, testing and regulation, and market-deployment and evaluation phases.