Noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service obtained by Secrecy News include the following (all pdf).
“Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2007,” updated September 12, 2007.
“The Military Commissions Act of 2006: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Previous DOD Rules and the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” updated September 27, 2007.
“Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1999-2006,” September 26, 2007.
“Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy,” updated September 14, 2007.
“Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues,” updated September 19, 2007.
“Iraq: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy,” updated September 12, 2007.
“Presidential Signing Statements: Constitutional and Institutional Implications,” updated September 17, 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.