Noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service that have not been made readily available to the public include the following.
“China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy,” updated October 1, 2007.
“North Korean Refugees in China and Human Rights Issues: International Response and U.S. Policy Options,” September 26, 2007.
“Saudi Arabia: Terrorist Financing Issues,” updated September 14, 2007.
“Terrorism in Southeast Asia,” September 11, 2007.
“Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations,” updated August 2, 2007.
“Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress,” updated August 21, 2007.
“Presidential Directives: Background and Overview,” updated August 9, 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.