Noteworthy new and updated reports from the Congressional Research Service obtained by Secrecy News that have not been made readily available to the public include the following (all pdf).
“U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues,” updated August 5, 2008.
“Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests,” updated August 29, 2008.
“Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations,” updated August 1, 2008.
“Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress,” August 28, 2008.
“Distribution of Homeland Security Grants in FY2007 and P.L. 110-53, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act,” updated January 28, 2008.
“Globalization, Worker Insecurity, and Policy Approaches,” updated July 31, 2008.
If this proposed rule were enacted it would have deleterious effects on government workers in general and federal researchers and scientists, specifically.
When we introduce “at-will” employment to government employees, we also introduce the potential for environments where people are more concerned about self-preservation than service to others.
There is no better time to re-invigorate America’s innovation edge by investing in R&D to create and capture “industries of the future,” re-shoring capital and expertise, and working closely with allies to expand our capabilities while safeguarding those technologies that are critical to our security.
Russia currently maintains nearly 5,460 nuclear warheads, with an estimated 1,718 deployed. This represents a slight decrease in total warheads from previous years but still positions Russia as the world’s largest nuclear power alongside the United States.