Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "GAO tested certain internal controls over federal disbursements processed by the Department of the Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS) in fiscal year 2000. With some exceptions, FMS makes disbursements for all federal agencies through its Regional Financial Centers and Debt Management Operations Center. For fiscal year 2000, FMS reported processing approximately 890 million disbursements totaling more than $1.2 trillion. The centers disburse funds by check, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or Fedwire. FMS reported that these disbursements for fiscal year 2000 included approximately 265 million checks amounting to more than $265 billion, approximately 625 million EFTs amounting to more than $720 billion, and approximately 47,000 Fedwires amounting to more than $275 billion. The centers also process Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system enrollments. FMS reported the federal agencies authorized payments of over $254 billion in fiscal year 2000 using the ASAP system. This report reviews the results of GAO's (1) follow-up work on previously recommended improvements and corrective actions taken to address such recommendations and (2) fiscal year 2000 testing and related recommendations for improving controls over safeguarding assets and processing and documenting delegation and designation of agency …

A statement of record issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This testimony discusses the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) processes for denying aliens entry at airports and other points of entry, including the expedited removal and credible fear processes. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 included a provision--expedited removal--for dealing with aliens who try to enter the United States by engaging in fraud or misrepresentation (e.g. falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen or misrepresenting a material fact) or who arrive with fraudulent, improper, or no documents (e.g. visa or passport). The expedited removal provision reduces an alien's right to seek review of a determination of inadmissibility decision. The Act also allows expedited removal orders to be issued to aliens who have entered the United States without being inspected or paroled at a port of entry. INS and immigration judges implement the act's provisions on the expedited removal of aliens."

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This report identifies federal funding for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 that supported reproductive health activities of the following four nonprofit organizations: the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Population Council, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and The Alan Guttmacher Institute. GAO found that these organizations used $184 million in federal funds for fiscal year 1999 and $196 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2000 to support domestic and international activities related to reproductive health. The Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Agency for International Development were the major sources of these funds. Four Senate committees and four House committees have jurisdiction over the authorization of the programs under which the funding was provided. In addition, the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations each have subcommittees that have jurisdiction over the appropriations for the programs through which the funds are provided."

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "Well-designed and properly implemented general and application controls are essential to protect the Bureau of Public Debt's (BPD) computer resources and operational environment from inappropriate disclosure and modification of sensitive information, misuse or damage of computer resources, and disruption of critical operations. BPD needs to take preventive measures to further reduce threats to its computer resources and operating environment from unintentional errors or omissions or intentional modification, disclosure, or destruction of data and programs by disgruntled employees, intruders, or hackers. BPD has addressed most of the vulnerabilities GAO identified as part of its audits for fiscal years 1997 through 1999 and has already taken steps to resolve the new vulnerabilities GAO cited in its fiscal year 2000 audit. However, further actions are required to fully address the vulnerabilities discussed in this letter."

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This report evaluates how the Small Business Administration (SBA) has managed its Women's Business Center Program. GAO found that the two offices that run the program--the Office of WOmen's Business Ownership (program office) and the Office of Procurement and Grants (grants office)--have addressed the weaknesses cited in GAO's 1999 report. For example, files from the program office that GAO reviewed were generally complete, and the few documents that GAO could not locate were provided promptly. The program office was also able to provide various historical documents for 1999 and 2000, and the program office and grants office had tried to improve coordination with each other, such as through better recordkeeping."

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This report (1) reviews the usefulness of cooperative agreements as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contractual mechanism, (2) the reasons behind NASA's aggressive and rapid-style management of the X-33 and X-34 programs, (3) the timeliness of NASA's plans to generate adequate program cost estimates for gauging management reserves in the 15-20 percent range, and (4) the influence of the Young report on NASA's management style regarding the restructured X-34 Program. GAO found that the X-33 cooperative agreement limited NASA's exposure to cost growth and allowed industry to embark on such a program at relatively modest investment. To meet the goal set in 1994 by the White House Space Policy, NASA implemented the Reusable Launch Vehicle Program, incorporating a "fast-track" management approach and "new ways of doing business." NASA did not conduct cost estimates before awarding several contracts, thereby increasing the risk that the management reserves might not be sufficient to cover additional contract costs. NASA restructured the plan for the X-34 Program in response to both X-34 Program technical reviews and other internal assessments of NASA programs, including reports on the failed Mars missions, the shuttle …

Testimony issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This testimony discusses findings from two GAO reports that relate to Maryland's pending legislation on pesticide reporting. To determine how the nation's information on pesticide illnesses could be improved, GAO has worked with two federal agencies--the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Center for Environmental Health. These agencies told GAO that establishing state pesticide illness reporting systems are key to improving the national information on acute pesticide illnesses. For example, according to NIOSH, state-based reporting systems are the best available data source for identifying epidemics, clusters of diseases, emerging pesticide problems, and populations at risk. Currently, about half of the states have some requirement that pesticide incidents be reported. However, only six states have a formal pesticide illness reporting and investigation system, and another three states have more limited systems. If Maryland decides to develop a formal pesticide illness reporting system, they may wish to consider these two important recommendations made by experts at federal agencies: (1) laws that require health care officials to report pesticide-related illness and injury. and (2) improving the training of health care professionals in pesticide incident handling."

Testimony issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This testimony discusses the implementation and management of the General Services Administration's (GSA) Metropolitan Area Acquisition (MAA) program, which encourages competition for telecommunication services in large cities. GAO found that as of June 2001, GSA had awarded 37 MAA contracts for 20 metropolitan areas. Existing GSA contracts were to become MAA contracts within nine months after contractors were authorized to begin work. This goal was met in only two of the 14 metropolitan areas in which authorization was given. GSA charges customer agencies two types of fees to recover the costs of their contract management and administration activities. Although GSA does not yet allow MAA contractors to offer FTS2001 services, it is taking steps to allow crossover between the two programs."

Testimony issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "More than one in six nonelderly Americans are uninsured today. The lack of insurance coverage does not affect all Americans equally, varying widely among demographic groups as well as geographically. An estimated 42.1 million Americans were uninsured in 1999, which is down from 43.9 million in 1998. Although the decline in the number of uninsured is welcome news, it is too early to know whether this reflects a reversal in the trend. Recent expansions of public programs, such as the implementation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and the tight labor market likely contributed to the improved coverage. Even with these positive factors, the number of uninsured remains high, and any significant downturn in economic conditions could lead to a resumption in the growth of their numbers. The uninsured population is a diverse group, including individuals working in different industries and firms of all sizes as well as of different income levels, ages, races and ethnicities, and geographic locations. The heterogeneous nature of the 42 million uninsured Americans suggests that consideration of a combination of strategies must be appropriate in any efforts to expand health insurance coverage."

Testimony issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "This testimony focuses on the proposed Freedom to Manage legislation. First, in view of changing priorities and the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, a comprehensive review, reassessment, and reprioritization of what government does and how it conducts business is clearly warranted. Second, the Freedom to Manage proposal was motivated, in part, by a desire to eliminate wasteful, redundant, and inefficient reporting and other mandates. GAO has previously recommended a comprehensive and government-wide review in this area. However, the Freedom to Manage Act is very broad and contains several provisions that would significantly limit traditional congressional debate and involvement. Although Congress has adopted "fast track" approaches for specific areas in the past, this proposal would alter Congress' relative influence in addressing a broad range of federal management issues. Essentially, the act would limit Congress' ability to garner valuable input through hearings and other means. By requiring an expedited vote on presidential proposals without amendments, the act would change the role of Congress in the legislative process. Given the need to position our government to address new challenges and heightened public expectations, both Congress and …

Testimony issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "The major network carriers dominate traffic at most of their large hubs and extensive evidence exists that fares in markets where competition is absent are consistently above competitive levels. GAO believes that the oversight scheme contemplated when the industry was deregulated--with antitrust enforcement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and oversight of unfair trade practices by the Department of Transportation (DOT)--has not been entirely successful in preserving and ensuring competition. Although the current legislative scheme grants explicit authority for DOT to regulate unfair competitive practices, the legislation does give DOT substantial leeway on the scope of its action. Thus, with the range of competitive challenges confronting the industry and directly affecting consumers, especially in the face of unprecedented industry consolidation, GAO believes there is merit in the overall intent of the proposed Aviation Competition Restoration Act to direct DOT to actively monitor the state of competition in the industry and to institute remedial actions as appropriate."

Correspondence issued by the General Accounting Office with an abstract that begins "GAO assessed agencies' validation of data submitted by prime contractors on their subcontracting achievements. Of $77 billion in subcontracting reported in fiscal year 2000, $31 billion went to small businesses, such as women-owned, and small disadvantaged businesses, as well as those located in historically underutilized business zones. Both civilian and defense agencies follow a similar process to validate subcontracting data--one that involves visiting contractors, assessing compliance with subcontracting plans, and evaluating accounting systems as well as management support of the subcontracting program. Most contractors GAO reviewed are making good faith efforts to comply with their subcontracting plans. However, these reviews could be improved to enhance the validation and use of subcontracting data."

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John Cornyn, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether a county may charge an applicant for a plat revision the costs of issuing notice of the proposed revision (RQ-0309-JC)

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John Cornyn, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether a municipality may provide labor and equipment to construct utilities on public easements and rights-of-way to serve a private subdivision (RQ-0313-JC)

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John Cornyn, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether a commissioners court is authorized to establish certain policies restricting employees associations for whose benefit payroll deductions for membership dues may be made and related question (RQ-0314-JC)

Blank parole data survey containing a series of questions related to the parole population in a particular location, with instructions for filling out the survey.

Blank probation data survey containing a series of questions related to the probationary population in a particular location, with instructions for filling out the survey.

Application materials submitted to the Texas Historical Commission requesting a historic marker for the Anderson House, in Houston, Texas. The materials include the inscription text of the marker, narrative, and photographs.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Fred Vogel. Vogel finished high school in 1930 and went to work before going to Drake University. He graduated from law school in 1940. He enlisted in the Army in April, 1942. After basic training, he was made an instructor. In October, 1942 Vogel went to officer candidate school in Georgia. He also instructed OCS. Once he got overseas to Hawaii in February 1944, he was assigned to the 33rd infantry Division, 136th Infantry Regiment. He was in New Guinea with the outfit when he was shifted to regimental headquarters as an assistant personnel officer. He also made the invasion of Morotai with the 33rd ID. He shares a few anecdotes about working closely with PT boats on various landings at Morotai. He also landed at Luzon during the invasion of the Philippines. After the war, Vogel stayed in the Army Reserve until 1972.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Keith Evans. Evans joined the Navy in April of 1944. He was assigned to the USS USS LSM-135 that same year. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa as one of the first waves to hit the beach. Evans provides details of his experiences through this battle and general living conditions aboard the ship. They anchored on the beach of Ie Shima, and delivered supplies and had an opportunity to tour the island. In May of 1945, while operating at Okinawa and picking up survivors from the minesweeper Spectacle (AM-305), the USS LSM-135 was sunk by a kamikaze attack. Evans recalls his job throughout this fateful event was to set up smoke screens for the USS Missouri (BB-63).

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Deer. Deer joined the Marine Corps in February of 1944, and provides details of his training. He was assigned to communications, working with phones, radios and stringing lines. He was attached to the 11th Gun Battalion at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii and shares his experiences training, living and working on the island, providing a number of anecdotal stories as well. He participated in the Battle of Leyte in October of 1944, where he served in both communications and as infantry. In January of 1945 they completed mopping up exercises on Guam, taking on 19 Japanese prisoners. Deer remained on Guam until the war ended. He was issued a medical discharge in December of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Stokesberry. Stokesberry joined the Navy in April 1940 and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay on 7 December 1941. He was out early collecting garbage from various stations on the base that morning and was among the first to see Japanese planes approaching. After the attack, he repaired damaged water lines. October 1942, he was sent to Johnston Island as an aviation metalsmith. After a brief assignment at Pearl Harbor doing overhaul and repair work, he was assigned to USS Independence (CVL-22). There he modified planes and landing craft to make night operations inconspicuous, such as adding flame dampeners to fighter planes and giving landing signal officers reflective clothing. He also outfitted planes with tubes filled with foil that when dropped would confuse Japanese radarmen. To give the impression that the 3rd and 5th fleet had two sets of aircraft, he painted planes with unique colors for each operation. He recalls the Independence participating in the sinking of HIJMS Musashi at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and he saw several kamikazes try to hit the Independence off Okinawa. After the war ended, he spent the rest of his …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Eustace. Eustace joined the Navy in 1943 and received basic training at Camp Farragut. He received further training at photography school in Pensacola. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Suwannee (ACV-27) as a photographer’s mate. Eustace flew in the backseat of a Douglas SBD Dauntless divebomber throughout the war in the Pacific. On 20 October 1944 the Suwannee was attacked by Japanese planes. Eustace contends that the antiaircraft fire did more damage to their sister ship than to the planes. On the 25th the Suwanee was hit by multiple kamikaze planes. Eustace photographed the attack and then tended to the wounded. He filled in as a helmsman and got the ship back to dry dock. He returned to the war and recalls pushing damaged planes into the water at Ishigaki. He then walked through Nagasaki after it was leveled by the atomic bomb and joined the occupation forces in Yokosuka. Eustace returned home and was discharged in May 1946.

News release about Ruben Puente joining DART Transit Police Department as a lieutenant.