Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "As part of its work to improve the management and performance of the federal government, GAO monitors progress and continuing challenges in using performance information to inform budgetary choices (performance budgeting). In light of the nation's long-term fiscal imbalance and other 21st century challenges, we have reported that the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and performance budgeting can support needed reexamination of what the federal government does, how it does it, and who does it. GAO remains committed to working with Congress and the Administration to help address these important and complex issues."

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The nation's remaining grassland has several important benefits, such as providing land for grazing and wildlife habitat for many at-risk species. However, over the past 3 centuries about half of the grassland has been converted to other uses, principally cropland. In addition to losing important grassland values, such conversions may result in increased spending on federal farm programs, such as crop insurance, especially in marginal areas. GAO examined (1) the extent of grassland conversions to cropland and the cost of farm program payments for these newly converted cropland acres; (2) the relative importance of farm program payments versus other factors in producers' decisions to convert grassland to cropland; and (3) any impact the Sodbuster conservation provision--which places soil erosion standards on certain converted land--has had on limiting grassland conversions."

This report discusses the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which are standards that define what EPA considers to be clean air. Their importance stems from the long and complicated implementation process that is set in motion by their establishment.

This report discusses the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which are standards that define what EPA considers to be clean air. Their importance stems from the long and complicated implementation process that is set in motion by their establishment.

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Alaska Native corporations (ANC) were created to settle land claims with Alaska Natives and foster economic development. In 1986, legislation passed that allowed ANCs to participate in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) program. Since then, Congress has extended special procurement advantages to 8(a) ANC firms, such as the ability to receive sole-source contracts for any dollar amount and to own multiple subsidiaries in the 8(a) program. We were asked to testify on an earlier report where we identified (1) trends in the government's 8(a) contracting with ANC firms, (2) the reasons agencies have awarded 8(a) sole-source contracts to ANC firms and the facts and circumstances behind some of these contracts, and (3) how ANCs are using the 8(a) program. GAO also evaluated SBA's oversight of 8(a) ANC firms. GAO made recommendations aimed at improving SBA's oversight of 8(a) ANC contracting activity and ensuring that procuring agencies properly oversee 8(a) contracts they award to ANC firms. SBA has either taken action or plans to take action on the recommendations. The procuring agencies generally agreed with our recommendation to them. We believe implementation of our recommendations will provide better …

Archaeological survey of proposed pipeline northeast of Grand Saline in Van Zandt County, Texas.

This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President.

Report of the Texas State Auditor's Office related to determining the accuracy of the Board of Professional Geoscientists' performance measures data and the adequacy of related control systems over the collection and reporting of selected performance measures.

This report discusses the price Indexes, Income Taxes and Indexing Alternatives. It also points out the military retirement, railroad retirement and Poverty Thresholds.

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs have long supported beginning farmers. USDA generally defines a beginning farmer or rancher as one who has operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less--without regard for age--and who materially and substantially participates in its operation. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes and guarantees loans for farmers who cannot obtain commercial credit, including beginning farmers. FSA also reserves funds for beginning farmers within its loan programs. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides higher conservation payments for beginning farmers through two of its conservation programs. GAO reviewed the key steps USDA has taken to help beginning farmers and assessed the department's actions to measure the effectiveness of these steps.."

This is a report on the environmental impacts and potential advantages of using biomass instead of fossil fuels in energy production.

An introduction and overview from a larger report about the partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) stakeholders, including CHP Industry, state and local governments, energy users, etc., in an effort to promote biomass as an alternative energy resource.

Part 4 of a larger report on a partnership between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section outlines the steps required to prepare, store and transport biomass feedstocks.

Part 7 of a larger report on a partnership between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section provides information on the cost and performance of various biomass industries.

Appendix B is part of a larger report on biomass energy partnerships between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; it describes available tools and resources in the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) industry.

Appendix C from a biomass energy report that describes landfill gases, their impact on the environment, and benefits of utilizing biomass emissions in energy production.

Appendix D of a biomass energy report from the EPA Combined Heat and Power Partnership. This report briefly describes three design guidelines for three types of anaerobic digesters: covered anaerobic lagoon, complete-mix digester, and plug-flow digester.

Appendix E of a biomass energy report from the EPA Combined Heat and Power Partnership. This report offers a comparison of pre-commercial companies, the biomass systems utilized by each, and the effectiveness/efficiency of each. Contact information for each company is provided.

Appendix F reference list of a biomass energy report from the EPA Combined Heat and Power Partnership.

Part 2 of a larger report on biomass energy partnerships between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section outlines the necessary steps, considerations, and resources to establish a biomass industry.

Part 3 of a larger report on a partnership between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section offers an overview of the natural resources available for biomass power and also identifies the necessary characteristics of a biomass fuel.

Part 5 of a report regarding the partnership between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section addresses the principles of biomass conversion and energy production.

Part 6 of a report regarding the partnership between the EPA and biomass stakeholders; this section highlights and compares various technologies and their capacity to run on biomass energy.

This report is categorized into seven categories: (I) Background, (II) Female Members, (III) Relationship, (IV) Oldest and Youngest Black Members, (V) Black Members in Leadership Position, (VI) Tables and Data and (VII) Alphabetical Listening of Black Members, Selecetd Biographical Information, and Committee Assignments during Their Tenure in Office.