This report summarizes and describes the history of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Moreover, this report divides the act into four categories: a revised sex offender registration system, child and sex related amendments to federal criminal procedure, child protective grant programs, and punitive initiatives against sex offenders. The report examines each of these provisions of the bill to effectively summarize it, and gives the reader the information to find an available abridged version.

This report discusses the section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, which requires states to identify waters that are impaired by pollution, even after application of pollution controls. For those waters, states must establish a total maximum daily load (TMDL) of pollutants to ensure that water quality standards can be attained. Implementation was dormant until states and EPA were prodded by lawsuits. The TMDL program has become controversial, in part because of requirements and costs now facing states to implement this 35-year-old provision of the law, as well as industries, cities, farmers, and others who may be required to use new pollution controls to meet TMDL requirements. In July 2000, EPA issued revisions to strengthen the program. The rule was widely criticized, and congressional interest was high. The 2000 rule did not go into effect, and in March 2003, EPA withdrew the rule to consider whether to issue an entirely new rule or other options; no timetable has been announced. Consequently, the program continues to operate under regulations issued in 1992.

This report provides information about the Background and Issues on Clean Water Act Section 401. Section 401 of the clean water act requires that an applicant for a federal license or permit provide a certification that any discharges from the facility will comply with the act.

Constituents and interest groups often approach congressional offices with questions about postage and stamps. This report provides brief answers to commonly asked questions and provides sources where congressional staff may learn more about these topics.

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This report begins with a brief history of Circular A-76, a review of the its key components, and an assessment of the implementation of the circular. The section on FAIR (Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act) describes how it emerged from a series of compromises, explains the statute's key provisions, and reviews the implementation process, including guidance issued by OMB. The final section addresses recent initiatives, notably the President's competitive sourcing initiative and the Commercial Activities Panel.

This report provides an overview of the background and options for Congress on the increases in tricare costs.

This report provides information on the options and effects of increasing the social security payroll tax.

This report discusses the background and policy issues related to Internet domain names.

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