The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees.

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Plan Colombia was developed by former President Pastrana (1998-2002) as a six-year plan to end Colombia’s long armed conflict, eliminate drug trafficking, and promote economic and social development. The Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) is the primary U.S. program that supports Plan Colombia. In addition, Colombia receives assistance from the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program and the Department of Defense’s central counternarcotics account. ACI funding for Plan Colombia from FY2000 through FY2005 totals approximately $2.8 billion. When FMF and DOD assistance is included, the total level of U.S. support to Colombia is $4.5 billion.

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After the massive reorganization of federal agencies precipitated by the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are now four main federal agencies charged with securing the United States’ borders: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which patrols the border and conducts immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections at ports of entry; the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which investigates immigrations and customs violations in the interior of the country; the United States Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security; and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for securing the nation’s land, rail, and air transportation networks. This report is meant to serve as a primer on the key federal agencies charged with border security; as such it will briefly describe each agency’s role in securing our nation’s borders.

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This report examines the President’s budget request for the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in FY2006, some of the key policy issues it raises, and congressional action on the request.

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Letter from Representative Michael Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania to the BRAC Commission concerning the Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base. In the letter, Fitzpatrick outlines three major defenses of the base and its importance to the community and national security.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the administration by the Texas Water Development Board of certain water-related programs financed by federal funds.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to term limitations for members of boards of certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to certain exceptions to the requirement that the operator of a motor vehicle operated on a turnpike project pay the proper toll or the full amount of the toll.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to an exception to the prohibition against commingling used oil with solid waste if the commingling is incident to the dismantling of scrap, used, or obsolete metals.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to unemployment compensation eligibility and chargebacks regarding certain spouses of military personnel.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to the composition of a board of adjustment in certain municipalities.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the online availability of certain state publications.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to designating August 26 as Women's Independence Day.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to records on appeal in municipal courts of record.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to inspection of and drug compounding by a pharmacy and to distribution of compounded and prepackaged drugs to pharmacies under common ownership.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to posting on the Internet information regarding certain residential property held by an appraisal district.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to a Medicaid buy-in program for employed persons with disabilities.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to requirements for the issuance of land development permits by political subdivisions.