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This report discusses the challenges and consequences of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Moreover, the report outlines the Department of Education's (ED) ideas for reform in the reauthorization. Finally, the reforms are compared to the current policy the ESEA possesses.

This report examines poverty in the United States. In 2008, 39.8 million people were counted as poor in the United States - an increase of 2.6 million persons from 2007, and nearly the largest number of persons counted as poor since 1960. The poverty rate, or percent of the population considered poor under the official definition, was reported at 13.2%; this is up from 12.5% in 2007, and is the highest rate since 1997. The recent increase in poverty reflects the worsening of economic conditions since the onset of the economic recession in December 2007. Many expect poverty to rise further next year, and it will likely remain comparatively high even after the economy begins to recover. The incidence of poverty varies widely across the population according to age, education, labor force attachment, family living arrangements, and area of residence, among other factors.

This report provides an overview of selected campaign finance policy issues that have received recent legislative attention, or have otherwise been prominent, and which could receive attention during the 111th Congress.

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This report provides the background and policy issues of Internet Domain Names.

Since the 1970's, federal incentives have played a major role in encouraging agriculture-based renewable energy production. Policy goals include the stimulation of alternative uses of domestic grain and oilseeds, the promotion of national security through greater energy independence, and the encouragement of rural economic development.

This report summarizes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discuses its expansions by the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). The report specifically targets "substantially limits" in its investigation that relate to testing accommodations gained under the ADAAA.

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This report discusses several programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help farmers recover financially from natural disasters, including drought and floods. All the programs have permanent authorization, and only one requires a federal disaster designation (the emergency loan program). Most programs receive funding amounts that are "such sums as necessary" and are not subject to annual discretionary appropriations.

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The Report is Categorized into seven categories: (I) Background, (II) Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, (III) Fire Station Station Construction Grants in the ARRA, (IV) SAFER Grants, (V) Program Evaluation, (VI) Distribution of Fire Grants, (VII) Issues in the 111th Congress.

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This report discusses most routine operations of federal departments and agencies that are funded each year through the enactment of 12 regular appropriations acts. It also points out FY2011 Continuing Resolutions.

This report describes 10 water quality bills pending in the Senate that could be considered during the lame duck session of the 111th Congress, either individually or as a group.

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This report provides information about the Compensated Work Sharing Arrangements (Short-Time Compensation) as an Alternative to Layoffs. STC is a program within the federal-state unemployment compensation system.

This report consists of the alternative minimum tax for individuals.

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This report includes a list of books and internet sources that may help members and staff locate financial aid information for respective, current, or graduating college and university students.