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Author Archives: Sabrina I. Pacifici

A Toxic Flood: Why We Need Stronger Regulations to Protect Public Health from Industrial Water Pollution

“In this report – A Toxic Flood: Why We Need Stronger Regulations to Protect Public Health from Industrial Water Pollution, 2009 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data and the Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) model are used to identify the entities most responsible for the total hazard from industrial water pollution in the United States. The report… Continue Reading

Food Safety and Inspection Service – Inspection and Enforcement Activities At Swine Slaughter Plants

Food Safety and Inspection Service — Inspection and Enforcement Activities At Swine Slaughter Plants Audit Report 24601-0001-41, 05/14/2013 “The Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) enforcement policies do not deter swine slaughter plants from becoming repeat violators of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA). As a result, plants have repeatedly violated the same regulations with… Continue Reading

New GAO Report – DOD Business Systems Modernization

DOD Business Systems Modernization – Further Actions Needed to Address Challenges and Improve Accountability, GAO-13-557, May 17, 2013 “The Department of Defense (DOD) continues efforts to establish a business enterprise architecture (a modernization blueprint) and transition plan and modernize its business systems and processes, in compliance with key provisions of the Ronald W. Reagan National… Continue Reading

Risks Posed by Securities Loans Collateralized by Cash

Risks Posed by Securities Loans Collateralized by Cash. May 15, 2013 “Securities loans collateralized by cash—the most popular form of securities lending—can under certain conditions pose significant financial market risks, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Initiatives to alleviate these potential risks should aim to improve transparency around cash… Continue Reading

NASA Technical Reports Server Has Limited Content Availability Until Further Notice

“The U.S. Government Printing Office has been informed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that users of certain electronic NASA documents are not to share documents that are marked publicly available in the NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) until further notice. The documents cannot be shared with non-U.S. citizens. NASA staff members are reviewing… Continue Reading

The Biggest Bang Theory: How to get the most out of the competitive search for STEMM employees

“Individuals with science, technology, engineering, mathematical and medical (STEMM) skills play a key role in helping our government fulfill its critical missions and foster America’s global competitiveness. However, as the demand for STEMM talent increases and the supply shrinks, the ability for government to fill these critical positions is at risk. In this hyper-competitive environment,… Continue Reading

New GAO Reports – Defense Management, Diversity Management, Elder Justice, K-12 Education, Oil and Gas Management

Defense Management – Additional Information Needed to Improve Military Departments’ Strategies for Corrosion Prevention and Control, GAO-13-379, May 16, 2013 Diversity Management – Trends and Practices in the Financial Services Industry and Agencies after the Recent Financial Crisis, GAO-13-238, Apr 16, 2013 Elder Justice – Federal Government Has Taken Some Steps but Could Do More… Continue Reading

CRS – Regulation of Fertilizers: Ammonium Nitrate and Anhydrous Ammonia

Regulation of Fertilizers: Ammonium Nitrate and Anhydrous Ammonia, May 9, 2013 “The explosion on April 17, 2013, at the West Fertilizer Company fertilizer distribution facility in West, TX, has led to questions about the oversight and regulation of agricultural fertilizer. Facilities holding chemicals must comply with regulations attempting to ensure occupational safety, environmental protection, and… Continue Reading

EPIC – Amendment to Immigration Bill Seeks to Limit Drone Surveillance on Border

EPIC: “The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved an Amendment to the immigration bill to limit the range of drones surveillance in the United States. The immigration bill grants the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection authority to operate surveillance drones continuously within the border region. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) Amendment reduces the patrol area of… Continue Reading