Accurate, Focused Research on Law, Technology and Knowledge Discovery Since 2002

Category Archives: Congress

Library of Congress wants to attract more visitors, but will that undermine its mission?

Washington Post: “…Central to Hayden’s goals is a $60 million makeover of the library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, the historic 1897 architectural wonder known for its Great Hall, which is open to the public, and the Main Reading Room, the hushed temple where scholars work. Hayden unveiled the first glimpses of the concept — with its… Continue Reading

LC Post New CRS Content Now Online

Library of Congress Blog – Carla D. Hayden: “Less than half a year ago, I announced that the Library of Congress is providing Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports to the public for the first time. Since the launch of the CRS reports website, crsreports.congress.gov, the Library has made available all new or updated reports. Created for Congress by… Continue Reading

Americans and Cybersecurity

Pew Report – Many Americans do not trust modern institutions to protect their personal data – even as they frequently neglect cybersecurity best practices in their own personal lives. “Cyberattacks and data breaches are facts of life for government agencies, businesses and individuals alike in today’s digitized and networked world. Just a few of the… Continue Reading

The President’s Authority to Withdraw US from NAFTA Without Further Congressional Action

CRS report via Library of Congress – The President’s Authority to Withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Without Further Congressional Action, March 5, 2019: “…This report examines the President’s authority to terminate the United States’ international obligations under NAFTA without further action from Congress. It also examines whether the… Continue Reading

Vital Statistics on Congress Data on the U.S. Congress, Updated March 2019

Brookings: “Vital Statistics on Congress, first published in 1980, long ago became the go-to source of impartial data on the United States Congress. Vital Statistics’ purpose is to collect and provide useful data on America’s first branch of government, including data on the composition of its membership, its formal procedure (such as the use of… Continue Reading

House Judiciary Committee Unveils Investigation into Threats Against the Rule of Law

“Today, House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) unveiled an investigation by the House Judiciary Committee into the alleged obstruction of justice, public corruption, and other abuses of power by President Trump, his associates, and members of his Administration.  As a first step, the Committee has served document requests to 81 agencies, entities, and individuals believed… Continue Reading

See the more than 80 names receiving House Judiciary Committee letters in its investigation

CNN: “The House Judiciary Committee announced Monday that it is sending letters seeking information and documents from more than 80 groups, organizations and individuals, as part of its sweeping investigation into President Donald Trump’s campaign, businesses, transition and administration. In an interview with ABC News’ “This Week,” Rep. Jerry Nadler said Sunday the requests for… Continue Reading

Celebrating women in politics: 10 books you need to read for Women’s History Month

Oxford University Press Blog: “This March we celebrate Women’s History Month, commemorating the lives, legacies, and contributions of women around the world. Since the inception of the women’s suffrage movement at Seneca Falls in 1848, we have seen a significant increase in women’s involvement in politics and the fight for women’s rights. It is important… Continue Reading

Using Google Maps costs more than you think.

Via LLRX – Using Google Maps costs more than you think. – Jason Voiovich’s article focuses on a subject of recent attention by Congress, privacy groups and journalists, both in the U.S. and abroad. Tech Giants distribute services and applications that are free, but nevertheless track and monitor your mobile activities – collecting, aggregating and… Continue Reading

BillTrack50 is available for everyone to research state and federal legislation and legislators – free

“BillTrack50 is a free service for citizens to look up information about federal and state bills and legislators. Register for a free account to start searching right away. We also provide tools appropriate for professionals to help track bills, and to help organizations share important information on their own website. To see how the free… Continue Reading

Nancy Pelosi: The Rolling Stone Interview

RollingStone – article and video: “Pelosi is at the height of her power, having recaptured the House, dispatched an attempted coup of her leadership, and faced down the president in a very public, extremely high-stakes fight. Her approval rating has risen eight points since November, and now sits higher than it has been in more… Continue Reading

National Emergency Powers

CRS Reports via FAS: “There were no less than 30 “national emergencies” in effect as of February 1, according to a tabulation prepared by the Congressional Research Service. An additional 21 national emergencies that are no longer in effect were also identified by CRS. Under the National Emergencies Act, a declaration of national emergency can be used to activate… Continue Reading