Latest News and Feature Stories
12/05/00 - Lame Duck Congress Must Finish
Budget
Members of Congress, many of whom will no longer be members of Congress next
year, must now muster up enough post-election bipartisan cooperation to complete
work on four remaining 2001 budget bills highlighted by the $40 billion
education budget.
12/04/00 - Bush Supreme Court Appeal: The
Decision
The US Supreme Court has vacated the Nov. 24 ruling by the Florida Supreme Court
allowing for recounted votes to be included in totals. The ruling asks the
Florida Court to clarify the legal basis for its decision.
12/04/00 - Who ARE the Electors?
Are the electors of the Electoral College real people? Do they have names?
What qualifies them to be electors? Where is this information listed, and is it
public information?
12/02/00 - Remains of 19 WWII Marines Identified
Listed as ‘missing in action’ for over 58 years, the remains of 19 U.S.
Marine Raiders killed in action on Butaritari Island (Makin Atoll) in August of
1942 have been positively identified and will at last be returned to their
families.
11/30/00 - Ordering Meat Online? Be Careful
While most holiday food gifts ordered over the Internet this year will
arrive in fine condition, some will come with a nasty surprise – a dose of
food poisoning. Here are some food safety tips for both senders and receivers of
mailed gift foods. From US Government Guide Robert Longley and the USDA.
11/28/00 - Supreme Court to Hear Medical
Marijuana Appeal
In the latest round of the medical marijuana battle, the U.S. Supreme Court will
decide whether "medical necessity" is a valid defense for persons
accused of violating federal laws against distribution of marijuana.
11/27/00 U.S. - Russia Still Search for
POW/MIAs
As adversaries and allies in armed conflicts, the United States and Russia share
a common bond, the commitment that no missing soldier will never be abandoned.
Together, they still search for evidence of POW/MIAs from four wars.
11/24/00 - Bush
Campaign’s Supreme Court Appeal
The Bush Campaign has filed an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court to the
decision of the Florida Supreme Court. What are the legal grounds of the Bush
appeal and will the Supreme Court consider it, or any appeals about the
Election? Find out here.
11/22/00 - FDA Launches New Web Site
Visitors to the new, improved Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site will
find critical recall and consumer safety alerts now located right up front where
they belong.
11/20/00 - Retired Military Dogs Protected
Military dogs too old to continue their duty may now be adopted, rather than put
to death, according to a law signed by President Clinton on Nov 6. Since WWII,
military dogs have served as messengers, scouts, sentries and even land mine
detectors.
11/18/00 - Thanksgiving Flight? No Thanks
Flying home for Thanksgiving? Better leave now, or it will be turkey neck
sandwiches for you, warns Department of Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater.
DOT reports lets you use 1999 flight delays and urges booking early flights. US
Government Guide Robert Longley reports from the tarmac.
11/18/00 - Project 'Dear Abby' 2000 Underway
During Project ‘Abby 2000,’ Americans are invited for the 16th straight year
to send cards and letters of holiday cheer to the men and women of the US armed
forces around the world. Get the addresses here.
11/17/00 -
African American Civil War Sailors Identified
Over the course of the Civil War, 18,000 African American men, and more than a
dozen African American women, served in the U.S. Navy. Eight earned the Medal of
Honor. At last identified, these heroes are to be honored at the US Naval
Memorial. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
11/16/00 - The
Story of Saint Chad
"... Keep us, we pray Thee, from thinking of ourselves more highly than
we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others," From
the "Prayer on the Feast of Saint Chad." Yes, Saint Chad.
11/15/00 - What Good has Come From the
Election?
People sitting in a fast food spot on a sunny Friday afternoon are discussing
the Constitution. Voting and the process of choosing a President are suddenly
hot topics in U.S. classrooms. In many ways, this election has been good for
America.
11/14/00 - Electoral College Not the First
Choice
When the Founding Fathers took on the question of how to elect new presidents,
the Electoral College was not their first idea. See what almost made it into the
Constitution and how the Constitution now deals with the office of the
President.
11/13/00 - What if Florida Can’t Vote in
Electoral College?
Florida election officials say a hand recount of all Palm Beach votes could take
41 days. This would prevent Florida from being able to cast its critical 25
votes when the Electoral College votes on Dec. 18. What happens then?
11/13/00 - DOT Reports on Airline Performance
Think it's getting awfully hard to elect a new president in America, these days?
Just try getting an on-time flight to New York's LaGuardia Airport! DOT reports
on the worst flight delays and how to avoid them in this new report.
11/09/00 - Electoral College Flunks This Exam
George W. Bush - a popular vote loser in Election 2000 - stands poised to be
elected president by the much-maligned Electoral College system. Is this the
beginning-of-the-end for a 200 year old constitutional process?
11/08/00 - Federal IT
Workers Get Raise
Approximately 33,000 federal computer specialists and information technology
(IT) employees will enjoy from 7 percent to 33 percent raises starting in
January 2001. U.S. Government Guide Robert Longley brings good news.
11/07/00 - Election 2000 Results
It's far, far from over. Get the numbers and latest political wrangling
here.
11/04/00 - GAO to Monitor Disabled Voter
Access
The General Accounting Office will monitor approximately 100 polling places on
Election Day 2000 to determine the proportion of polling places that provide
people with disabilities access to both polling places and polling methods.
11/03/00 - What if the Election IS a Tie?
People ask lots of questions about the U.S. Constitution, most of them
starting with, "What if...?" Here's a good one: "What if... the
Electoral College vote is a tie?"
11/03/00 - FEC Reports Record Congressional
Campaign Spending
Election 2000 candidates for US Congress have spent $683.1 million out of a
record $800.7 million raised through Oct. 18, 2000, according to a Federal
Election Commission report.
11/01/00 -
White House Turns 200
The White House, once referred to by former occupant Harry Truman as a
"glamorous prison," celebrates its 200th anniversary on Nov. 1, 2000.
Learn some interesting facts about the 132 rooms where the President lives.
10/30/00 - Student Voters Pick
Bush
It's Bush -- according to 58.9 percent of the 877,497 US middle and high
school students who participated in "OneVote," the largest online vote
ever conducted. Students also respond to issues facing America.
10/28/00 - Politicians to Get Their Patron
Saint
In 1535, English statesman Thomas More was debating religion with King Henry
VIII. The King ended the debate by chopping off More’s head. Next week, the
Pope will name More the patron saint of politicians.
10/26/00 - Control of Congress Up for Grabs
A president whose party does not also control Congress is in for a tough time.
Just ask Bill Clinton. Find out which party controls Congress now and what the
chances are that will change on Election Day.
10/25/00 - Why We Vote When We Vote
Of course, every day
is a good day to exercise our freedom, but why do we always vote on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in November?
10/23/00 - The Fight to Save the
Cole
Despite the deaths of 17 shipmates in last Thursday’s terrorist attack in
Yemen, US sailors have been battling to save the destroyer USS Cole. This moving
on-the-scene account from a US serviceman will make you proud to be an American.
10/22/00 - Why
Keep the Electoral College?
America’s Founding Fathers had valid reasons for taking unlimited power to
elect the president out of the people’s hands with the Electoral College. Find
out what those reasons were and why they remain just as valid today as they were
in 1787.
10/21/00 - Cuban Missile Crisis - Happy
Halloween
Thirty-eight years ago this Sunday night -- Oct. 22, 1962 --President John F.
Kennedy appeared live on TV and radio to deliver some words that would give
America and the rest world, for that matter, the worst Halloween scare before or
since.
10/19/00 - Senate Vote Lowers
Cuban Trade Embargo
The U.S. Senate has voted 86-6 to reduce trade sanctions against Cuba.
U.S. exporters will be allowed to sell food and medicine to Cuba. But, US banks
will not be allowed to finance the sales. Action inches Congress closer to a FY
2001 budget. US Government Guide Robert Longley reports.
10/18/00 - Online
Vote to Give US Teens a Voice
Over October 23 and 24, teens across America will get a chance to vote online
in a mock presidential election and, in states where there are statewide
races, for Governor and U.S. Senator. Organizers predict the largest online
vote ever taken.
10/15/00 - Surplus?
U.S. Debt Pushes $6 Trillion
The national debt was $5,662,225,814,331.71 on Oct. 5, 2000. How long would it
take to pay it off at a-dollar-a-second? Learn this fascinating fact, as well
as the difference between the debt and the deficit, and where this "surplus" came from.
10/11/00 - EDS Wins $9 Billion
Navy Computer Contract
The US Navy last week named Electronic Data Systems (EDS) the winner of its
five to eight-year computer services contract worth up to $9 billion -- the
largest information technology contract ever awarded by the federal government.
10/08/00 - Supreme Court Tosses Confederate
Flag Sketch Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of a Kansas boy suspended
from school for drawing a Confederate flag.
10/05/00 - Debate: Do the Math
Whenever big politics and big money come together in the heat of open
debate, some "fuzzy math" often results.
10/04/00 - Bush - Gore Debate: Money
"My tax cut helps more people than your tax cut," and other big-money
matters consumed most of the first nationally televised debate between Democrat
Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush. Find out how what they said might affect
taxpayers.
10/03/00 - This Debate's for You?
As George W. Bush an Al Gore debate on nationwide TV, some important voices are
once again missing – those of the third party candidates. Who cares? They
cannot win. Why should we listen to what they have to say? Here’s why
10/02/00 - Cold War: Recognizing the Heroes
Persons who served in the United States military or federal civilian service
anytime between 1945 and 1991 are eligible to receive a Cold War Recognition
Certificate. Thanks to the men and women who manned the isolated Watchtowers of
Freedom.
09/28/00 - Coming Out in Congress - Three Who
Have
National Coming Out Day - Oct. 11, 2000 - will have special significance for
three Americans who hold the distinction of being openly gay or lesbian and
serving as Members of the United States Congress.
09/27/00 - House Passes Three
Emotion-charged Bills
The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, The Violence Against Women Act of
2000 and The Missing Children Tax Fairness Act of 2000 were all passed by the
U.S. House on September 26 during a marathon 15-hour session.
09/26/00 - Can Clinton Save the Tobacco
Towns?
Ensure the economic future of towns currently dependent on the tobacco industry
without in any way encouraging the use of tobacco products. President Clinton
has ordered the creation of a special commission to study ways to do it. Tough
duty.
09/26/00 - Can Clinton Save the Tobacco
Towns?
Ensure the economic future of towns currently dependent on the tobacco industry
without in any way encouraging the use of tobacco products. President Clinton
has ordered the creation of a special commission to study ways to do it. Tough
duty.
09/24/00 - 2002
Olympics to Cost US Taxpayers $1.3 Billion
As American Olympians mine gold in Australia, American Taxpayers are digging
into their own pocketbooks for the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. A GAO
report puts the price tag a $1.3 billion -- without the official approval of
Congress.
09/21/00 - Census Bureau
Declares Victory
Despite objections over privacy and discrimination, the Census Bureau reports
that over 67 percent of U.S. citizens had responded to their Census 2000 forms
by mail, telephone or the Internet through September 7.
09/20/00 - Cut Teen Pregnancies - Win a Grant
Can cutting rates of out-of-wedlock births and teen pregnancy reduce welfare
costs? Federal awards totaling $300 million to states that do so says it can.
Find out more about the government’s efforts to reform the welfare system.
09/19/00 - Senate Approves PNTR for China
83-15
In what some members consider Congress' most important vote since World War II,
the U.S. Senate today approved 83-15 a bill granting permanent normal trade
relations (PNTR) to the People's Republic of China.
09/17/00 - Constitution Day – Celebrate
it!
On September 17, 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention held
their final meeting. Only one item of business occupied the agenda that day, to
sign the Constitution of the United States of America. From U.S. Government
Guide Robert Longley.
09/16/00 - Medicare Card
Replacement Via the Web
As part of the agency's growing E-government initiative, the Social Security
Administration has made it possible -- even easy -- for Medicare beneficiaries
to order a replacement Medicare card over the Internet.
09/14/00 - FCC on RATS, Rats,
rats
Two Democratic Senators have requested that the FCC investigate the Republican
Party's "RATS" presidential campaign ad. Find out more about
sub-conscious, or “subliminal” advertising and where the FCC and other
agencies stand on it.
09/14/00 - Jobs in the US Congress
The U.S. House of Representatives has just added a job vacancy-listing page to
its Web site. What kind of jobs can you get in the U.S. Congress? How much do
they pay? How do you apply? Find out here.
09/12/00 - Firestone, Ford, DOT and the Law
As congressional hearings into the tire recall continue, this much we know;
somebody failed American consumers -- fatally. Exactly what laws might have
been violated, and what could the penalties for those violations be?
09/10/00 - Judge - Doctors Can Prescribe
Marijuana
A California federal judge has issued an
injunction barring the federal government from investigating or prosecuting
doctors who recommend or prescribe marijuana for valid medicinal purposes.
09/09/00 - New Email Scam – Free Grants
Service
An e-mail ad promising to check your qualifications for “FREE Grant Money”
in return for a fee is not only deceptive, it seeks you credit card or bank
account information over non-secured Web sites. What to watch for and how to
protect yourself.
09/07/00 - Supreme Court to Test ADA
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case questioning the constitutionality of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision could have a profound impact on
the civil rights of disabled individuals. Read about criticism and defense of
the ADA.
09/05/00 - Congress Fit to be 'Tired'
"What did Firestone and Ford know, and when did they know it?" With
the budget, gun control, tax cuts and free trade with China still on their
agenda, now Congress has to investigate the Firestone/Ford tire recalls.
09/02/00 - Labor Day 2000
Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman tells America we are living in a “Tiger
Woods” economy, which saw 22 million new jobs created over the last 8 years.
Read Secretary Herman’s entire Labor Day address and learn the history of the
day.
08/30/00 - Supreme Court Bans
Medical Marijuana in California
Responding to an emergency request from the Clinton Administration, the U.S.
Supreme Court yesterday voted 7-1 to bar the distribution of marijuana for
medicinal purposes in California.
08/29/00 - Clinton Addresses U.S. Teacher Shortage
As an all-time record 53 million students streamed back into America's
schools this week, thousands of school districts also face their worst-ever
teacher shortages. President
Clinton outlines his Administration's efforts to address the shortage.
08/28/00 - Abraham Lincoln a Racist?
In his latest book, black American author, Lerone Bennett, presents evidence
supporting the theory that Abraham Lincoln was, in fact, racist harboring a
life-long desire to see all black Americans deported to Africa. Radical concept,
but is it fair?
08/25/00 - Supreme Court Set to Test Sexual
Predator Law
Can state laws extend the confinement of convicted “sexual predators”
beyond their release dates for “treatment,” or does this represent double
jeopardy under the 5th Amendment? On Oct. 31, the Supreme Court will be asked to
decide.
08/22/00 - DOT to Airlines: What's the Delay?
Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater is tired of commercial air flight delays
and cancellations. On Aug. 21, he met with airline executives to figure how to
fix the situation. Other than agreeing to agree, what came out of the 2-hour
summit?
08/21/00 Notch Babies - Can Congress Help
Them?
We are all familiar with the Baby Boomers’ Social Security fears -- will it be
there when the need it? Well, the Notch Babies need it now, and it’s not there
for them. Not all of it anyway. Can Congress help the Notch Babies?
08/17/00 - US Navy's Sub Rescue Team
As hopes fade for the rescue of the 118 sailors trapped aboard the sunken
Russian nuclear submarine Kursk, you might wonder what sort of systems the
United States has of rescuing sailors trapped on submarines of our Navy.
08/16/00 - Broken Arrows to Faded Giants
The Russian government says the nuclear submarine Kursk carried no atomic
weapons. Yet, her reactor and radioactive fuel remain at the bottom of the sea.
Learn how the US Department of Defense informs the public of similar nuclear
accidents.
08/14/00 - Supreme Court - A Brief History
"The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one
Supreme Court,” is all the Constitution says about the Supreme Court. So, how
did they get to where are today? Learn a little about the past and the present
of the Supreme Court.
08/10/00 - US Congress – Long Road, Short Time
When Congress returns on Sept 5, the President
wants them to take care of -- The 2001 Budget, Gun Control, China Free Trade,
Minimum Wage, Prescription Drug Benefits, HMO Patient’s Rights, and more --
all in about 20 days – in an election year
08/08/00 - Missing
pension search
According to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, nearly 10,000 Americans
are owed over $19 million in uncollected pension plan benefits. To help reunite
those people with their missing money, the PGBC operates the Pension Search Web
site.
08/08/00 - Helping Small
Business Employees Save
Employees of small businesses, women and low wage earners will get help in
planning and saving for retirement under several new U.S. government
initiatives recently announced by Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman.
08/08/00 - Historic
Confederate Sub Hunley Raised
The wreck of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley has been recovered intact
under the direction of a National Parks Service team. The Hunley became the
first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship during battle 136 years
ago.
08/07/00 - Grants
to train Americans for tech jobs
$80 million in grants will be available this year to train Americans for
high-tech jobs. The grants are partially funded by fees received through the
controversial H1-B visa program that allows companies to hire temporary foreign
workers.
08/04/00 - Good Old Fashioned Conventions
Major political party presidential conventions have become about as exciting as
watching the Electoral College vote. It wasn't always like this. Take the 1860,
for example, when the Democrats needed two conventions and nominated two
candidates.
08/02/00 - Ten Commandments - Kentucky Loses Again
For the second time since 1980, the U.S. federal
court system has issued a "separation of church and state" decision
preventing the state of Kentucky from commemorating the Ten Commandments.
07/31/00 - US Had to Pass
Innocent Child Act
Passage of a bill outlawing execution of pregnant women may have seemed like
a silly, politically-driven, election year move by the US House, but the United
States was required by treaty to enact such a law.
07/31/00 - Clinton Won't Stop
Gun Buyback Program
President Clinton will direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) to continue operating its gun buyback program despite being ordered by a
House appropriation subcommittee to stop it.
07/31/00 - Texas - Oklahoma
Finally Draw the Line
The governor of Oklahoma once rolled up to the
Red River in an Army tank to protect his state’s rights in a hot border
dispute with the state of Texas. After
200 years, the U.S. Congress may soon settle this riverbank ruckus.
07/27/00 - Child
gun deaths continue to decline
A report from the CDC shows the number of children per day killed by gunfire
has dropped from 16 to 10 since 1994. Crediting laws like the Brady Act and
tougher enforcement as the reason, President Clinton pushes for passage of even
more gun laws.
07/25/00 - Astronauts
Wanted - Travel Required
See the world – lots of them. Do you have the “right stuff” to apply for
one of the most exciting jobs in government? Thousands apply, but NASA picks
only about 20 people every-other-year to be astronaut candidates.
07/23/00 - E-sign - Be Careful
What You Ask For
When the President used a magnetic card to sign Digital E-signatures Act, he
also used an ink pen to sign a paper copy. Whether he did so to "make it
official," or "just in case," use of the pen signaled thorny
E-questions.
07/21/00 - Popular Government Toll Free Numbers
A handy index to hundreds of the most popular 1-800, toll-free customer
service telephone numbers at U.S. Government agencies.
07/19/00 - Job Openings in State Government
One of the hardest parts of finding state government jobs is... well,
finding them. State Web sites can be painfully hard to navigate. Well, finding
state government job listings just got a whole lot easier.
07/18/00 - House Passes E-mail
‘Spam’ Control Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill designed to help
Internet users prevent receipt of unsolicited commercial or sexually-oriented
e-mail messages, typically referred to as "Spam." Read the details of
this proposed law.
07/18/00 - Internet Gambling Ban
Now in Congress
Three bills now before Congress would effectively ban the more than 700 online
casinos now taking in over $1 billion in bets annually via their Web sites.
Read about the specifics of these bills and find out who supports them.
07/16/00 - A Day in the Supreme Court
"God save the United States and this Honorable Court,” chants the
Marshal as the U.S. Supreme Court enters the courtroom to hear arguments and
decide over 150 major cases every term. Read about the processes and traditions
of the Supreme Court.
07/14/00 - President will veto
death tax repeal
Congress today sent President Clinton a bill phasing out the estate, or
"death" tax and gift tax. The President is opposed to repealing the
estate and gift taxes and is expected to veto the bill. Read the President’s
official statement on the bill.
07/13/00 - Carnivore No
Threat to Privacy FBI Says
"Carnivore" is a new FBI system -- software installed on a dedicated
PC -- that scans all incoming and outgoing e-mail for messages associated with
a criminal investigation. According to the FBI, Carnivore is no threat to
personal privacy.
07/13/00 - Pick
a Park, Any Park
The National Parks Service enters the E-government arena with a pair of Web
sites designed to help vacationers find exactly the right park or parks to
visit. Pick your desired activities and interests and - bingo – they pick
your parks for you.
07/11/00 - FTC Cooling-Off Rule
Protects You
The FTC’s Cooling-Off Period Rule gives you the right to cancel for a full
refund many purchases made at locations like flea markets, fairs, traveling
shows and conventions. Find out the details in this important consumer
protection law.
07/09/00 - Web Sites From Mars
by 2009?
By 2009, we could be viewing Web pages served up from computers on Mars
via NASA's Mars Network, NASA’s first step toward “a virtual presence
throughout the solar system.” Are day trading from Jupiter or buying Pluto
rocks on E-bay be next?
07/08/00 - Kill
vehicle misses again
The Ballistic Missile Defense System's "kill vehicle" didn't, kill
that is, for the second time in two straight $100 million tests. Read the
fascinating official Defense Department details on how the kill vehicle should
work.
07/07/00 - You
mean that's NOT classified?
How might the U.S. military employ artificial intelligence technology in
battle? That’s Classified, Top-Secret information, right? No. You can find
this and more seemingly sensitive technical information on this Defense
Department Web site.
07/05/00 - Mission
Control comes to your PC
Space fans can now view real-time displays of the exact orbital positions of the
Space Shuttle, International Space Station and many other satellites on NASA’s
J-Track -- Liftoff 2.5 Web site. It’s like having Mission Control right on
your PC.
07/02/00 - SC Lowers Rebel flag,
but battle goes on
At midday on Saturday, July 1, 2000, as protestors both for and against the
action looked on, the Confederate Battle Flag was lowered from the flagpole atop
the South Carolina State Capitol dome in Columbia. Read some of your opinions on
this issue.
07/01/00 - Public Schools Don't Have a Prayer
American public school students can still -- under certain specific
conditions -- pray at school, but the opportunities to do so are dwindling fast.
Find out how and why our schools went from a prayer-a-day to no prayers at all
since 1962.
06/30/00 - Clinton
E-signs digital signature law
A very famous quill pen was used in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 to sign the
Declaration of Independence. Today, almost 224 years later, President Clinton
used a specially encoded "smart" card to sign into law a bill making
electronic signatures as valid as those signed by hand in ink.
06/28/00 - Supreme Court
Strikes Anti-abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a 5-4 ruling striking down as
unconstitutional a state law prohibiting the procedure referred to as a
"partial birth abortion" in the state of Nebraska.
06/28/00 - House Backs Religious
Ohio Motto
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution urging the Supreme
Court to reverse an Appeals Court decision and rule the Ohio state motto --
"With God All Things Are Possible" -- to be constitutional.
06/27/00 - Cuban Embargo Could
be Lowered
Republican Members of the U.S. House will attempt to pass, as an amendment to
another bill, legislation that would lower the 40-year old U.S. embargo on sales
of food and medicine to Cuba.
06/26/00 - Miranda Rights Upheld
by Supreme Court
In perhaps its most important criminal law case of the decade, the U.S.
Supreme Court today issued a decisive 7-2 decision upholding its legendary
Miranda ruling of 34 years ago.
06/25/00 - Do You Trust the
Government?
In 1994, the University of Michigan conducted a
poll asking people, "Do you trust the government to do the right things
most of the time?" Sadly, only 21 percent answered "Yes."
Have “Government Reinvention” efforts helped increase public trust?
06/23/00 - Federal
Tea-taster sips no more
The
official office of Federal Tea-taster, created in 1897, still existed in 1995.
When the Clinton Administration finally pulled the plug on the office in 1996,
the Federal Tea-taster was costing taxpayers $120,000 a year.
06/22/00 - Bad Air Day? Ask the
EPA
A new E-government Web site from the EPA provides current reports of ozone
air pollution levels in your area. The system is part of a larger initiative to
make all pollution information available online.
06/19/00 - Supreme Court - No
Football Prayers
Finding that the practice violates the constitutionally required separation
of church and state in the 1st Amendment, the Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that
public school districts may not allow students to lead prayers at high school
football games.
06/19/00 - Digital Signatures -
Not so Fast
After President Clinton signs the Digital Signatures Act, unanimously passed by
the Senate last Friday, what will you be able to do that you can't do now?
Nothing -- until the little problem of digital forgery is worked out.
06/18/00 - Financial
Assistance for Cancer Patients
Sources of government and private help with the enormous financial burdens
of cancer treatment.
06/15/00 - Opinion: Government
Computer Insecurity
Why don't we know the all the facts about events
like Roswell or the Kennedy assassination? Because, back then, the U.S.
government did not yet have PCs on which to store secrets for later theft or
"misplacement."
06/14/00 - Second Amendment Gets
its Day in Court
One day, a doctor legally owns a gun. Next day, his wife gets a routine
temporary restraining order against him, and "presto" the doctor turns
into a federal felon. Will the case of U.S. v. Emerson be the defining moment
for the Second Amendment?
06/12/00
- HMOs Win Big in Supreme Court
A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that
patients cannot sue their HMO under federal law when the HMO's cost-cutting
practices result in improper medical treatment. Links to the text of the case
and the Court’s complete ruling.
06/11/00 - Government Aid & Money – No Grant Needed
Where to find help with: Small Business Needs,
Healthcare, Work or Career, Home Improvements, Hunger and Child Care or Family
Needs. In most cases, you do not need a grant to get assistance from a
government program.
06/09/00 - Status of FY 2001 Spending Bills
Congress is now deciding how to spend about $600
billion of the over $1.7 trillion federal budget for 2001. The annual
“Appropriations” bills of the federal budget process are now being
considered. Learn about and track these important bills.
06/07/00 - Judge to Microsoft -
Break it Up!
District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson has today issued his final judgment
in the Microsoft antitrust case. In a surprise to nobody, Judge Jackson has
ordered that software behemoth Microsoft be split into two separate functional
units.
06/07/00 - Helping the Disabled
Find Jobs
The Social Security Administration launches a new Web site with important
information and support for disability beneficiaries, employers, service
providers, advocates and others whose goal is to help the disabled find and keep
jobs
06/05/00 - Supreme Court Rules
Against Grandparents
Dealing a major blow to grandparents’ rights, the U.S. Supreme Court today
issued a 6-3 ruling striking down as unconstitutional a Washington state law
under which courts could force parents to allow grandparents to visit their
children.
06/05/00 - Some Tritium with
Your Sunflower Seeds?
In October 1997, three New Jersey teenagers ate some sunflower seeds mixed with
radioactive liquid tritium. Fortunately, help came quickly from the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission and Brookhaven National Labs.
06/04/00 - US - Russia Agree to
Destroy Plutonium
Meeting in Moscow, President Clinton and Russian President Putin have agreed
that both nations should destroy their stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium and
work together on missile warning systems.
06/04/00 - Federal Grants - No Free Lunch
Resources for finding and getting government grants. But, beware -- a government
grant is no Christmas present. The government is not giving away
"free" grant money. Find out about the federal grant process.
06/01/00 - Buy T-bills and Bonds
Online
The Bureau of the Public Debt combines E-government and E-commerce
to allow Internet investors from individual to banks buy and manage T-bills and bonds
online.
05/31/00 - Get Airport Delay Reports from the FAA
Internet users can get near-real-time status
information for 40 major U.S. airports. The FAA hopes to increase coverage to
100 airports in the future.
05/29/00 - ATF Hits Mongols - 70
Guns Taken
The May 18 arrest of 29 Mongol motorcycle gang members by ATF agents and LA
County deputies resulted in seizure of over 70 illegal guns including machine
guns, ten pounds of narcotics, 21 stolen motorcycles, and in excess of $27,000
in cash.
05/26/00 - The Six
'Constitutional' Amendments
The Supreme
Court would throw out a law allowing schools to post the Ten Commandments. But,
the last six Commandments are clearly constitutionally clean by Court standards.
What did the Founding Fathers say about religion and government?
05/25/00 - File IRS Complaints
Online
Americans can now file complaints against employees of the Internal Revenue
Service via the Internet as a service of the Treasury
Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Web site.
05/24/00 - House Passes China
Free Trade Bill
After a rare non-partisan debate, the House by a vote of 237-197 today
approved a bill authorizing the United States' to extend permanent normal trade
relations (PNTR) status to the People's Republic of China.
05/23/00 - Supreme Court to Rule
on Air Pollution Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court announced on 5/22/2000 that it would rule on
the constitutionality of the national air pollution standards established by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Clean Air Act.
05/22/00 - US & China -
Warmer All the Time
As Congress prepares for a historic vote that could open
up trade, HUD has inked an agreement of its own with the People's Republic
of China.
05/21/00 - Register for the Draft - It's the
Law
Under the law, virtually all male U.S. citizens,
and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to
register with Selective Service. Those who don't face possible stiff penalties.
05/18/00 - Postal Service
Offers Certified Email
The U.S. Postal service offers customers the ability to send
"certified" e-mail. Register now for a 30-day free trial of this new
service.
05/17/00 - Senate Takes
Non-Binding Gun Votes
The bill being considered was about spending for military construction, but
the two votes taken in the U.S. Senate today were about gun control.
05/17/00 - Gun Control Locks Up
Senate
All lawmaking in the U.S. Senate comes to a grinding halt as a surprise
battle over long-pending gun control legislation flares up.
05/16/00 - House Bans Internet
Access Fees
The House of Representatives approves a bill blocking fees for
accessing the Internet and ending forever the infamous myth of bill 602P and
Congressman Tony Schnell.
05/16/00 - House Passes Military
Construction Bill
The House passes a bill allocating
approximately $8.6 billion for new construction and renovation to military
facilities and family housing.
05/15/00 - Buy a HUD House and Save
Every month, over 500,000 Internet users visit the "Homes for
Sale" page of HUD’s Web site where they find daily-updated selections of
thousands of highly affordable homes and apartments sold at auction by HUD plus
nine other government agencies.
05/14/00 - The Minute Man Begs, "Beam Me
Up!"
"Furby Cited as Threat to U.S. Security" - is just one of
the topics in this selection of "one-minute" speeches to the House by
U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant, Jr. (D-Ohio).
05/13/00 - The Perfect Gift for
a Million Moms
The "experts" says the Million Moms march will not move Congress
to pass new gun control laws. It won’t, but that’s not all the moms are
marching for.
05/12/00 - Energy to Help
Rebuild Los Alamos
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson was quoted on May 11, 2000 as stating that his department would help rebuild
the wildfire ravaged town of Los Alamos, New Mexico.
05/11/00 - Los Alamos: After the
Fire
Long after the flames have died, the nuclear waste at the Los Alamos National
Laboratory will remain. But, for how long? Details on DOE plans to clean up Los
Alamos.
05/10/00 - House Extends
Internet Tax Freeze
The House passes a bill to extend the current 3-year moratorium on
Internet taxes for another five years.
05/09/00 - File Internet Fraud
Complaints Online
Using the Justice Department's secured IFCC Web site, consumers can now file
complaints of Internet fraud online.
05/08/00 - Get a Horse! And Make
it a Wild One
Since 1973, Americans have adopted over 169,000
wild horses and burros through the BLM. Read how to view and even place bids to
adopt wild horses and burros online or in person. Also, read about the
first-ever Satellite TV wild horse adoption.
05/07/00 - Nuclear Weapons: Pay Up to Cleanup
The U.S. spends about $96 million a day on
nuclear weapons. The DOE estimates that from $151 billion to $195 billion will
be needed through 2070 for cleanup and closure of nuclear weapons facilities.
05/07/00
- Nuclear Spring
Total number of U.S. nuclear bombs lost in accidents and never recovered: 11
-- This and more nuclear remembrances.
05/04/00 - FDA Will Only Monitor ‘Frankenfoods’
Consumer and environmental safety advocates are far from satisfied with the
Clinton Administration’s first steps toward regulating genetically-altered
foods.
05/04/00 - Senate Debates Public
School Funding
The time has come for Congress to update and renew the law setting federal
spending for public education,
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) last updated in 1965.
05/03/00 - Senate Fails to Override Nuclear Waste Act Veto
The U.S. Senate yesterday failed by a vote of
64 - 35 to override President Clinton's April 25
veto of the Nuclear
Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2000 - S. 1287.
05/02/00 - Clinton Plans to
Protect Consumer Financial Data
President Clinton on April 30, 2000, announced new proposed legislation
designed to protect the financial privacy of American consumers.
05/01/20 - Prison Cities Cash in
on Census 2000
The U.S. Census Bureau counts all prison inmates as residents of the city in
which their prison is located. The result is a financial windfall from the
census.
04/27/00 - What does a census taker do?
Census takers hit the streets of America today for follow-up visits to
addresses that did not return a mail-in Census 2000 forms. Does going out to get
answers to those “personal” census questions in person sound like a fun job?
04/27/00 - U.S. Will Call Child
Gun Victims in Court Battle
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo
is reported as stating that the Clinton Administration intends to call child
survivors of gun violence as witnesses in a looming court battle against gun makers.
04/26/00 - Gun Makers Return
Legal Fire
Seven gun makers file suit against U.S. Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo,
the state attorneys general of New York and Connecticut, and officials of
14 cities.
04/26/00 - INS Denies
Citizenship to Disabled Person
An Anaheim, CA woman has been denied citizenship because she suffers from severe
physical disabilities which prevent her from reciting the required oath of
allegiance.
04/24/00 - Editorial: Let's Just
Let Elian Go Home
Must we find some villains in his story before we can let Elian go home with
his father?
04/24/00 - National Parks Pass a
Money Saver
For $50.00 you can buy a personalized National Parks Pass card that will cover
your "per vehicle" or "per person" entrance fee at 379
national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites and monuments from Acadia to
Zion.
04/23/00 - Federalism: Who's Power is This
Anyway?
Federalism
is the division of powers between the U.S. and state governments. While the
dividing line is drawn by the Constitution, it often requires some
"touch-up" work by the Supreme Court.
04/20/00 -- Area 51: The
Pictures are Out There
When new satellite images of Area 51 were posted on the Internet Monday, the
demand was so high, that the pictures could not be accessed. The pictures are
now loading. Take a look. Is the truth finally out there?
04/18/00 - New Bill Would
Benefit Retired and Disabled Vets
The bill would correct a long standing inequity for veterans who have retired from
the Armed Forces with a service-connected disability.
04/17/00 - FDA 'Mad Cow' Rule
Could Reduce Blood Supply
The new FDA rule requires
U.S. blood banks to turn away donors who have spent a
cumulative total of six months or more in the United Kingdom.
04/16/00 - Why Third Parties?
Their presidential candidates stand little chance of being elected, but America's third
political parties have historically promoted concepts and
policies that have succeeded in becoming incorporated as important parts of our
social and political lives.
04/14/00 - Congress Passes Budget Resolution
First, Congress did not approve the Fiscal Year 2001 federal budget
yesterday. What they did approve was a proposed record $1.8 trillion dollar Budget
Resolution - a "blueprint" for the final budget.
04/13/00 - If Elian Goes Home
The U.S. Justice Department has ordered Miami relatives of Elian Gonzales to
hand the boy over to his father who wants to take him back to Cuba. Assuming
comes to pass and Elian is returned to Cuba, under what kind of government will
he be growing up?
04/12/00 - Maryland Gun Control
Law Details
President Clinton offered high praise for a new Maryland handgun control law
signed yesterday. Here are details on the major provisions of The Maryland Gun
Safety Act of 2000.
04/12/00 - Why Clinton Could
Pardon Himself
Learn about the constitutional basis under which President Clinton could
pardon himself from the future indictments suggested by Independent counsel Robert Ray.
04/12/00 - Census Director Defends Long Form
Census Bureau Director Kenneth W. Prewitt defends the Census 2000
"long form" in testimony before
the House Subcommittee on the
Census.
04/10/00 - House Votes U.S. G.I.s the Person
of the Century
The House today unanimously approved a resolution declaring the "Person of the Century" for
the 20th century to have been the American G.I.
04/09/00 - Cold War: Costs of Victory
The Berlin Wall and communism fell, but now the U.S. is spending $475.5
million to help the former Soviet Union dismantle and store its excess nuclear
weapons.
04/07/00 - Census May Drop Long
Form
In response to complaints and low return rates, the House Subcommittee on
the Census has announced a plan to replace the controversial long form in time
for the 2010 census.
04/05/00 - House Passes
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act
President Clinton has vetoed two previous partial-birth abortion bills and
is expected to do so again..
04/05/00 - Costs of Government:
Capitol Buildings
From the FY 2000 Federal Budget, funds allocated for repairs, improvements,
and maintenance to the White House, Capitol Building and Capitol grounds.
04/03/00 - Microsoft is Guilty
Says Judge
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson today
issued a "Conclusions
of Law and Final Order " declaring Microsoft had violated the
Sherman Antitrust Act to "monopolize the web browser market.''
04/02/00 - Constitutional Questions
Instead of arguing about what it means, let's look at some interesting facts
about the creation and function of the United States Constitution.
04/02/00 - It's About Time:
Daylight Saving That Is
Why do we do this to ourselves twice a year? And, what time is it, anyway?
Find out the answers to these and many more fascinating questions about time
from the new Time.gov Web site.
03/30/00 - School of the
Americas: Human Rights or Not?
Did this U.S. Army training facility teach Central American soldiers to
torture and murder civilians? Read about upcoming D.C. protests calling for
closure of the SOA.
03/30/00 - Gas Tax Reduction
Debated by Senate
The proposed bill would reduce the federal gasoline tax by a least 4.3
cents per gallon though Jan. 1, 2001.
03/29/00 - Flag Protection
Amendment Fails in Senate
The U.S. Senate today failed to approve The Flag Protection Amendment by a roll call vote of
63 to 37. The resolution fell four votes short of the two-thirds (67 votes)
needed for approval.
03/28/00 - Senate Debates Flag
Protection Alternative
Rather than amend the Constitution, Senators consider a proposal for a flag
protection law setting penalties for specific acts of flag desecration.
03/26/00 - Troops to Teachers
We have a teacher shortage in America. Military downsizing has left lots of
former military personnel unemployed. Idea: Let's turn troops into teachers!
03/24/00 - Anti-Flag Burning
Amendment to be Debated in Senate
The proposed amendment would grant Congress the authority to enact laws
banning any intentional act desecrating of the
flag, but would not, in itself, ban such activities.
03/24/00 - House Passes Record
Budget Plan
The Republican backed, $1.8 trillion plan calls for a $200 billion tax cut.
President Clinton and Democrats promise to fight the plan.
03/21/00 - Supreme Court Rules
FDA Cannot Regulate Tobacco
The court finds that Congress has precluded the FDA from having authority
over tobacco and smokeless tobacco products.
03/21/00 - US Supreme Court to
Hear Texas School Prayer Case
A Texas school district is appealing a 5th Circuit Court's decision that
parts of its school prayer policy violate the "Establishment Clause"
of the First Amendment.
03/19/00 - Gun Control Laws: Where Does
Congress Get the Right?
The gun lobby fights gun control laws in Congress, but never in the Supreme
Court. One landmark case from 1939 is the reason.
03/18/00 - Census Answers Are
Required by Law
The don't want to and probably won't, but the Census Bureau can impose fines
for not responding or lying.
03/17/00 - Church and State: How the Court
Decides
The Court applies these three "tests" to religious
practices when deciding their constitutionality under the Establishment Clause
of the First Amendment.
03/15/00 - House Moves to Push
Gun Control Bill
The House passed a motion that will help bring the controversial gun control
bill backed by President Clinton before the entire House for
consideration.
03/14/00 - NRA: LaPierre's Words
Could Backfire -- Again
Wayne LaPierre's 1995 reference to federal law officers as "jack booted
thugs" prompted many Life NRA Members to leave the organization. One of
them was former President Bush.
03/13/00 - Census Forms Mailed
this Week
Watch your mailbox. Participating in Census 2000 is important to you and
your community. Your answers are private, and you might even be able to complete
your questionnaire online.
03/12/00 - Salaries and Benefits of U.S.
Congress Members
Presidential Pay and Compensation tells how much
the president makes. But what about the 535 men and women who make our laws?
03/10/00 - House Passes Minimum
Wage Increase
But, a GOP-backed tax cut companion bill may result in a veto by President
Clinton. [Minimum Wage Through the Years]
03/09/00 - House to Consider Gun
Control
After demands by President Clinton, the House is scheduled to consider a
bill controlling sales at gun shows, requiring trigger locks and other
regulations.
03/08/00 - Clinton Asks Congress to
Raise Minimum Wage
A proposed bill would increase the wage from $5.15 to $6.15 per hour in two
equal steps. House Republicans may fight the increase.
03/07/00 - Gas Prices: How Much is Too Much
Average
gas prices are predicted to hit $1.80 by Memorial Day. How much are you
willing to pay?
03/06/00 - US Supreme Court
Allows Indiana to Keep Good Friday Holiday
The U.S. Supreme Court today allowed the Indiana to continue the state's
observance of Good Friday as an official holiday.
03/05/00 - Gun Control Laws in Canada
In Canada, all gun owners must be licensed and all guns registered. Canadian
statistics indicate their laws work. Is this a glimpse into the future of U.S.
gun control?
03/03/00 - House Passes Senior
Citizens' Freedom to Work Act
This major bill eliminates the Social Security "earnings test"
which currently limits the amount of outside income retirees can make without
suffering a reduction in Social Security benefits.
03/01/00 - New '10-10' Phone Ad
Rules Issued
The FTC and FCC issue a joint policy intended to protect consumers from confusing and
deceptive advertising techniques used by "10-10" long distance plans.
02/29/00 - Internet Sales Tax:
Clinton, Governors Talk
President Clinton and the U.S. Governors held a face-to-face chat about the
Internet yesterday in Washington. The topic of the day was whether
states should collect taxes on Internet sales.
02/27/00 - World War II Memorial
American veterans, the citizens on the home front, and the nation at large will at
last have a memorial to World War II, "the defining event of the 20th century in American
history,"
if enough money can be raised.
02/25/00 - U.S. Halts Gun Sales
to Canada
The New York Times is reporting today that President Clinton has ordered the
suspension of all export of rifles, handguns, and ammunition to Canada.
02/24/00 - Clinton Proposed Plan
to Help Poor Get Jobs
A change to regulations in the food-stamp program would make it easier for
low-income families to own cars, thus having transportation to work.
02/22/00 - Supreme Court Will
Not Hear Electric Chair Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear an Alabama
death-row inmate's appeal that use of the electric chair in executions represents
unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.
02/20/00 - The Electoral College System
It is possible for a presidential candidate to lose the nationwide popular
vote, but still be elected. Learn how the Electoral College system works and why
the Founding Fathers created it.
02/18/00 - FTC Questions Privacy
on Health Care Web Sites
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating allegations that health
care-related Web sites may have collected and shared personal information about
consumers with other companies without permission or warning.
02/17/00 - Military Anthrax
Vaccine - Yes or No?
A Republican House subcommittee report recommends the U.S. Military make its
anthrax vaccination program voluntary. The Pentagon says it will not. The battle
lines are drawn.
02/15/00 - Clinton Proposes
National Cyber Security Center
Asking for $9 million to get the center going, President Clinton proposes a
combined Internet and E-commerce effort to defeat Web site hackers.
02/13/00 - Taxes 1999 - 2000
Where to get help with your taxes and what's new this year. Also, tax reform
and tax-related bills before Congress and where the presidential candidates
stand on taxes. (Need state tax forms?)
2000
Features
1999
Features
1998 Features
1997 Features
Election
2000 Coverage 
The candidates, issues, and events of the 2000 US Elections. From your
About.,com Guide
Express Your
Opinions
Just click on a topic to read or take part in the discussion.
