Most Recent Features...
05/23/00 - Supreme Court to Rule
on Air Pollution Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court announced on5/22/2000 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 an 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.
4/27/00 - 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.
04/05/00 - 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.
03/28/00 - Senate Debates Flag
Burning 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.
03/19/00 - 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.
03/17/00 - 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.
03/12/00 - 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?
03/05/00 - 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.
02/25/00 - U.S. Gets Ready for
Leap Day Computer Problems
Just when you thought the world was safe from Y2K, along comes leap year 2K.
See how the U.S. along with other countries are preparing for Feb. 29.
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 - Michigan Republican
Primary
An open primary in Michigan awards the winner all 58 convention delegates.
Get the story and results here.
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.
02/19/00 - South Carolina
Republican Primary
George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain square off for South Carolina's 37 GOP
convention d
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.
02/17/00 - Super Tuesday
Primary Elections
The 2000 presidential nominations may be decided on March
7 and March 14 as 18 states hold
Democratic and Republican primary elections. Learn more and get results here.
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?)
02/13/00 - Honoring Charles M.
Schulz
The creator of "Peanuts" died at age 77 on 2/12/2000. This bill in
Congress honors Schulz and the worldwide popularity of "Peanuts".
02/11/00 - Internet Privacy
Bill Would Control Use of 'Cookies'
A bill by Senator Robert Torricelli (D - New Jersey) would prevent Internet
advertisers from using cookie files for collecting information about Web users.
Also, find out what an Internet "cookie" is.
02/10/00 - On the Edge of the
'Genetic Divide'
Forget the Digital Divide. Is genetic research creating a societal gap not
even money can close? Also see... Genetic Discrimination
Banned
02/09/00 - Hackers - The FBI is
After You
Considering the Administration's push to close the digital divide and
promote e-commerce, recent Web attacks are not taken lightly. Attorney
General Reno sends the FBI after Web hackers.
02/08/00 - Executive Order Bans
Genetic Discrimination
Citing the threat of technological advances "to erode our
sacred walls of privacy," President Clinton issued an Executive Order
banning the consideration of genetic information in federal hiring practices.
02/07/00 - President Proposes Record Spending In 2001 Budget
President Clinton's FY 2001 federal budget proposal goes to Congress
featuring record spending from record surpluses.
02/06/00 - Black History Month in US
Government
"Heritage and Horizons: The African American Legacy and the
Challenges of the 21st Century" Learn who started Black History Month
and see how it is observed on the Internet.
02/04/00 - Targeting 'Bad Apple'
Gun Dealers
Based on an ATF report that 1 percent of gun dealers sell 57 percent of guns
used in crimes, President Clinton and ATF propose new and stepped up firearms
regulations.
02/04/00 - Clinton - Raise
Cigarette Tax / Impose Fines
President Clinton proposes a 25-cents per pack increase in
the federal cigarette tax and a plan to fine tobacco companies that fail to take
steps to control smoking by under-age Americans.
02/03/00 - Spending to Bridge
the 'Digital Divide'
President Clinton's Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Proposal to Congress includes a
multi-billion dollar spending plan designed to extend Internet access to poor
Americans and minorities.
02/02/00 - Groom Lake Remains
Exempt from Waste Reporting
President Clinton has again issued an exemption to the Air Force from
reporting hazardous waste events at Groom Lake (Area 51) in Nevada.
01/31/00 - From the Files of the FBI
Thousands of pages of information on famous people, crimes, and unusual
phenomenon can be downloaded from the FBI under the Freedom of Information Act.
Here you'll find just a few and learn how to get more.
01/27/00 - The State of the
Union Address
In his eight and final State of the Union Address, President Clinton
proposes several new regulations and spending programs.
01/23/00 - Miranda: Rights of Silence
How we gained the "...right to remain silent." Read about the
historic Supreme Court decision in the darkly ironic case of Ernesto Miranda.
01/22/00 - How to Order the
Watergate Tapes
For the first time since 1974, the public can order transcription copies of
the Nixon Oval Office conversations that came to be know as "The Watergate
Tapes." Find out where and how to order.
01/18/00 - South Carolina &
Confederate Flag Facts
It is at least interesting to note that South Carolina's official flag contains no elements of the Confederate Flag while the official
flags of four other states do.
01/16/00 - Presidential Pay and Compensation
Learn about the salary and benefits paid to the President. Includes a
Presidential pay raise history and comparison of the President's pay to that of
other US politicians.
01/14/00 - Election 2000: Protecting the
Candidates
Starting 120 days before the election, the US Secret Service protects the
major Presidential candidates. How do they decide who's "major" enough
to get this service, and what kind of protection is provided?
01/11/00 - Health Insurance for Uninsured
Children
The White House estimates as many as 11 million American children are not
protected by health care insurance. What is the government doing to correct
this?
01/02/00 - Brady Act Background Checks: The
First Seven Months
Usually in under 2 minutes, a gun dealer can check a buyer for a criminal
history as required by the Brady Act. What are the potential results and how
well has the system been working?
12/25/99 - Y2K Terrorism: Personal Security
Recommendations
By December 20, threats of Y2K-related terrorism started to threaten Americans at
home and abroad. This story is a compilation of government-issued alerts and safety
measures.
12/18/99 - Online Voting: Has its Time Finally
Come?
Amid fears of fraud and lack a privacy, two states prepare to use official online
voting for the first time in their 2000 presidential primaries.
12/12/99 - The Privacy Act: Find Out What the
Government Knows About You
Yes, the government collects information about all of us. But, we have the right
to see most of it and correct it if it's wrong. Here's how to do it.
12/05/99 - The Freedom of Information Act: How to
Request Information
This 1966 Act changed our access to government information from a "need to
know" to "right to know" situation. Find out how to request government
information here.
11/28/99 - Election 2000: House, Senate, Governors
Races
A look at the current balance of power in the House, Senate and State Governors
seats, plus a look at contested races. See who's running for what and where.
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