ExpectMore.gov

ExpectMore.gov
This federal government site publishes assessments of hundreds of federal programs. Find brief program descriptions, ratings, and improvement plans. Material is searchable, or browsable by "performing" and "not performing" programs, or by program topic. From the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other federal agencies.

[Copyright 2006 by Librarians' Index to the Internet, LII.]

Selected Census Facts for May and June

Cinco de Mayo (May 5)

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish version) (May 5)

Mother's Day (May 14)

Father's Day (June 18)

New Catalog of Government Publications

The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP), which has been out of commission for nearly a year, is back with a new and improved version with coverage now going back to July 1976.

"The CGP is the finding tool for federal publications that includes descriptive records for historical and current publications and provides direct links to those that are available online. Users can search by authoring agency, title, subject, and general key word, or click on 'Advanced Search' for more options."

Keep in mind that you will need to consult the Monthly Catalog in paper (JFK Reference US Gov Docs GP 3.8/8:) for material prior to July 1976. The FirstSearch GPO database also offers an alternative interface for online access to the CGP.

Guantanamo Detainee Documents

Reprocessed Combatant Status Review Tribunal (CSRT) and Administrative Review Board (ARB) Documents Released March 3, 2006

NPR: Legal Affairs: Documents Shed Light on Guantanamo Detainees

Tax Time Again

Katrina Report

A Failure of Initiative: The Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina.

See also earlier Hot Topics entries for Hurricanes and New Orleans and Gulf Coast Recovery.

Fiscal Year 2007 Federal Budget

Budget of the United States Government: Fiscal Year 2007

"Issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the Budget of the United States Government is a collection of documents that contains the budget message of the President, information about the President's budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications that have been issued throughout the fiscal year."

See also: JFK Library holdings for U.S. Budget documents from previous years, and GPO's Citizen's Guide to the Federal Budget.

State of the Union

The President's State of the Union Address was printed in the Congressional Record dated Tuesday, January 31, 2006, on pages H15-19.

Excerpts:

Today our Nation lost a beloved, graceful, courageous woman who called America to its founding ideals and carried on a noble dream. Tonight we are comforted by the hope of a glad reunion with the husband who was taken from her so long ago, and we are grateful for the good life of Coretta Scott King.

Tonight the state of our Union is strong, and together we will make it stronger.

In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom, or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy, or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people, the only way to secure the peace, the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership, so the United States of America will continue to lead.

Iraq

Iraq Country Analysis Brief
Energy Information Administration's analysis of oil, natural gas and electricity production in Iraq.

Iraq Resource Center
Extensive array of sources compiled by The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a nonpartisan think tank; includes a timeline, selected readings, expert analysis, op-eds, interviews, transcripts and video files.

Iraqi War Debate
Extensive and well-organized collection of links from University of Michigan's Documents Center.

NPR: Iraq
The National Public Radio site devoted to coverage of ongoing developments in Iraq; includes a link to the Prison Abuse Report.

Renewal in Iraq
Information on Iraq from the Whitehouse.

UN News Centre: The Situation in Iraq
The United Nations Iraq information page.

United States Institute of Peace: Focus on Iraq
Includes "Islamist Politics in Iraq After Sadam Hussein" and other in-depth reports on the situation in Iraq.

War on Iraq (AlterNet)
Alternative news sources critical of U.S. and coalition policy in Iraq.

Supreme Court Nominations

NPR: Bush Picks Conservative Alito for High Court
Compilation of radio programs and related material about judge Samuel Alito, who was nominated by President George W. Bush in October 2005 to succeed Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Includes "a look at some of Alito's rulings on key issues likely to come up in Senate confirmation hearings" and conservative and liberal reactions to his nomination. From National Public Radio (NPR). [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

NPR: Harriet Miers Nominated for Supreme Court
Compilation of stories about the nomination by President George H. W. Bush of White House counsel Harriet Miers to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court. Provides audio files of broadcasts with information about her legal background, and a brief discussion of justices who had not previously served in the judiciary (such as Earl Warren, William O. Douglas, Felix Frankfurter, Hugo Black, Louis Brandeis, and Abe Fortas). From National Public Radio (NPR). [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

The Mild-Mannered Scalia: Samuel Alito Jr., 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
2003 Profile of Judge Samuel Alito, who has been compared to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and who was nominated by President George W. Bush in October 2005 to take the seat of retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Includes a discussion of his rulings in selected cases during his 13-year (at the time) tenure on the federal appellate court. From Law.com. [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

The Supreme Court of the United States: Highest Court in the Land
This online journal from April 2005 presents "a collection of essays ... that explain how the Court functions ... [with] contributions by a number of the nation's premier legal scholars." Topics include a "historical perspective on the nomination, confirmation, and appointment of justices" and summaries of landmark decisions. Also includes a bibliography and links to related sites. From the U.S. Department of State. [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

U.S. Senate: Supreme Court Nominations
"The Constitution requires the president to submit nominations to the Senate for its advice and consent. Since the Supreme Court was established in 1789, presidents have submitted ... [over 150] nominations for the Court, including those for chief justice." This site provides a list of nominees with information about confirmation status, and voting details. From the U.S. Senate. [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Blogs, Podcasts, and RSS Feeds

Blogs by Government
Part of Nick Mudge's Technology Weblog, a geographical directory of blogs authored by legislators at the city, county, state and federal levels.

FirstGov: Government Podcast and RSS Libraries
In addition to links to government Podcasts and RSS feeds, this site includes basic information and software links.

Government IT Blog
"The mission of this weblog is to facilitate exchange of ideas and advancement of knowledge on issues related to Federal agencies' implementation of the E-Government Initiative under the President's Management Agenda."

Rosa Parks

Academy of Achievement: Rosa Parks
Includes a 1995 interview (with transcript, audio and video files), a photo gallery, and biography.

Congressional Gold Medal for Rosa Parks
Remarks by President Clinton on awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks, June 15, 1999.

Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development (Nov 2005)
"Our central mission is to motivate youth to reach their highest potential. We have designed programs based on Mrs. Parks philosophy of "Quiet Strength" which engages youth in hands-on experiences to build practical day-to-day living skills."

Rosa Parks: How I Fought for Civil Rights
In this lesson designed for grades seven and eight, "Rosa Parks, 'The Mother of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement,' describes her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott [of 1955-56] and helps students understand the importance of every individual citizen in a democracy." Includes the transcript of an interview with Parks, a brief biography of Parks, and an essay about being arrested, the boycott, and the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. From Scholastic Inc. [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Rosa Parks Library and Museum
The website for this library and museum contains information about Rosa Parks (1913-2005), the black woman whose refusal to give her seat on a public bus to a white man inspired the 1955 civil rights movement event known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Includes biographical information, photos, and links to more information about Parks and Montgomery, Alabama, history. From Troy University, Montgomery, Alabama. [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Rosa Parks Was Arrested for Civil Disobedience
From the Library of Congress "America's Story" website.

DeLay Indictment

NPR: Tom DeLay Faces Criminal Charges
Ongoing coverage. "The Texas Republican has been indicted on campaign-finance charges. But his attorney called for a new judge due to political concerns, postponing DeLay's arraignment indefinitely."

Congressman Tom DeLay's official website
"Following the historic Republican victory of 1994, DeLay was elected whip by the new GOP majority. Widely credited with revolutionizing the office, DeLay has been called the most effective whip in the history of the House of Representatives."

Flu

CDC: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
"[B]ackground information about avian influenza, including recent outbreaks, the viruses, and the risk to human health." From the Center for Disease Control.

Pandemicflu.gov
The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza.

National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
President Bush's letter and outline of a strategy "with the intent of (1) stopping, slowing or otherwise limiting the spread of a pandemic to the United States; (2) limiting the domestic spread of a pandemic, and mitigating disease, suffering and death; and (3) sustaining infrastructure and mitigating impact to the economy and the functioning of society."

WHO: Influenza
Epidemic and pandemic alert and response information from the World Health Organization.

Hurricanes

FEMA: Hurricanes
Resources, programs, and general information on hurricane preparedness and recovery.

NOAA: Hurricanes: Nature's Greatest Storms
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's gateway site for hurricane information.

NOAA: National Hurricane Center
Tropical storm forecasts and advisories.

NOAA's Hurricane Hunters
Information on the aircraft used to gather hurricane data.

Red Cross: Hurricane Readiness
How to prepare an evacuation plan, a disaster supplies kit, etc.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (Nov 2005)
Explanation of the 1-5 rating scale of a hurricane's intensity.

Storm Names (Nov 2005)

Libby Indictment

NPR: Locating the Source of the Plame Leak
Includes a timeline, audio files, and the text of the indictment as well as other related documents.

United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Special Counsel investigation timeline and documents.

New Orleans and Gulf Coast Recovery

Bring New Orleans Back Commission
Local commission devoted to rebuilding New Orleans.

City of New Orleans
The official city website.

Corps Hurricane Response
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division.

FEMA: Hurricane Katrina Information
Information and resources for Katrina recovery from the much-maligned Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FirstGov: Hurricane Recovery
The focus here is on resources for help and information on continuing recovery efforts.

Hurricane Contracting Information Center
"[P]rovides a central point of reference for businesses ... to register for ... federal contracting opportunities in the Gulf Coast."

New Orleans FAQ
The American Library Association has decided to hold its 2006 annual conference in New Orleans as planned. The FAQ addresses potential concerns of conference attendees and other visitors to the Big Easy.

New Orleans Hurricane Protection Projects Data
"[A]ccess to data associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hurricane Protection Projects in the New Orleans, LA area."

President Bush: Jackson Square Speech
Speech delivered from Jackson Square in New Orleans on 9/15/05. Includes transcript and video file. "Good evening. I'm speaking to you from the city of New Orleans -- nearly empty, still partly under water, and waiting for life and hope to return."

Pakistan Earthquake

NPR: The South Asia Earthquake
Ongoing coverage of the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated the Pakistan-India border region Oct. 8. "At least 73,000 have died, with thousands more left homeless. Survivors face a shortage of food and shelter."

U.S. State Department Fact Sheet
Outlines the U.S. federal government's response to the earthquake. "The destruction and loss of life in Pakistan is massive, and the United States is responding rapidly and robustly."

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Data
"A major earthquake occurred at 03:50:40 (UTC) on Saturday, October 8, 2005. The magnitude 7.6 event has been located in Pakistan."

Prisoner Abuse and Torture

Article 15-6 investigation of the 800th Military Police Brigade
Report prepared by Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba., U.S. Army, based on an investigation into the alleged abuse of prisoners of war by members of the 800th Military Police Brigade at Abu Ghraib Prison, Baghdad, Iraq. Popularly known as the Taguba Report.

EWU Library Holdings: Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Books available from EWU Libraries.

Investigation of intelligence activities at Abu Ghrai (U.S. Army)
"The investigation determined that the primary causes of abuse at Abu Ghraib are misconduct by a small group of soldiers and civilian contractors who apparently failed to respect the dignity of those in their custody, a lack of discipline on the part of leaders and soldiers of the 205th MI Brigade, and a failure of leadership by multiple echelons within Combined Joint Task Force 7."

Leahy Bill Bans Outsourcing Torture To Other Countries
Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy on The Convention Against Torture Implementation Act (S.654) March 17, 2005.

Thomas: S.654 Summary and Status
"A bill to prohibit the expulsion, return, or extradition of persons by the United States to countries engaging in torture, and for other purposes."

Thomas: H.R.952 Summary and Status
"To prohibit the transfer or return of persons by the United States, for the purpose of detention, interrogation, trial, or otherwise, to countries where torture or other inhuman treatment of persons occurs."

Thomas: H.R.3541 Summary and Status
"To affirm that the United States may not engage in torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and for other purposes."

U.S. State Department: Detainee Issues Archive
Lengthy compiliation of documents, most relating to Guantanamo Bay detainee issues.

Washington State General Election 2005

Healthy Indoor Air for All of Washington
Website in support of Initiative 901.

Washington Policy Center: Initiative 901
"A fundamental difference between 1985's Clean Indoor Air Act and Initiative 901 is that in the Clean Indoor Air Act a smoking area may be designated by the owner of a public place, or in the case of a rented or leased space, by the lessee or other person in charge (with exceptions for public areas such as retail stores, banks, waiting rooms, museums, theaters, indoor sports arenas, and many other public areas). Initiative 901 would remove that choice from the establishment owner."

Washington Policy Center: Initiative 900
"If combined with other reforms, regular performance audits of state government would help establish an innovative culture that rewards productivity and efficiency. It is important to recognize the positive impact of regular oversight. Not only would poor performance be identified and ended, but previously unpublished success stories would become a part of the public record, allowing state managers and workers to establish credibility with voters, something that today is severely lacking."

Washington Policy Center: Initiative 912
"If Initiative 912 passes in November, it will be the second time in three years citizens voted down a large gas tax increase. In 2002 voters overwhelmingly defeated Referendum 51, which would have raised the tax by nine cents per gallon. Responding to the anti-tax sentiment that killed Referendum 51, the legislature in 2003 approved a lower increase of five cents a gallon."

Washington Policy Center: Initiatives 330 and 336
"Whatever fate voters choose for Initiatives 330 and 336, Washington policymakers will still have to consider important changes in health care and medical liability policy that will move the system toward lower costs, better quality and improved services for patients."

Washington Secretary of State: 2005 General Election
Gateway to 2005 Washington State voting information and general election results, including semi-interactive maps showing county-by-county results for each of the statewide initiatives.

Employment

Studentjobs.gov
"Studentjobs.gov provides information on Federal Government job opportunities."

USAJOBS
"It's your one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information."

Grants

Grants.gov
"Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies."

Military Base Closures

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 2005
Frequently updated Department of Defense site on the progress of "BRAC."

U.S. Air Force BRAC
"The purpose of Base Realignment and Closure 2005 is to permit the secretary of defense to make the most efficient and effective use of Department of Defense resources."

U.S. Army Base Realignment and Closure Division (BRACD)
"BRAC is a means by which the Department of Defense (DoD) reconfigures its infrastructure into one where operational capacity is optimized for both warfighting capability and efficiency, and joint activity opportunities are aggressively pursued."

U.S. Navy BRAC PMO
"To implement the BRAC decisions at Navy and Marine Corps installations using a business management perspective to deliver sound community liaison, planning, real estate, and environmental decisions. "

Summer Vacation

Beach Temperatures
National Oceanic Data Center (NODC) Coastal Water Temperature Guide.

Summer Reading
"As governor and as a mom, [Washington State] Governor Christine Gregoire believes that one of the best things children and families can do is develop a love for books."

Travel, Transporation and Recreation
FirstGov's guide for summer travelers.

Terri Schiavo

A bill for the relief of the family of Theresa Marie Schiavo
Controversial bill passed into law as PL 109-3. "Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo (Ms. Schiavo) for the alleged violation of any right of hers under the U.S. Constitution or laws relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life."

Congressman Wynn Responds to Congressional Vote on Terry Schiavo Case
One of many senators and congressmen who released statements in response to the Terri Schiavo bill. "Fundamentally, I do not believe this matter should have ever reached Congress.... Having said this, however, once the matter was brought to the House floor, it became, in my mind, a question of conscience, and I was unwilling to hide behind procedural issues to avoid this difficult vote."

FindLaw: Terri Schiavo Case: Legal Issues Involving Healthcare Directives, Death, and Dying
Extensive compilation of links to legal documents and other information relating to Terri Schiavo, Living Wills, and similar cases involving end-of-life issues.

Schiavo Resources: Timeline
A detailed chronology of the Terri Schiavo case, with links to related documents. A joint project of the University of Miami Ethics Programs and the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University.

Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation
"Terri's family and the volunteers of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation have vowed to focus the Foundation, named for her, on assisting other desperate families in their efforts to protect vulnerable loved ones."

The Terri Schiavo Information Page
A defense of the legal process that led to the removal Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. "As a Florida law blogger, I have created this page to help people understand the legal circumstances surrounding the Terri Schiavo saga. In my view, there continues to be a need for an objective look at the matter. There is an unbelievable amount of misinformation being circulated."

Village Voice: Terri Schiavo: Judicial Murder
An opinion piece which takes the judicial system and the ACLU to task for its handling of the Schiavo case. "She is not brain-dead or comatose, and breathes naturally on her own. Although brain-damaged, she is not in a persistent vegetative state, according to an increasing number of radiologists and neurologists."

Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy)

Food Safety Information Research Office: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
A wealth of U.S. and foreign BSE information sources from the USDA's National Agricultural Library.

USDA: BSE Information and Resources
News releases, technical briefings, audio, video and transcripts of interviews from major news sources.

WSDA: BSE Information
Information from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, including Governor Locke's call for "aggressive policy changes to protect consumers and the U.S. beef industry."

FDA: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
The US Food and Drug Administration's gateway to BSE information.

Mount St. Helens Revisited

Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam
Features images of Mount St. Helens taken from the Johnston Ridge Observatory in Washington state. "The Observatory and VolcanoCam are located at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet, about five miles from the volcano." The view is approximately south-southeast across the North Fork Toutle River Valley. Includes links to news and information about alerts and advisories. From the USDA Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. [Copyright 2005, Librarians' Index to the Internet.]

USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory (Apr 2005)
News, links, FAQs, a glossary, and "hot" links to a variety of volcano information sources.

Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act

The Federal Reserve Board: Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act
This act, also known as "Check 21," is a "federal law that is designed to enable banks to handle more checks electronically, which should make check processing faster and more efficient." Its effective date is October 28, 2004. This site provides the text of the legislation and regulations, and questions and answers about the purpose of the act, check substitutes, original checks, and related consumer protection issues. From the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). [Copyright 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet.]

Questions and Answers About the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act
This site presents an analysis and critique of the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as "Check 21," which has an effective date of October 28, 2004. The site states that this "sweeping new federal law ... takes away your ability to get back your original paper checks." The site provides tips for consumers to protect their rights under the act. From the Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. [Copyright 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet.]

Same-Sex Marriage

50-state rundown on gay marriage laws
Stateline.org, a site sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts, provides a state-by-state list of legislative activity involving the issue of same-sex marriage. "More than 35 states have introduced legislation this year aimed at preserving the traditional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman."

American Civil Liberties Union: Federal Marriage Amendment
The ACLU takes on the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. "The amendment endorsed by the President would be the first ever to mandate discrimination against a group of Americans."

Defense of Marriage Act
Federal legislation signed into law by President Clinton in 1996, describing marriage as involving one man and one woman.

President Calls for Constitutional Amendment Protecting Marriage
President Bush's remarks from a February 24, 2004 press conference. "After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence, and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization."

Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act

The Abortion Debate
Prof. Rick Dodgson of Ohio University provides this detailed summary of the history of the debate, with "opposing viewpoints" style outline of arguments for and against abortion rights.

Legislative Summary of Public Law 108-105
Thomas legislative summary and status page with links to legislative material relating to the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003.

NAF's Challenge to the Federal Abortion Ban
From the National Abortion Federation's point of view.

Partial Birth Abortion Q&A
From the National Right to Life Committee's point of view.

Tax Time

Internal Revenue Service
The site to go to for federal tax forms, publications, news releases, and updates.

IRS Publication 970 -- Tax Benefits for Education
Information on the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, and other tax benefits for postsecondary students.

Free Tax Help -- Washington WorkFirst
Tax help for low to moderate income workers.

State Tax Links
Tax and Accounting Site Directory's compilation of state tax sites.

Tsunami

PMEL Tsunami Research Page
Tsunami information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL).

Surviving a Tsunami -- Lessons from Chile, Hawaii and Japan
U.S. Geological Survey, Circular 1187. Also available in the JFK Library Government Documents collection at call number I 19.4/2:1187.

Tsunamis & Earthquakes at the USGS
Information from the U.S. Geological Survey.

USAID: Earthquake and Tsunami Relief
Main gateway for information on U.S. government disaster assistance. Includes a list of relief organizations and a guide to effective giving/volunteering to relief efforts.

WHO: South Asia Earthquake and Tsunamis (Jan 2005)
Information on the health aspects of the December 26, 2004, Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunami. Provides background information, contacts, and links to related documents. Includes general news and updates, and information specific to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. From the World Health Organization (WHO). [Annotation Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Electoral College / Red vs. Blue States

A Closer Look At The Red/Blue Cultural Divide: It Is Mostly Hokum
Article by FindLaw columnist John W. Dean.

Debating the Merits of the Electoral College
National Public Radio coverage of Electoral College issues.

NARA U.S. Electoral College Page
Electoral College information from the National Archives and Records Administration. Includes a FAQ, teaching resources, a list of electors for each state, 2004 election information, and historical election results.

State Department Electoral College Page
Includes links to election results and CRS reports on proposed reforms to the Electoral College system.

Winning the States and The Split Electorate
Articles from the State Department's eJournal USA, Issues of Democracy, "Election 2004" issue. These articles give an overview of the electoral process and explain the rationale behind the Electoral College system.

Washington State 2004 Governor's Race

Election Reform Taskforce
In 2004 Washington state "experienced the closest Governor's election in United States history as well as the closest statewide election in [the state's] history." This Web site features information about the task force that resulted from this event. Provides a report, lists of task force members and scheduled meetings, links to news articles, an election reform brochure, feedback form, handout, and Election Reform Task Force presentation. [Copyright 2005, Librarians' Index to the Internet.]

Recount Results
Official Washington Secretary of State site for election recount information.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Election Update Page
Recount updates and links to PI coverage of the unfolding saga of the closest governor's race in U.S. history.

Haiti

Portals to the World: Haiti
Library of Congress guide to information sources on Haiti.

Statement on Haiti
Whitehouse Press Secretary statement of February 28, 2004.

Embassy of the Republic of Haiti
The official web site of the Haitian embassy in Washington, DC.

Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza: Fact Sheet
Brief information "about the significance for human health of avian influenza." The site discusses the impact and control of the bird flu in animals, the H5N1 version of the bird flu "which began in mid-December 2003 in the Republic of Korea and is now being seen in other Asian countries," and clinical course and treatment in humans. From the World Health Organization (WHO). [Copyright 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet. ]

Basic Information About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Information about the bird flu, including a list of confirmed instances of avian influenza viruses infecting humans since 1997, and symptoms in humans and birds. Includes links to related information. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [Copyright 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet. ]

Presidential Election 2004

The 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidates
This "series of Morning Edition Interviews with White House Hopefuls" offers audio recordings, transcripts, links to candidate Web sites, and an analysis of buzzwords used by the candidates. From National Public Radio.

Election 2004: Hot-Button Campaign Issues
"NPR [National Public Radio] examines the key issues voters are pondering as they choose which candidate to back" in the 2004 presidential election. Features a series of reports on issues such as health care, homeland security, job growth and the economy, taxes, the personality of President George W. Bush, and the occupation of Iraq. Includes audio files and links to related NPR stories. [Copyright 2004, Librarians' Index to the Internet.]

John Kerry for President
"I'm running for President to make the country we love safer, stronger, and more secure."

Nader for President 2004
"To take our democracy back from the corporate interests that dominate both parties."

The Official Re-election Site for President George W. Bush (Dec 2004)
"We will not deny, we will not ignore, we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, other presidents, and other generations."

Project Vote Smart: 2004 Presidential Candidates (Dec 2004)
Presidential candidates for the 2004 election are searchable by last names, and browsable by party affiliation. Materials provided may include biographical and contact information, issue positions, campaign finances, speeches and public statements, voting records, endorsements, and even fun facts. Also includes information about the state primary process and the Electoral College.

September 11 Commission

National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (Apr 2004)
"The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission), an independent, bipartisan commission created by congressional legislation and the signature of President George W. Bush in late 2002."

The Sept. 11 Commission (New York Times)
News stories and special features on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, "examining the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. before and after the [September 11, 2001,] attacks." Includes timelines, charts, video and audio clips of testimony, analysis and opinion pieces, and related Web sites and news stories. From The New York Times. [Annotation Copyright 2004 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Sept. 11 Hearings: NPR Coverage
Collection of National Public Radio (NPR) news stories on the 2004 hearings of the independent commission created to investigate the government's response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Includes commentary on National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice's testimony, a copy of the declassified government memo known as the Bin Laden Brief, and audio files of NPR shows related to the hearings. [Annotation Copyright 2004 by Librarians' Internet Index.]

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

American Library Association: CIPA Briefs
Information relating to ALA's opposition to CIPA.

Supreme Court Decision Upholding CIPA
The defeat of ALA's case against CIPA.

Tech Law Journal: Summary of Filtering Bills (Jan 2004)
Background legislative history links relating to CIPA.

USA Patriot Act

Department of Justice: USA PATRIOT Act: Preserving Life and Liberty
Department of Justice information about and in defense of the USA Patriot Act. Includes the text of speeches by Attorney General Ashcroft and President Bush; a section of responses to critics entitled "Dispelling Myths": congressional oversight information; public polling data; excerpts from newspaper and magazine articles; the text of the Act itself; and a concluding section on "how we are winning the war on terrorism."

Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances
"Our mission is to fix the Patriot Act to enable the government to fight terror while preserving important checks and balances on law enforcement, thus limiting undue government intrusion into the private lives of average Americans."

Setting the Record Straight: An Analysis of the Justice Department's PATRIOT Act Website
From the Center for Democracy and Technology, a point-by-point rebuttal of assertions made on the DOJ web site.

Columbia Space Shuttle Accident

Columbia Accident Investigation Board
Includes a link to the CAIB's final report on the February 1, 2003 space shuttle accident.