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Now Available - Congressional Directory 2010
Congressional Directory 2010
Now Available.
This comprehensive directory lists all members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, complete with color photos and a fold-out map of Capitol Hill. The 2010 Congressional Directory is wire-spiral bound for flat-fold reference and durability.
Available in alpha and state-by-state editions.
PLUS: Each order includes FREE copy of our Pocket Constitution.
More information and secure online ordering on our web site.
March 11, 2010 02:37 PM Link Comments (0)
Cap and Trade: The Kyoto Protocol, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, Carbon Tax, Emission Allowances, Acid Rain SO2 Program, Ozone Transport Commission, NOX, Carbon Markets, and Climate Change
Cap and Trade
Cap and Trade
The Kyoto Protocol, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, Carbon Tax, Emission Allowances, Acid Rain SO2 Program, Ozone Transport Commission, NOX, Carbon Markets, and Climate Change
Compiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Jonathan L. Ramseur, Larry Parker, Peter Folger, Ross W. Gorte, Renee Johnson, Kelsi Bracmort, James E. McCarthy, Donald J. Marples, Sam Napolitano, David L. Sokol, Richard Newell, Robert Greenstein, Sonny Popowsky, Steven L. Kline, Michael Carey, A. Denny Ellerma, Gilbert E. Metcalf, Karen Palmer, Chad Stone, Ray Kopp, Ted Gayer, and Jonathan M. Banks
- The Kyoto Protocol, set to expire in 2012, established binding reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for thirty-six countries. The United States was not a party to the treaty. Reducing GHG emissions through cap-and-trade programs is generating widespread discussion, including consideration by the U.S. Congress. Debate is ongoing as to cap and trade’s effectiveness, costs, inequities, and questionable reductions in pollution, to name a few.
Cap and trade is a policy approach for controlling large amounts of emissions from a group of sources. The approach sets an overall cap, or maximum amount of emissions per compliance period, for all sources under the program. The cap is chosen in order to achieve a desired environmental effect.
2010, 566 pages
ISBN: 1587331845 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-184-8
Softcover book: $27.95
For more information, see TCNCAT.com
February 28, 2010 05:47 PM Link Comments (0)
Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations, new book from TheCapitol.Net
Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations
Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations
How Congress Exercises the Power of the Purse through Authorizing Legislation, Appropriations Measures, Supplemental Appropriations, Earmarks, and Enforcing the Authorization-Appropriations Process
Compiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Bill Heniff Jr, Sandy Streeter, Thomas L. Hungerford, Robert Keith, Megan Suzanne Lynch
A primary avenue for exercising Congress's power of the purse is the authorization and appropriation of federal spending to carry out government activities. While the power over appropriations is granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, the authorization appropriation process is derived from House and Senate rules. The formal process consists of two sequential steps: (1) enactment of an authorization measure that may create or continue an agency or program as well as authorize the subsequent enactment of appropriations; and (2) enactment of appropriations to provide funds for the authorized agency or program.
2010, 146 pages
ISBN: 1587331829 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-182-4
Softcover book: $19.95
For more information, see 1824aa.com
February 16, 2010 03:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Congressional Pay and Perks: Salaries, Pension and Retirement, Franking, Travel, and Other Benefits for U.S. Senators and Representatives
Congressional Pay and Perks
Congressional Pay and Perks
Salaries, Pension and Retirement, Franking, Travel, and Other Benefits for U.S. Senators and Representatives
Compiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Ida A. Brudnick, R. Eric Petersen, Patrick J. Purcell, Mildred Amer, Matthew Eric Glassman, Jennifer E. Manning, Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider
Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to determine its own pay. Prior to 1969, Congress did so by enacting stand-alone legislation. From 1789 through 1968, Congress raised its pay 22 times using this procedure. Members were initially paid per diem. The first annual salaries, in 1815, were $1,500. Per diem pay was reinstituted in 1817. Congress returned to annual salaries, at a rate of $3,000, in 1855. By 1968, pay had risen to $30,000. Stand-alone legislation may still be used to raise Member pay, as it was most recently in 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1991; but two other methods--including an automatic annual adjustment procedure and a commission process--are now also available.
2010, 294 pages
ISBN: 1587331659 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-165-7
Softcover book: $19.95
For more information, see CongressPay.com
February 16, 2010 12:37 PM Link Comments (0)
Smart Grid: Modernizing Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Energy Independence, Storage and Security; Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA); Improving Electrical Grid Efficiency, Communication, Reliability, and Resiliency; Integr
Smart Grid
Smart Grid
Modernizing Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Energy Independence, Storage and Security; Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA); Improving Electrical Grid Efficiency, Communication, Reliability, and Resiliency; Integrating New and Renewable Energy Sources
Compiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Stan Mark Kaplan, Fred Sissine, Amy Abel, Jon Wellinghoff, Suedeen G. Kelly, and James J. Hoecker
The electric grid delivers electricity from points of generation to consumers, and the electricity delivery network functions via two primary systems: the transmission system and the distribution system. The transmission system delivers electricity from power plants to distribution substations, while the distribution system delivers electricity from distribution substations to consumers. The grid also encompasses myriads of local area networks that use distributed energy resources to serve local loads and/or to meet specific application requirements for remote power, municipal or district power, premium power, and critical loads protection.
2009, 644 pages
ISBN: 1587331624 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-162-6
Softcover book: $27.95
For more information, see 1626SmartGrid.com
February 1, 2010 09:47 AM Link Comments (0)
The Government Series from TheCapitol.Net
The Government Series from TheCapitol.Net consists of shorter publications combining government information with authored material from our faculty and authors. Government Series softcover books are available through regular and online bookstores, and many are also available as ebooks from Scribd.
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| Smart Grid | The Federal Budget Process | Congressional Pay and Perks |
For more information and titles, see GovernmentSeries.com
January 30, 2010 01:07 PM Link Comments (0)
FREE Pocket Constitution and FREE pocket version of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
In addition to the Pocket Constitution, we also now have a pocket version of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense."
While supplies last, single copies are free and bulk orders are reasonably priced. Please see the web pages for details.
A free download of our Pocket Constitution is available on Scribd.
A free download of our Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is available on Scribd.
November 3, 2009 06:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Smart Grid
Smart Grid
Modernizing Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Energy Independence, Storage and Security; Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA); Improving Electrical Grid Efficiency, Communication, Reliability, and Resiliency; Integrating New and Renewable Energy SourcesCompiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Stan Mark Kaplan, Fred Sissine, Amy Abel, Jon Wellinghoff, Suedeen G. Kelly, and James J. Hoecker
The electric grid delivers electricity from points of generation to consumers, and the electricity delivery network functions via two primary systems: the transmission system and the distribution system. The transmission system delivers electricity from power plants to distribution substations, while the distribution system delivers electricity from distribution substations to consumers. The grid also encompasses myriads of local area networks that use distributed energy resources to serve local loads and/or to meet specific application requirements for remote power, municipal or district power, premium power, and critical loads protection..The concept of a "smart grid" lacks a standard definition but centers on the use of advanced technology to increase the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid, from generation to transmission to distribution. However, the smart grid does not necessarily replace the existing infrastructure, most of which was installed in the 1970s.
The move to a smart grid is a move from a centralized, producer-controlled network to one that is less centralized and more consumer-interactive.
- Enables informed participation by consumers
- Accommodates all generation and storage options
- Enables new products, markets, and services
- Provides the power quality for the range of needs
- Optimizes asset utilization and operating efficiency
- Operates resiliently to disturbances, attacks, and disasters
The Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability is charged with orchestrating the modernization of the nation’s electrical grid. The office’s multi-agency Smart Grid Task Force is responsible for coordinating standards development, guiding research and development projects, and reconciling the agendas of a wide range of stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has been charged under the Energy Independence and Security Act (P.L. 110-140, Dec. 19, 2007) with identifying and evaluating existing standards, measurement methods, technologies, and other support services to Smart Grid adoption
Published by TheCapitol.Net
2009, 644 pages, Softcover
ISBN 10: 1587331624
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-162-6
$27.95
For more information, including Table of Contents, see www.1626SmartGrid.com
October 7, 2009 11:57 AM Link Comments (0)
Underfunded Pensions, Pension Dumping, and Retirement Security
Underfunded Pensions, Pension Dumping, and Retirement Security
Pension Funds, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), Bailout Risks, Impact on the Federal Budget, and the Pension Protection Act of 2006
Compiled by TheCapitol.Net
Authors: Patrick Purcell, Jennifer Staman, Kelly Kinneen, William J. Klunk, Peter Orszag, and Bradley D. Belt
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) provides a comprehensive federal scheme for the regulation of employee pension and welfare benefit plans offered by employers. ERISA contains various provisions intended to protect the rights of plan participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans.The Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) is a federal corporation created by ERISA. It currently protects the pensions of nearly 44 million American workers and retirees in more than 29,000 private single-employer and multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. PBGC receives no funds from general tax revenues. Operations are financed by insurance premiums set by Congress and paid by sponsors of defined benefit plans, investment income, assets from pension plans trusteed by PBGC, and recoveries from the companies formerly responsible for the plans.
Although the PBGC's liabilities are not explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government, Congress could face political pressure to bail out the PBGC at taxpayer expense should the agency become financially insolvent.
Bradley Belt, former executive director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), testified before Congress in October, 2004: "I am particularly concerned with the temptation, and indeed, growing tendency, to use the pension insurance fund as a means to obtain an interest-free and risk-free loan to enable companies to restructure. Unfortunately, the current calculation appears to be that shifting pension liabilities onto other premium payers or potentially taxpayers is the path of least resistance rather than a last resort."
2009, 316 pages
ISBN: 1587331535 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-153-4
Complete Table of Contents and secure online ordering at 1534Pensions.com
August 4, 2009 12:37 PM Link Comments (0)
Real World Research Skills, Second Edition
The 2nd Edition of Peggy Garvin's Real World Research Skills was published today, July 30, 2009, and is now available at your local bookstore (special order), Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
This book compiles basic advice, techniques, reference information, and resources to help working professionals find accurate information quickly. It is written particularly for those whose work involves tapping into federal government information. The book began as a set of materials for TheCapitol.Net’s seminar, "Research Tools and Techniques: Refining Your Online and Offline Searches." It is designed to be used as a complement to that seminar or independently as a desk reference.The first and second chapters cover practical principles of research and online searching, including the general search engines. These sections include checklists and advice that are applicable to many different research tasks and many different databases and search engines.
The third, fourth, and fifth chapters present resources for federal legislative, judicial, and executive branch research.
The sixth chapter covers starting points for state and international research on the web.
The final chapter, “Experts and Insiders,” has tips for tapping into that vital Washington information resource: people.
In our knowledge economy, more and more people—with a wide range of education and experience—are moving into jobs that require some information-gathering skills. The research training provided at many schools lays a foundation, but often does not prepare us for the varied demands of the working world.
This book can help anyone involved in government research by increasing their information literacy, improving their research effectiveness and efficiency.
For a complete Table of Contents and secure online ordering, see the book's web page
July 30, 2009 10:27 AM Link Comments (0)
Pocket Constitution - The Constitution at your fingertips
Pocket Constitution: The Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Amendments to the Constitution
The Constitution at your fingertips
The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Amendments to the Constitution, all in a handy pocket-sized booklet.
Single copies of this Pocket Constitution are available at no charge by sending a self-addressed stamped business (#10) envelope (SASBE) with first class postage for two (2) ounces to: TheCapitol.Net, Pocket Constitution, PO Box 25706, Alexandria, VA 22313-5706. Requests with insufficient postage will be returned or destroyed. Only 1 copy per request. No phone, fax, or email requests will be accepted for complimentary copies.
This Pocket Constitution is also available for bulk purchase, in multiples of 30 copies.
48 pages, 2009, 3.25 x 6.5 inches, 1.1 ounces each
ISBN 10: 1587331780 ISBN 13: 9781587331787
July 21, 2009 04:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Judge Sonia Sotomayor: Analysis of Selected Opinions
In May 2009, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced his intention to retire from the Supreme Court. Several weeks later, President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, to fill his seat. To fulfill its constitutional "advice and consent" function, the Senate will consider Judge Sotomayor’s extensive record -- compiled from years as a lawyer, prosecutor, district court judge, and appellate court judge -- to better understand her legal approaches and judicial philosophy.This report provides an analysis of selected opinions authored by Judge Sotomayor during her tenure as a judge on the Second Circuit. As a group, the opinions belie easy categorization along any ideological spectrum. However, it is possible to draw some conclusions regarding Judge Sotomayor’s judicial approach, both within some specific issue areas and in general.
Perhaps the most consistent characteristic of Judge Sotomayor’s approach as an appellate judge has been an adherence to the doctrine of stare decisis (i.e., the upholding of past judicial precedents). Other characteristics appear to include what many would describe as a careful application of particular facts at issue in a case and a dislike for situations in which the court might be seen as overstepping its judicial role.
It is difficult to determine the extent to which Judge Sotomayor’s style as a judge on the Second Circuit would predict her style should she become a Supreme Court justice. However, as has been the case historically with other nominees, some of her approaches may be enduring characteristics.
Discussions of the selected opinions are grouped according to various topics of legal significance. Throughout the report, hyperlinks are provided to opinions authored by Judge Sotomayor.
For the complete report, "Judge Sonia Sotomayor: Analysis of Selected Opinions," click here.
July 1, 2009 01:17 PM Link Comments (0)
The Federal Budget Process: A description of the federal and congressional budget processes, including timelines
The Federal Budget Process: A description of the federal and congressional budget processes, including timelines
Budgeting for the federal government is an enormously complex process. It entails dozens of subprocesses, countless rules and procedures, the efforts of tens of thousands of staff persons in the executive and legislative branches, and the active participation of the President, congressional leaders, Members of Congress, and members of the executive branch. This analysis shows the various elements of the federal budget process including the President’s budget submission, framework, timetable, the budget resolution, reconciliation, the "Byrd Rule," appropriations, and budget execution.
Table of Contents
- 1. "Introduction to the Federal Budget Process," by Robert Keith, CRS Report for Congress 98-721 GOV, November 20, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
- Appropriations Process in a Nutshell with James Saturno, ISBN 1-58733-043-1
- Authorizations and Appropriations in a Nutshell with James Saturno, ISBN 1-58733-029-6
- The Budget Execution Process with Carl Moravitz, ISBN 978-1-58733-136-7
- Budget Formulation, Justification, and Execution: A How-To for Budget Analysts with James Capretta, ISBN 1-58733-060-1
- The Federal Budget Process with Philip Joyce, ISBN 1-58733-083-0
- The Budget Resolution in a Nutshell with Roy Meyers, ISBN 1-58733-085-7
- Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations
www.CongressionalBudgeting.com
- Advanced Federal Budget Process
www.BudgetProcess.com
- Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
www.CongressionalDynamics.com
- The President’s Budget
www.PresidentsBudget.com
- The Defense Budget
www.TheDefenseBudget.com
2. "Overview of the Executive Budget Process," by Bill Heniff Jr., CRS Report for Congress RS20175, June 17, 2008 . . . . . . . 33
3. "The Executive Budget Process Timetable," by Bill Heniff Jr., CRS Report for Congress RS20152, June 17, 2008 . . . . . . . 35
4. "The Congressional Budget Process: A Brief Overview," by James V. Saturno, CRS Report for Congress RS20095, November 26, 2008 . . . . . . . 37
5. "The Congressional Budget Process Timetable," by Bill Heniff Jr., CRS Report for Congress 98-472 GOV, March 20, 2008 . . . . . . . 45
6. "Budget Resolution Enforcement," by Bill Heniff, Jr., CRS Report for Congress 98-815, August 12, 2008 . . . . . . . 49
7. "The Budget Reconciliation Process: The Senate's 'Byrd Rule,'" by Robert Keith, CRS Report for Congress RL30862, March 20, 2008 . . . . . . . 55
8. "The Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction," by Sandy Streeter, CRS Report 97-684, December 2, 2008 . . . . . . 91
9. "Reforming the Federal Budget Process," Testimony of Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director of OMB, before the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, Committee on Rules, U.S. House of Representatives, March 23, 2004 . . . . . . 119
10. From the Congressional Deskbook: Chapter 9, "Legislating in Congress: Federal Budget Process," by Bill Heniff Jr. and Robert Keith . . . . 133
Resources from TheCapitol.Net . . . . . . 179
11. Capitol Learning Audio Courses
12. Live Training
Other Resources . . . . . . 180
13. Books
14. Laws
15. Web Sites
Softcover, 2009, 192 pages, $27.50
ISBN: 1587331519 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-151-0
Complete Table of Contents, sample pages, and online ordering here.
May 13, 2009 07:27 AM Link Comments (0)
Economic Policy Crisis and the Stimulus: Analyses of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, HR 1, 111th Congress
Economic Policy Crisis and the Stimulus: Analyses of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, HR 1, 111th Congress
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, HR 1 in the 111th Congress, will assist in supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, give financial help to the unemployed, and will provide State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.1:
Table of Contents
- Analysis
- "Economic Stimulus: Issues and Policies," by Jane G. Gravelle, Thomas L. Hungerford, Marc Labonte, CRS Report for Congress R40104, March 6, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
- "Financial Market Intervention," by Edward V. Murphy & Baird Webel, CRS Report for Congress RS22963, January 29, 2009 . . . . . . . 25
- "'Fast Track' Procedures to Disapprove Additional Funds Under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act," by Christopher M. Davis, CRS Report for Congress R40134, January 15, 2009 . . . . 35
- "Economic Slowdown: Issues and Policies," by Jane G. Gravelle, Thomas L. Hungerford, Marc Labonte, N. Eric Weiss, and Julie M. Whittaker, CRS Report for Congress RL34349, January 2, 2009 . . . . . 45
- "The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009: Full Summary of Provisions by the Senate Finance Committee and House, Ways & Means Committee," by the Senate Finance Committee and the House, Ways & Means Committee, February 12, 2009 . . . . . 85
- "Obey Statement: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," by Dave Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, February 13, 2009 . . . . . . . 105
- Legislative Process flowchart, § 8.01 . . . . . 109
- Federal Budget Process flowchart, § 9.53 . . . . . 110
- Typical Executive Budget Process Timetable, § 9.41 . . . . . 112
- Volumes Containing and Explaining the President's Annual Budget, § 9.43 . . . . . 113
From the Congressional Deskbook
Other Resources . . . . . . 114
Softcover, 2009, 116 pages, $27.50
ISBN: 1587331497 ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-149-7
Complete Table of Contents, sample pages, and online ordering here.
April 11, 2009 06:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Lobbying and Advocacy
The Best of Everything Lobbying and Washington Advocacy
By Deanna Gelak
Lobbying and Advocacy sample pages
Publish at Scribd or explore others: Government Business & Legal senate lobbying
January 19, 2009 12:37 PM Link Comments (0)
2008 Congressional Directory now available
The Congressional Directory 2008 is now available. Both State-by-State and Alphabetical versions are shipping. $17.95 plus S+H when ordered directly from us.
Congressional Directory 2008
The Alpha version (popular inside the Beltway), has separate sections for Governors, Senators, and Representatives, then the officials are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
The Standard, or State-by-State, version (popular outside the Beltway), has each state's Governor, Senators, and Representatives listed together under their state.
See sample pages here.
March 5, 2008 06:07 PM Link Comments (0)
