Politics and government Books

Book SynopsisThis book examines the political structure, economic, security and U.S. relations with the countries of Bahrain and Jordan. Protests that erupted in Bahrain following the uprising that overthrew Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on February 11, 2011, demonstrate that Shiite grievances over the distribution of power and economic opportunities were not satisfied by relatively limited efforts to include the Shiite majority in governance. Consequently, several issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and co-operation with Jordan. These include the stability of the Jordanian regime, the role of Jordan in the Arab-Israeli peace process, the possibility of U.S.-Jordanian nuclear energy co-operation, and U.S.-Jordanian military and intelligence co-operation.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the Arab states of the Persian Gulf including: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman; with a focus on their security, reform and U.S. relations.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors examine Kenya''s current political, social and environmental issues. Topics discussed in this compilation include the mitigation and impacts of forest degradation in Kenya; fish biomanipulation of Kenyan lakes; the political and social dimensions associated with biotechnology regulation in Kenya; the developmentally disabled population in Kenya; status of Kenya''s environmental management and protection challenges; and economic development and food security in Kenya.

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Book SynopsisVoting is fundamental to our democracy, yet many U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote do not take advantage of their constitutional right to vote in federal elections. For instance, about 62 percent of eligible citizens voted in the November 2008 general election and about 42 percent voted in the November 2010 general election. Policy-makers, legislators, researchers, and advocacy organizations have explored ways to make voting more convenient with the goal of increasing voter turnout. Various bills have been introduced in Congress since 1995 to increase voter convenience by changing the day of presidential and congressional elections from Tuesday to the weekend. This book focuses on issues related to implementing weekend elections and The Help America Vote Act.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors explore educational, geographical and cultural issues in Argentina. Topics include the present state of knowledge and research on the Loess of Cordoba, Central Plains; the place of Argentina within the global rugby setting; native cultural diversity in the Argentine Gran Chaco region; archaeology of the Highlands of Argentina; and critical problems for fresh water supply to summer resorts on the Eastern coast of the Buenos Aires province.

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Book SynopsisIn the early 1990s, Georgia and its breakaway South Ossetia region had agreed to a Russian-mediated ceasefire that provided for Russian "peacekeepers" to be stationed in the region. Moscow extended citizenship and passports to most ethnic Ossetians. Simmering long-time tensions escalated on the evening of August 7, 2008, when South Ossetia and Georgia accused each other of launching intense artillery barrages against each other. Georgia claims that South Ossetian forces did not respond to a ceasefire appeal but intensified their shelling, "forcing" Georgia to send in troops. This book provides a post-conflict assessment of the Russian-Georgian conflict of August 2008, with a focus on the implications for U.S. interests and the organisational change in the Russian airborne forces.

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Book SynopsisWhat started as a debt crisis in Greece in late 2009 has evolved into a broader economic crisis in the Eurozone that threatens economic stability in Europe and beyond. Many analysts consider the Eurozone crisis to be the biggest threat to the global economy, and some Members of Congress have expressed concern about the possible effects on the U.S. economic recovery. Analysts and investors are concerned that some Eurozone governments could default on their debt in a disorderly fashion; vulnerabilities in the European banking sector could trigger broad financial turmoil; the Eurozone could enter a protracted economic recession; and one or more countries could leave the Eurozone. The crisis has tested the solidarity of European Union (EU) member states and strained the capacity of EU leadership and institutional structures. This book provides a brief analysis of the Eurozone crisis and issues of particular congressional interest.

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Book SynopsisCongress annually considers several appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities, for example, national defence, education, and homeland security, as well as general government operations. Congress has developed certain rules and practices for the consideration of appropriations measures, referred to as the congressional appropriations process. This book examines the procedural and legal issues associated with the authorisation of appropriations; the limitations in appropriations measures; omnibus appropriations; history of the appropriations subcommittee structure; automatic continuing resolutions; locating an agency or program within appropriations bills; and the causes, processes and effects of the shutdown of the federal government.

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Book SynopsisIn the Autumn of 2011, the Obama Administration issued a series of announcements indicating that the United States would be expanding and intensifying its already significant role in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the southern part of the region. The fundamental goal underpinning the shift is to devote more effort to influencing the development of the Asia-Pacific''s norms and rules, particularly as China emerges as an ever-more influential regional power. Given that one purpose of the "pivot" or "rebalancing" toward the Asia-Pacific is to deepen U.S. credibility in the region at a time of fiscal constraint, Congress''s oversight and appropriations roles, as well as its approval authority over free trade agreements, will help determine to what extent the Administration''s plans are implemented and how various trade-offs are managed. This book examines U.S. and Asia-Pacific countries relations with a focus on Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Guam, Singapore and Taiwan.

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Book SynopsisThe preparation of a national energy policy in which priorities and preferences are identified should be one of the main responsibilities of national authorities in charge of the energy sector. It is important that every country''s energy mix involves a range of national preferences and priorities reflected in national policies and strategies to be applied in order to satisfy the foresee increase in the electricity demand. These policies and strategies should represent a compromise between expected energy shortages, environmental quality, energy security, energy cost, public attitudes, safety and security, available skills, as well as production and service capabilities. Relevant national authorities must take all of these elements into account when formulating an energy policy and strategy.

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Book SynopsisThe Department of State''s Diplomatic Security protects people, information and property with over 400 locations world-wide and has experienced a large growth in its budget and personnel over the last decade. Diplomatic Security trains its workforce and others to address a variety of threats, including crime, espionage, visa and passport fraud, technological intrusions, political violence and terrorism. In response to the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies, the Department of State embarked on a multiyear, multi-billion dollar program to replace insecure and dilapidated diplomatic facilities. Since 2001, the Department of State has constructed 52 new embassy compounds under this program, and moved over 21,000 U.S. government personnel into more secure and safe facilities. This book provides an overview of diplomatic security expanded missions and inadequate facilities that pose challenges to training efforts.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores current foreign relations and economic ties with North Korea. Topics discussed in this compilation include foreign assistance to North Korea including energy aid and food assistance; China-North Korea relations including PRC objectives and policy issues for the United States; the legislative basis for U.S. economic sanctions; imports from North Korea including existing rules, implications of the KORUS FTA and the Kaesong Industrial Complex and non-governmental organisations'' (NGOs) activities in North Korea.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains chapters on education leadership, management and governance in relation to schools in South Africa supplemented with a chapter on gender issues in Zimbabwe. It has been fifteen years since a new Constitution dawned, which promised a society based on the people of South Africa, that recognised the injustices of the past and would be built on fundamental human rights and justice for all no matter their race, ethnicity, or economic power. South Africa has moved a long way in developing a democratic society. The emergence of this book is the result of a collaborative effort of people with diverse cultural, social and ethnic roots, who share a common belief in the development of a just and equal society, and who share a specific interest in developing schools as a fundamental element in developing this equal and just society.

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Book SynopsisGreece is at a critical juncture of its recent history. The economic policies of the last three decades have brought it close to bankruptcy. Much of the debate about Greece''s current problems has focused on the short-run management of the crisis. This book contributes to public debate by bringing into discussion important economic, political and social issues which have played a major role in preventing Greece''s transformation into a modern capitalist economy.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores Hong Kong today and since the People''s Republic of China (China) resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997, an event frequently referred to as the "Handover". Discussed are the prospects for democracy in Hong Kong and the 2012 election reforms; the political and economic climates; the civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong and the recent social and cultural trends.

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Book SynopsisThis book includes chapters that investigate the development of international migration policy in major emigrant countries in Asia; and that in today''s highly mobile world, migration has become an increasingly complex area of governance, inextricably interlinked with other key policy areas including economic and social development, national security, human rights, public health regional stability and inter-country co-operation. Role of institutions in facilitating or de-facilitating migration, the potential impact of environmental degradation on population displacement are key contents of the book. This book recommends that migration policy be aligned in a way so as to incorporate migrants'' rights. Migrants, wherever they move on and whatever their status is must not be stripped of their human rights. Due to the fact that migrants, especially female migrants are more vulnerable at the destination point to multiple abuses than at their original location, migration policy has to take this into account.

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Book SynopsisChile is recognised around the world for a strong economy, openness and political stability. There have been important advances in our economic model, educational system, and environmental regulation for sustainability, but further work needs to be done to improve Chilean competiveness and, most importantly, citizens'' welfare. This book presents recent research on environmental, political and social issues in Chile. Each chapter provides diagnostic information and presents proposals and new ideas for sustainable development in Chile. This book explores the current situation of water resource management in Chile, as well as the implications of the exploitation of natural resources on the economic and social dimensions. The dynamics of urban expansion and structure in Chilean cities is also analysed. Regarding the social dimension, immigration and gender issues are included, as well as a sound diagnosis of the higher education system.

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Book SynopsisIn aiming to create a "democratic, well-governed state" in Afghanistan, the United States chose an extremely difficult candidate for nationhood or nation-building assistance. At its most basic level, a modern nation must be comprised of people, a functioning government, a recognized territory, and an economic base. Even when compared against that modest standard, the case of Afghanistan is problematic. Considering Afghanistan''s history, as well as its geography, demographics, tribalism, warlordism, existing political cultural norms, drug trade, crime, and history of ineffective governance and corruption, it becomes abundantly clear that there are major obstacles standing in the way of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization''s (NATO) ambitious goals of effective democratic governance and nationhood. This book examines Afghanistan''s post-Taliban governance, security, U.S. policy and future struggles to nationhood.

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Book SynopsisThe federal government''s basic procurement or acquisition process involves an agency identifying the goods and services it needs, determining the most appropriate method for purchasing these items, and carrying out the acquisition. Although this process is simple in theory, any given procurement can be complex, involving a multitude of decisions and actions. A contracting officer may need to determine, for example, whether to use a federal supply schedule, what type of contract to use, whether simplified acquisition procedures may be used, or whether the procurement should be set aside for small businesses. This book describes the most common elements of the federal procurement process and resources that may be used in that process. Also discussed is the Buy American Act; government procurement in times of fiscal uncertainty; environmental considerations in federal procurement; The Berry Amendment; multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting in defense; and legal requirements for contract types.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles articles from the Asia Pacific Journal of Life Sciences. Topics discussed include clinical colposcopic practive guideline for colposcopists consulted by cervical-cancer-prevention via providers; knowledge increased after training via cryotherapy clinical-training-skill course of the Thai department of health; and benchmarking a novel linear regression model for evaluating the relationship between AHI and height in senior sleep apneics.

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Book SynopsisThe number of workers age 55 and over experiencing long-term unemployment has grown substantially since the recession. This raises concerns about how long-term unemployment will affect older workers'' re-employment prospects and future retirement income. In light of these developments, this book examines how older workers'' employment status has changed since the recession; what risks unemployed older workers face and what challenges they experience in finding re-employment; how long-term unemployment could affect older workers'' retirement income; and what other policies might help them return to work and what steps the Department of Labor has taken to help unemployed older workers.

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Book SynopsisOn January 4th, 2011, the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 became law. The acronym refers to the Government Performance and Results Act. When GPRA 1993 was enacted, it was regarded as a watershed for the federal government. For the first time, Congress established requirements in statute for most agencies to set goals, measure performance, and report the information to Congress for potential use. Agencies submitted this information in three major products: multi-year strategic plans, annual plans, and annual reports. This book provides an overview and background on GPRA 1993 and its modernization changes in 2010. The law was especially intended to address the needs of Congress in its policy making, oversight, and budgeting work, and the needs of agency program managers.

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Book SynopsisBelarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko snuffed out Belarus''s modest progress toward democracy and a free market economy and created an authoritarian regime shortly after being elected as president in 1994. His regime is a throwback to the Soviet era. Those advocating a stronger U.S. role in trying to bring democratic change to Belarus say that the country is important to the United States because Belarus is an obstacle to the U.S. goal of making Europe "whole and free." Another concern is Belarus''s support for pariah regimes, including through arms sales. Relations between Belarus and the EU and United States have been particularly poor since Lukashenko''s brutal repression of the opposition after fraudulent presidential elections in December 2010. The EU and United States have imposed strengthened sanctions against key Belarusian leaders, businessmen, and firms. Russia has taken advantage of this situation to increase its political and economic influence. This book examines new developments, relations and U.S. interests in Belarus.

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Book SynopsisRelations among major political factions have worsened substantially since late 2011, threatening Iraq''s stability and the perception of the achievements of the long U.S. intervention in Iraq. Sunni Arabs, always fearful that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki would seek unchallenged power for Shiite factions, accused him of an outright power grab as he seeks to purge the highest-ranking Sunni Arabs from government and to cripple attempts by Sunni-inhabited provinces to achieve greater autonomy. Iraq''s Kurds have also become increasingly distrustful of Maliki over territorial, political, and economic issues, and similarly accused him of authoritarian practices. More recently, the Shiite faction of Moqtada Al Sadr joined the other groups to put pressure on Maliki to share power. This book examines the politics, governance and human rights challenges of Iraq under Nuri al-Maliki.

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Book SynopsisThe State Partnership Program (SPP) is a Department of Defense security cooperation program run by the National Guard. It also serves as a mechanism for training National Guard personnel. Since the program began in 1992, it has expanded to the point where nearly every state National Guard participates, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The SPP relates to several areas of potential interest to Congress, including improving the capabilities of partner nations to protect their citizens; strengthening relationships with partners to facilitate cooperation, access, and interoperability; improving cultural awareness and skills among U.S. military personnel; and fostering the integration of reserve and active component forces into a "total force." This book provides an overview of the origin and development of the program; summarizes its unique aspects; and outlines its statutory basis, funding mechanisms, organization, and activities; with a focus on recent legislative and executive branch actions.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the strategic risk posed by a smaller and restructured Army; the "health" of the Army given the impending downsizing; the draw-down and restructuring of the U.S. Army, including the role of the National Guard and Reserves. On 26 January 2012, senior DOD leadership unveiled a new defence strategy based on a review of potential future security challenges, current defence strategy, and budgetary constraints. This new strategy envisions a smaller, leaner Army that is agile, flexible, rapidly deployable, and technologically advanced. This strategy will rebalance the Army''s global posture and presence, emphasising where potential problems are likely to arise, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. The proposals to draw-down and restructure the Army have a number of strategic implications, including the capability to conduct stability and counterinsurgency operations, the ability to fight two simultaneous wars, shifting strategic emphasis to the Asia-Pacific region, and how the Army will maintain presence in the Middle East.

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Book SynopsisHistory and geography have given Mexico a unique status in the U.S. immigration system, and have made the Mexico-U.S. migration flow the largest in the world. Mexicans are the largest group of U.S. migrants across most types of immigration statuses - a fact that may have important implications for how Congress makes U.S. immigration policy. This book reviews the history of immigration policy and migration flows between the countries and the demographics of Mexicans within the United States. It also analyses contemporary issues in U.S. immigration policy and the impact Mexico may have on U.S. immigration outcomes.

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Book SynopsisOur rural communities are home to some of the most hard working and fiercely self-reliant Americans in the United States. Strong and secure rural communities are essential to creating an economy built to last that rewards hard work and responsibility -- not outsourcing, loopholes, and risky financial deals. While the security of the middle class has been threatened by the irresponsible financial collapse and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, rural Americans continue to come together to work hard and make ends meet. The values that have helped hard-working, responsible families weather the storm continue to move our economy forward. This book lays out the economic landscape rural America faces today and presents some of the Administration''s many efforts to promote economic growth and job creation in rural communities.

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Book SynopsisScience, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers drive our nation''s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, new companies and new industries. However, U.S. businesses frequently voice concerns over the supply and availability of STEM workers. Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs. STEM workers are also less likely to experience joblessness than their non-STEM counterparts. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workers play a role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future. This book explores workforce trends and policy considerations for STEM students and workers.

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Book SynopsisFor more than 50 years, the United States, which accounts for about half of global food aid supplies, has played an important role in alleviating malnutrition and hunger, especially during emergencies. In fiscal year 2010, the United States spent about $1.5 billion on emergency food aid that reached about 46.5 million beneficiaries. To preserve the nutritional value of food aid, quality controls are in place throughout the supply chain. This book examines select assessments of international food aid with a focus on how better nutrition and quality control can further improve U.S. food aid; the extent to which U.S. agencies meet requirements to ensure that monetization does not cause adverse market impacts; and the USDA''s oversight of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program.

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Book SynopsisViolence in Central America has reached crisis levels. Throughout Central America, Mexican drug trafficking organization, local drug traffickers, transnational youth gangs, and other illegal criminal networks are taking advantage of weak governance and under-performing justice systems. This book outlines a series of concrete steps that the United States can take to support the seven countries of Central America as they try to improve security.

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Book SynopsisThis series gathers and presents original research in the study of the Presidency of the United States. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. Topics discussed in this compilation include contemporary developments in presidential elections; the presidential nominating process and the national party conventions for 2012; midnight rule-making; nominations to U.S. circuit and district courts by President Obama during the 111th and 112th congresses; and regular vetoes and pocket vetoes.

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Book SynopsisThe Organization of American States (OAS) is the oldest multilateral regional organization in the world. It was founded in 1948 by the United States and 20 Latin American nations to serve as a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. Over time, the organization expanded to include all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere (though Cuba currently is excluded from participation). The organization''s areas of focus have also shifted over time, evolving in accordance with the priorities of its member states. Today, the OAS concentrates on four broad objectives: democracy promotion, human rights protection, economic and social development, and regional security cooperation. It carries out a wide variety of activities to advance these goals, often providing policy guidance and technical assistance to member states. This book provides an overview of the OAS history and issues for Congress, with a focus on illicit drug trafficking and terrorism issues.

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Book SynopsisThe President and leading Members of Congress have stated that fundamental tax reform is a major policy objective for the 112th Congress. Some Members have said that fundamental tax reform is needed in order to raise a large amount of additional revenue, which is necessary to reduce high forecast budget deficits and the sharply rising national debt. Congressional interest has been expressed in both a major overhaul of the U.S. tax system and the feasibility of levying a consumption tax. Some proponents of reform argue that the tax base should be broadened by reducing or eliminating many tax expenditures. An alternative to increasing tax revenues is cutting spending. Thus, Members are faced with considering the best mix of tax increases and spending cuts in order to reduce deficits and slow the growth of the national debt. This book examines major fiscal reform proposals for tax reform with a focus on business tax reform and the extension of the "Bust Tax Cuts".

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Book SynopsisToday the federal government owns and manages roughly 635640 million acres of land. Federal lands and resources have been important in American history, adding to the strength and stature of the federal government, serving as an attraction and opportunity for settlement and economic development, and providing a source of revenue for schools, transportation, national defence, and other national, state, and local needs. Ownership and use of federal lands have stirred controversy for decades. This book examines the conflicting public values concerning federal lands, including the extent to which the federal government should own land; whether to focus resources on maintenance of existing infrastructure and lands or acquisition of new areas; how to balance use and protection; and how to ensure the security of international borders along the federal lands of multiple agencies.

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Book SynopsisIt is certain that energy production and, particularly, the generation and sustained growth of electricity constitute indispensable elements for the economic and social progress of any country. Energy, undoubtedly, constitutes the motive force of civilisation and it determines, to a high degree, the level of the future economic and social development of that country. This book examines energy power in Latin America and the Caribbean and the future role of renewable and nuclear energy sources in the region''s electricity generation.

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Book SynopsisMembers of Congress continue to demonstrate an ongoing interest in the efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations (U.N.) development activities, both in the context of U.N. reform and broader U.S. development and foreign assistance efforts. Thirty-two U.N. agencies, funds, programs, and offices play a role in development. These entities, collectively referred to as the U.N. development system (UNDS), are independent intergovernmental organisations with distinct mandates, rules, membership, and financial resources. They work to help countries achieve social and economic progress through a range of development activities, including program implementation, technical assistance, providing forums for intergovernmental co-operation, setting and facilitating international standards and norms, advocacy and awareness raising, and research and data collection. This book discusses the origins and evolving role of the UNDS and its perceived strengths and weaknesses, with a focus on the current UNDS structure, funding levels and trends.

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Book SynopsisThe Impoundment Control Act (ICA), established a new framework for congressional notification and review of rescissions requested by a President. The 1974 law requires the President inform Congress of all proposed rescissions in a special message, containing specified information on each proposed rescission. With regard to congressional oversight of presidential rescissions, the ICA provides that the funds must be made available for obligation unless both houses of Congress take action to approve a rescission request included in the message received from the President within 45 days of "continuous session"; days in which either chamber is in recess for more than three days are not counted. This book examines the expedited rescission authority of federal funding with testimony presented during the hearing on "Enhancing the President''s Authority to Eliminate Wasteful Spending and Reduce the Budget Deficit".

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