Federal Agencies

The Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Enforcement was established by the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-132). The Commission was created to review and ascertain, evaluate, report and recommend actions to the Congress on a broad spectrum of issues affecting federal law enforcement priorities for the Twenty-First Century. The Commission was terminated following the submission of its final report in February, 2000.

The Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution was established as an independent advisory commission by an Act of September 29, 1983 (Pub. L. 98-101). The Commission was created to plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the signing of the Constitution, September 17, 1787, the formation of the three branches of government, and the Bill of Rights. The Commission was terminated on December 31, 1991.

The Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry was established as an independent public advisory commission by the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-398). The Commission was created to conduct a study of issues pertaining to the future of the U.S. aerospace industry in the global economy, particularly as it pertained to national security; and to assess the future importance of the domestic aerospace industry for the economic and national security of the national security of the United States.

The Commission on the Social Security Notch Issue was established by an Act of October 6, 1992 (Pub. L. 102-393). The Commission was charging with examining the question of whether those born in the "Notch" years had been treated unfairly and recommending, if necessary, remedial legislation and the means to pay for it. This so-called "Notch issue" has its origins in 1972, when Congress decided to create automatic cost-of-living adjustments to help Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (CITA) was established as an independent Federal agency by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) amendments of 1971. The function of the Committee was to provide employment opportunities for people who were blind or severely disabled. In 2006 JWOD was re-named AbilityOne. The AbilityOne Program uses the purchasing power of the federal government to buy products and services from participating, community-based nonprofit agencies nationwide dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. Currently, AbilityOne employs more than 40,000 Americans who are blind or have other severe disabilities, making it the single largest source of jobs for such individuals in the United States.

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), an interagency group chaired by the Department of Commerce, is responsible for matters affecting textile trade policy and for supervising the implementation of all textile trade agreements. CITA negotiates and administers provisions of Free Trade Agreements; implements the short supply, wool provisions, and other aspects of the Trade Preference Acts; and takes textile and apparel safeguard actions, when appropriate, under the World Trade Organization (WTO). CITA administers textile and apparel quotas on non-WTO countries and safeguard limits. CITA coordinates the administration's efforts to combat illegal textile and apparel transshipment. CITA was established by the President in Executive Order 11651 on March 3, 1972 and is comprised of the Departments of Commerce, State, Labor, and Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's Office. CITA is chaired by the Commerce Department's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel. The Commerce Department's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) provides the staff support for the Committee, monitors all agreements and provides economic analysis and statistical data upon which the Committee relies in taking action.

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is a Government-owned and operated entity that was created to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices. CCC also helps maintain balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities and aids in their orderly distribution. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) was originally incorporated October 17, 1933, under a Delaware charter with a capitalization of $3 million. It was initially managed and operated in close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which funded its operations. On July 1, 1939, CCC was transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and later reincorporated under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (62 Stat.1070; 15 U.S.C. 714) on July 1, 1948 as a Federal corporation within the USDA. The CCC stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities and their products, and facilitates the orderly distribution of commodities. CCC also carries out assigned foreign assistance activities, such as guaranteeing the credit sale of U.S. agricultural commodities abroad. Major emphasis is also being directed toward meeting the needs of developing nations. Agricultural commodities are supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to encourage economic development in developing countries. In addition, under the Food for Progress Program, CCC supplies commodities to provide assistance to developing democracies.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal regulatory agency for futures trading, was established by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act of 1974 (7 U.S.C. 4a). The Commission began operation in April 1975, and its authority to regulate futures trading was renewed by Congress in 1978, 1982, 1986, 1992, 1995, and 2000. The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is to protect market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity futures and options, and to foster open, competitive, and financially sound commodity futures and option markets. The Commission consists of five Commissioners who are appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. One Commissioner is designated by the President to serve as Chairman. The Commissioners serve staggered 5-year terms, and by law no more than three Commissioners can belong to the same political party. The Commission has six major operating components: the Divisions of Market Oversight, Clearing and Intermediary Oversight, and Enforcement and the Offices of the Executive Director, General Counsel, and Chief Economist.

The CDFI Fund was created for the purpose of promoting economic revitalization and community development through investment in and assistance to community development financial institutions (CDFIs). The CDFI Fund was established by the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994.

All Americans—including people with disabilities and older adults—should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions. To help meet these needs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across their lifespan.

The Competitiveness Policy Council was established in 1991as an independent public advisory council by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-418). The Council was created to develop recommendations for national strategies and on specific policies intended to enhance the productivity and international competitiveness of U.S. industries. During its existence, the Council made a number of important recommendations during its years of operation regarding pensions, education, public investment, trade negotiations, and many other issues. The Council was terminated in July 1996 after the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee withheld further funding of its operations on the grounds that the Council was "duplicative of private sector organizations" that performed the same function without receiveing Federal funding. [Source: Wickipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competitiveness_Policy_Council]

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency was created February 25, 1863, (12 Stat. 665), as an independent bureau of the Department of the Treasury. Its mission is to ensure that national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign banking organizations operating in the United States (banks) operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. The Office is headed by the Comptroller, who is appointed for a 5-year term by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Office has the power to supervise and examine banks; approve or deny applications for new bank charters, branches, or mergers; take enforcement action against banks that do not comply with laws and regulations; and issue regulations and interpretations pertaining to banks. The Office supervises approximately 1,200 banks. The Office is independently funded through assessments on the assets of banks.

The Congressional Budget Office provides the Congress with economic analyses of alternative fiscal, budgetary, and programmatic policy issues, and with information and estimates required for the congressional budget process. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) was established by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 601), which also created a procedure by which the United States Congress considers and acts upon the annual Federal budget. This process enables the Congress to have an overview of the Federal budget and to make overall decisions regarding spending and taxing levels and the deficit or surplus these levels incur.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) is an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve System that empowers consumers with the information they need to make financial decisions in the best interests of them and their families. The CFPB was created under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act). The purpose of the CFPB is to promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and other consumer financial products and services. The CFPB will set and enforce clear, consistent rules that allow banks and other consumer financial services providers to compete on a level playing field and that let consumers see clearly the costs and features of products and services. The functions of the CFPB to assist people in borrowing money or using other financial services include: implementing and enforcing Federal consumer financial laws; reviewing business practices to ensure that financial services providers are following the law; monitoring the marketplace and taking appropriate action to make sure markets work as transparently as they can for consumers; and establishing a toll-free consumer hotline and website for complaints and questions about consumer financial products and services.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission was established as an independent regulatory agency by the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) in 1973 and reauthorized by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. The Commission consists of up to five members, who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for 7-year terms. The Commission implements provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1191); Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 1471); Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261); act of August 2, 1956 (15 U.S.C. 1211), prohibiting the transportation of refrigerators without door safety devices; Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act (15 U.S.C. 2056 note); and Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 8001 et seq.).

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) links the research and education resources and activities of USDA and works with academic and land-grant institutions throughout the Nation. In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES advances a global system of research, extension, and higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and related environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the Nation. CSREES's programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen the capabilities of land-grant and other institutions in research, extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking by producers, consumers, families, and community leaders to improve social conditions in the United States and around the world. These conditions include improved agricultural and other economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities; and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply. CSREES provides research, extension, and education leadership through programs in plant and animal systems; natural resources and environment; economic and community systems; families, 4-H, and nutrition; competitive research and integrated research, education, and extension programs and awards management; science and education resources development; and information systems and technology management. In 2009, CSREES was reorganized into the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention was established as an independent organization under the authority of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-415) as amended. Access information about the Council, an independent organization in the executive branch that coordinates all federal juvenile delinquency prevention programs, all federal programs and activities that detain or care for unaccompanied juveniles, and all federal programs relating to missing and exploited children.

The United States Copyright Office, a part of the Library of Congress. It is the official U.S. government body that maintains records of copyright registration in the United States. It is used by copyright title searchers who are attempting to clear a chain of title for copyrighted works.

The Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act of 2004 (CRDRA) established the Copyright Royalty Judges program in the Library of Congress. The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) oversee the copyright law’s statutory licenses, which permit qualified parties to use multiple copyrighted works without obtaining separate licenses from each copyright owner. The Judges determine and adjust royalty rates and terms applicable to the statutory copyright licenses. They also oversee distribution of royalties deposited with the Copyright Office by certain statutory licensees and adjudicate controversies relating to the distributions.

The Copyright Royalty Judges, who make up the Library of Congress’ Copyright Royalty Board, were established under the Copyright Royalty and Distribution Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-418). The Copyright Royalty Judges were created to replace copyright arbitration royalty panels and to make determinations and adjustments of reasonable terms and rates of certain royalty payments under certain sections of Title 17 of the United States Code. Other duties assigned to the Judges included making determinations concerning the adjustment of the copyright royalty rates; authorizing certain royalty fees collected to the extent that the Copyright Royalty Judges find that the distribution of such fees is not subject to controversy; accepting or rejecting certain royalty claims filed on the basis of timeliness or the failure to establish the basis for a claim; accepting or rejecting rate adjustment petitions and petitions to participate; determining the status of a digital audio recording device or a digital audio interface device; adopting as a basis for statutory terms and rates or as a basis for the distribution of statutory royalty payments, an agreement concerning such matters reached among some or all of the participants in a proceeding at any time during the proceeding; and performing other duties, as assigned by the Register of Copyrights within the Library of Congress.

The Corporation for National and Community Service engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in community-based service that addresses the Nation's educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results. In so doing, the Corporation fosters civic responsibility, strengthens the ties that bind us together as a people, and provides educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service. The Corporation was established on October 1, 1993, by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 12651 et seq.). In addition to creating several new service programs, the Act consolidated the functions and activities of the former Commission on National and Community Service and the Federal agency ACTION.

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) was established as an independent entity within the Executive branch under the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008. Prior to its establishment of the CIGIE, the Federal Inspectors General operated under the auspices of the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE) and the Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency (ECIE) The mission of the CIGIE is to address integrity, economy and effectiveness issues that transcend individual Government agencies; and to increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the offices of the Inspectors General.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established within the Executive Office of the President by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) established the Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) to provide professional and administrative support for the Council. The Council and OEQ are collectively referred to as the Council on Environmental Quality, and the CEQ Chair, who is appointed by the President, serves as the Director of OEQ. The Council develops policies which bring into productive harmony the Nation's social, economic, and environmental priorities, with the goal of improving the quality of Federal decisionmaking. As required by NEPA, CEQ evaluates, coordinates, and mediates Federal activities; advises and assists the President on both national and international environmental policy matters; and prepares the President's annual environmental quality report to Congress. In addition, it oversees Federal agency and department implementation of NEPA.

The Office of Counsel to the President was created in 1943, and is responsible for advising on all legal aspects of policy questions, legal issues arising in connection with the President's decision to sign or veto legislation, ethical questions, financial disclosures, and conflicts of interest during employment and post employment. The Counsel's Office also helps define the line between official and political activities, oversees executive appointments and judicial selection, handles Presidential pardons, reviews legislation and Presidential statements, and handles lawsuits against the President in his role as President, as well as serving as the White House Contact for the Department of Justice.

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) is a Federal, Executive branch agency, created by Congress in 1997 to perform the offender supervision function for D.C. Code offenders. It does so in coordination with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the U.S. Parole Commission. CSOSA's mission is to increase public safety, prevent crime, reduce recidivism, and support the fair administration of justice in close collaboration with the community. With a budget of $140 million and nearly 1,000 employees, CSOSA provides community supervision to 15,000 individuals on probation, parole or supervised release each day. [http://www.csosa.gov/about.aspx]

The Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports was established by Executive Memorandum of April 27, 1999 by President Clinton. The Commission was formed to examine and report on the importance of seaports to the nation’s commerce and the presence at seaports of crime and conspiracies associated with those crimes that “pose threats to the people and criminal infrastructures of seaport cities. The President called for a comprehensive review of the nature and extent of seaport crime and the overall state of security in seaports, as well as the ways in which governments at all levels are responding to the problem. __________ Source: http://www.securitymanagement.com/archive/library/seaport1200.pdf.

Until March 2003, the United States Customs Service was an agency of the U.S. Federal Government that collected import tariffs and performed other selected border security duties. Before it was dissolved to form part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Customs Service had three major missions: collecting tariff revenue, protecting the U.S. economy from smuggling and illegal goods, and processing people and goods at ports of entry.

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DARS) develops and maintains acquisition rules and guidance to facilitate the acquisition workforce as they acquire the goods and services DoD requires to ensure America's warfighters continued worldwide success.

The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission was a presidential advisory commission under the Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense. The Commission was established March 26, 1991 under the authority of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Pub. L. 101-510). The Commission was created to readdress charges brought against the process of a prior Defense Secretary’s Commission on Base Realignment and Closure established in 1988. The 1991 Commission reviewed recommendations made by the Secretary of Defense regarding base closures and realignments in 1991, 1993 and 1995. The Commission was terminated December 31, 1995.

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is a subagency of the Department of Defense under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller. It was established January 8, 1965. While serving the public interest as its primary customer, The DCAA performs all necessary contract audits for the Department of Defense and provides accounting and financial advisory services regarding contracts and subcontracts to all DoD Components responsible for procurement and contract administration. These services are provided in connection with negotiation, administration, and settlement of contracts and subcontracts to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on fair and reasonable contract prices. The DCAA also provides contract audit services to other Federal agencies as appropriate.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) was established in 1981 as the criminal investigative arm of the Office of Inspector General, Department of Defense. The Office of the Inspector General along with the DCIS was established under the DOD Authorization Act in 1983 (Pub. L. 97-252). The DCIS protects America’s Warfighters by investigating terrorism; preventing the illegal transfer of sensitive defense technologies to proscribed nations and criminal elements; investigating companies that use defective parts in weapons systems and equipment utilized by the military; stopping cyber crimes and computer intrusions; and investigating cases of fraud, bribery, and corruption to ensure taxpayer dollars are better spent defending our Nation.

The Department of Defense is responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of our country. The major elements of these forces are the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, consisting of about 1.3 million men and women on active duty. They are backed, in case of emergency, by the 825,000 members of the Reserve and National Guard. In addition, there are about 600,000 civilian employees in the Defense Department. Under the President, who is also Commander in Chief, the Secretary of Defense exercises authority, direction, and control over the Department, which includes the separately organized military departments of Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Joint Chiefs of Staff providing military advice, the combatant commands, and defense agencies and field activities established for specific purposes. The National Security Act Amendments of 1949 redesignated the National Military Establishment as the Department of Defense and established it as an executive department (10 U.S.C. 111), headed by the Secretary of Defense.

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) was originally established as the Defense Communication Agency (DCA) within the Department of Defense by direction of the Secretary of Defense on May 12, 1960. The DCA was renamed Defense Information Systems Agency by DoD Directive 5105.19 of June 25, 1991. DISA is a combat support agency comprised of military, federal civilian, and contractor partners. DISA engineers and provides command and control capabilities and enterprise infrastructure to continuously operate and assure a global net-centric enterprise in direct support to joint warfighters, National level leaders, and other mission and coalition partners across the full spectrum of operations. (Source: http://www.disa.mil/)

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was established on October 1, 1961 by DoD Directive 5105.21 of August 1, 1961. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is a Department of Defense combat support agency and an important member of the United States Intelligence Community. It is comprised of more than 16,500 military and civilian employees worldwide, DIA is a major producer and manager of foreign military intelligence. We provide military intelligence to warfighters, defense policymakers and force planners, in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, in support of U.S. military planning and operations and weapon systems acquisition.

The Defense Investigative Service (DIS) was established by the Secretary of Defense, effective January 1, 1972, to consolidate certain investigative activities within the Department of Defense. The DIS's functions were to provide DoD components, and other U.S. Government agencies when authorized, with a single centrally directed personnel security investigative service. In 1999 The Defense Investigative Service changed its name to Defense Security Service.

In 1977, The Defense Supply Agency was renamed the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and was placed under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. DLA supports both the logistics requirements of the military services and their acquisition of weapons and other materiel. The Agency provides logistics support and technical services to all branches of the military and to a number of Federal agencies. Agency supply centers consolidate the requirements of the military services and procure the supplies in sufficient quantities to meet their projected needs. The Agency manages supplies in eight commodity areas: fuel, food, clothing, construction material, electronic supplies, general supplies, industrial supplies, and medical supplies.

The Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) was established from the Mapping Charting and Geodesy Division, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), by DoD Directive 5105.40 of January 1 1972, pursuant to a Presidential directive (press release), November 5, 1971, under authority of the National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 495), July 26, 1947, as amended, initiating the consolidation of mapping functions previously dispersed among the military services. Consolidation effected, and DMA became operational, effective July 1, 1972, pursuant to General Order 3, DMA, on June 16, 1972, which formally transferred specified DOD components to DMA. DMA was terminated and its functions were transferred to the National Imagery and Mapping Agency by Pub. L. 104-201 (Sept. 23, 1996) In 2003, NIMA was redesignated as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board reviews and evaluates the content and implementation of standards relating to the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of defense nuclear facilities of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board was established as an independent agency on September 29, 1988, by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2286-2286i). The Board is composed of five members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members of the Board are appointed from among United States citizens who are respected experts in the field of nuclear safety.

The Defense Special Weapons Agency (DSWA) was established by General Order No. 1 of July 1, 1971. DSWA serves as the DoD center for nuclear and advanced weapons effects expertise and performs essential missions in the areas of nuclear weapons stockpile support, nuclear effects research and operational support and nuclear threat reduction to include arms control verification technology development. The functions of DSWA were absorbed into the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) by DoD Directive 5105.62 of September 30, 1998.

The Delaware River Basin Commission was created under the terms of the Delaware River Basin Compact, Part I of Public Law 87-328 (September 27, 1961 75 Stat. 688) as a body politic and corporate, with succession for the duration of this compact, as an agency and instrumentality of the governments of the respective signatory parties (Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York). The Commission membership consisted of the Governors of the signatory states, ex officio, and one commissioner to be appointed by the President. The Commission’s ex officio membership consists of the Governors of the signatory states and the Division Engineer, North Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Commission was ordered to develop and effectuate plans, policies and projects relating to the water resources of the basin. As such it was given the authority to adopt and promote uniform and coordinated policies for water conservation, control, use and management in the basin. Other responsibilities included the encouragement, planning, development and financing of water resources projects according to such plans and policies. [http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/regs/compa.pdf]

The DRA was established in 2000 as a formal framework for joint federal-state collaboration to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. To fulfill this purpose, DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA works to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those that reside in the region. DRA’s region encompasses 255 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. DRA’s enabling legislation dictates that at least 75% of DRA’s funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes and isolated areas within non-distressed counties and parishes. In addition, half of DRA’s funds must support transportation infrastructure and basic public infrastructure.

The Denali Commission is an independent federal agency with its office in Anchorage, Alaska. Congress created it in 1998 through the Denali Commission Act (P.L. 105-277, 42 U.S.C. 3121. The Commission was designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure, and economic support throughout Alaska. With the creation of the Denali Commission, Congress acknowledged the need for increased inter-agency cooperation and focus on Alaska’s remote communities. Since its first meeting in April 1999, the Commission is credited with providing numerous cost-shared infrastructure projects across the State that exemplify effective and efficient partnership between federal and state agencies, and the private sector.

The Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) is a sub-cabinet level policy agency within the Department of Labor authorized by Congress in the Department of Labor's FY 2001 appropriation. ODEP provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. With the ultimate goal of increasing the number of people with disabilities who work, either as employees or entrepreneurs, ODEP provides policy analysis, technical assistance, development of innovative practices and strategies, and education and outreach to employers, employees, and the disability community. Related to these efforts, ODEP also conducts a variety of employment-related programs and initiatives.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the lead Federal agency in enforcing narcotics and controlled substances laws and regulations. DEA also enforces the Federal money laundering and bulk currency smuggling statutes when the funds involved in the transactions or smuggling are derived from the sale of narcotics. It was created in July 1973 by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973 (5 U.S.C. app.). DEA enforces the provisions of the controlled substances and chemical diversion and trafficking laws and regulations of the United States, and operates on a worldwide basis. It presents cases to the criminal and civil justice systems of the United States--or any other competent jurisdiction--on those significant organizations and their members involved in cultivation, production, smuggling, distribution, laundering of proceeds, or diversion of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illegal traffic in the United States. DEA disrupts and dismantles these organizations by arresting their members, confiscating their drugs, and seizing their assets; and creates, manages, and supports enforcement-related programs--domestically and internationally--aimed at reducing the availability of and demand for illicit controlled substances.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) promotes a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost-effective manner. BEA's economic statistics are closely watched and provide a comprehensive picture of the U.S. economy. BEA prepares national, regional, industry, and international accounts that present essential information on such issues in the world economy. BEA's national economic statistics provide a comprehensive look at U.S. production, consumption, investment, exports and imports, and income and saving. The international transactions accounts provide information on trade in goods and services (including the balance of payments and trade), investment income, and government and private finances. In addition, the accounts measure the value of U.S. international assets and liabilities and direct investment by multinational companies. The regional accounts provide data on total and per capita personal income by region, State, metropolitan area, and county, and on gross State product. The industry economic account provides a detailed view of the interrelationships between U.S. producers and users and the contribution to production across industries.

The Economic Analysis Staff (EAS) was established on June 15, 1982, by Secretary of Agriculture’s Memorandum 1020-6. The primary responsibility of the EAS was to advise and assist the Assistant Secretary for Economics in fulfilling his responsibility for economic policy review and analysis in the Department of Agriculture. Regulations that related to the organization and functions of EAS at 7 CFR XXXIX were removed in the Federal Register of December 31, 1996 (61 FR 68997).

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was created in 1965 under the Public Works and Economic Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3121) as part of an effort to target Federal resources to economically distressed areas and to help develop local economies in the United States. It was mandated to assist rural and urban communities that were outside the mainstream economy and that lagged in economic development, industrial growth, and personal income. EDA provides grants to States, regions, and communities across the Nation to help create wealth and minimize poverty by promoting a favorable business environment to attract private capital investment and higher skill, higher wage jobs through capacity building, planning, infrastructure, research grants, and strategic initiatives. Through its grant program, EDA utilizes public sector resources to create an environment where the private sector risks capital and job opportunities are created.

The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to inform and enhance public and private decisionmaking on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development. Activities to support this mission and the following goals involve research and development of economic and statistical indicators on a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, global agricultural market conditions, trade restrictions, agribusiness concentration, farm and retail food prices, foodborne illnesses, food labeling, nutrition, food assistance programs, worker safety, agrichemical usage, livestock waste management, conservation, sustainability, genetic diversity, technology transfer, rural infrastructure, and rural employment. Research results and economic indicators on such important agricultural, food, natural resource, and rural issues are fully disseminated to public and private decisionmakers through published and electronic reports and articles; special staff analyses, briefings, presentations, and papers; databases; and individual contacts. Through such activities, ERS provides public and private decisionmakers with economic and related social science information and analysis in support of the department's goals of enhancing economic opportunities for agricultural producers; supporting economic opportunities and quality of life in rural America; enhancing the protection and safety of U.S. agriculture and food; improving U.S. nutrition and health; and enhancing the natural resource base and environment.

The Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) provides broad and targeted economic data, analyses, and forecasts for use by Government agencies, businesses, and others, as well as develops domestic and international economic policy. The Under Secretary is the chief economic adviser to the Secretary and provides leadership and executive management of the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. ESA provides key business, economic, and international trade information products that American business and the public can use to make informed decisions through STAT.USA.

The Department of Education was established by the Department of Education Organization Act (Pub. L. 96-88) of October 17, 1979. The U.S. Department of Education is the agency of the federal government that establishes policy for, administers and coordinates most federal assistance to education. It assists the president in executing his education policies for the nation and in implementing laws enacted by Congress. The Department's mission is to serve America's students—to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information about election administration. EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as audits the use of HAVA funds. Other responsibilities include maintaining the national mail voter registration form developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

The Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce was a public advisory commission under the Internal Revenue Service. The Commission was established in 1999 by the internet Tax Freedom Act (Pub. L. 105-277) The general duties of the Commission were to conduct a thorough study of Federal, State and local, and international taxation and tariff treatment of transactions using the Internet and Internet access and other comparable intrastate, interstate or international sales activities. The Commission was adjourned on March 30, 2000 with the submission of its final report. [Source: http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ecommerce/index.htm]

The Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board was established under Chapter II of the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee and Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Act of 1999 (Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 252), to oversee the activities indicated in the Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Program established under the same act. The Program was created to provide loan guarantees to qualified oil and gas companies, as described in the act's provisions, by private banking and investment institutions. The Board is composed of the Secretary of Commerce, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Board was established under Chapter I of the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee and Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Act of 1999 (Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 252), to oversee the activities indicated in the Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Program established under the same act. The Program is designated to provide guaranteed loans to qualified steel and iron ore companies by private banking and investment institutions. The Board is composed of the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, the Chairman on the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Secretary of the Commerce Department.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) promotes and protects the pension, health, and other benefits of the over 150 million participants and beneficiaries in over 6 million private sector employee benefit plans. In administering its responsibilities, EBSA assists workers in understanding their rights and protecting their benefits; facilitates compliance by plan sponsors, plan officials, service providers, and other members of the regulated community; encourages the growth of employment-based benefits; and deters and corrects violations of the relevant statutes. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is enforced through 15 EBSA field offices nationwide and the national office in Washington, DC.

Employees' Compensation Appeals Board The Board is a three-member quasi-judicial body appointed by the Secretary which has been delegated exclusive jurisdiction by Congress to hear and make final decisions on workers' compensation appeals of Federal employees from determinations of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (Office) arising under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (Board) was created by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1946 (60 Stat. 1095). The Board is independent of the Office, and its jurisdiction is strictly appellate and extends to questions of fact and law. The Board's decisions are not reviewable and are binding upon the Office.

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) was originally established as the Manpower Administration, a subagency of the Department of Labor by General Order No. 63 on August 25, 1954. Renamed Employment and Training Administration by Secretarial Order 14-75 of November12, 1975 ETA fulfills responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Labor that relate to employment services, job training, and unemployment insurance. Component offices and services administer a Federal/State employment security system; fund and oversee programs to provide work experience and training for groups having difficulty entering or returning to the work force; formulate and promote apprenticeship standards and programs; and conduct continuing programs of research development, and evaluation.

The Employment Standards Administration (ESA), originally designated the Workplace Standards Administration, was established as a subagency within the Department of Labor, effective April 28, 1971, by Secretary's Order 13-71, May 4, 1971. The role of ESA was to administer Federal employment standards programs in areas of minimum wage and overtime, nondiscrimination and affirmative action, and workers' compensation. Supervises the activities of the Wage and Hour Division, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. Prior to 1978, ESA also administered, through the Women's Bureau, programs directed at improving employment conditions of working women. ESA was eliminated in 2009, leaving its four component agencies to function as independent agencies.

The Office of Energy and Environmental Policy (OEEP) serves as a focal point for the Department’s energy, environmental markets, and climate change activities, positioning USDA and the people they serve to meet future challenges and opportunities. OEEP coordinates policy analysis, long-range planning, research priority setting, and response strategies for addressing energy development and environmental policy.

The Department of Energy's mission is to foster a secure and reliable energy system that is environmentally and economically sustainable; to be a responsible steward of the Nation's nuclear weapons; to clean up the Department's facilities; to lead in the physical sciences and advance the biological, environmental, and computational sciences; and to provide premier scientific instruments for the Nation's research enterprise. The Department of Energy (DOE) was established by the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7131), effective October 1, 1977, pursuant to Executive Order 12009 of September 13, 1977. The act consolidated the major Federal energy functions into one Cabinet-level Department.