Federal Agencies

The United States Parole Commission (USPC) makes parole release decisions for eligible Federal and District of Columbia prisoners; authorizes methods of release and conditions under which release occurs; prescribes, modifies, and monitors compliance with the terms and conditions governing offenders' behavior while on parole or mandatory or supervised release; issues warrants for violation of supervision; determines probable cause for the revocation process; revokes parole, mandatory, or supervised release; releases from supervision those offenders who are no longer a risk to public safety; and promulgates the rules, regulations, and guidelines for the exercise of USPC's authority and the implementation of a national parole policy. USPC has sole jurisdiction over the following: Federal offenders who committed offenses before November 1, 1987; D.C. Code offenders who committed offenses before August 5, 2000; D.C. Code offenders sentenced to a term of supervised release; Uniform Code of Military Justice offenders who are in Bureau of Prison's custody; transfer treaty cases; and State probationers and parolees in the Federal Witness Protection Program.

The Secretary established the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) to rapidly expand outreach to America’s agricultural community and facilitate greater access to USDA programs. Additionally, OPPE serves as the lead agent for USDA partnership and outreach activities with tasking and reporting authority to direct, coordinate and control all target programs. Programs include all components of the Office of Advocacy and Outreach including Small Farms and Beginning Farmer/Rancher and youth outreach and integration into workforce diversity 2030, Office of Tribal Relations, Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison and supporting Veterans Program Initiative, The Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and any other such programs the Secretary deems essential to serve the interest of USDA.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) was established by the act of July 19, 1952 (35 U.S.C. 1) "to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries for a certain period of time'' (Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). The registration of trademarks is based on the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. USPTO examines and issues patents. There are three major patent categories: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. USPTO also issues statutory invention registrations and processes international patent applications. Through the registration of trademarks, USPTO assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in the marketplace. A trademark includes any distinctive word, name, symbol, device, or any combination thereof adopted and used or intended to be used by a manufacturer or merchant to identify his goods or services and distinguish them from those manufactured or sold by others. Trademarks are examined by the Office for compliance with various statutory requirements to prevent unfair competition and consumer deception. In addition to the examination of patent and trademark applications, issuance of patents, and registration of trademarks, USPTO advises and assists government agencies and officials in matters involving all domestic and global aspects of intellectual property. USPTO also promotes an understanding of intellectual property protection.

The mission of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, and to help promote better mutual understanding between Americans and citizens of other countries. The Peace Corps was established by the Peace Corps Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2501), and was made an independent agency by title VI of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 (22 U.S.C. 2501-1). The Peace Corps consists of a Washington, DC, headquarters; 9 area offices; and overseas operations in 76 countries, utilizing nearly 8,000 volunteers.

The Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 (FERSA). The primary mission of PWBA is to protect the pension, health and other benefits of participants in private sector employee benefit plans. PWBA directly affects the livelihood of over 150 million people who participate in ERISA-covered plans, and protects the U.S. economy's single largest source of capital for investment--pension funds. Currently, there are over 91 million participants, including workers and retirees, in private pension plans which hold more than $4.3 trillion in assets.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation protects the pension benefits of nearly 44 million Americans who participate in defined-benefit pension plans sponsored by private-sector employees. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is a self-financing, wholly owned Government corporation subject to the Government Corporation Control Act (31 U.S.C. 9101-9109). The Corporation, established by title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1301-1461), operates in accordance with policies established by its Board of Directors, which consists of the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and the Treasury. The Secretary of Labor is Chairman of the Board. A seven-member Advisory Committee, composed of two labor, two business, and three public members appointed by the President, advises the agency on investment issues.

The Office of Personnel Management administers a merit system to ensure compliance with personnel laws and regulations and assists agencies in recruiting, examining, and promoting people on the basis of their knowledge and skills, regardless of their race, religion, sex, political influence, or other nonmerit factors. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) was created as an independent establishment by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978 (5 U.S.C. app.), pursuant to Executive Order 12107 of December 28, 1978. Many of the functions of the former United States Civil Service Commission were transferred to OPM.

The Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC) was established in 1986 as an independent legislative advisory commission under the authority of Sec. 9305 of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. The Commission was formed to advise the U.S. Congress on methods used to pay physicians for services to Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, the Commission provides opportunities for beneficiaries, physicians, and other interested parties to have their views considered in policy deliberations and physical payment issues; conducts analyses to provide a basis for policy to alter Medicare’s method of paying physicians; and performs design work necessary to implement major changes in physician payment.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was established on November 20, 2004 under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-426). PHMSA was created to protect the American public and the environment by ensuring the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials to industry and consumers by all transportation modes, including the nation's pipelines. Through PHMSA, the Department develops and enforces regulations for the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the nation's 2.3 million mile pipeline transportation system and the nearly 1 million daily shipments of hazardous materials by land, sea, and air.

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is an independent agency that has exercised regulatory oversight over the Postal Service since its creation by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. While that oversight, initially, consisted primarily of conducting public, on-the-record hearings concerning proposed rate, mail classification or major service changes, and recommending decisions for action by the postal Governors, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) enacted on December 20, 2006, significantly strengthened the Commission's authority to serve as a counterbalance to new flexibility granted to the Postal Service in setting postal rates. Under PAEA, the Commission is required to develop and maintain regulations for a modern system of rate regulation, consult with the Postal Service on delivery service standards and performance measures, consult with the Department of State on international postal policies, prevent cross-subsidization or other anticompetitive postal practices, promote transparency and accountability, and adjudicate complaints. The law also assigns new and continuing oversight responsibilities to the PRC, including annual determinations of Postal Service compliance with applicable laws, development of accounting practices and procedures for the Postal Service, review of the Universal Service requirement, and assurance of transparency through periodic reports. New enforcement tools include subpoena power, authority to direct the Postal Service to adjust rates and to take other remedial actions, and levying fines in cases of deliberate noncompliance with applicable postal laws.

The Postal Regulatory Commission develops and implements a modern system of postal rate regulation. The Postal Regulatory Commission is the successor agency to the Postal Rate Commission, which was created by the Postal Reorganization Act, as amended (39 U.S.C. 3601-3604). The Commission was established as an independent agency in the executive branch of Government by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (39 U.S.C. 101 note). It is composed of five Commissioners, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom is designated as Chairman. The Commission promulgates rules and regulations, establishes procedures, and takes other actions necessary to carry out its obligations. It considers complaints received from interested persons relating to United States Postal Service rates, regulations, and services. The Commission also has certain reporting obligations, including a report on universal postal service and the postal monopoly.

The United States Postal Service provides mail processing and delivery services to individuals and businesses within the United States. The Postal Service was created as an independent establishment of the executive branch by the Postal Reorganization Act (39 U.S.C. 101 et seq.), approved August 12, 1970. The present United States Postal Service commenced operations on July 1, 1971. The Postal Service has approximately 705,000 career employees and handles about 212 billion pieces of mail annually. The chief executive officer of the Postal Service, the Postmaster General, is appointed by the nine Governors of the Postal Service, who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governors and the Postmaster General appoint the Deputy Postmaster General, and these 11 people constitute the Board of Governors. In addition to the national headquarters, there are area and district offices supervising more than 37,000 post offices, branches, stations, and community post offices throughout the United States.

The Presidents Council on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE) was established by EO 12625 of January 27, 1988 (53 FR 2812). The PCIE was primarily composed of the Presidentially appointed Inspector Generals. The Council was chaired by the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The PCIE conducted interagency audit, inspection, evaluation, and investigative projects to address integrity, economy, and effectiveness issues that transcend individual government agencies. The Council also had the additional role of increasing the professionalism and effectiveness of Inspector General personnel throughout the government. The PCIE was abolished and reestablished by EO 12805 of May 11, 1992 (57 FR 20627). __________ Source: http://www.oig.doc.gov/oig/reports/other_publications/TravelCardGuide.pdf U.S. Government Manual (2009/2010 ed.), p. 611.

The President's Council on Sustainable Development was established by Executive Order 12852 of June 29, 1993. The Council was made up of not more than 25 members from the public and private sectors who represented industrial, environmental, governmental and not-for-profit organizations with experience relating to matters of sustainable development. The Council's functions were to advise the President on matters involving sustainable development and to develop and recommend to the President a national sustainable development action strategy that will foster economic vitality. The Council was terminated by Executive Order 23238 of September 30, 1999.

The President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board was established by Executive Order 13231 of October 16, 2001. The purpose of the Board was to assist and support the Director of OMB in this function and shall be reasonably cognizant of programs related to security of department and agency information systems. The Board was also authorized to recommend policies and coordinate programs for protecting information systems for critical infrastructure, including emergency preparedness communications, and the physical assets that support such systems.

The President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) was established by President Obama to ensure the availability of independent, nonpartisan information, analysis, and advice as he formulates and implements his plans for economic recovery and enhancing the strength and competitiveness of the Nation's economy. The members of the PERAB were appointed by the President from among distinguished citizens outside the Government who are qualified on the basis of achievement, experience, and independence. The overall membership of the PERAB reflects a diverse set of perspectives from across the country and various sectors of the economy. The PERAB meets periodically and solicits information and ideas from all sectors to promote the growth of the economy, establish a stable and sound financial and banking system, and create jobs. The PERAB provides analysis and information directly to the President on the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies. With respect to matters deemed appropriate by the President, the PERAB may provide information and recommendations to the National Economic Council or any other agency with responsibilities related to the economy or financial markets. [http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/perab/about]

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses was established by EO 12961 of May 26, 1995. The purpose of the Advisory Committee was the oversight of the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Department of Defense and ther executive departments and agencies into possible chemical or biological warfare agent exposures during the Gulf War. The Advisory Committee was also charged with the evaluation of the Federal Government's plan for and progress toward the implementation of those recommendations made in its report submitted on December 31, 1996. The Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses was terminated upon the issuance of its special report of October 31, 1997.

The Presidential Commission on Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces was established in 1992 by the Defense Authorization Bill for 1992 [Pub. L. 102-190). The Commission was created to assess the laws and policies restricting the assignment of female service members. The Commission was terminated following the submission of its final report to Congress on December 15, 1992.

The Presidio Trust's mission is to preserve and enhance the Presidio as an enduring resource for the American public. The Trust's work encompasses the natural areas, wildlife, and native habitats of the park, as well as the historic structures, and designed landscapes that make the park a National Historic Landmark District. The Presidio Trust is dedicated to ensuring that visitors to this spectacular place have the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the Presidio, its place in American history, and the plants and wildlife which once thrived throughout the region. The Trust receives federal appropriations that diminish each year, and cease at the end of fiscal year 2012. The Trust uses these funds and lease revenues to rehabilitate the park's buildings, restore its open spaces and historic resources, provide programs for visitors, maintain utilities and infrastructure, and fund the Presidio's long-term care. The Presidio Trust is governed by a seven-member board of directors. Six members are appointed by the President of the United States. The seventh is the U.S. Secretary of the Interior or his/her designee. [http://www.presidio.gov/]

The mission of the Bureau of Prisons is to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure, and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens. The Bureau has its headquarters also known as Central Office, in Washington, DC. The Central Office is divided into nine divisions, including the National Institute of Corrections.

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is an advisory body to assist the President and other senior Executive branch officials in ensuring that concerns with respect to privacy and civil liberties are appropriately considered in the implementation of all laws, regulations, and executive branch policies related to war against terrorism. Recommended by the July 22, 2004, report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was established by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It consists of five members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the President. The Board is part of the White House Office within the Executive Office of the President and supported by an Executive Director and staff. The Board advises the President and other senior executive branch officials to ensure that concerns with respect to privacy and civil liberties are appropriately considered in the implementation of all laws, regulations, and executive branch policies related to efforts to protect the Nation against terrorism. This includes advising on whether adequate guidelines, supervision, and oversight exist to protect these important legal rights of all Americans. In addition, the Board is specifically charged with responsibility for reviewing the terrorism information sharing practices of executive branch departments and agencies to determine whether guidelines designed to appropriately protect privacy and civil liberties are being followed, including those issued by the President on December 16, 2005. In the course of performing these functions within the executive branch, the Board seeks the views of private sector, non-profit and academic institutions, Members of Congress, and all other interested parties and individuals on these issues.

The Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) is part of the Departmental Management organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OPPM serves the Secretary and USDA agencies with policy, advice and coordination in acquisitions, procurement and management of real and personal property. In addition it provides oversight and policy in transportation, supply, motor vehicles, aircraft, recycling, and energy conservation. The Office also coordinates USDA’s disaster management and emergency planning response activities. __________ Source: http://www.dm.usda.gov/oppm.htm

The Program Support Center provides information concerning fee-for-service activities in the areas of acquisitions, occupational health, information technology support, human resources, financial management, and administrative operations.

The Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC) was created by Congress in 1986 to participate in setting and updating the DRG rates. ProPAC was comprised of 17 experts in health care delivery, finance, and research who were appointed by the Director of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment. ProPAC was given the responsibility to evaluate the performance of the executive and legislative branch on the management of the Physicians Fee Schedule. ProPAC’s two statutory responsibilities were to recommend: mechanisms for updating hospital payment rates to the Secretary of HHS, and necessary changes in DRGs including the advisability of establishing new DRGs, modifying existing ones, or changing the relative weights. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 required the Comptroller General to terminate ProPAC and merge its statutory duties along with those of the Physician Payment Review Commission into the newly-establishment Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). __________ Source: http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-09-00-00200.pdf

The Public Buildings Reform Board was established by statute on December 16, 2016 (Pub. L. 114-287, 130 Stat. 1465) as an independent Board. It's mandated to identify opportunities for the Government to reduce significantly its inventory of civilian real property and reduce costs to the Government. The Board is directed, within 6 months of its formation, to recommend to the Office of Management and Budget the sale of not fewer than five properties not on the list of surplus or excess with a fair market value of not less than $500 million and not more than $750 million. In two subsequent rounds over a five-year period, the Board is responsible for making recommendations for other sales, consolidations, property disposals or redevelopment of up to $7.25 billion.

The Bureau of the Public Debt was established on June 30, 1940, pursuant to the Reorganization Act of 1939 (31 U.S.C. 306). The Bureau's mission is to borrow the money needed to operate the Federal Government, account for the resulting public debt, and provide reimbursable support to Federal agencies. The Bureau fulfills its mission through five programs: wholesale securities, Government agency investment, retail securities services, summary debt accounting, and franchise services. The Bureau auctions and issues Treasury bills, notes, and bonds and manages the U.S. Savings Bond Program. It issues, services, and redeems bonds through a nationwide network of issuing and paying agents. It provides daily and other periodic reports to account for the composition and size of the debt. In addition, the Bureau implements the regulations for the Government securities market. These regulations provide for investor protection while maintaining a fair and liquid market for Government securities.

The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) was structured under the Public Health Service Act of 1944as the primary division of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) which was later renamed the United States Department of health and Human Services (HHS). The PHS comprises all Agency Divisions of Health and Human Services including: -Administration for Children and Families (ACF); -Administration on Aging (AoA); -Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); -Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); -Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); -Federal Occupational Health (FOH); -Food and Drug Administration (FDA); -Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); -Indian health Service (HIS); -National Institutes of Health (NIH); -Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); and -Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. The central mission of the PHS is to protect the health of the country's population.

The Railroad Retirement Board administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the Nation's railroad workers and their families. The Railroad Retirement Board was originally established by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1934, as amended (45 U.S.C. 201--228z-1). The Board derives statutory authority from the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231-231u) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351-369). It administers these acts and participates in the administration of the Social Security Act and the Health Insurance for the Aged Act insofar as they affect railroad retirement beneficiaries.

The Reagan-Udall Foundation was established by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), enacted on September 27, 2007. (Public Law 110-85). The law requires that the foundation board of directors be established within 30 days and that it not include any federal employee. The Foundation, a private and independent nonprofit corporation, was created to modernize medical, veterinary, food, food ingredient, and cosmetic product development; accelerate innovation; and enhance product safety. __________ Sources: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/RegulatoryProceduresManual/ucm176580.htm http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2007/ucm109029.htm

The Bureau of Reclamation was established pursuant to the Reclamation Act of 1902 (43 U.S.C. 371 et seq.). The Bureau is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Board had two goals: (1) To provide transparency in relation to the use of Recovery-related funds (2) To prevent and detect fraud, waste, and mismanagement The mission of the Board is to promote accountability by coordinating and conducting oversight of Recovery funds to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and to foster transparency on Recovery spending by providing the public with accurate, user-friendly information. The Board issues quarterly and annual reports to the President and Congress and, if necessary, "flash reports" on matters that require immediate attention. In addition, the Board maintains the Recovery.gov website so the American people can see how Recovery money is being distributed by federal agencies and how the funds are being used by the recipients. [http://www.recovery.gov/About/board/Pages/TheBoard.aspx]

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) was established by Congress under The Refugee Act of 1980. This Act incorporates the definition of "refugee" used in the U.N. Protocol, and makes provision for regular flow as well as emergency admission of refugees, and authorizes federal assistance for the resettlement of refugees. Individuals granted refugee status overseas by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are brought to the United States for resettlement by the U.S. Department of State. Voluntary agencies and ORR through their programs assist with their resettlement and integration into the U.S. Refugees are eligible to receive ORR benefits and services from the first day they arrive in the U.S. Founded on the belief that newly arriving populations have inherent capabilities when given opportunities, the goal of the ORR is to provide people in need with critical resources to assist them in becoming integrated members of American society.

The Regulatory Information Service Center (the Center) compiles the Unified Agenda for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), part of the Office of Management and Budget. OIRA is responsible for overseeing the Federal Government's regulatory, paperwork, and information resource management activities, including implementation of Executive Order 12866, as amended. The Center also provides information about Federal regulatory activity to the President and his Executive Office, the Congress, agency managers, and the public.

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (49 U.S.C. 101 note). RITA coordinates, facilitates, and reviews the Department's research and development programs and activities; performs comprehensive transportation statistics research, analysis, and reporting; and promotes the use of innovative technologies to improve our Nation's transportation system. RITA brings together important DOT data, research, and technology transfer assets and provides strategic direction and oversight of DOT's Intelligent Transportation Systems Program. RITA is composed of the staff from the Office of Research, Development, and Technology, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, the Transportation Safety Institute, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) was established by act of Oct. 24, 1992 (106 Stat. 3310). This subagency of the Department of Transportation focused on improving hazardous materials and pipeline safety; coordinates and advances transportation research, technology and education activities to promote innovative transportation solutions; and manages the Department's transportation-related emergency response and recovery responsibilities. RSPA also provides planning and training grants to States and Indian tribes to increase hazardous materials emergency preparedness. RSPA was abolished by act of Nov. 30, 2004 (118 Stat. 2424-2426) and certain duties and powers were transferred to both the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Department of Transportation.

The Resolution Trust Corporation was established on August 9, 1989, by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of1989 (12 U.S.C. 1441a). The duties of the Corporation were: (1) the managing and resolving all cases involving depository institutions, the accounts of which were insured by the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation prior to August 9, 1989; (2) conducting the operations of the Corporation in such a way as to maximize the return of value from the sale or other disposition of depository institutions or their assets, while minimizing the impact on real estate and financial markets and minimize losses to the Government; and (3) maximizing the availability and affordability of residential real property for low- and moderate-income individuals. The Resolution Trust Corporation was abolished by act of Dec. 12, 1991 (105 Stat. 1769). Corporation functions terminated pursuant to act of Dec. 17, 1993. (107 Stat. 2369).

The role of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is to help producers manage their business risks through effective, market-based risk management solutions. RMA's mission is to promote, support, and regulate sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. As part of this mission, RMA operates and manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). RMA was created in 1996; the FCIC was founded in 1938.

The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses and sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. To meet business credit needs in under-served areas, RBS business programs are usually leveraged with commercial, cooperative, or other private sector lenders.

The Rural Housing and Community Development Service (RHCDS) was established by an act of October 13, 1994 (108 Stat. 3219). The Service operated under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921) and title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471). RHCDS provided loans to rural residents who were unable to get credit from commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms and who had a reasonable chance for success. In addition, The Service guaranteed loans made by commercial lenders for modest rural housing. RHCDS also made direct loans to low-income rural residents. RHCDS was renamed Rural Housing Service as of January 30, 1996.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides affordable rental housing, homeownership opportunities, and essential community facilities to rural Americans through a broad array of direct loan, guarantee, and grant programs. Rural residents and communities may inquire about any of these programs through local and State rural development offices.

On May 7, 1971, the Rural Telephone Bank (Bank) was established by amendment to the RE Act as a source of supplemental financing for telecommunications companies and cooperatives eligible to borrow under the RE Act's telephone loan program. After years of discussion regarding the possible privatization of the Bank, in February 2005, the Board of Directors unanimously approved resolutions to liquidate and dissolve the Bank on August 4, 2005. The liquidation and dissolution process is now largely complete. Stock redemption agreements were sent to over 92 percent of shareholders on January 10, 2006. The Government's Class A stock was redeemed on April 10, 2006; redemption payments to Class B and C shareholders began on April 11, 2006 and were completed by September 30, 2006. The final liquidation payments were made to Class A and B shareholders at the time of liquidation on November 13, 2007. The only action still to be taken is the completion of a final audit. [http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/rtb/index_rtb.htm]

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a credit agency that assists rural electric and telecommunications utilities in obtaining financing and administers a nationwide water and waste loan and grant program to improve the quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. A total of 890 rural electric and 800 rural telecommunications utilities in 47 States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia have received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200 rural communities are currently served through financial assistance received from water and waste loans and grants.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) was established by Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3299 of May 19, 2010 which restructured the former Mineral Management Service, dividing its responsibilities into three new bureaus—The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR). On June 18, 2010, the Secretary issued Secretarial Order No. 3302, which announced the name change of the former MMS to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). This name, BOEMRE, will be in effect until the new organizations are in place October 1, 2011. On October 1, 2010, the functions of the former Minerals Revenue Management (MRM) officially transferred to ONRR, reporting to the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget. On October 4, 2010, ONRR published a final rule in the Federal Register moving the regulations related to its royalty and revenue functions from 30 CFR chapter II to chapter XII. On October 1, 2011 the remaining components of BOEMRE were transferred into BOEM and BSEE. Under the terms of Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3299, BSEE will be responsible for safety and environmental enforcement functions including, but not limited to, the authority to permit activities, inspect, investigate, summon witnesses and produce evidence: levy penalties; cancel or suspend activities; and oversee safety, response and removal preparedness.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation was established by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 981-990), and became an operating administration of the Department of Transportation in 1966. The Corporation, working cooperatively with the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, is dedicated to operating and maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient deep draft waterway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. It ensures the safe transit of commercial and noncommercial vessels through the two U.S. locks and the navigation channels of the Saint Lawrence Seaway System. The Corporation works jointly with SLSMC on all matters related to rules and regulations, overall operations, vessel inspections, traffic control, navigation aids, safety, operating dates, and trade development programs. The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is now the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Corporation (See Pub. L. 116-260).

Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy in 1976 with a broad mandate to advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The 1976 Act also authorizes OSTP to lead interagency efforts to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets, and to work with the private sector, state and local governments, the science and higher education communities, and other nations toward this end. The mission of the Office of Science and Technology Policy is threefold; first, to provide the President and his senior staff with accurate, relevant, and timely scientific and technical advice on all matters of consequence; second, to ensure that the policies of the Executive Branch are informed by sound science; and third, to ensure that the scientific and technical work of the Executive Branch is properly coordinated so as to provide the greatest benefit to society.

The Secret Service protects the President and other high-level officials and investigates counterfeiting and other financial crimes, including financial institution fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud and computer-based attacks on our Nation's financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure.

The Securities and Exchange Commission administers Federal securities laws that seek to provide protection for investors; to ensure that securities markets are fair and honest; and, when necessary, to provide the means to enforce securities laws through sanctions. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was created under authority of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a-78jj) and was organized on July 2, 1934. The Commission serves as adviser to United States district courts in connection with reorganization proceedings for debtor corporations in which there is a substantial public interest. The Commission also has certain responsibilities under section 15 of the Bretton Woods Agreements Act of 1945 (22 U.S.C. 286k-1) and section 851(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 851(e)). The Commission is vested with quasi-judicial functions. Persons aggrieved by its decisions in the exercise of those functions have a right of review by the United States courts of appeals.

The Selective Service System provides manpower to the Armed Forces in an emergency and operates an Alternative Service Program during a draft for men classified as conscientious objectors. The Selective Service System was established by the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. app. 451-471a). The act requires the registration of male citizens of the United States and all other male persons who are in the United States and who are ages 18 to 25. The act exempts members of the active Armed Forces and nonimmigrant aliens. Proclamation 4771 of July 20, 1980, requires male persons born on or after January 1, 1960, and who have attained age 18 but have not attained age 26 to register. The act imposes liability for training and service in the Armed Forces upon registrants who are ages 18 to 26, except those who are exempt or deferred. Persons who have been deferred remain liable for training and service until age 35. Aliens are not liable for training and service until they have remained in the United States for more than 1 year. Conscientious objectors who are found to be opposed to all service in the Armed Forces are required to perform civilian work in lieu of induction into the Armed Forces. The authority to induct registrants, including doctors and allied medical specialists, expired July 1, 1973.

The Small Business Administration aids, counsels, assists, and protects the interests of small business; ensures that small business concerns receive a fair portion of Government purchases, contracts, and subcontracts, as well as of the sales of Government property; makes loans to small business concerns, State and local development companies, and the victims of floods or other catastrophes, or of certain types of economic injury; and licenses, regulates, and makes loans to small business investment companies. The Small Business Administration (SBA) was created by the Small Business Act of 1953 and derives its present existence and authority from the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 661).

The Smithsonian Institution is an independent trust instrumentality of the United States which comprises the world's largest museum and research complex; includes 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and research facilities in several States and the Republic of Panama; and is dedicated to public education, national service, and scholarship in the arts, sciences, history, and culture. The Smithsonian Institution was created by an act of Congress on August 10, 1846 (20 U.S.C. 41 et seq.), to carry out the terms of the will of British scientist James Smithson (1765-1829), who in 1826 had bequeathed his entire estate to the United States ``to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.'' On July 1, 1836, Congress accepted the legacy and pledged the faith of the United States to the charitable trust.

The Social Security Administration manages the Nation's social insurance program--consisting of retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs--commonly known as Social Security; administers the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind, and disabled; assigns Social Security numbers to U.S. citizens; and maintains earnings records for workers under their Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) was established by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1946 (5 U.S.C. app.), effective July 16, 1946. It became an independent agency in the executive branch by the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 901), effective March 31, 1995.

The Southeastern Power Administration is responsible for the transmission and disposition of surplus electric power and energy generated at reservoir projects in the States of West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The Administration sets the lowest possible rates to consumers, consistent with sound business principles, and gives preference in the sale of such power and energy to public bodies and cooperatives.

The Southwestern Power Administration is responsible for the sale and disposition of electric power and energy in the States of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwestern Power Administration transmits and disposes of the electric power and energy generated at Federal reservoir projects, supplemented by power purchased from public and private utilities, in such a manner as to encourage the most widespread and economical use. The Administration sets the lowest possible rates to consumers, consistent with sound business principles, and gives preference in the sale of power and energy to public bodies and cooperatives. The Administration also conducts and participates in the comprehensive planning of water resource development in the Southwest.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Our basic authorities come from four federal statutes: the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). OSC’s primary mission is to safeguard the merit system by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially reprisal for whistleblowing. The Office receives, investigates, and prosecutes allegations of PPPs, with an emphasis on protecting federal government whistleblowers. OSC seeks corrective action remedies (such as back pay and reinstatement), by negotiation or from the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), for injuries suffered by whistleblowers and other complainants. OSC is also authorized to file complaints at the MSPB to seek disciplinary action against individuals who commit PPPs. In addition, OSC also provides a secure channel for federal workers to disclose information about various workplace improprieties, including a violation of law, rule or regulation, gross mismanagement and waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety; the Office further promotes compliance by government employees with legal restrictions on political activity by providing advisory opinions on, and enforcing, the Hatch Act; and finally, OSC protects the civilian employment and reemployment rights of military veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve by enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

The Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) was created by The United States Congress by way of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2008. SIGAR was created to provide for: -- the independent and ojective conduct and supervision of audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations funded with amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. --the independent and objective leadership and coordination of, and recommendations on, policies designed to promote economy efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of the programs and operations; and prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in such programs and operations. --a means of keeping the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of such programs and operations and the necessity for and progress on corrective action.

The Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) is the successor to the Coalition Provisional Authority Office of Inspector General (CPA-IG). SIGIR was created in October 2004 by a congressional amendment to Public Law 108-106, triggered by the June 28, 2004, dissolution of the CPA. SIGIR continues the oversight that CPA-IG had established for Iraq reconstruction programs and operations. Specifically, SIGIR is mandated with the oversight responsibility of the use, and potential misuse, of the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) and all obligations, expenditures, and revenues associated with reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in Iraq. . SIGIR reports administratively to the Secretaries of State and Defense. In addition, SIGIR provides quarterly and semi-annual reports directly to the U.S. Congress.

The Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) oversees Indian trust reform efforts departmentwide to ensure the establishment of policies, procedures, systems, and practices to allow the Secretary to discharge the Government's fiduciary trust responsibilities to American Indians and tribes. OST also has programmatic responsibility for the management of financial trust assets, asset appraisals, and fiduciary trust beneficiary services.

The Department of State advises the President in the formulation and execution of foreign policy and promotes the long-range security and well-being of the United States. The Department determines and analyzes the facts relating to American overseas interests, makes recommendations on policy and future action, and takes the necessary steps to carry out established policy. In so doing, the Department engages in continuous consultations with the American public, the Congress, other U.S. departments and agencies, and foreign governments; negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign nations; speaks for the United States in the United Nations and other international organizations in which the United States participates; and represents the United States at international conferences. The Department of State was established by act of July 27, 1789, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and was renamed Department of State by Act of September 15, 1789 (22 U.S.C. 2651 note).

The State Justice Institute awards grants to improve judicial administration in the State courts of the United States. The State Justice Institute was created by the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10701) as a private, nonprofit corporation to further the development and improvement of judicial administration in the State courts.

The mission of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters. ASPR accomplishes its mission in several ways, including: developing, stockpiling, and distributing response tools against multiple threats; sending clinical response teams to places in times of crisis; and ensuring its healthcare and public health partners have the knowledge and tools they need to navigate today's challenges and confront whatever challenges lay ahead.