Government Information

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R41275_20100623.pdf

Describes the background to current events, including Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza but retention of border control, the rise to power of Hamas, and the Israeli blockade of the territory.  Also reviews the May 2010 altercation between Israeli forces and Turkish-sponsored ships attempting to bring supplies to Gaza. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL33274_20100622.pdf

This report provides an overview of the U.S. balance of payments, an explanation of the broader role of capital flows in the U.S. economy, an explanation of how the country finances its trade deficit, and the implications of the large inflows of capital from abroad.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40815_20100621.pdf

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a broad range of benefits to American veterans and members of their families.  But some ex-service members from the National Guard and Reserves are not entitled to certain veterans benefits.  This report looks at those not included in current benefits and legislation introduced to change the situation.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org

http://oas.samhsa.gov/substate2k10/2k8Substate.pdf

Presents estimates of the prevalence of substance use in substate regions.  Includes data on illicit drug use, marijuana, alcohol dependence, and cigarette use.  Provides 5 substate regions for Virginia including Tidewater, Peninsula, and Eastern Shore as Region 5.  From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100813_globalstats.html

The combined global land and ocean surface temperature made this July the second warmest on record and the warmest averaged January-July on record.  Covers temperature, precipitation, and polar ice highlights.  From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R41308_20100628.pdf

Describes laws designed to protect wildlife, such as the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which could be used to prosecute those who caused the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org

http://www.bts.gov/publications/special_reports_and_issue_briefs/special_report/2010_07/pdf/entire.pdf

Provides a statistical analysis of the effects of major snowstorms on airline transportation.  In February 2010 more than 20,000 flights were cancelled due to weather conditions, the highest monthly cancellation rate since such records were kept beginning in 2003.  From the Bureau of Transportation Statistics

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2010/fil10047.pdf

Offers details of proposed policy for preventing abuses by financial institutions in overdraft policies.  Banks would have to provide clear information about their overdraft policies, allow customers to affirmatively choose overdraft protection, establish daily limits on overdraft fees, and refrain from processing transactions in a manner designed to maximize cost to the customer.  From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation