http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30360.pdf
Reviews the rules of the Senate which make filibusters and other obstructive tactics possible, how cloture can be used to choke off filibusters, and how the threat of filibusters can lead to compromises and other effects, both desirable and undesirable. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/R42771.pdf
Discusses federal programs of assistance to farmers and how specialty crop producers are ineligible for federal commodity price and income support programs. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by National Agricultural Law Center
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42839.pdf
Provides a basic overview of existing, permanent tax provisions that benefit victims of disasters, as well as past legislative responses to particular disasters as Congress considers Hurricane Sandy relief measures. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41332.pdf
Discusses the severity of the 2008-2009 recession and the shape of the economic recovery. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41970.pdf
Discusses the bleak options for deficit reduction unless entitlement spending is reduced and taxes are increased. Also discusses possible effects on state governments if federal government reduced the revenue it currently sends to states. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42400.pdf
Finds that the U.S. income distribution is among the most unequal in all major industrialized countries and that the U.S. is experiencing the greatest increases in measures of income dispersion. Also questions what it calls the myth of upward income mobility in the U.S. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/USAID_PolicyFramework.PDF
Discusses key trends shaping the development landscape and the need for wiser investment of development funds. From the Agency for International Development