Government Information

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL34097.pdf

Examines the source of the contempt power, reviews the historical development of the case law, and analyzes the procedures associated with inherent contempt, criminal contempt, and the civil enforcement of subpoenas.  Also discusses two recent information-access disputes and limitations on the contempt power. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://www.authorsguild.org/general/authors-guild-amazon-was-googles-target/

Press release from Author’s Guild in announcing an appeal of the 2^nd Circuit Court of Appeals decision against their copyright infringement suit against Google.  Also calls upon Congress to create a National Digital Library, available on every campus and in every community, to display  full pages, not snippets, for out-of-print books.  From the Authors Guild

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40856.pdf

Provides background information and selected views on the role of some of these appointees.  Also discusses constitutional concerns that have been raised about presidential advisors and reviews the Congressional oversight process.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://www.intelligence.senate.gov/140129/clapper.pdf

Testimony on this topic at a Senate hearing in January 2014 by James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence.  From the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:h.j.res.00059:

Provides information for legislation that includes the budget agreement negotiated by the chairs of the House and Senate Budget Committees.  Includes links to text of legislation, all congressional actions, and CBO cost estimates.  From Congress.gov

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43331.pdf

This report explains the details of what was changed by the Senate’s decision to change the vote threshold by which cloture can be invoked from three-fifths of the Senate to a numerical majority of Senators voting, provided there is a quorum.  Also discusses the effects on floor considerations of nominees.  From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30959.pdf

Describes the process by which nominations are assigned to committees of the Senate by the Executive Clerk, identifies by Senate Committee presidentially appointed positions requiring Senate confirmation, and includes a complete list of the presidentially appointed positions that no longer require Senate confirmation.   From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL31980.pdf

Describes the process by which the Senate provides advice and consent on presidential nominations, updated to include changes with the passage of the so-called nuclear option in November 2013. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists