Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 2004-2011

"This report is prepared annually to provide Congress with official, unclassified, quantitative data
on conventional arms transfers to developing nations by the United States and foreign countries
for the preceding eight calendar years for use in its policy oversight functions. All agreement and
delivery data in this report for the United States are government-to-government Foreign Military
Sales (FMS) transactions. Similar data are provided on worldwide conventional arms transfers by
all suppliers, but the principal focus is the level of arms transfers by major weapons suppliers to
nations in the developing world..."

2012 Census of Governments

"The Census of Governments identifies the scope and nature of the nation's state and local government sector; provides authoritative benchmark figures of public finance and public employment; classifies local government organizations, powers, and activities; and measures federal, state, and local fiscal relationships.
The data are available by:

• level of government (state, local, or state and local combined),
• type of government (state, county, city, township, special district, school district), and
• category of governmental activity.."

Worker Displacement: 2009-2011

"From January 2009 through December 2011, 6.1 million workers were displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This was down from 6.9 million for the survey period covering January 2007 to December 2009. In January 2012, 56 percent of workers displaced from 2009-11 were reemployed, up by 7 percentage points from the prior survey in January 2010..."

Vaccination & Vaccine Safety

"
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record.

• The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray.
• Get your flu shot or spray as soon as the vaccine is available in your area.
• Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine.
• If you experience a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately..."

Historic 54.5 mpg Fuel Efficiency Standards

"The Obama Administration today finalized groundbreaking standards that will increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by Model Year 2025. When combined with previous standards set by this Administration, this move will nearly double the fuel efficiency of those vehicles compared to new vehicles currently on our roads. In total, the Administration’s national program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will save consumers more than $1.7 trillion at the gas pump and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels..."

Small Area Health Insurance Estimates

"The Census Bureau's Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) program produces estimates of health insurance coverage for states and all counties. In July 2005, SAHIE released the first nation-wide set of county-level estimates on the number of people without health insurance coverage for all ages and those under 19 years old. In August 2012, SAHIE released 2010 estimates of health insurance coverage by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and income categories at the state-level and by age, sex, and income categories at the county-level..."

Baseline Economic Forecast—August 2012

Find the most recent 10 year economic forecast from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office.

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates

Use a graphic resource to find income and poverty data for school districts, counties, and states.
The SAIPE program produces the following county and state estimates:

• total number of people in poverty
• number of children under age 5 in poverty (for states only)
• number of related children ages 5 to 17 in families in poverty
• number of children under age 18 in poverty
• median household income

2011 Annual Survey of Public Employment & Payroll

"In March 2011, there were 16.4 million full-time equivalent employees working in state and local governments in the U.S., down 1.4 percent from 2010. According to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of these employees (8.9 million) worked in education, followed by those working in hospitals (964,381), police protection (923,951) and corrections (717,940)..."

Pipeline Cybersecurity: Federal Policy

"The vast U.S. network of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines is integral to U.S. energy
supply and has vital links to other critical infrastructure. While an efficient and fundamentally
safe means of transport, this network is vulnerable to cyber attacks. In particular, cyber
infiltration of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems could allow successful
“hackers” to disrupt pipeline service and cause spills, explosions, or fires—all from remote
locations. In March 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported ongoing cyber
intrusions among U.S. natural gas pipeline operators. These intrusions have heightened
congressional concern about cybersecurity in the U.S. pipelines sector..."Pipeline Cybersecurity: Federal Policy

Diabetes Data and Trends

Find the latest data on diabetes at the national and state levels.

Cities.Data.gov

"Showcasing the applications and opportunities for harnessing the power of open data across the nation. City officials and developers working together to help improve the information available to city residents..."

FCC Eight Broadband Progress Report

"...But as of now, our analysis of the best data available—the data collected by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the National Broadband Map—shows that approximately 19 million Americans live in areas still unserved by terrestrial-fixed broadband.3 For these and other reasons, we must conclude that broadband is not yet being deployed “to all Americans” in a reasonable and timely fashion..."

Reforming Wall Street Protecting Main Street

 A U.S. Department of the Treasury's presentation highlighting Wall Street reforms enacted
since July 2010.

On Safety: CPSC Stands for Safety

View a variety of videos on safety issues from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recommendations for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Born During 1945–1965

"Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Many of the 2.7–3.9 million persons living with HCV infection are unaware they are infected and do not receive care (e.g., education, counseling, and medical monitoring) and treatment. CDC estimates that although persons born during 1945–1965 comprise an estimated 27% of the population, they account for approximately three fourths of all HCV infections in the United States, 73% of HCV-associated mortality, and are at greatest risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and other HCV-related liver disease. With the advent of new therapies that can halt disease progression and provide a virologic cure (i.e., sustained viral clearance following completion of treatment) in most persons, targeted testing and linkage to care for infected persons in this birth cohort is expected to reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality.  CDC is augmenting previous recommendations for HCV testing (CDC. Recommendations for prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV-related chronic disease. MMWR 1998;47[No. RR–19]) to recommend one-time testing without prior ascertainment of HCV risk for persons born during 1945–1965, a population with a disproportionately high prevalence of HCV infection and related disease.."

Gun Control Legislation

"This report also includes discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have
generated past or current congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms
background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) combating gun trafficking and straw
purchases, (3) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (4) requiring
background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (5) more-strictly regulating certain
firearms previously defined in statute as “semiautomatic assault weapons,” and (6) banning or
requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to
as “sniper” rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic
firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative
action in the 111th and 112th Congresses..."

Gun Control Legislation

"This report also includes discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have
generated past or current congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms
background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) combating gun trafficking and straw
purchases, (3) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (4) requiring
background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (5) more-strictly regulating certain
firearms previously defined in statute as “semiautomatic assault weapons,” and (6) banning or
requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to
as “sniper” rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic
firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative
action in the 111th and 112th Congresses..."

Back to School

Tips to prepare students for back to school activities.

2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation National Overview

Find here the latest data on fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation activities.

Nonemployer Statistics:2010

"Nonemployer Statistics is an annual series that provides subnational economic data for businesses that have no paid employees and are subject to federal income tax. The data consist of the number of businesses and total receipts by industry. Most nonemployers are self-employed individuals operating unincorporated businesses (known as sole proprietorships), which may or may not be the owner's principal source of income..."

Recreation.gov

Use this site to look for federal recreation areas:  camping & lodging; day use & picnic areas; permits & wilderness; and  tours & tickets.

Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label

"If you’ve shopped for appliances, you’ve seen the bright yellow EnergyGuide label. Recently revised so it’s easier to use, the label tells you how much energy an appliance uses.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that the EnergyGuide label can help you compare the energy use of different models as you shop for an appliance. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run, and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources..."

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Who Can Be Considered?

"Today, USCIS will begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.  Under this process, USCIS will consider requests on a case-by-case basis.  While this process does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship, individuals whose cases are deferred will not be removed from the United States for a two year period, subject to renewal, and may also receive employment authorization. To be considered for this process, you must show that:

• You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
• You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
• You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
• You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained your certificate of completion from high school, have obtained your general educational development certification, or you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
• You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat
• You were present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.."

Historical Hurricane Tracks

Find historical information on hurricanes by name or location of the hurricane.

Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water

Find information on how to disinfect water for drinking in emergency conditions.

Refund If Purchased Disney- or Marvel Hero-themed Children's Vitamins

"The FTC is providing these refunds as a result of a settlement with a vitamin marketer named NBTY Inc. and two subsidiaries, which agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle charges that they made false health claims about their multivitamins.

The vitamins were sold by major retailers such as CVS Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Kmart, Meijer, and Rite Aid, as well as online.  The FTC urges consumers who believe they may have purchased them between May 1, 2008 and September 30, 2010, to file a claim online, or call 866-224-4336 and request a paper claim form in the mail.  Eligible consumers will have until October 12, 2012 to file their claims..."

Adult Obesity Facts

"Obesity is common, serious and costly

• More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. [Read data brief  [PDF-528Kb]]
• Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. [Read guidelines]
• In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. [Read summary]..."

Animals in Schools and Daycare Settings

"Animals can be effective and valuable teaching aids for children, but there is a risk of illness and injury from contact with animals. Young children are especially at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths, a behavior that can spread germs..

America's Economy

"The U.S. Census Bureau today released its first-ever mobile application, "America's Economy," which will provide constantly updated statistics on the U.S. economy, including monthly economic indicators, trends, along with a schedule of upcoming announcements. The app, which is currently available for Android mobile device users, combines statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics..."

Teen Health

Find selected statistics on teen health on the state and national levels.

m.cancer.gov

Mobile app from the National Cancer Institute with access in English and Spanish for Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Current Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2011

"Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, with nearly 443,000 deaths occurring annually because of cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke (1). Moreover, nearly 90% of adult smokers begin smoking by age 18 years (2). To assess current tobacco use among youths, CDC analyzed data from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, in 2011, the prevalence of current tobacco use among middle school and high school students was 7.1% and 23.2%, respectively, and the prevalence of current cigarette use was 4.3%, and 15.8%, respectively..."

State Pension Systems Assets Rise Nearly $325 Billion in 2011

"The nation’s state-administered defined benefit retirement systems totaled $2.5 trillion in cash and investment holdings in 2011, a 14.6 percent increase from $2.2 trillion in 2010, according to new statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Earnings on investments were $410.6 billion, up from $291.1 billion in 2010. (See Table 1.)

These statistics come from the 2011 Annual Survey of Public Pensions: State-Administered Defined Benefit Data, which provides an annual look at the financial activity and membership information for the nation’s 222 state-administered public-employee retirement systems, including revenues, expenditures, investment holdings, membership and beneficiaries. Statistics are shown for the nation and individual states..."

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: A Primer

"This report is intended to serve as a primer for outlining existing STEM education policy issues
and programs. It includes assessments of the federal STEM education effort and the condition of
STEM education in the United States, as well as an analysis of several of the policy issues central
to the contemporary federal conversation about STEM education. Appendix A contains
frequently cited data and sources and Appendix B includes a selection of major STEM-related
acts..."

Food Preservation: Selected Titles

Find a variety of resources on food preparation at the Library of Congress's Science Reference Section, Science, Technology, and Business Division.

Walking Among Adults — United States, 2005 and 2010

"Overall, walking prevalence increased significantly from 55.7% in 2005 to 62.0% in 2010. Significantly higher walking prevalence was observed in most demographic and health characteristic categories examined. In 2010, the adjusted odds ratio of meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline among walkers, compared with non-walkers, was 2.95 (95% confidence interval = 2.73–3.19)..."

Pet Medications Workshop

"The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day public workshop on October 2, 2012, to examine competition and consumer protection issues in the pet medications industry.  The quality and cost of pet medications is an important pocketbook issue for many consumers.  In 2011, 62 percent of U.S. households owned a pet, and Americans spent an estimated $50 billion on their pets, including nearly $7 billion for prescription and over-the-counter pet medications..." 

Hispanic Heritage Month 2012: Sept. 15 – Oct. 15

"In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 — Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively..."

U.S. Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Natural Gas Liquids Proved Reserves, 2010

"Proved reserves of U.S. oil and natural gas in 2010 rose by the highest amounts ever recorded since the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) began publishing proved reserves estimates in 1977.

• Net additions to proved reserves of crude oil plus lease condensate in 2010 totaled 2.9 billion barrels, surpassing the previous high of 1.8 billion barrels added in 2009 by 63 percent (Table 1).
• Net additions of wet natural gas in 2010 totaled 33.8 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), nearly 5 Tcf (17 percent) higher than the previous record of 28.8 Tcf, also added in 2009..."

America's Economy App

A mobile app for use on the U.S. Census Bureau's web site highlighting economic data.

Consumption of Cigarettes and Combustible Tobacco — United States, 2000–2011

"From 2000 to 2011, total cigarette consumption declined from 435.6 billion to 292.8 billion, a 32.8% decrease (Table 1). Per capita cigarette consumption declined from 2,076 in 2000 to 1,232 in 2011, a 40.7% decrease. Conversely, total consumption of noncigarette combustible products increased from 15.2 billion cigarette equivalents in 2000 to 33.8 billion in 2011, a 123.1% increase, and per capita consumption increased from 72 in 2000 to 142 in 2011, a 96.9% increase. Total consumption of all combustible tobacco decreased from 450.7 billion cigarette equivalents to 326.6, a 27.5% decrease from 2000 to 2011, and per capita consumption of all combustible tobacco products declined from 2,148 to 1,374, a 36.0% decrease..."

Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress

"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has
heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region’s future. The United States, by virtue of
Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 12, 2009, the
George W. Bush Administration released a presidential directive, called National Security
Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25),
establishing a new U.S. policy for the Arctic region..."Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress

Comparing Compensation for Federal and Private-Sector Workers: An Overview

"Recently there has been significant congressional interest in compensation of the federal civilian
workforce. The increased interest has been driven at least in part by budgetary pressure and in
part by the state of the economy since the recession began in 2007. Issues related to the
compensation of federal employees often center on the pay differential between federal workers
and their private sector counterparts..."

Federal Pollution Control Laws: How Are They Enforced?

"This report provides an overview of the statutory framework, key players, infrastructure,
resources, tools, and operations associated with enforcement and compliance of the major
pollution control laws and regulations administered by EPA..."

Protect Yourself against Shingles:

"Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. It causes a painful, blistering skin rash that can last 2 to 4 weeks. Some people may develop severe nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This is called postherpetic neuralgia or PHN. It is the most common complication of shingles. Older adults are more likely to get PHN. Shingles can lead to other serious complications, including eye problems (when shingles affects the eye)..."