Day archives: June 16th, 2013

CRS – Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Issues for Congress

Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Issues for Congress, May 31, 2013: “The use or loss of control of chemical weapons stocks in Syria could have unpredictable consequences for the Syrian population and neighboring countries as well as U.S. allies and forces in the region. Congress may wish to assess the Administration’s plans to respond to possible scenarios …

Subjects: Congress, Government Documents

New on LLRX – On the Legal Importance of Viewing Genes as Code

Via LLRX.com – On the Legal Importance of Viewing Genes as Code – On June 13, 2013 the Supreme Court issued its opinion in the much–awaited Myriad case, which challenged the validity of patents on isolated human genes. The Court held that the isolated genetic sequences claimed in Myriad’s patents did not satisfy the inventive …

Subjects: Courts, Legal Research, Patent and Trademark

Army Releases Cybersecurity Handbook to Public

News release: “The Army published a new handbook this month to provide leaders of all levels with the information and tools needed to address today’s cybersecurity challenges, and to ensure organizations adopt the necessary practices to protect their information and the Army network. ..Currently, all Army commands are developing Information Assurance/Cybersecurity awareness training to address …

Subjects: Cybercrime, Government Documents, Internet, PC Security, Privacy

USDA – Farmers Markets Search

“The USDA National Farmers Market Directory, maintained by AMS Marketing Services, is designed to provide members of the public with convenient access to information about U.S. farmers market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, and accepted forms of payment. Market information included in the Directory is voluntary and self-reported to AMS by market managers, representatives …

Subjects: E-Government

Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Bill to Declassify FISA Court Opinions

Follow up to previous postings – this June 11, 2013 news release: “Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), accompanied by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mark Begich (D-AK), Al Franken (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), introduced a bill that would put an end to the “secret law” …

Subjects: Congress, Courts, Internet, Legal Research, Patriot Act, Privacy

Facebook Releases Data, Including All National Security Requests

Follow up to previous postings via Facebook Newsroom: “For the six months ending December 31, 2012, the total number of user-data requests Facebook received from any and all government entities in the U.S. (including local, state, and federal, and including criminal and national security-related requests) – was between 9,000 and 10,000. These requests run the …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, Government Documents, Internet, Legal Research, Patriot Act

CRS – Budget Issues Shaping a Farm Bill in 2013

Budget Issues Shaping a Farm Bill in 2013, Jim Monke – Specialist in Agricultural Policy. June 3, 2013:  “The desire by many to redesign farm policy and reallocate the remaining farm bill baseline—in asequestration and deficit reduction environment—is driving much of the farm bill debate this year. Several high-profile congressional and Administration proposals for deficit …

Subjects: Congress, Government Documents, Legislation