Independent Executive Agencies

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Executive

OOOOIndependent Executive Agencies, Boards, Commissions and Committees

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	OOOO OOOThese are agencies under the Executive branch which lie outside the jurisdiction of the cabinet departments. Many are of critical importance to life and living in America. We have devoted more space to some than to others not because they are more important, but usually for one or both of two reasons: either because they are less transparent than others, and so require a bit more dissection to expose their parts; or because they encompass a number of smaller and distinct offices and bureaus. Not all agencies are shown here. If you're interested in everything, the Library of Congress supplies a complete list, as does the LSU Library. OOOSpecial attention should be paid to two government sites covering important aspects of executive agencies operations: Regulations.gov, where the citizen can review and post comments on pending changes in agency regulations, and the The Unified Agenda, which is published twice a year in April and October, and outlines the proposed agenda for all agencies for the following six months. OOOAlso important is the Federal Register. Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), it is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. OOOThe ! indicates a particularly recommended site.

!	BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
		The autonomous board are the five people who run the nation's central bank, the Federal Reserve, including the very important Chairman. The "Fed" also supervises and regulates most U.S. banks and the U.S. operations of foreign banks. If you want to know all about the Federal Reserve, the site contains in pdf form the book, The Federal Reserve System: Purposes and Functions. Other than that, the site is truly an excellent resource for information on money, banking, credit cards, personal finance, and the history and meaning of money. Especially look under Economic Research & Data and Consumer Information for information and advice on credit cards and mortgages.
	!	The Beige Book: Published eight times a year, a thumbnail sketch of the economy reported from the 12 federal reserve regions.
	!	Federal Reserve Districts: All 12 on an interactive map. Very worth a visit for the many and varied publications they produce. Seriously good reading.
	!	National Information Center: Organizational and financial data on both domestic and foreign banks operating in the U.S.

!	BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS
		The BBG is "responsible for all U.S. government and government sponsored, non-military, international broadcasting." It operates Voice of America, Radio Sawa (Mideast), Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Martí (Cuba) and WorldNet Television. All of these are accessible from the BBG's home page.

	CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
		Not unsuprisingly, the CIA web page is mum about most things. What is there is under News & Information and Library (where you'll find the FOIA requests) on the left. But there is a kids' page!
	!	The World Fact Book: An almanac of basic information for every country in the world. Very useful.

!	CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
		Important for its listing of product recalls, its library provides documents and statistics on a host of product-safety related issues as well as a complete list of regulations formulated and enforced by the CPSC.
	!	Recalls.gov: Inter-agency one-stop-shop for product recall information. Not affiliated with CPSC.

!	CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
		The President's clearinghouse on volunteers and volunteering for individuals, organizations and colleges and universities. Purely domestic in focus, It includes Senior Corps and AmeriCorps (though there is a link to the Peace Corps on its home page).
	!	Serve.gov allows you to pursue a volunteering interest in your own area.

!	ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
		Major environmental topics are listed on the home page, as well as through the Learn the Issues tab, each page of which contains further resources, including valuable consumer information. Regulations provides both major environmental laws, and also pending legislation and regulations. Also, don't overlook the More resources link where, among much else, Hotlines and Clearinghouses allows you to both learn from and alert the EPA regarding specific environmental issues. You can also find environmental information, including legislation, regulations and publications at GPOAccess Topics: Environment which organizes environmentally related activities throughout the federal government.

!	EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
		The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws covering discrimination respecting race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability. If we have not parsed this site as thoroughly as others, that's because the tabs across the top are very comprehensive. Those who feel they have been the victim of discrimination in their workplace should especially follow the links below 'Employees and Applicants' where they will find everything necessary to filing a claim.

	FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
		If it's radio, telephone, television, wire, satellite or cable, its the FCC's responsibility. In other words, except for print, the FCC regulates all aspects of media in the United States.
	!	Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau: Telephones, cable, wireless, satellite and internet.
		O!OConsumer Publications: A complete directory of consumer information including fact sheets, alerts, and services as well as how to file a complaint.
		O!ONational Do Not Call Registry: Includes information on telemarketing.
		O!OFCC Parents' Place: Issues regarding children and television.
	!	Enforcement Bureau: Telephone company mergers, consumer-related telephone issues, the emergency alert system, etc.
		O!OConsumer-Related Telephone Issues: Slammed? Too many faxes? Telemarketers?
	!	Media Bureau: Cable television, broadcast television and radio.
		O! Audio Division: AM & FM.
		O! Video Division: Television.
		O! Industry Analysis Division: Economics, ownership, cross-ownership & mergers.
		O! Media Bureau Fact Sheets: Lots of consumer information.
		O! Media Bureau Research Papers: In depth analysis of varied media issues. Rather outdated.
	!	Broadband.gov: The National Broadband Plan includes a broadband test, spectrum dashboard and broadband map.
	!	ECFS: The Electronic Comment Filing System allows public comment on matters before the FCC.
		Office of the General Council: The FCC's lawyer. See a list of recent litigation involving the agency.
		Office of the Inspector General: The FCC's internal policeman. Page includes recent enforcement actions.
		Office of Legislative Affairs: Statements and testimony from the Chairman. Includes congressional communications with the FCC and the chairman's responses.

!	FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
		The FDIC's primary role is to insure bank deposits up to $250,000. It is also the agency that manages bank failures. The subject tabs across the top lead to excellent and exceptionally thorough information in their subject areas, particularly regarding consumer issues such as savings, and mortgages. There is also a list of quick links at the bottom left.
		Regional Economic Conditions (RECON): Economic analysis down to the state, local and metropolitan level,

!	FEDERAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION
		The FEC regulates the financing of federal elections. It is an excellant source for campaign finance information, the rules and regulations regulating campaign spending and contributions as well as historical and demographic information related to federal elections. The wealth of the site is easily accessible from its home page.

	FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
		FERC regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil transmitted by pipeline. It also monitors and regulates hydroelectric facilities (except the TVA).
	!	Market Oversight: Industry reports on seasonal energy usage and related matters.
	!	For Citizens: Most importantly, a regional list of proposed energy projects falling within FERC's purview.

	FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
		Ensures the capital adequacy and financial soundness of two government-sponsored enterprises: the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). There is also a great deal of practical and economic housing information on the site, including current mortage interest rates and percent change in housing prices.
	!	MakingHomeAffordable.gov: Where you can see if you are eligible for the Obama Administration's program to modify or refinance your mortgage. Also program stats.

!	FEDERAL TRADE COMISSION
		The FTC enforces consumer protection and anti-trust laws. Its Quick Finder is front and center on the home page, and the tab across the top are easily navigable. Especially impressive is the list of 'Cases' under 'Actions', which actually is an alphabetical list and not some recondite search engine.

	GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
		The GSA is mostly about government property: buying it, maintaining it, and selling it. It also provides a host of services to the government and government personnel, from relocation to information technology. Scattered throughout the site are lists of private suppliers to the government. The GSA also acts as a clearinghouse of citizen and consumer information for the entire executive branch through the following:
	!	FirstGov.gov: "The U.S. Government's official web portal", a citizen's guide to government.
	!	Federal Citizen Information Center: A major source of citizen-oriented printed information on the web.
	!	Kids.gov: FirstGov for...
	!	The Consumer Action Web Site: Tips on buying almost anything, a Consumer Assistance Directory and advice on complaints.
	!	Federal Procurement Data Center: Operates and maintains the Federal Procurement Data System, the central repository of statistical information on Federal contracting. The system contains detailed information on contract actions over $25,000 and summary data on procurements of less than $25,000.
	!	Schedules E-Library: Where the government shops for savings, this is where government entities come for their supplies. Interesting are the list of companies and corporations who supply the GSA.

!	NATIONAL AERONUATICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION
		Everything NASA has to offer: earth and space science and exploration.

!	NATIONAL ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
		The nation's record-keeper, filing cabinet and publisher of the Federal Register, a daily paper of the rule-making and regulatory business of the Executive branch, its departments and agencies, as well as the Code of Federal Regulations, an annual compilation. NARA also runs the several presidential libraries, maintains the Records of Congress and offers the excellent on-line Exhibit Hall featuring everything from the nation's founding documents to the story of Nixon's famous 1970 meeting with Elvis. It is possible to search some NARA records on line through its Archival Research Catalogue. Finally, browse the Site Index.

!	NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES
		Its 'Publications' provide indepth coverage of a wide range of disability issues.

!	NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
		Created to promote the progress of science and - in the spirit of it's 1950 founding - to secure the national defense. The NSF is primarily a grant-making and coordinating body for science and engineering, though it offers a host of scientific reports found under News & Media, Research Overviews and science and technology statistics.

	NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
		Created primarily to investigate aviation accidents, the NTSB's mission spread to cover major highway, rail, marine and pipeline incidents. The agency maintains on-line records of its investigations.

!	NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
		Regulates nuclear power plants and the civilian use of nuclear materials. Under Facility Info Finder, you can find inspection reports for nuclear facilities throughout the U.S. (click on one the two options under "Operating Nuclear Power Reactors") as well as daily status and event notification reports. The NRC covers other issues through the tabs at the top of the page.

	NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD
		A group of academics who provide technical oversight of nuclear waste disposal, based on information provided primarily by the Department of Energy. Under its Reports is, among other things, its assessment of the D.O.E.'s Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository.

	OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
		The executive arm of the federal budget structure and the executive watchdog over how money is spent.
		Office of E-Government and Information Technology: Shapes policy on how governent information is shared and purportedly promotes electronic access to government information.
		Office of Federal Financial Management: Financial oversight arm of the OMB.
	!	Office of Federal Procurement Policy: Shapes policy on how the federal government buys goods and services. The site includes links to FAR (GSA) and FarSite (USAF), both of which provide text of the code of federal aquisition regulations.

	OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
		Probably most popular for its schedule of salaries and wages.

	OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
		Provides loan and capital assistence to businesses and non-profits investing overseas. By charging for its services, OPIC is self-supporting. OPIC no longer supplies a list of its clients or projects, though a partial list may be gotten under news and events accessible from the site map.

	PEACE CORPS
		Travel the world, meet interesting people....	w

	PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION
		Basically underwrites and guarantees private sector benefit plans, the PBGC pays pension benefits when those plans become defunct. As a virtual insurer, the PBGC collects premiums from employers who are part of the plan, and so is self-supporting. The site maintains a searchable list of Trusteed Plans along with a list of large trusteed plans.

!	SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
		The SEC has the power to register, regulate, and oversee the securities industry (the Stock Market). Its About the SEC is exceptionally thorough in explaining its mission. The subject tabs on the home page are clear and useful. Don't overlook 'Publications' under 'Investor Information' which lists all manner of financial info organized by subject, or 'Special Studies' under 'News...' where the SEC investigates major topics of the times.
	!	EDGAR: If a company issues securities, it must report financial information here. Very useful to investors and freely available to the public.
	!	Regulatory Actions: What the SEC has done, or is about to do, respecting securities regulation.
	!	Office of Investor Education and Assistance: Its Publications, Alerts, Brokers and Advisors links are very good.
	!	Investor.gov: The SEC's very user-friendly guide to saving and investing with aditional advice on how not to get ripped off. A basic intro to the rest of the site.

!	SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
		Due to the importance of the subject (and despite its complexity), the SSA has managed to put links to most everything one could want on its home page (including the most popular baby names by state - we guess they would know). The tabs across the top are sufficiently thorough for most practical purposes. The Site Map should be consulted, though it too is obviously geared to the consumer.

!	SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
		Useful services for small businesses, from making a business plan to financial assistance and disaster relief.

!	UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
		USAID is the principal distributer of non-military, monetary and material assistence to foreign nations. The subject listings are at the bottom of the home page. Country contributions can be found by following the links under 'Locations', though they may not be current. For that, wade through the State Department Foreign Operations Budget below.
	!	Green Book: An historical record of American foreign assistance by country. See also Fact Sheets under Press.
	!	Foreign Operations 2010 Budget: This is the 357 page State Department foreign aid budget, of which USAID is a part.

	UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
		The USITC provides trade expertise to both Congress and the President, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement. Publications highlighting trade issues can be found under the Industry/Economic Analysis tab.
	!	DataWeb: Trade, tariff and policy information, some of it out of date.

	UNITED STATES OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS
		Keeps and eye on such things as potential conflicts of interest in the Executive Branch, but has no independent investigative functions. Its main function is to caution and advise. The chief value of the site is the extensive list of ethics Laws and Regulations pertaining to the Executive.

	UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
		Yes, the Post Office.
		Postal Regulatory Commission: Actually separate from the USPS, it is where the citizen can view and post comments on prooposed changes to postal service.