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AGENCY INDEX SUMMARY

the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program are also part of BJA's portfolio. Through its programs, BJA serves as a partner with State and local criminal justice systems. Program innovations of State and locals from across the country are tested, translated into implementation strategies, and demonstrated. Training and technical assistance on program development, implementation, evaluation, and site specific problems are available to State and local agencies. Currently, BJA is providing broad assistance in the areas of community justice and strategic planning.

Bureau of Justice Statistics (16.550, 16.554, 16.734, 16.813) The primary source for justice statistics in the United States. BJS collects analyzes, publishes, and disseminates information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. BJS maintains more than two dozen major data collection series and publishes a wide variety of reports annually which receive nationwide distribution. Core statistical efforts include annual data on criminal victimization, populations under correctional supervision, federal criminal offenders, federal case processing, and criminal Justice expenditures and employment. Periodic data series are undertaken to provide statistical information on felony convictions, state court case processing, the composition and characteristics of correctional populations, prosecutorial practices and policies, and the administration of law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. BJS conducts special studies and analyses on policy relevant issues and emerging areas in interest. In addition, BJS provides financial and technical support to State and local governments in developing capabilities in criminal justice statistics and improving their criminal history records and information systems.

Civil Rights Division (16.100-16.101, 16.103-16.105, 16.109) Enforces the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act; and additional civil rights provisions contained in other laws and regulations. These laws prohibit discrimination in education, employment, credit, housing, public accommodations and facilities, voting, and certain federally funded and conducted programs. In addition, the Division prosecutes actions under several criminal civil rights statutes which were designed to preserve personal liberties and safety. The Division also enforces the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act of 1980, which authorizes the Attorney General to seek relief for persons confined in public institutions where conditions exist that deprive residents of their constitutional rights; the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act; the Police Misconduct Provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994; and, Section 102 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin and citizenship status as well as document abuse and retaliation under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Community Relations Service (16.200)

Provides onsite conflict resolution and violence prevention assistance through its field staff of mediators and conciliators stationed in 10 regional offices and 4 field offices. Under its mandate, CRS responds to requests for services or offers assistance on a voluntary basis when there are community conflicts or violence related to race, color, or national origin. CRS helps to resolve disputes and conflicts and supports communities in developing local mechanisms to address conflicts. Primary CRS activities include the use of conciliation and/or mediation processes to settle differences through common understanding and voluntary action. Each process is composed of certain specialized techniques designed to deal with complex racial and ethnic issues. The goal of each is the immediate reduction of community tension and the establishment of viable

alternatives for resolving difficulties short of coercion or litigation.

Drug Enforcement Administration (16.001, 16.003-16.004) Enforces the controlled substances laws and regulations, and brings to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations, and principal members of organizations involved in the cultivation, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for the illicit traffic in the United States. DEA's mission requires it to provide a leadership role in narcotic and dangerous drug suppression programs at the national and international level.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (16.300-16.305, 16.307-16.309)

Investigates all violation of Federal laws with the exception of those which have been assigned by legislative enactment or otherwise to some other Federal agency. The FBI's jurisdiction includes a wide range of responsibilities in the criminal, civil, and security fields. Among these are espionage, sabotage, and other domestic security matters; kidnapping; extortion; bank robbery; interstate transportation of stolen property; civil rights matters; interstate gambling violations; fraud against the Government; and assault or killing the President or a Federal officer. Cooperative services of the FBI for other duly authorized law enforcement agencies include fingerprint identification, laboratory services, police training, the National Crime Information Center. Uniform crime reports, and National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

National Institute of Justice (16.560, 16.562, 16.741-16.742, 16.820)

Supports basic and applied research into criminal justice issues. Innovative approaches to controlling criminal behavior and improving law enforcement and criminal justice are tested and evaluated. Research results are disseminated through a wide variety of mechanisms including the quarterly "NIJ Reports" and a Research in Brief series designed for policy makers and criminal justice professionals. The Institute maintains a national and international clearinghouse on criminal justice issues. Its services are available to policymakers, criminal justice professionals, and the general public.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (16.737)

Federal leadership in responding to the problems confronting the Nation's juvenile justice system is vested in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Established in 1974 by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. OJJDP is the Federal agency responsible for providing a comprehensive, coordinated approach to preventing and controlling juvenile crime and improving the juvenile justice system. OJJDP administers State Formula grants, State Challenge Grants, and the Title V Community Prevention Grants in States and territories; funds gang and mentoring programs under Parts D and G of the Act; funds numerous projects through its Special Emphasis Discretionary Grant Program and its National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and coordinates Federal activities related to juvenile justice and delinquency prevention. OJJDP also serves as the staff agency for the Coordinating Council on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, coordinates the concentration of the Federal Efforts Program, and administers both the Title IV Missing and Exploited Children's Program and programs under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.

Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (16.203, 16.750) The SMART Office was authorized in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, which was signed into law on July 27, 2006. The

AGENCY INDEX SUMMARY

responsibilities of the SMART Office include providing jurisdictions with guidance regarding the implementation of the Adam Walsh Act, and providing technical assistance to the states, territories, Indian tribes, local governments, and to public and private organizations. The SMART Office also tracks important legislative and legal developments related to sex offenders and administers grant programs related to the registration, notification, and management of sex offenders.

Office of Victims of Crime (16.320-16.321, 16.575, 16.582-16.583)

The mission is to enhance the Nation's capacity to assist crime victims and to provide leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime. OVC works with national, international, State, military, and tribal victim assistance and criminal justice agencies, as well as other professional organizations, to promote fundamental rights and comprehensive services for crime victims. OVC improves the criminal justice system response to victims of crime, including Native American crime victims, through the delivery of direct service and funding, training and technical assistance, and through monitoring the implementation of statutes providing victims rights and assistance.

Violence Against Women Office (16.013, 16.016-16.017, 16.524-16.525, 16.527-16.529, 16.589-16.590, 16.736, 16.888) The mission is to restructure and strengthen the criminal justice system's response to crimes of violence committed against women, in particular, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and enhance the services available to victims of such violence through the award of formula and discretionary grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, and other public and private entities in rural States.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (17.001-17.999)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (VETS) is responsible for the administration, formulating and implementation of policy and procedures affecting veterans as well as veteran?s employment and training programs nationwide. VETS serves as a national leader on Veterans policy and procedure to the Department of Labor (DOL) and other Federal agencies. VETS fulfills a wide range of obligations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor regudarding the employment and training needs of service-connected disabled veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, and veterans recently separated from military service. The VETS staff works closely with and provides technical assistance to State Employment Security Agencies and Job Training Partnership Act grant recipients to ensure that veterans are provided the priority services required by law. They also coordinate with employers, labor unions, veterans' service organizations, and community organizations through planned public information and outreach activities. Federal contractors are provided management assistance in complying with their veterans affirmative action and reporting obligations. Also administered by the Assistant Secretary through the Service is the Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C grant program designed to meet the employment and training needs of service-connected disabled veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, and veterans recently separated from military service. Job Training Partnership Act grants are awarded and monitored through the Services' national office and field staff. The Assistant Secretary also administers through the Service the Homeless Veterans Reintegration project grant program to provide employment, training, housing assistance, and supportive services to help homeless veterans reenter mainstream society. Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project grants are awarded and monitored through the Services' national office and field staff. Certain other Service staff also administer the veterans Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act program. They provide assistance to help restore job, seniority, and pension rights to veterans following absences from work for active

military service and to protect employment and retention rights of members of the Reserve or National Guard. Other staff provide assistance to preference eligible veterans to ensure that they are not denied their veterans' preference benefits (preference in Federal government hiring and preference retention in reduction in force (RIF), under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)). The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides national leadership on disability employment policy to the Department of Labor (DOL) and other Federal agencies. ODEP was established to bring a heightened, permanent focus to address the significant employment obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities and to ensure coordination among Federal agencies on matters related to or affecting people with disabilities. ODEP's research provides new knowledge used to develop evidence-based disability employment policies and practices for dissemination to workforce systems and partners. ODEP works to achieve its mission through collaborating on inter- and intra-agency initiatives, commissions, councils, and workgroups; building partnerships with Federal, state, local, and non-governmental stakeholders; reviewing Federal legislation and policies; designing and conducting research studies; highlighting and promoting policies and practices that increase the employment of people with disabilities; and implementing education and outreach initiatives. ODEP's stakeholders include Federal, state, and local government agencies, private and public employers and their employees, educational and training institutions, individuals with disabilities and their families, and the disability community.

Employee Benefits Security Administration (17.150)

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), (88 Stat. 829; 29 U.S.C. 1001 note), requires administrators of private pension and welfare plans to provide plan participants with easily understandable summaries of plans; to file those summaries in the Office of Pension and Welfare Benefit Programs; and to report annually on the financial operation of the plans and bonding of persons charged with handling plan funds and assets. Plan Administrators must also meet strict fiduciary responsibility standards which are enforced by the Office of Pension and Welfare Benefit Programs. Vesting, participation, and funding standards are, for the most part, administered by the Internal Revenue Service.

Employment Training Administration (17.201, 17.207, 17.225, 17.235, 17.245, 17.258-17.261, 17.264-17.265, 17.267-17.268, 17.270-17.283)

The Employment and Training Administration(ETA) administers and oversees a number of programs designed to assist unemployed, unskilled, dislocated workers and the economically disadvantaged get the job training and other services needed to become fully productive members of society, while improving the skills and productivity of those already employed. ETA fulfills a wide range of responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Labor relating to employment services, job training, and unemployment insurance. ETA funds training programs which enable workers to attain the skills needed for employment; administers a Federal-State employment service system which helps people find jobs and employers find workers. It also offers wage replacement programs for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, such as the Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs. Special efforts are made to address the unique job market problems of groups having difficulty entering or returning to the work force, such as older workers, school dropouts, displaced homemakers and individuals with disabilities. ETA also is responsible for promoting apprenticeship standards and programs and conducting programs of research, development and evaluation. The Job Training Partnership Act, enacted in 1982, is designed to provide training and related education and employment services to economically disadvantaged adults and youth to ensure that they have the required marketable skills leading to productive, unsubsidized employment. JTPA also provides reemployment and retraining services for workers dislocated through plant closings or mass layoffs. Block grants are provided to the States

AGENCY INDEX SUMMARY

and U.S. territories for the operation of the program. JTPA provides for a summer youth employment and training program and Job Corps as well as special activities which offer basic skills training, job training and support services for special targeted groups such as Native Americans, and seasonal and migrant farmworkers. Implementing regulations for JTPA issued by the Department of Labor are contained in Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 626-638 and 675-684. Effective July 1, 2000, JTPA is repealed and replaced by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA establishes, with States and local communities, a revitalized workforce investment system that provides workers with the information, advice, job search assistance, and training they need to get and keep good jobs, and provides employers with skilled workers. WIA is administered through State and local Workforce Investment Boards and required partnerships of local One-Stop Career Centers. Funds are used for youth, adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities. The Act also authorizes a number of national programs and the Job Corps. The U.S. Employment Service (ES) seeks to match workers looking for employment with employers seeking workers, and is operated by the States. Programs such as Alien Labor Certification are also administered under the ES by Stat ES agencies through reimbursement agreements with the Department of Labor. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), or Older Worker Program is authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides subsidized part-time community service work for unemployed low-income people ages 55 and over. The Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training is responsible for ensuring that programs funded through ETA are free from unlawful discrimination, fraud, and abuse. It is the policy of ETA to ensure full compliance with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions and to promote equal opportunity, affirmative action, and fund integrity in programs to which ETA extends financial assistance.

Mine Safety and Health Administration (17.600-17.603) Develops and promulgates mandatory safety and health standards, ensures compliance with such standards, assesses civil penalties for violations, investigates accidents, cooperates with and provides assistance to the States in the development of effective State mine safety and health programs, improves and expands training programs in cooperation with the States and the mining industry, and, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services contributes to the improvement and expansion of mine health research and development. All of these activities are aimed at preventing and reducing mine accidents and occupational diseases in the mining industry.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (17.502-17.505)

Develops and promulgates occupational safety and health standards; develops and issues regulations; conducts investigations and inspections to determine the status of compliance with safety and health standards and regulations; and issues citations and proposes penalties for noncompliance with safety and health standards and regulations.

Office of Labor-Management Standards (17.309)

The Office of Labor-Management Standards conducts criminal and civil investigations to safeguard the financial integrity of unions and to ensure union democracy, and conducts investigate audits of labor unions to uncover and remedy criminal and civil violations of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act and related studies.

Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (17.302, 17.307, 17.310)

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs administers four major disability compensation programs which provide wage replacement benefits,

medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits to certain workers or their dependents who experience work-related injury or occupational disease.

Office of the Secretary, Women's Bureau (17.700) Formulates standards and policies that promote the welfare of wage earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, advance their opportunities for profitable employment, and investigate and report on all matters pertinent to the welfare of women in industry. <104Office of Disability Employment Policy (17.720) Established to bring a heightened and permanent long-term focus to the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities. This is achieved through policy analysis, technical assistance, development of best practices, and outreach to persons with disabilities and employers. The Office develops and implements innovative pilot programs that integrate both youth and adults with signficant disabilities into mainstream workforce programs.

Veteran's Employment and Training Service (17.801-17.802, 17.804-17.805, 17.807)

The Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is responsible for administering veterans employment and training programs and activities to ensure that legislative and regulatory mandates are accomplished. The field staff works closely with and provides technical assistance to State employment security agencies and to Workforce Investment Act and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs grant recipients to ensure that veterans are provided the priority services required by law. They also coordinate with employers, labor unions, veterans service organizations, and community organizations through planned public information and outreach activities. VETS provides training to separating service members through its transition assistance program. Federal contractors are provided management assistance in complying with their veterans affirmative action and reporting obligations. VETS protects the employment and reemployment rights of servicemembers and veterans by investigating complaints received under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act concerning denial of veterans preference in Federal hiring and also complaints concerning job, seniority, and pension rights to veterans following absences from work for active military service. VETS also protects employment and reemployment rights of members of the Reserve and National Guard.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (19.001-19.999)

Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system

Bureau of Counterterrorism (19.701)

No Description Provided

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (19.124) No Description Provided

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (19.009-19.011, 19.015, 19.022, 19.400-19.402, 19.408, 19.415, 19.421, 19.432, 19.450)

Conducts a wide variety of communication activities, from academic and cultural exchanges to press, radio, television, film, seminar, library, and cultural center programs, abroad in order to strengthen foreign understanding of

AGENCY INDEX SUMMARY

American society, obtain greater support of U.S. policies, and increase understanding between the United States and other countries.

Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (19.033)

No Description Provided

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (19.750) No Description Provided

Diplomatic Security (19.030-19.031)

No Description Provided

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (19.703-19.705)

No Description Provided

Office of Overseas Schools (19.023)

No Description Provided

Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (19.900)

No Description Provided

Office of the Secretary of State (19.301)

No Description Provided

Secretary Office Representive to Muslim Communities (19.032)

No Description Provided

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (19.040)

No Description Provided

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (20.001-20.999)

Under the authority of the motor carrier safety provisions of Title 49 of the United States Code, the agency exercises Federal regulatory jurisdiction over the safety performance of all commercial motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. It deals with more than 500,000 carriers, approximately 13,000 passenger carriers and 42,000 hazardous material carriers. The primary mission of the Agency is to improve the safety of commercial vehicle operations on our nation's highways. To accomplish this mission the FMCSA focuses its efforts on reducing the number and severity of large truck-involved crashes through safety regulation and research, safety in commercial operations through training and enforcement, improvements to the commercial driver's license program, and enhancing highway and transportation systems infrastructure. To accomplish these activities, the FMCSA works closely in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, private organizations and individuals. The FMCSA works with various governmental agencies, the commercial motor vehicle industry and other interested groups to promote truck and bus safety by addressing vehicle safety issues such as the mechanical condition of trucks and buses, infrastructure improvements including high profile grade crossings, and commercial operations

such as commercial driver license and hours-of-service regulations.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (20.106, 20.108-20.109)

Regulates air commerce in a manner that promotes its development and safety and fulfills the requirements of national defense; controls the use of navigable airspace of the United States and regulates both civil and military operations in such airspace in the interest of safety and efficiency; promotes, encourages, and develops civil aeronautics; consolidates research and development with respect to air navigation facilities; installs and operates air navigation facilities; develops and operates a common system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft; and develops and implements, programs and regulations to control aircraft noise, sonic boom, and other environmental effects of civil aviation.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) (20.200, 20.205, 20.215, 20.219, 20.223, 20.240)

Coordinates highways with other modes of transportation to achieve the most effective balance of transportation systems and facilities under cohesive Federal transportation policies pursuant to the Act. FHWA is concerned with the total operation and environment of highway systems, including highway safety. In administering its highway transportation programs, it gives full consideration to the impacts of highway development and travel; transportation needs; engineering and safety aspects; social, economic, and environmental effects; and project costs. It ensures balanced treatment of these factors by utilizing a systematic, interdisciplinary approach in providing for safe and efficient highway transportation.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (20.218, 20.231-20.235, 20.237-20.239)

Under the authority of the motor carrier safety provisions of Title 49 of the United States Code, the agency exercises Federal regulatory jurisdiction over the safety performance of all commercial motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. It deals with more than 500,000 carriers, approximately 13,000 passenger carriers and 42,000 hazardous material carriers. The primary mission of the Agency is to improve the safety of commercial vehicle operations on our nation's highways. To accomplish this mission the FMCSA focuses its efforts on reducing the number and severity of large truck-involved crashes through safety regulation and research, safety in commercial operations through training and enforcement, improvements to the commercial driver's license program, and enhancing highway and transportation systems infrastructure. To accomplish these activities the FMCSA works closely in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, private organizations and

individuals. The FMCSA works with various governmental agencies, the commercial motor vehicle industry and other interested groups to promote truck and bus safety by addressing vehicle safety issues such as the mechanical condition of trucks and buses, infrastructure improvements including high profile grade crossings, and commercial operations such as commercial driver license and hours- of-service regulations.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (20.301, 20.313-20.321)

Promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations, administer railroad financial assistance programs, conduct research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy, provide for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service, and consolidate government support of rail transportation activities. Railroad Safety: The Administration administers and enforces the Federal laws and related regulations designed to promote safety on railroads; exercises jurisdiction over all areas of rail safety under the Rail Safety Act of 1970, such as track maintenance,

AGENCY INDEX SUMMARY

inspection standards, equipment standards, and operating practices. It also administers and enforces regulations resulting from railroad safety legislation for locomotives, signals, safety appliances, power brakes, hours of service, transportation of explosives and other dangerous articles, and reporting and investigation of railroad accidents. Railroad and related industry equipment, facilities, and records are inspected and required reports reviewed. Research and Development: A ground transportation research and development program is administered to advance all aspects of intercity ground transportation and railroad safety pertaining to the physical sciences and engineering, in order to improve railroad safety and ensure that railroads continue to be a viable national transportation resource. Transportation Test Center: This 50-square-mile facility, located near Pueblo, CO, provides testing for advanced and conventional systems and techniques designed to improve ground transportation. The facility has been managed and staffed for the Administration by the Association of American Railroads since October 1, 1982. The United States and Canadian Governments and private industry use this facility to explore, under controlled conditions, the operation of both conventional and advanced systems. It is used by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration for testing of urban rapid transit vehicles. Policy: Program management for new and revised policies, plans and projects related to railroad transportation economics, finance, system planning, and operations is provided; appropriate studies and analyses are performed; relevant tests, demonstrations, and evaluations are conducted; and labor/management programs are evaluated. Analyses of issues before regulatory agencies are carried out and recommendations are made to the Secretary as to the positions to be taken by DOT. Passenger and Freight Services: The Administration administers a program of Federal assistance for national, regional, and local rail services. Programs include rail freight service assistance programs; rail service continuation programs and State rail planning; and rail passenger service on a national, regional, and local basis. The agency also administers programs to develop, implement, and administer rail system policies, plans and programs for the Northeast Corridor in support of applicable provisions of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 501), and related legislation.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (20.500, 20.505, 20.507, 20.509, 20.513-20.516, 20.518-20.524)

Assists in the development of improved mass transportation facilities, equipment, techniques, and methods, with the cooperation of mass transportation companies both public and private; encourages the planning and establishment of areawide urban mass transportation systems needed for economical and desirable urban development, with the cooperation of mass transportation companies both public and private; and provides assistance to State and local governments and their instrumentalities in financing such systems, to be operated by public or private mass transportation companies as determined by local needs.

Maritime Administration (MARAD) (20.802-20.803, 20.806-20.808, 20.812-20.814, 20.816-20.817)

Administers programs to aid in the development, promotion, and operation of the U.S. Merchant Marine; organizes and directs emergency merchant ship operations; administers subsidy programs through the Maritime Subsidy Board, under which the Federal government, subject to statutory limitations, pays the difference between certain costs of operating ships under the U.S. flag and foreign competitive flags on essential services, and the difference between the costs of constructing ships in U.S. and foreign shipyards; provides financing guarantees for the construction, reconstruction, and reconditioning of ships; and enters into capital construction fund agreements which grant tax deferrals on moneys to be used for the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of ships; constructs or supervises the construction of merchant-type ships for the Federal government; it helps industry generate increased business for U.S. ships and conducts programs to develop ports, facilities, and internodal transport, and to promote domestic shipping. Administers a War Risk Insurance program

insuring operators and seamen against losses caused by hostile action if domestic commercial insurance is not available; Under emergency conditions, charters Government-owned ships to U.S. operators, requisitions or procures ships owned by U.S. citizens, and allocates them to meet defense needs. It maintains a National Defense Reserve Fleet of Government-owned ships that it operates through general agents when required in national defense interests. An element of this activity is the Ready Reserve Force consisting of a number of ships available for quick-response activation; regulates sales to aliens and transfers to foreign registry of ships that are fully or partially owned by U.S. citizens; also disposes of Government-owned ships found nonessential for national defense; operates the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, where young people are trained to become merchant marine officers, and conducts training in shipboard firefighting at Earle, NJ, and Toledo, OH. It also administers a Federal assistance program for the maritime academies operated by California, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Texas.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (20.600-20.602, 20.607-20.614, 20.616)

Carries out programs relating to the safety performance of motor vehicles and related equipment, motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians and a uniform nationwide speed limit under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 718), as amended. Under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act (86 Stat. 947), as amended, the Administration carries out programs and studies aimed at reducing economic losses in motor vehicle crashes and repairs, through general motor vehicle programs; administers the Federal odometer law; and promulgates average fuel economy standards for passenger and nonpassenger motor vehicles. Under the authority of the Clean Air amendments of 1970 (84 Stat. 1700), the Administration certifies as to the consistency of Environmental Protection Agency State grants with any highway safety program developed pursuant to section 402 of Title 23 of the United States Code. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was established to carry out a congressional mandate to reduce the mounting number of deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from traffic accidents on the Nation's highways and to provide motor vehicle damage susceptibility and ease of repair information, motor vehicle inspection demonstrations, and protection of purchasers of motor vehicles having altered odometers, and to provide average standards for greater vehicle mileage per gallon of fuel for vehicle under 10,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight).

Office of the Secretary (OST) Administration Secretariate (20.900-20.901, 20.904-20.905, 20.907, 20.910, 20.930, 20.932-20.933)

Develops and evaluates public policy related to the transportation industries and their economic regulation; assures that the Department's regulatory programs remain consistent with established policy and maintains oversight of all departmental safety regulatory actions; proposes and coordinates on transportation-related legislation involving the private sector; provides analyses of current and emerging transportation policy issues to assess their economic and institutional implication, particularly with regard to Federal assistance, public trust funds, user charges, nondiscrimination of the handicapped in the provision of public transportation services, and energy and environmental aspects; undertakes studies and analyses to aid in the resolution of safety problems; develops policies to support the Department in aviation and maritime multilateral and bilateral negotiations with foreign governments and participates on the U.S. negotiating delegations; develops policies on a wide range of international transportation and trade matters; furnishes guidance to the United States Trade Representative's Trade Policy Committee in efforts to improve the U.S. balance of payments; coordinates efforts to combat transport-related terrorist acts and drug smuggling; arranges and coordinates cooperative agreements with foreign governments for the exchange of state-of-the-art scientific and technical information; provides assistance to the Agency for International Development's transportation programs in developing countries;

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