Office of Labor-Management Standards (LMS) (17.140)

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.

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 and Training Administration (ETA) (17.201-17.274)

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 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.

Employment Standards Administration (ESA) (17.301-17.310) Administers and directs employment standards programs dealing with: minimum wage and overtime standards; registration of farm labor contractors; determining prevailing wage rates to be paid on Government contracts and subcontracts; nondiscrimination and affirmative action for minorities, women, veterans, and handicapped workers on Government contracts and subcontracts; and workers' compensation programs for Federal and certain private employers and employees and, administers provisions of various laws that seek to ensure basic standards of

democracy and fiscal responsibility in labor organizations representing employees in private industry, in the U.S. Postal Service, and in certain Federal employee organizations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (17.500-17.505) 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.

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) (17.600-17.604)

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.

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.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (17.801-17.806)

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, Vietnamera 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 serviceconnected 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)).

Office of Disability Employment Policy (17.720)

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.

longshore and harbor workers' compensation

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Legal Advisor (19.200-19.201)

The Legal Advisor is the principal adviser to the Secretary and to the Department on all legal matters with which the Department and overseas posts are concerned.

Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (19.204)

Provides for the reimbursement of losses incurred as a result of the seizure of United States commercial fishing vessels by a foreign country in territorial waters or on the high seas not recognized by the United States.

Bureau of Intelligence and Research (19.300)

The Bureau of Intelligence and Research coordinates programs of intelligence, research, and analysis for the Department and for other Federal agencies, and produces intelligence studies and current intelligence analyses essential to foreign policy determination and execution. In addition, the Bureau, through its Office of Research, maintains liaison with cultural and educational institutions and with other Federal agencies on a wide range of matters relating to Government contractual and private foreign affairs research.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (19.400-19.432)

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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (15.020-15.108, 15.113-15.130, 15.141-15.147) Administers Federal Indian policy and discharges the Federal trust responsibility for American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. Provides services directly, or through self-determination contract, grant and compact agreements with tribes and tribal organizations, to over 1.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives to strengthen tribal governments, enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunity, and protect and improve trust assets. The Bureau administers more than 43 million acres of tribally-owned land, over 10 million acres of individually-owned land held in trust status, and 417,000 acres of Federally-owned land.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (15.214-15.242)

Has responsibility for the total management of 341 million acres of public lands located primarily in the Far West and Alaska and scattered parcels located in other States. In addition to minerals management responsibilities on the public lands and the Outer Continental Shelf, the Bureau is responsible for subsurface resource management of an additional 169 million acres where mineral rights have been reserved to the Federal Government. Resources managed by the Bureau include timber, minerals, oil and gas, geothermal energy, wildlife habitat, endangered plant and animal species, rangeland vegetation, recreation and cultural values, wild and scenic rivers, designated conservation and wilderness areas, and open space; provides for the protection (including fire suppression), orderly development, and use of public lands and resources under principles of multiple use and sustained yield. Land use plans are developed with public involvement to provide orderly use and development while maintaining and enhancing the quality of the environment; manages watersheds to protect soil and enhance water quality; makes land available through sale to individuals, organizations, local governments, and other Federal agencies when such transfer is in the public interest. Lands may be leased to State and local government agencies and to nonprofit organizations for certain purposes; the Bureau issues rights-of-way, in certain instances, for crossing Federal lands under other agencies' jurisdictions; is responsible for the survey of Federal lands and establishes and maintains public land records and records of mining claims; and also administers a program of payments in lieu of taxes based on the amount of Federally

owned land in counties and other units of local government.

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (15.250-15.255) Creation of a nationwide program that protects society and the environment from the adverse effects of coal mining operations, while ensuring an adequate supply of coal to meet the Nation's energy needs. Major objectives of the Office include establishment of minimum national standards for regulating the surface effects of coal mining, assistance to the States in developing and implementing regulatory programs, and promotion of the reclamation of previously mined areas. Bureau of Reclamation (15.504-15.534)

The Bureau of Reclamation manages, develops, and protects water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. The agency is the nation's second largest wholesale water supplier, administering 348 reservoirs with 245 million acre-feet of water. One out of five western farmers uses Reclamation water to irrigate 10 million acres of land, producing 60 percent of the nation's vegetables and 25 percent of its fruits and nuts. The agency also serves as the fifth largest electric utility in the 17 States west of the Mississippi River. Reclamation encourages and supports water conservation and environmental restoration through partnerships, incentive programs, and challenge grants. It also supports efforts to meet increasing water demands through water reclamation, recycling, and reuse.

Fish and Wildlife Service (15.602-15.655)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and ehancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95 million acres National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 542 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 Fisheries Resource offices and78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts.

Geological Survey (15.805-15.816, 15.978)

Perform surveys, investigations, and research covering topography, geology, biology, hydrology, and the mineral and water resources of the United States; classify lands as to their mineral and water resources; and publish and disseminate data relative to the foregoing activities.

Indian Arts and Crafts Board (15.850)

Encourages and promotes the development of American Indian and Alaska Native arts and crafts.

Office of Insular Affairs (15.875)

Promotes the economic, social, and political development of the territories of Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States.

National Park Service (15.406, 15.407, 15.904-15.931)

Administers for the American people an extensive system of national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas. The objectives of the National Park Service are to administer the properties under its jurisdiction for the enjoyment and education of our citizens, to protect the natural environment of the areas, and to assist States, local governments, and citizen groups in the development of park areas, the protection of the natural environment, and the preservation of historic properties.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (21.003-21.008)

Administers and enforces the Internal Revenue laws and related statutes, except those relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives. The IRS mission is to encourage and achieve the highest possible degree of voluntary compliance with the tax laws and regulations and to conduct itself so as to warrant the highest degree of public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the Service. Accomplishment of this mission involves advising the public of its rights and responsibilities; communicating requirements of the law to the public; assisting taxpayers in complying with the laws and regulations, and taking those enforcement actions necessary for fair, effective, and impartial tax administration. Basic IRS activities include ensuring satisfactory resolution of taxpayer complaints, providing taxpayer service and education; determination, assessment, and collection of internal revenue taxes; determination of pension plan qualifications and exempt organization status; and preparation and issuance of rulings and regulations to supplement the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Under Secretary for Domestic Finance (21.020-21.021)

Advises and assists the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury in the areas of domestic finance, banking, and other related economic matters. These responsibilities include the development of policies and guidance for Treasury Department activities in the areas of financial institutions, Federal debt finance, financial regulation, and capital markets.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (21.053)

Enforces and administers firearms and explosives laws, as well as those covering the production, use, and distribution of alcohol and tobacco products. The objective of the Bureau's programs is to maximize voluntary compliance with these laws, and to minimize willful and involuntary violations of the laws. To achieve these goals, the Bureau is divided into two basic functions: criminal enforcement and regulatory enforcement. The objectives of the criminal enforcement activity are to eliminate illegal possession and use of firearms, destructive devices, and explosives; suppress the interstate trafficking in illicit distilled spirits; suppress the interstate trafficking in contraband cigarettes; and assist State and local law enforcement agencies in reducing crime and violence. The regulatory enforcement activity determines and assures full collection of revenue due from legal alcohol and tobacco industries; fulfills the Bureau's responsibility in the prevention of commercial bribery, consumer deception, and other improper trade practices in the distilled spirits industry; assists other Federal, State, and local governmental agencies in the resolution of problems relating to industrial development, ecology, and revenue protection; ensures that categories of persons prohibited by law from manufacturing, importing, or dealing in firearms and explosives do not obtain a license or permit; ensures that storage facilities for explosives are safe and secure, to avoid presenting a hazard to the public, and that explosives are properly stored in such facilities; and ensures that the audit trail is preserved to permit the tracing of firearms used in the commission of crimes and full accountability for explosive materials.

United States Secret Service (21.100)

Detects and arrests any person committing any offense against the laws of the United States relating to coins, currency, and other obligations, and securities of the United States and of foreign governments; detects and arrests any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 508, 509, and 871 of Title 18 of the United States Code; executes warrants issued under the authority of the United States; carry firearms; and perform such other functions and duties as are authorized by law. In addition, subject to the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, the United States Secret Service is authorized to protect the person of the President of the United States, the members of his immediate family, the President-elect, the Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the Office of President, the immediate family of the Vice President, the Vice-President-elect, major Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, former Presidents and their wives during his lifetime, widows of former Presidents until their death or remarriage, and minor children of a former President until they reach age 16, and visiting heads of a foreign state or foreign government. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (20.100-20.109)

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) (20.200-20.215, 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) (20.218,20.231-20.238) 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) (20.301-20.317)

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, 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) (20.500-20.522)

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.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (20.600-20.605, 20.609-20.614) 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).

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (20.700-20.703, 20.720) Responsible for a number of programs involving safety regulation, emergency preparedness, and research and development. Emphasis is given to hazardous material transportation and pipeline safety, transportation emergency preparedness, and safety training.

Maritime Administration (20.763, 20.802-20.814)

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.

Office of the Secretary (20.900-20.931)

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; and participates on the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation. The Assistant Secretary also: develops, coordinates, and carries out U.S. Government policy relating to the economic regulation of the airline industry, including licensing of U.S. and foreign carriers to serve in international air transportation and carrier fitness determinations; processes and resolves complaints concerning unfair competitive practices in international fares, rates, and tariff filings; establishes international and intra-Alaska mail rates; and determines the disposition of requests for approval and immunization from the antitrust laws of international aviation agreements. The Assistant Secretary also administers the essential air service program, which involves: establishing

appropriate subsidy levels for subsidized carriers; processing applications to terminate, suspend, or reduce air service below the defined essential level; determining which carrier among various applicants should be selected to provide subsidized service; and continuously reviewing essential air service definitions for each community.

Bureau of Transportation Statistics (20.920)

Supports the development of transportation statistics and actively promotes research activities in the field of transportation statistics. Conducts and publishes transportation studies in support of Department program evaluation efforts. Provides mathematical, statistical, cartographic and support to other Department programs. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Health Administration (64.005-64.024)

Provides hospital, nursing home and domiciliary care, and outpatient medical and dental care to eligible veterans of military service in the Armed Forces. Dependents of certain veterans are provided medical care supplied by non-VA institutions and physicians. The Department conducts both individual medical and health-care delivery research projects and multi-hospital research programs. It assists in the education of physicians and dentists and with training of many other health care professionals through affiliations with educational institutions and organizations. Veterans Benefits Administration (64.100-64.128)

Conducts an integrated program of veterans benefits: The Compensation and Pension (C & P) Service has responsibility for: claims for disability compensation, pension, and Spina Bifida monthly allowance under 38 U.S.C. 1805; automobile allowances and special adaptive equipment; claims for specially adapted housing; special clothing allowances; emergency officer's retirement pay; eligibility determinations based on military service for other VA benefits and services or those of other Government agencies; survivor's claims for death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension, burial and plot allowance claims; claims for accrued benefits; forfeiture determinations; claims for adjusted compensation in death cases; and claims for reimbursement for headstones or markers. The Education Service has responsibility for: readjustment education benefits for post-Vietnam era veterans and recently-discharged veterans, as well as educational assistance for spouses, surviving spouses, and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or die from disability incurred or aggravated in active service in the Armed forces, or are currently prisoners of war or missing in action. In addition, certain members of the selected Reserve or National Guard are also eligible for education benefits administered by the Service. Vocational Rehabilitation Service has responsibility for the rehabilitation of disabled veterans. Information, advice, and assistance are provided to veterans, their dependents and beneficiaries, representatives and others in applying for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefit information and readjustment assistance is provided to recently separated veterans. C&P also maintains a benefits protection program (fiduciary activities) for minors and incompetent veterans and other incompetent adult beneficiaries and provide field-investigative services. Special restorative training is also available to eligible children. The mission is also to provide credit assistance whereby the housing credit needs of eligible veterans and active duty service personnel may be satisfied by private capital on more liberal terms than generally available to non-veterans. Assistance is provided chiefly through substituting the Government's guaranty on loans made by private lenders in lieu of the downpayments, shorter terms, and other requirements generally required in conventional home mortgage transactions. Direct loans are made to Native Americans on trust land or to supplement a grant to get a specially adapted home for certain eligible veterans who have a permanent and total service-connected disability(ies). In addition, a system of direct financial grants is operated to help certain permanently disabled veterans to acquire specially adapted housing. VA life insurance operations are for the benefit of service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries. In addition, the VA is responsible for: supervision of the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Programs for today's service members and veterans. The Veterans' Insurance Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 165; 38 U.S.C. 765-779), effective May 24, 1974, has substantially amended the law provided for the conversion of SGLI to a 5-year nonrenewable term policy known as Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI). At the termination of the 5-year term period, it may be converted to an individual policy with any one of the many participating commercial insurance companies. Supervision of the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance Program for those disabled veterans who receive a VA grant for specially adapted housing - under the terms of contractual agreement with a Primary Insurer. VA guarantees the protection of commercial life insurance (up to $10,000) against premium payments for persons while in military or naval service, and 2 years thereafter.

National Cemetery Administration (64.201-64.203, 64.026)

Administers the National Cemetery Administration, which provides cemeterial services to veterans and other eligibles as prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the provisions of the National Cemeteries Act of 1973 and other statutory authorities and regulations. These services also include providing headstones and markers for the graves of eligibles in national and State veterans cemeteries and for veterans interred in private cemeteries. Monetary aid to States for establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans' cemeteries is also available. ELECTIONS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION

U.S. ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION (90.400-90.402) About the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). Central to its role, the Commission serves as a national clearinghouse and resource for information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections. HAVA requires the EAC to: Develop technical guidance on the administration of federal elections. Produce voluntary voting systems guidelines. Research and report on matters that affect the administration of federal elections. Provide information and guidance with respect to laws, procedures, and technologies affecting the administration of Federal elections. Administer payments to States to meet HAVA requirements. Provide grants for election technology development and for pilot programs to test election technology. Manage funds targeted to certain programs designed to encourage youth participation in elections. Develop a national program for the testing, certification, and decertification of voting systems. Maintain the national mail voter registration form that was developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), report to Congress every two years on the impact of the NVRA on the administration of federal elections, and provide information to States on their responsibilities under that law. Audit persons who received federal funds authorized by HAVA from the General Services Administration or the Election Assistance Commission. Submit an annual report to Congress describing EAC activities for the previous fiscal year. For additional information, visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission online at www.eac.gov. Information Related to the Election Assistance Commission

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). Central to its role, the Commission serves as a national clearinghouse and resource for information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections. According to the text of HAVA, the law was enacted to, establish a program to provide funds to States to replace punch card voting systems, to establish the Election Assistance Commission to assist in the administration of Federal elections and to otherwise provide assistance with the administration of certain Federal election laws and programs, to establish minimum election administration standards for States and units of local government with responsibility for the administration of Federal elections, and for other purposes. Excerpt from The Help America Vote Act of 2002 The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to: Generate technical guidance on the administration of federal elections. Produce voluntary voting systems guidelines. Research and report on matters that affect the administration of federal elections. Otherwise provide information and guidance with respect to laws, procedures, and technologies affecting the administration of Federal elections. Administer payments to States to meet HAVA requirements. Provide grants for election technology development and for pilot programs to test election technology. Manage funds targeted to certain programs designed to encourage youth participation in elections. Develop a national program for the testing, certification, and decertification of voting systems. Maintain the national mail voter registration form that was developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), report to Congress every two years on the impact of the NVRA on the administration of federal elections, and provide information to States on their responsibilities under that law. Audit persons who received federal funds authorized by HAVA from the General Services Administration or the Election Assistance Commission. Submit an annual report to Congress describing EAC activities for the previous fiscal year.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Office of Air and Radiation (66.001-66.040)

Develops national programs, technical policies, and regulations for air pollution control; establishes national standards for ambient air quality, and emission standards for stationary sources: mobile sources and fuels; monitors acid deposition; environmental radiation, and other pollutants; provides technical, training, and financial support to states, tribes, and local governments. Also, develops national partnership programs and policies to address climate change and indoor pollution, and demonstrates new low emission vehicle technology.

Office of Water

Develops national programs, technical policies, and regulations for water pollution control and water supply; ground water protection; marine and estuarine protection; enforcement of standards; water quality standards and effluent guidelines development; technical direction, support, and evaluation of regional water activities; development of programs for technical assistance and technology transfer; and provision of training in the field of water quality.

Office of Research and Development (66.508,66.509,66.511,66.512,66.516) The Office of Research and Development is responsible for a national research program in pursuit of technological controls of all forms of pollution. It directly supervises the research activities of EPA's national laboratories and gives technical policy direction to those laboratories that support the program responsibilities of EPA's regional offices. Close coordination of the various research programs is designed to yield a synthesis of knowledge from the biological, physical, and social sciences that can be interpreted in terms of total human and environmental needs. General functions include management of selected demonstration programs, planning for Agency environmental quality monitoring programs, coordination of Agency monitoring efforts with those of other Federal agencies, the States, and other public bodies, and dissemination of Agency research, development, and demonstration results.

Office of Administration (66.202,66.513-66.518,66.600,66.605-66.612) Provides for support grants as an alternative grant delivery mechanism to allow a State or local agency responsible for continuing pollution control programs to develop an integrated approach to pollution control.

Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (66.305, 66.700-66.709) Develops national strategies for the control of toxic substances; directing the pesticides and toxic substances enforcement activities; developing criteria for assessing chemical substances, standards for test protocols for chemicals, rules and procedures for industry reporting and regulations for the control of substances deemed to be hazardous to man or the environment; and evaluating and assessing the impact of existing chemicals, new chemicals, and chemicals with new uses to determine the hazard and, if needed, develop appropriate restrictions. Additional activities include control and regulation of pesticides and reduction in their use to ensure human safety and protection of environmental quality; establishment of tolerance levels for pesticides that occur in or on food; monitoring of pesticide residue levels in food, humans, and nontarget fish and wildlife and their environments; and investigation of pesticide accidents. It also coordinates activities under its statutory responsibilities with other agencies for assessment and control of toxic substances and pesticides.

Office of Environmental Justice (66.306, 66.604)

Provides support for community-based projects, programs, and activities that seek to address local environmental justice and public health issues and enhance environmental justice/community-based environmental protection.

Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (66.801-66.818) Provides policy, guidance, and direction for EPA's hazardous waste and emergency response programs. The functions of these programs include development of policies, standards, and regulations for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal; national management of the Superfund toxic waste cleanup program; development of guidelines for the emergency preparedness and "Community Right To Know" programs; development of guidelines and standards for underground storage tanks; enforcement of applicable laws and regulations; analysis of technologies and methods for the recovery of useful energy from solid waste; and provision of technical assistance in the development, management, and operation of waste management activities.

Office of Environmental Education (66.950-66.951)

Establishes, maintains, and disseminates a clearinghouse of information about available and planned multimedia environmental education products; identifies gaps in existing environmental education materials and works in collaboration with academia, other agencies, private industry and public interest groups to fill these gaps with quality products; establishes an Environmental Education and Training Grants Program through a grant awarded to a consortium of universities to support the training of education professionals in reaching environmental issues; establishes an Environmental Education Grants Program to support the design, demonstration and dissemination of environmental education materials, practice or techniques; provides for environmental internships through post-secondary level studies with agencies of the Federal government; establishes a National Environmental Education Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Administrator on matters relating to environmental education activities, functions, and policies of the Agency; establishes an Environmental Education Foundation; establishes the EPA as the key source for Federal, National and international communication and