Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that responds to environmental health emergencies; investigates potential environmental health threats and conducts research on the health impacts of hazardous waste sites.
Website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov.
Army Reserve
One of the country's reserve military forces.
Similar to the National Guard, but the Reserves are under the direct authority of the military - and not subject to be called to duty by a state's governor.
Website: www.usar.army.mil.
Attorney General (AG)
The U.S. Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer and attorney of the government, and head of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Website: www.ATF.gov
Bureau of Competition
The Bureau of Competition is the part of the Federal Trade Commission that reviews corporate mergers and other anticompetitive practices.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
The Consumer Protection Bureau is the part of the Federal Trade Commission that helps consumers avoid fraud, deception, and other unfair business practices.
Bureau of Economics
The Bureau of Economics is the part of the Federal Trade Commission that supports antitrust and consumer protection investigations.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Website: www.BIA.gov.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The Bureau of Labor Statisics is a government agency that measures and reports on the U.S. labor market, working conditions, and consumer prices. The information is used by Congress to help make relevant laws. For more, visit www.BLS.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Website: www.BLM.gov.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Website: www.BOEM.gov
Bureau of Reclamation
Part of the Department of the Interior (DOI) that manages water in the western United States - including dams, powerplants, and canals.
The agency is the country's largest wholesaler of water, and second-largest producer of hydroelectric power.
Website: www.USBR.gov.
Cabinet
The President's Cabinet is the group of the President's highest level advisors.
Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution states that "(The President) may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices".
The Cabinet consists of...
o Secretary of State
o Secretary of the Treasury
o Secretary of Defense
o Attorney General
o Secretary of the Interior
o Secretary of Agriculture
o Secretary of Commerce
o Secretary of Labor
o Secretary of Health and Human Services
o Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
o Secretary of Transportation
o Secretary of Energy
o Secretary of Education
o Secretary of Veterans Affairs
o Secretary of Homeland Security
The following are not official Cabinet positions, but have Cabinet-level rank...
o Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
o Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
o U.S. Trade Representative
o Ambassador to the United Nations
o Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors
o Administrator of the Small Business Administration
For more about the Cabinet, visit www.Whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet.
Census Bureau
(Coming)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website: www.CDC.gov.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that administers Medicare and works with state governments to administer Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
For more information, visit www.CMS.gov.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The foreign intelligence service for the United States.
Website: www.CIA.gov.
Civil Rights Division
Part of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.
It was created by the 1957 Civil Rights Act .
Website: www.justice.gov/crt.
Referenced by...White House proposes eliminating civil rights agency (2018-Feb-12)
Civil Service
(Coming)
Community Relations Service (CRS)
Federal agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ) that works with local governments and communities to reduce conflicts and tensions arising from things such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
It provides resources and assistance such as mediatiation and training. It has no investigatory or law enforcement authority.
The agency was created by the 1964 Civil Rights Act .
Website: www.justice.gov/crs.
Referenced by...White House proposes eliminating civil rights agency (2018-Feb-12)
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a branch of Congress that provides objective and impartial analysis of economic issues (including budgets) that representatives propose and vote on.
For more, visit the CBO website at www.CBO.gov.
Congressional Research Service (CRS)
The Congressional Research Service is an agency run by the Library of Congress which provides members of the Senate and House of Representatives with impartial information to help them legislate policies.
Unlike most other federal agencies, the Congressional Research Office does not publish its reports to the public. Instead, it makes its reports available only to members of Congress, who may individually decide whether to make them publicly available. You also can request a report from your representative.
Website: www.loc.gov/crsinfo/.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the federal agency responsible for protecting consumers against unfair lending practices and other practices with regard to financial products and services.
It was founded as a result of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - enacted by Congress in response to the recession and financial crisis in the late 2000s.
Website: www.ConsumerFinance.gov/the-bureau
Referenced by...House passes bill to revoke consumer and financial protections (2017-Jun-08)
Bills would eliminate Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2017-Feb-14)
House resolution would remove protections for prepaid cards (2017-Feb-03)
New protections for users of prepaid cards (2016-Oct-05)
Wells Fargo fined for creating secret accounts (2016-Sep-08)
Regulations would curtail payday loan debt cycle (2016-Jun-02)
Seniors losing homes due to reverse mortgages (2012-Oct-15)
Consumer Protection agency forces Capital One reimbursement (2012-Jul-18)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
A government independent agency that regulates the safety of most consumer products and informs the public of hazards and recalls.
The agency does not regulate products that are regulated by other agencies, such as...
o Guns (regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF))
o Drugs (regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)).
Website: www.CPSC.gov
Council of Economic Advisors
Website: www.Whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cea.
Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals is possibly the most powerful court in the United States, other than the Supreme Court. It decides cases regarding federal agencies - such as regulations they impose.
The court is made up 11 judges.
o Karen Henderson (appointed by George H.W. Bush)
o Judith Rogers (appointed by Bill Clinton)
o David Tatel (appointed by Bill Clinton)
o Janice Rogers Brown (appointed by George W. Bush)
o Thomas Griffith (appointed by George W. Bush)
o Brett Kavanaugh (appointed by George W. Bush)
o Sri Srinivassan (appointed by Barack Obama)
o Patricia A. Millett (appointed by Barack Obama)
o Cornelia T.L. Pillard (appointed by Barack Obama)
o Robert L. Wilkins (appointed by Barack Obama)
The court also is served by several part-time "senior" judges.
Several of this court's former judges later served on the Supreme Court, including John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Antonin Scalia.
Other notable people who have served on the D.C. Circuit Court include Robert Bork and Kenneth Starr.
Website: www.cadc.uscourts.gov.
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Website: www.DIA.mil.
Dept of Agriculture (USDA)
The federal agency responsible for administering policies related to food, farming, agriculture, and forestry.
For more, visit www.USDA.gov.
Dept of Commerce
(Coming)
Website: www.Commerce.gov
Dept of Defense (DoD)
Website: www.defense.gov.
Dept of Education
The Department of Education establishes general policies for education in the United States.
One of its missions is to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal access to education.
Website: www.Ed.gov.
Dept of Energy (DOE)
Cabinet-level department of the federal government that administers policies regarding energy and nuclear material.
Website: www.Energy.gov.
Dept of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The principal government agency for protecting the health of Americans. It is comprised of agencies that do research and provide services including public health, food and drug safety, and health insurance.
For more, visit www.HHS.gov.
Dept of Homeland Security (DHS)
Cabinet department that oversees the protection of United States' territories. This includes preventing and responding to terrorist attacks, and responding to natural disasters.
It was created in 2003 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Agencies that make up DHS include...
o Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
o Coast Guard
o Secret Service
o Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website: www.dhs.gov
Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Website: www.HUD.gov.
Dept of Justice (DOJ)
Website: www.Justice.gov
Dept of Labor (DOL)
Website: www.dol.gov
Dept of State (DOS)
The Department of State typically is referred to as the State Department.
It is the federal agency responsible for the country's foreign policy - including international relations and treaty negotiations.
Website: www.State.gov.
Dept of the Interior (DOI)
Federal lands make up about 1/5 of the United States. The Department of the Interior is responsible for managing this land - from maintaining national parks to leasing land for grazing or oil drilling to preserving cultural resources.
Agencies that make up the Department of the Interior include...
o Bureau of Indian Affairs
o Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
o Bureau of Reclamation
o National Parks Service
o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Website: www.DOI.gov
Dept of the Treasury
Cabinet-level agency responsible for ensuring the United States' financial security. Its functions include...
o Collecting revenue (such as taxes)
o Disbursing payments to Americans (such as tax refunds)
o Borrowing money needed to run the federal government
o Advising the President on economic and financial issues
o Helping to govern the country's financial institutions
Website: www.Treasury.gov.
Dept of Transportation (DOT)
Website: www.Transportation.gov.
Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (most often referred as simply the VA) provides services to U.S. military veterans and their families.
One area of the VA - the Veterans Health Administration - is one of the country's main health care systems.
Website: www.va.gov
Director of National Intelligence
The principal advisor to the president on intelligence issues related to national security.
Website: www.DNI.gov.
Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
The Election Assistance Commission is a four-member, non-partisan commission recommends voting system guidelines. It also maintains the national mail voter registration form. There currently are no commissioners assigned to this commission.
For more, visit www.EAC.gov.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Website: www.EPA.gov.
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The part of the USDA responsible for implementing laws regarding farms - especially the Farm Bill.
For more, visit www.FSA.USDA.gov.
Federal Advisory Committee
Temporary committees established by the executive branch to provide expert advice on a particular subject.
They are required to follow guidelines specified in the 1972 Federal Advisory Committee Act, including transparency to the public and having a membership that is "fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented".
They must be disbanded once their mission has been completed.
For more, read this Congressional Research Service report.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Website: www.FAA.gov.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The prime federal law enforcement agency of the United States.
In addition to investigating federal crimes, the FBI also is the primary agency for domestic intelligence. The FBI director reports to both the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence.
Website: www.FBI.gov.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Website: www.BOP.gov.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
An independent federal agency that regulates interstate communications - including those by radio, television, wire, cable, and satellite.
It is directed by five commissioners who are appointed by the president and serve a 5-year term (unless filling an unexpired term). Commissioners may not have a financial interest in any commission-related business. No more than three can be of the same political party.
The FCC was created by the Communications Act of 1934.
Website: www.FCC.gov.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The FDIC is a Government Owned Corporation that protects the money you deposit in banks.
It was created by the 1933 Banking Act (Glass-Steagall) to prevent panicked withdrawals from banks - by assuring depositors that their money will be safe even if the bank goes out of business.
The FDIC is funded with premiums paid by member banks.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
U.S. independent regulatory agency that administers and enforces laws regarding federal election financing.
Website: www.FEC.gov.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(Coming)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
An independent agency within the Department of Energy (DOE) that regulates interstate electricty sales, hydroelectric facilities, and pricing for electric and natural gas power.
According to its website, there are some things that are outside the commission's jurisdiction, including...
o Regulating nuclear power plants (managed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC))
Website: www.FERC.gov
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgages - protecting lenders in case the homebuyer defaults on their mortgage.
This typically is for buyers who can't afford a large enough down payment to qualify for a loan. A bank will lend to these borrowers because the FHA will insure the lender gets paid back.
This helps people who don't have much in savings buy a house.
In exchange, home buyers requiring an FHA guarantee pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium.
Website: www.FHA.gov.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
Website: www.FHFA.gov.
Federal Insurance Office
Office under the Treasury Department that monitors the insurance industry to identify problems that could contribute to a financial crisis.
It also monitors the availability of insurance (except health insurance) to traditionally underserved communities and consumers.
It was created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission is the fedaral agency that protects consumers against deceptive unfair business practices. The FTC also maintains a website (www.consumer.ftc.gov) that provides alerts on products and scams, and services such as the national
You can learn more about the FTC at FTC.gov.
The FTC consists of three organizations...
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
A bureau of the Treasury Department.
FinCEN collects and analyzes data about financial transactions to fight financial crimes.
Website: www.FinCEN.gov.
Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)
The FSOC watches for risks in the U.S. financial system. It was created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The council attempts to identify banks and other financial companies considered so large that their failure could pose a threat to financial markets (designated as too big to fail).
If nonbank financial companies get too big, the council can require they be regulated by the Federal Reserve. The council also can recommend that the Federal Reserve adopt stricter rules for factors such as liquidity and risk management as companies grow in size.
Members include the Secretary of the Treasury and the heads of nine federal financial regulatory agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Website: www.treasury.gov/initiatives/fsoc/Pages/home.aspx.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA is the government agency that regulates several foods, drugs, and other products to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Website: www.FDA.gov.
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
(Coming)
Government Owned Corporation
A corporation that is owned by the federal government and exists to provide services to the public.
They are more politically independent than federal agencies (such as the Environmental Protection Agency) or federal independent commissions (such as the Federal Communications Commission or Nuclear Regulatory Commission).
Government Owned Corporations include...
o Export-Import Bank
o Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
o Gallaudet University
o Government National Mortgage Association
o Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC)
o Tennessee Valley Authority
Government Printing Office (GPO)
(Coming)
Government Sponsored Enterprise
Government Sponsored Entities are private companies created by Congress for the purpose of making it easier for consumers to borrow.
They essentially do this by buying loans such as mortgages and student loans from banks. This gives the banks money for new loans.
They also can receive support from the government, such as a line of credit from the U.S. Treasury.
The most well-know Government Sponsored Enterprises are mortgage resellers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HHRSA)
Part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for those with the least access.
HHRSA also is responsible for determining what types of preventive care should be covered in certain health plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Website: www.HHRSA.gov
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Website: www.ICE.gov.
Independent Agency
Federal agencies, commissions, and boards that are not controlled by the president or Congress.
Members are appointed by the president and approved by the Senate, but once appointed they usually can only be removed for good cause or when their term expires.
Independent agencies include...
o The Federal Elections Commission (FEC)
o The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
o The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The agency responsible for collecting taxes, interpreting tax laws, and enforcing those laws. It is part of the Treasury Department.
For more, visit www.IRS.gov
IRS Oversight Board
An independent body created by Congress in 1998 to improve how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) serves taxpayers.
It currently consists of nine members...
o The Commissioner of the IRS
o 7 members appointed by the president to 5-year terms.
Website: www.treasury.gov/IRSOB
Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT)
A Congressional committee made up of members of both the House of Representatives and Senate that researches issues regarding taxation.
Website: www.JCT.gov.
Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
(Coming)
Library of Congress
Website: www.loc.gov/
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC)
Website: www.MedPAC.gov.
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Agency of the Department of Labor (DOL) that works to prevent illness, injury, and death from mining.
Website: www.MSHA.gov.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Government agency that manages the United States space program.
Website: NASA.gov
National Archives
Website: www.archives.gov
National Centers for Environmental Information
Website: www.NCEI.NOAA.gov
National Guard
A reserve force of the U.S. military. It is organized by state.
Members typically live as civilians, serving one weekend per month. But they can be called at any time (either by the president or their state's governor) to deal with domestic emergencies or overseas combat missions.
Also see Army Reserve.
Website: www.NationalGuard.com.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for regulating cars and other motor vehicles. Issues the agency deals with include...
o Fuel economy
o Car-theft prevention
o Consumer information
The NHTSA was created by the 1970 Highway Safety Act, and is part of the Department of Transportation.
For more, visit their website at www.nhtsa.gov.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
An agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that performs health-related research.
It is made up of more than 25 separate organizations called Institutes and Centers.
Website: www.NIH.gov.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Federal agency created to prevent unfair labor practices and resolve disputes between labor unions and companies. It ensures that employers follow the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act.
The agency is run by five members, each appointed to a 5-year term.
For more information, visit www.NLRB,gov.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Website: www.NOAA.gov
National Park Service
Website: www.NPS.gov
National Security Adviser
The senior advisor to the President on issues regarding national security.
The formal title of the position is Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
National Security Agency (NSA)
Website: www.NSA.gov
National Security Council
The President's primary forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters.
It is chaired by the President. Attendees include the...
o Secretary of State
o Secretary of Defense
o Secretary of the Treasury
o Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
o Director of National Intelligence
o National Security Advisor
Website: www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/nsc.
National Taxpayer Advocate
(Coming)
National Trade Council (NTC)
A White House office created in 2017 by newly-elected President Donald Trump. It is unclear at this time what role the NTC will play.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical assistance to farmers and other land managers.
It formerly was called the Soil Conservation Service.
Website: www.NRCS.USDA.gov.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Website: www.NRC.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Agency of the Department of Labor (DOL) that sets and enforces workplace safety standards.
It was created by the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Website: www.OSHA.gov.
Office of Compliance (OOC)
Federal agency created by the 1995 Congressional Accountability Act (CAA). The agency administers the workplace protections for Congressional offices that the act provides for.
Website: www.Compliance.gov.
Referenced by...TX Rep. Farenthold paid settlement with public money (2017-Dec-01)
Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE)
The Office of Congressional Ethics of the House of Representatives is an independent agency that reviews allegations of misconduct against representatives and their staffs.
If further investigation for possible charges is needed, the OCE refers the complaint to the House Ethics Committee. Even if the committee decides to take no action, the report from the OCE still is made public.
The is no such office for the Senate. The Executive Branch has a related office - the Office of Government Ethics (OGE).
Website: oce.house.gov.
Office of Government Ethics (OGE)
The Office of Government Ethics advises the president and his or her administration on issues in which there might be a conflict of interest.
The OGE has no investigative or enforcement authority. It acts mainly in an advisory role to help prevent conflicts of interests from arising.
It was created by the 1978 Ethics in Government Act.
This differs from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) for the House of Representatives, which investigates ethics complaints against representatives and their staffs.
Website: www.oge.gov.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Website: https://www.Whitehouse.gov/omb.
Office of National Resources Revenue (ONRR)
The Office of National Resources Revenue is part of the Department of the Interior (DOI).
When a company such as an energy or mining company leases land from the U.S. government, this is where they send the money.
Website: www.ONRR.gov.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The government independent agency that oversees the recruitment and employment policies of the federal government.
Website: www.opm.gov
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Part of a government department or agency that monitors that agency for fraud, abuse, or other mismanagement.
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC)
A Government Owned Corporation that takes over the paying of pensions to retirees when a company's pension fund is inadequate to pay the pensions it owes to retirees. One way this can happen is the pension is underfunded and the company becomes bankrupt.
It was created in 1974 by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
There are limits to the the amount a retiree may receive. Therefore a retiree whose pension has been taken over by the PBGC might lose part of their pension.
The PBGC is funded by the companies it insures - through premiums and the money left in pensions it takes over. However, if it should run out of money because it is paying more in pensions than it has, there would be two options...
o Make up the difference with money from the federal government. In other words, your tax dollars.
* Bonus Material: You might read about two different funds the organization maintains. The single-employer fund guarantees pensions from individual companies. The multiemployer fund guarantees pensions sponsored by unions which can involve several companies.
Website: www.PBGC.gov
POTUS
Acronym for President Of The United States
President's Council of Economic Advisers
(Coming)
SCOTUS
Acronym for Supreme Court Of The United States
Secret Service
The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency.
It is known mostly for its role in protecting the president and others associated with the president, but it has several roles in protecting the country's infrastructure (including financial).
It was established in 1865 to suppress counterfeiting. In 2003 the Secret Service became part of the Department of Homeland Security
Website: www.SecretService.gov.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission is a government agency that regulates the stock market and other securities in order to protect investors from fraudulent practices. It is comprised of five commissioners, appointed by the president and approved by the Senate.
For example, SEC rules prohibit insider trading of stocks - in which someone (such as a company executive) uses confidential information to buy or sell a stock before the public has access to that information.
For more, visit www.SEC.gov.
Selective Service
(Coming)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration helps American small businesses obtain loans, counseling, and other types of assistance.
Website: www.SBA.gov.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The government independent agency that administers the Social Security program.
Website: www.SSA.gov.
Supercommittee
See Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
Supreme Court
As specified by the Constitution, the United States' government consists of three branches...
o Executive (President): Approves and enforces laws
o Judicial: Determines if a law violates any provision of the Constitution.
The judicial branch consists of the U.S. federal court system. The Supreme Court is highest court in that system. It consists of nine justices (judges) . Justices are appointed by the president, and must be confirmed by the Senate.
When a lower court's decision is appealed to the Supreme Court, the court may...
o Agree to hear the appeal, in which case the Supreme Court will decide the final outcome.
For a list of Supreme Court justices - present and past - click here.
For a list of Supreme Court decisions that Lobby99 has discussed, click here.
Website: www.SupremeCourt.gov.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Website: www.TSA.gov.
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration provides independent oversight of IRS activities - including the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse within the IRS and related entities. (www.Treasury.gov/tigta)
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names is responsible for ensuring that geographic names in the United States are consistent throughout the government.
Consistent naming eliminates misunderstanding and allows various government agencies to work together more easily.
It is part of the Department of the Interior, and was created in 1890 by an executive order from President William Harrison.
Website: geonames.usgs.gov
U.S. Copyright Office
(Coming)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for processing travelers and goods entering the country.
It was known as the U.S. Customs Service until 2003, when it was merged with parts of other agencies.
Website: www.CBP.gov.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Website: www.FWS.gov.
U.S. Forest Service
Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that manages and protects national forests and grasslands in the United States.
Website: www.fs.fed.us
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
Website: usun.state.gov.
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Official organization that delivers mail in the United States.
Though regulated as a federal agency, the USPS effectively is a corporation whose operations are funded by its sales. It receives virtually no federal funding (other than funding for a few specific purposes).
For more, read our discussion of the US Postal Service.
Website: www.USPS.com.
U.S. Trade Representative
Website: www.USTR.gov.
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Part of the Department of Labor (DOL) created by the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Among the laws enforced by the WHD are those enacted in the FLSA, including...
Website: www.dol.gov/whd
White House Chief of Staff
(Coming)