National Aeronautics & Space Administration (Nasa) Background, Issues, Bibliography

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assists states and localities overwhelmed by, or at risk from, disasters. FEMA also co-ordinates emergency management activities and planning for the continuity of government should national security be threatened. Since 1979 FEMA has administered a range of authorities that enable the agency to serve as the primary source of federal, technical, and financial assistance for emergency management. Among the types of aid provided through FEMA programs are grants and material to help disaster victims meet pressing needs such as food and shelter, education and training programs to improve the response capabilities of non-federal officials, and mobile communications equipment. FEMA exercises little regulatory authority, but directives that underlie the agency's mission authorise the agency to establish standards for reconstruction of buildings after a disaster declaration is issued, for the construction of federal buildings in earthquake-prone areas, and for the operation of first responder equipment. FEMA has responded to, and has helped communities prepare for, terrorist attacks in the United States. The Office of Homeland Security (OHS), established by President Bush subsequent to the attacks in 2001, has a similar, but more encompassing, mission related to disasters caused by terrorist actions. Congressional debate on the contours and framework for federal administration of homeland security might include consideration of FEMA's mission, the extent to which that mission overlaps with the assignments given the new OHS, and a new structure or set of authorities for that agency.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) significantly affects industry and the economy in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The agreement not only affects trade but the environment, and labour unions among other things. This new book discusses the latest economic effects of NAFTA and how it has impacted the lives of workers in North America. Preface: NAFTA; NAFTA: Economic Effects on the United States After Five Years; NAFTA: Estimated U.S Job 'Gains' and 'losses' by State Over 5 1/2 Years; NAFTA's Economic Impact: A Bibliography; NAFTA Labour Side Agreement: Lessons for the Worker Rights and Fast-Track Debate; NAFTA: Estimates of Job Effect and Industry Trade Trends After 4 Years; Adjustment Assistance for Workers Dislocated by the North American Free Trade Agreement; CBI-NAFTA Parity; North American Free Trade Agreement and Environmental Issues; NAFTA: Related Environmental Issues and Initiatives Updated; International Investor Protection: 'Indirect Expropriation' Claims Under NAFTA Chapter 11; North American Free Trade Agreement: Truck Safety Considerations; Chilean Trade and Economic Reform: Implications for NAFTA Accession; NAFTA, Mexican Trade Policy, and US-Mexico Trade: A Longer Term Perspective; Maquiladoras and NAFTA: The Economics of US-Mexico Production Sharing and Trade; NAFTA Implementation: The Canadian Woolens Controversy; NAFTA's Effect on Canada-US Trade and Investment; Index.