Government Documents
TOPICS IN THE NEWS:
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.
For more information, see our Gov Docs: Solar Eclipse LibGuide
April is tax time!
For those of you that need assistance with your taxes, check out our handy LibGuide:
Gov Docs: Tax Information & Resources
Earth Day -- April 22, 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
April 22nd is Earth Day! First designated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to address concerns surrounding the growing industrial pollution in America. Prior to 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic smoke into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and it was perfectly legal. Consequently, Nelson sought to capitalize on student anti-war protests by organizing campus teach-ins to raise awareness on environmental issues as well. It was ultimately a successful endeavor, as these teach-ins and demonstrations forced the issue onto the national agenda. By December 1970, Congress had authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues--the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” While environmental activism and policy making are essential parts of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, individual actions still greatly impact our environment as well. Therefore, many of the documents curated for our display aim to help individuals become more environmentally conscious in their own personal lives. From at-home recycling to community clean-up efforts, there are plenty of easy ways to better invest in our planet.
We invite you now to browse some of our department’s resources and commemorative display as we celebrate Earth Day 2024! The display can be found at Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with a pamphlet and 8-page bibliography for more information. Additionally, come over and take our “Plastic Pollution Quiz” to test your knowledge and learn more about some every day actions you can take to better help our planet. To play, just scan the QR Code at the display and you will be entered into a drawing for a reusable Starbucks cup and a $5 Starbucks gift card!
Additional Related Resources from the Government Documents
"Consumer Guide to Recycling Codes" (Dec. 2021) U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of energy efficiency & Renewable Energy
Earth Day: Fact Sheet (April 19, 2023) Congressional Research Service
Topics in the News -- Some recent reports from the Congressional Research Service:
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (3/29/24)
Freedom of Speech: An Overview (3/29/24)
Intelligence Community Whistleblower Provisions: A Legislative History (3/29/24)
President Reagan’s Six Assurances to Taiwan (3/28/24)
The First Amendment: Categories of Speech (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 1: Introduction (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 2: Federal Convention Debates (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 3: History of Presidential Succession (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 4: Early Congressional Action (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 5: Congressional Debates (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 6: Final Approval and Implementation (3/28/24)
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment and Presidential Inability, Part 7: Issues for Congress (3/28/24)
U.S.-China Trade Relations (3/28/24)
Russia’s War Against Ukraine: European Union Responses and U.S.-EU Relations (3/27/24)
Illicit Fentanyl and Mexico’s Role (3/22/24)
Religious Discrimination at School: Application of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (3/22/24)
Where a Suit Can Proceed: Court Selection and Forum Shopping (3/21/24)
Iran and Nuclear Weapons Production (3/20/24)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments (3/18/24)
Restricting TikTok (Part II): Legislative Proposals and Considerations for Congress (3/15/24)
TikTok: Proposed Legislation and Implications (3/15/24)
Presidential Candidate and Nominating Convention Security (3/14/24)
Proposals to Amend the U.S. Constitution: Fact Sheet (3/14/24)
The Change Healthcare Cyberattack and Response Considerations for Policymakers (3/14/24)
U.S. Energy Supply and Use: Background and Policy Primer (3/14/24)
Ukrainian Military Performance and Outlook (3/14/24)
Defense Primer: The United States Space Force (3/13/24)
Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress (3/13/24)
Commercial Human Spaceflight Safety Regulations (3/12/24)
Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea: Issues for Congress (3/12/24)
Regulating PFAS Under the Clean Water Act (3/12/24)
Russian Military Performance and Outlook (3/8/24)
Presidential Immunity, Criminal Liability, and the Impeachment Judgment Clause (3/4/24)
The Undetectable Firearms Act: Issues for Congress (3/4/24)
Taiwan: Defense and Military Issues (3/1/24)