Government Documents
Civil Rights of Act of 1964 -- 60th Anniversary
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson just a few hours after Congress approval it on July 2nd. The act outlawed discrimination in federally funded projects and the denial of equal employment in businesses such as theaters, restaurants, and hotels. It banned discriminatory practices in employment. Title VII of the act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to implement the law. It was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. A display on this topic is available on 2nd Floor South, along with a 6-page bibliography highlighting just some of the resources available in the library.
National Pollinator Week: June 17-23, 2024
Pollinator Week was first designated as a national holiday in 2007 after the U.S. Senate acknowledged an increased need to recognize issues surrounding the declining pollinator populations. The federal government has since partnered with organizations like the Pollinator Partnership to grow this week of awareness into a worldwide event.
Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. Under the inspiring theme "Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture," this year's event urges us to envision a future where pollinators not only survive but thrive. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds, are the unsung heroes behind the food we enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us.
Feel free to browse some of our department’s resources and commemorative display as we celebrate Pollinator Week 2024! Come see what is currently being done to tackle this growing issue, along with what you can do to help as well. The display can be found at the Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with a companion handout and 7-page bibliography "Pollinators and Our Ecosystem" for more information.
Under the Category "Who Says the Federal Government Doesn't have a Sense of Humor"
NASA's Laser Communications Experiment Streamed from Deep Space (NAS 1.2:L 33/2)
"This 15-second ultra-high-definition video featuring a cat named Taters was streamed via laser from deep space by NASA on Dec. 11, 2023. It was part of the technology demonstration known as Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), which is attached to the Psyche spacecraft traveling to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Graphics superimposed over the orange tabby cat illustrate several features from the tech demo, such as Psyche's orbital path and technical information about the laser."
Topics in the News -- Some recent reports from the Congressional Research Service:
Campus Protests, Federal Funding, and the First Amendment (6/28/24)
Government Coercion of Private Speech: National Rifle Association (NRA) v. Vullo (6/28/24)
Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Framework (6/28/24)
Veteran Suicide Prevention (6/28/24)
Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief (6/27/24)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A Legal Overview (6/27/24)
Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting (6/26/24)
Postsecondary Education of Native Americans (6/25/24)
Use of Force in Cyberspace (6/25/24)
Economic Forecasts and Projections: Fact Sheet (6/21/24)
Europe: Fact Sheet on Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (6/20/24)
The Supreme Court Invalidates the ATF’s Bump-Stock Ban (6/20/24)
Selected Tribal Lands in 118th Congressional Districts (6/17/24)
Hamas: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy (6/14/24)
Juneteenth: Fact Sheet (6/13/24)
Russia’s War on Ukraine: U.S. Policy and the Role of Congress (6/10/24)
Independence Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet (6/6/24)
Legal Definitions: A Research Guide for Congressional Staff (6/6/24)
Electoral College Overview (6/5/24)
U.S. Intelligence Community Establishment Provisions (6/5/24)
Introduction to U.S. Economy: Monetary Policy (6/4/24)
Regulation of Commercial Human Spaceflight Safety: Overview and Issues for Congress (6/4/24)
Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress (6/3/24)
Presidential Candidate and Nominating Convention Security (6/3/24)
Ukrainian Military Performance and Outlook (6/3/24)