Federal Agencies and Departments
Independent Establishments and Government Corporations
- Boards, Commissions, Committees, Quazi-Official Agencies, and Miscellaneous
- Executive Branch Agencies
- Independent Establishments and Government Corporations
| A - B | C | D | E | F | G - L | M - N | O | P - R | S | T - Z |
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
http://www.achp.gov/
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which established the Council in 1966, is an independent Federal agency that provides a forum for influencing Federal activities, programs, and policies as they affect historic resources. The NCHP's goal is to have Federal agencies as responsible stewards of our Nation's resources when their actions affect historic properties. The Council is the only entity with the legal responsibility to balance historic preservation concerns with Federal project requirements.
African Development Foundation
http://www.adf.gov/
The American Battle Monuments Commission is a small independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. The Commission was established by Congress at the request of General John J. Pershing to honor the accomplishments of the American Armed Forces where they have served since World War I.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
www.atsdr.cdc.gov
This agency's purpose is to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Site offers a database of hazardous substances and their health effects and short summaries about hazardous substances excerpted from ATSDR Toxicological Profiles.
Broadcasting Board of Governors
http://www.bbg.gov/bbg_aboutus.cfm
On October 1, 1999, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) became the independent, autonomous Federal entity responsible for all U.S. government and government sponsored international broadcasting
Central Intelligence Agency
http://www.cia.gov/
The CIA is an independent agency, responsible to the President through the DCI, and accountable to the American people through the intelligence oversight committees of the U.S. Congress. CIA's mission is to support the President, the National Security Council, and all officials who make and execute the U.S. national security policy by providing accurate, comprehensive, and timely foreign intelligence on national security topics; and conducting counterintelligence activities, special activities, and other functions related to foreign intelligence and national security, as directed by the President.
Chemical Health & Safety Data
http://ehis.niehs.nih.gov/
Receive health and safety information on various chemicals.
Civil Air Patrol Great Lakes Region
http://glr.cap.gov/
Commission on Civil Rights
http://www.usccr.gov/index.html
The United States Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding agency of the executive branch established under the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The Commission investigates complaints alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to vote by reason of their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or by reason of fraudulent practices. It studies and collects information relating to discrimination or a denial of equal protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice. Appraises Federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice. Serves as a national clearinghouse for information in respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Submits reports, findings, and recommendations to the President and Congress. Issues public service announcements to discourage discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
http://www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftchome.htm
(CFTC) was created by Congress in 1974 as an independent agency with the mandate to regulate commodity futures and option markets in the United States. The agency protects market participants against manipulation, abusive trade practices and fraud. Through effective oversight and regulation, the CFTC enables the markets to serve better their important functions in the nation's economy--providing a mechanism for price discovery and a means of offsetting price risk.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.cpsc.gov/
CPSC is an Independent Federal Regulatory Agency which was created in 1972 by Congress under the Consumer Product Safety Act to protect the public "against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products." It doesn't report to nor is it part of any other department or agency in the federal government.
Corporation for National Service
http://www.cns.gov/
Created in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service connects Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation through voluntary service. The Corporation for National and Community Service engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America.
Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office
http://www.ciao.gov/
This site has been taken offline.
The Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office (CIAO) was created in response to a Presidential Decision Directive (PDD-63) in May 1998 to coordinate the Federal Government's initiatives on critical infrastructure assurance. The CIAO's primary areas of focus are to raise issues that cut across industry sectors and ensure a cohesive approach to achieving continuity in delivering critical infrastructure services.
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB)
http://www.dnfsb.gov/
For nearly half a century, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies operated the nation's defense nuclear weapons complex without independent external oversight. In the late 1980's, it became increasingly clear to members of Congress that significant public health and safety issues had accumulated at many of the aging facilities in the weapons complex. As an outgrowth of these concerns, Congress created the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board in 1988 as an independent oversight organization within the Executive Branch charged with providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy "to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety" at DOE's defense nuclear facilities.
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
The EPA protects the public health and improves the natural environment - air, water, and land.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
http://www.eeoc.gov/
Congress established the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 35 years ago to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and 50 field offices nationwide, EEOC is the Federal Government's premier civil rights agency. The EEOC is a five-member, bipartisan commission whose mission is to eliminate unlawful employment discrimination. EEOC is to open its doors for business on July 2, 1965 -- one year after Title VII's enactment into law.
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
http://www.exim.gov/
Ex-Im Bank is not an aid or development agency, but a government held corporation, managed by a Board of Directors consisting of a Chairman, Vice Chairman and three additional Board Members. Members serve for staggered terms and are chosen and serve at the discretion of the President of the United States. Ex-Im Bank was created in 1934 and established under its present law in 1945 to aid in financing and to facilitate U.S. exports. Its creation was spurred by the economic conditions of the 1930's when exports were viewed as a stimulus to economic activity and employment. A primary aim of Ex-Im Bank was to foster trade between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the post-World War II era, Ex-Im Bank helped U.S. companies participate in the reconstruction of Europe and Asia.
Federal Aviation Administration
http://www.faa.gov
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the element of the U.S. government with primary responsibility for the safety of civil aviation. The FAA was originally designated the Federal Aviation Agency when established by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. The present name was adopted in 1967 when the FAA became a component of the Department of Transportation. The FAA's major functions include: (1) regulating civil aviation to promote safety and fulfill the requirements of national defense; (2) encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology; (3) developing and operating a common system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft; (4) research and development with respect to the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics; (5) developing and implementing programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation; and (6) regulating U.S. commercial space transportation.
Federal Communications Commission
http://www.fcc.gov/
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
http://www.fdic.gov/
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's mission is to maintain the stability of and public confidence in the nation's financial system. To achieve this goal, the FDIC has insured deposits and promoted safe and sound banking practices since 1934.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
http://www.fec.gov/
In 1975, Congress created the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to administer and enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) - the statute that governs the financing of federal elections. The duties of the FEC, which is an independent regulatory agency, are to disclose campaign finance information, to enforce the provisions of the law such as the limits and prohibitions on contributions, and to oversee the public funding of Presidential elections.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
http://www.fema.gov/
The Federal Emergency Management Agency - an independent agency reporting to the President and tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disaster - can trace its beginnings to the Congressional Act of 1803. President Carter's 1979 executive order merged many of the separate disaster-related responsibilities into a new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Among other agencies, FEMA absorbed: the Federal Insurance Administration, the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, the National Weather Service Community Preparedness Program, the Federal Preparedness Agency of the General Services Administration and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration activities from HUD. Civil defense responsibilities were also transferred to the new agency from the Defense Department's Defense Civil Preparedness Agency.
Federal Housing Finance Board
http://www.fhfb.gov/
The Finance Board is an independent regulatory agency of the executive branch of the U.S. Government. The Federal Housing Finance Board regulates the 12 FHLBanks that were created in 1932 to improve the supply of funds to local lenders that, in turn, finance loans for home mortgages. The board also has regulatory authority and supervisory oversight responsibility for the Office of Finance.
Federal Labor Relations Authority
http://www.flra.gov/
The FLRA was established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. It is charged with providing leadership in establishing policies and guidance relating to Federal sector labor-management relations and with resolving disputes under and ensuring compliance with Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, known as the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute . is an independent agency responsible for administering the labor-management relations program for 1.9 million Federal employees world-wide. Its mission is to promote stable and constructive labor-management relations that contribute to an efficient and effective government.
Federal Maritime Commission
http://www.fmc.gov/
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) was established in 1961 as an independent government agency, responsible for the regulation of shipping in the foreign trades of the United States. The FMC's jurisdiction encompasses many facets of the maritime industry. However, it has no jurisdiction over vessel operations, navigation, vessel construction, vessel documentation, vessel inspection, licensing of seafaring personnel, maintenance of navigational aids or dredging. These activities are handled by other federal, state and local agencies.
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
http://www.fmcs.gov/
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was created by Congress in 1947 as an independent agency to promote sound and stable labor-management relations. FMCS offers services in the following areas: Dispute Mediation, Preventive Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration Services, and Labor-Management Grants
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
http://www.fmshrc.gov/
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is an independent adjudicative agency that provides administrative trial and appellate review of legal disputes arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 (Mine Act). Under the Mine Act, the Department of Labor issues regulations covering health and safety in the nation's mines. Federal mine inspectors employed by the Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforce these regulations by issuing citations and orders to mine operators. The Commission is concerned solely with the adjudication of disputes under the Mine Act, including the determination of appropriate penalties. It does not regulate mining or enforce the Mine Act. The Commission was established as an independent agency to ensure its impartiality.
Federal Reserve System/Board of Governors
http://www.federalreserve.gov/default.htm
The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, was founded by Congress in 1913 to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. Today the Federal Reserve's duties fall into four general areas: (1) conducting the nation's monetary policy; (2) supervising and regulating banking institutions and protecting the credit rights of consumers; (3) maintaining the stability of the financial system; and (4) providing certain financial services to the U.S. government, the public, financial institutions, and foreign official institutions.
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
http://www.tsp.gov/
The FRTIB was established as an independent agency by the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986. It is one of the smaller Executive Branch agencies, with just over 100 employees. It was established to administer the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which provides Federal employees the opportunity to save for additional retirement security. The TSP is a tax-deferred defined contribution plan similar to a private sector 401(k) plan. The TSP is one of the three parts of the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS).
Federal Trade Commission
http://www.ftc.gov
The Federal Trade Commission enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. The Commission seeks to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The Commission also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive. The Commission has enforcement and administrative responsibilities under 46 laws. They are grouped here in three categories: (a) Statutes relating to both the competition and consumer protection missions; (b) statutes relating principally to the competition mission; and (c) statutes relating principally to the consumer protection mission.
FEDSTATS
http://www.fedstats.gov/
A gateway to statistics from over 100 U.S. Federal agencies. Find everything from census databases, statistics by topic and by agency. Also able to search across agency web sites.
General Service Administration
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=0
GSA was established by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, which was passed by the 81st Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman on July 1, 1949. The creation of the agency was based on recommendations made by the Hoover Commission which was tasked with examining ways to improve the administrative services of the federal government. The Commission concluded that it would be more effective and economical for the government to consolidate four small agencies into one agency to avoid "senseless duplication, excess cost, and confusion in handling supplies..and providing space." Its mission statement is to help federal agencies better serve the public by offering, at best value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management policies.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services
http://www.imls.gov/
IMLS is an independent Federal agency that fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's museums and libraries. Created by the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996, P.L. 104-208, IMLS administers the Library Services and Technology Act and the Museum Services Act. The Institute receives policy advice from two Presidential appointed, Senate confirmed entities: the National Commission for Libraries and Information Science and the National Museum Services Board.
Internal Revenue Services Forms and Publications
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/display/0,,i1%3D50%26genericId%3D10204,00.html
Contains a complete list of tax forms and publications available by direct download, US mail or BPOL programs. Includes prior years and search.
International Broadcasting Bureau
http://www.ibb.gov/
The International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) is comprised of the Voice of America, WORLDNET Television and Film Service, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Martíí). The IBB was established when President Clinton signed the International Broadcasting Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-236), which also created a nine-member, bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). On October 1, 1999, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) became the independent, autonomous Federal entity responsible for all U.S. government and government sponsored international broadcasting
Institute of Museum & Library Services
http://www.imls.gov/
Independent federal agency that fosters leadership, innovation and a life time of learning, innovation and learning. IMLS supports all types of types of museums, libraries, zoos and schools.
Merit Systems Protection Board
http://www.mspb.gov/
The U. S. Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent, quasi-judicial agency in the Executive branch that serves as the guardian of Federal merit systems. The Board was established by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978, which was codified by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), Public Law No. 95-454. The CSRA, which became effective January 11, 1979, replaced the Civil Service Commission with three new independent agencies: the Office of Personnel Management, which manages the Federal work force; the Federal Labor Relations Authority, which oversees Federal labor-management relations; and the Board.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
http://www.nasa.gov/
October 1, 1958, was the official start of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) which was formed as a result of the Sputnik crisis of confidence, NASA inherited the earlier National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and other government organizations, and almost immediately began working on options for human space flight. NASA''s first high profile program was Project Mercury, an effort to learn if humans could survive in space, followed by Project Gemini, which built upon Mercury''s successes and used spacecraft built for two astronauts. NASA''s human space flight efforts then extended to the Moon with Project Apollo, culminating in 1969 when the Apollo 11 mission first put humans on the lunar surface. After the Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz Test Projects of the early and mid-1970s, NASA'' s human space flight efforts again resumed in 1981, with the Space Shuttle program that continues today to help build the International Space Station.
National Archives and Records Administration NARA
http://www.nara.gov/
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent federal agency that preserves our nation's history and defines us as a people by overseeing the management of all federal records. Their mission is to ensure ready access to the essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience.
National Capital Planning Commission
http://www.ncpc.gov/
Congress established the Commission in 1924 as the National Capital Park Commission with responsibilities to acquire lands to complete a park, parkway, and playground system for the National Capital. Two years later, Congress reestablished the Commission as the National Capital Park and Planning Commission and gave it comprehensive planning responsibilities for the National Capital and its environs. In 1952, Congress passed the National Capital Planning Act and renamed the Commission the National Capital Planning Commission and designated it as the central planning agency for the federal and District of Columbia governments. The Commission was also given the responsibility to preserve the important natural and historical features within the region.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
http://www.ncua.gov/
The National Credit Union Administration is an independent federal agency that supervises and insures 6,566 federal credit unions and insures 4,062 state-chartered credit unions.
National Endowment for the Humanities
http://www.neh.gov/
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency created in 1965. It is the largest funder of humanities programs in the United States. The Endowment's mission is to enrich American cultural life by promoting knowledge of human history, thought and culture throughout the nation. The Endowment accomplishes that mission by providing grants for high-quality humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural resources, education, research and public programs.
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities
http://arts.endow.gov/
The National Endowment for the Arts provides national recognition and support to significant projects of artistic excellence, thus preserving and enhancing our nation's diverse cultural heritage. The Endowment was created by Congress and established in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. Since then, it has awarded more than 113,000 grants to arts organizations and artists in all fifty states and the six U.S. jurisdictions. This public investment in the nation's cultural life has resulted in both new and classic works of art reaching every corner of America.
National Highway Transportation
Safety Administration
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970, as the successor to the National Highway Safety Bureau, to carry out safety programs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Highway Safety Act of 1966. The Vehicle Safety Act has subsequently been recodified under Title 49 of the U. S. Code in Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety. NHTSA also carries out consumer programs established by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972, which has been recodified in various Chapters under Title 49. The site provides access to all automobile recalls and tests conducted by NHTSA.
National Labor Relations Board
http://www.nlrb.gov/
The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act, the primary law governing relations between unions and employers in the private sector. The statute guarantees the right of employees to organize and to bargain collectively with their employers or to refrain from all such activity. Generally applying to all employers involved in interstate commerce--other than airlines, railroads, agriculture, and government--the Act implements the national labor policy of assuring free choice and encouraging collective bargaining as a means of maintaining industrial peace. Through the years, Congress has amended the Act and the Board and courts have developed a body of law drawn from the statute.
National Mediation Board
http://www.nmb.gov/
The National Mediation Board (NMB), established by the 1934 amendments to the Railway Labor Act of 1926, is an independent agency that performs a central role in facilitating harmonious labor-management relations within two of the nation's key transportation modes--the railroads and airlines. Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, NMB programs provide an integrated dispute resolution process to effectively meet the statutory objective of minimizing work stoppages in the airline and railroad industries. The NMB's integrated processes specifically are designed to promote three statutory goals: (1) The prompt and orderly resolution of disputes arising out of the negotiation of new or revised collective bargaining agreements; (2) The effectuation of employee rights of self-organization where a representation dispute exists; and (3) The prompt and orderly resolution of disputes over the interpretation or application of existing agreements.
National Partnership for Reinventing Government Reports
formerly the National Performance Review
http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/npr
The National Partnership for Reinventing Government (NPR), formerly the National Performance Review, is an interagency task force designed to fundamentally change the way the federal government works. President Clinton announced the creation of NPR on March 3, 1993. The President asked the Vice President to report on the findings of this national performance review within six months.
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
http://www.amtrak.com/
During World War I the Federal Government assumed control of the nation's railroads, and directed their operation through the United States Railroad Administration. The railroads were returned to their owners in 1920. A new chapter in railroad history began when the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) - - a quasi-public corporation, dedicated to providing modern, efficient, attractive service, began operating the nation's passenger railroads on May 1, 1971. The Rail Passenger Service Act signed October 30, 1970 by President Nixon authorized the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to manage the basic national rail network and operate trains under contracts with the railroads. The Corporation's Board of Directors consists of 15-persons, eight appointed by the President and the remainder elected by corporation shareholders (three by railroads, four by preferred stockholders).
National Science Foundation
http://www.nsf.gov/
By the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 the Congress established the National Science Foundation, an independent agency of the U.S. Government, to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes. The President approved the act on May 10, 1950. It is the federal government's only agency dedicated to the support of education and fundamental research in all scientific and engineering disciplines. Its purpose is to ensure that the United States maintains leadership in discovery, learning and innovation across science, mathematics and engineering.
National Security Agency (NSA)
http://www.nsa.gov/
President Truman and the National Security Council issued a revised version of the National Security Council Intelligence Directive (NSCID) No. 9 on 24 October 1952, which resulted in the formation of NSA on 4 November 1952. The National Security Agency is the Nation's cryptologic organization. It coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect U.S. information systems and produce foreign intelligence information. A high technology organization, NSA is on the frontiers of communications and data processing. It is also one of the most important centers of foreign language analysis and research within the Government. The Agency is comprised of 13 federal organizations: National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS); Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); Department of Energy (DoE); Army Intelligence; Air Force Intelligence; Navy Intelligence; Marine Corps Intelligence; Department of Treasury; Department of State.
National Transportation Safety Board
http://www.ntsb.gov/
The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency that investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation, conducts special investigations and safety studies, and issues safety recommendations to prevent future accidents. The NTSB opened its doors on April 1, 1967. Although independent, it relied on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for funding and administrative support. In 1975, under the Independent Safety Board Act, all organizational ties to DOT were severed. The NTSB is not part of DOT, or affiliated with any of its modal agencies. Since its inception in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 110,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation accidents. In so doing, it has become one of the world's premier accident investigation agencies. On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, NTSB investigators fly to every corner of the world to investigate significant accidents.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
http://www.nrc.gov/
By 1974, the Atomic Energy Commission's regulatory programs had come under such strong attack that Congress decided to abolish the agency. Supporters and critics of nuclear power agreed that the promotional and regulatory duties of the AEC should be assigned to different agencies. The Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 created the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; it began operations on January 19, 1975. The NRC (like the AEC before it) focused its attention on several broad issues that were essential to protecting public health and safety such as radiation protection standards, reactor safety, plant siting, and environmental protection.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov/
On December 29, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, also known as the Williams-Steiger Act in honor of the two men who pressed so hard for its passage. The Act established three permanent agencies: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Labor Department to set and enforce workplace safety and health standards; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in what was then the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct research on occupational safety and health; and the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), an independent agency to adjudicate enforcement actions challenged by employers. OSHA was created because of public outcry against rising injury and death rates on the job. Through the years the agency has focused its resources where they can have the greatest impact in reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA sets the standards for the health and safety of the American employee.
Office of Government Ethics
http://www.usoge.gov/
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE), a small agency within the executive branch, was established by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Originally part of the Office of Personnel Management, OGE became a separate agency on October 1, 1989 as part of the Office of Government Ethics Reauthorization Act of 1988. The Office of Government Ethics exercises leadership in the executive branch to prevent conflicts of interest on the part of Government employees, and to resolve those conflicts of interest that do occur. In partnership with executive branch agencies and departments, OGE fosters high ethical standards for employees and strengthens the public's confidence that the Government's business is conducted with impartiality and integrity.
Office of Personnel Management
http://www.opm.gov/
The OPM is the Federal Government's Human Resources Agency. The role of the Office of Personnel Management is to help agencies get the right people in the right jobs with the right skills at the right time so they can produce results for the American people. This is done by working with agencies to create systems to recruit, develop, manage and retain a high quality and diverse workforce, and to do it in the right way.
Office of Special Counsel
http://www.osc.gov/
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Its basic authorities come from three federal statutes, the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, and the Hatch Act. OSC's primary mission is to safeguard the merit system by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially reprisal for whistleblowing. For a description of prohibited personnel practices (PPPs), click on the PPP link.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
http://www.opic.gov/
Established by Congress in 1969, OPIC began operations in 1971. A wholly owned government corporation , OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis and has recorded a positive net income for every year of operation, with reserves currently standing in excess of $2.0 billion. All of OPIC's guaranty and insurance obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, as well as by OPIC's own substantial financial reserves. It provides taxpayer-backed loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to U.S. businesses for investments in "politically risky" countries. As a tool of U.S. foreign policy, OPIC provides loans, loan guarantees, and insurance for U.S. companies investing overseas.
Peace Corps
http://www.peacecorps.gov/home.html
On March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps. On September 22, 1961, Congress approved legislation formally authorizing this agency, giving it the mandate to "promote world peace and friendship" through three goals: (1) To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; (2) To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; (3) To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation
http://www.pbgc.gov/
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is a federal corporation created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to encourage the continuation and maintenance of defined benefit pension plans, provide timely and uninterrupted payment of pension benefits to participants and beneficiaries in plans covered by PBGC, and keep pension insurance premiums at the lowest level necessary to carry out the Corporation's objectives.
Postal Rate Commission
http://www.prc.gov/main.asp
The Postal Rate Commission is an independent agency of the Executive Branch created by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 for the primary purpose of setting postal rates. The Commission has jurisdiction over changes in postal rates, fees and mail classifications proposed by the Postal Service. It issues Recommended Decisions to the Governors of the Postal Service. It also acts on postal patrons' appeals from Postal Service decisions to close or consolidate post offices. Further, the Commission investigates complaints of substantial national scope concerning postal rates, fees, mail classifications or services. It also responds to requests of the Postal Service for advisory opinions. Because of the Commissions' expertise, Congress occasionally asks it to undertake special studies on postal issues.
Railroad Retirement Board
http://www.rrb.gov/
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government. The RRB's primary function is to administer comprehensive retirement and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families, under the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts. In connection with the retirement program, the RRB has administrative responsibilities under the Social Security Act for certain benefit payments and railroad workers' Medicare coverage.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
http://www.sec.gov/
Congress established the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934 to enforce the newly-passed securities laws, to promote stability in the markets and, most importantly, to protect investors. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed Joseph P. Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy's father, to serve as the first Chairman of the SEC. Though it is the primary overseer and regulator of the U.S. securities markets, the SEC works closely with many other institutions, including Congress, other federal departments and agencies, the self-regulatory organizations (e.g. the stock exchanges), state securities regulators, and various private sector organizations.
Selective Service System
http://www.sss.gov/
President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 which created the country's first peacetime draft and formally established the Selective Service System as an independent Federal agency. The Selective Service System and the registration requirement for America's young men provide our Nation with a structure and a system of guidelines which will provide the most prompt, efficient, and equitable draft possible, if the country should need it. America's leaders agree that despite the success of the All-Volunteer Force, registration with Selective Service must continue as a key component of national security strategy.
Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/
In the Small Business Act of July 30, 1953, Congress created the Small Business Administration, whose function was to "aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns." The charter also stipulated that the SBA would ensure small businesses a "fair proportion" of government contracts and sales of surplus property. Since its founding SBA has delivered about 20 million loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/
On June 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a message to the Congress, announced his intention to provide a program for Social Security. Subsequently, the President created by Executive Order the Committee on Economic Security which was instructed to study the entire problem of economic insecurity and to make recommendations that would serve as the basis for legislative consideration by the Congress. The Social Security Act was signed into law on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. One provision of the Act established a bipartisan Social Security Board (SSB) composed of three members appointed by the President. The SSB was faced with the tasks of providing employers, employees and the public with information on how earnings were to be reported, what benefits were available and how they were to be provided. The monumental first task was the need to register employers and workers by January 1, 1937. The SSB did not have the resources available to accomplish this and they contracted with the U.S. Postal Service to distribute the applications, collect the completed forms, type the Social Security number (SSN) cards, and returned the cards to the applicants. The applications then were forwarded to the SSB's processing center located in Baltimore, Maryland, where the numbers were registered and various employment records established. Over 35 million SSN cards were issued through this procedure in 1936-37.
Tennessee Valley Authority
http://www.tva.gov/
President Franklin Roosevelt needed innovative solutions if the New Deal was to lift the nation out of the depths of the Great Depression. And TVA was one of his most innovative ideas. Roosevelt envisioned TVA as a totally different kind of agency. He asked Congress to create "a corporation clothed with the power of government but possessed of the flexibility and initiative of a private enterprise." On May 18, 1933, Congress passed the TVA Act. TVA achieves excellence in public service for the good of the people of the Tennessee Valley by supporting sustainable economic development, supplying affordable, reliable power, and managing a thriving river system.
Trade Development Agency
http://www.tda.gov/
TDA is a small, independent federal agency established in 1981. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency assists in the creation of jobs for Americans by helping U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we enable American businesses to compete for infrastructure and industrial projects in middle-income and developing countries.
United States International Development Cooperation Agency
http://www.usaid.gov/
On September 4, 1961, the Congress passed the Foreign Assistance, which reorganized the U.S. foreign assistance programs including separating military and non-military aid. The Act mandated the creation of an agency to administer economic assistance programs, and on November 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID, an independent agency, became the first U.S. foreign assistance organization whose primary emphasis was on long-range economic and social development assistance efforts. The agency provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States.
United States International Trade Commission
http://www.usitc.gov/
The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement. Established by Congress in 1916 as the U.S. Tariff Commission (the Trade Act of 1974 changed its name to the U.S. International Trade Commission), the agency has broad investigative powers on matters of trade. The USITC is a national resource where trade data are gathered and analyzed. The data are provided to the President and Congress as part of the information on which U.S. trade policy is based.
United States Postal Service
http://www.usps.com/
When the Continental Congress named Benjamin Franklin the first Postmaster General in 1775, the United States was a weak confederation of colonies scattered along the eastern seaboard. The postal system that the Congress created helped bind the new nation together, support the growth of commerce, and ensure a free flow of ideas and information. In the more than two centuries since, the United States and the Postal Service have grown and changed together. Today, the Postal Service fuels the nation's economy and delivers hundreds of millions of messages and billions of dollars in financial transactions each day to eight million businesses and 250 million Americans. In 1971 The Post Office Department was transformed into the United States Postal Service, an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. The mission of the Postal Service remained the same, as stated in Title 39 of the U.S. Code.
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