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The House Appropriations Committee approved by voice vote a draft fiscal 2004 package that takes a hard line on congressional spending, including steep budget cuts for the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police. But senior members of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee expressed doubt that the cuts would pass muster with House leaders or their Senate counterparts, who had signaled a willingness to fund a proposed expansion of the police force.

The Senators from both the parties have stated at a Senate Rules and Administration Committee meeting that the proposal to weaken the venerated rules of the filibuster put forward by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has no chance of being adopted. Bill Frist had proposed the rules change as a way to end unprecedented successful filibusters of two of the President George W. Bush's appellate court nominees.

Focuses on the actions taken by the U.S. Senate to help U.S. President George W. Bush build an effective Cabinet. Opinion of Barbara Kellerman, research director at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University, on the decision of Bush to appoint more of his allies; Background of Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings; Information on Cabinet-level jobs that require Senate confirmation.

Profiles Senator Joseph Lieberman, a Democrat contender for the 2004 U.S. presidential election. Voting record in the U.S. Senate; Career background; Achievements. INSETS: Sen. Joseph Isadore Lieberman of Connecticut;Lieberman's Key Votes;Lieberman's Inner Circle.

Assesses the damage to relations between the narrow Republican majorities of the U.S. House and Senate due to an agreement between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) on the legislative issue of cutting taxes. Accomplishments of Frist in the Senate; Accusation of House Republicans against Frist; Impact of Frists' handling of the issue on domestic plans of Republicans after the Iraq military campaign. INSET: What Led to the GOP Leadership Rift.

The article considers the problem of misclassification of workers in nonprofit organizations in the U.S. amid the expansion of the gig economy in 2021. More than half of workers are expected to be independent contractors by the end of 2030. The Council of Nonprofits points out the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) penalty facing organizations that misclassify workers. It offers tips on preventing worker misclassification including assessing their behavior and finances before classifying them.

The article discusses Giving Tuesday, created about a decade ago to encourage people to give at the time of a season of consumerism, is one of the largest fundraising events of the year, the global day of giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day. The people are highly motivated to give for fundraising in 2021 as the nation emerges from a destabilizing COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. The donations have increased at a fast rate in the last few years.

The article discusses the steps to effective grant writing for nonprofit organizations according to GrantStation founder Cynthia Adams. Grants4Good founder Margit Brazda Poirier claims that the number of applications received by grantmaking organizations reach hundreds annually. It cites the importance of identifying the target audience of an organization in developing a comprehensive plan. Also noted is the need to conduct research on potential funders before writing a proposal.

The article discusses the ways that nonprofit organizations can address employee burnout. Topics covered include the widespread resignations due to burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the causes of burnout including lack autonomy or social support, unclear job descriptions, and inability to meet personal or family responsibilities or work in otherwise dysfunctional settings.

The article focuses on cancellation of annual fund raising gala canceled by nonprofit organization Connections for Abused Women and Their Children mentions views of Joanne Walsh, development director of organization, on same. Topics discussed include plans to replace funds via additional grantseeking, consideration of sponsorships and direct mail for fundraising and consideration of print invitations.

The article focuses on need of culture change by small nonprofits to confront systemic barrier and mentions resources help for nonprofits with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Topics discussed include views of Rhonda Broussard, the chief executive officer (CEO) at equity-based consulting group, on work of nonprofits to do, underrepresentation of people of color in leadership position and dominance in workplace culture.

The article discusses Finding Your North Star: How Nonprofits Can Develop an Effective Mission Statement, which includes all child welfare organizations are on a mission, whether it's supporting children's health, protecting them from violence or reducing systemic inequities that cause them harm. But developing an effective mission statement one that builds support for the organization's cause and helps it achieve its specific goals isn't as straightforward as it sounds.

The article reports an increase in teenage suicide in the U.S. due in part to unrealistic expectations, according to Boys Town hotline manager Kris Hallstrom. Topics covered include a decline in the suicide rate among young people between the ages of ten and 14, the role of social media in suicidal behavior, and the reasons why teens often call the hotline.

The article offers information on impact of Mentoring Institute on youth development. Topics discussed include information on study which says that Kids in foster care are less likely to finish high school, graduate from college and hold steady jobs than their peers; goal to build resilience by building mentees' social connections, and strengthening their social and emotional skills; and need for cultural change through media outreach and public awareness efforts.

The article offers information on launch of the Vermont Youth Project, a pilot program inspired by an Icelandic initiative that addresses the adolescent substance use. Topics include focus on individual behavior change and toward addressing the societal and environmental factors; opioid-involved deaths in Vermont; and aim to boost extracurricular engagement among youth, help kids feel safe in and out of school and strengthen bonds between youth and caring adults.

The article focuses on olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad in fencing, who talks about Youth mentoring. Topics discussed include information on her mentor Peter Westbrook, a bronze medalist in the 1984 games and head of a nonprofit fencing organization for youth from underserved communities; her support to underserved kids master the sport of fencing; and launch of her own line of modest clothing.

The article discusses support for the Senate race of Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey by the gay community. Even though Casey is a social conservative who opposes same-sex marriage, LGBT activists are supporting him heavily in an effort to defeat Republican senator Rick Santorum in the 2006 midterm election. The gay community is so against Santorum because of his efforts to amend the constitution to prevent gay marriage, his public attacks on judicial support of gay rights, and his opposition of legislation that would ban job discrimination against gays.

The article discusses the non-action of the pro-choice activists despite the moves of the anti-abortion incrementalists in Mississippi. A defensive posture was taken by the pro-choice groups, fending off anti-choice legislation rather than thinking of initiatives to preserve or improve access to abortion. Pro-choice activists decided they have won after the Roe v. Wade case in 1973, thinking that abortion will always be there, and it may not.

Examines the relationship between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress. Views of U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Me.) on her party's leadership; Need for respect between the parties; Actions that must be taken by Democrats to maintain the pressure on Republicans according to Democratic strategist Peter Fenn.

The article focuses on the report on youth homelessness studied by Chapin Hall, an independent research center at the University of Chicago. Topics discussed include addressing the underlying causes of youth homelessness by federal government such as racism, poverty and inequality, and providing youth with training programs so they can achieve long-term housing stability.

The article focuses on report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation which says percentage of children in poor neighborhoods rose in 10 states of the U.S. and Puerto Rico from 2008-12 to 2013-17. Topics include need to create affordable housing, end housing discrimination against formerly incarcerated people, and provide tax relief for people with low incomes; need for job-training opportunities for low-income people; and high poverty, low-opportunity in Columbia, Mississippi and New Mexico.

Features several U.S. Senators who have the potentials to succeed Senator Bill Frist as Senate Majority Leader. Senate Majority whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky; Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Senate conference chairman; Tom Daschle of Dakota.

This article deals with the impact of 2004 U.S. elections on gay men and lesbians. In the U.S. Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, the election of just a couple of new Democrats could return that party to power and stop the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning same-sex marriage. Law-makers and groups that support gay and lesbian rights would then have control of the committees and move far more legislation, says Winnie Stachelberg, political director for the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In its endorsements so far, the priorities of HRC include eight U.S. Senate candidates, most notably Senate minority leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Although Daschle does not support marriage rights for same-sex couples, he has opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment. HRC, which picks its candidates based on their dedication to the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered citizens as well as their ability to win, can expect help in their endeavors from the National Stonewall Democrats, a political action committee devoted to electing U.S. Democrats who support gay men and lesbians to office. One of the U.S. Democrats' strongest candidates this year, Tony Knowles has a gay rights record that dates back to 1975, when, as a member of the Anchorage city council, he lobbied for employment protections for gay men and lesbians.

Provides information on corporate tax overhaul bills S 1637 and HR 2896 considered by the U.S. Congress. Dispute among U.S. House lawmakers over the specific approach taken in HR 2896; Effect of an amendment on overtime pay rules sponsored by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on S 1637; Overview of other amendments Democrats sought to attach to the bills.

Presents an update on legislative bills in the U.S. as of November 2003. Extension of the country's national food insurance program; Passage of a bill that would reauthorize the National Transportation Safety Board; Approval of a bill that would help the National Aeronautics & Space Administration to retain its highly skilled workers.

Comments on the use of intelligence by the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush in the lead-up to the war in Iraq.

Discusses the influence of moderate Republican senators and Senator James M. Jeffords (I-Vt.) on the U.S. Senate. Implications of the defection of Jeffords from the Republican Party for moderate senators; Members of the moderate group of Republican senators; Views of moderate Republican senators on the tax cut legislation.

Discusses the proposal of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to change the filibuster rules of the U.S. Senate for the confirmation of the judicial nominees of U.S. President George W. Bush. Features of the proposal of Frist; Background on the rate of confirmation of the judicial nominees of Bush by the U.S. Senate; Objections of Senate Democrats on the proposal of Frist.

Focuses on a ruling of a lower court in Washington on a case on campaign finance law issued on May 2, 2003. Analysis of the ruling of the court; Facts of the case; Background on the three lower court judges who presided over the case.

Pays tribute to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York who died on March 26, 2003. Cause of his death; Information on his legislative accomplishments; Highlights of his career in politics.

Comments on the spoof legislation Better Urban Recording Number System Act drafted by New York Congressman Gary Ackerman that would bar Montana Senator Conrad Burns from being counted in the U.S. Census for redistricting purposes. Introduction of a bill by Burns that would prevent illegal immigrants from being counted in the census; Arguments raised by Ackerman against Burns' bill.

Reports on the exemption of the federal government officials from smoking ban. Rooms in the Capitol building where smoking is allowed, including in the Speaker's Lobby hall and some cafeterias in Senate and House buildings; Senator who are smokers, including John Boehner; Comments of antismoking advocates Henry Waxman and Jerrold Nadler on the smoking exemption.

Reports on the discussion among U.S. Senate leaders on the committee budgets for the Republican majority. Percentage of committee resources granted to the majority and minority; Views of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on the appropriation; Amount of increase in committee spending.

Reports on the decision of the U.S. Congress to approve a legislation which aims to assist the black African Muslims terrorized by government-supported militias in Darfur, Sudan. Funds to be provided for the victims; Percentage of the amount that would be available for humanitarian assistance; Views of U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) on the needs of the region.

Focuses on a deal between U.S. President George W. Bush's administration and Senator Harry Reid regarding nuclear waste repository at the Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Task that must be fulfilled by Gregory Jaczko, aide of Reid, for him to be appointed as commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Background on the agency; Reason of Reid for negotiating with the president.

Focuses on court hearings for the Legislative Branch Bill House Rule 4755 in the U.S. Senate for fiscal 2005 legislative branch appropriations. Versions of the legislation; Differences between the bill's versions.

Reports on the efforts of U.S. House Resources Chairman Richard W. Pombo to bring the work of the committee to the public by holding field hearings nationwide. Amount needed by Pombo for the implementation of the plan; Accusation of Representative Brad Sherman against Pombo; Action taken by Republicans on the issue.

Reports on the truce on partisan war between the Democrats and the Republicans in the U.S. Reason behind the truce; Plan of Majority Leader Bill Frist, a member of the Republican party in Tennessee, to propose a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages.

Reports on the action taken by Jack Kingston, chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, on the uncoordinated publicity appearance of Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer who criticized the fiscal 2005 spending bill approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on June 23, 2004. Provision of the bill criticized by the police; Statement of the police chief who offended the legislator.

Reports on the proposal of U.S. Representative Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) to stop funding the Congress Joint Economic Committee on June 16, 2004. Purpose of the proposal; Budget of the committee for the fiscal year 2004; Reaction of Representative Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) to the proposal.

Discusses the fiscal 2004 spending law of the U.S. Congress for the Capitol Police and the Capitol Visitor Center. Estimated spending for the Capitol Police and the Capitol Visitor Center; Use of the 2004 budget; Budget increases requested by Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer and Architect of the Capitol Alan M. Hantman.

Claims that U.S. Minority Leader Tom Daschle has used his leadership post to focus on a range of parochial issues in South Dakota to boost his chances for re-election to a fourth term. Competitor of Daschle in the election; Information on the parochial issues addressed by Daschle; Reason for Daschle's attack on the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Focuses on the impact of Senator John Kerry's skipping of a labor-related vote on his plan to stimulate the U.S. economy. Efforts of Kerry to disseminate his health care plan to business owners; Details of the amendment for unemployed workers.

Provides information on the role of the Republican Main Street Partnership in the victory of Senator Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania. Efforts of Club for Growth to defeat Specter; Organizational background of the Republican Main Partnership; Amount of the donation of the group to Specter's campaign; Challenges faced by the organization in 2004.

States that the friendship of Democratic presidential candidate Senator John Kerry and Republican Senator John McCain remains, despite McCain's support for the re-election of President George W. Bush in 2004. Discrepancies in the statements issued by McCain with regard to his support for Bush.

Reports on the possibility for Illinois Democrat Richard J. Durbin to add structure to the student loan forgiveness program of his colleagues. Objective of the program; Request for the General Accounting Office to examine the feasibility of the Senate program; Benefits from the program.