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You may find the following resources helpful in becoming a more informed consumer. Check back soon for state and local resources, too.

Administration on Aging (AOA)
AOA is the Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns. In this role, AoA works to heighten awareness among other Federal agencies, organizations, groups, and the public about the valuable contributions that older Americans make to the Nation and alerts them to the needs of vulnerable older people.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for federal programs which promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
The Council was created by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and is the only Federal agency created solely to address historic preservation issues.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was established in 1989 as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Reauthorizing legislation passed in November 1999 establishes AHRQ as the lead Federal agency on quality research. AHRQ, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ's broad programs of research bring practical, science-based information to medical practitioners and to consumers and other health care purchasers.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Agency (ATSDR)
The mission of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is to prevent exposure and adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution present in the environment.

Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), one of the Research, Education and Economics (REE) agencies, is the main in-house research arm of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization (AARC) Corporation
The Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization (AARC) Corporation, a wholly-owned corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a venture capital firm that makes investments in companies to help commercialize biobased industrial products (non-food, non-feed) from agricultural and forestry materials and animal byproducts.

Aviation Consumer Protection Division
The functions of the Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division are as follows: Receives informal complaints from members of the public regarding aviation consumer issues; Verifies compliance with DOT's aviation consumer protection requirements;Provides guidance to the industry and members of the public on consumer protection matters; Makes available to the public information on pertinent consumer matters.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is a law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Treasury with unique responsibilities dedicated to reducing violent crime, collecting revenue, and protecting the public.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
The mission of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is to serve as the Federal Government's most secure and efficient source of vital Government securities.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
The mission of the Bureau is to enhance the quality of life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.

Bureau of Justic Assistance (BJA)
The mission of the BJA is to provide leadership and assistance in support of local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, business, and labor. The BLS also serves as a statistical resource to the Department of Labor.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers 264 million acres of America's public lands, located primarily in the 12 Western States.

Bureau of Public Debt (BPD)
A division of the U.S. Treasury Department, the Bureau of Public Debt (BPD) is responsible for borrowing the money needed to operate the federal government and to account for the resulting debt. The Bureau borrows by selling U.S. Savings Bonds and Treasury bills, notes, and bonds.

Bureau of Reclamation
The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Census Bureau
The collector and provider of timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion was created in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, December 1, 1994, and is the focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American public.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (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.

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI)
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund was created to expand the availability of credit, investment capital, and financial services in distressed urban and rural communities.

Community Planning and Development (CPD)
Community Planning and Development administers the grant programs that help communities plan and finance their growth and development, increase their capacity to govern, and provide shelter and services for homeless people.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with reducing unreasonable risks of injury from consumer products. The CPSC has jurisdiction over approximately 15,000 products in the home, in schools, and in recreation.

Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
CSREES - Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service unites the research, higher education, and extension education and outreach resources of USDA. CSREES contributions are strengthened by a broad spectrum of public and private partnerships, including other USDA agencies, Federal and State government departments, nonprofit organizations, and
private sector entities. CSREES is also the Federal partner of the Cooperative Extension System.

Corporation for National Service
The three main programs of the Corporation for National Service - Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps and the National Senior Service Corps-all have a track record of getting things done in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and health and human needs; strengthening communities by mobilizing community resources; helping to develop an ethic of service and the leadership skills needed for active, productive citizenship.

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The Enhance the quality of life for the American people by supporting production of agriculture: ensuring a safe, affordable, nutritious, and accessible food supply caring for agricultural, forest, and range lands supporting sound development of rural communities providing economic opportunities for farm and rural residents expanding global markets for agricultural and forest products and services and working to reduce hunger in America and throughout the world.

Department of Commerce (DOC)
The Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved living standards for all Americans by working in partnership with business, universities, communities and workers to: (1) Build for the future and promote U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace by strengthening and safeguarding the nation's economic infrastructure; (2) Keep America competitive with cutting-edge science and technology and an unrivaled information base; and (3) Provide effective management and stewardship of the nation's resources and assets to ensure sustainable economic opportunities.

Department of Education (ED)
The mission of the Department of Education (ED) is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. In support of this effort, ED provides financial support to states and local agencies and maintains student loan and grant programs to help pay for the cost of post secondary education.

Department of Energy (DOE)
The Department of Energy is a leading science and technology agency whose research supports our nation's energy security, national security, environmental quality, and contributes to a better quality of life for all Americans.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
A decent, safe, and sanitary home and suitable living environment for every American. Fighting for fair housing, Increasing affordable housing & home ownership. Reducing homelessness, Promoting jobs and economic opportunity. Empowering people and communities Restoring the public trust.

Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Department of Justice is the nation's premier law enforcement agency.

Department of Labor (DOL)
The U.S. Department of Labor is charged with preparing the American workforce for new and better jobs, and ensuring the adequacy of America's workplaces. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of over 180 federal statutes. These legislative mandates and the regulations produced to implement them cover a wide variety of workplace activities for nearly 10 million employers and well over 100 million workers, including protecting workers' wages, health and safety, employment and pension rights; promoting equal employment opportunity; administering job training, unemployment insurance and workers compensation programs; strengthening free collective bargaining and collecting, analyzing and publishing labor and economic statistics.

Department of State
The Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy, a mission based on the role of the Secretary of State as the President's principal foreign policy adviser.

Department of Transportation (DOT)
The mission of the DOT is to serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Department of the Treasury
The Mission of the Department of the Treasury is to: Promote Prosperous and Stable American and World Economies; Manage the Government's Finances; Protect Our Financial Systems and Our Nation's Leaders, and Foster a Safe and Drug-Free America; Continue to Build a Strong Institution for the Future.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides federal benefits to veterans and their dependents and operates programs of health care, assistance services, and national cemeteries.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.

Economic Development Administration (EDA)
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established under the Public Works and
Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121), as amended, to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically-distressed areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to rural and urban areas of the Nation experiencing high unemployment, low income, or other severe economic distress.

EDUGATE
This web site provides general information about educational programs sponsored in whole or in part by the Department of Defense.

Employment Standards Administration Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
The Wage and Hour mission is to achieve compliance with labor standards through enforcement, administrative, and educational programs to protect the Nation's workers. The WHD enforces Federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. WHD also enforces the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, "whistleblower" provisions of several environmental impact laws, and a number of employment standards and worker protections as provided in several immigration related statutes.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) develops and deploys efficient and clean energy technologies that meet our nation's energy needs, enhance our environment, and strengthen our national competitiveness.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water, and land — upon which life depends.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The mission of the EEOC, as set forth in its strategic plan, is to promote equal opportunity in employment through administrative and judicial enforcement of the federal civil rights laws and through education and technical assistance.

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
The mission of the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is to enforce the Fair Housing Act and other civil rights laws to ensure the right of equal housing opportunity and free and fair housing choice without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family composition.

Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports American farmers through commodity programs, farmer operating and emergency loans, conservation, domestic and overseas food assistance and disaster programs that improve the economic stability of agriculture and the environment. These programs help farmers produce an adequate food supply, assist farmers to compete for export sales of commodities in the world marketplace, and keep consumer prices reasonable while caring for the environment and natural resources.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The FAA's primary focus is aviation safety.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an independent government agency, is to encourage competition in all communications markets and to protect the public interest. In response to direction from the Congress, the FCC develops and implements policy concerning interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Federal Consumer Information Center
The Federal Consumer Information Center helps federal agencies and departments develop and distribute useful information to the public.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $100,000 in virtually all banks and savings associations and promotes the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions and the U.S. financial system. The FDIC also is the primary federal regulator of state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) , an independent agency of the federal government, reduces loss of life and property and protects our nation's critical infrastructure from all types of hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent regulatory agency within the Department of Energy that regulates the transmission and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce; regulates the transmission of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce; regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce; licenses and inspects private, municipal and state hydroelectric projects; oversees related environmental matters and administers accounting and financial reporting regulations and conducts of jurisdictional companies.

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)
The Council is a formal interagency body empowered to prescribe uniform principles, standards, and report forms for the federal examination of financial institutions by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) and to make recommendations to promote uniformity in the supervision of financial institutions.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The vision of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is to create the best transportation system in the world for the American people through proactive leadership, innovation, and excellence in service. We also provide expertise, resources, and information to continually improve the quality of our nation's highway system and its intermodal connections. We undertake this mission in cooperation with all of our partners to enhance the country's economic vitality, quality of life, and the environment.

Federal Information Center (FIC)
The Federal Information Center (FIC) is a single point of contact for people who have questions about federal agencies, programs, and services. The FIC currently responds to about two million calls per year via its nationwide, toll-free number: (800) 688-9889 (800-326-2996 for TTY users).

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
The Federal Railroad Administration promotes safe, environmentally sound, successful railroad transportation to meet current and future needs of all customers. We encourage policies and investment in infrastructure and technology to enable rail to realize its full potential.

Federal Reserve System (FED)
The Federal Reserve System (FED), the central bank of the U. S., supervises and regulates banking institutions to ensure the safety and soundness of the nation’s banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission works to eliminate unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace. The FTC's efforts are primarily directed toward stopping actions that threaten consumers' opportunities to exercise informed choice.

Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Government, through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), provides financial and technical assistance to the local transit systems.

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
The mission of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is to support and strengthen domestic and international anti-money laundering efforts and to foster interagency and global cooperation to that end through information collection, analysis and sharing, technological assistance, and innovative and cost-effective implementation of Treasury authorities.

Financial Management Service (FMS)
The Financial Management Service (FMS) a division of the Treasury Department, is the federal government’s financial manager, central disburser, and collections agent, as well as its accountant and reporter of financial information.

Fire Administration (USFA)
The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is to provide leadership, coordination and support for the Nation's fire prevention and control, fire training and education, and emergency medical services activities. Through these activities, USFA saves lives and reduces injuries and property losses due to fire.

Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service's major responsibilities are for migratory birds, endangered species, certain marine mammals, and freshwater and anadromous fish.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Food and Drug Administration, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, scrutinizes food, cosmetics, medicines, medical devices, and radiation-emitting products, such as microwave ovens, to ensure that they are safe, wholesome, and will not cause human injury or harm. The FDA has similar responsibility for feed and drugs for farm animals and pets.

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), formerly known as the Food and Consumer Service, administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of FNS is to provide children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged as required by federal law.

Foreign Agricultural Service
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that represents the diverse interests of U.S. farmers and the food and agricultural sector abroad. It also collects, analyzes, and disseminates information about global supply and demand, trade trends, and emerging market opportunities.

Forest Service (FS)
The Forest Service (FS), in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manages the nation’s 155 National Forests and 20 grasslands. Under the multiple-use concept, lands are managed for timber production, environmental quality, wildlife habitat, cultural preservation, and recreation.

General Services Administration (GSA)
GSA provides expertly managed space, supplies, services, and solutions, at the best value, to enable Federal employees to accomplish their missions. GSA is about great work environments--wherever government works, whether in an office building, a warehouse, a national forest, or a government car. In support of this mission, GSA provides workspace, security, furniture, equipment, supplies, tools, computers, and telephones.

Ginnie Mae
The mission of Ginnie Mae -- the Government National Mortgage Association -- is to support expanded affordable housing in America by providing an efficient government-guaranteed secondary market vehicle linking the capital markets with Federal housing markets.

Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
The Health Care Financing Administration administers the Medicare, Medicaid, and Child Health Insurance Programs. HCFA helps pay the medical bills for more than 75 million beneficiaries.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) directs national health programs which improve the health of the Nation by assuring quality health care to underserved, vulnerable and special-need populations and by promoting appropriate health professions workforce capacity and practice, particularly in primary care and public health.

Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
The Immigration and Naturalization Service is a Federal agency within the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that administers the nation's immigration laws.

Indian Health Service (IHS)
The Indian Health Service (I H S) is an agency within the U S Dept. of Health and Human Services and is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Information Resource Center
The Information Resource Center provides information on the U.S. Department of Education's priorities, publications, and programs as well as how to get involved in improving education in your community.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all.

Maritime Administration (MARAD)
The overall mission of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is to promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced, United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
The mission of Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) is to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to ensure the health and care of animals and plants while improving competitiveness and the economy for the overall benefit of both consumers and American agriculture.

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
The mission of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is to administer the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) and to enforce compliance with mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents; to reduce the frequency and severity of nonfatal accidents; to minimize health hazards; and to promote improved safety and health conditions in the Nation's mines. MSHA carries out the mandates of the Mine Act at all mining and mineral processing operations in the United States, regardless of size, number of employees, commodity mined, or method of extraction.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the United States Department of Commerce is the only Federal agency specifically created to encourage the creation, growth, and expansion of minority-owned businesses in the United States.

National Agricultural Library
National Agricultural Library serves as a National Library of the United States and as the Library of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
The NASS mission is to serve the basic agricultural and rural data needs of the people of the United States, those working in agriculture, and those living in rural communities by objectively providing important, usable, and accurate statistical information and services for informed decision making.

National Air and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA's mission is to: Explore, use, and enable the development of space for human enterprise; Advance scientific knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe and use the environment of space for research; Research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies.

National Archives and Records Administration
NARA is an independent Federal agency that helps preserve our nation's history by overseeing the management of all Federal records.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.

National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation.

National Council on Disability (NCD)
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

National Credit Union Association (NCUA)
The National Credit Union Administration is an independent federal agency that supervises and insures 6,707 federal credit unions and insures 4,134 state-chartered credit unions. It is entirely funded by credit unions and receives no tax dollars.

National Economic Council
The principal functions of the Council are: To coordinate the economic policy-making process with respect to domestic and international economic issues; To coordinate economic policy advice to the President; To ensure that economic policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's stated goals, and to ensure that those goals are being effectively pursued; and To monitor implementation of the President's economic policy agenda.

National Eye Institute (NEI)
The National Eye Institute (NEI) supports more than 80 percent of the vision research conducted in the United States at approximately 250 medical centers, hospitals, universities, and other institutions. In addition, the Institute conducts studies in its own facilities in Bethesda, Maryland to combat the myriad of eye disorders affecting millions of people worldwide.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The NFIP makes Federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. National Flood Insurance is available in more than 18,000 communities across the United States and it’s territories.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the Department of Transportation, is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries, and economic loss caused by motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles- and items of motor vehicle equipment and conducts public safety programs.

National Human Genome Research Institute
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) was originally established in 1989 as The National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR). Its mission is to head the Human Genome Project for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) provides the major support for scientists conducting research aimed at developing better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the many infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases that afflict people worldwide.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NICHD conducts and supports laboratory, clinical and epidemiological research on the reproductive, neurobiologic, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families and populations.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports much of the clinical research on the diseases of internal medicine and related subspecialty fields as well as many basic science disciplines.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institute of Mental Health, a component of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research that seeks to understand, treat, and prevent mental illness.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Public Health Service, is a lead agency for the Congressionally designated Decade of the Brain, and the leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system.

National Institute of Nursing Research
The National Institute of Nursing Research supports clinical and basic research to establish a scientific basis for the care of individuals across the life span--from management of patients during illness and recovery to the reduction of risks for disease and disability and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology was established by Congress "to assist industry in the development of technology ... needed to improve product quality, to modernize manufacturing processes, to ensure product reliability ... and to facilitate rapid commercialization ... of products based on new scientific discoveries."

National Institute of Aging
The National Institute on Aging provides leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA's mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two critical components: The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is to ensure the rapid and effective dissemination and use of the results of that research to significantly improve drug abuse and addiction prevention, treatment, and policy.

National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education (ECI)
The National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education (ECI) was created to carry out a comprehensive program of research, development, and dissemination to improve early childhood development and learning.

National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students (At-Risk Institute)
The At-Risk Institute supports a range of research and development activities designed to improve the education of students at risk of educational failure because of limited English proficiency, poverty, race, geographic location, or economic disadvantage.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. NIH works toward that mission by: conducting research in its own laboratories; supporting the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helping in the training of research investigators; and fostering communication of biomedical information.

National Library of Education (NLE)
The National Libary of Education (NLE) is the federal government's main resource center for education information.

National Library of Medicine (NLM)
The The National Library of Medicine (NLM), on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, is the world's largest medical library. The Library collects materials in all areas of biomedicine and health care, as well as works on biomedical aspects of technology, the humanities, and the physical, life, and social sciences. The collections stand at 5.3 million items--books, journals, technical reports, manuscripts, microfilms, photographs and images. Housed within the Library is one of the world's finest medical history collections of old and rare medical texts, manuscripts, and incunabula.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce (DOC), provides weather and flood warnings, public forecasts and advisories for all of the U.S., its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, primarily for the protection of life and property. DOC's National Weather Service (NWS) data and products are provided to private meteorologists for the provision of all specialized services.

National Park Service (NPS)
The National Park Service (NPS) bureau of the U.S. Department of Interior preserves unimpaired natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)

National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting science and engineering through programs that invest over $3.3 billion per year in almost 20,000 research and education projects in science and engineering.

National Security Council
The National Security Council is the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch's principal voice on domestic and international telecommunications and information technology issues. NTIA works to spur innovation, encourage competition, help create jobs and provide consumers with more choices and better quality telecommunications products and services at lower prices.

National Transportation Library
The National Transportation Library is administered by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics in cooperation with the Transportation Administrative Services Center (TASC), the operating administrations, and the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The National Transportation Library contains documents and databases provided from throughout the transportation community.

National Transportation Safety Board
The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation -- railroad, highway, marine and pipeline -- and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.

National Weather Service (NWS)
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America's workers. To accomplish this, federal and state governments must work in partnership with the more than 100 million working men and women and their six and a half million employers who are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Office of Authentication
The Department of State is responsible for providing authentication service to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals on all documents that will be used overseas. The Authentications Office receives a variety of documents from commercial organizations, private citizens, and officials of the Federal and State Governments. The Office is responsible for issuing certificates under the Seal of the Department of State.

Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs
The Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs helps school districts meet their responsibility to provide equal education opportunity to limited English proficient children.

Office of Civil Rights (Department of Education)
The mission of the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.

Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) was established within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop and manage a Federal system for disposing of all spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear reactors and high-level radioactive waste resulting from atomic energy defense activities.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises national banks to ensure a safe, sound and competitive banking system that supports the citizens, communities and economy of the United States.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
The mission of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is to promote academic excellence, enhance educational opportunities and equity for all of America's children and families, and to improve the quality of teaching and learning by providing leadership, technical assistance and financial support.

Office of Environment, Safety and Health
The Office of Environment, Safety and Health is the Departmental advocate for excellence in programs to protect the environment, as well as the health and safety of workers at Department of Energy facilities and the public. The Office's central role as a Department-wide resource has been developed with the participation of a wide range of Stakeholders, and reflects the Office's statutory and regulatory mandates.

Office of Global Programs (OGP)
The Office of Global Programs (OGP) leads the NOAA Climate and Global Change (C&GC) Program . NOAA has the primary responsibility within the Federal Government to routinely provide climate forecasts and products to the Nation.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
The OJJDP Web site is designed to provide information and resources on both general areas of interest about juvenile justice and delinquency including conferences, funding opportunities, and new publications and the comprehensive strategy as a framework for communities to combat youth crime.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assists the President in the development and execution of his policies and programs. OMB has a hand in the development and resolution of all budget, policy, legislative, regulatory, procurement, and management issues on behalf of the President.

Office of Multifamily Housing Assistance Restructuring (OMHAR)
The Office of Multifamily Housing Assistance Restructuring (OMHAR) was established by the
Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (MAHRA) to administer the Mark-to-Market program.

Office of Non-Public Education
The three functions of the Office of Non-Public Education are: to foster maximum participation of non-public school students in all federal education programs for which they are eligible; to recommend to the Secretary changes in law, regulations, or policies that would increase the availability of educational services to non-public school students; and to review departmental programs and procedures to ensure that services for non-public school students are provided as required by law.

Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology
This site provides information about the Department of Energy's programs in the areas of nuclear power research and development, space power systems, isotope production and distribution, facilities management, and science education.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the federal government’s human resources agency. OPM ensures that the civil service remains free of political influence and that federal employees are selected and treated fairly on the basis of merit.

Office of Postsecondary Education
The Office of Postsecondary Education is responsible for formulating federal postsecondary education policy and administering programs that provide assistance to postsecondary education institutions and to students pursuing programs of postsecondary education.

Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS)
The Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS) is under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Health, who serves as the Senior Advisor on public health and science issues to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Office serves as the focal point for leadership and coordination across the Department in public health and science; provides direction to program offices within OPHS; and provides advice and counsel on public health and science issues to the Secretary.

Office of Science and Technology Policy
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was created to provide the President with timely policy advice and to coordinate the science and technology investment.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) supports programs that assist in educating children with special needs, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities, and supports research to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)
The OTS is the primary regulator of all federal and many state-chartered thrift institutions, which include savings banks and savings and loan associations.

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), in the U.S. Department of Justice, oversees programs that benefit victims of crime, funds state victim assistance and compensation programs, and supports training for criminal justice and allied professionals about crime victims' rights and needs.

Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE)
The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) supports a wide range of programs and activities that help young people and adults obtain the knowledge and skills they need for successful careers and productive lives.

Partnership for Family Involvement in Education (PFIE)
The Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, in the Department of Education, was developed to increase opportunities for families to be more involved in their children's learning at school and at home and to use family-school-community partnerships to strengthen schools and improve student achievement.

Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO)
The PTO promotes industrial and technological progress in the United States and strengthens the national economy by: Administering the laws relating to patents and trademarks; Advising the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the administration on patent, trademark, and copyright protection; and Advising the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the Administration on the trade-related aspects of intellectual property.

Peace Corps
The mission of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA)
An agency within the Department of Labor (DOL), PWBA is the national guardian of nearly 700,000 private retirement plans and 2.5 million health benefit plans. PWBA’s major activities include: protecting workers’ pension and health plans, providing educational outreach for workers and employers, protecting retirement savings, and providing individual assistance to employers and workers.

Postal Service (USPS)
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the federal government's provider of postal products and services.

Public and Indian Housing (PIH)
The mission of HUD's Public and Indian Housing is to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing; create opportunities for residents' self-sufficiency and economic independence; and assure fiscal integrity by all program participants.

Research, Education, and Economics
The Research, Education, and Economics mission area of USDA is dedicated to the creation of a safe, sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system and strong, healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis, and education.

Rural Development
USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforces the laws that ensure the fairness of the securities markets and that guarantee that investors have access to all material information concerning publicly traded securities.

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses. Last year, the SBA offered management and technical assistance to more than one million small business owners. The SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.

Social Security Administration (SSA)
The mission of the SSA is to promote the economic security of the nation's people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing's America's social security programs.

State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs
The mission of the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs is to administer laws, formulate regulations and implement policies relating to the broad range of consular services provided to American citizens abroad. The Bureau issues Passports, Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements concerning conditions in countries where Americans may be planning to visit or reside.

Technology Administration (TA)
The Technology Administration (TA) is the only Federal agency working to maximize technology's contribution to America's economic growth. Here you will find information about our programs, services, press releases, publications, and speeches. Please visit our site regularly to find all the latest news from TA and its three agencies: the Office of Technology Policy (OTP), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Tennessee Valley Authority is a unique federal corporation that is the nation's largest producer of public power, the steward of the Tennessee River system, and a regional economic development agency.

Trade Information Center (TIC)
The Trade Information Center (TIC) is a comprehensive resource for information on all U.S. Federal Government export assistance programs. The Center is operated by the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce for the 20 federal agencies comprising the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC). These agencies are responsible for managing the U.S. Government's export promotion programs and activities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is to manage and execute engineering, construction, and real estate programs for the US Army and Air Force, and for other federal agencies and foreign governments as assigned; to supervise research and development in support of these programs; to manage and execute Army installation support programs; to develop and maintain capability to mobilize in response to national security emergencies, domestic emergencies, and emergency water planning programs; and to support Army space initiatives.

U.S. Coast Guard
Founded in the 1790’s as part of the Department of Treasury, the United States Coast Guard is now part of the Department of Transportation, protecting U.S. interests at home and around the world. In peacetime and during war, the Coast Guard is at work around the clock, 365 days a year, patrolling shores, saving lives, protecting property and enhancing the flow of commerce. From helping the victims of floods and storms, to keeping millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs from flooding American communities, to teaching boating safety and cleaning up oil spills, the Coast Guard is, like its motto, Semper Paratus, Always Ready.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR)
The United States Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding agency of the executive branch first established under the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

U.S. Customs Service
The mission of the U.S. Customs Service is to ensure that all goods and persons entering and exiting the United States do so in accordance with all U.S. laws and regulations.

U.S. Geological Survey
The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

U.S. Mint
The primary mission of the U.S. Mint is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency established by the U.S. Congress under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety, the common defense and security, and the environment in the use of nuclear materials in the United States.

U.S. Secret Service
The Secret Service's mission is two fold: protection of the President, Vice President and others; and protection of our nation's financial system.

Veteran's Benefits Administration (VBA)
The VBA portion of the VA is charged with administering and delivering benefits to these recipients in as efficiently and timely a fashion as possible. The benefit programs provide financial and other types of assistance to veterans, their dependents, and their survivors.

Veterans' Employment and Training Services (VETS)
The mission of the agency is to help veterans, reservists, and National Guard members in securing employment and the rights and benefits associated with such, through existing programs, the coordination and merger of programs, and the implementation of new programs.

Veteran's Health Administration
The mission of the veterans healthcare system is to serve the needs of America’s veterans. It does this by providing specialized care for service-connected veterans, primary care, and related medical and social support services.

Violence Against Women Office
The Violence Against Women Office of the Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice was created in 1995 to implement the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and to lead the national effort to stop domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking of women.

Welcome to the White House
This is the site of the Executive Office of the President.

White House Office of National AIDS Policy
ONAP was created by President Clinton and Vice President Gore to provide broad policy guidance and leadership on the Federal government's response to the AIDS epidemic.

White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
The principal purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program, the goals of which are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking; drug-related crime and violence; and drug-related health consequences.