Government Agencies
Lawyers.comsmGovernment agencies make things work in the US. There are hundreds of federal agencies that help to make sure that the various federal laws are followed or that important public or social programs run smoothly. For example, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) makes sure that the federal laws controlling the relationships between employers, workers and unions are followed. And, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes sure that eligible workers receive retirement or disability benefits.
There's a federal agency for just about any federal law or program you can think of. Many have Web sites that contain all sorts of information and forms, and you can find a comprehensive list on the federal government's Web site. Below are some of the more requested agencies and topics, organized by area of law.
| Zoning, Planning, and Land Use Law |
Agricultural Law
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- The United States Department of Agriculture works to keep the nation's food supply safe from things like disease and overuse of pesticides and other chemicals. The USDA's Web site provides timely news, federal assistance information, and educational materials supporting the USDA's services and mission.
- Farm Services Agency (FSA)
- The Farm Services Agency Web site provides the latest FSA news, communications to Congress, information about agricultural, farm loan, and conservation programs, as well as online access to commodity reports.
- Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)
- The Farm Service Agency Web site provides a link to background information on the Commodity Credit Corporation, which was created to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices.
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
- The Farm Service Agency Web site provides a link to background information on the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), which provides crop loss protection for crops not covered under Federal protection programs.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The Environment Protection Agency Web site provides information about its mission to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment, especially the quality of the nation's air, water, and soil.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act controls the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Information about RCRA is provided on the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act is one of the major federal environmental laws. It covers how a person or a business may have to pay for cleaning up after hazardous or toxic materials are spilled or released. Information and related links about CERCLA are provided on the Environmental Protection Agency Web site.
Animal Law
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Web site appeals to pet owners and lovers by providing pet tips and a Cyber Shelter as well as information on current legislature, issues, and advocacy efforts.
Business Law
- Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)
- The Securities & Exchange Commission works to protect investors and to keep the stock markets fair. The SEC's Web site provides current news and bulletins, as well as investor and small business assistance.
- Business Information
- The U.S. Business Advisor Web site provides businesses with one-stop access to federal government information, services, and transactions. The site's goal is to make the relationship between business and government more productive.
Civil Rights Law
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission site provides background information and recent developments regarding the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act home page hosted by the US Department of Justice web site explains the ADA, contains assistance information, and provides an ADA Information Line link to valuable related resources.
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development makes policies and programs for the nation's housing needs and enforces federal fair housing laws. HUD's Web site provides resources and information for buyers, sellers, and renters, as well as HUD news and highlights.
Consumer Law
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- The Federal Trade Commission Web site provides information to support their efforts to stop actions threatening consumers' opportunities to exercise informed choice. The site also contains information about federal antitrust and consumer protection laws.
- Recalls.Gov
- Check on the government's recall page for all types of consumer recalls. You can also sign up for e-mail alerts from this and other agencies.
- Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
- The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) provides the answers to questions about the Federal Government and everyday consumer issues. You may ask your questions online, or you can call or write to the FCIC for answers.
- Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998
- This federal law, which is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, makes it illegal for someone to use things like your birth certificate or Social Security number to commit a crime, such as credit card fraud.
Criminal Law
- United States Sentencing Commission (USSG)
- The United States Sentencing Commission creates the US Sentencing Guidelines, which the federal courts consult when determining the sentence or punishment for persons convicted of federal crimes. The USSC's Web site provides links to the guidelines and other resources materials related to crime and punishment.
Debtor and Creditor Law
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- The Federal Trade Commission Web site provides online publications and information on filing a complaint.
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
- The Legal Information Institute provides detailed information on the Uniform Commercial Code.
Employment Law
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire someone because of his disability or handicap. The ADA home page, which is hosted by the US Department of Justice Web site, explains the ADA, contains assistance information, and provides an ADA Information Line link to valuable related resources.
- US Department of Labor
- The US Department of Labor makes sure that various federal labor laws are followed by workers and employers alike, such as laws that require employers to provide safe working conditions and to pay a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay. The DOL's Web site provides a wide range of employment related information.
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Web site provides background information and recent developments regarding the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which makes it illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire certain persons because of their age.
- National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- The National Labor Relations Board's Web site hosts a help desk and publishes rules, regulations, and other related information to enforce the National Labor Relations Act, which is the federal law that controls the relationships between employers, employees, and employees' unions.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide safe working conditions and to keep various types of safety-related records. The US Department of Labor enforces OSHA, and its Web site provides all sorts of information about OSHA and how it works.
Environmental Law
- US Department of the Interior (DOI)
- The Department of the Interior protects our natural wildlife and includes the National Parks program. It also houses the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The Environmental Protection Agency enforces the federal laws that safe guard the quality of the nation's water, air, and soil. The EPA's Web site provides information about how it does this, as well as things you can do to help protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act is one the major federal environmental laws. It covers how a person or a business may have to pay for cleaning up after hazardous or toxic materials are spilled or released. Information and related links about CERCLA are provided on the Environmental Protection Agency Web site.
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- NEPA requires federal agencies to study the environmental impacts of new federal projects that could significantly affect the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency's Web site contains a wealth of information and resources for NEPA.
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
- The US Environmental Protection Agency Web site provides National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program publications.
- Safe Water Drinking Act
- The Environmental Protection Agency Web site provides an overview of the Safe Water Drinking Act.
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- The Environmental Protection Agency enforces the TSCA, which requires businesses to report, keep records, and test various chemical substances and mixtures, such as asbestos and lead paint. The EPA's Web site provides an overview of the TSCA.
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
- The Environmental Protection Agency Web site explains how the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act works. This federal law: (1) allows state and local planning for chemical emergencies; (2) provides for notification of emergency releases of chemicals; and (3) address communities' right-to-know about toxic and hazardous chemicals.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act controls the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Information about RCRA is provided on the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.
- Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces this law, which governs who has to pay for cleaning up hazardous waste sites and spills. The EPA's Web site gives information and related links about SARA.
Family Law
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA)
- The Department of Justice Web site contains everything you want to know about the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, which covers which court can settle disputes over the custody of children when the parents and children live in different states.
- Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA)
- The PKPA makes it illegal for a parent or another family member take, keep, or hide a child in violation of custody or visitation rights of the other parent or another family member. The text of this law is found on the US House of Representatives Web site.
- Child Abduction Resources
- The US State Department provides resources including information on international child abduction.
- Administration for Children and Families
- The US Department of Health and Human Services Web site contains information and access to information on family services, as well as background information on the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which requires the courts of every state to follow the child support orders made by the courts of the child's home state.
Financial Law
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act promotes the accuracy, fairness and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- The FDCPA controls what collection agencies can and can't do when trying to collect debts, and allows for consumers or debtors to recover money damages when a debt collector uses unlawful collection methods. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces this law, and its Web site provides online publications and information for persons who think their rights have been violated.
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- The Securities & Exchange Commission works to protect investors and to keep the stock markets fair. The SEC's Web site provides current news and bulletins, as well as investor and small business assistance.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation helps to keep the nation's banking system safe and secure. The FDIC's Web site provides a comprehensive collection of banking and consumer news, as well as laws and regulations regarding the FDIC.
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
- The Legal Information Institute provides detailed information on the Uniform Commercial Code.
- National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
- The National Association of Securities Dealers Web site provides publications, services, and training for investors and those interested in learning more about investing.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- The Department of Veterans Affairs makes sure that the veterans of the US military receive the healthcare and other benefits they deserve. The VA's Web site provides services and information to assist veterans of foreign wars and their families.
Health Law
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- The Center for Disease Control is your source for the facts about epidemics, health issues, and host of other helpful facts.
- Department of Health & Human Services
- The Department of Health & Human Services is the main US agency in charge of protecting the health of US citizens all Americans and providing essential human services, such as by running programs for preventing the spread of disease, including immunization services.
- Tricare
- Formerly known as Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), Tricare pays for medical and dental care provided by civilian (non-military) professionals to active and retired military personnel and their dependents. Tricare is run by the US Department of Defense.
- Medicare
- Medicare is healthcare coverage provided by the federal government to retired and disabled US citizens. The Medicare Web site offers a comprehensive selection of information for everyone interested in getting Medicare benefits, including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Run by the Department of Health and Human Services, this agency helps US citizens learn about, choose, and use healthcare plans, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).
- Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program (OASDI)
- Run by the federal Social Security Administration, OASDI is the program most US workers are familiar with: Workers make contributions from their paychecks and money is paid (called "benefits") to the workers and their eligible family members when they retire or become disabled, and to the survivors of deceased workers.
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- The Social Security Online Web site provides complete Social Security information and resources in an easy to read newsletter format.
Immigration Law
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- The USCIS controls how foreign nationals or non-US citizens enter into and stay in the US. The USCIS Web site gives complete information and forms on applying for a "visa" for temporary visits to the US, for becoming a US citizen through "naturalization," and for seeking protection in the US from harm in your home country.
Insurance Law
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
- The US Department of Labor Web site provides the background and information of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
- Portability of Health Coverage (HIPAA)
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for participants and beneficiaries in group healthcare plans.
- Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)
- The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), passed in 1986 and accessible on the US Department of Labor Web site, amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group healthcare coverage that otherwise might be terminated under defined circumstances.
Intellectual Property Law
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Part of the US Department of Commerce, the USPTO helps inventors keep others from using their inventions (patents) and helps individuals and business promote their services and goods by stopping others from using their unique symbols or words (trademarks). The USPTO's Web site provides information and resources about applying for these protections.
- U.S. Copyright Office
- Copyrights protect the rights of persons who write or compose original works, like books and music, by making it illegal for others to use the original work without the author's permission. The Library of Congress hosts information about the U.S. Copyright Office including current legislation, publications, and announcements.
Personal Injury Law
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide safe working conditions and to keep various types of safety-related records. The US Department of Labor enforces OSHA, and its Web site provides all sorts of information about OSHA and how it works.
Real Estate Law
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development makes policies and programs to address America's housing needs and enforces federal fair housing laws. HUD's Wweb site provides resources and information for buyers, sellers, and renters, as well as HUD news and highlights.
- Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- This federal law makes it illegal for an owner or landlord to refuse to sell or rent real property to someone based upon that person's race, color, religion, sex, familial status or disability. It also makes it illegal for financial institutions to refuse to finance the purchase of property based upon those same characteristics. The FHA is enforced by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, together with the US Department of Justice.
Taxation Law
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- A part of the US Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the nation's tax collector. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Web site takes a down-to-earth approach to providing IRS-related information, access to forms and services.
Zoning, Planning, and Land Use Law
- Home Business Zoning Laws
- Learn about the zoning laws when your business is out of your home.
- Land Use
- Among its many jobs, the Bureau of Land Management, which is part of the US Department of the Interior, controls the use of federal public lands for various things, such as recreational use, mining, and energy production.
Related Resources on Lawyers.comsm
- The Executive Branch- The Judicial Branch
- The Legislative Branch
- Federal Branches, Courts and Laws
- Find a Lawyer in your area
- Selecting a Good Lawyer
choate lien
a lien that requires no further action to be made enforceable and that identifies the lienor, the property subject to the lien, and the amount of the lien
Jackson's ex-wife may fight for custody
MICHAEL JACKSON S ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of his three children, suggested yesterday that she would fight the dead singer s family for...A jury in a divorce case? Yes, in Georgia; Supporters say it helps thwart judges' bias.; Cost, desire for privacy make it a rare choice; only Texas also...
The road to wedded bliss usually ends in the couple declaring their undying love before a judge or, in a religious setting, a man --- or woman --- of the...FRAUD; Economy is creating a swindler 'gold rush'
The recession has killed jobs by the millions, but it's been a boon to one sector of the population: con artists.More Legal News
Martindale-Hubbell® Lawyers.comSM is the most complete, trusted source for identifying qualified legal counsel.
Disclaimer: The information provided on Lawyers.com is not legal advice, Lawyers.com is not a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on Lawyers.com are paid attorney advertisements and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by Lawyers.com or any approved or authorized lawyer referral service. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms and Conditions.
Terms & Conditions Privacy Copyright © 2009 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.