The United States Government Manual 2006/2007, Preface, Contents

• Pages: i-ix

The United States

Government Manual

2006/2007

Office of the Federal Register

National Archives and Records Administration

Revised June 1, 2006

Raymond A. Mosley,

Director of the Federal Register.

Allen Weinstein,

Archivist of the United States.

On the cover: The Phalaenopsis orchid that graces this year's cover of The United States Government Manual 2006-2007 is just one of many exquisite displays showcased at the United States Botanic Garden

(Botanic Garden).

The Botanic Garden, located at the foot of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, is a national treasure that captivates our collective spirit with its unique aura of elegance and repose due to its vast, magnificent plant collection.

The Botanic Garden proper consists of three locations: the newly renovated Conservatory, which showcases a beautiful and fascinating living plant museum; Bartholdi Park, which serves as a home landscape demonstration garden and showcases innovative plant combinations in a variety of styles and design themes; and the Production Facility, which is used for growing and storing plants for propagation, for the maintenance of the collection, or for display in upcoming annual shows. Construction is also underway for a National Garden west of the Conservatory, scheduled to open in October 2006.

The current Botanic Garden was inspired by American naval officer and explorer Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition to the South Seas from 1838-1842, who amassed an extensive collection of live and dried specimens of plants and seeds from around the globe that were previously unknown to the United States. The expedition greatly advanced the field of science in the United States.

Located on the National Mall across from the U.S. Capitol along First Street SW., between Maryland Avenue and C Street, visitors can marvel at the exhibits that include over 25,000 living specimens.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area

(202) 512-1800

Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001

ISBN 0-16-051455-X

The Botanic Garden is open every day of the year, including Federal holidays. Admission to all public areas of the Botanic Garden is free. It is ADA compliant and offers full accessibility for those with special needs. The Conservatory offers pay phones with TTY capability and wheelchairs. Sign language interpreters are available by advance reservation; telephone 202-226-4082.

For more information on the Botanic Garden, visit its Web site at http://www.usbg.gov or call 202-225-8333.

We thank the Creative Services artists at the U.S. Government Printing Office for their assistance in developing this elegant cover.

Preface

As the official handbook of the Federal Government, The United States Government Manual provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The Manual also includes information on quasi-official agencies; international organizations in which the United States participates; and boards, commissions, and committees.

A typical agency description includes a list of principal officials, a summary statement of the agency's purpose and role in the Federal...