Congress

35 Facts Standard time is set by the federal government. Most newspapers are now recycled thanks to our government and industry efforts. Federal meat and eggs inspections help to ensure food is safe. Garbage goes to environmentally safe landfills. Milk pasteurization required by state law; freshness dating on cartons, due to government standards. Agricultural reseach has improved crop production; nutrition labeling required on food packages. Tolietries, cometics monitered so safe, not toxic for consumers to use. Medications likely developed with help from extensive federal health research at National Institutes for Health, funded by congress. Cotton and wool productions run by the department of agriculture. Fabrics tested for safety by Consumer Product Safety Commission.Health codes for sanitation set. Meat inspected for bacteria by federal agency. State regulates alcohol sales. Numerous loan and technical assistance programs to help small businesses succeed. Banks deposits guaranteed through Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Treasury Department makes some 20 billion coins and 10 billion currency notes each year. Variety of federal, state, and local parks- from recreational areas to historic sites. Labeling of content of grocery products required by congress. Bar code scanner at checkout was originally developed by space program. Police receive funding from all levels of government. Federal efforts to increase security range from FBI to the alert system for missing children. Major federal support for health research, hospital construction. Public lighting for safety provided by local government. Joystick controller originally developed by NASA with federal funds. Stock market is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to protect investors against fraudulent activity. Federal investigations into price gouging; state checks to make sure pump dispenses full gallon. Handling the mail was one of the very first federal government services. Public school teachers must be certified by the state. Federally supported research into best educational techniques; state curriculum requirements. Federal fruit classification and grading program. Funds for teachers come from local and state government. Funds provided by congress help reduce class size. Improved access for handicapped; regulations against fraudulent advertising; protections against unsafe toys, consumer products. Federal funds fro the library and media centers. Thinking about college? Today about 75% of all students who recve financial aid in our country is funded by the government. Grants provided through the National Science foundation help eqip science labs and train teachers. Guidance Counselor: Program passed by Congress to help reduce student drug use. Federal school lunch program; state school cafeteria helath regulations. Federal law requires equal access to education for individuals with disabilities; Congress provides funding to offset the cost. Minimum wage standards set by congress. Joint Federal-State programs help workers who have lost their job.