Introduction
The present research is based on the official websites of three federal agencies in the USA: the Health and Human Services Department, the Justice Department, and the Department of Transportation. The purpose of the present research is to find out if the analyzed websites provide all necessary information that American citizens would like or need to know about these federal agencies.
US Department of Health and Human Services
First, we have analyzed the website of the federal agency called the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that can be. As the “About Us” tab suggests, the department is the government’s principal agency that protects the health of American citizens and provides human services, especially for citizens who, for some reason, are least able to help themselves. The “Contacting HHS” tab offers the mailing address of HHS: 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 and toll-free telephone number: 1-877-696-6775.
As for the services HHS offers, there are about three hundred programs the Department maintains. Among the most important services provided is research that is aimed at the improvement of the health of American citizens, disease prevention, which includes such services as immunization of the population. One more service offered by HHS is health insurance that is meant for the elderly, and people with disabilities (Medicare), and one more type of health insurance is meant for people with low income (Medicaid) (Tannahill 15). Also, HHS provides education and other opportunities for children and parents with low income in the framework of the Head Start Program. Besides, HHS improves the quality and availability of services and measures of prevention of and treatment of substance abuse.
Currently, a broken health insurance system is one of the problems of HHS and American society. The essence of the problem is that insurance companies get profit while citizens suffer because of health insurance premiums increases. Sebelius, HHS Secretary, states in her report available on the website that there is the necessity of health insurance reform.
One more issue addressed by HHS is the use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. The meaningful use of EHR is aimed at the improvement of services using standards-setting for EHR incentive programs. The standards will be of great use as they will enable the exchange of healthcare information between providers and providers and patients.
Since children are from the most vulnerable layer of society, the issue of improvement of children’s health is addressed by HHS too. HHS grants bonuses for enrollment in the health coverage of children. To get a bonus, states should meet special program features, such as joint application for Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
Though the website abounds in useful information, a link that provides information of personal importance for all visitors is the “Families/Safety” link. It provides information about child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse. The link offers other relevant links that help to create the full picture of the problem and suggest measures of control and precaution of the problems.
U.S. Department of Justice
The official website of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a federal executive department of the USA that ensures law enforcement and administration of justice in the country. The address of the department is as follows: U.S. Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001. The phone number is 202-514-2000.
As for the main services provided by DOJ, it is responsible for trust prevention using enforcing antitrust laws or laws that prevent the creation of monopolies and unfair competition. Also, DOJ enforces statutes that are aimed at the support of the civil rights of citizens, for instance, it struggles against all kinds of discrimination. There is also the Criminal Division of DOJ that is responsible for the development and application of federal criminal laws in the USA. Besides, DOJ handles civil and criminal cases related to taxes. It prosecutes financing cases connected with terrorism, handles cases relating to tax evasion. Also, there is a special agency of DOJ (ATF) that holds and prevents criminal cases involving illegal trafficking of such products as alcohol and tobacco. It controls such cases of federal importance as arsons and bombings.
Among the main issues of federal importance that are currently addressed by DOJ are terrorism prevention and the promotion of national security in America. In the light of September 11, 2001, this issue became one of vital importance. DOJ, mainly Executive Office for Immigration, sets a goal of identification of those individuals who violate immigration laws to prevent terrorist acts.
Besides, the analyzed website offers Equal Employment Opportunity Strategic Plan. Its main aim is to “maximize partnership between leadership and employees”. The plan is aimed at the optimization of equality and fair treatment in the workplace.
The third issue addressed by DOJ today is the reduction of public corruption. Among the priority actions offered by the FBI are aggressive pursue of high-level corruption and improvement of partnership the American Bar Association, ethic committees, etc. Expansion of public corruption intelligence base is also among the priory actions aimed at the reduction of corruption.
Though the website has proved to be informative and useful for everyone, we find the information about student opportunities very important. The “Student Opportunities” link offers information about student programs available in DOJ. It is very optimistic that DOJ allows the youth “to make a difference in this world”.
U.S. Department of Transportation
The third website under analysis is the official website of the U.S. Department of Transportation, an executive department established to develop national transportation policies (Hinkelman 180). To contact it by mail, one should use the following address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590, phone number: 202-366-4000.
Among the services provided by DOT, it is possible to single out citizen services. For instance, aviation service provides traveler information, security tips, and job vacancies. DOT also provides the service that guarantees children’s safety that includes child safety seats and school bus safety. Besides, there are business services offered by DOT, such as the opportunity to get an aircraft certificate. There is Maritime Administration in DOT that deals with the merchant marine, shipbuilding, etc. Finally, one more aim of DOT is the protection of citizens and nature from risks connected with the transportation of hazardous materials.
One of the issues addressed by DOT today is distracted driving. DOT calls it a very dangerous practice. DOT works for the promotion of understanding of the issue by citizens. One more aim of great importance is “to strengthen safety oversight of transit rail operations”. This request is included in Budget Highlights of DOT for the fiscal year 2011. It demands $30 million for the Federal Transit Administration. Also, the same document stresses the issue of investing in the future. American transportation infrastructure must be competitive in the future. Among the investments is the High-Speed Rail program that promises high-speed rail for America.
Finally, the link of great interest available on this website is the one that offers Record of Accomplishment in 2009. Every citizen should have a right to get to know the accomplishments of each federal agency.
Conclusion
Concluding, it is possible to state that all three websites give full and detailed account of the structure, functions, news, strategies of the analyzed federal agencies.
Works Cited
Hinkelman, Edward G. Dictionary of International Trade: Handbook of the Global Trade Community. Novato, CA: World Trade Press, 2005.
Tannahill, Neal. Think American Government. New York: Longman, 2009.
The U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2010. Web.
The U. S. Department of Justice. Official web site. 2010.
The U. S. Department of Transportation. Official web site. 2010.