A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agencies

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement provides oversight and enforcement to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve offshore resources.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation works to operate and maintain a safe, reliable, efficient waterway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the president on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs.

The Science Office supports scientific research in 10 of the Department of Energy's National Laboratories. The Science Office also operates several open-access scientific facilities that are available for projects of sufficient scientific merit.

The Office of Scientific and Technical Information collects, preserves, and makes available the results of research and development carried out or sponsored by the Department of Energy.

The Secret Service works to safeguard the nation's financial infrastructure. The Secret Service is also responsible for protecting national leaders and visiting heads of state.

The Securities and Exchange Commission oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds in an effort to promote fair dealing, the disclosure of important market information, and to prevent fraud.

The Selective Service System provides the Department of Defense personnel in the event of a national emergency. Male citizens and immigrants are required to register with the Selective Service when they turn 18.

The U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives make up the two chambers of Congress. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, who are elected to serve for a term of six years.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission studies and develops sentencing policies for the federal courts. The Commission serves as an information resource for Congress, the executive, the courts and the public on matters relating to federal crime and sentencing as well.

The Office of Servicemember Affairs addresses consumer financial challenges affecting military members, veterans, and their families.

The Small Business Administration helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships, the Small Business Administration assists and protects the interests of small business concerns.

The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and 9 research facilities.

The Social Security Administration has two main functions. One is to assign Social Security numbers. The other is to run the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs.
A third function is to run the Supplemental Security Income program, for people who are 65 or older, blind, or with a disability.

The Social Security Advisory Board advises the president, congress and the commissioner of Social Security on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income policy.

The Southeastern Power Administration markets hydroelectric power generated by federal reservoirs to public entities in the southeastern United States.

The U.S. Southern Command is responsible for security cooperation and operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

The Southwestern Power Administration markets hydroelectric power generated by federal dams to public entities in several states in the South and Southwest.

The U.S. Space Command supports U.S. interests in space.

The Office of Special Counsel is an investigative and prosecutorial office that works to end government and political corruption, and to protect government employees and whistleblowers.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services provides a wide array of supports to parents, students, school districts, and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation, and research.

The Special Operations Command oversees the special operations capabilities of the various military branches, coordinates their training, strategy, interoperability and operations.

The Department of State advises the President and leads the nation in foreign policy issues. The State Department negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign entities, and represents the United States at the United Nations.

The State Justice Institute is a grant-making organization dedicated to improving the quality of justice in all state courts. It also works to facilitate better coordination between state and federal courts.

The Stennis Center provides leadership training to young people interested in careers in public service. It also offers training and development opportunities to congresspeople and their staffs.

The U.S. Strategic Command detects and deters attacks against the U.S. and its allies. Their mission includes nuclear deterrence, space, and cyberspace capabilities.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration works to improve substance abuse and mental health treatment services to those who are most in need of them.

The U.S. Supreme Court is the final appellate court of the U.S. judicial system. It has the power to review and overturn the decisions of lower courts. The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction (being the first and final court to hear a case) in certain cases involving public officials, ambassadors, or disputes between states.

The Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement protects populations and the environment during surface coal mining operations. The Office also works to clean and put to good use abandoned mine sites. These missions are accomplished primarily through regulation and oversight of state programs.

The Surface Transportation Board regulates and decides disputes involving railroad rates, railroad mergers or line sales, and certain other transportation matters.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is an interstate body, with representatives from New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the federal government, that manages the environmental stewardship and economic development of the Susquehanna river and its tributaries.