It's December, and the holidays have begun! In this month alone, there are 14 religious holidays being celebrated worldwide. Here in the United States, our federal government works hard to help Santa Clause get all his gifts to children who believe and celebrate him and Christmas.
U.S. Postal Service
Operation Santa is a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) program that accepts Santa letters and has been taking place for 109 years. Specifically, it helps those in need during the holidays. It's a nondenominational program that helps families have a wonderful holiday season. Children across the country can write a letter to Santa and mail it to the address below.
Letters can be read online at USPSOperationSanta.com and adopted by anyone wanting to help out by buying the gifts on their letters.
The United States Postal Service serves the entire nation and is the only delivery service that reaches every single address. While the Postal Service receives no tax dollars and relies solely on funds from stamps and other fees, it is governed by a Board of Governors, which includes 11 people. The USPS was once a Cabinet department up until Congress created it an "independent entity within the executive branch." A Postal Regulatory Commission, which has five members that are appointed by the President, oversees USPS..png)
The Federal Aviation Administration, who works with regulating anything related to aviation, grants Santa Clause "special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services" (AKA Santa). The FAA also issues a commercial space license, which FAA grants for a variety of space transportation details. The Administration "issues and enforces regulations covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft."
Federal Aviation Administration
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The Federal Aviation Administration, who works with regulating anything related to aviation, grants Santa Clause "special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services" (AKA Santa). The FAA also issues a commercial space license, which FAA grants for a variety of space transportation details. The Administration "issues and enforces regulations covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft."
The FAA fully came together in 1966 when the Department of Transportation began its full operations. The Administration's goal is to "develop a flexible aerospace system that fully responds to the changing needs of businesses." FAA deals with aircraft safety, air traffic, airports, pilots, space, drones, and all regulations.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA, as a whole, is made up of 29 agencies and works in the following areas: farm production and conservation, food safety, marketing and regulatory programs, natural resources and environment. rural development, education, and trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Currently, USDA's priorities are addressing climate change, advancing racial justice and rural prosperity, tackling food and nutrition insecurity, and creating new market opportunities.
Government Information Online is produced by the staff at the Oklahoma State University Libraries Government Documents Department, a regional depository for U.S. Government and Oklahoma state government documents. We are located on the 5th floor of the Edmon Low Library. Our department website can be reached at www.info.library.okstate.edu/government-documents. For more information or for research assistance, contact us at 405.744.6546. or email suzanne.reinman@okstate.edu.
North American Aerospace Defense Command
NORAD, who tracks everything flying in and around Canada and the United States, tracks Santa Clause every December 24th. The tracker, which has been going on for more than 65 years, has visitors from over 200 countries and territories. The NORAD Tracks Santa hotline receives over 130,000 phone calls from children across the world.
Along with tracking Santa, NORAD conducts "aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for North America." NORAD is a bi-national organization between the United States and Canada. They watch for any aerospace or maritime threat towards either nation through a network of "satellites, ground-based radar, and airborne radar and fighters."
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has granted Santa Clause a movement permit to allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States. APHIS specifically works around animal and plant health, hence why they have the authority to allow animals in the United States. APHIS also deals with animal welfare, biotechnology, emergency compliance, imports & exports, international services, pest & diseases, and wildlife damage.
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Eager to know more? Start here.
Government Information Online is produced by the staff at the Oklahoma State University Libraries Government Documents Department, a regional depository for U.S. Government and Oklahoma state government documents. We are located on the 5th floor of the Edmon Low Library. Our department website can be reached at www.info.library.okstate.edu/government-documents. For more information or for research assistance, contact us at 405.744.6546. or email suzanne.reinman@okstate.edu.
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