More on the year-end Quiztacular Quiztaganza to come soon. Meanwhile, here's today's straight-from-some-headlines-you-might-have-missed noodle-fryer.

This government program, known briefly as the FPC, has been doing one particular thing for two decades, under funding through an arm of the Department of Energy. One senator wants them to knock it off: he's so mad about it that he's worked to cut all funding for this program. The man in charge of the project itself says "I guess I am flabbergasted... what we do is just math. Math can't hurt you."

What does the FPC do? For bonus points, what industry association has named this senator "legislator of the year"?

First correct answer posted to comments wins a Keatstronix 5000 Truth-Beauty Calibrator (note: does not work with Windows XP). No Googling or calling the secret 800 number for Cheney's Energy Task Force HQ (located in the now hollowed-out Devil's Tower). One guess per comment, but comment as often as you like.