Fourth, analysts perform a "firefighting" function. Fires can be "anything from a request from the White House to review the statement of administration accomplishments on welfare reform to preparing an instant briefing for congressional staff because a key committee is preparing to mark up a bill, to helping . . . [the] Office of the Secretary prepare for a meeting with a key outside group tomorrow. The term "firefighting" conveys the urgency of the task-analysts drop whatever else they are doing until the fire is put out!