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Federal Role in Responding to Potential Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, diverse group of fluorinated compounds that have been used in numerous commercial, industrial, and U.S. military applications. Among other uses, PFAS have been used in fire-fighting foams and in the processing and manufacture of many commercial products (e.g., nonstick cookware, stain- and water-resistant fabrics). PFAS are persistent in the environment, and studies of several PFAS suggest that exposures above certain levels may lead to adverse health effects. Detections of PFAS contamination in drinking water and the environment have increased in recent years with the availability of new analytical methods and increased monitoring. PFAS have been detected in soil, surface water, groundwater, and public water supplies in numerous locations. These detections have been associated primarily with releases from manufacturing and processing facilities, and from U.S. military installations and other facilities that use firefighting foams (e.g., civilian airports and fire departments). These detections have prompted calls for increased federal action and authority to prevent and mitigate exposures to PFAS. [...] This report focuses on federal authorities under which EPA and other agencies have taken actions to address potential risks of PFAS. It does not discuss other laws under which EPA or other agencies may take additional actions, or actions under state laws. The report begins with a brief discussion of the chemical properties, uses, and varying risks of PFAS, followed by discussions of federal actions, relevant legislation enacted in the 115th and 116th Congresses, and relevant enacted and proposed legislation in the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Bearden, David M.; Gatz, Laura . . .
2022-08-10
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International Responses to the 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak [August 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "In May 2022, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for the United Kingdom notified the World Health Organization (WHO) that an individual who travelled from the United Kingdom to Nigeria had a confirmed case of monkeypox. The disease has since spread to more than 75 countries and territories; as of August 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than 28,000 cases worldwide. Almost 90% of the reported cases were from 10 countries: the United States (27%), Spain (18%), Germany (10%), the United Kingdom (10%), France (9%), Brazil (5%), the Netherlands (3%), Canada (3%), Portugal (3%), and Italy (2%). All related deaths have occurred in Nigeria (3) and Central African Republic (2). In July, several Members of Congress sent letters to President Biden urging his Administration to declare a Public Health Emergency (PHE) and to accelerate the federal response to the outbreak. The WHO Director-General declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on July 23, 2022, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared the outbreak a PHE on August 4, 2022."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2022-08-10
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulation of Employee Exposure to Heat [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Employees who work outdoors, including those in industries such as construction and agriculture, may be exposed to extreme heat conditions. Similarly, certain indoor work situations--such as bakeries, warehouses, and steel mills--may also expose employees to unsafe heat levels. The lead federal agency that regulates worker safety and health, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), does not have any standards that specifically address outdoor or indoor heat exposure. [...] In the 117th Congress, H.R. 2193 and S. 1068, both titled as the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2021, would require OSHA to propose within two years of enactment and promulgate within 42 months of enactment a heat exposure standard to cover outdoor and indoor workplaces. This standard would have to be at least as protective as any state standard and would have to meet specific requirements outlined in the legislation. Both bills are named after Asuncion Valdivia, a California farmworker who died from heat stroke in 2004. On July 27, 2022, H.R. 2193, as amended, was ordered to be reported by the House Committee on Education and Labor."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2022-08-10
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Israel has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas. A 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. Some Members of Congress have increased their scrutiny over Israel's use of U.S. security assistance, contributing to debate on the subject. [...] [I]ssues to be discussed below with significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations include [1] Israel's ongoing political instability and the upcoming fall 2022 election. [2] Israeli-Palestinian problems and their implications for U.S. policy, including violence and controversy in 2022, Gaza and its challenges, and human rights considerations. [3] Developments regarding Israel's normalization or improvement of relations with various Arab and Muslim-majority states since the Abraham Accords. [4] Concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, including with Lebanon-based Hezbollah. [5] Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2022-08-10
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Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): An Overview [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Established by Congress as an amendment to the Clean Air Act, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates that U.S. transportation fuels contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The mandated minimum volume increases annually and generally has been met using both conventional biofuel (e.g., corn starch ethanol) and advanced biofuel (e.g., cellulosic ethanol). For a renewable fuel to be applied toward the mandate, it must be used for certain purposes (i.e., fuel used in on-road motor vehicles, jet fuel, or heating oil) and meet certain environmental and biomass feedstock criteria. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the program. [...] Challenges to implementing the RFS have led to scrutiny of the program in Congress and to litigation about EPA's regulations. Largely due to concerns about the implementation and feasibility of the RFS, some Members of Congress have expressed their perspectives on EPA's rulemakings as well as EPA's implementation of the program. They also have questioned whether to amend or repeal the RFS or whether to maintain the status quo. This report provides an overview of the RFS, including some of the widely discussed policy issues related to it."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bracmort, Kelsi
2022-08-10
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Criminal Justice Data: Human Trafficking [August 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Human trafficking occurs across the United States and around the world. Traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals for commercial sex and forced labor in a variety of legal and illegal industries. While some estimates exist, comprehensive data on the incidence of human trafficking within the United States are not available. Some metrics suggest that more foreign victims may be involved in labor trafficking than in sex trafficking, and that more U.S. citizen victims may be involved in sex trafficking than labor trafficking. In addition, the federal government prosecutes more individuals for sex trafficking than for labor trafficking offenses. For over two decades, Congress has been legislating to counter human trafficking in the United States. Through the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA, Division A of P.L. [Public Law] 106-386) and its subsequent reauthorizations, Congress has passed legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking, strengthening criminal laws aimed at investigating and prosecuting traffickers, and providing protections and services for survivors. Nonetheless, while Congress has taken steps to bolster data collection on human trafficking, there remains a knowledge gap about its true prevalence. This report provides an overview of human trafficking and a discussion of the challenges involved in gathering data on its prevalence. It outlines existing human trafficking datasets and their limitations, and highlights issues that policymakers may consider in debates about expanding data and building knowledge on the extent and nature of human trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hanson, Emily J.; Finklea, Kristin M.
2022-08-10
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Education Department Proposes New Title IX Regulations: Responding to Sex Discrimination and Harassment at School [August 10, 2022]
From the Document: "The Department of Education (ED) recently issued [hyperlink] a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its current regulations that implement Title IX [hyperlink] of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX). Title IX prohibits [hyperlink] discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. As explained in more depth in an earlier Legal Sidebar [hyperlink], ED previously overhauled [hyperlink] its Title IX regulations in 2020. The changes ED made in 2020 focused in large part on delineating how schools must respond to allegations of sexual harassment. The new NPRM, if adopted, would change a school's responsibilities with respect to such responses in several ways. In addition, the proposal would define [hyperlink] Title IX's prohibition of sex discrimination to extend to 'sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.' This Legal Sidebar focuses on the changes the NPRM would make regarding a school's response to allegations of sex discrimination. It begins with an examination of the NPRM's provisions for a school's responsibilities under the statute, including training and monitoring requirements, as well as what conduct counts as sex-based harassment for purposes of Title IX. The Sidebar then focuses on the NPRM's requirements for recipient schools' grievance procedures when responding to allegations of sex discrimination generally and concludes by addressing the NPRM's more specific grievance procedures proposed for postsecondary institutions when investigating and adjudicating allegations of sex-based harassment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cole, Jared P.
2022-08-10
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Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP): Limits on Administrative and Operating Subsidies [August 10, 2022]
From the Document: "The federal crop insurance program (FCIP) offers farmers the opportunity to purchase insurance coverage against financial losses caused by a wide variety of perils, including certain adverse growing and market conditions. The federal government regulates the policies offered and subsidizes the premiums that farmers pay in order to encourage farmer participation in the program. The FCIP plays a prominent role in helping farmers manage financial risk, with more than 444 million acres and $150 billion in crop and livestock value insured in crop year 2021. Annual federal program outlays averaged $9.1 billion for FY2012-FY2021, adjusting for inflation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not sell FCIP policies to farmers directly. Private sector companies--referred to as Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs)--sell and service FCIP policies under two annual agreements with USDA: the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) and the Livestock Price Reinsurance Agreement (LPRA). USDA provides subsidies to the AIPs to compensate for the cost of selling and servicing FCIP policies, as per the terms specified in the SRA and LPRA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rosch, Stephanie
2022-08-10
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Inflation Reduction Act: Agricultural Conservation and Credit, Renewable Energy, and Forestry [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Overview: "On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed what is often referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 [hyperlink], a substitute to the House-passed Build Back Better Act (BBBA, H.R. 5376). Both bills are budget reconciliation measures, which allow for an increase in spending pursuant to the FY2022 budget resolution [hyperlink]. Programs in the jurisdiction of the House and Senate Agriculture committees are included in each bill. The BBBA would have increased [hyperlink] agriculture spending by $82 billion over the 10-year period FY2022- FY2031. The Senate bill includes a subset of nearly $38 billion for agricultural conservation, credit, renewable energy, and forestry. Funding would remain available only through FY2031. The Senate bill excludes entirely BBBA sections for agriculture research and facilities and rural water."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Monke, James; Stubbs, Megan; Bracmort, Kelsi . . .
2022-08-10
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Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "From its headwaters in Colorado and Wyoming to its terminus in the Gulf of California, the Colorado River Basin covers more than 246,000 square miles. The river runs through seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California) and Mexico. Pursuant to federal law, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation, part of the Department of the Interior [DOI]) plays a prominent role in the management of the basin's waters. In the Lower Basin (i.e., Arizona, Nevada, and California), Reclamation also serves as 'water master' on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, a role that elevates the status of the federal government in basin water management. The federal role in the management of Colorado River water is magnified by the multiple federally owned and operated water storage and conveyance facilities in the basin, which provide low-cost water and hydropower supplies to water users. [...] Congress and the federal government play a prominent role in the management of the Colorado River. Specifically, Congress funds and oversees Reclamation's management of Colorado River Basin facilities, including facility operations and programs to protect and restore endangered species. Congress has also approved and continues to actively consider Indian water rights settlements involving Colorado River waters, and development of new and expanded water storage in the basin. In addition, Congress has approved funding to mitigate drought and stretch basin water supplies and has considered new authorities for Reclamation to combat drought and enter into agreements with states and Colorado River contractors. This report provides background on management of the Colorado River, with a focus on recent developments. It also discusses the congressional role in the management of basin waters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.
2022-08-10
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India's Domestic Political Setting [Updated August 10, 2022]
From the Overview: "India, the world's most populous democracy, is, according to its Constitution, a 'sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic' where the bulk of executive power rests with the prime minister and his Council of Ministers. The Indian president is a ceremonial chief of state with limited executive powers. Since its 1947 independence, most of India's 14 prime ministers have come from the country's Hindi-speaking northern regions, and all but 3 have been upper-caste Hindus. The 543-seat 'Lok Sabha (House of the People)' is the locus of national power, with directly elected representatives from each of the country's 28 states and 8 union territories. The president has the power to dissolve this body. A smaller upper house of a maximum 250 seats, the 'Rajya Sabha (Council of States)', may review, but not veto, revenue legislation, and has no power over the prime minister or his/her cabinet. Lok Sabha and state legislators are elected to five-year terms. Rajya Sabha legislators are elected by state assemblies to six-year terms; 12 are appointed by the president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2022-08-10
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 9, 2022: 'Vital Signs': Hepatitis C Treatment Among Insured Adults -- United States, 2019-2020
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) is a government published scientific periodical series offering public health information. This Early Release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "'Vital Signs': Hepatitis C Treatment Among Insured Adults -- United States, 2019-2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-08-09
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2022 Hurricane Outlooks and 2021 Hurricane Season Review [Updated August 9, 2022]
From the Document: "Many in Congress have expressed interest in increasing scientific understanding of tropical cyclones and improving forecasts to help their constituents prepare for the yearly hurricane season and potentially decrease a storm's impact on an individual or community. The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall. [...] NOAA releases seasonal hurricane outlooks [hyperlink] relevant to the United States, including the North Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific Oceans, before each hurricane season begins. Such outlooks include information on potential named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The Eastern Pacific season begins May 15, whereas the Atlantic and Central Pacific seasons begin June 1. All seasons run through November 30. Tropical cyclones, however, may form outside of these time frames [hyperlink]. In August, NOAA typically updates the Atlantic outlook but not the Pacific outlooks. Multiple nonfederal entities [hyperlink] also publish outlooks. These forecasts rely, in part, on NOAA's collected and shared information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva
2022-08-09
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El Paso Sector Border Patrol Struggled with Prolonged Detention and Consistent Compliance with TEDS Standards
From the Highlights: "As part of OIG [Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General]'s annual, congressionally mandated oversight of CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] holding facilities, we conducted unannounced inspections at five Border Patrol stations and two OFO [Office of Field Operations] ports of entry in the El Paso area to evaluate CBP's compliance with applicable detention [TEDS [Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search]] standards."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2022-08-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3589, Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2022
From the Document: "S. 3589 would require the Departments of Defense and State to develop and submit to the Congress a multi-year strategy on increasing diplomatic and security cooperation with countries in the Western Hemisphere. The bill also would require the departments to brief the Congress on their implementation of the strategy. Lastly, the bill would require the Department of State to report to the Congress on the Venezuelan government's efforts to detain U.S. citizens and residents. On the basis of information about the costs of similar requirements, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing S. 3589 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2022-2027 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-08-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 6899, Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act of 2022 [August 9, 2022]
From the Document: "H.R. 6899 would prohibit the Department of the Treasury from exchanging U.S. dollars for Special Drawing Rights (SDR) held by Russia or Belarus. SDR are an international reserve asset of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that are distributed to each member country. The act would direct the department to encourage other IMF members to follow suit and to oppose any non-humanitarian assistance for Russia and Belarus provided by international financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. On the basis of information about the costs of similar diplomatic efforts to influence the actions of other nations, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing H.R. 6899 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2022-2027 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. On April 22, 2022, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 6899, the Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act of 2022, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 17, 2022. The two versions of the act are similar, and CBO's estimates of their budgetary effects are the same."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-08-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3317, Madeleine K. Albright Democracy in the 21st Century Act
From the Bill Summary: "S. 3317 would authorize the appropriation of $16.4 billion over the 2023-2027 period for programs managed by the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Endowment for Democracy. In total, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing the bill would cost $8 billion over the 2022-2027 period. Such spending would be subject to appropriation of the specified amounts."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-08-09
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Gun Control: Straw Purchase and Gun Trafficking Provisions [August 9, 2022]
From the Document: "On June 25, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938; P.L. [Public Law] 117-159). This law includes the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act, provisions of which amend the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA, 18 U.S.C. [United States Code] §§ [sections] 921 et seq.) to more explicitly prohibit straw purchases and illegal gun trafficking. Related provisions expand federal law enforcement investigative authorities. [...] P.L. 117-159 amends the GCA with a follow-on provision, 18 U.S.C. §934, that makes any person convicted under either Sections 932 or 933 subject to civil forfeiture and fines. Convicted persons could forfeit any property constituting, or derived from, any proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, from straw purchasing or gun trafficking, as well as any property used, or intended to be used, in the commission of such crimes. Persons convicted of such crimes could also be fined twice the gross profits or other proceeds of such offenses. P.L. 117-159 amends federal electronic surveillance, racketeering, and money laundering provisions, making violations of 18 U.S.C. §§932 or 933 predicate offenses. [...] To deter unlawful firearms commerce, or gun trafficking, the GCA requires all persons 'engaged in the business' of importing, manufacturing, and selling firearms to be licensed as federal firearms licensees (FFLs). The GCA generally prohibits anyone who is not an FFL from acquiring a firearm from an out-of-state source."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2022-08-09
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Presidential Records Management: Preservation and Disposal [Updated August 9, 2022]
From the Document: "Presidential records provide an essential window into many of the most consequential actions and decisions of the American government. The Presidential Records Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. [United States Code] §§ [sections] 2201-2209) sets forth requirements regarding the maintenance, access, and preservation of presidential and vice presidential information during and after a presidency. The PRA provides records maintenance requirements and permissions that vary depending on whether a presidency is in progress or has concluded. These matters may be of particular interest to Congress as it carries out its oversight activities and ensures presidential records are effectively collected and controlled during and after a presidency. This In Focus provides information on what constitutes a presidential record; the roles and responsibilities the PRA assigns to the President, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and Department of Justice (DOJ); and the PRA's application to the preservation and disposal of presidential records during and after a presidency. It includes information on NARA's ability to request a DOJ investigation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stuessy, Meghan M.
2022-08-09
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Responding to Drought in the Colorado River Basin: Federal and State Efforts [Updated August 9, 2022]
From the Document: "The Colorado River Basin ('Figure 1') covers more than 246,000 square miles in seven U.S. states and Mexico. Basin waters are managed and governed by multiple laws, court decisions, and other documents known collectively as the 'Law of the River' [hyperlink]. The Colorado River Compact of 1922 [hyperlink] established a framework to apportion water supplies between the river's Upper and Lower Basins (divided at Lee Ferry, AZ). Each basin was allocated 7.5 million acre-feet (MAF) annually under the compact; an additional 1.5 MAF in annual flows was made available to Mexico under a 1944 treaty [hyperlink]. Since the Upper Basin's waters were developed after the Lower Basin, its apportionments are less than the full amount allowed under the compact and are framed in terms of percentages of available supplies. The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) plays a prominent role in basin water management [hyperlink] due to the many federally authorized projects in the basin."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.
2022-08-09
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables [Updated August 8, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides historical tables on the rate of pay for Members of Congress since 1789; details on enacted legislation with language prohibiting the automatic annual pay adjustment since the most recent adjustment; the adjustments projected by the Ethics Reform Act as compared with actual adjustments in Member pay; and Member pay in constant and current dollars since 1992."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2022-08-08
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FY2023 NDAA: Status of Legislative Activity [August 8, 2022]
From the Document: "By law ('31 U.S.C. [United States Code] §1105(a)'), the President is to send the federal budget request to Congress by the first Monday in February. In practice, Presidents sometimes send it later. On March 28, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden submitted the 'FY2023 budget request,' including proposed funding for the Department of Defense (DOD), nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy, and other national defense-related activities. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically sets policy and authorizes appropriations for the vast majority of these activities. This product provides the status of congressional activity on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023 NDAA; H.R. 7900; S. 4543)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.; Heitshusen, Valerie
2022-08-08
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated August 8, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [In the report] are three tables, organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was compiled from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2022-08-08
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Moldova: An Overview [Updated August 8, 2022]
From the Document: "Moldova is one of three post-Soviet states--together with Ukraine and Georgia--that seeks greater integration with the West in the face of Russian resistance and territorial occupation. Many Members of Congress have long supported Moldova's democratic trajectory and territorial integrity and have called on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria. In June 2022, the European Union (EU) officially granted Moldova (and Ukraine) EU candidate status (although the accession process is lengthy and does not guarantee membership). Russia's 2022 war against Ukraine has created new security, economic, and social concerns for Moldova. Moldovan officials and many observers have expressed concern that Russia could seek to attack and occupy all of Moldova if Russian armed forces were to seize control of nearby areas of southern Ukraine, including the port city of Odesa. With a resident population of under 3 million, Moldova hosts more than 80,000 refugees from Ukraine as of August 2022; more than half a million people have entered Moldova from Ukraine since the start of the war." The document discusses Moldova's political background, its Transnistrian Conflict, foreign policy, economy, and U.S. relations.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2022-08-08
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Modernizing Access to Military Service Records: Frequently Asked Questions [August 8, 2022]
From the Summary: "As the world increasingly relies on digital access and electronic material as means to apply for jobs, educational programs, disability or military benefits, etc., documents that are not digitized are met with greater frustration by individuals trying to apply for various programs. One area that has received significant attention is the means of accessing military service records because only a small portion is currently digitized. [...] The main repository of military service records, outside of DOD, is in St. Louis, MO, at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). [...] Only 10% of these records are digitized, while the remainder are in paper form, making it more challenging for veterans and other federal agencies to access the records. Digitization of materials may allow for the expedited consideration of veterans benefits, but concerns about the durability of digital formats and associated costs compared to paper records remain. As the federal government increasingly manages information in digital formats, efforts to modernize access to military service records have warranted congressional attention and oversight. This report explains how records are created, how military service records are managed and stored, and the processes that surround digitizing and modernizing these records. In addition, this report responds to several questions frequently posed to CRS regarding funding for digitization and modernization efforts, along with challenges or obstacles that agencies may face while attempting to digitize their records."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salazar, Heather M.; Stuessy, Meghan M.
2022-08-08
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Information About H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
This is a letter from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Phillip L. Swagel to Honorable Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, United States Senate (with carbon copies to other senate members). From the letter: "This letter provides information about the budgetary effects of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, as amended in the nature of a substitute (ERN22410) and posted on the website of the Senate Majority Leader on August 6, 2022[.] [...] The Congressional Budget Office has not yet completed point estimates for every title, but for those that we have completed, the estimated budgetary effects for 2022, the 2022-2026 period, and the 2022-2031 period are shown in the attached table."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
Swagel, Phillip
2022-08-06
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 5, 2022: Epidemiologic and Clinical Characteristics of Monkeypox Cases -- United States, May 17-July 22, 2022
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) is a government published scientific periodical series offering public health information. This Early Release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Epidemiologic and Clinical Characteristics of Monkeypox Cases -- United States, May 17-July 22, 2022." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-08-05
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 5, 2022: Interim Guidance for Prevention and Treatment of Monkeypox in Persons with HIV Infection -- United States, August 2022
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) is a government published scientific periodical series offering public health information. This Early Release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Interim Guidance for Prevention and Treatment of Monkeypox in Persons with HIV Infection -- United States, August 2022." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-08-05
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Global Human Rights: Security Forces Vetting ('Leahy Laws') [Updated August 5, 2022]
From the Document: "The 'Leahy Laws' prohibit U.S. assistance to foreign security force units when there is credible information that the unit has committed a 'gross violation of human rights' (GVHR). Pursuant to the laws, before providing relevant assistance, the U.S. government 'vets'--that is, screens--potential recipients for information about GVHR involvement. The origins of the laws date back to appropriations provisions sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the 1990s; they were preceded by a series of provisions beginning in the 1970s that sought to restrict U.S. security assistance to governments with poor human rights records. Today's 'Leahy Laws' are permanent law and located in both Title 22 (Foreign Relations) and Title 10 (Armed Forces) of the 'U.S. Code.' They generally restrict security assistance otherwise funded by the Departments of State (DOS) and Defense (DOD). The laws remain of ongoing interest to Congress and continue to be modified as Congress reacts to their implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weber, Michael A.
2022-08-05
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Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Frequently Asked Questions [Updated August 5, 2022]
From the Summary: "Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) offer a range of services for veterans, servicemembers, dependents, and survivors. Some VSOs may provide programming for veterans in their communities, such as job fairs; others may organize events to raise money for a subset of veterans, such as housing for homeless veterans. Some VSOs train individuals to meet federal regulatory requirements to become accredited representatives who can represent claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) regional offices and its Board of Veterans' Appeals. This report answers frequently asked questions to clarify how VSOs are funded, administered, and connected to the federal government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Breslauer, Tamar B.; Davis, Carol D.
2022-08-05
