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• Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Central Region, Did Not Properly Account for and Expend $1.5 Million in FEMA Public Assistance Grant Funds

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  From the Document: "We audited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) grant fund awarded to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Central Region, Anchorage, Alaska (Central Region), PA Identification Number 000-U0291-00. Our audit objective was to determine whether the Central Region accounted for and expended FEMA PA grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-04
• California Department of Parks and Recreation Did Not Account for or Expend $1.8 Million in FEMA Grant Funds According to Federal Regulations and FEMA Guidelines

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  From the Document: "We audited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public assistance program (PA) grant funds awarded to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento, CA (Department), PA Identification Number 000-U8RA6-00. Our audit objective was to determine whether the Department accounted for and expended FEMA PA grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), a FEMA grantee, awarded the Department $8,002,596 for costs resulting from severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides during the period from December 17, 2005, through January 3, 2006. The award provided 75 percent FEMA funding for 38 large projects and 178 small projects. Our audit covered the period of December 17, 1005, to October 4, 2012. We audited 10 large projects and 2 small projects, with total awarded costs of $2,684,804."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-03
• FEMA Should Recover $13.8 Million in FEMA Public Assistance Funds Awarded to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for Ineligible Hydroelectric Plant

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  From the Background: "The facility is a three-turbine hydroelectric generating plant that began operation in 1986. It produced a small amount of the City's total commercial and residential electrical needs. From 1997 through early 2007, the City hired North American Hydro to operate and maintain the facility. The facility has been inactive since January 2007, when frazil river ice damaged the trash racks and straightening vanes of two of the three turbine generators. In June 2008, 17 months following the ice damage, a federally declared flooding disaster caused severe damage to the facility. Before the January 2007 ice damage, the 21-year-old facility needed significant capital expenditures to continue operating efficiently over the long term. Also, according to the City's hydroelectric consultants, the facility generally produced about 20 percent less electricity than expected because its design allows it to capture available water flow only about 35 percent of the time. Generally, an inactive facility is not eligible for FEMA funding. However, Federal regulation allows funding if a facility can meet at least one of three exceptions. According to 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 206.226(k)(2), facilities that were not in active use at the time of the disaster are not eligible except in those instances where (1) the facilities were only temporarily inoperative for repairs or remodeling, or (2) active use by the applicant was firmly established in an approved budget, or (3) the owner can demonstrate to FEMA's satisfaction an intent to begin use within a reasonable time."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  Hadley, Tonda L.; Dodd, Christopher; Smith, Patti . . .

  2013-05
• FEMA Should Disallow $4.1 Million of the $48.5 Million Public Assistance Grant Awarded to ARK Valley Electric Cooperative, Kansas

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  From the Document: "We audited Public Assistance grant funds awarded to ARK Valley Electric Cooperative (Cooperative) in Kansas (Public Assistance Identification Number 000-UEBOK-00). Our audit objective was to determine whether the Cooperative accounted for and expended Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), a FEMA grantee, awarded the Cooperative $48.5 million for damages resulting from severe winter storms that occurred December 6 through 19, 1007. The award provided 75 percent funding for permanent work (Category F) and emergency protective measures (Category B) for eight projects (one small and seven large). Of the seven large projects, three were improved projects. The audit covered the period December 6, 1007, to September 16, 1011, the cutoff date of our audit, and included a detailed review of projects totaling $48.5 million, or 100 percent of the total award."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  Hadley, Tonda L.; Dugan, Moises; Smith, Lori . . .

  2013-04
• Used Fuel Disposition Campaign: Gap Analysis to Support Extended Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel

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  From the Executive Summary: "This report documents the initial gap analysis performed to identify data and modeling needs to develop the desired technical bases to enable the extended storage of UNF [used nuclear fuel]. For most SSCs [structures, systems, and components] important to safety, additional data are required, often because there are limited data on the new materials used in more modern fuels or dry storage cask systems or because the effects of high burnup and extended storage are not fully known. Based upon the importance of the SSC to licensing a dry storage system or an independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI), the potential effects of extended storage or high burnup on the degradation mechanism, and a combination of the data needs, regulatory considerations, likelihood of occurrence, the consequence of degradation, the means to remediate the degradation, and the impact of degradation on cost, operations, and future waste management strategies, a research and development (R&D) priority (Low, Medium, or High) is assigned. The R&D priority cannot be higher than the ranking assigned for importance to licensing; obviously, a structure, system, or component ranked of Low importance to licensing does not require a Medium or High priority for R&D. However, a structure, system, or component can be of High importance to licensing, but the R&D needs can be lower depending on the prioritization criteria."

  United States. Department of Energy. Office of Nuclear Energy Programs

  Hanson, Brady D. (Brady Dean); Alsaed, Halim; Stockman, Christine . . .

  2012-01-31
• COVID-19 Testing in State Prisons

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  From the Introduction: "This report explores the potential relationship between COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] testing rates and COVID-19 infection and mortality outcomes across the 32 state prison systems where information necessary to conduct such an analysis was publicly available. The report also describes how four state DOCs [departments of corrections] (Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, and Vermont) implemented mass testing, and details the steps that accompanied or followed testing."

  Council on Criminal Justice

  Schnepel, Kevin T.; Jemison, Erin; Engel, Leonard W. (Len) . . .

  2021-04
• Effectiveness of the Infrastructure Security Compliance Division's Management Practices to Implement the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program

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  From the Executive Summary: "The 'Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007' established the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program, which allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to regulate chemical facilities that may present a high-level security risk. Within the Department's National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Office of Infrastructure Protection, the Infrastructure Security Compliance Division is responsible for implementing the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program. [...] We assessed DHS' efforts to implement the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program from inception to the end of fiscal year 2012. Specifically, we reviewed whether: (1) management controls are in place and operational to ensure that the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Program is not mismanaged; (2) NPPD and Infrastructure Security Compliance Division leadership misrepresented program progress; and (3) nonconforming opinions of program personnel have been suppressed or met with retaliation."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-03
• Federal Research: NIH Should Take Further Action to Address Foreign Influence, Statement of Candice N. Wright, Acting Director, Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics, Testimony Before the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, U.S. Senate

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  From the Highlights: "The federal government reported expending about $44.5 billion on university science and engineering research in fiscal year 2019. The Department of Health and Human Services funds over half of all such federal expenditures, and NIH [National Institutes of Health] accounts for almost all of this funding. Safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise from threats of foreign influence is of critical importance. Recent reports by GAO [Government Accountability Office] and others have noted challenges faced by the research community to combat undue foreign influence, while maintaining an open research environment. This testimony discusses (1) NIH's conflict of interest policy and disclosure requirements that address potential foreign influence, (2) NIH's mechanisms to monitor and enforce its policy and requirements, and (3) the steps NIH has taken to address concerns about foreign influence in federally funded research identified by stakeholders."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  Wright, Candice N.

  2021-04-22
• Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy [Updated July 25, 2003]

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  "While continuing previous U.S. Administrations' policies of containing Iran while pursuing limited engagement with it, the Bush Administration is evaluating whether or not to move more toward a regime change policy, and how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability. Iran's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, have long been key U.S. concerns. Another U.S. concern is that Iran continues to provide material support to Hizballah in Lebanon and to Palestinian groups that oppose the Arab-Israeli peace process. Iran's human rights practices are frequently criticized by U.S. officials and Members of Congress. Thus far, the Bush Administration has continued most aspects of the containment policies toward Iran that characterized preceding administrations. The United States has consistently worked with its allies to prevent arms and advanced technology sales to Iran and to limit Iran's influence over regional energy flows. U.S. purchases of Iranian crude oil and U.S. company investments in Iran remain barred. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) was renewed for another 5 years on August 3, 2001 (H.R. 1954, P.L. 107-24)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2003-07-25
• Israeli-United States Relations [Updated April 28, 2005]

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  "Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable emphasis on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored aid closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally; they further argue that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East. The United States fully supported the Israeli-PLO Declaration of Principles signed in Washington on September 13, 1993, and the follow-up agreements in May 1994, September 1995, the Hebron agreement of January 15, 1997, and the Wye agreement of October 23, 1998, mediated by President Clinton."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mark, Clyde R.

  2005-04-28
• U.S.-Latin America Trade: Recent Trends and Policy Issues [Updated September 3, 2009]

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  "Trade is one of the more enduring issues in contemporary U.S.-Latin America relations. Latin America is far from the largest U.S. regional trade partner, but it is the fastest growing one, with the current exception of Africa, which has had strong export growth based largely on the rise of petroleum prices through mid-2008. Latin American countries have made noted progress in trade liberalization, reducing tariffs significantly and entering into their own regional agreements over the past two decades, although the pace has slowed of late."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2009-09-03
• Canada-U.S. Relations [May 4, 2010]

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  "Relations between the United States and Canada, though generally close, have undergone changes in tenor over the past three decades. During the 1980s, the two countries generally enjoyed very good relations. The early 1990s brought new governments to Ottawa and Washington, and although Canada's Liberal Party emphasized its determination to act independently of the United States when necessary, relations continued to be cordial. In early 2006, a minority Conservative government assumed power in Ottawa. […]. The two North American countries continue to cooperate widely in international security and political issues, both bilaterally and through numerous international organizations. Canada's foreign and defense policies are usually in harmony with those of the United States. Areas of contention are relatively few, but sometimes sharp, as was the case in policy toward Iraq. Since September 11, the United States and Canada have cooperated extensively on efforts to strengthen border security and to combat terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan. [...].. This report begins with a short overview of Canada's political scene, its economic conditions, and its recent security and foreign policy, focusing particularly on issues that may be relevant to U.S. policymakers. This country survey is followed by several summaries of current bilateral issues in the political, international security, trade, and environmental arenas. The questions following each summary are designed as potential inquiries to Canadian officials to promote thought and discussion among policymakers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Ek, Carl

  2010-05-04
• Iran: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy [October 7, 2009]

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  "This report provides a description of Iran's neighbors' policies and interests, options for Congressional consideration, and an analysis of potential regional implications. [...] The United States, Israel, and the EU have proposed the end of 2009as a deadline for Iran to demonstrate its willingness to cooperate on the nuclear issue. Regardless, any actions on the part of the Obama Administration, Congress, or the international community, and any developments in or provocations by Iran, will have implications for U.S. interests in the region as Iran's neighbors react and reevaluate their policies accordingly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Addis, Casey L.

  2009-10-07
• Lebanon: Background and U.S. Relations [November 30, 2009]

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  "This report provides an overview of Lebanese politics, recent events in Lebanon, and current issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations. [...] The March 14 coalition maintained a slim majority of parliamentary seats in the election on June 7, 2009. Since then, all Lebanese parties have been working to form a new consensus government, but the process has been significantly delayed, paralyzing government institutions. If these efforts continue to stall or fail altogether, U.S.-Lebanon relations could be challenged by political stalemate or an increase in sectarian violence. The Obama Administration and Members of the 111th Congress may also consider the regional and international struggle over Iranian influence in the Levant, the growing threat of radical Sunni movements, and Syria's efforts to move out of isolation, all of which weigh heavily on the Lebanese government and U.S.-Lebanon relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Addis, Casey L.

  2009-11-30
• Russian Compliance with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Background and Issues for Congress [December 6, 2017]

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  "In July 2014, the State Department released the 2014 edition of its report 'Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments'. This report states that the United States has determined that 'the Russian Federation is in violation of its obligations under the [1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces] INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) with a range capability of 500 km to 5,500 km, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles.' The report does not offer any details about the offending missile or cite the evidence that the United States used to make this determination, but it does note that the United States 'raised these concerns with the Russian Federation' several times during 2013 and 'will continue to pursue resolution' of the issue. [...] This report describes the current status of the INF Treaty and highlights issues that Congress may address as the United States pursues its compliance concerns with Russia. It begins with a historical overview that describes the role of intermediate-range nuclear weapons in NATO's [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] security construct in the late 1970s and the political and security considerations that affected the negotiation of the INF Treaty. In addition, the report summarizes the provisions of the INF Treaty, highlighting those central to the discussion about Russia's current activities. It then reviews the publicly available information about the potential Russian violation and Russia's possible motivations for pursuing the development of a noncompliant missile. Next, the report summarizes Russia's concerns with U.S. compliance with the treaty. The report concludes with a discussion of options that the United States might pursue to address its concerns with Russia's activities and options that it might pursue if Russia deploys new INF-range missiles."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2017-12-06
• Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA; H.R. 5278) [June 27, 2016]

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  "Representative Duffy introduced H.R. 5278, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), on May 18, 2016. This bill is a revised version of H.R. 4900, which Representative Duffy had introduced on April 12, 2016. The House Committee on Natural Resources marked up H.R. 5278 on May 25, 2016. Amendments agreed to include technical corrections and extensions of certain studies on the Puerto Rico government and economy, among others. The major provisions of the bill, however, were unaffected. An amended version of H.R. 5278, which is organized into seven titles, was passed by the House on June 9, 2016, by a 297-127 vote. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA; H.R. 5278) would create a structure for exercising federal oversight over the fiscal affairs of territories. PROMESA would establish an Oversight Board with broad powers of budgetary and financial control over Puerto Rico. PROMESA also would create procedures for adjusting debts accumulated by the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities and potentially for debts of other territories. Finally, PROMESA would expedite approvals of key energy projects and other 'critical projects' in Puerto Rico. The report presents a brief description of Puerto Rico, its relationship with the federal government, and its fiscal challenges. A short overview of the bill, along with a comparison with previous legislation involving control boards, follows. The body of the report provides a section-by-section description of H.R. 5278. Appendix A gives a background on Puerto Rico's fiscal situation and aspects relevant to H.R. 4900. Appendix B contains a summary of provisions of the federal Bankruptcy Code cited in H.R. 5278."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Austin, D. Andrew

  2016-06-27
• Pakistan: U.S. Foreign Assistance [June 1, 2012]

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  "The 112th Congress has focused on measures to reduce the federal budget deficit. This backdrop may influence congressional debate over the third-ranking U.S. aid recipient, Pakistan-a country vital to U.S. national security interests but that some say lacks accountability and even credibility. Pakistan has been among the leading recipients of U.S. foreign assistance both historically and in recent years. The country arguably is as important to forwarding U.S. security interests as any in the world. Developments in 2011 put immense strains on bilateral relations, making uncertain the future direction of U.S. aid to Pakistan. Disruptions included the May killing of Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani city and a November NATO military raid into Pakistani territory near Afghanistan that inadvertently left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead. For many lawmakers, the core issue remains balancing Pakistan's strategic importance to the United States with the pervasive and mounting distrust in the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, as well as with budget deficit-reduction pressures. U.S. assistance to Pakistan has fluctuated considerably over the past 60 years. In the wake of 9/11, however, aid to Pakistan has increased steadily as the Bush and Obama Administrations both characterized Pakistan as a crucial U.S. partner in efforts to combat terrorism and to promote stability in both Afghanistan and South Asia. Since 1948, the United States has pledged more than $30 billion in direct aid, about half for military assistance. Two-thirds of this total was appropriated in the post-9/11 era from FY2002 to FY2011. Many observers question the gains accrued to date, viewing a lack of accountability and reform by the Pakistani government as major obstacles. Moreover, any goodwill generated by U.S. aid is offset by widespread anti-American sentiment among the Pakistani people."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Kronstadt, K. Alan

  2012-06-01
• Independence of Federal Financial Regulators: Structure, Funding, and Other Issues [February 28, 2017]

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  "Conventional wisdom regarding regulators is that the structure and design of the organization matters for policy outcomes. Financial regulators conduct rulemaking and enforcement to implement law and supervise financial institutions. These agencies have been given certain characteristics that enhance their day-to-day independence from the President and Congress, which may make policymaking more technical and less 'political' or 'partisan,' for better or worse. Independence may also make regulators less accountable to elected officials and can reduce congressional influence, at least in the short term. Although independent agencies share many characteristics, there are notable differences. Some federal financial regulators are relatively more independent in some areas but relatively less so in others. Major structural characteristics of federal financial regulators that influence independence include: agency head […], party affiliation […], term in office […], grounds for removal […], executive oversight […], congressional oversight […], and funding […]. From time to time, Congress has considered legislation that would alter the structure and design of some of the federal financial regulators, including changes to their leadership and funding structure, the Congressional Review Act, and cost-benefit analysis requirements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hogue, Henry B.; Labonte, Marc; Webel, Baird

  2017-02-28
• Lebanon [July 25, 2017]

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  "Since having its boundaries drawn by France after the First World War, Lebanon has struggled to define its national identity. Unlike other countries in the region, its population included Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shia Muslim communities of roughly comparable size, and with competing visions for the country. Seeking to avoid sectarian conflict, Lebanese leaders created a confessional system that allocated power among the country's religious sects according to their percentage of the population. The system was based on Lebanon's last official census, which was conducted in 1932. As Lebanon's demographics shifted over the years, Muslim communities pushed for the political status quo, favoring Maronite Christians, to be revisited, while the latter worked to maintain their privileges. This tension at times manifested itself in violence, such as during the country's 15-year civil war, but also in ongoing political disputes such as disagreements over revisions to Lebanon's electoral law. To date, domestic political conflicts continue to be shaped in part by the influence of external actors, including Syria and Iran."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Humud, Carla E.

  2017-07-25
• Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [January 6, 2017]

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  "For decades, strong bilateral relations have fueled and reinforced significant U.S.-Israel cooperation in many areas, including regional security. Nonetheless, at various points throughout the relationship, U.S. and Israeli policies have diverged on some important issues. Significant differences regarding regional issues--notably Iran and the Palestinians--have arisen or intensified since 2009, during the tenures of President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Since the 2016 U.S. election, a number of developments involving President-elect Donald Trump, the Obama Administration, Israeli leaders, and various other actors (including Members of Congress) have arisen. These developments have already affected U.S. policy in relation to Israel or may affect it following Trump's inauguration; they include the following. 1) Several controversies regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the U.N. Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2334 (UNSCR 2334) on December 23, 2016 [...]. 2) Principles advanced as a possible basis for future Israeli-Palestinian negotiations by Secretary of State John Kerry on December 28, 2016 [...]. 3) The possibility that the incoming Administration could move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 4) Public efforts by Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to influence the incoming Administration's stance on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA). Also, in early January 2017, a legal probe of Prime Minister Netanyahu turned into a criminal investigation--in connection with possibly unlawful receipt of gifts--that some observers speculate could threaten his term of office."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Zanotti, Jim

  2017-01-06
• Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy [June 15, 2017]

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  "Recent growth of domestic crude oil production has resulted in an unprecedented expansion of the United States' oil pipeline network. One major oil pipeline recently constructed is the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 30-inch diameter, 1,172-mile project that carries crude oil produced in northwest North Dakota to southern Illinois (Figure 1). The Dakota Access Pipeline's maximum capacity is 570,000 barrels per day. […] The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the siting of domestic oil pipelines. Instead, authorization for the overall route must be granted by individual states. The Dakota Access Pipeline developer, Energy Transfer Partners, was granted siting approval from state utility regulators in South Dakota and Illinois in 2015, and from North Dakota and Iowa early in 2016."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.

  2017-06-15
• Management Letter for the FY 2012 DHS Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Audit

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  From the Document: "Attached for your information is our final report, 'Management Letter for the FY 2012 DHS Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting Audit'. This report contains observations and recommendations related to internal control deficiencies that were not required to be reported in the 'Independent Auditors' Report' over the FY 2012 DHS financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. Internal control deficiencies, which are considered significant deficiencies were reported, as required, in the 'Independent Auditors' Report', dated November 14, 2012, which was included in the FY 2012 DHS 'Annual Financial Report'."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-02
• Insider Trading and Stock Option Grants: An Examination of Corporate Integrity in the COVID-19 Pandemic, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets of the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, September 17, 2020

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  This is the June 17, 2020 hearing on "Insider Trading and Stock Option Grants: An Examination of Corporate Integrity in the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic," held before the House Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets of the Committee on Financial Services. From the opening statement of Brad Sherman: "Our capital market system is unique in history. Up until about 150 years ago, every business enterprise was made up of people who knew each other, were family members, who had personal trust, and a business could only be as large as a group of people could finance and put together, and investment opportunities were limited to those that you happened to know. You wouldn't trust your money with some enterprise of strangers and, of course, you didn't have liquidity since you could sell your investment pretty much only to somebody else who knew those who were in the syndicate. And so at that point, people could rely on personal trust. Today, investors turn their money over to anonymous insiders, corporate boards, and executives whom they have never met, and they know that the insiders have far more information, attention, and power. So, they don't have the bonds of personal trust. They rely on the law to make sure that the insiders are treating the investment fairly. [Inaudible] turn their money over [inaudible]. I will continue. We had a little technical problem there. We now apply that system to the COVID [coronavirus disease 19] pandemic in which nearly 200,000 Americans have lost their lives, and in which many firms affected by this pandemic are having sudden increases or decreases in their value. For many pharmaceutical firms, for example, even the suggestion of involvement in a Federal program can cause shares to shoot up in value. Following this sort of announcement, Kodak, Novavax, and Vaxart each saw their stock prices rise by over 400 percent. With this trend in mind, the SEC has reminded companies that in this pandemic, they should not only abide by the law, but practice, 'good corporate hygiene.' SEC [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission] Chair Clayton has reiterated these views in a recent letter regarding today's hearing, which will I submit for the record, and it will be made a part of the record, without objection. But admonishments are not laws and regulations. Admonishments will not deter the truly greedy, and so we have to design our laws and regulations to govern those who cannot be governed by mere admonishments." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Rick Claypool, Jill Fisch, Jacob S. Frenkel, and Granville Martin.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• Doctor is Out. Rising Student Loan Debt and the Decline of the Small Medical Practice, Hearing Before the Committee on Small Business, United States House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, June 12, 2019

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  This is the June 12, 2019 hearing "Doctor is Out. Rising Student Loan Debt and the Decline of the Small Medical Practice," held before the House Committee on Small Business. From the opening statement of Nydia M. Velazquez: "I want to thank everyone for joining us this morning, and I want to especially thank the witnesses for being here today. Today, over 40 million Americans are burdened by student loans, and as a nation, mounting student debt now stands at nearly $1.5 trillion. Over the past 30 years, the cost of higher education at public 4-year institutions has skyrocketed, increasing by 213 percent from 1988. So, as we begin this hearing, let us acknowledge that this is nothing short of a national crisis. Back home in New York, I have seen how it affects young people in my district who may be taking on multiple jobs to make their student loan payments only to be compounded by steep costs of living and a tough job market. Today, student loan debt is now the second highest consumer debt category, higher than both credit card debt and auto loans and only behind home mortgage debt. This reality has produced a series of ripple effects throughout our economy, including a decline in entrepreneurship. As we often talk about on this committee, starting a business is not without risk to the entrepreneur. And as we search for ways to minimize this risk, we must look at how the burden of what can feel like insurmountable student loan bills affects new business formation." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Sandra Norby, Lauren Wiese, Tracey L. Henry, and Jason Delisle.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019
• Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2017 [June 24, 2016]

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  "President Obama's budget request for FY2017 includes $152.333 billion for research and development (R&D), an increase of $6.195 billion (4.2%) over the estimated FY2016 enacted R&D funding level of $146.138 billion. The request represents the President's R&D priorities; Congress may opt to agree with part or all of the request, or it may express different priorities through the appropriations process. In particular, Congress will play a central role in determining the growth rate and allocation of the federal R&D investment in a period of intense pressure on discretionary spending. Budget caps may limit overall R&D funding and may require movement of resources across disciplines, programs, or agencies to address priorities. Funding for R&D is concentrated in a few departments and agencies. Under President Obama's FY2017 budget request, seven federal agencies would receive 95.6% of total federal R&D funding, with the Department of Defense (47.8%) and the Department of Health and Human Services (21.5%) accounting for nearly 70% of all federal R&D funding. In dollars, the largest increases in agency R&D funding in the President's request would go to the Department of Energy (up $2.755 billion, 19.1%), the Department of Defense (up $1.953 billion, 2.8%), and the Department of Health and Human Services (up $772 million, 2.4%). The President's FY2017 request continues support for a number of multiagency R&D initiatives: the National Nanotechnology Initiative, Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program, U.S. Global Change Research Program, Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative, Precision Medicine Initiative, Cancer Moonshot, Materials Genome Initiative, National Robotics Initiative, and National Network for Manufacturing Innovation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F.; Esworthy, Robert; Gottron, Frank . . .

  2016-06-24
• Legal Issues Related to Transportation Mask-Wearing Mandates [April 12, 2021]

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  From the Document: "On January 21, 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order [hyperlink] directing federal agencies to require mask wearing in a range of transportation contexts nationwide. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order [hyperlink] (Mask Order) requiring mask wearing on commercial and public transportation. A number of other federal agencies have since taken additional actions to support the enforcement of these mask-wearing requirements. This Legal Sidebar provides a brief overview of the CDC's Mask Order and the role of other federal agencies in enforcing its requirements. It then discusses a number of related legal considerations for Congress, including the scope of the federal government's authority to impose mask-wearing requirements in transportation contexts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Adkins, Bryan L.

  2021-04-12
• DHS Had Authority to Deploy Federal Law Enforcement Officers to Protect Federal Facilities in Portland, Oregon, but Should Ensure Better Planning and Execution in Future Cross-Component Activities

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  From the Highlights: "Beginning on May 29, 2020, the Federal Protective Service (FPS) experienced challenges protecting Federal property in Portland, Oregon. FPS requested assistance from DHS law enforcement officials. Our objective was to assess the authority, preparation, and activities of DHS law enforcement officers deployed to protect Federal property. [...] We made two recommendations to improve DHS' preparedness for protecting Federal property."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2021-04-16
• FEMA Should Recover $6.7 Million of Ineligible or Unused Funds Awarded to Cameron Parish, Louisiana, for Hurricane Rita

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  From the Document: "We audited Public Assistance grant funds awarded to Cameron Parish, Louisiana (Parish ) (Public Assistance Identification Number 023-99023-00). Our audit objective was to determine whether the Parish accounted for and expended Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), a FEMA grantee, awarded the Parish $63.2 million for damages resulting from Hurricane Rita, which occurred on September 24, 200S The award provided 100 percent FEMA funding for 126 large projects and 213 small projects. The audit covered the period September 24, 2005, through November 28, 2012, the cutoff date of our audit, and included a detailed review of 52 projects totaling $45.6 million, or 72 percent of the total award, and a limited review of insurance issues and costs related to one architectural and engineering firm."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-02
• Kentucky's Management of State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants Awarded Fiscal Years 2008-2010

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  From the Executive Summary: "Public Law 110-53, 'Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007', requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to audit individual States' management of State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative grants. This report responds to the reporting requirement for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The objectives of the audit were to determine whether the Commonwealth of Kentucky: (1) spent grant funds effectively and efficiently; (2) complied with applicable Federal laws and regulations and DHS guidelines governing the use of such funding; and (3) enhanced the ability of State grantees to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters. The audit included a review of three awards totaling approximately $32 million in State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative grant funds awarded to Kentucky from fiscal years 2008 through 2010."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-02
• FEMA Should Recover $881,956 of Ineligible Funds and $862,983 of Unused Funds Awarded to St. Charles Parish School Board, Luling, Louisiana

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  From the Document: "We audited Public Assistance (PA) grant funds awarded to St, Charles Parish School Board, Luling, Louisiana (School Board) (PA Number 089 0042C-00). Our audit objective was to determine whether the school Board accounted for and expended Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funds according to Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2013-02