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• Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management [Updated November 19, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "As these legislative developments have occurred, primary issues for Congress and the President have been determining the program composition, administrative organization, and management arrangements of the new department. Other issues have included what to do with non-homeland security programs proposed for transfer to the department, personnel costs that may arise from pleas for pay equity among investigative and inspection positions within the department, reconsideration of the relationship of intelligence entities to the department, intelligence analysis by the department, and implementation of the transition to the new department. This report will be updated as events recommend."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2002-11-19
• Military Transformation: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance [Updated January 17, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) indicates it is undertaking a major alteration in its capabilities, from a force designed to fight the Soviet Union to one tailored to 21st century adversaries including terrorism. This shift has been prompted by the perception of a changing threat and improved technology, especially information technology. As the military services attempt to increase the agility and versatility of their weapon systems, they also see a need to increase the capabilities of military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to support the new weapon systems and operating methods against these new threats. [...] In addition, ISR activities should, in the aggregate, provide a world-wide perspective of the threat, 'fuse' all types of intelligence into one picture, access extensive details about the enemy, and monitor specific targets for long periods of time. [...] Many observers believe military ISR has already achieved some transformation, as shown in the war in Afghanistan by the military's ability to detect a target and destroy it within minutes. Proposals to make revolutionary changes in analysis include using contractors to produce competing unclassified analyses, developing artificial intelligence capabilities for database work, and establishing more operations analysis centers. The military intelligence community is supported by the national intelligence community, which even before the September 11 attacks was under intense scrutiny. Therefore, the aspects of the national intelligence community's operations in which Congress has expressed interest directly affect the quality of military intelligence."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chizek, Judy G.

  2003-01-17
• Transfer of FEMA to the Department of Homeland Security: Issues for Congressional Oversight [December 17, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers FEMA, along with its assets and responsibilities, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For the most part, the mission of FEMA will be carried out within the Emergency Preparedness and Response directorate (EPR) of DHS. The Act also transfers to the EPR directorate specific functions of the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Commerce. EPR will administer most policies intended to lessen the impact of disasters and will aid recovery when disasters occur. One significant exception is that the Act transfers terrorism-related training and preparedness responsibilities of FEMA's Office of National Preparedness to the Office of Domestic Preparedness within the Border and Transportation Security directorate. The transfer of FEMA (along with other entities) into DHS is intended to address homeland security deficiencies and problems."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2002-12-17
• Preventing Proliferation of Biological Weapons: U.S. Assistance to the Former Soviet States [April 10, 2002]

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  This report addresses the imperative role the US has played in the attempt to rid the former Soviet Union of their numerous biological research and production centers (BRPCs). Their BRPC capabilities included genetically-altered, antibiotic-resistant pathogens and sophisticated delivery systems, with approximately fifty biological research and production centers (BRPCs) throughout the country devoted to either all or part of their work to the program. To make matters worse, the drastically reduced or eliminated funding for these BRPC's created thousands of unemployed BW scientists, in addition to the facilities, weapons technology, and thousands of strains of pathogens at these centers that became vulnerable to theft, sale, or misuse. However, in the mid-1990's, the United States began engaging BRPCs throughout the former Soviet Union in four kinds of cooperative projects aimed at preventing proliferation of BW capabilities - Biosafety, Biosecurity, Collaborative Research, and Dismantlement. Biosafety enhancement projects are intended to make BRPCs safe places for collaborating scientists to work. In combination, Collaborative Research and Biosafety enhancement projects give U.S. officials routine access to laboratories and facilities that were once used for BW research and production. BioSecurity projects consolidate and restrict access to pathogens, while Dismantlement projects target excess infrastructure and BW equipment at BRPC sites for permanent dismantlement. As a result, U.S. participants in these projects have identified several lessons learned in the past few years. First, it has become clear that the infrastructure of the Soviet/Russian BW complex was more extensive than most analysts realized when the United States initiated its efforts to prevent proliferation of BW capabilities from former Soviet states. Second, U.S. participants report that biosafety, biosecurity, and dismantlement projects require complex negotiations, complex engineering work, considerable project management support, and innovative solutions for problems specific to each BRPC. Consequently, they have learned that the United States may need to offer a long-term commitment if it wants to complete the effort. At the same time, the U.S. agencies with BW nonproliferation programs recognize the need to maximize the nonproliferation benefits of U.S. assistance in an environment with limited resources. Finally, U.S. participants have discovered that interpersonal and institutional relationships resulting from these cooperative efforts may play a powerful role in preventing proliferation of BW capabilities from former Soviet states.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cook, Michelle Stem; Woolf, Amy F.

  2002-04-10
• Homeland Security: Management Positions for the Proposed Department [Updated November 15, 2002]

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  Congress is currently considering proposals, H.R. 5005 and S. 2452, to create an executive department that will address the national need for homeland security. The proposals would transfer organizational units, functions, and personnel from several departments and agencies. A hierarchy of positions would be established to manage the department and its activities. Some would be newly created, and some would be drawn from those transferring agencies. This report analyzes the proposals in light of the provisions for appointment of that managerial hierarchy. It identifies the positions to be created and the apparent effect on current positions in the transferring agencies.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hogue, Henry B.

  2002-11-15
• Embassy Security: Background, Funding, and the Budget [Updated October 4, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon led to the closing the following day of 50 of the nearly 260 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. In the months prior to the attack, travel warnings were issued and embassies were put on high alert as Osama bin Laden had issued vague, but credible, threats against Americans and American interests around the world. In June 2000 the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan was put on full alert after receiving 'credible evidence' that Osama bin Laden followers were planning to attack it. Additionally, the Department of State advised American travelers to be mindful of the August 7th anniversary of the bombing of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The August 7, 1998 terrorist attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania resulted in a number of actions by the Administration and Congress. In October 1999, the UN Security Council imposed limited sanctions on the Taliban, and in August 2000 both the United States and Russia agreed to work together to tighten the sanctions. Embassy security budget ramifications of the 1998 bombings continue. In November 1999, Congress expanded authority for State's FY2000 through FY2004 expenditures on overseas security within the Embassy Security, Construction and Maintenance (ESCM) account to $900 million annually, in addition to security funds in the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account (D&CP) for FY2000-FY2004 (P.L. 106-113). In early 2001, Secretary of State Colin Powell had testified before Congress that embassy security is among his highest priorities. The Administration requested a total of $1.3 billion for embassy security and worldwide security upgrades for FY2002. The House concurred; the Senate passed a total of $1.07 billion."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.

  2001-10-04
• Intelligence Community and 9/11: Proposals for an Independent Commission [Updated November 6, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "There is significant support for an independent commission to assess the performance of the U.S. Intelligence Community in regard to the September 11, 2001 attacks, despite the fact that a joint inquiry by the Senate and House intelligence committees has been underway since early 2002. In separate legislation, the House and Senate have endorsed proposals for an independent commission. Proponents argue that an investigation by persons without ties to intelligence agencies could provide greater assurance of an impartial assessment that could lead, if necessary, to improvements in the nation's intelligence effort. Opponents argue that it would usurp the responsibilities of congressional intelligence committees, burden senior intelligence officials, and risk exposure of intelligence assets deeply involved in the current struggle against terrorism."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2002-11-06
• September 11 Insurance Litigation [Updated June 14, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Insurance litigation arising out of the events of September 11 is already underway. Disputes involve claims for losses ranging from several thousand dollars to the billions. While some claims are involved in litigation, many are being resolved through alternative forms of dispute resolution. How much litigation will arise from September 11 remains unclear. At least two lawsuits deal with business interruption claims. Another cluster of suits involves the World Trade Center itself; the legal issues underpinning these cases will settle whether insurance companies owe $3.54 or $7.08 billion in coverage."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jennings, Christopher A.

  2002-06-14
• CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support Program) [Updated December 21, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "Since the September 11th terrorist attack, greater attention has focused on federal, state, and local readiness to respond to situations involving terrorism or weapons of mass destruction (WMD). One such federal program that provided federal support to local law enforcement and first responders is CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support). Earlier this year, CONTOMS was scheduled for elimination from the Department of Defense (DOD) budget; DOD argued that it should not fund this activity without a direct appropriation from Congress. Various medical and law enforcement organizations tried to reverse the proposed elimination. Shortly after the terrorist attack, television's America's Most Wanted (AMW) featured CONTOMS in a program segment, arguing its value, and increasing public awareness over the program's pending elimination."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gerleman, David J.

  2001-12-21
• Foreign Support of the U.S. War on Terrorism [Updated May 29, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "In response to the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, a number of countries and organizations pledged various forms of support to the United States in its campaign against the Al Qaeda network and the Taliban in Afghanistan. This report summarizes support for the U.S. war against terrorism from open source material. It will be updated as necessary."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Petros, Tiffany G.

  2002-02-14
• First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated June 19, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "In its FY2004 request, the Bush Administration proposed a new block grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative' to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the proposal, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), within the Department of Homeland Security, would administer the $3.5 billion program. The program's primary purpose would be to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The program would fund a range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. While the need for federal assistance for first responders seems to be widely acknowledged, the proposals raise a number of issues, including the following: How will the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security affect the proposal? Would a new program replace existing assistance programs? Should funds be distributed to states or localities? Should the use of funds be limited to standardized activities and equipment? Should infrastructure security and overtime costs be eligible activities? How will the funds be accounted for? This report will be updated as the 108th Congress takes action on proposals to create or modify terrorism preparedness grant programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2003-06-19
• Economic Sanctions to Achieve U.S. Foreign Policy Goals: Discussion and Guide to Current Law [Updated November 1, 1999]

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  From the Abstract: "This report provides background on foreign policy sanctions. It addresses the following questions: Why do we apply sanctions? What objectives does the U.S. government seek to achieve when it imposes sanctions? Who imposes sanctions? What tools are available? How likely is it that sanctions will achieve the stated goal? What secondary consequences might sanctions have? What change is required for the sanctions to be lifted? Would multilateral sanctions be more desirable and achievable? The report also provides an uncomplicated map of where sanctions policies and options currently may be found in U.S. law."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Rennack, Dianne E.; Shuey, Robert

  1999-11-01
• Critical Infrastructure Information: Disclosure and Homeland Security [Updated January 29, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "One of the findings of the President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, established by President Clinton in 1996, was the need for the federal government and owners and operators of the nation's critical infrastructures to share information on vulnerabilities and threats. Among the strategies to help owners and operators share information with the federal government was a proposal to exempt the information they share from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Three of the nine exemptions provide possible protection against the release of critical infrastructure information: exemption 1 (national security information); exemption 3 (information exempted by statute); and exemption 4 (confidential business information). Public interest groups argue that the language in the House bill is far too broad and would allow a wide range of information to be protected from disclosure (including information previously available under FOIA), and that existing FOIA exemptions and case law provide sufficient protections."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.; Stevens, Gina Marie

  2003-01-29
• Critical Infrastructures: What Makes an Infrastructure Critical? [August 30, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "The Bush Administration's proposal for establishing a Department of Homeland Security includes a function whose responsibilities include the coordination of policies and actions to protect the nation's critical infrastructure. However, the proposal did not specify criteria for how to determine criticality or which infrastructures should be considered critical. Over the last few years, a number of documents concerned with critical infrastructure protection have offered general definitions for critical infrastructures and have provided short lists of which infrastructures should be included. Critical infrastructures now include national monuments (e.g. Washington Monument), where an attack might cause a large loss of life or adversely affect the nation's morale. They also include the chemical industry. Essentially the federal government will have to try to minimize the impact on the nation's critical infrastructure of any future terrorist attack, taking into account what those impacts might be and the likelihood of their occurring, and will set priorities for critical infrastructure protection based on a consistent methodology and an approach that will allow it to balance the cost and expected benefits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.; Copeland, Claudia; Fischer, John

  2002-08-30
• Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated August 14, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "The House and Senate proposals for a new Department of Homeland Security would make the new department responsible for coordinating activities with, and providing assistance to, state and local governments to ensure adequate preparedness for possible terrorist attacks. H.R. 5005 and S. 2452 would place these functions within the Emergency Preparedness and Response division (EPR), which would integrate existing agencies with functions relating to state and local preparedness. [...] Congress will likely debate a number of issues as it considers H.R. 5005 and S. 2452, including how best to structure the department to act as a single point of contact for state and local officials. As part of this issue, Congress will consider the authority and duties of an Office of State and Local Government Coordination. Another issue is how the department will set standards and evaluate state and local preparedness. Congress may also be asked to consider the way in which the department will integrate training programs from different agencies. A final issue is whether integrating FEMA into the new department would impact state and local preparedness for natural disasters."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2002-08-14
• Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation [Updated January 24, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "The September 11 terrorist attacks by foreign nationals --- including several terrorists on student visas --- have prompted a series of questions about foreign students in the United States and the extent to which the U.S. government monitors their admission and presence in this country. [...] Potential foreign students, as well as all aliens, must satisfy Department of State (DOS) consular officers abroad and INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service] inspectors upon entry to the United States that they are not ineligible for visas under the so-called 'grounds for inadmissibility' of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which include security and terrorist concerns. In FY1979, the total number of foreign student and cultural exchange visas issued by DOS consular officers was 224,030 and comprised 4% of all nonimmigrant visas issued. In 1996, Congress enacted a provision that established a foreign student monitoring system and required educational institutions to participate as a condition of continued approval to enroll foreign students."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  2003-01-24
• Homeland Security: A Topical Comparison of H.R. 5710 with H.R. 5005 [Updated November 21, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "H.R. 5710 was introduced as a new vehicle for consideration of the proposal to establish a Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. H.R. 5005, a smaller bill, was previously passed by the House. On November 19, 2002, the Senate amended H.R. 5005, incorporating the provisions virtually identical to H.R. 5710. The House, on November 22, will consider H.R. 5005, as passed by the Senate, and is expected to adopt that language. The differences in the two versions are relatively few and are technical in nature. [...] The original purpose of this report was to provide an alignment of the sections H.R. 5005, as passed by the House and H.R. 5710, as passed by the House to show where the major similarities and differences were in terms of subjects addressed. Since the Senate has now passed H.R. 5005 and it is virtually identical to H.R. 5710, the report serves to demonstrate the expansion of the legislation which will prevail with that sent by the House to the Senate earlier this year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gressle, Sharon S.

  2002-11-21
• Homeland Security: Coast Guard Legislation in the 107th Congress [Updated November 15, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Congress has approved a port security and Coast Guard FY2002-FY2003 authorization bill, S. 1214. As approved, S. 1214 includes elements of several earlier bills addressing Coast Guard authorization, personnel, maritime improvement, and port security issues. [...] Proposing to move the Coast Guard into a new Department of Homeland Security are the Administration's proposal, House-passed H.R. 5005, and S. 2452, as reported (S.Rept. 107-175) by the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs on June 24, 2002. On November 13, the House passed H.R. 5710 a new bill transferring the Coast Guard to the proposed Department of Homeland Security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lee, Martin R.

  2002-11-15
• Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [Updated May 6, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, processes and organizations across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g. electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed). Computers and communications, themselves critical infrastructures, are increasingly tying these infrastructures together. There is concern that this reliance on computers and computer networks raises the vulnerability of the nation's critical infrastructures to 'cyber' attacks. In May 1998, President Clinton released Presidential Decision Directive No. 63. The Directive set up groups within the federal government to develop and implement plans that would protect government-operated infrastructures and called for a dialogue between government and the private sector to develop a National Infrastructure Assurance Plan that would protect all of the nation's critical infrastructures by the year 2003. While the Directive called for both physical and cyber protection from both man-made and natural events, implementation focused on cyber protection against man-made cyber events (i.e. computer hackers). Those advocating the need for greater cyber security felt that this was a new vulnerability not fully appreciated by system owners and operators in either the private or public sectors. However, given the impact of the September 11 attacks on the communications, finance, and transportation infrastructures, physical protections of critical infrastructures may receive more attention."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.

  2003-05-06
• Combating Terrorism: 2001 Congressional Debate on Emergency Supplemental Allocations [Updated March 20, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Within days of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Congress approved a $40 billion emergency supplemental appropriations (P.L. 107-38/H.R. 2888) to aid victims of the terrorist attacks, to bolster security at airports and other sites, to pursue the investigation and prosecution of those responsible, and to support national security. The appropriation measure partitioned the $40 billion into three clusters. The first $10 billion was available immediately for allocation by the President. The second $10 billion was available 15 days after the President notified Congress about how he would distribute the funds. The final $20 billion would be allocated within an enacted FY2002 appropriation bill."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Belasco, Amy; Nowels, Larry Q.

  2002-03-20
• Immigration and Naturalization Service: Restructuring Proposals in the 107th Congress [Updated December 30, 2002]

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  The events of September 11, 2001 brought the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to the forefront of the nation's attention. Although all 19 hijackers entered the country legally, three overstayed their visas. And, on March 11, 2002, INS sent student visa notifications for two of the (now deceased) 19 hijackers to the aviation school they attended, provoking an intensification of long-standing criticism of INS for weak management controls, among other things. An underlying theme of criticism concerns what many believe are overlapping and unclear chains of command with respect to INS's service and enforcement functions. Current proposals to restructure INS center on separating the service and enforcement functions either by keeping INS intact and creating two separate bureaus to carry out the functions, or by dismantling INS and reassigning the functions to DOJ and other agencies or a newly created department of homeland security. How will the separate entities expeditiously share information? Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge has proposed merging at least three agencies that are responsible for providing border security into a "super agency." All of these proposals would address concerns of overlap in functions, and related duplication of efforts; lack of communication and coordination of efforts; and the rivalry that reportedly exists between INS and agencies with similar responsibilities. The Act transfers INS' immigration service and enforcement functions to a new DHS into two separate Bureaus.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2002-12-30
• Homeland Security: The Presidential Coordination Office [Updated June 12, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "As part of his response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, President George W. Bush announced in his September 20 address to a joint session of Congress that he was creating, within the White House Office, an Office of Homeland Security (OHS), headed by a director who would have Cabinet rank and would report directly to the President. OHS, as subsequently chartered with E.O. [Executive Order] 13228 of October 8, 2001, is an agency of the Executive Office of the President. The success of this office as a coordinator of a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the nation against terrorism may be guided by past experience with similar such entities. This report reviews past experience--principally with the Office of War Mobilization and its successor, the Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion--and its possible significance for OHS, as well as the administrative development of the new agency; it will be updated as events recommend."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2002-05-15
• Homeland Security: Human Resources Management [Updated May 15, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "Key issues to be considered in establishing an HRM [human resources management] system for the new department might include staffing requirements and hiring and pay systems. Other issues likely to be considered would include the kind of automated human resources and payroll systems the various agencies proposed for transfer to the new department currently have and how those systems might be merged if a consolidation of HRM services were to occur. This report discusses the provisions of P.L. 107-296 as they relate to human resources management. It does not discuss provisions of the law which relate to labor management relations and collective bargaining."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schwemle, Barbara L.

  2003-05-15
• Homeland Security and the Reserves: Threat, Mission, and Force Structure Issues [September 10, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many have suggested expanding the use of the reserves, particularly the National Guard, for homeland security. [...] Over the past two decades, the reserves have shifted much of their peacetime effort from training for wartime tasks to participating in current active force missions. Denying the active forces access to these reserve resources, due to a restructuring of reserves toward homeland security missions, most likely would reduce the readiness of U.S. forces, at least in the near term. [...] At present, some reservists can be enticed to join or remain in the reserves by, among other incentives, real-world missions which are part of real overseas contingencies. On the other hand, homeland security duty could attract some recruits not drawn to foreign travel, but energized by participating in direct defense of American soil. [...] Adequate homeland security may not need forces of the size of the entire Army National Guard (360,000 personnel), let alone contributions from the other reserve components. [...] In coping with such a nation-state, whether it is linked with terrorism or not, the mobilization potential of reserve components configured for intense, modern conventional conflict could well be crucial--as it has been for many countries around the world, including the United States, since the era of modern industrial war began in the late 19th Century."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Goldich, Robert L.

  2002-09-10
• Homeland Security Act of 2002: Legislative History and Pagination Key [Updated November 26, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "This report presents an abbreviated legislative history of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, providing information on the sequence of events leading up to passage and references to related legislative proposals. [...] The version used is the text of H.R. 5005, as enacted, (Enrolled version)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gressle, Sharon S.

  2002-11-26
• Homeland Security Act of 2002: Tort Liability Provisions [November 27, 2002]

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  The Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296 (H.R. 5005), contains the following provisions that limit tort liability, and this report examines each of them. [1] Section 304 immunizes manufacturers and administrators of smallpox vaccines from tort liability. [2] Section 863 limits the tort liability of sellers of anti-terrorism technologies. [3] Section 890 limits the tort liability of air transportation security companies and their affiliates for claims arising from the September 11, 2001 air crashes. [4] Section 1201 limits the tort liability of air carriers for acts of terrorism committed on or to an air carrier. [5] Section 1402 immunizes air carriers from liability arising out of a Federal flight deck officer's use or failure to use a firearm, and immunizes Federal flight deck officers from liability, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, for acts or omissions in defending the flight deck of an aircraft. [6] Sections 1714-1717 limit the tort liability of manufacturers and administrators of the components and ingredients of various vaccines.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cohen, Henry, 1949-

  2002-11-27
• Homeland Security Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture Issues [Updated December 16, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "The President originally proposed (in June 2002) that all of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) -- including the Plum Island Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory -- be transferred into the new Department's Office of Border and Transportation Security to support its counter-terrorism mission. APHIS is responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests and diseases and posts inspectors at about 125 ports of entry around the country. [...] The House Select Committee on Homeland Security incorporated these changes into an amended version of the President's proposal, which it reported out and the full House passed in July 2002 (H.R. 5005). The amended proposal specified that only the APHIS border inspection employees would be transferred to DHS, and that the USDA Secretary would retain considerable authority over their activities and funding. The bill also included the transfer of the Plum Island lab to DHS. Section 421 of P.L. 107-296 authorizes the transfer of no more than 3,200 APHIS border inspection personnel to DHS, along with the Plum Island lab."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Rawson, Jean M.

  2002-12-16
• Homeland Security: The Department of Defense's Role [Updated May 14, 2003]

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  Efforts to involve Department of Defense (DOD) more closely with federal, state and local agencies in their homeland security activities have emerged with the heightened concern about large-scale terrorism. While the DOD leadership is ready and willing to play a supporting role in these efforts, it wishes to maintain overseas military operations as the Department's primary focus, and avoid an inadvertent drain of fiscal, materiel, and personnel resources to the homeland security mission. Exactly how the DOD and a new Department of Homeland Security will establish and maintain coordination and cooperation remains to be seen. The intelligence collection and analysis capabilities within the Department of Defense are a substantial portion of the United States' national intelligence assets. They include the National Security Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the intelligence and security branches of the individual armed services. The DOD, with its active duty and reserve forces, and the potential of federalizing National Guard units, has the largest and most diversified personnel assets in the Federal Government. As was demonstrated in the months after the September 2001 terrorist attacks, they can be used in a variety of security roles. The Department of Defense remains the greatest federal repository of resources for responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bowman, Steve

  2003-05-14
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 23, 2019]

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  From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Leggett, Jane A.; Comay, Laura B. . . .

  2019-09-23
• Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 4, 2019]

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  From the Summary: "The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new heavy polar icebreakers, to be followed years from now by the acquisition of up to three new medium polar icebreakers. [...] Issues for Congress for the PSC program include, inter alia, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's FY2020 procurement funding request for the program; whether to use a contract with options or a block buy contract to procure the ships; whether to continue providing at least some of the procurement funding for the PSC program through the Navy's shipbuilding account; technical, schedule, and cost risk in the PSC program; and whether to procure heavy and medium polar icebreakers to a common basic design."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2019-10-04