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• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Renewal: Core Labor Standards Issues: A Brief Overview [February 21, 2007]

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  "This report is a brief overview of key issues addressed in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33864, 'Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Renewal: Core Labor Standards Issues'. Trade promotion authority (TPA), formerly known as 'fast-track' authority, is scheduled to expire July 1, 2007. With it will expire the President's authority to negotiate trade agreements that Congress will then consider without amendment and with limited debate. For the 110th Congress, a likely issue in this debate is whether to include 'enforceable core labor standards' as a principal negotiating objective in trade agreements. Accordingly, this report (1) identifies key labor provisions in the current TPA law and how they have translated into free trade agreements negotiated under it; (2) presents some legislative options, and summarizes arguments for and against listing enforceable core labor standards as a principal negotiating objective; and (3) looks at possible outcomes and implications of the legislative options. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolle, Mary Jane

  2007-02-21
• Trade Promotion Authority and Fast-Track Negotiating Authority for Trade Agreements: Major Votes [Updated July 17, 2007]

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  "This report profiles significant legislation from 1974 to the present that authorizes the use of presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as fast-track trade negotiating authority. It identifies significant bills and resolutions that had floor votes. It also includes a list of floor votes on implementing legislation for trade agreements from 1979 to the present; these bills were passed under TPA expedited procedures by Congress and signed by the President. For further discussions of TPA, P.L. 107-210, or fast-track legislative activity, the report lists CRS [Congressional Research Service] Reports and Internet resources. This report will be updated as events warrant in the 110th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Carolyn C.

  2007-07-17
• Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations and Issues for Congress [September 5, 2012]

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  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated among the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. U.S. negotiators and others describe and envision the TPP as a 'comprehensive and high-standard' FTA, presumably because they hope it will liberalize trade in nearly all goods and services and include commitments beyond those currently established in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The broad outline of an agreement was announced on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial in November 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. If implemented, the TPP potentially could eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment among the parties and could serve as a template for a future trade pact among APEC members and potentially other countries. Congress has a direct interest in the negotiations, both through influencing U.S. negotiating positions with the executive branch, and by passing legislation to implement any resulting agreement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Cooper, William H., 1949-; Jurenas, Remy

  2012-09-05
• Trade Primer: Qs and As on Trade Concepts, Performance, and Policy [January 18, 2013]

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  "The 113th Congress may have a full legislative and oversight agenda on international trade. This may include consideration of legislation to reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and implementation of a possible Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. Congress may also pay close attention to the new negotiation for an International Services Agreement and developments in the Doha Development Round, both under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO). There is also discussion of beginning trade negotiations for a U.S.- European Union free trade agreement (FTA). Other issues might include enhanced enforcement of U.S. trade agreements and trade relations with China. This report provides information and context for these and many other trade topics. It is intended to assist Members and staff who may be new to trade issues. For more details on specific trade issues facing the 113th Congress see CRS Report R42882, 'International Trade and Finance: Key Policy Issues for the 113th Congress,' coordinated by Mary A. Irace and J. F. Hornbeck. This report is divided into four sections in a question-and-answer format: trade concepts; U.S. trade performance; formulation of U.S. trade policy; and trade and investment issues. Additional suggested readings are provided in an appendix."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Bolle, Mary Jane; Cooper, William H., 1949- . . .

  2013-01-18
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Countries: Comparative Trade and Economic Analysis [January 29, 2013]

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  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. The negotiating partners have expressed an interest in allowing this proposed 'living agreement' to cover new trade topics and to include new members that are willing to adopt the proposed agreement's high standards. Canada and Mexico are the most recent countries to join the negotiations and Japan has participated in consultations with the partner countries about the possibility of joining. […] This report provides a comparative economic analysis of the TPP countries and their economic relations with the United States. It suggests that the TPP negotiating partners encompass great diversity in population, economic development, and trade and investment patterns with the United States. This economic diversity and inclusion of fast-growing emerging markets presents both opportunities and challenges for the United States in achieving a comprehensive and high standard regional FTA among TPP countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Williams, Brock R.

  2013-01-29
• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Role of Congress in Trade Policy [January 14, 2013]

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  "On July 1, 2007, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA--previously known as fast track) expired. TPA is the authority Congress grants to the President to enter into certain reciprocal trade agreements, and to have their implementing bills considered under expedited legislative procedures, provided the President observes certain statutory obligations. TPA defines how Congress has chosen to exercise its constitutional authority over a particular aspect of trade policy, while giving the President added leverage to negotiate trade agreements by effectively assuring U.S. trade partners that final agreements will be given timely and unamended consideration. […] Should Congress decide to consider reauthorizing TPA, it has many options including, but not limited to (1) taking no action; (2) extending temporarily; (3) revising and renewing; or (4) granting permanent authority. How this issue evolves also depends on a host of political and economic variables, including congressional action on reinvigorating a 'political compact' that sits at the center of a well-functioning TPA process."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Cooper, William H., 1949-

  2013-01-14
• Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [Updated November 2, 2001]

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  "International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2001-11-02
• Terrorism, the Future and U.S. Foreign Policy [Updated September 19, 2001]

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  "International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11th in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement and military force."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2001-09-19
• Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [February 25, 2002]

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  "International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. Terrorist activities supported by sophisticated planning and logistics as well as possible access to chemical, biological, or nuclear weaponry raise a host of new issues. Some analysts' long-held belief that a comprehensive review of U.S. terrorism policy, organizational structure, and preparedness is needed has now become a mainstream view."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-; Perl, Raphael

  2002-02-25
• Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement [December 12, 2011]

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  "At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) in November 2011, the leaders of the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam announced the broad outlines of a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which the parties hope to complete in 2012. If enacted the TPP would eliminate 11,000 tariff lines among the parties and, with 26 chapters under negotiation, potentially it could serve as a template for future trade pact among the APEC states. At the same venue the leaders of Japan, Canada, and Mexico announced that they would seek consultations with partner countries with a view towards joining the negotiations. Nine rounds of negotiations have occurred since the beginning of 2010. Other architectures, such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) have both economic and strategic aspects. They can be grouped into two categories: (1) groupings that are Asia-centric in approach or origins and exclude the United States and (2) those that are trans-Pacific in nature and that include, or would include, the United States and other Western Hemispheric nations. The TPP is one vehicle that could be used to shape the U.S. agenda with the region. The United States, by signaling its intention to join the EAS and by working to elevate its relationship with ASEAN to a more strategic level, appears to be shaping regional architectures in a way that will be more inclusive and trans-Pacific in nature."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-

  2011-12-12
• Trade Promotion Authority (Fast-Track Authority for Trade Agreements): Background and Developments in the 107th Congress [Updated November 16, 2001]

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  "One of the major trade issues in the 107th Congress will be whether or not Congress approves trade promotion authority (formerly called fast-track authority) for the President to negotiate trade agreements with expedited procedures for implementing legislation. Under this authority, Congress agrees to consider legislation to implement the trade agreements (usually nontariff trade agreements) under a procedure with mandatory deadlines, no amendment, and limited debate. The President is required to consult with congressional committees during negotiation and notify Congress before entering into an agreement. [...] On October 3, Ways and Means Chairman Thomas introduced H.R. 3005. This bill was reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee (H.Rept. 107-249, Part 1) on October 16, 2001. On October 4, Representative Rangel, Ways and Means Ranking Member, and Representative Levin, Ranking Member on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released their own proposal, H.R. 3019. That bill was rejected by the Ways and Means Committee on October 9 by a 27- 12 vote. On October 11, Senator Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, gave a major speech outlining his position on fast-track legislation. It is uncertain when the Senate might act on any legislation. On November 16, House Majority Leader Armey announced that the House would vote on TPA legislation (H.R. 3005) on December 6. No definite action in the Senate has been announced."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sek, Lenore

  2001-11-16
• Trafficking in Persons: International Dimensions and Foreign Policy Issues for Congress [July 24, 2013]

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  "Trafficking in persons, or human trafficking, refers to the subjection of men, women, and children to exploitative conditions that can be tantamount to slavery. Reports suggest that human trafficking is a global phenomenon, victimizing millions of people each year and contributing to a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. It is a centuries-old problem that, despite international and U.S. efforts to eliminate it, continues to occur in virtually every country in the world. Human trafficking is also an international and cross-cutting policy problem that bears on a range of major national security, human rights, criminal justice, social, economic, migration, gender, public health, and labor issues. The U.S. government and successive Congresses have long played a leading role in international efforts to combat human trafficking."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wyler, Liana Sun

  2013-07-24
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated July 12, 2005]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past three years. It is expected that aviation security policy and programs will continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress. The July 2005 bombing of trains in London and the bombings of commuter trains and subway trains in Madrid and Moscow in 2004 highlighted the vulnerability of passenger rail systems to terrorist attacks. The volume of ridership and number of access points make it impractical to subject all rail passengers to the type of screening airline passengers undergo. Nevertheless, there are prudent steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and consequences, of an attack. These include vulnerability assessments; emergency planning; and emergency response training and drilling of transit personnel, ideally in coordination with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as purchase of communication and safety equipment. Additional options include increasing the number of transit security personnel, installing video surveillance equipment in vehicles and stations, and conducting random inspections of platforms and trains using bomb-sniffing dogs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Frittelli, John

  2005-07-12
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated June 15, 2005]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The Act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past three years. It is expected that aviation security policy and programs will continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress. The volume of ridership and number of access points make it impractical to subject all rail passengers to the type of screening airline passengers undergo. Nevertheless, there are prudent steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and consequences, of an attack. These include vulnerability assessments; emergency planning; and emergency response training and drilling of transit personnel, ideally in coordination with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as purchase of communication and safety equipment. Additional options include increasing the number of transit security personnel, installing video surveillance equipment in vehicles and stations, and conducting random inspections of platforms and trains using bomb-sniffing dogs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Frittelli, John

  2005-06-15
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated April 6, 2005]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The Act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past three years. It is expected that aviation security policy and programs will continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress. The volume of ridership and number of access points make it impractical to subject all rail passengers to the type of screening airline passengers undergo. Nevertheless, there are prudent steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and consequences, of an attack. These include vulnerability assessments; emergency planning; and emergency response training and drilling of transit personnel, ideally in coordination with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as purchase of communication and safety equipment. Additional options include increasing the number of transit security personnel, installing video surveillance equipment in vehicles and stations, and conducting random inspections of platforms and trains using bomb-sniffing dogs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Frittelli, John

  2005-04-06
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated March 8, 2005]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The Act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past three years. It is expected that aviation security policy and programs will continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress. The volume of ridership and number of access points make it impractical to subject all rail passengers to the type of screening airline passengers undergo. Nevertheless, there are prudent steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and consequences, of an attack. These include vulnerability assessments; emergency planning; and emergency response training and drilling of transit personnel, ideally in coordination with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as purchase of communication and safety equipment. Additional options include increasing the number of transit security personnel, installing video surveillance equipment in vehicles and stations, and conducting random inspections of platforms and trains using bomb-sniffing dogs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Frittelli, John

  2005-03-08
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated December 21, 2004]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, reasonable measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The focus of this issue brief is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. The Act gave the TSA broad authority to assess vulnerabilities in aviation security and take steps to mitigate these risks. The TSA's progress on aviation security has been the subject of considerable congressional oversight over the past three years. It is expected that aviation security policy and programs will continue to be of considerable interest in the 109th Congress. The volume of ridership and number of access points make it impractical to subject all rail passengers to the type of screening airline passengers undergo. Nevertheless, there are prudent steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and consequences, of an attack. These include vulnerability assessments; emergency planning; and emergency response training and drilling of transit personnel, ideally in coordination with police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, as well as purchase of communication and safety equipment. Additional options include increasing the number of transit security personnel, installing video surveillance equipment in vehicles and stations, and conducting random inspections of platforms and trains using bomb-sniffing dogs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew; Frittelli, John; Peterman, David Randall

  2004-12-21
• Trade Promotion Authority and Fast-Track Negotiating Authority for Trade Agreements: Major Votes [January 10, 2008]

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  "This report profiles significant legislation, including floor votes, that authorized the use of presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as fast-track trade negotiating authority, since its inception in 1974. The report also includes a list of floor votes since 1979 on implementing legislation for trade agreements that were passed under TPA fast-track procedures. Although TPA expired on July 1, 2007, four free trade agreements were signed in time to be considered under TPA expedited procedures in the 110th Congress. The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act was passed by Congress and signed into law (H.R. 3688, enacted as P.L. 110-338 on December 14, 2007.) The legislative future of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea is uncertain. For further discussions of TPA or fast-track legislative activity, the report lists CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and Internet resources. This report will be updated as events warrant in the 110th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Carolyn C.

  2006-01-10
• Trade Promotion Authority and Fast-Track Negotiating Authority for Trade Agreements: Major Votes [Updated January 3, 2007]

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  "This report profiles significant legislation from 1974 to the present that authorizes the use of presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as fast-track trade negotiating authority. It identifies significant bills and resolutions that had floor votes. It also includes a list of floor votes on implementing legislation for trade agreements from 1979 to the present; these bills were passed under TPA expedited procedures by Congress and signed by the President. For further discussions of TPA, P.L. 107-210, or fast-track legislative activity, the report lists CRS [Congressional Research Service] Reports and Internet resources. This report will be updated as events warrant in the 110th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Carolyn C.

  2007-01-03
• Trade Promotion Authority and Fast-Track Negotiating Authority for Trade Agreements: Major Votes [Updated October 18, 2006]

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  "This report profiles significant legislation from 1974 to the present that authorizes the use of presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as fast-track trade negotiating authority. It identifies significant bills and resolutions that had floor votes. It also includes a list of floor votes on implementing legislation for trade agreements from 1979 to the present; these bills were passed under TPA expedited procedures by Congress and signed by the President. For further discussions of TPA, P.L. 107-210, or fast-track legislative activity, the report lists CRS [Congressional Research Service] Reports and Internet resources. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Carolyn C.

  2006-10-18
• Trends in Terrorism: 2006 [March 12, 2007]

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  "On April 28, 2006, the Department of State sent to Congress its annual report on global terrorism: 'Country Reports on Global Terrorism 2005'. The 262-page report provides an annual strategic assessment of trends in terrorism and the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, coupled with detailed information on anti-terror cooperation by nations worldwide. The report and underlying data portray a threat from radical Jihadists that is becoming more widespread, diffuse, and increasingly homegrown, often with a lack of formal operational connection with al Qaeda ideological leaders such as Osama Bin Laden or Ayman al Zawahiri. […] Emerging trends that may require enhanced policy focus for the 110th Congress are (1) attacks that aim to cause economic damage such as attacks on transportation infrastructure, tourism, and oil installations, (2) the growing number of unattributed terrorist attacks, and (3) the growing power and influence of radical Islamist political parties in foreign nations. Recent suggestions that al Qaeda remains operationally active are of growing concern as well. The State Department report suggests an immediate future with a larger number of 'smaller attacks, less meticulously planned, and local rather than transnational in scope.' If so, some adjustment in implementation of United States anti-terror strategy and tactics to reflect a more international law enforcement oriented approach, such as that envisioned in the February 2003 'National Strategy for Combating Terrorism', may be warranted. As the global economic, political, and technological landscapes evolve, data being collected to identify and track terrorism may need to change. This report will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2007-03-12
• Turkey's 2007 Elections: Crisis of Identity and Power [August 6, 2007]

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  "The effort of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to elect one of its own to be president of the Republic provoked a crisis. The nominee, the otherwise respected Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, has roots in Turkey's Islamist movement and his wife wears a head scarf, which some secularists consider a symbol of both Islamism and backwardness. Moreover, because AKP already controls the prime ministry and parliament, it was argued that the balance of political power would be disturbed if the party also assumed the presidency. The opposition engaged in mass demonstrations, boycotted the first round of the vote for president in parliament, and petitioned the Constitutional Court to annul the vote, while the General Staff of the armed forces warned that the military would act if 'needs be' as the defender of secularism. After the Court invalidated the vote, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called early national elections and proposed a package of constitutional amendments, including one for the direct election of president. […] Terrorism was a major issue in the campaign, and tensions between Turkey and the United States continue over U.S. inaction against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Turkish terrorist group harbored in northern Iraq. AKP's views on this issue are somewhat more considered than the nationalist opposition parties in parliament. Prime Minister Erdogan is likely to pursue a diplomatic approach at first, but the possibility of a Turkish military incursion into Iraq with attendant consequences for U.S. policy and Iraqi stability persists. This report will be updated as developments warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Migdalovitz, Carol

  2007-08-06
• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Renewal: Core Labor Standards Issues [August 29, 2007]

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  "Trade promotion authority (TPA), formerly known as 'fast-track' authority, is scheduled to expire July 1, 2007. With it will expire the authority: (a) that Congress grants the President to enter into certain trade agreements, and (b) for Congress to consider the agreements' implementing legislation under expedited procedures. Currently, the Administration is negotiating a number of trade agreements that may not be completed before the current TPA is set to expire. If these activities are to continue, TPA/fast-track renewal may be a central issue in the 110th Congress. Within the debate, a major issue is expected to be whether to include as a principal negotiating objective in trade agreements, 'enforceable core labor standards.' Two TPA/fast-track authorities have incorporated labor provisions. The first, the 'Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988' (OTCA), which expired in 1994, included the broad, general objective: 'to promote worker rights.' The 'North American Free Trade Agreement', with its labor side agreement, was negotiated under OTCA. The second and current TPA authority with labor provisions, the 'Trade Act of 2002', includes protections for labor, modified by protections for country governments, businesses and investors. Seven free trade agreements (FTAs) -- with Chile, Singapore, Australia, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, and the Dominican Republic and Central America -- were negotiated under this authority. All have only one enforceable labor requirement: that each country not fail to enforce its own labor laws in a manner affecting trade between the parties. […] Finally, it looks at possible outcomes and implications of the various legislative options, and summarizes key activity on the TPA renewal issue. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolle, Mary Jane

  2007-08-29
• Trade Negotiations During the 109th Congress [June 15, 2006]

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  "For over 50 years, U.S. trade officials have negotiated multilateral trade agreements to achieve lower trade barriers and rules to cover international trade. During the 108th Congress, U.S. officials negotiated and Congress approved four bilateral free-trade agreements with Australia, Chile, Morocco, and Singapore. The Bush Administration is making bilateral and regional free-trade agreements more important elements of its trade policy. The multilateral arena is no longer the only means, or perhaps even the principal means, by which the United States is pursuing liberalized trade. Trade agreements are negotiated by the executive branch, although Congress has the ultimate Constitutional authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. Trade promotion authority (TPA) requires that the President consult with and advise Congress throughout the negotiating process. After the executive branch signs an agreement, Congress may consider implementing legislation if any statutory changes are required under the agreement. There is no deadline for submission of the legislation, but once a bill is submitted, TPA requires a final vote within 90 legislative days."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2006-06-15
• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: Economic, Program, and Policy Issues [February 4, 2008]

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  "Economists generally agree that trade liberalization enhances the economic welfare of all trade partners, but in compelling firms and workers to face stiffer global competition, can also cause adjustment problems. Congress has responded by authorizing three programs to assist trade-impacted workers, firms, and farmers. This report focuses on the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program for firms, which provides technical assistance to trade-affected firms to help them develop strategies to remain competitive in the changing international economy. TAA program authorization lapsed on October 1, 2007 and was operating under a temporary extension through December 31, 2007. The House has passed a second three-month extension and a new five-year reauthorization bill. Neither bill has been passed in the Senate. This report will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2008-02-04
• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: Economic Program, and Policy Issues [October 2, 2007]

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  "Although free trade provides benefits to all trading partners, reducing barriers to trade forces firms and workers in all countries to adjust to stiffer global competition. For some, the adjustment process can be difficult and Congress, in recognizing this problem, has authorized three programs to assist trade-impacted firms, farmers, and workers. This report focuses on the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program for firms, which provides technical assistance to help them develop strategies to remain competitive in the changing international economy. The TAA for firms program was reauthorized through FY2007 at $16 million per year and extended on a pro rated basis through December 2007 by P.L. 110-89. This report will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2007-10-02
• Trade Policymaking in the European Union: Institutional Framework [June 27, 2007]

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  "Trade policy in the EU [European Union] is made in the context of legal provisions provided by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. As part of this treaty, an institutional framework for the making of trade policy -- common commercial policy -- was established. Despite relatively few changes in the treaty base of the EU's common commercial policy, its institutional framework has evolved over time as the scope of what constitutes trade policy has been a subject of continuing controversy. The roles and functions of key institutions -- the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, subordinate bodies of the Council, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice -- are described in this report. The actual process of how the EU makes trade policy is of growing interest to the United States as the EU continues to play a larger and more assertive role in the world economy. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ahearn, Raymond J.

  2007-07-27
• Types of Committee Hearings [March 23, 2007]

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  "Congressional committee hearings may be broadly classified into four types: 'legislative, oversight, investigative, and confirmation'. Hearings may be held on Capitol Hill or elsewhere (e.g., a committee member's district or state, or a site related to the subject of the hearing). These latter hearings are often referred to as 'field hearings'. See [http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml] for more information on legislative process. […] A single set of rules in each chamber governs the different kinds of hearings (Senate Rule XXVI and House Rule X, particularly clauses 2 and 3, and Rule XI, particularly clauses 2, 4, and 5). For example, House and Senate rules set conditions and procedures for closing any hearing to the public and press, all of which must otherwise remain open. Some other chamber rules, however, are more pertinent to certain kinds of hearings than to others. Within these rules, a chair has broad latitude in the organization and conduct of hearings."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Heitshusen, Valerie

  2007-03-23
• Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations and Issues for Congress [June 17, 2013]

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  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated among the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. On March 15, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Japan would seek to participate in the TPP negotiations. On April 24, 2013, the Obama Administration gave Congress notice of its intent to negotiate with Japan in the TPP, and Japan is expected to participate in the next round of negotiations in late July 2013. U.S. negotiators and others describe and envision the TPP as a 'comprehensive and high-standard' FTA that aims to liberalize trade in nearly all goods and services and include commitments beyond those currently established in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The broad outline of an agreement was announced on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial in November 2011, in Honolulu, HI. If concluded as envisioned, the TPP potentially could eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment among the parties and could serve as a template for a future trade pact among APEC members and potentially other countries. Congress has a direct interest in the negotiations, both through influencing U.S. negotiating positions with the executive branch, and by passing legislation to implement any resulting agreement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Williams, Brock R.; Jurenas, Remy; Cooper, William H., 1949- . . .

  2013-06-17
• Turkey: Background and U.S. Relations [June 21, 2013]

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  "As global challenges to U.S. interests have changed over time, U.S. relations with Turkey--an important ally since the Cold War era--have evolved. Congress appropriates relatively small amounts of military and security assistance for Turkey compared with past sums, but still plays an active role in shaping and overseeing U.S. relations with Turkey. Several Turkish domestic and foreign policy issues have significant relevance for U.S. interests. U.S. policymakers are closely observing the domestic unrest that began in late May 2013 and spread across Turkey in June to determine how it may impact U.S. interests (see 'June 2013 Protests and Their Implications' below). Gauging how U.S. and Turkish interests coincide has become increasingly complicated and dynamic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Zanotti, Jim

  2013-06-21