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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [August 16, 2016]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, and the alliance has expanded in recent years to address multiple regional threats. However, UAE regional policy is becoming increasingly assertive, in some cases not necessarily acting in concert with the United States but rather with some allies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman). The UAE's assertiveness might reflect doubts about the U.S. security commitment to the GCC states after the United States negotiated the July 2015 comprehensive nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) with Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2016-08-16
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U.S.-Vietnam Economic and Trade Relations: Issues for the 114th Congress [May 20, 2016]
The following report outlines the U.S.-Vietnam economic and trade relations. The report begins with a brief historical overview and proceeds with the aspirations of Vietnam in regards to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP). The report continues by discussing the following problems and issues with the growth in bilateral trade. "Vietnam would like the United States officially to recognize it as a market economy and to further relax U.S. restrictions on arms sales to Vietnam. In addition, the two nations have disagreed over U.S. treatment of the import of catfish-like fish known as 'basa',' swai', or 'tra', from Vietnam. […]The 114th Congress may play an important role in one or more of these issues, as have past Congresses. The Human Rights Act of 2016 (S. 2632) opposes the 'further easing of the prohibition on the sale of lethal military equipment to the Government of Vietnam' unless certain human rights conditions improve. The House report accompanying the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R. 1890), cites a perceived lack of a 'mechanism to ensure compliance by TPP parties' to international standards for labor laws and practices, and in particular Vietnam. Vietnam's compliance with a bilateral trade and labor relations side agreement to the TPP may factor in congressional consideration of the larger TPP agreement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.
2016-05-20
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United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions [January 24, 2011]
"This report presents, verbatim, the United States 'Flag Code' as found in Title 4 of the United States Code and the section of Title 36 which designates the Star- Spangled Banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. The 'Flag Code' includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and occasions for display, position and manner of display, and how to show respect for the flag. The 'Code' also grants to the President the authority to modify the rules governing the flag. The report also addresses several of the frequently asked questions concerning the flag. The subject matter of these questions includes the pledge of allegiance and the court decisions concerning it, the nature of the codifications of customs concerning the flag in the 'Flag Code,' display of the flag 24 hours a day, flying the flag in bad weather, flying the flag at half-staff, ornaments on the flag, destruction of worn flags, display of the U.S. flag with flags of other nations or of States, commercial use of the flag, size and proportion of the flag, and restrictions upon display of the flag by real estate associations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luckey, John R.
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U.S. Trade Deficit and the Impact of Changing Oil Prices [August 16, 2016]
"Imported petroleum prices fell from an average price of $91.23 per barrel of crude oil in 2014 to an average price of $47.28 per barrel in 2015, or a drop of 48%. This represents the lowest price per barrel of crude oil since early 2009, when the global economy was slowing sharply. Through June 2016, the price per barrel of oil slipped below $30 at times. Similarly, the volume of crude oil imports for 2015 fell by 1.4% from the amount imported in 2014. The sharp decline in the average price of a barrel of crude oil combined with the drop in the amount, or the volume, of oil imports in 2015 compared with 2014 not only resulted in a drop in the overall value of imported crude oil, but also a sharp drop in the share of the total U.S. merchandise trade deficit that is associated with the trade deficit in energy imports. Although oil import volumes increased in the January through June period in 2016 compared with the similar period in 2015, the overall value of oil imports dropped by one-third due to lower per barrel import prices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2016-08-16
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United Kingdom and the European Union: Stay or Go? [June 20, 2016]
"On June 23, 2016, British voters are expected to answer the question 'Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?' The outcome of the referendum remains difficult to predict. Polling results have varied from week to week and continue to suggest a close race with a significant number of undecided voters. Some polls in mid-June have shown a late shift in favor of the Leave campaign."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2016-06-20
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U.S.-South Korea Relations [May 23, 2017]
"South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, or ROK) is one of the United States' most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. Congressional interest in South Korea is driven by both security and trade interests. Since the early 1950s, the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty commits the United States to help South Korea defend itself. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in the ROK, which is included under the U.S. 'nuclear umbrella.' Washington and Seoul cooperate in addressing the challenges posed by North Korea. The two countries' economies are joined by the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). South Korea is the United States' seventh-largest trading partner and the United States is South Korea's second- largest trading partner. Between 2009 and the end of 2016, relations between the two countries arguably reached their most robust state in decades. Political changes in both countries in 2017, however, have generated uncertainty about the state of the relationship."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham . . .
2017-05-23
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [July 12, 2017]
"This report presents background information and issues for Congress on the overarching U.S. foreign policy issue of the U.S. role in the world. Certain statements and actions from the Trump Administration have led to uncertainty about the Administration's intentions regarding the future U.S. role, and have intensified an ongoing debate among foreign policy specialists, strategists, policymakers, and the public about what that role should be. Decisions that Congress makes about the U.S. role could have substantial or even profound implications for U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international economic policy, for Congress as an institution, and for many federal policies and programs. This report includes (particularly in its appendixes) references to other CRS products that provide more in-depth discussions of specific policy and program areas bearing on the U.S. role. Congressional inquiries relating to the specific issue areas covered in those reports should be addressed to the authors of those reports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2017-07-12
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Policy [June 14, 2017]
"Venezuela is in an acute political, economic, and social crisis. Following the March 2013 death of populist President Hugo Chávez, acting President Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) narrowly defeated Henrique Capriles of the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) to be elected to a six-year term in April 2013. [...] U.S. policymakers have had concerns for more than a decade about the deterioration of human rights and democracy in Venezuela and the government's lack of cooperation on antidrug and counterterrorism efforts. The Obama Administration strongly criticized the Maduro government's heavy-handed response to protests in 2014, provided assistance to civil society groups, and employed sanctions against Venezuelan officials linked to drug trafficking, terrorism, and human rights abuses. At the same time, it supported efforts at dialogue and OAS [Organization of American States] activities. The Trump Administration has followed the same general approach. In February 2017, the Treasury Department imposed drug-trafficking sanctions against Vice President Tareck el Aissami, and in May 2017 it imposed sanctions on eight Supreme Court judges that had dissolved the legislature. President Trump and the State Department have called for the release of imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo López and all political prisoners. State Department officials have condemned the Supreme Court's rulings and the repression of protests. However, the FY2018 budget request does not include funding for democracy and human rights programs in Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2017-06-14
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [June 28, 2017]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, helping to address multiple regional threats. As the UAE has become increasingly capable of projecting force, it has in some cases acting independently or in concert primarily with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman). The UAE's ability to act in the region has benefitted from extensive defense cooperation with the United States. About 5,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed at UAE military facilities, hosted there under a 1994 U.S.-UAE defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that remains in effect by mutual agreement. The UAE was the first Gulf state to order the most sophisticated missile defense system sold by the United States (the THAAD), demonstrating support for U.S. efforts to forge a coordinated missile defense network against Iran. The UAE also hosts other Western forces, including those of France."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2017-06-28
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [August 18, 2017]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, helping to address multiple regional threats, and benefitting from longstanding and extensive defense cooperation with the United States. About 5,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed at UAE military facilities, hosted there under a 1994 U.S.-UAE defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that remains in effect by mutual agreement. The UAE was the first Gulf state to order the most sophisticated missile defense system sold by the United States (the THAAD), demonstrating support for U.S. efforts to forge a coordinated missile defense network against Iran. The UAE also hosts other Western forces, including those of France."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2017-08-18
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U.S.-Mexican Security Cooperation: The Mérida Initiative and Beyond [June 29, 2017]
"Ten years after the Mexican government launched an aggressive, military-led campaign against drug trafficking and organized crime, violent crime continues to threaten citizen security and governance in parts of Mexico, including in cities along the U.S. southwest border. Organized crime-related violence in Mexico declined from 2011 to 2014 but rose in 2015 and again in 2016. Analysts estimate that the violence may have claimed more than 109,000 lives since December 2006. High-profile cases-particularly the enforced disappearance and murder of 43 students in Guerrero in September 2014-have drawn attention to the problem of human rights abuses involving security forces. Numerous cases of corruption by former governors, some of whom have fled the country, have increased concerns about impunity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Finklea, Kristin M.
2017-06-29
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U.S. Trade in Services: Trends and Policy Issues [June 30, 2017]
"The term 'services' refers to an expanding range of economic activities, such as audiovisual; construction; computer and related services; energy; express delivery; e-commerce; financial; professional (such as accounting and legal services); retail and wholesaling; transportation; tourism; and telecommunications. Services account for a majority of the U.S. economy-78% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and 82% of U.S. civilian employment.1 Services are an important element across the U.S. economy, at the national, state, and local levels. They not only function as end-use products but also act as the 'lifeblood' of the rest of the economy. For example, transportation services move intermediate products along global supply chains and final products to consumers; telecommunications services open e-commerce channels; and financial services provide credits for the manufacture and consumption of goods."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-06-30
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U.S. Direct Investment Abroad: Trends and Current Issues [June 29, 2017]
"The United States occupies a unique position in the global economy as the largest investor and the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI). As a basic premise, the U.S. historical approach to international investment has aimed to establish an open and rules-based system that is consistent across countries and in line with U.S. economic and national security interests. This policy also has fundamentally maintained that FDI has positive net benefits for the United States and foreign investors, except in certain cases in which national security concerns outweigh other considerations. The Trump Administration has not yet offered a formal statement on its foreign investment policy relative to the Administration's 'America First' policy. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross stated at a June 2017 SelectUSA investment summit that the Administration welcomes foreign investment into the U.S. economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2017-06-29
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated February 13, 2019]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security, helping to address multiple regional threats by hosting about 5,000 U.S. military personnel at UAE military facilities under a bilateral defense cooperation agreement (DCA). The UAE is a significant buyer of U.S. military equipment, including sophisticated missile defenses, and it reportedly wants to buy the F35 combat aircraft. The alliance is expected to continue after UAE President Shaykh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan, who suffered an incapacitating stroke in January 2014, leaves the scene and his younger brother, Shaykh Muhammad bin Zayid, inevitably becomes UAE president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2019-02-13
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Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act: Bureau of Reclamation and California Water Provisions [Updated December 14, 2018]
"Most of the provisions in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act; P.L. 114-322), enacted on December 16, 2016, relate to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, the WIIN Act also includes a subtitle (Title II, Subtitle J, §§4001-4013) with the potential to affect western water infrastructure owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation; part of the Department of the Interior). Three sections in Subtitle J (§4007, §4009, and §4011) made alterations that would apply throughout Reclamation's service area, the 17 states to the west of the Mississippi River. Most of the remaining sections of this subtitle include provisions specific to the Central Valley Project (CVP), a multipurpose water-conveyance system in California operated by Reclamation. Most of Subtitle J's provisions were derived from bills that received consideration in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Carter, Nicole T.
2018-12-14
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U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians [Updated December 12, 2018]
"In calendar year 2018, the Trump Administration has significantly cut funding for the Palestinians during a time of tension in U.S.-Palestinian relations. Statements by President Trump suggest that the Administration may seek via these cuts to persuade the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to participate in U.S.-led diplomacy on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Despite the funding cuts, PLO Chairman and Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and other PLO/PA officials have not reversed their decision to break off diplomatic contacts with the United States, which came after President Trump's December 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2018-12-12
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2019 Appropriations [March 1, 2019]
From the Document, "The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean nations to support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets since the 1990s. The Trump Administration has sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. assistance efforts in the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular migration and transnational crime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-03-01
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Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated March 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Venezuela has been in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro was narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of populist President Hugo Chávez, who had served since 1999. Maduro's regime has exhibited high levels of corruption and economic mismanagement, which have exacerbated the impact of a decline in global oil prices on the country's economy. According to the International Monetary Fund, Venezuela's economy contracted by 18% and inflation exceeded 1.37 million percent in 2018. Nevertheless, Maduro has used the courts, security forces, and electoral council to repress political opposition and quash dissent. According to the Venezuelan human rights organization 'Foro Penal', the regime held 918 political prisoners as of mid-February 2019. Most Venezuelans and much of the international community considered Maduro's May 2018 reelection illegitimate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2019-03-01
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated February 25, 2019]
From the Document: "For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption; the Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions on more than 100 individuals. On January 28, 2019, the Trump Administration announced sanctions on Venezuela's stateoil company, 'Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A'., or PdVSA. Several days before the imposition of the PdVSA sanctions, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president and ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-02-25
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U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Negotiations [February 28, 2019]
From the Document, "Under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) procedures, on October 16, 2018, the Trump Administration gave Congress its official 90-day advance notification of intent to enter into trade agreement negotiations with Japan. As the fourth largest U.S. trade partner, Japan is a longstanding U.S. priority for trade negotiations, in particular following U.S. withdrawal from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017, which included Japan. With initial TPA requirements met, official negotiations could start at any time. The precise scope of the negotiations remains somewhat uncertain but areas of focus likely include trade commitments on motor vehicles, agricultural goods, services, and potentially policies affecting exchange rates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Williams, Brock R.
2019-02-28
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U.S. Election Assistance Commission: An Overview [Updated February 11, 2019]
"The 2000 presidential election exposed weaknesses in state election systems. Congress responded with the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA; P.L. 107-252). Among other changes, such as setting certain national requirements for election administration, HAVA created a federal agency to help states, territories, and localities administer federal elections: the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Proposals have since been introduced both to terminate the EAC and to extend or expand it. Most recently, the agency has taken on new roles as part of the federal response to attempted foreign interference in the 2016 elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shanton, Karen L.
2019-02-11
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [September 19, 2017]
"This report presents background information and issues for Congress on the overarching U.S. foreign policy issue of the U.S. role in the world. Certain statements and actions from the Trump Administration have led to uncertainty about the Administration's intentions regarding the future U.S. role, and have intensified an ongoing debate among foreign policy specialists, strategists, policymakers, and the public about what that role should be. Decisions that Congress makes about the U.S. role could have substantial or even profound implications for U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international economic policy, for Congress as an institution, and for many federal policies and programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2017-09-19
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [August 17, 2017]
"This report presents background information and issues for Congress on the overarching U.S. foreign policy issue of the U.S. role in the world. Certain statements and actions from the Trump Administration have led to uncertainty about the Administration's intentions regarding the future U.S. role, and have intensified an ongoing debate among foreign policy specialists, strategists, policymakers, and the public about what that role should be. Decisions that Congress makes about the U.S. role could have substantial or even profound implications for U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international economic policy, for Congress as an institution, and for many federal policies and programs. This report includes (particularly in its appendixes) references to other CRS products that provide more in-depth discussions of specific policy and program areas bearing on the U.S. role. Congressional inquiries relating to the specific issue areas covered in those reports should be addressed to the authors of those reports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2017-08-17
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Policy [December 11, 2017]
"Venezuela is in a deep political crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Narrowly elected to a six-year term in 2013 following the death of populist President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013), Maduro is unpopular. Nevertheless, he has used the courts, security forces, and electoral council to repress and divide the opposition, grouped in the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition. [...] The United States has spoken out about setbacks to democracy and human rights in Venezuela, called for the release of political prisoners, expressed concern about the humanitarian situation, and supported dialogue. The U.S. government has employed targeted sanctions against Venezuelans responsible for human rights violations, undermining democracy, and public corruption, as well as those accused of drug trafficking and terrorism. On August 25, 2017, President Trump imposed economic sanctions that restrict the ability of the Venezuelan government and PdVSA ['Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.']to access U.S. financial markets. Broader sanctions have been considered, but could have negative humanitarian impacts. The United States has supported efforts at the Organization of American States (OAS) to help resolve the situation in Venezuela, but those efforts have stalled."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.
2017-12-11
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [November 02, 2017]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, helping to address multiple regional threats, and benefitting from long-standing and extensive defense cooperation with the United States. About 5,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed at UAE military facilities, hosted there under a 1994 U.S.-UAE defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that remains in effect by mutual agreement. The UAE was the first Gulf state to order the most sophisticated missile defense system sold by the United States (the THAAD), demonstrating support for U.S. efforts to forge a coordinated missile defense network against Iran. The UAE also hosts other Western forces, including those of France."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2017-11-02
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Ukraine: Background and U.S. Policy [November 01, 2017]
"The United States has long supported Ukraine's pro-Western orientation and reform efforts. It supports the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, including with respect to Crimea, as well as implementation of the Minsk agreements that would establish a cease-fire and conflict settlement in eastern Ukraine. In 2014, the United States, in coordination with the European Union and others, imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. The United States is a leading contributor of foreign assistance to Ukraine, including over $300 million a year since FY2015 in nonmilitary, nonhumanitarian assistance. The United States also provides substantial military assistance to Ukraine, including via a newly established Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that provides 'appropriate security assistance and intelligence support' to help Ukraine defend against aggression and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity. [...] The U.S. Congress has actively participated in efforts to address the Ukraine conflict since its onset. Many Members have condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and pushed to impose and retain sanctions against Russia for its actions. Congress has also supported substantial economic and security assistance for Ukraine. Key legislation includes the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-95), the Ukraine Freedom Support Act (P.L. 113-272), and the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-44, Title II)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2017-11-01
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Veterans Choice Program (VCP): Program Implementation [January 4, 2018]
"Authorized under Section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA), the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) is a new, temporary program that enables eligible veterans to receive medical care in the community. (P.L. 115-26 eliminated the August 7, 2017, expiration date for the VCP and allowed the program to continue until the initial $10 billion deposited in the Veterans Choice Fund was expended. The VA [Veterans Affairs] Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, P.L. 115-46, authorized and appropriated an additional $2.1 billion to continue the VCP until funds were expended, and when these funds were also nearing its end, Division D of P.L. 115-96 appropriated an additional $2.1 billion to continue the VCP until funds are expended.) It supplements several existing statutory authorities that allow the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide health care services to veterans outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Generally, all medical care and services (including inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, and ancillary services) are provided through the VCP--institutional long-term care and emergency care in non-VA facilities are excluded from the VCP and are provided under different authorities. The VCP is not a health insurance plan for veterans, nor does it guarantee health care coverage to all veterans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga
2018-01-04
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War in Yemen: A Compilation of Legislation in the 115th Congress [December 20, 2017]
"The 115th Congress continues to debate the extent and terms of the United States involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where fighting has continued unabated since March 2015. [...] This product provides a summary of all legislative proposals that the 115th Congress has considered to date regarding the conflict in Yemen. [...] This product will be updated during the second session of the 115th Congress to reflect new legislative proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-12-20
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Votes on Measures to Adjust the Statutory Debt Limit, 1978 to Present [November 06, 2017]
"Almost all borrowing by the federal government is conducted by the Treasury Department, within the restrictions established by a single, statutory limit (ceiling) on the total amount of debt that may be outstanding at any time. By law, the Treasury cannot exceed federal debt limits, so the Treasury periodically has had to ask Congress to enact new debt limits so it can fulfill its financial commitments. Since 1978, 57 measures adjusting or suspending the statutory debt limit either as stand-alone legislation or as part of legislation dealing with other matters have been enacted into law. This report provides roll call vote data identified by the Congressional Research Service for measures to adjust the statutory debt limit. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Murray, Justin
2017-11-06
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [October 25, 2018]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, helping to address multiple regional threats, particularly that posed by Iran. About 5,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed at UAE military facilities, hosted there under a bilateral defense cooperation agreement (DCA) that remains in effect. The UAE is a significant buyer of U.S. military equipment, including the most sophisticated missile defense system sold by the United States. Its partnership with the United States has enhanced UAE military capabilities to the point where the UAE is increasingly asserting itself in the region, both militarily and politically. The UAE is part of a Saudi-led military effort to pressure the Iran-backed Zaidi Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen, an effort to which the United States provides logistical support. Alongside U.S. special operations forces, UAE forces also are combatting Al Qaeda's affiliate in that country. In recent years, UAE forces have used several bases in East African countries to train allied forces and facilitate UAE operations in Yemen. The UAE is supporting an anti-Islamist commander in eastern Libya who thus far has not agreed to join a unified political structure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2018-10-25