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Information Technology Management Letter for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Component of the FY 2014 Department of Homeland Security Financial Statement Audit
From the Highlights: "Each year, our independent auditors identify component-level information technology control deficiencies as part of the DHS consolidated financial statement audit. This letter provides details that were not included in the fiscal year (FY) 2014 DHS Agency Financial Report. [...] We recommend that FEMA, in coordination with the DHS Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, make improvements to its financial management systems and associated information technology security program."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-03-25
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National Flood Insurance Program's Management Letter for DHS' FY 2014 Financial Statements Audit (Redacted)
From the Highlights: "The Federal Government has a fundamental responsibility to be an effective steward of taxpayers' dollars. Sound financial practices and related management operations, reliable financial systems, and effective internal control are essential for reliable, timely financial information that supports management decision making needed to achieve the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-03-25
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Gwinnett County, Georgia, Generally Accounted for and Expended FEMA Public Assistance Grant Funds According to Federal Requirements
From the Highlights: "Gwinnett County, Georgia (County) received an award of $6.3 million from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (Georgia), a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grantee, for damages resulting from a September 2009 flood. We audited projects totaling $4.6 million to determine whether the County accounted for and expended FEMA funds according to Federal requirements. [...] FEMA should disallow $87,208 of project costs that insurance covered and require Georgia to promptly reconcile payments it made to the County under the grant."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-02-20
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United States Secret Service's Management Letter for DHS' FY 2014 Financial Statements Audit
From the Highlights: "The Federal Government has a fundamental responsibility to be an effective steward of taxpayers' dollars. Sound financial practices and related management operations, reliable financial systems, and effective internal control are essential for reliable, timely financial information that supports management decision making needed to achieve the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission. KPMG [Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler] LLP [limited liability partnership] reviewed the United States Secret Service's (U.S. Secret Service) internal control over financial reporting. The management letter contains seven observations related to internal control and other operational matters for management's considerations. KPMG LLP noted deficiencies and the need for improvements in certain U.S. Secret Service processes. These deficiencies did not meet the criteria to be reported in the 'Independent Auditors' Report on DHS' FY 2014 Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting', dated November 14, 2014, included in DHS' fiscal year 2014 'Agency Financial Report'. These observations are intended to improve internal control or result in other operating efficiencies."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-04-08
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FEMA Needs to Ensure the Cost Effectiveness of $945,640 That Los Angeles County, California Spent for Hazard Mitigation Under the Public Assistance Program
From the Highlights: "The County [Los Angeles County, California] improperly claimed $945,640 more than the $780,511 that FEMA Region IX initially authorized to construct a wall to stabilize a damaged section of road. The County incurred the additional costs because, rather than adhere to the scope of work that FEMA authorized, it built a superior wall to lessen the susceptibility of damage that anticipated wildfires might cause in that location. FEMA Headquarters ultimately approved this funding and awarded the County both the initial $780,511 and an 'additional' $945,640 for the already-completed project. However, FEMA Headquarters did not provide a reasonable justification for its decision and did not perform a benefit/cost analysis as required to fund mitigation measures. As a result, FEMA and taxpayers had no assurance that the mitigations work was cost effective, as Federal regulations and FEMA guidelines require."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-03-03
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Science and Technology Directorate Needs to Improve Its Contract Management Procedures
From the Highlights: "In fiscal year 2013, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) administered about 370 contracts valued at around $338 million. Developing and implementing standard practices for contract oversight and management, as well as for contract termination, within S&T, will ensure that S&T programs achieve stated program goals and objectives and terminations are in the Government's best interest. [...] We recommend that S&T develop and implement written standard operating procedures for reviewing, documenting, and reporting on overall contract oversight and management, as well as for terminating a contract for convenience. We also recommend that S&T review its contract portfolio to ensure all contract files contain sufficient evidence to help management make well-informed decisions, including whether programs are meeting intended objectives."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-02-27
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CBP Did Not Effectively Plan and Manage Employee Housing in Ajo, Arizona (Revised)
This document is a revised version of "CBP Did Not Effective Plan and Manage Employee Housing in Ajo, Arizona, OIG-14-131" with a change to page 9. The revision did not change the findings or recommendations. From the Document: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) secures our Nation's borders and facilitates lawful international trade and travel while enforcing Federal laws and regulations. To accomplish its mission, CBP often stations officers and agents in remote areas of the country without adequate housing options. In 2008, CBP identified a need for employee housing along the southwest border, particularly in Arizona and Texas, given the remoteness and limited housing market. CBP began planning the construction of employee housing in Ajo, Arizona, in 2008 and completed construction in late 2012. We conducted this audit to determine whether CBP followed good business practices in planning and managing employee housing in Ajo, Arizona."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2014-10-06
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FEMA Should Take Steps to Improve the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Disaster Assistance Helpline for Disaster Survivors That Do Not Speak English or Spanish
From the Document: "We audited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) initial response to the Colorado Flood (FEMA Disaster Number DR-4145-CO). This memorandum advises you of a related issue that came to our attention during that audit. Namely, FEMA should make improvements to its Disaster Assistance Helpline (Helpline) to ensure that it efficiently and effectively accommodates non-English/Spanish-speaking disaster survivors."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2014-07
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Information Technology Management Letter for the FY 2013 Department of Homeland Security's Financial Statement Audit - Office of Financial Management and Office of Chief Information Officer
This is the official Office of Inspector General Report for the "Information Technology Management Letter for the FY 2013 Department of Homeland Security's Financial Statement Audit" which was drafted by KPMG LLP [Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler Limited Liability Partnership] on March 11, 2014. From the Objective: "We have audited the financial statements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) for the year ended September 30, 2013 (referred to herein as the 'fiscal year (FY) 2013 financial statements'). In connection with our audit of the FY 2013 financial statements, we performed an evaluation of selected general information technology (IT) controls (GITCs) and IT application controls at the DHS Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to assist in planning and performing our audit engagement."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2014-06
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YouTube Enabling (Maybe Validating) Shadowy Sellers of Medical Masks and Bogus Vaccines
From the Introduction: "Sellers hawking medical masks and bogus coronavirus cures are doing brisk business on YouTube, researchers for the Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) and the Coalition for a Safer Web (CSW) found after an 18-day investigation from March 6-24. While law enforcement has called for a crackdown on those profiteering from the coronavirus crisis, the social media platforms have either been unable or unwilling to stop potentially dangerous activities. Additionally, researchers found the most concerning videos pushing coronavirus-related products were accompanied by links to a Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, which could create confusion for users trying to distinguish between legitimate sources of information and the shadowy figures that DCA's and CSW's investigators identified."
Digital Citizens Alliance; Coalition for a Safer Web
2020-04
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Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Recently Updated Policies, Procedures, and Business Practices Should Be Adequate to Effectively Manage FEMA Public Assistance Grant Funds
From the Highlights: "As of February 2014, the Port Authority requested an estimated $213 million in Public Assistance funding for 2012 Hurricane Sandy damages. We conducted this audit early in the Public Assistance process to identify areas where the Port Authority may need additional technical assistance or monitoring to ensure compliance with Federal grant requirements. [...] FEMA should direct New York and New Jersey, as FEMA grantees, to continuously monitor the Port Authority's subgrant activity to ensure the Port Authority adheres to the policies and procedures it established for FEMA-funded work."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-04-14
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Management Advisory - Alarm System Maintenance at Residences Protected by the U.S. Secret Service (Redacted)
From the Document: "Under the 'Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976,' a former President may designate one residence that the Secret Service will permanently secure. The Secret Service provides alarm systems for other offices and residences of former Presidents. [...] [T]he Secret Service said the Office of Technical Development and Mission Support completed a needs assessment for the residences in January 2015. As part of the needs assessment, requests for repairs and upgrades and the current conditions of the security systems were included. The replacement of the security systems has been included in the Resource Allocation Plan for Fiscal Year 2017. The Secret Service requested that we consider this recommendation resolved and closed."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-04-20
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Office of Intelligence and Analysis and Office of Operations Coordination's Management Letter for DHS' FY 2014 Financial Statements Audit
From the Highlights: "The Federal Government has a fundamental responsibility to be an effective steward of taxpayers' dollars. Sound financial practices and related management operations, reliable financial systems, and effective internal control are essential for reliable, timely financial information that supports management decision making needed to achieve the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission. [...] KPMG LLP [Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler limited liability partnership] reviewed the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) and the Office of Operations Coordination's (OPS) internal control over financial reporting. The management letter contains four observations related to internal control and other operational matters for management's considerations."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2015-04-29
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Incidents of Coronavirus-Related Discrimination (March 19 - April 15, 2020)
From the Document: "This report reviews 1,497 reports of coronavirus discrimination submitted on the CAA [Chinese for Affirmative Action]/A3PCON [Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council] STOP AAPI [Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders] HATE website from March 19 - April 15, 2020. The following patterns emerged over the course of one month: [1] STOP AAPI HATE received 1,497 reports in its first four weeks. [2] Incidents from California and New York constituted over 58% of all reports. [3] Civil rights violations involving workplace discrimination and being barred from businesses and transportation or refused service made up almost ten percent of all incident reports. [4] Forty-four percent of incidents took place at private businesses. [5] AAPI women were harassed 2.3 times more than AAPI men. [6] Nine percent of respondents were AAPI seniors (over the age of 60). [7] Reports came from 45 states across the nation and Washington DC. [8] Even as shelter-in-place policies were implemented across much of the country and AAPIs interacted less with others, the rate of acts of racism remains alarming."
Stop AAPI Hate; Chinese for Affirmative Action (Organization); Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council
Jeung, Russell, 1962-; Nham, Kai
2020-04-23
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Lying in State or Honor in the U.S. Capitol by Non-Members of Congress [Updated April 7, 2021]
From the Document: "On April 13, 2021, United States Capitol Police Officer William 'Billy' F. Evans [hyperlink], who died on April 2, 2021, from injuries sustained protecting the U.S. Capitol during an attack on a vehicular checkpoint [hyperlink], will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. In a press release [hyperlink], House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that '[d]ue to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, the ceremony will be open to invited guests only,' with specific times set aside for members of the Capitol Police and Members of Congress. Officer Evans will be the 37th individual to have lain in state or honor [hyperlink] in the Capitol Rotunda or National Statuary Hall. The most recent to lie in state was Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg [hyperlink] on September 25, 2020 [hyperlink]. The most recent to lie in honor was Officer Brian Sicknick [hyperlink] on February 2-3, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2021-04-07
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Stop AAPI Hate Youth Report
From the Document: "After eighteen weeks (3.19.20-7.22.20), Stop AAPI [Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders] Hate has received 341 reports of anti-Asian discrimination involving youth nationally. These cases make up 16% of all self-reported hate incidents to Stop AAPI Hate (N= 2,499) during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. [...] AAPI high school students are the racial group most likely to be bullied in California, especially because of their limited English proficiency, immigrant status, culture and religion. The COVID-19 pandemic and inflammatory political rhetoric have led to even greater verbal harassment of AAPI students both at school, in public places and online. [1] In over half of the incidents (56%), perpetrators employed anti-Chinese language. This pattern demonstrates the racial animosity stoked by political rhetoric. [2] In almost half of the cases (48%), multiple perpetrators attacked AAPI youth. This pattern of group bullying heightens the intimidation and trauma caused by the bullying. [3] Adults were present 48% of the time, yet only in 10% of the cases did a bystander intervene. Either these adults were the perpetrators or complicit in allowing hate incidents to occur. [4] In six out of ten cases, adults harassed AAPI youth. Conversely, 41% of the incidents involved youth-on-youth bullying."
Stop AAPI Hate; Chinese for Affirmative Action (Organization); Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council . . .
Jeung, Russell, 1962-; Horse, Aggie Yellow; Lau, Anna . . .
2020-09-17?
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales since 1990 [July 2, 2010]
"This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty terminated in 1979."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2010-07-02
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Syria: Background and U.S. Relations [April 26, 2010]
"Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria remains relevant in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Syria plays a key role in the Middle East peace process, acting at times as a 'spoiler' by sponsoring Palestinian militants and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah. At other times, it has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel. Syria's longstanding relationship with the Iranian clerical regime is of great concern to U.S. strategists. As Syria grew more estranged from the United States throughout this decade, Syrian-Iranian relations improved, and some analysts have called on U.S. policymakers to woo Syrian leaders away from Iran. Others believe that the Administration should go even further in pressuring the Syrian government and should consider implementing even harsher economic sanctions against it. […]. In recent months, the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress have increased calls for greater U.S. engagement with Syria. Several Congressional delegations have visited Syria, and Administration officials recently held talks with their Syrian counterparts. Whether or not this dialogue will lead to substantial changes in the U.S.-Syrian bilateral relationship remains to be seen. H.Res. 1285, which was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on April 21, 2010, 'strongly condemns the Government of Syria for transferring Scud missiles and other advanced weapons and missile systems to the Hezbollah terrorist organization' and, among other things, 'urges the President to reevaluate the nomination of Robert Ford as Ambassador to Syria.' This report analyzes an array of bilateral issues that continue to affect relations between the United States and Syria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2010-04-26
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations [July 2, 2010]
"On February 1, 2010, President Obama submitted a budget proposal for FY2011 that requests $58.49 billion for the international affairs budget, a 16% increase over the enacted FY2010 funding level. If $1.8 billion in 'forward funding' of FY2010 priorities appropriated in FY2009 supplemental legislation is counted toward FY2010 rather than FY2009 totals, as it has by the Administration, the increase would be 12%. The Administration has also requested $4.46 billion in supplemental FY2010 foreign operations funds for activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq and $1.7 billion for humanitarian relief and reconstruction effort in Haiti. If these supplemental funding requests were enacted, the FY2011 request would be 3% above the FY2010 enacted level, or represent level funding if the FY2009 forward funding is attributed to the FY2010 total. This report focuses only on the $56.65 billion requested for programs and activities funded through the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which excludes some portions of the International Affairs request and includes funding for certain commissions requested as part of other budget functions. The Administration requested significant increases for building State and USAID capacity; aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq; and activities under the Administration's Global Health, Food Security, and Global Climate Change initiatives. Programs for which the Administration recommended reduced funding, compared with enacted FY2010 levels, are contributions to international organizations, commissions and foundations, and peacekeeping operations. This report analyzes the FY2011 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action related to FY2011 State-Foreign Operations legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2010-07-02
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations [May 5, 2010]
"On February 1, 2010, President Obama submitted a budget proposal for FY2011 that requests $58.49 billion for the international affairs budget, a 16% increase over the enacted FY2010 funding level. If $1.8 billion in 'forward funding' of FY2010 priorities appropriated in FY2009 supplemental legislation is counted toward FY2010 rather than FY2009 totals, as it has by the Administration, the increase would be 12%. The Administration has also requested $4.46 billion in supplemental FY2010 foreign operations funds for activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq and $1.7 billion for humanitarian relief and reconstruction effort in Haiti. If these supplemental funding requests were enacted, the FY2011 request would be 3% above the FY2010 enacted level, or represent level funding if the FY2009 forward funding is attributed to the FY2010 total. This report focuses only on the $56.65 billion requested for programs and activities funded through the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which excludes some portions of the International Affairs request and includes funding for certain commissions requested as part of other budget functions. The Administration requested significant increases for building State and USAID capacity; aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq; and activities under the Administration's Global Health, Food Security, and Global Climate Change initiatives. Programs for which the Administration recommended reduced funding, compared with enacted FY2010 levels, are contributions to international organizations, commissions and foundations, and peacekeeping operations. This report analyzes the FY2011 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action related to FY2011 State-Foreign Operations legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2010-05-05
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Technology Innovation Program [June 14, 2010]
"The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was established in 2007 to replace the Advanced Technology Program (ATP). This effort is designed 'to support, promote, and accelerate innovation in the United States through highrisk, high-reward research in areas of critical national need,' according to the authorizing legislation. Grants are provided to small and medium-sized firms for individual projects or joint ventures with other research organizations. While similar to the Advanced Technology Program in the promotion of R&D that is expected to be of broad-based economic benefit to the nation, TIP appears to have been structured to avoid what was seen as government funding of large firms that opponents argued did not necessarily need federal support for research. The committee report to accompany H.R. 1868, part of which was incorporated into the final legislation, stated that TIP replaces ATP in consideration of a changing global innovation environment focusing on small and medium-sized companies. The design of the program also 'acknowledges the important role universities play in the innovation cycle by allowing universities to fully participate in the program.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schacht, Wendy H.
2010-06-14
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [May 21, 2012]
"This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. [Public Law] 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty terminated in 1979. [...] Attention also turned to U.S. decisions on pending arms sales. In 2008, congressional concerns mounted about a suspected 'freeze' in President Bush's notifications to Congress on arms sales. On October 3, 2008, Bush finally notified Congress. However, he submitted six of the eight pending programs (not a 'package') for a combined value of $6.5 billion. Despite the concerns in 2008, President Obama repeated that cycle to wait to submit formal notifications for congressional review all at one time (on January 29, 2010) of five major programs with a total value of $6.4 billion and again (on September 21, 2011) of three major programs with a total value of $5.9 billion, including upgrades for Taiwan's existing F-16A/B fighters. Like Bush, President Obama did not notify the submarine design program (the only one pending from decisions in 2001) and has not accepted Taiwan's formal request for new F-16C/D fighters (pending since 2006)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2012-05-21
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [December 21, 2005]
"This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982 U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' made to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. In addition, the United States has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, there is no defense treaty or alliance with Taiwan. […] Several policy issues are of concern to Congress for legislation, oversight, or other action. One issue concerns the effectiveness of the Administration in applying leverage to improve Taiwan's self-defense as well as to maintain peace and stability. Another issue is the role of Congress in determining security assistance, defense commitments, or policy reviews. A third issue concerns whether trends in the Taiwan Strait are stabilizing or destabilizing and how the Administration's management of policy has affected these trends. The fundamental issue is whether the United States would go to war with China and how conflict might be prevented. On December 19, 2005, the House agreed to the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2006 (H.R. 1815), after receding on two provisions that would have directed U.S. flag and general officers and senior defense officials to visit Taiwan. The Senate's S. 1042 did not have this language. Members also have written letters on various issues related to the arms sales."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2005-12-21
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2012 Budget and Appropriations [January 6, 2012]
"On February 14, 2011, the Obama Administration submitted its FY2012 budget proposal before enactment of the final FY2011 appropriations and the current congressional emphasis on budget reductions. The FY2012 request sought $61.5 billion for the international affairs budget, including a core State-Foreign Operations budget of $59.65 billion plus $8.70 billion for extraordinary Overseas Contingency Operations in frontline states. The total request represented an increase of 21.8% over the enacted FY2011 funding level for State Department and Foreign Operations accounts and sought significant increases for State Department's administration of foreign affairs accounts, security assistance, and various multilateral environmental accounts. Funding for international affairs programs was expected by many to decline in FY2012 as the 112th Congress focuses on budget reduction measures to meet objectives in the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-25). The House subcommittee mark of the FY2012 State-Foreign Operations appropriation recommended $47.58 billion in total funding, and the Senate committee-passed bill (S. 1601) recommended $53.97 billion. The enacted total funding level of $53.88 billion is nearly 10% less than the Administration's request, but is 10% more than the enacted total for FY2011. However, $11.20 billion of the FY2012 enacted total is designated for Overseas Contingency Operations (more than the $8.70 billion requested by the Administration) and does not count toward enacted discretionary spending caps. This report analyzes the FY2012 request and congressional action related to FY2012 State- Foreign Operations legislation. The Summary, 'Introduction' and 'Recent Developments' sections, and appendix tables in this version of the report have been updated to reflect enactment of P.L. 112-74, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2012-01-06
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STOCK Act, Insider Trading, and Public Financial Reporting by Federal Officials [April 19, 2012]
"The STOCK Act (Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012), which was signed into law on April 4, 2012, affirms and makes explicit the fact that there is no exemption from the 'insider trading' laws and regulations for Members of Congress, congressional employees, or any federal officials. The law states that all federal officials have an express 'duty' of trust and confidentiality with respect to nonpublic, material information which they may receive in the course of their official duties, and a duty not to use such information to make a private profit. The act also requires expedited public disclosure of covered 'financial transactions' by all officials in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government who are covered by the public reporting provisions of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amended. The act requires not only annual public reporting of such transactions, but also public reporting within 30 days of receipt of a notice of a covered financial transaction, however, in no event more than 45 days after such transaction. All public financial disclosure statements filed under the Ethics in Government Act in the legislative and executive branches will eventually be made in electronic form, and will be posted on the Internet where they may be publicly searched, sorted, and, if a log-in protocol is followed, downloaded from official government websites."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Maskell, Jack
2012-04-19
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Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Recent Developments and Their Policy Implications [September 25, 2008]
This CRS report "focuses on current developments in Taiwan, analyzing how those developments are affecting choices the United States makes about its policy toward Taiwan specifically and toward the PRC (People's Republic of China) more broadly. Other CRS reports provide more details about the myriad historical complexities of Taiwan's current situation in U.S. policy, such as: historical background about how the ROC on Taiwan went from a U.S. ally to a government with no diplomatic U.S. relations, including the fundamentals governing U.S. policy toward Taiwan today (CRS Report RS22388, Taiwan's Political Status: Historical Background and Ongoing Implications); the increase in U.S.-Taiwan tensions under the former administration of President Chen Shui-bian (CRS Report RL33684, Underlying Strains in U.S.-Taiwan Political Relations); the 2008 elections in Taiwan (CRS Report RS22853, Taiwan's 2008 Presidential Election), all by Kerry Dumbaugh, and the subtle and complicated permutations of the 'one-China' policy over three decades and its role in U.S. policy (CRS Report RL30341, China/Taiwan: Evolution of the 'One China' Policy -- Key Statements from Washington, Beijing, and Taipei), by Shirley A. Kan. [...] U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity of Taiwan's democratic political environment and the continued insistence of Beijing that the separately ruled Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2008-09-25
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Technology Transfer: Use of Federally Funded Research and Development [Updated August 25, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the use of federally funded research and development. "Congress has established a system to facilitate the transfer of technology to the private sector and to state and local governments. Despite this, use of federal R&D results has remained restrained, although there has been a significant increase in private sector interest and activities over the past several years. Critics argue that working with the agencies and laboratories continues to be difficult and time-consuming. Proponents of the current effort assert that while the laboratories are open to interested parties, the industrial community is making little effort to use them. At the same time, State governments are increasingly involved in the process. At issue is whether incentives for technology transfer remain necessary, if additional legislative initiatives are needed to encourage increased technology transfer, or if the responsibility to use the available resources now rests with the private sector."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schacht, Wendy H.
2008-08-25
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Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [Updated August 5, 2008]
This CRS report "focuses on current developments in Taiwan, analyzing how those developments are affecting choices the United States makes about its policy toward Taiwan specifically and toward the PRC (People's Republic of China) more broadly. Other CRS reports provide more details about the myriad historical complexities of Taiwan's current situation in U.S. policy, such as: historical background about how the ROC on Taiwan went from a U.S. ally to a government with no diplomatic U.S. relations, including the fundamentals governing U.S. policy toward Taiwan today (CRS Report RS22388, Taiwan's Political Status: Historical Background and Ongoing Implications, by Kerry Dumbaugh); the increase in U.S.-Taiwan tensions since 2001 (CRS Report RL33684, Underlying Strains in U.S.-Taiwan Political Relations, by Kerry Dumbaugh); and the subtle and complicated permutations of the 'one-China' policy over three decades and its role in U.S. policy (CRS Report RL30341, China/Taiwan: Evolution of the "One China" Policy -- Key Statements from Washington, Beijing, and Taipei, by Shirley A. Kan). [...] U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone other important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity and unpredictability of Taiwan's democratic political environment. [...] The continued success in 2008 of Taiwan's democratic development is a welcome validation of U.S. goals and values. [...] The 110th Congress has been concerned with bolstering U.S. support for Taiwan and helping to improve Taiwan's international position. Relevant legislation includes: H.R. 2764 (P.L. 110-161); H.R. 1390; H.R. 3912/S. 1565; H.Con.Res. 73; H.Con.Res. 136; H.Con.Res. 137; H.Con.Res. 170; H.Con.Res. 250; S.Con.Res. 48; and S.Con.Res. 60. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2008-08-05
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [February 24, 2012]
"This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty terminated in 1979. [...] In 2008, congressional concerns mounted about a suspected 'freeze' in President Bush's notifications to Congress on arms sales. On October 3, 2008, Bush finally notified Congress. However, he submitted six of the eight pending programs (not a 'package') for a combined value of $6.5 billion. Despite the concerns in 2008, President Obama repeated that cycle to wait to submit formal notifications for congressional review all at one time (on January 29, 2010) of five major programs with a total value of $6.4 billion and again (on September 21, 2011) of three major programs with a total value of $5.9 billion, including upgrades for Taiwan's existing F-16A/B fighters. Like Bush, President Obama did not notify the submarine design program (the only one pending from decisions in 2001) and has not accepted Taiwan's formal request for new F-16C/D fighters (pending since 2006). Legislation in the 112th Congress includes H.Con.Res. 39 (Andrews), H.R. 2583 (Ros-Lehtinen), S. 1539 (Cornyn), H.R. 2918 (Ros-Lehtinen), and H.R. 2992 (Granger). See the section on the 112th Congress for other Congressional actions, particularly on a sale of F-16C/D fighters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2012-02-24
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [March 7, 2012]
"This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. […] U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty terminated in 1979. At the last U.S.-Taiwan annual arms sales talks on April 24, 2001, President George W. Bush approved for possible sale diesel-electric submarines, P-3 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft (linked to the submarine sale), four decommissioned U.S. Kidd-class destroyers, and other items. […] Afterward, attention turned to Taiwan, where the military, civilian officials, and legislators from competing political parties debated contentious issues about how much to spend on defense and which U.S. weapons to acquire, despite the increasing threat (including a missile buildup) from the People's Liberation Army (PLA). […] In 2008, congressional concerns mounted about a suspected 'freeze' in President Bush's notifications to Congress on arms sales. On October 3, 2008, Bush finally notified Congress. However, he submitted six of the eight pending programs (not a 'package') for a combined value of $6.5 billion. Despite the concerns in 2008, President Obama repeated that cycle to wait to submit formal notifications for congressional review all at one time (on January 29, 2010) of five major programs with a total value of $6.4 billion and again (on September 21, 2011) of three major programs with a total value of $5.9 billion, including upgrades for Taiwan's existing F-16A/B fighters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2012-03-07
