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Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated August 18, 2006]
"An array of bilateral issues continues to affect relations between the United States and Syria: the course of Arab-Israeli talks; questions of arms proliferation; Syrian connections with terrorist activity; Syria's role in Lebanon; and Syria's opposition to the U.S. occupation in Iraq. A variety of U.S. legislative provisions and executive directives prohibit direct aid to Syria and restrict bilateral trade relations between the two countries, largely because of Syria's designation by the U.S. State Department as a sponsor of international terrorism. Syria has reportedly cooperated with the United States in investigating Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda organization in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks but has been unwilling to sever connections with some other terrorist organizations. Also, after Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, senior U.S. officials warned Syria to stop permitting transit of military supplies and volunteer fighters through Syria to Iraq. Syria has denied these allegations and cited measures it has taken to tighten its borders. Since the outbreak of fighting between Israeli military forces and the militant Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah organization on July 12, 2006, U.S. officials have increased their criticism of Syria's political and logistical support for Hezbollah. After the passage of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, the leaders of Syria and Iran claimed a victory, maintaining that their protege, Hezbollah, had compelled Israel to accept a partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This report supersedes Issue Brief IB92075, Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues, and will be updated as significant developments occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2006-08-18
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Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated July 3, 2002]
"U.S.-Syrian relations, frequently strained by longstanding disagreements over regional and international policy, have warmed somewhat as a result of several developments: the collapse of the Soviet Union, Syria's participation in the allied coalition against Iraq in 1990-91, and Syrian agreement to participate in Arab-Israeli peace talks. This thaw in bilateral relations led some Members of Congress to inquire whether U.S. Administrations had made any private commitments to Syria, such as an undertaking to relax economic sanctions, in return for Syrian support on regional issues. Several legislative proposals have sought to condition relaxation of aid and trade restrictions on further changes in Syrian policy. Recent U.S. Administrations, though not inclined to lift sanctions on Syria at this time, tend to believe it is in U.S. interests to encourage Syria to play a positive role in the Arab-Israeli peace process. The issue for U.S. policy makers is the degree to which the United States should work for better relations with Syria in an effort to enlist Syrian cooperation on regional issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2002-07-03
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2014 Budget and Appropriations [January 3, 2014]
"On April 10, 2013, the Obama Administration submitted to Congress its budget request for FY2014. The request for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs totals $51.84 billion, which is about 0.8% below the FY2013 post-sequester estimated funding level of $52.24 billion. Within this total, $3.81 billion is designated as Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, which is 68% below FY2013 estimated OCO funding of $11.91 billion. Of the total request, $16.88 billion is for State Department Operations and related agencies, a 4.5% decline from the FY2013 funding estimate. About $35.1 billion is for Foreign Operations, a 1.6% increase from the FY2013 estimate. This report provides a brief overview of the FY2014 State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs funding request, as well as top-line analysis of House and Senate State-Foreign Operations appropriations proposals and enacted continuing resolutions. It does not provide information or analysis on specific provisions in the House and Senate legislation. A table in the Appendix provides side-by-side account-level funding data for FY2012, FY2013, the FY2014 request, and the pending FY2014 House and Senate proposals. The FY2013 funding data used as a point of comparison throughout this report represent post-sequestration estimates provided by the Department of State and reflect across-the-board rescissions. These data are not yet available for all accounts, or for country allocations. The funding table in the Appendix will be updated as more information becomes available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Tiersky, Alex L.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2014-01-03
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2014 Budget and Appropriations [January 16, 2014]
"On April 10, 2013, the Obama Administration submitted to Congress its budget request for FY2014. The request for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs totals $51.84 billion, which is about 0.8% below the FY2013 post-sequester estimated funding level of $52.24 billion. Within this total, $3.81 billion is designated as Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, which is 68% below FY2013 estimated OCO funding of $11.91 billion. Of the total request, $16.88 billion is for State Department Operations and related agencies, a 4.5% decline from the FY2013 funding estimate. About $35.1 billion is for Foreign Operations, a 1.6% increase from the FY2013 estimate. After enacting appropriations for FY2014 with continuing resolutions in late 2013-early 2014, Congress was completing action on a consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 3547) in mid-January 2014. […] This report provides a brief overview of the FY2014 State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs funding request, as well as top-line analysis of House and Senate State-Foreign Operations appropriations proposals and enacted continuing resolutions. It does not provide information or analysis on specific provisions in the House and Senate legislation. A full update of the report will be completed after final action on FY2014 appropriations. A table in the 'Appendix' provides side-by-side account-level funding data for FY2013, the FY2014 request, and pending FY2014 proposals, including the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 3547). The FY2013 funding data used as a point of comparison throughout this report represent post-sequestration estimates provided by the Department of State and reflect across-the-board rescissions. These data are not yet available for all accounts, or for country allocations. The funding table in the Appendix will be updated as more information becomes available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Tiersky, Alex L.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2014-01-16
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Status of the WTO Brazil-U.S. Cotton Case [December 12, 2013]
"The so-called 'Brazil cotton case' is a long-running World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement case (DS267) initiated by Brazil--a major cotton export competitor--in 2002 against specific provisions of the U.S. cotton program. In September 2004, a WTO dispute settlement panel ruled that (1) certain U.S. agricultural support payments for cotton distorted international agricultural markets and should be either withdrawn or modified to end the market distortions; and (2) U.S. Step-2 payments and agricultural export credit guarantees for cotton and other unscheduled commodities were prohibited under WTO rules and should be withdrawn. […] Both Brazil and the United States have hoped that the WTO cotton dispute would be resolved definitively within the context of the next U.S. farm bill. In this regard, both the Senate-passed (S. 954) and House-passed (H.R. 2642) 2013 farm bills are in agreement over proposed changes to U.S. cotton support programs--cotton would no longer be included as a major program commodity, thus losing eligibility for certain price and income support programs proposed in Title I of the farm bill. Instead, those programs would be replaced by a new cotton program comprised of a stand-alone, county-based revenue insurance policy called the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX). The House- and Senate-passed farm bills are presently in conference to resolve differences. While a new farm bill might address issues related to the WTO Brazil-U.S. cotton case from a U.S. perspective, Brazil still retains substantial authority in making a final determination regarding the compliance of any policy changes to U.S. cotton support programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2013-12-12
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [December 2, 2009]
"This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report discusses U.S. security assistance for Taiwan, formally called the Republic of China (ROC), particularly policy issues for Congress. It also lists sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the President and notified to Congress since 1990. This report uses a variety of unclassified consultations and citations in the United States and Taiwan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2009-12-02
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [March 21, 2005]
"This report discusses U.S. security assistance for Taiwan, formally called the Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress. It also lists sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the Administration, proposed in Letters of Offer and Acceptance, and notified to Congress since 1990."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2005-03-21
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2009 Appropriations [April 3, 2009]
"The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, and amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the previous 40 years, largely due to Iraq reconstruction funding. Emergency supplementals enacted annually since September 11, 2001, also have pushed spending upward. On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, into law (P.L. 111-8). The House had introduced H.R. 1105 on February 23, 2009, passed it on February 25, and sent it to the Senate, where it was passed by voice vote on March 10. The bill included $36.8 billion for Division H--Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations, 2009. […] This report analyzes the FY2009 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action for FY2009. This report will be updated to further reflect congressional action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.
2009-04-03
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2009 Appropriations [August 21, 2008]
"The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, and amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the past 40 years, largely due to Iraq reconstruction funding. Emergency supplementals enacted annually since September 11, 2001, also have pushed spending upward."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.
2008-08-21
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2010 Budget and Appropriations [December 29, 2009]
"The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general, as these activities have not been considered regularly by Congress through the authorization process. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, after a period of decline in the 1980s and 1990s. Amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the previous 40 years, largely due to Iraq reconstruction funding. Ongoing assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as large new global health programs, has kept the international affairs budget at historically high levels in recent years. The Obama Administration's FY2010 budget proposal indicates that this trend will continue. [...] This report analyzes the FY2010 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action for FY2010, which includes the July 9 House approval of H.R. 3081, the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations bill for FY2010, July 9 Senate Appropriations Committee passage of its bill (S. [Senate bill] 1434), and passage of H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, signed into law Dec. 16, 2009 (P.L. [Public Law] 111-117)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2009-12-29
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations [December 7, 2010]
"The annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies appropriations bill has been the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in recent years, as Congress has not regularly considered these issues through a complete authorization process for State Department diplomatic activities since 2003 and for foreign aid programs since 1985. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, after a period of decline in the 1980s and 1990s. Ongoing assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as large new global health programs and rapidly increasing assistance to Pakistan, has kept the international affairs budget at historically high levels in recent years. The change of Administration in 2009 did not disrupt this trend. However, increasing concern about the federal budget deficit and accountability for funds already provided may check this growth in FY2011. […] This report analyzes the FY2011 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action related to FY2011 State-Foreign Operations legislation. The report will be updated to reflect changes in legislative status."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Epstein, Susan B.; Resler, Tamara J.
2010-12-07
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [December 2, 2002]
"This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report discusses U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress. It also lists sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the Administration, proposed in Letters of Offer and Acceptance, and notified to Congress since 1990. Based on unclassified notices and news reports, this list includes the date of notification, major item proposed for sale, and estimated value of the defense package."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2002-12-02
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [September 25, 2013]
"The civil war had further set back economic development in the country. The economy recovered to its Soviet-era level by the early 2000s, and GDP had expanded several times by the late 2000s, despite setbacks associated with the global economic downturn. Poverty remains widespread, however, and the infrastructure for healthcare, education, transportation, and energy faces steep developmental needs, according to some observers. The country continues to face problems of political integration, perhaps evidenced in part by recent violence in eastern Tajikistan. The country also faces substantial threats from terrorism and narcotics trafficking from Afghanistan. The United States has been Tajikistan's largest bilateral donor, budgeting $778.6 million of aid for Tajikistan (FREEDOM Support Act and agency budgets) over the period from fiscal year 1992 through fiscal year 2008, mainly for food and other humanitarian needs. Budgeted assistance for FY2009 was $35.8 million, and estimated assistance was $48.3 million in FY2010. The Administration requested $47.1 million in foreign assistance for Tajikistan in FY2011 (these FY2009-FY2011 figures exclude most Defense and Energy Department programs). After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, Tajikistan seemed to be willing to cooperate with the United States, but hesitated to do so without permission from Moscow. However, Tajikistan had long supported the Afghan Northern Alliance's combat against the Taliban. Perhaps after gauging Russia's views, Tajikistan soon offered use of Tajik airspace to U.S. forces, and some coalition forces began to transit through Tajik airspace and airfields. U.S., French, and British personnel have used the Dushanbe airport for refueling, and there are some French troops and some aircraft based at Dushanbe."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2013-09-25
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2014 Budget and Appropriations [August 22, 2013]
"On April 10, 2013, the Obama Administration submitted to Congress its budget request for FY2014. The request for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs totals $51.84 billion, which is about 0.8% below the FY2013 post-sequester estimated funding level of $52.24 billion. Within this total, $3.81 billion is designated as Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, which is 68% below FY2013 estimated OCO funding of $11.91 billion. Of the total request, $16.88 billion is for State Department Operations and related agencies, a 4.5% decline from the FY2013 funding estimate. About $35.1 billion is for Foreign Operations, a 1.6% increase from the FY2013 estimate. This report provides a brief overview of the FY2014 State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs funding request, as well as top-line analysis of pending House and Senate State-Foreign Operations appropriations proposals. It does not provide information or analysis on specific provisions in the House and Senate legislation. A table in the Appendix provides side-by-side account-level funding data for FY2012, FY2013, the FY2014 request, and the pending FY2014 House and Senate proposals. The FY2013 funding data used as a point of comparison throughout this report represent post-sequestration estimates provided by the Department of State and reflect across-the-board rescissions. These data are not yet available for all accounts, or for country allocations. The funding table in the Appendix will be updated as more information becomes available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Tiersky, Alex L.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2013-08-22
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Sugar Program Proposals for the Next Farm Bill [August 23, 2013]
"The sugar program provides a minimum price guarantee to sugar crop processors and is structured to operate at no cost to the federal government--an objective that has been achieved over the last decade primarily using two tools: marketing allotments that limit the amount that sugar processors can sell, and import quotas that restrict the quantity of foreign sugar allowed to enter the U.S. market. […] In the 113th Congress, changes to the sugar program were not considered when the House and Senate Agriculture Committees marked up a new farm bill. Both committees approved farm bills that would continue the sugar program as now in effect through FY2019 (Section 1301 of H.R. 1947 and S. 954). Both bills also would continue the sugar-for-ethanol program--a backstop intended to be exercised if the other program tools do not succeed in keeping market prices above minimum guaranteed price levels. Opponents of the sugar program introduced identical bills (S. 345 and H.R. 693, Sugar Reform Act) to serve as floor amendments to the farm bill. These measures would lower price support levels to those in effect in FY2008, make a number of changes to require USDA to administer sugar marketing allotments and sugar import quotas in ways that would result in sugar being available 'at reasonable prices,' and repeal the sugar-for-ethanol program. On June 10, 2013, the Senate approved its farm bill (S. 954)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jurenas, Remy
2013-08-23
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [Updated February 1, 2007]
"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. The 110th Congress might reconsider legislation to relax restrictions on senior military visits to Taiwan and reassess U.S. policy given the continued impasse in Taiwan over purchasing U.S. weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2007-02-01
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Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis, Peace Talks, Terrorism, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 22, 2006]
"The signing of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement effectively ended the 21-year old North- South civil war and triggered a six-year Interim Period. Meanwhile, another ongoing crisis in Darfur in western Sudan has led to a major humanitarian disaster, with an estimated 2 million people displaced, more than 234,000 people forced into neighboring Chad, and an estimated 450,000 people killed. In July 2004, the House and Senate declared the atrocities in Darfur genocide, and the Bush Administration reached the same conclusion in September 2004. On May 4, 2006, the Government of National Unity and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) signed the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) after almost two years of negotiations. The agreement was rejected by two other Darfur groups: the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and a splinter group from the SLM. The agreement calls for the integration of SLA troops into the Sudan Armed Forces, provides $300 million initially and $200 million for the next two years for reconstruction and compensation purposes for Darfur, and establishes the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority (TDRA). In August 2006, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1706, authorizing the deployment of a robust peacekeeping force to Darfur. Sudanese President Omar Bashir rejected the deployment of a United Nations force. In December, the Security Council issued a Presidential Statement effectively abandoning resolution 1706. The proposed new force will continue to have a predominantly African charter and would be led by the African Union and an African Force Commander."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2006-12-22
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Technology Transfer: Use of Federally Funded Research and Development [Updated March 19, 2007]
"The federal government spends approximately one third of its annual research and development budget1 for intramural R&D to meet mission requirements in over 700 government laboratories (including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers). The technology and expertise generated by this endeavor may have application beyond the immediate goals or intent of federally funded R&D. These applications can result from technology transfer, a process by which technology developed in one organization, in one area, or for one purpose is applied in another organization, in another area, or for another purpose. It is a way for the results of the federal R&D enterprise to be used to meet other national needs, including the economic growth that flows from new commercialization in the private sector; the government's requirements for products and processes to operate effectively and efficiently; and the demand for increased goods and services at the state and local level. 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.
2007-03-19
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Technology Transfer: Use of Federally Funded Research and Development [Updated February 20, 2007]
"The federal government spends approximately one third of its annual research and development budget1 for intramural R&D to meet mission requirements in over 700 government laboratories. The technology and expertise generated by this endeavor may have application beyond the immediate goals or intent of federally funded R&D. These applications can result from technology transfer, a process by which technology developed in one organization, in one area, or for one purpose is applied in another organization, in another area, or for another purpose. 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.
2007-02-20
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Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [Updated January 21, 2007]
"Early in its tenure, the George W. Bush Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated in 2001 that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense and approved, in April 2001, a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, antisubmarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, […]. This initially assertive posture was in keeping with growing congressional sentiment that greater U.S. support was needed for Taiwan's defense needs, particularly given the PRC's military build-up in southern China. […]. Since then, U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity and unpredictability of Taiwan's democratic political environment. […] These political trends have raised anxieties about the prospects for a future political and constitutional crisis in Taiwan that could further complicate U.S. policy. In response to Taiwan's political developments, the Bush Administration appears to have dialed back its earlier public enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan initiatives. While still pursuing a closer U.S. relationship with Taiwan, U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2007-01-21
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Terminal Operators and Their Role in U.S. Port and Maritime Security [Updated January 19, 2007]
"The failed attempt by Dubai Ports World (DP World) to operate marine terminals at some U.S. ports raises the issue of whether foreign marine terminal operators pose a threat to U.S. homeland security. […] Evaluating the potential security ramifications of foreign-based terminal operators requires first understanding how ports work and who is in charge of their security. […] The Coast Guard is in charge of the security of port facilities and vessels, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in charge of the security of cargo. Coast Guard regulations and CBP security guidelines require terminal operators to provide basic security infrastructure, such as fences, gates, and surveillance cameras, and follow certain security practices when handling cargo. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is developing a credentialing process for screening port workers. […] The necessity of pushing the border out to counter the terrorist threat requires the cooperation of shippers, carriers, ports, and border agencies in the country of origin to take security precautions with U.S.-bound cargo. […] Thus, a key issue for policymakers is deciding under what conditions the United States should trust foreign cargo-handling entities and whether they should be treated as partners in securing U.S. supply lines. […] In its oversight role, Congress is assessing the effectiveness of Coast Guard and CBP maritime security initiatives and faces pressing questions about the overall security of ports and maritime commerce."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Frittelli, John
2007-01-19
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Terminal Operators and Their Role in U.S. Port and Maritime Security [Updated April 10, 2007]
"The failed attempt by Dubai Ports World (DP World) to operate marine terminals at some U.S. ports raises the issue of whether foreign marine terminal operators pose a threat to U.S. homeland security. Notwithstanding the sale of U.S. terminal operations by DP World to a U.S. entity, the underlying issue remains because many U.S. marine terminals are operated by foreign-based companies and a similar transaction could occur in the future, given the global nature of the shipping industry. Evaluating the potential security ramifications of foreign-based terminal operators requires first understanding how ports work and who is in charge of their security. Most major U.S. ports are publicly owned by a "port authority," which is a public organization associated with a city, county, regional, or state government. A port typically contains many terminals that are each designed to handle different types of cargo. Some port authorities operate all or some of their marine terminals, but most ports lease their facilities to several different terminal operating companies. All of the cargo handling that takes place on a marine terminal is performed by members of a longshoremen's union."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Frittelli, John
2007-04-10
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [Updated August 4, 2008]
"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, there is no defense treaty with Taiwan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2008-08-04
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State Department and Related Agencies: FY2005 Appropriations and FY2006 Request [Updated May 5, 2005]
"The President sent his FY2006 budget to Congress on February 7, 2005. Included was the Department of State FY2006 budget request for a total of $9,283.1 million (13.6% more than the FY2005 enacted level, including supplemental funds and rescissions) and the international broadcasting FY2006 budget request for $651.9 million (a 10.2% increase from the FY2005 level, including supplementals and rescissions). Of particular interest is the Administrations request for a 20.9% increase in educational and cultural exchanges and a request for a more than doubling of U.S. contributions for international peacekeeping. What is notably missing from this budget request is funding for U.S. embassies in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2005-05-05
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State Department and Related Agencies: FY2005 Appropriations and FY2006 Request [Updated February 17, 2005]
"The President sent his FY2006 budget to Congress on February 7, 2005. Included was the Department of State FY2006 budget request for a total of $9,283.1 million (13.6% more than the FY2005 enacted level, including supplemental funds and rescissions) and the international broadcasting FY2006 budget request for $651.9million (a 10.2% increase from the FY2005 level, including supplementals and rescissions). Of particular interest is the Administration's request for a 20.9% increase in educational and cultural exchanges and a request for a more than doubling of U.S. contributions for international peacekeeping. What is notably missing from this budget request is funding for U.S. embassies in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2005-02-17
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State Department and Related Agencies: FY2005 Appropriations and FY2006 Request [Updated February 11, 2005]
"State Department funding is within the Commerce, Justice, State (CJS) appropriation. The State Department authorization is required biannually, providing ceilings and the authority for the Department of State to spend its appropriation. The President sent his FY2005 budget to Congress on February 7, 2005. Included was the Department of State FY2006 budget request for a total of $9,283.1 million (13.6% more than the FY2005 enacted level, including supplemental funds and rescissions) and the international broadcasting FY2006 budget request for $651.9 million (a 10.2% increase from the FY2005 level, including supplementals and rescissions). Of particular interest is the Administration's request for a 20.9% increase in educational and cultural exchanges and a request for a more than doubling of U.S. contributions for international peacekeeping. What is notably missing from this budget request is funding for U.S. embassies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reportedly, an $80 billion emergency supplemental request is expected to arrive on Capitol Hill in February. It is said to include approximately $1.5 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan embassy reconstruction and security. Secretary of State Rice is scheduled to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the House International Relations Committee, and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in February and March on the State Department FY2006 budget request.
For FY2005 State Department funding, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 into law (P.L. 108-447) on December 8, 2004. The final FY2005 enacted funding for the Department of State amounted to $8,174.7 million and $591.6 million for international broadcasting."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2005-02-11
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated March 9, 2005]
"This report outlines the urgent developmental and social needs faced by Tajikistan since the settlement of its five-year civil war in 1997. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including economic aid and Tajikistan's contribution to the campaign against terrorism. The report also addresses foreign policy and defense of Tajikistan, the priorities of which include beneficial trade and investment to support economic growth, protecting territorial integrity, boosting security, and furthering Tajikistan's prestige in the world. It also presents a brief synopsis of the Tajik Civil War. Political and economic developments include a steady increase in authoritarian rule and serious human rights abuses. Basic facts and biographical information are also provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia's New States, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2005-05-09
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 26, 2004]
"This report outlines the urgent developmental and social needs faced by Tajikistan since the settlement of its five-year civil war in 1997. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including economic aid and Tajikistan's contribution to the campaign against terrorism. The report also addresses foreign policy and defense of Tajikistan, the priorities of which include beneficial trade and investment to support economic growth, protecting territorial integrity, boosting security, and furthering Tajikistan's prestige in the world. It also presents a brief synopsis of the Tajik Civil War. Political and economic developments include a steady increase in authoritarian rule and serious human rights abuses. Basic facts and biographical information are also provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia's New States, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2004-05-26
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated July 10, 2008]
This Congressional Research Report "outlines challenges faced by Tajikistan since its five-year civil war ended in 1997. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-07-10
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Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [October 25, 2007]
"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 the effectiveness of the Administration's management of cross-strait stability. The fundamental issue is how conflict might be best prevented. The 110th Congress is considering legislation affecting military visits to Taiwan (H.R. 2764) and a sale of naval ships (S. 1565). On October 2, 2007, the House passed H.Res. 676 that urged the President to consider Taiwan's interest in buying F-16C/D fighters, as consistent with the TRA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2007-10-25
