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• AEther: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower (Vol. 1, No. 2)

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  This Summer 2022 edition of 'AEther: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower' features the following articles: "Ten Propositions Regarding Great Power Politics" by B. Chance Saltzman, James Wood Forsyth Jr., and J. Wesley Hutto; "NATO at 70: Peace in a Changing Security Environment" by Ginta T. Palubinskas; "Conventional Deterrence and Taiwan's Independence: Necessary Investments" by Mackenzie Eaglen and John Ferrari; "Nuclear Targeting Methods and Modern Deterrence" by Benjamin Jamison; "Nuclear Modernization and the Sentinel ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missiles]" by Stephen Cimbala and Adam Lowther "Multi-Actor Deterrence: Defining the Concept" by Michelle Black and Lana Obradovic; "Not Cyberwar, but Cyberbalance" by David Benson; and various Book Reviews.

  United States. Department of the Air Force

  2022
• Gun Control Legislation [February 3, 2011]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. The tragic shootings in Tucson, AZ, on January 8, 2011, in which six people were killed and 13 wounded, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords, could prompt the 112th Congress to examine issues related to the shooter's mental illness and drug use and his use of large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs) (see H.R. 308 and S. 32), as well as a proposal to ban firearms within the proximity of certain high-level federal officials (see H.R. 496). This report provides basic firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative action in the 111th Congress and selected legislative action in the 110th Congress that involved issues revisited in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with a discussion of other salient issues that have generated significant congressional interest in the past, including the 1994-2004 LCAFD ban."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2011-02-03
• Gun Control Legislation [December 21, 2010]

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  "Congress has continued to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. Speaking to these questions either in whole or part, on June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court issued its decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, finding that the District of Columbia (DC) handgun ban violated an individual's right under the Second Amendment to lawfully possess a firearm in his home for self-defense. On June 28, 2010, the Supreme Court issued a related decision in McDonald v. City of Chicago, finding that the individual right also applied to the states. This report provides basic firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative action in the 111th Congress and selected legislative action in the 110th Congress that involved issues revisited in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with a discussion of other salient issues that have generated significant congressional interest in the past. Of the issues considered by the 111th Congress, perhaps the most significant involved amendments to District of Columbia (DC) voting rights bills that would have further overturned DC gun laws. While the Senate passed such amendments (S. 160), the House leadership tabled a DC voting rights bill (H.R. 157) rather than give pro-gun Members an opportunity to pass similar amendments. Pro-gun Members, however, passed several other gun-related provisions that were included in enacted legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-12-21
• Southwest Border Violence: Issues in Identifying and Measuring Spillover Violence [January 25, 2011]

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  "There has been an increase in the level of drug trafficking-related violence within and between the drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. This violence has generated concern among U.S. policy makers that the violence in Mexico might spill over into the United States. Currently, U.S. federal officials deny that the recent increase in drug trafficking-related violence in Mexico has resulted in a spillover into the United States, but they acknowledge that the prospect is a serious concern. The most recent threat assessment indicates that the Mexican drug trafficking organizations pose the greatest drug trafficking threat to the United States, and this threat is driven partly by U.S. demand for drugs. [...] Currently, no comprehensive, publicly available data exist that can definitively answer the question of whether there has been a significant spillover of drug trafficking-related violence into the United States. Although anecdotal reports have been mixed, U.S. government officials maintain that there has not yet been a significant spillover. In an examination of data that could provide insight into whether there has been a significant spillover in drug trafficking-related violence from Mexico into the United States, CRS [Congressional Research Service] analyzed violent crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Report program. The data, however, do not allow analysts to determine what proportion of the violent crime rate is related to drug trafficking or, even more specifically, what proportion of drug trafficking-related violent crimes can be attributed to spillover violence. In conclusion, because the trends in the overall violent crime rate may not be indicative of trends in drug trafficking-related violent crimes, CRS is unable to draw definitive claims about trends in drug trafficking-related violence spilling over from Mexico into the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Randol, Mark A.; Finklea, Kristin M.

  2011-01-25
• Southwest Border Violence: Issues in Identifying and Measuring Spillover Violence [June 9, 2011]

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  "There has been an increase in the level of drug trafficking-related violence within and between the drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. This violence has generated concern among U.S. policy makers that the violence in Mexico might spill over into the United States. Currently, U.S. federal officials deny that the recent increase in drug trafficking-related violence in Mexico has resulted in a spillover into the United States, but they acknowledge that the prospect is a serious concern. The most recent threat assessment indicates that the Mexican drug trafficking organizations pose the greatest drug trafficking threat to the United States, and this threat is driven partly by U.S. demand for drugs. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the major suppliers and key producers of most illegal drugs smuggled into the United States across the Southwest border (SWB). The nature of the conflict between the Mexican drug trafficking organizations in Mexico has manifested itself, in part, as a struggle for control of these smuggling routes into the United States. Further, in an illegal marketplace--such as that of illicit drugs--where prices and profits are elevated due to the risks of operating outside the law, violence or the threat of violence becomes the primary means for settling disputes. […] In conclusion, because the trends in the overall violent crime rate may not be indicative of trends in drug trafficking-related violent crimes, CRS is unable to draw definitive claims about trends in drug trafficking-related violence spilling over from Mexico into the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Rosenblum, Marc R.; Finklea, Kristin M.

  2011-06-09
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations for FY2011 [June 6, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with administering and enforcing federal laws related to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearms and explosives. Congress transferred ATF's enforcement and regulatory functions for firearms and explosives from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). ATF is also responsible for investigating arson cases with a federal nexus, as well as criminal violations of federal laws governing the manufacture, importation, and distribution of alcohol and tobacco. […] On April 14, 2011, Congress passed the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (H.R. 1473; P.L. 112-10) and funded ATF for the rest of FY2011 at its FY2010 enacted level, reduced by two-tenths of a percent. Hence, ATF's FY2011 appropriation is $1.113 billion. Other emerging issues related to the ATF budget and operations include a proposal to require multiple rifle sales reports from Southwest border state gun dealers and the agency's conduct of a Phoenix, AZ-based investigation known as 'Operation Fast and Furious.' This report complements CRS Report RL34514, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations for FY2008, FY2009, and FY2010. For the FY2011 budget cycle, this report will be updated as needed. For coverage of ATF's FY2012 budget request, see CRS Report RL32842, Gun Control Legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2011-06-06
• Hate Crime Legislation [November 29, 2010]

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  "On October 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law, as Division E of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-84; H.R. 2647). This law broadens federal jurisdiction over hate crimes by authorizing the Attorney General to provide assistance, when requested by a state, local, or tribal official, for crimes that (1) would constitute a violent crime under federal law or a felony under state or tribal law, and (2) are motivated by the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. In other words, hate crimes are traditional crimes during which the offender is motivated by one or more biases considered to be particularly reprehensible and damaging to society as a whole. Prior to enactment, however, hate crimes were not separate and distinct offenses under federal law. Furthermore, federal jurisdiction over hate crime was limited to certain civil rights offenses. Although there is a consensus that hate crime is deplorable, determining the definitive federal role in addressing hate crime has proved contentious, as reflected in the legislative history and congressional debate. Legislation to widen federal jurisdiction over hate crime was passed by the Senate in the 106th and 108th Congresses, by the House in the 109th Congress, and by both chambers in the 110th Congress. Opponents of hate crime legislation view separate federal offenses for hate crime as redundant and largely symbolic, arguing that separate hate crime offenses would be in addition to the legal prohibitions for traditional crime that already exist under either federal or state law."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-11-29
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations for FY2011 [January 6, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with administering and enforcing federal laws related to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearms and explosives. Congress transferred ATF's enforcement and regulatory functions for firearms and explosives from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). ATF is also responsible for investigating arson cases with a federal nexus, as well as criminal violations of federal laws governing the manufacture, importation, and distribution of alcohol and tobacco. Congress authorized appropriations for ATF in the Department of Justice Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162) for FY2006 through FY2009; however, the 111th Congress did not consider legislation to reauthorize annual appropriations for DOJ or ATF. For three fiscal years, FY2008 through FY2010, Congress has provided about $49 million in program increases to address firearms trafficking. About $43 million of this funding has been allocated to Project Gunrunner, an ATF initiative to reduce gun trafficking across the Southwest border, or other projects to assist the government of Mexico. In the 110th Congress, the House passed a bill (H.R. 6028) that would have authorized appropriations over three years, for FY2008 through FY2010, of $73.5 million to increase ATF resources dedicated to stemming illegal gun trafficking into Mexico. In the 111th Congress, bills with similar authorizations were introduced (S. 205, H.R. 495, H.R. 1448, and H.R. 1867)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2011-01-06
• Gun Control Legislation [March 10, 2010]

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  "Congress has continued to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. [...] In the 110th Congress, pro-gun Members of the House of Representatives, who were dissatisfied with the District's response to the Heller decision, passed a bill that would have further overturned provisions of the District's gun laws. In the 111th Congress, pro-gun Members of the Senate amended the DC voting rights bill (S. 160) with language similar to the House bill (described above) and passed that bill on February 26, 2009. [...] The House Committee on Financial Services reported a bill (H.R. 3045; H.Rept. 111- 277) that includes a provision that would prohibit public housing authorities from barring tenants from possessing firearms. And the Senate Judiciary Committee approved amendments (S. 1132) to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA; P.L. 108-277), which authorizes certain qualified police officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. [...] Several committees have held congressional hearings on gun trafficking and smuggling across the Southwest border from the United States to Mexico. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117), includes increased funding for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate additional gun trafficking cases. Other salient and recurring gun control issues for the 111th Congress could include (1) denying firearms and explosives to persons watch-listed as known or suspected terrorists, (2) retaining Brady background check records for approved firearm transactions to enhance terrorist screening, (3) more strictly regulating certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, (4) further regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'assault weapons,' and (5) requiring background checks for private firearm transfers at gun shows."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-03-10
• Terrorist Watchlist Checks and Air Passenger Prescreening [December 30, 2009]

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  "Considerable controversy continues to surround U.S. air passenger prescreening and terrorist watchlist checks. In the past, such controversy centered around diverted international flights and misidentified passengers. Another issue surfaced on Christmas Day 2009, when an air passenger attempted to ignite an explosive device on a Detroit-bound flight from Amsterdam. Although U.S. counterterrorism officials reportedly had created a record on the air passenger in the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE), which is maintained at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), it does not appear that the NCTC ever nominated him for entry into the U.S. government's consolidated Terrorist Screening Database, which is maintained at the Terrorist Screening Center. Therefore, he would not have been placed on watchlists used by front-line, air passenger prescreening agencies, principally the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Elias, Bartholomew

  2009-12-30
• Hate Crime Legislation [January 15, 2010]

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  "This report provides an overview of the hate crime debate, with background on current law and hate crime statistics, and a legislative history of hate crime prevention bills in recent Congresses. This report does not analyze the constitutional or other legal issues that often arise as part of the hate crime debate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-01-15
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations for FY2010 [April 27, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with administering and enforcing federal laws related to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearms and explosives. Congress transferred ATF's enforcement and regulatory functions for firearms and explosives from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). […]. In March 2010, the House Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations subcommittee held a hearing on the ATF FY2011 budget submission. Members of the subcommittee raised questions about gun trafficking on the Southwest border, regulatory backlogs, violent crime impact teams, and interagency coordination on gang violence. Congress has passed and the President has signed into law the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (P.L. 111-154). This act grants ATF greater authority to inspect the businesses and records of 'cigarette deliverers.' In addition, under the Mérida Initiative, ATF has recently released a Spanish language version of its firearms trace request software (e-Trace 4.0) to Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, and has established a U.S.-Mexico ballistic information exchange capability under the National Integrated Ballistic Imaging Network program. Also of note, in the fall of 2009, the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General released three reports on ATF operations. The first examined ATF's Project Gunrunner. The second examined ATF's efforts to investigate contraband cigarette trafficking. The third examined ATF's concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for explosives-related investigations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-04-27
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations for FY2008, FY2009, and FY2010 [April 15, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with administering and enforcing federal laws related to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearms and explosives. Congress transferred ATF's enforcement and regulatory functions for firearms and explosives from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice as part of the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). ATF is also responsible for investigating arson cases with a federal nexus, as well as criminal violations of federal laws governing the manufacture, importation, and distribution of alcohol and tobacco. For the past two fiscal years, FY2009 and FY2010, Congress has provided ATF with program increases to address illegal gun trafficking from the United States to Mexico under an initiative known as 'Project Gunrunner.' For FY2008, Congress also provided ATF with a program increase for domestic gun trafficking, but the focus of this program increase was also largely on the Southwest border. As a result, for those three fiscal years, Congress has provided over $49 million in program increases to address gun trafficking. Congress has also provided nearly $30 million for the construction of a National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR). In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117), Congress matched the Administration's request and appropriated $1.121 billion for ATF, or 3.9% more than the agency's FY2009 appropriations ($1.078 billion)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2010-04-15
• Immigration: Visa Entry/Exit Control System [Updated August 26, 1998]

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  "Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Division C of P.L. 104-208) requires the Attorney General to establish an automated entry/exit control system to record non-citizen arrivals and departures at all ports of entry by September 30, 1998. This report provides background and analysis on Section 110 and issues related to increasing arrival/departure management at air, land, and sea ports of entry. It will be updated as needed to track legislative action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  1998-08-26
• Immigration: Adjustment to Permanent Residence Status under Section 245(i) [Updated February 4, 1998]

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  "Under § 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, an alien in the U.S. who, on the basis of family relationship or job skills, becomes eligible for permanent resident status may adjust to that status in the United States without having to go abroad to obtain an immigrant visa. Historically, only those aliens who were here legally (e.g., as a student or a temporary skilled worker) could adjust status under § 245. In 1994, however, Congress enacted § 245(i). That provision, which was set to expire on September 30, 1997, allowed illegal aliens in the U.S. to adjust status under § 245 once they, because of family relationships or job skills, became eligible for permanent residency, provided they paid a surcharge fee. During debate on extending § 245(i), some viewed extension as an incentive to maintain illegal residency and as a 'loophole' to 1996 immigration reforms. Proponents of extension cited the money made available for immigration enforcement by the surcharge fee, and the utility of § 245(i) for allowing families that include an illegal alien member to remain intact."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Eig, Larry M.

  1998-02-04
• Combating a Combat Legacy

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  "The combat-centric legacy of the US Army is stable and durable. It developed during World War II and has persisted relatively intact throughout the Cold War, the post-Cold War period, and even in the post-9/11 era. The legacy endures not only in organizational form, doctrine, and equipment but also in training, education, and culture. Its persistence impedes the ability to conduct either sequential full-spectrum operations (occurring in traditional multiphase operations) or simultaneous full-spectrum operations (occurring in complex insurgencies such as those manifesting in Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF)). And it dramatically limits the US Army's capacity to adapt to other noncombat or untraditional roles and missions. The stability of the legacy, despite the experiences of OIF, typifies the inertial qualities of the institutional US Army, which has, as Brigadier Nigel Aylwin-Foster describes, 'developed over time a singular focus on conventional warfare.' Furthermore, the legacy signifies a rejection of the hard-fought organizational adaptations realized in Iraq that made the force more full-spectrum capable than perhaps it had ever been...The duration and degree of adaptation in OIF are relevant if imprecise measurements of how unsuitable the post-9/11 force was for translating tactical and operational action and success into strategic and political victory. Whether the adaptive and truly full-spectrum capable force created under fire during OIF will be retained in the future is unclear, but early indications suggest that a return to the legacy through 'modernization' and 'rebalancing' is not only likely but preferred despite strategic requirements. Instead of focusing on rebalancing, modernization, and a return to a combat-centric, legacy force, the Army should instead incorporate lessons from OIF to create a truly full-spectrum proficient force capable of supporting national interests and strategic requirements."

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Serena, Chad C.

  2010-04
• FBI: Past, Present, and Future [October 2, 2003]

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  From the Document: "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the Nation's premier law enforcement organization responsible for gathering and reporting facts and compiling evidence in cases involving federal jurisdiction. It has broad jurisdiction in federal law enforcement and in national security, and is a statutory member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Currently, the FBI is undergoing a massive reorganization to shift its culture from reaction to crimes already committed to detection, deterrence and prevention of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests. The FBI continues to be a major domestic and international force in the war against terrorism. The FBI, one element of the U.S. Department of Justice, is led by a Director appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The current organizational schema of the FBI has three main elements: Headquarters, 56 Field Offices, and 45 Legal Attaches overseas. The degree of autonomy with which field offices have operated with respect to Headquarters has oscillated over time. Currently, Headquarters is assuming a more assertive role in directing field activities and demanding accountability, particularly with respect to the FBI's national security responsibilities. The FBI's national security mission has assumed an unprecedented degree of prominence. In order to successfully implement its mission, the FBI has extensive relationships with other federal executive agencies, including other members of the U.S. Intelligence Community. It also has an important network of relationships with state and local law enforcement, and overseas law enforcement agencies and security services."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Masse, Todd

  2003-10-02
• Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [July 29, 2009]

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  From the Summary: "U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.

  2009-07-29
• Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [September 21, 2009]

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  From the Summary: "U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.

  2009-09-21
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations [Updated August 6, 2009]

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  "This CRS report discusses the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mission, budget, and programs. "For FY2010, the Administration has requested $1.121 billion and 5,025 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for ATF, or $66.6 million and 68 FTE positions more than the amounts appropriated for FY2009 ($1.054 billion and 4,957). Of the difference, $23.6 million and 22 FTE positions are base adjustments. For Southwest border enforcement, the FY2010 request includes a budget enhancement of $18 million to support Project Gunrunner and $25 million for the new National Center for Explosives Training and Research Center (NCETR). Compared to the enacted FY2009 level of funding, the FY2010 request would provide a 4.9% increase. The House reported bill (H.R. 2847) would provide ATF with $1.106 billion for FY2010, while the Senate reported bill (also H.R. 2847) would provide ATF with the same amount as requested by the Administration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2009-08-06
• Gun Control: Statutory Disclosure Limitations on ATF Firearms Trace Data and Multiple Handgun Sales Reports [May 27, 2009]

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  "For FY2003-FY2009, a rider on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) appropriations has prohibited that agency from disclosing firearm trace data (based on firearm transfer records maintained in part by licensed gun dealers) and multiple handgun sales reports data for any purpose other than supporting a criminal investigation or agency licensing proceeding. This rider is known as the 'Tiahrt' amendment, for its sponsor in full committee markup of the FY2004 Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill, Representative Todd Tiahrt. A coalition of 210 city mayors led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg favors the repeal of this rider, but the Fraternal Order of Police favors retaining it, as does ATF. For FY2008, Congress included modified Tiahrt amendment language in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161). This modified language states explicitly that it does not prohibit the release of aggregate statistical data on illegal gun trafficking or statistical information on the U.S. firearms industry. For FY2009, similar language was included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2009-05-27
• Immigration and Naturalization Service Reorganization and Related Legislative Proposals [Updated July 24, 2001]

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  "The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), with a current annual budget of $5.0 billion, is the primary agency charged with enforcing the nation's immigration law. Regulating immigration can be viewed as having two basic components: stemming illegal immigration (enforcement) and facilitating legal immigration (service). The Bush Administration supports separating service from enforcement. While no legislation has been acted upon in the 107th Congress at this date, restructuring proposals may be considered in the future, since restructuring may necessitate amending existing statutory authorities. Previously, the Clinton Administration had initiated steps to restructure INS internally by separating the agency's enforcement and service functions, but sought to maintain the statutory authority for both functions under a single executive who would integrate immigration policy, standards, and operations. While there is no statutory requirement that the Administration gain Congress's formal approval of any agency reorganization, Congress could choose to mandate legislatively that INS be dismantled or reorganized differently. Indeed, on March 22, 2000, the House Judiciary's Immigration and Claims Subcommittee approved legislation to dismantle INS. Without the support of key Members of Congress, the Clinton Administration did not move forcefully to complete its INS restructuring plan. This report will be updated to reflect legislative action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2001-07-24
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security [Updated June 25, 2003]

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  The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) requires the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EPR) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate federal emergency management activities. This report examines the law which consolidates federal emergency authorities and resources into EPR--but not terrorism preparedness activities, which are administered by the Border and Transportation Security Directorate within DHS. This report provides summaries of and references to the entities that constitute EPR, as well as brief statements of issues that may come before the 108th Congress.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Bea, Keith; Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)

  2003-06-25
• Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated December 24, 2002]

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  The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security, consolidating some of them in a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. The Act charges this new directorate with securing the borders; territorial waters; terminals; waterways; and air, land and sea transportation systems of the United States; and managing the nation's ports of entry. As in the past, the challenge for policymakers is to provide a level of border and transportation security that is commensurate with a multitude of threats, while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, as well as protecting civil liberties. Included in this report are conceptual definitions for "border management" and "border security;" descriptions of the missions of the principal border management agencies; brief discussion of seaport and transportation security, since both are integral to border security; and a brief exploration of issues raised by transferring the Federal Protective Service, the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to this new directorate. The report concludes with a summary of major issues that are likely to emerge regarding the establishment and effective operations of the Border and Transportation Security Directorate.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2002-12-24
• Gun Control Legislation in the 108th Congress [Updated January 27, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "Congress continues to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Since 1934, various federal laws have been enacted to promote such regulation. The two most significant federal statutes controlling firearms held by civilians are the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. The 1934 Act established strict registration requirements and a transfer tax on machine guns and short-barreled long guns. The 1968 Act prohibits mail-order and interstate sales of firearms, prohibits transfers to minors and other prohibited persons, and sets forth penalties and licensing requirements for manufacturers, importers, and dealers. Gun control advocates argue that federal regulation of firearms curbs access by criminals, juveniles, and other 'high-risk' individuals. Some seek broad policy changes such as near-prohibition of non-police handgun ownership or the registration of all firearm owners or firearms. Others advocate less comprehensive policies that they maintain would not impede ownership and legitimate firearm transfers. Opposition to federal controls is strong. [...] While several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced in the 108th Congress that represent a variety of positions on federal regulation of firearms, legislative debate and action may develop in the following issue areas: (1) extending, making permanent, or allowing to expire, the semiautomatic assault weapons ban, which sunsets on September 13, 2004; (2) expanding electronic access to disqualifying records under the Brady criminal background check system; (3) expanding federally-supported ballistic imaging to enhance law enforcement efforts; and (4) further regulating firearm transfers at gun shows."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2003-01-27
• Terrorism: Automated Lookout Systems and Border Security Options and Issues [June 18, 2001]

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  "Border security and the threat of international terrorism are issues of intense congressional concern, as is evidenced by recent congressional hearings held to examine these issues in the 107th Congress. The challenge for policy makers is to provide for a level of border security that is commensurate with threats from abroad, while facilitating legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. This report presents five options that have been discussed by international security specialists for strengthening the processes by which persons who are known to be members or supporters of foreign terrorist organizations are excluded from entry into the United States. Those options include (1) making it more difficult to counterfeit and alter international travel documents, (2) increasing entry/exit control mechanisms at international ports of entry, (3) increasing staff and technology for consular and federal inspection services, (4) enhancing recordkeeping on the visa status and whereabouts of foreign students in the United States, and (5) expanding the current visa lookout system to include data on members of international organized crime groups."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2001-06-18
• Foreign Terrorists and the Availability of Firearms and Black Powder in the United States

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  Foreign terrorists could exploit, and probably have exploited in some cases, the general availability of firearms, ammunition, and, in some cases, explosives in the United States through either legal or illegal channels. In many ways, the 28 questions addressed in this memorandum are parallel to existing issues regarding the increased federal regulation of firearms. It does not provide definitive answers to these questions but rather, it provides background on the underlying issues - many of which apply to citizens as well as to foreign terrorists. This memorandum is organized into six sections that: provide an overview in the form of brief responses that are grouped into major issue areas; consider the term "foreign terrorist" based on definitions of terrorism, including international terrorism; outline categories of persons prohibited from possessing firearms and noncitizen eligibility to possess and purchase firearms and ammunition; examine issues related to the federal regulation of firearm transfers, multiple sales, Brady Act background checks, record retention and access, and gun shows; provide background on semiautomatic assault weapons and 50-caliber sniper rifles; and briefly examine federal regulation of black powder.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2003-05-16
• Immigration: Visa Entry/Exit Control System [Updated November 9, 1998]

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  "Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Division C of P.L. [Public Law] 104-208) requires the Attorney General to establish an automated entry/exit control system to record non-citizen arrivals and departures at all ports of entry by September 30, 1998. The FY1999 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277) amends Section 110 to extend the September 30, 1998 deadline to March 31, 2001 for land border and sea ports of entry, but leaves the FY1998 deadline (now October 15, 1998) in place for air ports of entry. This report provides background and analysis on Section 110 and issues related to increasing arrival/departure management at air, land border, and sea ports of entry. This report reflects final action of the 105th Congress and will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  1998-11-09
• Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and Dangers, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, April 1, 2009

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  This is the April 1, 2009 hearing on "Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and Dangers," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Jane Harman: "This committee has said this many times that it won't be a bureaucrat in Washington who will thwart the next terror attack. It will be a cop on the beat, familiar with the rhythms and nuances of her neighborhood, who will notice something suspicious and be best positioned to do something about it. Fusion centers are uniquely local for this reason. One size cannot fit all, because communities and their populations are diverse, and so are their geographies. So it is fusion centers, in my view, who are the tool, hopefully, to empower that cop to know what to look for and what to do. But steps need to be taken to get this effort right. [...] This subcommittee held two hearings in the last Congress to address efforts underway to provide fusion centers with the mission focus, structure, and privacy and civil liberties resources they need to protect our homeland, while preserving our Constitution, which, obviously, is necessary to protect all of us. Today's hearing is intended to continue the examination of the challenges that fusion centers face, and to dispel some of the myths that still exist." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jane Harman, Michael T. McCaul, Leroy D. Baca, Robert Riegle, Russell M. Porter, John E. Bateman, Bruce Fein, Ned Norris, and David D. Gersten.

  United States. Government Printing Office. Federal Security Agency

  2010
• National Network of Fusion Centers: Perception and Reality

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  From the Abstract: "The National Network of Fusion Centers (the Network) is one of many organizational efforts the nation has undergone to help bolster its counterterrorism prevention and response efforts. Since its creation in the years following the 9/11 attacks, the Network has garnered both accolades and criticisms, resulting in an uneven opinion about fusion center functions and performance. The diverse opinions that are held of the Network appear at times to be based on perceptions incongruent with some of the realities of current Network operations and which lead to an undervaluation of its contributions. This research examined the points of opposition between supporters and critics of the Network and identified strategies employed by the Network to mitigate areas of concern, in order to define the relationship or gap between actual performance and the perception of performance of the Network held by external (to the Network) parties. This research employed a modified version of the multi-goal policy analysis method as a guide for the conduct of analysis. This study recommends a recalibration of these perceptions."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Klem, Nicholas

  2014-12