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RMP Facilities in the United States as of May 2005 [June 27, 2005]
"Under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r), the EPA established a program requiring risk management plans to be provided to the EPA by facilities possessing greater than certain threshold quantities of 140 chemicals. As part of this reporting requirement, facilities are required to determine the worst-case scenario release from a single chemical process, using EPA criteria and guidelines. Facilities are also required to estimate the population potentially at risk from this worst-case scenario release by calculating the population that resides within a circle surrounding the facility, with the radius of the circle determined by the
distance the worst-case scenario release might travel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.
2005-07-27
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China's Economic Conditions [Updated August 9, 2007]
From the Summary: "Since the initiation of economic reforms in 1979, China has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies. From 1979 to 2005 China's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average annual rate of 9.7%. Real GDP grew by 11.1% in 2006, and during the half of 2007, it rose by 11.5% over the same period in 2006. China is expected to continue to enjoy rapid economic growth over the next several years, provided that it continues to implement needed reforms, particularly in regard to its inefficient state-owned enterprises and the state banking system. If projected growth levels continue, China could become the world's largest economy within a decade or so. […] Many U.S. policymakers have argued that China often does not play by the rules when it comes to trade and they have called for greater efforts to pressure China to fully implement its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments and to change various economic policies deemed harmful to U.S. economic interests, such as its currency policy, its use of subsidies to support state-owned firms, and trade and investment barriers to U.S. goods and services. In addition, China's rising demand for energy and raw materials has raised prices for such commodities and has sharply increased pollution levels, which may have important global implications. This report provides an overview of China's economic development, challenges China faces to maintain growth, and the implications of China's rise as a major economic power for the United States. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2007-08-09
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Financing the U.S. Trade Deficit [Updated September 4, 2007]
From the Summary: "The U.S. merchandise trade deficit is a part of the overall U.S. balance of payments, a summary statement of all economic transactions between the residents of the United States and the rest of the world, during a given period of time. Some Members of Congress and other observers have grown concerned over the magnitude of the growing U.S. merchandise trade deficit and the associated increase in U.S. dollar-denominated assets owned by foreigners. This report provides an overview of the U.S. balance of payments, an explanation of the broader role of capital flows in the U.S. economy, an explanation of how the country finances its trade deficit or a trade surplus, and the implications for Congress and the country of the large inflows of capital from abroad."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2007-09-04
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Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance [Updated August 17, 2007]
from the Summary: "Post-Taliban Afghanistan has adopted a constitution and elected a president and a parliament; that body is emerging as a significant force in Afghan politics. However, the Afghan government's limited writ throughout the country and its perceived corruption have contributed to an increase in Taliban violence. See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL30588, 'Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-08-17
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Poland: Background and Policy Trends of the Kaczynski Government [Updated August 2, 2007]
From the Summary: "Poland held presidential and parliamentary elections in the fall of 2005. After several months, a ruling coalition consisting of three populist-nationalist parties was formed; the presidency and prime minister's post are held by Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, identical twin brothers who have increasingly consolidated their power. Their government's nationalist policies have caused controversy domestically, in both the political and economic arenas, and in foreign relations as well. Relations with some neighboring states and the European Union have been strained at times, but ties with the United States have not undergone significant change. Some observers believe that a recent dispute within the coalition may spark early elections. This report may be updated as events warrant. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32967, 'Poland: Foreign Policy Trends', and CRS Report RL32966, 'Poland: Background and Current Issues', both by Carl Ek."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl
2007-08-02
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NATO and Energy Security [Updated August 15, 2007]
From the Summary: "Energy security is of increasing importance to the United States and its European allies, as some energy producers are using oil and gas for political leverage. Although most European allies believe that a market solution exists to ensure security of energy supplies, NATO has begun to discuss the issue as an allied concern. This report will be updated periodically. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33636, 'The European Union's Energy Security Challenges', by Paul Belkin."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.
2007-08-15
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U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement [Updated August 2, 2007]
From the Summary: "On November 22, 2006, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative John Veroneau and Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Jorge Humberto Botero, signed the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA), a bilateral free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. President Bush notified Congress on August 24, 2006, of his intention to enter into the CTPA. The CTPA is a comprehensive trade agreement which, if ratified, would eliminate tariffs and other barriers in goods and services trade between the United States and Colombia. The 110th Congress may consider implementing legislation for the agreement under the 2002 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) procedures. Under TPA, the President would submit formally to Congress the draft agreement and implementing legislation after entering into the agreement, but with no time limit to do so. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles
2007-08-02
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Health and Safety Concerns Over U.S. Imports of Chinese Products: An Overview [August 28, 2007]
From the Summary: "China is the second largest source of U.S. imports, a major supplier of consumer products (such as toys), and an increasingly important supplier of various food products. Reports of unsafe seafood, pet food, toys, tires, and other products imported from China over the past year have raised concern in the United States over the health, safety, and quality of imported Chinese products. This report provides an overview of this issue and implications for U.S.-China trade relations and will be updated as events warrant. (For an overview of issues concerning U.S. food imports from China, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL34080, 'Food and Agricultural Imports from China', by Geoffrey S. Becker)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2007-08-28
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Defense Surplus Equipment Disposal: Background Information [Updated September 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD), through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered 'surplus' or deemed unnecessary to the agency's currently designated mission. The effort to dispose of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II, when the federal government decided to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment available to civilians. At a July 25, 2006, hearing before the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, Major General Bennie Williams, DLA Director of Logistics Operations, identified four target areas for managing surplus military equipment: (1) processing controls for batch lot items and materials requiring demilitarization; (2) processing of items coded with Local Stock Numbers received at the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS); (3) improved controls regarding access to DRMS inventory assets; and (4) reducing the concurrent procurement of items available at DRMS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2007-09-10
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Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated January 13, 2005]
From the Summary: "As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 109th Congress will be how to best support political and economic change in one of world's remaining communist nations. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. The Bush Administration has further tightened restrictions on travel for family visits, other categories of travel, and on sending private humanitarian assistance to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba -- to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island -- there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-01-13
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Defense Transformation: Background and Oversight Issues for Congress [Updated February 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Administration argues that new technologies make defense transformation possible and that new threats to U.S. security make defense transformation necessary. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for placing increased emphasis in U.S. defense planning on irregular warfare including terrorism, insurgencies, and civil war; potential catastrophic security threats, such as the possession and possible use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and rogue states; and potential disruptive events, such as the emergence of new technologies that could undermine current U.S. military advantages. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for shifting U.S. military forces toward a greater reliance on joint operations, network-centric warfare, effects-based operations, speed and agility, and precision application of firepower. Transformation could affect the defense industrial base by transferring funding from 'legacy' systems to transformational systems, and from traditional DOD contractors to firms that previously have not done much defense work."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2005-02-10
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China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [Updated March 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "A growing concern for U.S. policymakers is China's growing global 'reach' and the consequences that China's increasing international economic and political influence will have for U.S. interests. To feed its voracious appetite for resources, China is steadily and successfully seeking trade agreements, oil and gas contracts, scientific and technological cooperation, and even multilateral security arrangements with countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and with Canada. Some of China's growing relationships are with key U.S. allies. Even if these trends are the benign consequences of China's economic development and growth, they may pose critical future challenges for U.S. economic and political interests. At the same time, these trends appear to have prompted Japan to seek closer U.S. relations as a counterweight to China's growing regional power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2005-03-10
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Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom: Questions and Answers About U.S. Military Personnel, Compensation, and Force Structure [Updated February 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report provides short answers to commonly asked questions about military personnel, compensation, and force structure issues related to Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Operation Noble Eagle is the name given to military operations related to homeland security and support to federal, state, and local agencies in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Operation Enduring Freedom includes ongoing operations in Afghanistan, operations against terrorists in other countries, and training assistance to foreign militaries which are conducting operations against terrorists. Operation Iraqi Freedom includes the invasion of Iraq, the defeat of Saddam Hussein's regime, and the subsequent peacekeeping, rebuilding, and counter-insurgency operations in Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2005-02-16
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Egypt-United States Relations [Updated June 15, 2005]
"On May 25, 2005, the Egyptian public approved (in a public referendum) the amending of Article 76 of the Egyptian constitution to permit direct and pluralistic elections for the presidency. Some members of the opposition boycotted the referendum, calling the amendment insufficient in that it sets difficult requirements for independent candidates to run in future elections, does not guarantee freedom of assembly for political parties, and does not provide for independent judicial oversight of elections. The ruling National Democratic Party has called the approval of the amendment a step forward for Egyptian democracy. Over the past several weeks, Egyptian authorities have arrested hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood protestors, including several of the groups leaders. In addition, activists from the Kifaya ('Enough') movement have accused Egyptian police officers of sexually assaulting female protesters on the day of the constitutional referendum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2005-06-15
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Virginia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [May 27, 2004]
From the Summary: "The Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000 (Va. Code 44-146.13) consolidated the states emergency management statutes. The law delegates emergency powers to the governor, the Department of Emergency Management, and political subdivisions. It also provides for mutual aid agreements. Assistance and funding primarily emanate from federal aid and the Virginia Disaster Response Fund, which is administered by the Department of Emergency Management. The state constitution establishes the authority for continuity of government operations. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2004-05-27
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West Virginia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [September 3, 2004]
From the Summary: "The emergency management code for West Virginia (chapter 15-5) created a state emergency services agency and authorized creation of local and regional organizations for emergency services. The statute confers emergency powers upon the governor and the executive heads of governing bodies of political subdivisions, and provides for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions, other states, and with the federal government. The Emergency Interim Legislative Succession Act and Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act provide lines of succession for all levels of government. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2004-09-03
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Indian and Pakistani Nuclear Weapons Status [Updated February 17, 2005]
From the Summary: "Until 2005, India and Pakistan were the only states outside the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to declare, openly, their nuclear weapons capability. In 1998, they tested nuclear weapons and since then, deployed ballistic missiles, enunciated nuclear doctrine, and made organizational changes to their nuclear establishments. In 2002, they teetered on the brink of war in Kashmir. This paper summarizes Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapon capabilities and thinking, and discusses some confidence-building measures in place intended to help avert nuclear war. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2005-02-17
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NATO Summit at Prague, 2002 [March 1, 2005]
From the Summary: "In November 2002, the NATO allies met in Prague at the 'Transformation' summit in an attempt to define part of the alliance's mission to combat against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They pledged to obtain the military capabilities to accomplish that mission. Not all allies agree on the implications of such policies. The allies also named seven states as eligible for membership. This report will not be updated. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32342, 'NATO and the European Union,' and CRS Report RS21659, 'Prague Capabilities Commitments.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.
2005-03-01
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Iraq: Oil and Gas Legislation, Revenue Sharing, and U.S. Policy [Updated July 2, 2008]
From the Summary: "Iraqi leaders continue to debate a package of hydrocarbon sector and revenue sharing legislation that would define the terms for the future management and development of the country's significant oil and natural gas resources. The package includes an oil and gas sector framework law and three supporting laws that would outline revenue sharing, restructure Iraq's Ministry of Oil, and create an Iraqi National Oil Company. Both the Bush Administration and Congress consider the passage of oil and gas sector framework and revenue sharing legislation as important benchmarks that would indicate the current Iraqi government's commitment to promoting political reconciliation and long term economic development in Iraq. […] The current military strategy employed by U.S. forces in Iraq seeks to create a secure environment in which Iraqis can resolve core political differences. However, it remains to be seen whether the package of hydrocarbon legislation under consideration will promote reconciliation or contribute to deeper political tension. Administration policymakers and Members of Congress thus face difficult choices with regard to encouraging consideration of new hydrocarbon legislation and related constitutional reforms while attempting to ensure that the content of proposed laws and amendments reflects compromises reached by and acceptable to Iraqis. This report reviews the package of legislation currently under consideration, analyzes the positions of various Iraqi political actors, and discusses potential implications for U.S. foreign policy goals in Iraq. The report will be updated to reflect new developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-07-02
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Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated July 1, 2008]
From the Summary: "Some Members of Congress this year have expressed interest in the option of procuring a 10th San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ship in FY2009, so as to help meet the Marine Corps' goal for amphibious lift capability. The Navy's proposed FY2009 budget does not request funding for a 10th LPD-17 and instead proposes ending LPD-17 procurement with the ninth ship, which was procured in FY2008. The Navy's planned 313-ship fleet calls for a 31-ship amphibious force that includes 10 LPD-17s, and the Marine Corps states that a 33-ship amphibious force that includes 11 LPD-17s would be required to fully meet the Marine Corps' amphibious lift goal. Procurement of a 10th LPD-17 is the Number 2 item on the Navy's FY2009 Unfunded Requirements List (URL) and the Number 1 item on the Marine Corps' FY2009 URL. Fully funding the procurement of a 10th LPD-17 in FY2009, the Navy and Marine Corps FY2009 URLs state, would cost $1,700 million. Congress, as part of its action on the FY2008 defense budget, provided $50 million in advance procurement funding for a 10th LPD-17. […] The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its report (S.Rept. 110-335 of May 12, 2008) on the FY2009 defense authorization bill (S. 3001), recommends a total of $273.2 million in advance procurement funding for the procurement of a 10th LPD- 17 in FY2010. This total includes the conversion of the Navy's requested $103.2 million in program closeout costs into advance procurement funding, and the addition of another $170.0 million in advance procurement funding. This report will be updated when events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-07-01
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U.S.-South Korea Beef Dispute: Negotiations and Status [Updated July 24, 2008]
From the Summary: "On April 18, 2008, U.S. and South Korean negotiators reached agreement on the sanitary rules that Korea will apply to beef imports from the United States. It allows for imports of all cuts of U.S. boneless and bone-in beef and other beef products from cattle, irrespective of age, as long as specified risk materials known to transmit mad cow disease are removed and other conditions are met. […] To respond to mounting public pressure, the Korean government twice pursued talks with the United States to find ways to defuse public concerns without 'renegotiating' the beef agreement. In the second round, both governments on June 21 confirmed a 'voluntary private sector' arrangement that will allow Korean firms to import U.S. beef produced only from cattle less than 30 months old, and announced some changes to the April agreement. Both countries view this arrangement as a transitional step to improve Korean consumer confidence. In longstanding negotiations with South Korea, U.S. trade officials have maintained that U.S. beef is safe, pointing out that it is consumed by millions of Americans. They point out that the U.S. measures in place to prevent the introduction of BSE [bovine spongiform encephalopathy] in U.S. cattle herds already meet international scientific standards. The anti-beef agreement protests could have lingering effects on U.S.-South Korean relations, because of the erosion of the Korean President's political standing, the possible effects on the ability of his government to secure ratification of the KORUS FTA [Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement], and his efforts to upgrade the bilateral military and strategic alliance. This report will be updated to reflect developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jurenas, Remy; Manyin, Mark E.
2008-07-24
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Foreign Investment in U.S. Securities [Updated July 14, 2008]
From the Summary: "Foreign capital inflows are playing an important role in the U.S. economy by bridging the gap between domestic supplies of and demand for capital. Foreign investors now hold more than 50% of the publicly held and traded U.S. Treasury securities. The large foreign accumulation of U.S. securities has spurred some observers to argue that this large foreign presence in U.S. financial markets increases the risk of a financial crisis, whether as a result of the uncoordinated actions of market participants or by a coordinated withdrawal from U.S. financial markets by foreign investors for economic or political reasons. […] Despite improvements in capital mobility, foreign capital inflows do not fully replace or compensate for a lack of domestic sources of capital. Economic analysis shows that a nation's rate of capital formation, or domestic investment, seems to have been linked primarily to its domestic rate of saving. To date, the world economy has benefited from the stimulus provided by the nation's combination of fiscal and monetary policies and trade deficit. Over the long run, however, concerns are growing that U.S. economic policies and the accompanying large deficit in its international trade accounts could have a negative impact on global economic developments, especially for developing countries. This report relies on a comprehensive set of data on capital flows, represented by purchases and sales of U.S. government securities and U.S. and foreign corporate stocks, bonds, into and out of the United States, that is reported by the Treasury Department on a monthly basis. This report will updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2008-07-14
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Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance [Updated August 5, 2008]
From the Summary: "The central government's limited writ and its perceived corruption are helping sustain a Taliban insurgency and painting President Hamid Karzai as a weak leader. However, factional and ethnic differences have remained confined to political debate, regional strongmen have been marginalized, and Karzai is focused on improving coordination with international donors and force contributors in the runup to his reelection bid in the fall of 2009. See CRS Report RL30588, 'Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-08-05
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Algeria: Current Issues [Updated July 3, 2008]
From the Summary: "The situation in Algeria is fluid. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was reelected in 2004 with some manipulation of the political process but without blatant fraud. The voice of the military, the most significant political force since independence, has been muted. Yet, low voter turnout in the May 2007 parliamentary election indicated lack of public faith in the political system. Domestic terrorism persists and Algerians continue to be linked to terror abroad. The U.S. State Departments lists the two Algerian groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Terrorism provides a rationale for Algeria's uneven human rights record. Oil and gas revenues are growing, but social investment lags. Bouteflika has energized foreign policy and broadened cooperation with the United States. This report will be updated if warranted. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS20962, 'Western Sahara: Status of Settlement Efforts.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2008-07-03
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Navy Role in Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) - Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 8, 2008]
From the Summary: "The Navy for several years has carried out a variety of activities related to what the Administration refers to as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The Navy states that as of February 2008, more than 11,300 Navy sailors (including Individual Augmentees) were ashore supporting ground forces in the U.S. Central Command region (including Iraq and Afghanistan). The Navy's role in the GWOT raises several potential oversight issues for Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-07-08
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Iran's Ballistic Missile Programs: An Overview [Updated July 21, 2008]
From the Summary: "Iran has an active interest in developing, acquiring, and deploying a broad range of ballistic missiles. This was spotlighted in mid-July 2008 when Iran launched a number of ballistic missiles during military exercises, reportedly including the medium-range Shahab-3. On July 18, 2008, a Pentagon spokesman said Iran was 'not testing new technologies or capabilities, but rather firing off old equipment in an attempt to intimidate their neighbors and escalate tension in the region.' Subsequent analysis of the July 2008 missile launches also shows Iran apparently digitally altered images of those launches. This short report seeks to provide an overview of the reported or suspected variety of Iranian ballistic missile programs. Because there remains widespread public divergence over particulars, however, this report does not provide specificity to what Iran may or may not have, or is in the process of developing. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.
2008-07-21
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Iraq: U.S. Casualties [Updated July 31, 2008]
From the Summary: "The following casualty data was compiled by the Department of Defense (DOD), as tallied from the agency's press releases. 'Table 1' provides statistics on fatalities during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 19, 2003, and is ongoing, as well as on the number of fatalities since May 1, 2003, plus statistics on those wounded, but not killed, since March 19, 2003. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as all records are processed through the U.S. military's casualty system. More frequent updates are available at DOD's website at [http://www.defenselink.mil/ news/] under 'Casualty Update.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chesser, Susan G.
2008-07-31
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USA Patriot Act Sunset: Provisions that Expire on December 31, 2005 [Updated January 27, 2005]
From the Summary: "The consequences of sunset are not the same for every expiring section. In some instances the temporary provision has been replaced with a permanent one; in some, other provisions have been made temporary by attachment to an expiring section; in still others, the apparent impact of termination has been mitigated by related provisions either in the act or elsewhere. The temporary provisions are: sections 201 (wiretapping in terrorism cases), 202 (wiretapping in computer fraud and abuse felony cases), 203(b) (sharing wiretap information), 203(d) (sharing foreign intelligence information), 204 (Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) pen register/trap & trace exceptions), 206 (roving FISA wiretaps), 207 (duration of FISA surveillance of non-United States persons who are agents of a foreign power), 209 (seizure of voice-mail messages pursuant to warrants), 212 (emergency disclosure of electronic surveillance), 214 (FISA pen register/ trap and trace authority), 215 (FISA access to tangible items), 217 (interception of computer trespasser communications), 218 (purpose for FISA orders), 220 (nationwide service of search warrants for electronic evidence), 223 (civil liability and discipline for privacy violations), and 225 (provider immunity for FISA wiretap assistance); and in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, section 6001 ("lone wolf" FISA orders)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2005-01-27
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated February 17, 2005]
From the Summary: "Afghanistan is stabilizing after more than 22 years of warfare, including a U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power. Successful presidential elections held on October 9, 2004 appear to be accelerating political and economic reconstruction. The report of the 9/11 Commission recommended a long-term commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan. Legislation passed in December 2004 to implement those recommendations (P.L. 108-458) contains provision on Afghanistan, although most of these Commission's recommendations had already formed a major part of the U.S. policy framework for Afghanistan. [...] Aside from a weakening but persistent Taliban insurgency, remaining obstacles to stability include the continued local authority of militias controlled by regional leaders and growing narcotics trafficking. U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; running regional enclaves to create secure conditions for reconstruction (Provincial
Reconstruction Teams, PRTs); and disarming militia fighters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-02-17
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Homeland Security: Final Regulations on Classification, Pay, and Performance Management Compared with Current Law [Updated February 2, 2005]
From the Summary: "With regard to classification, pay, and performance management, the regulations prescribe the following. The classification system will organize the department's jobs into clusters by major occupational groups. Within each occupational cluster, open pay bands with no steps will be established. Each pay band typically will have four levels -- entry/developmental, full performance, senior expert, and supervisory. Employees will progress through a pay band based on performance or enhanced skill level. The pay system will provide an annual pay adjustment, supplemented by a locality pay rate or a special pay rate in appropriate circumstances, to employees who meet or exceed performance expectations. In addition, employees in a Full Performance or higher pay band may receive a performance-based pay increase, based primarily on accomplishing work assignments and achieving results. Employees will not lose pay upon their transition to the pay system. The performance management system ties employee performance appraisal to the DHS mission and to specific performance standards based on job assignments. Quotas or forced distributions will not be imposed on the performance ratings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2005-02-02
