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Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated May 5, 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.
2005-05-05
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Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment [Updated May 24, 2005]
"The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that 'Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press....' This language restricts government both more and less than it would if it were applied literally. It restricts government more in that it applies not only to Congress, but to all branches of the federal government, and to all branches of state and local government. It restricts government less in that it provides no protection to some types of speech and only limited protection to others. This report provides an overview of the major exceptions to the First Amendment - of the ways that the Supreme Court has interpreted the guarantee of freedom of speech and press to provide no protection or only limited protection for some types of speech. For example, the Court has decided that the First Amendment provides no protection to obscenity, child pornography, or speech that constitutes 'advocacy of the use of force or of law violation ... where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cohen, Henry, 1949-
2005-05-24
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated May 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "During the last decade, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) has seen its budget and manpower more than triple. This expansion was the direct result of Congressional concerns about illegal immigration and the agency's adoption of "Prevention Through Deterrence" as its chief operational strategy in 1994. The strategy calls for placing USBP resources and manpower directly at the areas of greatest illegal immigration in order to detect, deter, and apprehend aliens attempting to cross the border between official points of entry. Post 9/11, the USBP has also refocused its strategy on preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. In addition to a workforce of over 10,000 agents, the USBP deploys vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and many different technologies to defend the border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-05-10
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Immigration: Terrorist Grounds for Exclusion of Aliens [Updated May 5, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report opens with an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility and summarizes key legislation enacted in recent years. The section on current law explains the legal definitions of 'terrorist activity,' 'terrorist organization,' and other security-related grounds for inadmissibility and analyzes the legal implications of these provisions. The report then discusses the alien screening process to identify possible terrorists during the visa issuance process abroad and the inspections process at U.S. ports of entry. Where relevant, the report also discusses how recently enacted legislation--the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L.108-458)--affects these matters. Provisions in the Real ID Act (H.R. 418), introduced in the 109th Congress by House Committee on the Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner and passed by the House on February 10, 2005, are also discussed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Garcia, Michael John
2005-05-05
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Tax Deductions for Catastrophic Risk Insurance Reserves: Explanation and Economic Analysis [September 2, 2005]
"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina that struck several states along the Gulf of Mexico on August 29, 2005, the attention of policymakers in Congress and elsewhere has turned to the subject of insurance for large catastrophic risks, including natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. The generally perceived increase in the incidence of major catastrophes and their increasingly costly nature has prompted some analysts to question whether the economy's market for catastrophe insurance is sufficient to meet the burdens of major catastrophes: does the market provide a sufficient amount of insurance against major catastrophes, or is there a shortage? And, to the extent that catastrophe insurance exists, are the insuring firms sufficiently capitalized so that widespread insolvencies would not occur? Some have suggested that federal action is advisable to make sure that insurance industry resources are adequate to ensure the availability and affordability of disaster insurance and payment of claims when disasters occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.; Brumbaugh, David
2005-09-02
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First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated November 27, 2002]
"In February 2002, the Administration proposed a new block grant program called the First Responder Initiative, to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the Administration proposal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would administer the program, which, if approved, would provide $3.5 billion to states and localities. The Administrations primary goal for the program is to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The proposed program would fund a broad range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The 107th Congress considered a number of bills similar to the Administration proposal. On October 1, 2002, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committed approved S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002. The bill contained several features proposed by the Administration, including a 25% matching requirement, a wide range of eligible activities, and a requirement that states distribute 75% of funds to sub-state regions. S. 2664 also contained some provisions not specified in the Administration proposal, such as establishing standards for training and equipment and prohibiting the use of funds for overtime expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-11-27
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Risk Assessment in the Presidents National Strategy for Homeland Security [October 31, 2005]
"The Presidents National Strategy for Homeland Security suggests that agencies responsible for homeland security may use risk assessment techniques as tools to accomplish their missions. Agencies may perform risk assessments on a national scale in some areas, such as critical infrastructure. National homeland security risk assessments may be beneficial, or even essential, but a number of limitations could reduce or eliminate their usefulness. In addition, awareness of risk assessments basic methods and potential shortcomings can help Congress to effectively oversee agencies responsible for homeland security. This report is intended to provide background on the use of risk assessment in the homeland security context and will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Buschmann, Rob
2002-10-31
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Special Acquisition Authorities Contained in the House and Senate Proposals to Create a Department of Homeland Security [Updated September 20, 2002]
"H.R.5005, as passed the House, and Senate Amendment 4471, each of which propose the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, would grant special acquisition authorities generally aimed at speeding up and/or simplifying certain acquisitions during an organizational or transition period (five years in the House proposal and one year in the Senate proposal). These authorities would affect the procurement of research and development, personal services, and anti-terrorist technologies. Procurement would be streamlined through expanded use of the micropurchase threshold, simplified acquisition procedures, and an amended definition of commercial item. The House bill would only grant these authorities to the new Department, whereas the Senate proposal would grant most of them to all executive agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luckey, John R.
2002-09-20
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Chemical Plant Security [Updated February 14, 2005]
"This report provides background information and summarizes issues relevant to existing and proposed requirements aimed at reducing risks to the general public of exposure to hazardous chemicals as a result of terrorist acts at U.S. chemical production, processing, or storage facilities. It considers the likelihood and severity of harm that might result from terrorist attacks on chemical facilities, as well as from illicit use of such facilities to gain access to hazardous chemicals (or to precursor chemicals that can be used to produce hazardous chemicals). [...]The report first describes the range of terrorist acts that might threaten chemical facilities and summarizes publicly available information relevant to risks: recent trends in terrorist activity, including chemical use by terrorists; expert estimates of the harm that might be inflicted through chemical terrorism; and assessments of the vulnerability of chemical facilities. The next section of the report discusses existing federal mandates and incentives for reducing risks of accidental releases from chemical facilities. The remainder of the report summarizes recent Administration and private sector initiatives to improve chemical site security; analyzes policy options and key issues; and describes legislation in the 109th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schierow, Linda-Jo
2005-02-14
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Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management [Updated August 7, 2002]
"As these legislative developments have occurred, primary issues for Congress
and the President have been determining the program composition, administrative
organization, and management arrangements of the new department. Other issues
have included what to do with non-homeland security programs proposed for transfer to the department, personnel costs that may arise from pleas for pay equity among investigative and inspection positions within the department, reconsideration of the relationship of intelligence entities to the department, intelligence analysis by the department, and implementation of the transition to the new department. This report will be updated as events recommend."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2002-08-07
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Issues Raised by Hurricane Katrina: A Focus on Education and Training [Updated September 16, 2005]
"It is estimated that more than 400,000 elementary/secondary school children have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. In addition, it is estimated that approximately 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) in these areas have been severely damaged, and nearly 100,000 postsecondary students have been displaced as a result. Many of these individuals will not likely return to their homes, jobs, and/or schools within the 2005-2006 academic year. It is likely that numerous program regulations and statutes will need to be revisited to address the needs of the students and families affected by Katrina, as well as financial issues of the institutions that help make education possible for many of these individuals. After a discussion of the applicability of the Stafford Act to education and training facilities, this report provides a general overview of the federally funded programs administered by the Department of Education (ED) that might be used to help those affected by this disaster, and the existing statutory and regulatory authorities available to assist individuals who have been affected by a major disaster, where applicable."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mercer, Charmaine; Apling, Richard N.; Irwin, Paul
2005-09-16
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U.S.-India Bilateral Agreements in 2005 [September 8, 2005]
"On July 18, 2005, President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issued a Joint Statement resolving to establish a 'global partnership' between the United States and India through increased cooperation on numerous issues, including 'full civilian nuclear energy cooperation' (such cooperation would require changes in both U.S. law and international guidelines). This clause is widely viewed as representing the most direct recognition to date of India's status as a nuclear weapons state and thus as a reversal of more than three decades of U.S. nonproliferation policy. On June 28, 2005, the United States and India signed a ten year defense framework agreement that calls for expanding bilateral cooperation in a number of security-related areas. U.S.-India bilateral agreements in 2005 represent a new set of landmarks in rapidly warming ties between the worlds two most populous democracies. Many observers view U.S. moves to build strategic relations with India as part of an effort to 'counterbalance' the rise of China as a major power. The Administration's policy of assisting India's rise as a major power has significant implications for U.S. interests in Asia and beyond. The course of U.S. relations with China and Pakistan, especially, is likely to be affected by an increase in U.S.-India strategic ties. Of most immediate interest to the U.S. Congress may be the Bush Administration's intention to achieve 'full civilian nuclear energy cooperation with India,' and its promise to bring before Congress related and required legislative proposals in the latter months of 2005."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2005-09-08
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Global Climate Change [Updated September 7, 2005]
"On February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force, committing those nations that have ratified it to specified mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels. The nations that have ratified the Protocol now represent 61.6% of the 1990 emissions baseline, with 55% being the amount that must be accounted for by industrialized countries that have ratified in order for the Protocol to enter into force. The United States is a party to the UNFCCC, but not to the Kyoto Protocol. As of August 31, 2005, some 155 nations or regional economic integration organizations had ratified or acceded to the Protocol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fletcher, Susan R.; Justus, John R.
2005-09-07
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Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act: Legal Requirements for Federal and State Roles in Declarations of an Emergency or a Major Disaster [September 16, 2005]
"The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, P.L. 93- 288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206, and implementing regulations in 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.31-206.48, provide the statutory framework for a Presidential declaration of an emergency or a declaration of a major disaster. Such declarations open the way for a wide range of federal resources to be made available to assist in dealing with the emergency or major disaster involved. The Stafford Act structure for the declaration process reflects the fact that federal resources under this act supplement state and local resources for disaster relief and recovery. Except in the case of an emergency involving a subject area that is exclusively or preeminently in the federal purview, the Governor of an affected state, or Acting Governor if the Governor is not available, must request such a declaration by the President. This report will review the statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the affected state seeking the declaration and to the Presidential declaration, and will note the different types of resources that may be made available in the response to the two types of declarations. This report will updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazen, Elizabeth B.
2005-09-16
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Hurricane Katrina-Related Immigration Issues and Legislation [Updated September 19, 2005]
"The devastation and displacement caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region of the United States has very specific implications for foreign nationals who lived in the region. Whether the foreign national is a legal permanent resident (LPR), a nonimmigrant (e.g., temporary resident such a foreign student, intracompany transferee, or guest worker) or an unauthorized alien (i.e., illegal immigrant) is a significant additional factor in how federal laws and policies are applied. In this context, the key question is whether Congress should relax any of these laws pertaining to foreign nationals who are victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many of the victims of Hurricane Katrina lack personal identification documents as a result of being evacuated from their homes, loss or damage to personal items and records, and ongoing displacement in shelters and temporary housing. As a result of the widespread damage and destruction to government facilities in the area affected by the hurricane, moreover, many victims will be unable to have personal documents re-issued in the near future. Lack of adequate personal identification documentation, a problem for all victims, has specific consequences under immigration law, especially when it comes to employment and eligibility for programs and assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2005-09-19
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H.R. 3768: The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 [September 19, 2005]
"On September 15, 2005, the House and Senate passed different versions of a bill that contains tax provisions intended to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. H.R. 3768, the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005, was passed by voice vote in the House, while the Senate passed an amended version by unanimous consent. This report compares the House and Senate versions of the bill. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lunder, Erika
2005-09-19
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Postal Service for Katrina Survivors [September 16, 2005]
"The U.S. Postal Service has experienced many disasters in the past, and it was relatively well prepared for the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While the hurricane damaged some 500 post offices, the Postal Service was able to establish limited services just days after the disaster. For those now displaced from their homes, USPS says that it can provide relatively efficient delivery service if customers submit a change of address form in person, by toll-free telephone, or on the Internet. USPS has no current plans to request congressional appropriations for the costs it has incurred in restoring operations. This report will be updated weekly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stevens, Nye
2005-09-08
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Homeland Security: Compendium of Recommendations Relevant to House Committee Organization and Analysis of Considerations for the House [Updated March 7, 2005]
"This report has been updated with an epilogue on the creation of a standing House Committee on Homeland Security in the 109th Congress. The original report was not changed; its summary follows: The 9/11 Commission and other commissions and think tanks studying homeland security recommended congressional committee reorganization to increase Congress's policy and oversight coordination. This report analyzes selected recommendations relevant to House committee reorganization. In the 108th Congress, the House created a Select Committee on Homeland Security, and charged it with studying the rules of the House with respect to the issue of homeland security. The select committee recommended a standing Committee on Homeland Security. This report digests the select committee's recommendations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Koempel, Michael L.
2005-03-07
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Tax Credit [Updated September 16, 2005]
"The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Tax Credit are meant to induce employers to hire members of families receiving benefits under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. The WOTC also is available to for-profit employers who hire others thought to experience employment problems in both good and bad economic times (e.g., qualified veterans and youth who are members of families receiving food stamp benefits, high-risk youth, Supplemental Security Income recipients, and economically disadvantaged ex-felons). Most recently (passed the House and Senate on September 15), the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 3768) would add to WOTC-eligible groups a Hurricane Katrina employee. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit are temporary provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Since their initiation in the mid- 1990s, the Congress has allowed the credits to lapse four of the five times they were up for reauthorization. In each instance, they were reinstated retroactive to their expiration dates as part of large tax-related measures. The employment tax credits never have been addressed independently of broader legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Levine, Linda (Linda H.)
2005-09-16
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Critical Infrastructure: Control Systems and the Terrorist Threat [Updated February 21, 2003]
"Much of the U.S. critical infrastructure is potentially vulnerable to cyber-attack. Industrial control computer systems involved in this infrastructure are specific points of vulnerability, as cyber-security for these systems has not been perceived as a high priority. Industries potentially affected by a cyber-attack on industrial control systems include the electrical, telephone, water, chemical and energy sectors. The federal government has issued a warning regarding an increase in terrorist interest in the cyber-security of industrial control systems, citing both interest by international terrorist organizations in critical infrastructure and increases in cyber-attack on critical infrastructure computer systems. The potential consequences of a successful cyber-attack on critical infrastructure industrial control systems could be high, ranging from a temporary loss of service to catastrophic infrastructure failure affecting multiple states for an extended duration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.
2003-02-21
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Unemployment and Employment Programs Available to Workers from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Affected by Hurricane Katrina [Updated September 19, 2005]
"A variety of unemployment and employment programs are available to unemployed workers in three of the states affected by Hurricane Katrina: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Unemployment Compensation (UC)/Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are currently available to unemployed workers in these states. State unemployment taxes on employers pay for regular UC benefits. DUA benefits are federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) through each states UC agency. A contact list is provided for current or evacuated residents in order for them to apply for available unemployment benefits. Another income support program that may become available to workers is the Extended Benefit (EB) program. Currently the EB program in these states is not activated. This paper also briefly summarizes the most recent Temporary Extension of Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program. As of this writing, there is no TEUC program available to workers affected by Hurricane Katrina. The EB and TEUC programs would provide extensions to UC benefits (although not to DUA benefits) if triggered or activated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whittaker, Julie M.; Lordeman, Ann
2005-09-19
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Immigration: Policy Considerations Related to Guest Worker Programs [Updated May 28, 2008]
From the Summary: "At present, the United States has two main programs for temporarily importing low-skilled workers, sometimes referred to as guest workers. Agricultural guest workers enter through the H-2A visa program, and other guest workers enter through the H-2B visa program. Employers interested in importing workers under either program must first apply to the U.S. Department of Labor for a certification that U.S. workers capable of performing the work are not available and that the employment of alien workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Other requirements of the programs differ. […] President George W. Bush proposed a new, expanded temporary worker program in January 2004 when he announced his principles for immigration reform, and has since reiterated his support for such a program. In August 2007, following the unsuccessful cloture vote in the Senate on S. 1639, the Bush Administration announced that it would seek to streamline the existing H-2A and H-2B programs within current law. In February 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published proposed rules to significantly amend their respective H-2A regulations. The current discussion of guest worker programs takes place against a backdrop of historically high levels of unauthorized migration to the United States, and one question that often arises about proposals for new guest worker programs is whether they would enable participants to obtain LPR [legal permanent
resident] status. Other issues raised in connection with guest worker proposals include how new program requirements would compare with those of the H-2A and H-2B programs and how the eligible population would be defined. This report will be updated as legislative developments occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruno, Andorra
2008-05-28
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Gasoline Prices: Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated May 22, 2008]
From the Summary: "The high price of gasoline has been and continues to be a driving factor in consideration of energy policy proposals. Despite passage of the massive Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005, P.L. [Public Law] 109-58), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6, P.L. 110-140), numerous other proposed initiatives remain under active consideration in the 110th Congress. Measures proposed include repeal of some tax benefits to domestic oil and gas producers contained in EPACT2005, provisions on price gouging, and reform of oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. With crude oil and gasoline prices surging to record levels, tax relief proposals have been added to the list of proposals. […] But the continued and unrelenting increase in crude oil prices to record levels, even discounting inflation, is leading many to suggest that changing world market conditions may have led to permanent, or at least chronic, shortages of petroleum production capacity. Others continue to expect that growth in demand will moderate, and production will increase to meet demand, as it did following the shortages of the 1970s. The continuing high prices have led to a further search for legislative remedies. This report, after analyzing factors that have contributed to high gasoline prices, describes the major legislative initiatives and discusses the issues involved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2008-05-22
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2020 Explosives Incident Report (EIR)
From the Executive Summary: "(U) The 2020 'Explosives Incident Report (EIR)' is an informational product prepared by the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC), using incident data reported in the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) by '2,332' interagency partners and '11,184' registered users. This report examines the total number of explosives related incidents reported in BATS for calendar year 2020 and includes 'explosions and bombings, recoveries, suspicious packages, bomb threats, hoaxes,' and explosives 'thefts/losses.' It is important to note that BATS is a real-time dynamic incident management system that is strictly user dependent; therefore, it is possible that the data represented in this report may differ slightly from previously reported data due to updates or changes made by the owner of individual records."
United States Bomb Data Center; United States. Department of Justice
2020
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Tokyo Olympic Summer Games [June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have vowed to go ahead [hyperlink] with the 2020 Olympic Summer Games beginning on July 23, 2021; the games were postponed in 2020 due to the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Japan has curbed the pandemic to under 14,200 total deaths [hyperlink] out of a population of around 125 million. The virus has continued to spread, due in part to the emergence of more communicable variants and Japan's slow progress on vaccinating the population [hyperlink]. In April 2021, the Japanese government declared new states of emergency [hyperlink] in several cities, including Tokyo. As of mid-June 2021, Japan's daily infections averaged under 2,000 per day [hyperlink], with around 5% of Japan's population [hyperlink] fully vaccinated. Japan's national vaccination campaign started in mid-February--about two months after many other developed countries. A cautious vaccine approval process and a cumbersome bureaucratic approach to vaccination led to a slow rollout, but the pace of vaccinations increased in June. By the middle of June, around 800,000 shots were being administered daily [hyperlink] and between 8% and 10% of the population of the greater Tokyo region [hyperlink]--primarily the elderly--had received at least one dose. Japan trails behind the United States and other countries in vaccinating its population, presenting increased risk for any Japanese athletes, volunteers, and spectators that may attend the Games."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-06-15
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United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC) Arson Incident Report 2020
From the Executive Summary: "The 2020 'Arson Incident Report (AIR)' is an informational product prepared by the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC), using incident data reported in the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) by its nearly 2,332 interagency partners and 11,184 registered users. This report examines the total number of fire-related incidents reported in BATS for calendar year 2020 and includes 'Incendiary (Arson),' 'Undetermined,' 'Accidental,' 'Threats,' 'Natural,' and 'Wildland' fire incidents. It is important to note that BATS is a real-time dynamic incident management system that is strictly user dependent; therefore, it is possible that the data represented in this report may differ slightly from previously reported data due to updates or changes made by the owner of individual records. The reader should also be aware that when compared to the data reflected in the Uniform Crime Report and/or National Fire Incident Reporting System, the number of incidents reflected in BATS captures approximately 20 percent of the annual incendiary (arson) fires reported. Due to this limited dataset, the USBDC cautions the use of this report for analytical purposes."
United States Bomb Data Center; United States. Department of Justice
2021?
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U.S. International Trade: Trends and Forecasts [Updated May 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of the current status, trends, and forecasts for U.S. international trade. The purpose of this report is to provide current data and brief explanations for the various types of trade flows along with a short discussion of particular trends and points of contention related to trade policy. The United States is now running record level deficits in its trade with other nations. In 2006 the U.S. merchandise trade deficit reached $836 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP) and $818 billion on a Census basis. A surplus in services trade of $72 billion gave a deficit of $764 billion on goods and services for the year -- up $47 billion or 6.5% from the $717 billion deficit in 2005. […] The broadest measure of U.S. international economic transactions is the balance on current account. In addition to merchandise trade, it includes trade in services and unilateral transfers. In 2006, the deficit on current account rose to $856.7 billion from $791.5 billion in 2005. In trade in advanced technology products, the U.S. balance improved slightly from a deficit of $43.7 billion in 2005 to a deficit of $38.3 billion in 2006. In trade in motor vehicles and parts, the $145 billion U.S. deficit was mainly with Japan, Mexico, Germany, Canada, and South Korea. In crude oil, major sources of the $225 billion in imports were Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Nigeria. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki
2007-05-10
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Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program: Funding Issues and Activities [Updated May 15, 2008]
From the Summary: "In the early 1990s, Congress recognized that several federal agencies had ongoing high-performance computing programs, but no central coordinating body existed to ensure long-term coordination and planning. To provide such a framework, Congress passed the High-Performance Computing and Communications Program Act of 1991 (P.L. [Public Law] 102-194) to enhance the effectiveness of the various programs. In conjunction with the passage of the act, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released 'Grand Challenges: High-Performance Computing and Communications'. That document outlined a research and development (R&D) strategy for high-performance computing and a framework for a multiagency program, the High-Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program. The HPCC Program has evolved over time and is now called the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program, to better reflect its expanded mission. […] [P]roponents of government support believe that the outcomes achieved through the various funding programs create a synergistic environment in which both fundamental and application-driven research are conducted, benefitting government, industry, academia, and the public. Supporters also believe that such outcomes justify government's role in funding IT [information technology] R&D [Research and Development], as well as the growing budget for the NITRD Program. Critics assert that the government, through its funding mechanisms, may be picking 'winners and losers' in technological development, a role more properly residing with the private sector. [...] The FY2009 budget calls for $3.548 billion for the NITRD Program, an increase from the FY2008 projected budget of $3.341 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2008-05-15
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Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities [Updated May 15, 2008]
From the Summary: "Congress provides various benefits to American veterans and their dependents through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). One of these benefits is 'disability compensation', which is a monthly cash benefit program for veterans currently impaired from past service-connected activities. A claim for disability compensation is initially analyzed by the VA at the local level to determine: 1) whether the claimant is considered a 'veteran' (eligible for benefits); 2) whether the veteran qualifies for disability compensation (entitled to benefits); 3) the extent of the impairment and the 'rate' of the disability; and 4) the effective date for the compensation. […] If the veteran is found eligible for disability compensation, the VA then uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (SRD) to set the amount of earnings impairment on a percentage basis; the higher the percentage, the greater the compensation will be. Certain complications arise with the use of the rating system. A veteran's rating may be increased or decreased over time -- depending on his/her medical condition. Rating decisions may be appealed administratively. Legislation passed in the First Session of the 110th Congress increased the 2008 monthly disability compensation payments. Other legislation has been introduced that would provide veterans a cost-of-living (COLA) for their VA benefits equal to the COLA for Social Security benefits. The 110th Congress has considered additional legislation that may affect service-connected disabilities. One bill would change the manner in which disabled veterans could qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Several bills have been introduced to deal with the claims processing backlog at the VA and issues related to the receipt of disability benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weimer, Douglas Reid
2008-05-15
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Telework Legislation Pending in the 110th Congress: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Provisions [Updated June 11, 2008]
From the Summary: "S. 1000, the Telework Enhancement Act of 2007, and H.R. 4106, the Telework Improvements Act of 2008, are currently pending in the 110th Congress. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ordered S. 1000 to be reported, as amended, on November 14, 2007. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4106 by voice vote under suspension of the rules on June 3, 2008. H.R. 4106 would amend Title 5 of the 'United States Code' by adding a new Chapter 65 entitled 'Telework.' Under the legislation, the heads of executive branch agencies would be required to establish policies under which employees (with some exceptions) could be eligible to participate in telework. Legislative branch employees also would be covered by S. 1000. Agencies would have to establish policies on telework within 180 days after enactment of the acts. Employee participation in telework would be required to the maximum extent possible without diminishing either employee performance or agency operations. Executive branch employees not eligible for telework generally would include those whose duties involve the daily handling of secure materials, contact with persons, the use of special equipment, or physical presence. [...] H.R. 4106 would require the Comptroller General to evaluate the telework policies in the executive branch. This report presents a side-by-side comparison of the provisions of S. 1000, as ordered to be reported, and H.R. 4106, as passed by the House. It will be updated as events dictate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2008-06-11
