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No Judicial Review of Fact Findings for Certain Discretionary Immigration Relief, Rules Supreme Court [June 15, 2022]
From the Document: "On May 16, 2022, the Supreme Court decided 'Patel v. Garland' [hyperlink], a case concerning the scope of an Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provision barring judicial review of decisions denying certain forms of discretionary immigration relief. Specifically, this case asked whether 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(2)(B)(i) [hyperlink] (Subsection (B)(i)) precludes review by the federal courts of a nondiscretionary, factual determination that an alien is ineligible for discretionary relief from removal. In Patel v. Garland, the Supreme Court held that applicants may not seek judicial review of 'any judgment relating' to the granting of discretionary relief from removal, including underlying factual findings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Santamaria, Kelsey Y.
2022-06-15
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Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Background and Funding [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report begins by describing the population using emergency food assistance. It goes on to discuss the TEFAP [The Emergency Food Assistance Program] program, including its administration at the federal, state, and local levels, eligibility rules, and funding structure. The report concludes by summarizing TEFAP's role in disaster response and recent reauthorizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Billings, Kara Clifford
2022-06-15
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Summary: "Israel has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas. A 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. Some Members of Congress have increased their scrutiny over Israel's use of U.S. security assistance, contributing to debate on the subject."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2022-06-15
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Defense Primer: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Overview and Mission: "The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a voluntary high school program of instruction administrated by the Department of Defense (DOD) through the military departments. A key purpose of JROTC, according to 10 U.S.C. §2031 (as amended by P.L. 116-283), is 'to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States (including an introduction to service opportunities in military, national, and public service), and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.' JROTC was established as an Army program by the National Defense Act of 1916 (P.L. 64-85) and in 1964 expanded to the Navy and Air Force. Congress authorized Coast Guard JROTC units at two schools: the Maritime and Science Technology Academy in Miami, FL, in 1989 (P.L. 101-225), and Camden County High School, NC, in 2005 (P.L. 109-241). In FY2021, there were about 3,500 JROTC units operating in every state and in DOD schools overseas. Eighth-grade students are allowed to participate in JROTC if physically co-located with 9th -12th grade students. Homeschooled students may also participate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2022-06-15
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Calculation and Use of the Disaster Relief Allowable Adjustment [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Document: "The Budget Control Act (P.L. 112-25, hereinafter the BCA) established mechanisms to limit federal spending, as well as ways to adjust those limits to accommodate certain priority spending. One of these mechanisms--a limited 'allowable adjustment' to discretionary spending limits to pay for the congressionally designated costs of major disasters under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act--represented a new approach to paying for disaster relief. In the past, while some funding for disaster costs had been included in annual appropriations measures as part of the regular funding process, many of these costs had been designated as emergency requirements and were included in supplemental appropriations measures on an ad hoc basis. This disaster relief designation allowed a limited amount of additional appropriations for disaster costs into the annual appropriations process, instead of relying on emergency designations and supplemental appropriations bills. The formula to calculate the size of the adjustment was revised in 2018. Although the statutory authority for the adjustment has expired, the FY2022 budget resolution included an adjustment for disaster relief that continues to effectively exempt such funding from spending limits within the congressional budget process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2022-06-15
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Who Pays for Long-Term Services and Supports? [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Document: "Long-term services and supports (LTSS) refers to a broad range of health services and other types of assistance that are needed by individuals over an extended period of time. The need for LTSS affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities such as eating, bathing, or dressing. The probability of needing LTSS increases with age. As the U.S. population aged 65 and older continues to increase in size, and individuals continue to live longer post-retirement, the demand for LTSS is expected to increase. In addition, advances in medical and supportive care may allow younger persons with disabilities to live longer[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Colello, Kirsten J.
2022-06-15
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Overview: "U.S.-Israel defense, diplomatic, and economic cooperation has been close for decades, based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. On May 14, 1948, the United States was the first country to extend de facto recognition to the state of Israel. Subsequently, relations have evolved through legislation, bilateral agreements, and trade. U.S. officials and lawmakers often consider Israel's security as they make policy choices in the Middle East. Congress regularly enacts legislation to provide military assistance to Israel and explicitly support its security. Such support is part of a regional security order--based heavily on U.S. arms sales to Israel and Arab countries--that has avoided major Arab-Israeli interstate conflict for nearly 50 years. Israel has provided benefits to the United States by sharing intelligence, military technology, and other innovations. While Israel is the largest regular annual recipient of U.S. military aid, some Members of Congress have sought greater scrutiny of some of Israel's actions. Some U.S. lawmakers express concern about Israel's use of U.S. military assistance against Palestinians, in light of entrenched Israeli control in the West Bank and around the Gaza Strip, and diminished prospects for a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution. A few seek oversight measures and legislation to distinguish certain Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza from general U.S. support for Israeli security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2022-06-15
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Intelligence Community Whistleblower Provisions [Updated June 15, 2022]
From the Summary: "Intelligence community (IC) whistleblowers are employees or contractors of the federal government working in any of the 18 elements of the IC who disclose their reasonable belief of a violation of law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; waste of resources; abuse of authority; or a substantial danger to public health and safety. The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) whistleblowing policy and guidance generally are publicly available, and address the process for making protected disclosures and identify whistleblower protections for IC contractors, members of the Armed Forces, and federal IC employees. IC whistleblower protections have evolved in response to perceptions of gaps that some observers argued left these whistleblowers vulnerable to reprisal. The first whistleblower legislation specific to the IC, enacted in 1998, was limited to specifying a process for IC whistleblowers to make a complaint but offered no specific protections. Subsequent legislation, enacted in 2010, included general provisions for protecting IC whistleblowers, with no additional guidance on standards for implementation. Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-19, signed in 2012, provided the first specific protections against reprisal actions for making a complaint. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (P.L. [public law] 113-126) codified these provisions, which were further supported by IC implementation policy. In early 2018, Congress passed legislation to address perceived gaps in protections for IC contractors. Other provisions in Title 10 of the U.S. Code, along with DOD implementing guidance, provide protections for members of the Armed Forces, including those assigned to elements of the IC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2022-06-15
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Introduction to Financial Services: The Federal Reserve [Updated June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 (12 U.S.C. [United States Code] 221 et seq.) created the Federal Reserve (Fed) as the nation's central bank. The Fed is composed of 12 regional Federal Reserve banks overseen by a Board of Governors in Washington, DC. 'Figure 1' illustrates the city in which each bank is headquartered and the area of each bank's jurisdiction. The board is composed of seven governors nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The President selects (and the Senate confirms) a chair and two vice chairs from among the governors, one of whom is responsible for supervision. The governors serve nonrenewable 14-year terms, but the chair and vice chairs serve renewable four-year terms. Board members are chosen without regard to political affiliation. Regional bank presidents are chosen by their boards with the approval of the Board of Governors." This document discusses the structure of the Federal Reserve, responsibilities of the Federal Reserve, mandate and Congressional oversight, and policy issues.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2022-06-14
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Romania: An Overview [Updated June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "With a population of almost 20 million, Romania is the largest country in southeastern Europe. After the end of communist rule in 1989, Romania adopted a Euro-Atlantic orientation, joining NATO in 2004 and the European Union (EU) in 2007. Romania's strategic Black Sea location, steadfast commitment to its security partnership with the United States, and shared concerns about Russia make it a key U.S. ally in the region. Romanian officials have unequivocally condemned Russia's 2022 war on Ukraine and have supported EU sanctions against Russia and NATO's enhanced deterrence and defense posture in the eastern part of the alliance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garding, Sarah E.
2022-06-14
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Summary of Selected Biden Administration Actions on Supply Chains [Updated June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected Biden Administration actions on supply chains. The U.S. economy has faced many supply disruptions and bottlenecks since the beginning of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. These supply issues have contributed to high inflation throughout 2021 and thus far in 2022. For more information on supply chain disruptions and their effect on the U.S. economy, see CRS Insight IN11926 [hyperlink]. The first section of this Insight focuses on select executive orders signed by President Biden aimed at supply chain issues. The second section focuses on other Administration actions and goals to reduce supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks. Both sections are organized in chronological order. Each header provides a hyperlink to a description of the action in question."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2022-06-14
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Short- and Long-Term Solutions to Extreme Drought in the Western United States [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "Chairman Manchin, Ranking Member Barrasso, and Members of the committee, thank you for inviting the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to provide testimony on short and long-term solutions to extreme drought in the western United States. [...] My comments today will largely focus on drought not in any one specific location, but as a broader policy issue. I will start by providing background and context on drought in general, including abbreviated information on the status of the current drought in the western United States and prospects for future droughts. I will then provide a broad survey of federal drought policy and authorities, along with a summary of some current proposals for new and modified approaches to address drought"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.
2022-06-14
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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): Compensation Related to Exposure to Radiation from Atomic Weapons Testing and Uranium Mining [Updated June 14, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was enacted in 1990 and provides one-time cash benefits to certain persons who participated in atomic weapons testing or lived near the Nevada Test Site during periods of atmospheric (above-ground) atomic weapons testing. Benefits under RECA are also available to certain uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who worked in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971, when the federal government stopped its procurement of uranium for the atomic weapons program. All RECA claimants must have contracted one of the medical conditions specified in the statute after possible exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of an atomic weapon or after working in the uranium industry. The RECA program is administered by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). To date, DOJ has approved more than 36,000 RECA claims for more than $2.3 billion in benefits. The majority of RECA claims are related to atomic weapons testing rather than the uranium industry. Complete RECA program data are provided in [this document]. Benefits under RECA are paid out of general revenue and are considered mandatory spending."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: Political Process, Elections, and Gerrymandering (Part 6) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the sixth in a six-part series [hyperlink] that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: Congressional Governance and Impeachment as Political Questions (Part 5) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the fifth in a six-part series [hyperlink] that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: Foreign Affairs as a Political Question (Part 4) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the fourth in a six-part series [hyperlink] that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: Historical Background (Part 2) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the second in a six-part series [hyperlink] that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: The Doctrine in the Modern Era (Part 3) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the third in a six-part series [hyperlink] that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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Political Question Doctrine: An Introduction (Part 1) [June 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This Legal Sidebar is the first in a six-part series that discusses the Supreme Court's political question doctrine, which instructs that federal courts should forbear from resolving questions when doing so would require the judiciary to make policy decisions, exercise discretion beyond its competency, or encroach on powers the Constitution vests in the legislative or executive branches. By limiting the range of cases federal courts can consider, the political question doctrine is intended to maintain the separation of powers and recognize the roles of the legislative and executive branches in interpreting the Constitution. Understanding the political question doctrine may assist Members of Congress in recognizing when actions of Congress or the executive branch would not be subject to judicial review. For additional background on this topic and citations to relevant sources, please see the Constitution of the United States, Analysis and Interpretation [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-14
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How Treasury Issues Debt [Updated June 14, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) is responsible for issuing federal government debt. Debt issuance is a core component of Treasury's role as the manager of government operations, as it is needed when tax revenue collections are insufficient to meet the demand of federal obligations. The primary objective of Treasury's debt management strategy is to finance the government's borrowing needs at the lowest cost over time. To accomplish this Treasury adheres to three principles: (1) to issue debt in a regular and predictable pattern, (2) to provide transparency in the decisionmaking process, and (3) to seek continuous improvements in the auction process. [...] This report examines Treasury's debt management practices, focusing on the auction process, how prices and interest rates of securities are determined, and the role of market participants in the process. It also addresses the role of debt in influencing present and future budget outcomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2022-06-14
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Juvenile Life Without Parole: In Brief [June 13, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides information on the federal role in juvenile justice, including the sentencing of juvenile offenders, as well as implications from recent Supreme Court decisions concerning juvenile sentencing. The report also discusses research related to cognitive development that is commonly cited in policy debates about juvenile offenders. It concludes by presenting key issues that may be of interest to Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hanson, Emily J.; Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-13
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Paid Family and Medical Leave in the United States [Updated June 13, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Paid family and medical leave (PFML) refers to partially or fully compensated time away from work for specific and generally significant family caregiving needs ('paid family leave') or for the employee's own serious medical condition ('paid medical leave'). Family caregiving needs include those such as the arrival of a new child or serious illness of a close family member. Medical conditions that may qualify for medical leave generally must be severe enough to require medical intervention and interfere with a worker's performance of key job responsibilities. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA; P.L. 103-3, as amended) provides eligible workers with a federal entitlement to unpaid leave for a limited set of family caregiving needs, federal law does not require private-sector employers to provide 'paid leave' of any kind. [...] This report provides an overview of PFML in the United States, summarizes state-level family and medical leave insurance program provisions, reviews PFML policies in other advanced-economy countries, and describes recent federal legislative action to increase access to paid family and medical leave."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Donovan, Sarah A.
2022-06-13
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National Volcano Early Warning System [Updated June 13, 2022]
From the Document: "In 2019, Congress authorized a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System (NVEWS; Section 5001 of P.L. 116-9; 43 U.S.C. 31k). The law directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish NVEWS to monitor volcanoes, warn U.S. citizens of volcanic activity, and protect citizens from 'undue and avoidable harm' resulting from volcanic activity. In FY2022, Congress provided funds to begin implementation of NVEWS. Many in Congress are interested in a volcano early warning and monitoring system because the nation faces threats from many active volcanoes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, a bureau within the Department of the Interior) published an assessment in 2018 of the volcanic threat and indicated that better monitoring is necessary for effective warnings. The USGS volcanic threat assessment assigned five threat levels (very high, high, moderate, low, and very low) to 161 volcanoes in 14 states and U.S. territories[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rowan, Linda R.
2022-06-13
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U.S.-Philippine Relations and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Election [June 13, 2022]
From the Document: "Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. won the Philippine presidential election on May 9, 2022. Marcos Jr., the son of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos [hyperlink], won more than 31 million or 58% of the 55 million votes cast. [...] U.S.-Philippine people-people ties are extensive, and the two nations have long shared a wide range of strategic and economic interests. As a U.S. ally and key partner for U.S. efforts in maritime security and counterterrorism in Southeast Asia, the Philippines plays an important role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy [hyperlink]. Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty [hyperlink], the United States and the Philippines, a former U.S. colony, committed to help defend each other against external armed attack. The Philippines is the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance and Development Assistance account funding in the East Asia-Pacific region. The U.S.-Philippines Congressional Friendship Caucus [hyperlink] was launched in 2021 in honor of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In May 2022, the Philippines became one of the initial members of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework [hyperlink] launched by the Biden Administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2022-06-13
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated June 13, 2022]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. Section 370 of the FY2021 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (H.R. 6395/P.L. [Public Law] 116-283 of January 1, 2021) established a commission regarding the removal and renaming of certain assets of the Department of Defense (including ships) that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-06-13
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America COMPETES Act Amendments to the Lacey Act [June 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Section 71102 of the America COMPETES [America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act of 2007] Act, H.R. 4521 (passed the House), would amend the injurious species provisions of the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. §42). [...] In 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held in 'U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers v. Zinke' [hyperlink] that the statute did not prohibit interstate shipment of injurious species--that is, shipment between states within the 49 continental United States. The statute identifies certain species as injurious and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to identify other species as injurious [hyperlink] to human beings; the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry; or wildlife or the wildlife resources of the United States. The Secretary may list as injurious any 'species of wild mammals, wild birds, fish (including mollusks and crustacea), amphibians, reptiles, brown tree snakes, or the offspring or eggs of any of the foregoing.' [...] Section 71102 of H.R. 4521 [hyperlink], as passed by the House, would amend the injurious species section of the Lacey Act. First, it would prohibit 'any interstate transport within the United States.' This provision could be interpreted to prohibit transport across state lines or transport in interstate commerce activity that does not necessarily cross state lines. Second, it would allow the Secretary to issue an emergency designation of any species of wild mammal, wild bird, fish, amphibian, or reptile as injurious and prohibit its import for up to three years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ward, Erin H.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.
2022-06-10
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Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process [June 10, 2022]
From the Summary: "This report reviews the process and procedures that apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President. This includes consideration of proposals to sell major defense equipment, defense articles and services, or the retransfer to third-party states of such items. Under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the President must formally notify Congress 30 calendar days before the Administration can take the final steps to conclude a government-to-government foreign military sale of major defense equipment valued at $14 million or more, defense articles or services valued at $50 million or more, or design and construction services valued at $200 million or more. In the case of such sales to NATO member states, NATO, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, or New Zealand, the President must formally notify Congress 15 calendar days before the Administration can proceed with the transaction. However, the prior notice threshold values are higher for sales to these destinations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2022-06-10
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NATO: Finland and Sweden Seek Membership [June 10, 2022]
From the Document: "On May 18, 2022, Finland and Sweden applied [hyperlink] to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO[...]). Prompted by growing security concerns about Russia and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Finland's [hyperlink] and Sweden's decisions [hyperlink] mark a historic shift [hyperlink] for these traditionally militarily nonaligned countries. The Biden Administration [hyperlink] and many Members of Congress [hyperlink] have responded positively to the prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, arguing that the addition of these two mature democracies [hyperlink] with advanced militaries [hyperlink] will enhance security [hyperlink] in the Baltic Sea region and the broader EuroAtlantic area. NATO enlargement must be approved by all 30 current NATO members; U.S. approval requires Senate advice and consent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Bowen, Andrew S.
2022-06-10
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School Safety and Target Hardening [June 10, 2022]
From the Document: "The May 2022 deaths of 19 students and 2 teachers in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, has led some Members of Congress to discuss a range of policy options to address gun violence in schools, several of which have been considered after previous mass shootings in schools. One option that has again gained the attention of policymakers is 'target hardening' of schools, which generally involves attempts to fortify schools against gun violence through their physical design and additional security measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2022-06-10
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Nordic Countries and U.S. Relations [Updated June 10, 2022]
From the Document: "The five Nordic countries--Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden--share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties and many political and economic similarities. They are all stable democracies with parliamentary systems of government and prosperous market economies with relatively high standards of living. With a total population of roughly 27 million people, the Nordics collectively form the world's 12th -largest economy. They have extensive social welfare systems and relatively high tax rates but are considered to be innovative, business-friendly countries. The Nordics generally rank high on global competitiveness indexes. Foreign trade plays a key role in their economies. They also enjoy substantial natural resources. Norway in particular benefits from vast North Sea oil and natural gas deposits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2022-06-10
