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• Intelligence and Law Enforcement: Countering Transnational Threats to the U.S. [Updated January 16, 2001]

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  "In the post-Cold War world, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, along with proliferation of materials related to weapons of mass destruction, are perceived both as criminal matters and as threats to the nations security. In some cases, human rights abuses abroad are also perceived as a challenge to the security of this country. Often collectively termed transnational threats, these issues have become the concerns of law enforcement agencies as well as the U.S. Intelligence Community. Two foreign banking scandals in the late 1980s involving U.S. persons led to efforts to ensure that information in the possession of intelligence agencies would, in the future, be made available to law enforcement officials. At the same time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was assigning additional agents to a series of newly created offices worldwide."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2001-01-16
• Vietnam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement [Updated January 16, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "On July 13, 2000, U.S. and Vietnamese negotiators signed a sweeping bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Under the deal, which requires Congressional approval, the U.S. will extend temporary most-favored nation (MFN, also known as normal trade relations [NTR] status) status to Vietnam, a step that would significantly reduce U.S. tariffs on most imports from Vietnam. The World Bank has estimated that Vietnam's exports to the U.S. would rise to $1.3 billion - more than double 1999 levels - in the first year of MFN status, as U.S. tariff rates on Vietnamese exports would fall from their non-MFN average of 40% to less than 3%. In particular, Vietnamese garment exports are expected to record a tenfold increase in the first year after receiving MFN treatment. This report outlines the terms of the BTA, identifies U.S. and Vietnamese motivations for entering into the deal, analyzes the reasons for Vietnam's delay in signing the agreement, and explains Congress' role in the process of restoring normal trade relations treatment to Vietnam. This report will be updated periodically. Further information on U.S.-Vietnam relations is available in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB98033, 'Vietnam-U.S. Relations.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manyin, Mark E.

  2001-01-16
• Appropriations for FY2001: Defense [January 12, 2001]

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  "Appropriations are one part of a complex federal budget process that includes budget resolutions, appropriations (regular, supplemental, and continuing) bills, rescissions, and budget reconciliation bills. The process begins with the President's budget request and is bounded by the rules of the House and Senate, the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (as amended), the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, and current program authorizations. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS [Congressional Research Service] staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products. This report is updated as soon as possible after major legislative developments, especially following legislative action in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Daggett, Stephen

  2001-01-12
• Immigration: Legislative Issues on Nonimmigrant Professional Specialty (H-1B) Workers [Updated January 11, 2001]

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  "Although Congress enacted legislation in 1998 to increase temporarily the number of nonimmigrant professional specialty visas, commonly known as H-1B visas, the new ceiling was reached months before FY1999 ended. In mid-March, INS announced that the FY2000 ceiling of 115,000 would once again be reached by June. Many in the business community, notably in the information technology area, urged that the ceiling be raised. At issue now is whether the increase of H-1B visas in P.L. 106-313 meets the future workforce needs of business. Those opposing any further increases assert that there is no compelling evidence of a labor shortage in these professional areas that cannot be met by newly graduating students and retraining the existing U.S. work force. They argue further that the education of U.S. students and training of U.S. workers should be prioritized and that reliance on foreign workers would stymie those objectives. Proponents of H-1B expansion say that the education of students and retraining of the current workforce is a long-term response, and they cannot wait to fill today's openings. Proponents argue that increases in the admission of H-1B workers are essential if the United States is to remain globally competitive and that employers should be free to hire the best people for the jobs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  2001-01-12
• Encryption Export Controls [Updated January 11, 2001]

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  The U.S. Government has traditionally maintained that controls over strong encryption are necessary for national security, foreign policy, and law enforcement reasons. While most encryption was originally controlled under the AECA, in late 1996 the President transferred jurisdiction over nonmilitary items to DOC, which at the same time eased controls over commercial encryption that used a key recovery feature or was destined for financial institutions. In 1998 the Administration further relaxed controls over 56-bit technology generally and stronger encryption destined for U.S. subsidiaries, insurance companies, and other end-users, retreating from earlier key recovery requirements. Further modifications were announced in September 1999, allowing license exceptions for the export of encryption of any key length after a technical review to most end-users in all but terrorist countries; draft regulations were issued in late 1999. Following criticism by companies, privacy groups and Internet proponents, DOC expanded aspects of its original proposal and issued new regulations in January 2000. Regulations issued in October 2000 further streamlined controls over encryption exports to 23 countries including European Member states. Restrictive export licensing regulations have raised constitutional concerns, some arguing that they impose a prior restraint on speech in violation of the First Amendment. Federal courts have both upheld and dismissed First Amendment challenges to export controls, the outcome generally turning on whether the court viewed the encryption item and its export as essentially expressive or functional.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Jeanne J.

  2001-01-11
• Cuba: Issues and Legislation in the 106th Congress [Updated January 11, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he led the Cuban Revolution, ousting the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989-1993, although there has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. […] Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Numerous measures were introduced in the 106th Congress that reflected the range of views on U.S. policy toward Cuba. Legislative initiatives proposed both easing and increasing sanctions against Cuba. In the end, legislation passed reflected both approaches: it allowed the export of food and medicine to Cuba, but prohibited any U.S. financing, both public and private, of such exports. Travel to Cuba for tourism was also prohibited. Another law facilitated enforcement of anti-terrorism judgments in U.S. courts to allow for the payment of a $187.6 million 1997 judgment against Cuba to be paid from Cuba's frozen assets in the United States to the families of three U.S. citizens killed when Cuba shot down two U.S. planes in 1996. President Clinton waived the provision, however, upon signing the rest of the bill into law."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2001-01-11
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act: Reauthorization Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated January 10, 2001]

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  From the Document: "The authorization of appropriations for the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act expired at the end of FY1999, although the Act's requirements continue in force. At issue for the 107th Congress are the terms and conditions of any provisions designed to reauthorize and amend the Act to address the concerns of various interest groups. CRS [Congressional Research Service] queried numerous interest groups to identify issues likely to arise in reauthorization debate. This document outlines a number of potential issues, including: individual quota management programs; regional council decisions; bycatch; marine protected areas; essential fish habitat; fishery management data collection; the definition of 'fishing community'; the fishery management plan review process; highly migratory species; fees; and ecosystem health and long-term resource productivity. This report will be updated periodically as the reauthorization debate progresses to include and discuss legislative proposals and additional issues that arise. Information on legislation related to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in the 106th Congress can be found in CRS Report IB10010, 'Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Legislation in the 106th Congress.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Waldeck, Daniel A.; Buck, Eugene H.

  2001-01-10
• Africa Backgrounder: History, U.S. Policy, Principal Congressional Actions [Updated January 5, 2001]

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  "After World War II, African nationalists organized political parties and began to demand independence. By the early 1960s, independence had come to most of eastern and western Africa, but white minority rule persisted in southern Africa, ending only in 1994, when universal-suffrage elections were held in South Africa. In the first years of the 1960s, there were high hopes that the end of colonialism would bring rapid economic growth. Instead, Africa confronted a number of problems, including inefficient, state-centered economic systems; frequent military coups; ethnic strife; and corruption. The Cold War contributed to Africa's difficulties, flooding the continent with arms and strengthening a number of repressive regimes that had superpower backing. French policy also tended to bolster authoritarian governments in former French colonies. In the early 1990s, hopes for Africa's future revived following widespread political and economic reforms and the end of the Cold War. Later in the decade, however, the pace of reforms slowed and central Africa fell into an era of violent conflict. 'Afro-pessimists' believe that these developments have gravely damaged Africa's prospects, but others argue that they are temporary problems masking an underlying 'African Renaissance.' The Clinton Administration sided with the 'Afrooptimists,' despite frustrations over the war in Congo (formerly Zaire) and other problems. The 106th Congress passed legislation to strengthen U.S.-African economic ties and to boost spending to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and worldwide. Previous Congresses acted on a number of African issues, including African food security, apartheid in South Africa, and covert U.S. involvement in Angola."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copson, Raymond W.

  2001-01-05
• Northern Ireland: Implementation of The Peace Agreement During the 106th Congress [Updated January 5, 2001]

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  From the Abstract: "This report provides background information on the implementation of the April 1998 peace agreement for Northern Ireland. It reviews the provisions of the agreement, how those provisions have been put into place, and what obstacles have faced implementation as of December 2000. The analysis then turns to related issues of particular interest to U.S. policymakers, such as police reform, the International Fund for Ireland, and fair employment. Finally, legislation in the 106th Congress relating to Northern Ireland is listed. This report will not be updated. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report 98-542, 'Northern Ireland: The Talks Process as Prelude to the April 1998 Peace Agreement.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Donfried, Karen

  2001-01-05
• Current Palestinian Uprising: Al-Aqsa Intifadah [Updated January 5, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "The relative calm that prevailed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip after the Palestinian Central Council (PCC) decided to delay the declaration of Palestinian statehood on September 10, 2000, evidently masked a deep-seated frustration that many Palestinians felt toward the peace process. This frustration erupted after Likud party head Ariel Sharon led a tour of al-Haram ash-Sharif/Temple Mount on September 28, 2000, which Palestinians and many observers viewed as provocative. The ensuing protests sparked massive clashes involving Palestinian civilians, the Fatah Tanzeem, the Palestinian Authority (PA) police force, Israeli civilians (both Jewish and Arab), and the Israeli police and army. In turn, these clashes have created widespread disillusionment and outrage within the Israeli and Palestinian communities regarding the other's commitment to the peace process. As of January 10, 2001, 362 people were killed in these clashes, 306 of whom were Palestinians, 43 of whom were Israeli Jews, and 13 of whom were Israeli Arabs. The violence has also spread to Israel's border with Lebanon, triggering fear of a wider conflagration with Lebanon and Syria. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by demonstrations and clashes, Hizballah-a leading Lebanese Shi'ite organization-in a well-planned attack, captured three Israeli soldiers in the disputed Sheba'a Farms region. Hizballah has announced that it wants to exchange the soldiers for Lebanese and other Arab political prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. At this point, it appears that Hizballah is uninterested in opening up a full-fledged second front with Israel. Beyond Lebanon, the uprising has had significant implications, and has drawn widespread Arab and Islamic support for the Palestinian position. Members of 106th Congress responded to the al-Aqsa Intifadah by introducing bills that supported Israel's actions, encouraged the U.S. Administration to oppose any anti-Israel resolutions in the United Nations, called upon Palestinians to negotiate a resolution, and proposed cutting foreign assistance to the Palestinians if they did not stop the uprising."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mark, Clyde R.; Katzman, Kenneth; Ruebner, Joshua

  2001-01-05
• China: Suspected Acquisition of U.S. Nuclear Weapon Secrets [Updated December 20, 2000]

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  "This CRS Report discusses China's suspected acquisition of U.S. nuclear weapon secrets, including that on the W88, the newest U.S. nuclear warhead, since the late 1970s. This current controversy, began in early 1999, raises policy issues about whether U.S. security is further threatened by the PRC's suspected use of U.S. nuclear weapon secrets in its development of nuclear forces, as well as whether the Administrations response to the security problems is effective or mishandled and whether it fairly used or abused its investigative and prosecuting authority. The Clinton Administration acknowledged that improved security was needed at the weapon labs but says that it has taken actions in response to indications in 1995 that China may have obtained U.S. nuclear weapon secrets. Critics in Congress and elsewhere argued that the Administration was slow to respond to security concerns, mishandled the too narrow investigation, downplayed information potentially unfavorable to China and the labs, and failed to notify Congress fully."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2000-12-20
• European Union's Ban on Hormone-Treated Meat [Updated December 19, 2000]

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  This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses the European ban on U.S. meat imports and related trade settlements. "The European Union (EU) continues to ban imports of meat derived from animals treated with growth hormones despite rulings by World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panels that the ban is inconsistent with the Uruguay Round Agreement on health and safety measures used to restrict imports (the Sanitary and Phytosanitary or SPS Agreement). U.S. retaliation, authorized by the WTO, in the form of 100% duties on $116 million of EU agricultural products remains in effect while negotiations to resolve the dispute continue. Thus far, EU offers of compensation (trade concessions) for lost U.S. meat exports in lieu of lifting the ban have been rejected by the United States. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hanrahan, Charles

  2000-12-19
• Forest Fire Protection [December 5, 2000]

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  "The 2000 fire season was, by most standards, one of the worst in the past half century. National attention began to focus on wildfires when a prescribed burn in May escaped control and burned 235 homes in Los Alamos, NM [New Mexico]. In September, the Clinton Administration proposed an additional $1.6 billion for wildfire management, and Congress enacted much of this proposal in the FY2001 Interior Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-291). However, Congress still faces questions about forestry practices, continued funding, and the federal role in wildland fire protection. Many factors contribute to the threat of wildfire damages; two major factors are the decline in forest and rangeland health and the expansion of residential areas into wildlands--the urban-wildland interface. Over the past century, aggressive wildfire suppression, as well as past grazing and logging practices, have altered many ecosystems, especially those where light, surface fires were frequent. Many areas now have unnaturally high fuel loads (e.g., dead trees and dense thickets) and an historically unnatural mix of plant species (e.g., exotic invaders). Fuel treatments have been proposed to reduce the wildfire threats. Prescribed burning -- setting fires under identified conditions -- can reduce the fine fuels that spread wildfires, but can escape and become catastrophic wildfires, especially if fuel 'ladders' and wind spread the fire into the forest canopy. Commercial timber harvesting is often proposed, and can reduce heavy fuels and fuel ladders, but can increase the threat unless the slash (tree tops and limbs) is properly disposed of."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gorte, Ross W.

  2000-12-05
• Immigration Legislation and Issues in the 106th Congress [Updated December 5, 2000]

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  "As the year-end business of the 106th Congress progresses, the top immigration issue is whether amnesty should be extended to certain aliens in the U.S., including certain Guatemalans, Hondurans, Salvadorans, Haitians, and Liberians. Consideration of this amnesty is holding up enactment of the FY2001 Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill (H.R. 4690). The White House warns of a veto if amnesty is not provided. The amnesty favored by the Administration is derived from several broader 'Latino Fairness' proposals. The CJS bill that passed as part of H.R. 4249 includes an alternative proposal offered by Republicans. The top immigration issue before Congress had been the admission of temporary foreign professional workers, commonly known as H-1B nonimmigrants. Despite enactment of legislation in 1998 to increase the number of H-1B nonimmigrants, many in the business community urged that the ceiling be increased again. On October 3, 2000, the Senate and House passed S. 2045, the 'American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000,' which would add an additional 297,500 H-1B visas over FY2000- FY2002. S. 2045 also would eliminate the per-country ceilings for permanent employment-based admissions and would expand worker training programs in technology-related skills and educational programs in math, science, and technology. The President signed P.L. 106-313 Oct. 17. Legislation pertaining to H-2A temporary alien agricultural workers is also before Congress. A provision intended to expedite the Labor Department's processing of H-2A labor certification applications has been enacted (P.L. 106-78)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Bruno, Andorra

  2000-12-05
• Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR): The U-2 Aircraft and Global Hawk UAV Programs [Updated December 1, 2000]

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  Global Hawk, a soon to be fielded unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), has been considered a complement to, and potentially a replacement for the U-2. While the unproven Global Hawk appears to offer some advantages over the U-2 -- such as greater range and endurance, and not exposing a pilot to danger -- as currently designed it does not currently match the U-2's intelligence gathering capabilities. The U-2 stands out for its proven track record of providing vital near-real-time intelligence to military theater commanders in the 1991 war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), the 1999 conflict in Kosovo (Operation Allied Force), and other conflict areas.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.; Bolkcom, Christopher C.

  2000-12-01
• Cyberwarfare [November 15, 2000]

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  "Cyberwarfare raises issues of growing national interest and concern. Cyberwarfare can be used to describe various aspects of defending and attacking information and computer networks in cyberspace, as well as denying an adversary's ability to do the same. Some major problems encountered with cyber attacks, in particular, are the difficulty in determining the origin and nature of the attack and in assessing the damage incurred. A number of nations are incorporating cyberwarfare as a new part of their military doctrine. Some that have discussed the subject more openly include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China. Many of these are developing views toward the use of cyberwarfare that differ from those of the United States. Cyberterrorism is also an issue of growing national interest. Many believe terrorists plan to disrupt the Internet or critical infrastructures such as transportation, communications, or banking and finance. It does seem clear that terrorists use the Internet to conduct the business of terrorism, but on closer inspection, however, it is not clear how or whether terrorists could use violence through the Internet for political objectives. Although the U.S. government is striving to consolidate responsibility for cyberwarfare, it is not clear how successful that effort will be. Congress may choose to examine critically the policies, organization, and legal framework that guides executive branch decision-making on issues of cyberwarfare."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hildreth, Steven A.

  2000-11-15
• Russian Fighter Aircraft Industrial Base: Parallels with the United States? [November 8, 2000]

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  "There are many differences between the fighter aircraft industry in the United States and in Russia. The United States has traditionally produced its weaponry within a capitalist framework which allowed free enterprise and competition between companies in private industry. The former Soviet Unions economy, and its fighter aircraft industry was based on a Marxist, command economy, where the central government dictated the type and number of aircraft produced and allocated resources for construction. Once among the most glamorous components of the Soviet military industrial complex, the Russian military aircraft industry has been described by some analysts as being on the verge of collapse. Russia's civilian aircraft industry has faced similar pressures, which does not bode well for the military aviation infrastructure. It may be difficult for fighter aircraft companies to find employment in Russia's beleaguered civil aircraft sector. The Russian government has attempted to reform its fighter aircraft industrial base and make it more efficient and competitive with western industry. It has initiated several reforms aimed at reducing the stratification and compartmentalization of industrial processes, as well as improving access to financial resources. These reforms have had mixed success. While Russia's military aviation infrastructure has consolidated dramatically, the overall effectiveness of these reform efforts still remains to be seen."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.

  2000-11-08
• Persian Gulf: Issues for U.S. Policy, 2000 [November 3, 2000]

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  "No major confrontations or crises have occurred in the Persian Gulf since 1998, but regional security challenges that could erupt into crises on short notice have not been eliminated. Most observers agree that Iraq is contained militarily, unable to rebuild its conventional forces and constrained in its ability to acquire technology that could be used to build prohibited weapons of mass destruction (WMD). On the other hand, the U.N. Security Council has become deeply divided on Iraq policy, and unable to obtain a restart of U.N. weapons inspections, which ended on the eve of a U.S./British bombing campaign against Iraq in December 1998. Administration officials acknowledge that, without inspections, there is substantial uncertainty about the state of Iraq's WMD capabilities and activities, if any. The Administration has moved to end twenty years of hostility with Iran since the unexpected election in May 1997 of a relative moderate, Mohammad Khatemi, as President. Administration efforts might have contributed to an apparent reduction in Iranian support for international terrorism and an accelerated effort by Iran to end its international isolation. However, Administration overtures toward Iran over the past year have not yet brought Iran into a formal dialogue with the U.S. government. Administration hopes that a moderating Iran might also slow its WMD acquisition and development programs have not materialized, although most observers attribute Iran's commitment to those programs to the security threats Iran perceives on virtually all its borders. Since the Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran is or has been at odds with several of its neighbors, including the Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman), Iraq, and the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, and it views Israel as an adversary."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2000-11-03
• First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor [November 1, 2000]

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  "This report focuses on the floor activities of the House during its first formal session in a new Congress, and serves as a guide for participating in or watching those proceedings. […] The House of Representatives follows a well established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. The proceedings include election of the Speaker, swearing in its members, election of administrative officers, and adoption of rules of procedure. Also, resolutions assigning its members to committees may be adopted. The House must take these actions at the beginning of each new Congress because it is not a continuing body. Article 1, Section 2 of Constitution sets terms for Members of the House at two years. Thus, the House ends at the conclusion of each two-year Congress and must reconstitute itself at the beginning of a new Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Amer, Mildred L. (Mildred Lehmann)

  2000-11-01
• Executive Order 12919: Emergency Powers of the President [October 23, 2000]

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  From the Summary: "Executive Order 12919 concerns industrial preparedness during times of war and national emergency. This brief report uses simple language to describe what Executive Order 12919 does. It is intended to clarify common misunderstandings about the Order's purpose and scope. [...] Executive Order 12919 relates exclusively to the preparedness of U.S. defense-related industries in times of war or other national emergencies. It has nothing whatever to do with declarations of martial law. It has no effect at all on the continued powers of Congress and the federal courts during periods of war or other national emergencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Burdette, Robert B.

  2000-10-23
• China's Foreign Conventional Arms Acquisitions: Background and Analysis [October 10, 2000]

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  This report examines the major, foreign conventional weapon systems that China has acquired or has committed to acquire since 1990, with particular attention to implications for U.S. security concerns. Since the mid-1990s, there has been increasing concern about China's assertiveness in Asia and greater threats against Taiwan. One factor for this concern has been the gradual modernization and sophistication of Chinese military apparatus, including: Mi-17 helicopters, Il-76 transports, Su-27 fighters, S-300 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, Kilo submarines, Tor-M1 SAM systems, Sovremenny destroyers (armed with the Sunburn anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM)), airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft (not yet delivered), and Su-30 fighters (not yet delivered). If well-maintained and proficiently-operated, the PLA Navy's Kilo-class submarines can launch attacks against ships and submarines operating in the region. China has made some significant qualitative upgrades through foreign acquisitions, but it remains to be seen how these acquisitions will be expanded and linked to other PLA improvements.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.; O'Rourke, Ronald; Kan, Shirley

  2000-10-10
• Appropriations for FY2001: Defense [September 26, 2000]

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  "Appropriations are one part of a complex federal budget process that includes budget resolutions, appropriations (regular, supplemental, and continuing) bills, rescissions, and budget reconciliation bills. The process begins with the President's budget request and is bounded by the rules of the House and Senate, the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (as amended), the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, and current program authorizations. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS [Congressional Research Service] staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products. This report is updated as soon as possible after major legislative developments, especially following legislative action in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Daggett, Stephen

  2000-09-26
• Examination of the Issues Surrounding Biotechnology Patenting and Its Effect Upon Entrepreneurial Companies [August 31, 2000]

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  From the Document: "The biotechnology industry is notable both for its heavy concentration of small businesses and its weighty research and development (R&D) expenditures. Given the small size and heavy expenses of many biotechnology firms, their ability to raise venture capital may be of some consequence. The patent law has been identified as a facilitator of these R&D financing efforts. […] Two principal issues have arisen regarding biotechnology patenting. First, observers have fundamentally questioned whether patents should be granted for living inventions, genetic materials and other biotechnologies. Ethical issues, concerns that biotechnology patenting promotes animal suffering and decreases genetic diversity, as well as regard for the traditional agricultural community animate many of these objections. Supporters of biotechnology patenting counter that trade secret protection is a less attractive social alternative, observe that patents have long been granted for biotechnologies, and question whether the patent law is the appropriate vehicle for technology assessment. Commentators have also differed over the extent to which an inventor must show a specific, practical use for a biotechnology in order to be awarded a patent. Congress may choose to exercise oversight on these issues. Such consideration would likely include examination of U.S. commitments in international agreements along with other factors."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Thomas, John R.

  2000-08-31
• Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1992-1999 [August 18, 2000]

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  "This report is prepared annually to provide unclassified quantitative data on conventional arms transfers to developing nations by the United States and foreign countries for the preceding eight calendar years. Some general data are provided on worldwide conventional arms transfers, but the principal focus is the level of arms transfers by major weapons suppliers to nations in the developing world. Developing nations continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers. During the years 1992-1999, the value of arms transfer agreements with developing nations comprised 68.3% of all such agreements worldwide. More recently, arms transfer agreements have declined generally, but those with developing nations still constituted 66.4% of all such agreements globally from 1996-1999, and 68% of these agreements in 1999."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2000-08-18
• Appropriations for FY2001: Defense [August 11, 2000]

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  From the Document: "Appropriations are one part of a complex federal budget process that includes budget resolutions, appropriations (regular, supplemental, and continuing) bills, rescissions, and budget reconciliation bills. The process begins with the President's budget request and is bounded by the rules of the House and Senate, the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (as amended), the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, and current program authorizations. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products. This report is updated as soon as possible after major legislative developments, especially following legislative action in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Daggett, Stephen

  2000-08-11
• Venezuela Under President Chavez: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy in 2000 [Updated August 8, 2000]

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  "Although Venezuela has had a history of democratic rule since 1958, the election of former coup leader and populist Hugo Chavez as President in December 1998 has raised speculation about the future of Venezuelan democracy. The watershed election, in which Chavez captured 56% of the vote, illustrated Venezuelans' rejection of the country's two traditional parties. Chavez pledged to improve Venezuelans' declining standard of living, reform Venezuela's corrupt political system, and curb the autonomy of the state-owned oil company. Since 1998, Venezuela has undergone enormous political change and has a new constitution in place. Voters once again went to the polls on July 30, 2000 for a so-called mega-election, in which Chavez won re-election to a six-year term under the country's new constitution. Some observers fear that President Chavez is moving toward authoritarian rule and point to his domination of state institutions. Meanwhile, Venezuela has yet to rebound from a deep recession caused by the fall in world oil prices in 1998, despite a rise in the price of oil, the country's main export. U.S. interests in Venezuela include the continued flow of oil exports at a reasonable and stable price; the preservation of constitutional democracy; and continued close anti-narcotics cooperation. This report will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Bius, Tracy

  2000-08-08
• China and the WTO: Labor Issues [Updated July 21, 2000]

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  "China's prospective membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) raises issues among some U.S. workers and organized labor about job and wage security. Many labor groups argue that Mexico's threat to U.S. jobs and wages since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could be dwarfed by China's threat as a result of closer economic ties. China's average manufacturing wages, at about $0.25 per hour, are about one-fifth as great as Mexico's, and about one-fiftieth as much as total compensation for manufacturing workers in the United states. China's labor force is 18 times that of Mexico and five times that of the United States. Most business groups argue that U.S. businesses in China pay much higher than average wages, that free trade creates both "winners" and "losers," and that China's WTO accession will greatly expand U.S. exports and jobs. On May 24, 2000, the House passed H.R. 4444 granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China. It would also set up a Congressional-Executive Commission to monitor Beijing's human rights compliance and codify anti-surge protection measures contained in the U.S.-China bilateral agreement. Related legislation includes proposals for an expanded adjustment assistance program for workers displaced from their jobs by possible increased trade with China. The Senate is not likely to vote on its version of PNTR legislation (S. 2277) until September." -- Summary

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolle, Mary Jane

  2000-07-21
• Supplemental Appropriations for FY2000: Plan Colombia, Kosovo, Foreign Debt Relief, Home Energy Assistance, and Other Initiatives [Updated July 5, 2000]

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  From the Summary: "Early in each new session of Congress, the Administration routinely submits requests for supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year. By late April 2000, through several submissions to Congress, President Clinton had requested $5 billion in FY2000 supplemental appropriations, including $955 million for a counternarcotics initiative in Colombia and the Andean region, about $2 billion for DOD peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, $600 million for diplomatic support and economic aid related to Kosovo and the Balkans, $210 million for poor country debt relief, $600 million for home energy assistance to low income American families affected by high home heating oil prices and weather emergencies, and $426 million for domestic disaster relief that mostly involves ongoing post-1999 hurricane cleanup efforts. The Administration designated nearly all as emergency requirements for FY2000, thereby eliminating the need to reduce existing appropriations to offset the costs of additional spending. The White House proposed a limited number of offsets, rescissions, transfers, and delays in funding obligations totaling about $750 million."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Daggett, Stephen; Nowels, Larry Q.; Tarnoff, Curt

  2000-07-05
• Electronic Commerce: An Introduction [June 27, 2000]

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  "Electronic commercial transactions over the Internet, or . e-commerce,. have grown so fast over the last five years that many experts continue to underestimate its growth and development. Whether retail business-to-customer or business-to-business transactions, e-commerce shows no signs of slowing down. In turn, policymakers both in the United States and abroad are likely to face increasingly complex issues of security, privacy, taxation, infrastructure development and other issues in 2000 and beyond. This report will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McLoughlin, Glenn J.

  2000-06-27
• Iraq's Opposition Movements [Updated June 27, 2000]

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  From the Summary: "Many in Congress and the Administration agree that the only way to blunt the long-term threat from Iraq is to remove Saddam Husayn from power. The Iraq Liberation Act (H.R. 4655, P.L. 105-338), signed October 31, 1998, gives the President authority to provide up to $97 million worth of defense articles to support an insurgency against Saddam. However, there are disagreements over the viability of the opposition and over how aggressively the United States should support the opposition groups. This report will be updated to reflect legislative and other developments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2000-06-27