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• Support for Supply-Chain Resilience of Locally Sourced Foods [June 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Over the past decade, food policy in the United States has responded to ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and producer trends that favor local food systems (including regional and urban food systems). Congress expanded support for a range of programs supporting local food systems in omnibus farm legislation, most recently in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334). Congress has provided additional financial support for U.S. agricultural producers, including local food systems, as part of pandemic assistance in response to economic upheaval and agricultural supply chain disruptions related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Johnson, Renée

  2021-06-23
• Production, Marketing, and Regulation of Hemp Products [June 22, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Changes enacted in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334; 2018 farm bill) removed long-standing federal restrictions on the cultivation of hemp. Hemp is a form of Cannabis sativa,the same plant as marijuana, grown for non-psychoactive purposes. It is an agricultural crop regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). AlthoughUSDA regulates hemp production, the 2018 farm bill explicitly preserved the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. §§301 et seq.) over certain hemp-derived products."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Johnson, Renée

  2021-06-22
• Nuclear Arms Control After the Biden-Putin Summit [June 24, 2021]

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  From the Document: "After meeting in Geneva on June 16, 2021, President Biden and Russia's President Vladimir Putin released a Joint Statement on Strategic Stability [hyperlink], which outlined their agreement on a path forward for nuclear arms control and risk reduction. In February, the two Presidents agreed [hyperlink] to extend [hyperlink] the New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaty for five years [hyperlink] beyond its planned expiration on February 5, 2021. This treaty limits deployed long-range strategic nuclear weapons but does not address all types of U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons or other factors that could affect the risk of nuclear escalation or nuclear use. The joint statement addresses future discussions on these issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2021-06-24
• Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 25, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) around FY2028. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program.The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-06-25
• Forensic Technology: Algorithms Strengthen Forensic Analysis, but Several Factors Can Affect Outcomes

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  From the Highlights: "For more than a century, law enforcement agencies have examined physical evidence to help identify persons of interest, solve cold cases, and find missing or exploited people. Forensic experts are now also using algorithms to help assess evidence collected in a criminal investigation, potentially improving the speed and objectivity of their investigations. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to conduct a technology assessment on the use of forensic algorithms in law enforcement. In a prior report (GAO-20-479SP [hyperlink]), GAO described algorithms used by federal law enforcement agencies and how they work. This report discusses (1) the key performance metrics for assessing latent print, facial recognition, and probabilistic genotyping algorithms; (2) the strengths of these algorithms compared to related forensic methods; (3) challenges affecting their use; and (4) policy options that may help address these challenges."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2021-07
• Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [June 24, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021. Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of the 35th and 36th Virginia-class boats. A key issue for Congress concerns the SSN force-level goal and procurement rate. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-06-24
• Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 28, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy began procuring DDG-51s, also known as Aegis destroyers, in FY1985, and a total of 87 have been procured through FY2021, including two in FY2021. The Navy procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers in FY2007-FY2009 and plans no further procurement of DDG-1000s. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of one DDG-51 in FY2022, rather than the two DDG-51s that are called for in FY2022 under the FY2018-FY2022 DDG-51 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract, and that were projected for FY2022 under the Navy's FY2021 budget submission. Procuring a second DDG-51 in FY2022 is the number one item on the Navy's FY2022 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL)--the service's list of programs it would prefer to be funded in FY2022, if additional funding were to become available. A key issue for Congress for the DDG-51 program in FY2022 is whether to fund the procurement of one DDG-51, two DDG-51s, or some other number of DDG-51s (such as zero or three). Other issues for Congress concern the Navy's future force-level goal for large surface combatants (or LSCs, meaning cruisers and destroyers) and how the Navy proposes to transition several years from now from procurement of DDG-51s to procurement of a successor destroyer design now in development called the DDG(X)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-06-28
• H. Rept. 116-166, Part 1: Helping Expand and Launch Transitional Health for Women Veterans Act, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 2942, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, July 23, 2019

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 2942, 'To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out the Women's Health Transition Training pilot program through at least fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes,' was introduced by Representative Gil Cisneros, along with Representative Chrissy Houlahan, on May 23, 2019. H.R. 2942 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to extend an ongoing pilot program run by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) under VA's Transition Assistance Program that educates transitioning servicewomen about women's healthcare at VA."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-07-23
• H. Rept. 116-138, Part 1: Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019, Report to Accompany H.R. 1988, July 9, 2019

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 1988, the ''Protect Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019'' was introduced by Representative David Scott, along with Representative Mike Levin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Representative Andy Barr, and Representative Lee Zeldin, on March 28, 2019. H.R. 1988 clarifies loan seasoning requirements of VA [Department of Veteran Affairs] Home Loans, as created by the 'Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act,' Public Law 115-174."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-07-09
• MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 6, 2021: Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine After Reports of Myocarditis Among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, June 2021

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  The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This Early Release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine After Reports of Myocarditis Among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, June 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from WWMR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

  2021-07-06
• H. Rept. 116-347: Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 2474, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, December 16, 2019

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  From the Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2019, is to strengthen the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to safeguard workers' full freedom of association and to remedy longstanding weaknesses that fail to protect workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. These weaknesses have contributed to the decline of union membership, which in turn has contributed to wage stagnation and greater income inequality. [...] To close the gap between the aspirations of workers to join a union and the low rate of union membership, Congress must address the full range of deficiencies in the NLRA. The PRO Act is designed to lessen income inequality and support workers' fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-12-16
• H. Rept. 116-358, Part 1: United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 5430, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, December 19, 2019

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  From the Summary and Background: "H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, as ordered reported by the Committee on Ways and Means on December 17, 2019, implements the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-12-19
• Clean Air Issues in the 110th Congress: Climate Change, Air Quality Standards, and Oversight [Updated October 19, 2007]

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  "Attention to environmental issues in the 110th Congress focused early and heavily on climate change -- the state of the science, and whether (and, if so, how) to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ten bills had been introduced to establish GHG emission caps as of late September, and hearings on climate change have been held by at least seven committees. Legislation has yet to be marked up, however, in either House or Senate committees. Seven of the ten greenhouse gas bills introduced as of this writing would amend the Clean Air Act, generally establishing a new Title VII to address the issue. Whether or not legislation would amend the Clean Air Act, climate change hearings and markup are among the highest expressed priorities in the coming months for the committees that have jurisdiction over air issues (principally the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Energy and Commerce Committees). Other clean air issues are less likely to be the main focus of attention, but they may be addressed, especially through oversight of Administration actions. […] On April 2, the Supreme Court decided two cases that have broad implications for EPA and state authority to control greenhouse gases and to regulate power plants. In the more sweeping of the two cases, Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court found that EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Other cases involving climate change, clean air standards, and the regulation of power plants are pending at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and in a number of federal and state courts. Decisions in these cases may prompt hearings or legislation. […]"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarthy, James E.

  2007-10-19
• Maritime Security: Potential Terrorist Attacks and Protection Priorities [Updated May 14, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "A key challenge for U.S. policy makers is prioritizing the nation's maritime security activities among a virtually unlimited number of potential attack scenarios. While individual scenarios have distinct features, they may be characterized along five common dimensions: perpetrators, objectives, locations, targets, and tactics. In many cases, such scenarios have been identified as part of security preparedness exercises, security assessments, security grant administration, and policy debate. There are far more potential attack scenarios than likely ones, and far more than could be meaningfully addressed with limited counter-terrorism resources. Clear perspectives on the nature and likelihood of specific types of maritime terrorist attacks are essential for prioritizing the nation's maritime anti-terrorism activities. In practice, however, there has been considerable public debate about the likelihood of scenarios frequently given high priority by federal policy makers, such as nuclear or 'dirty' bombs smuggled in shipping containers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker attacks, and attacks on passenger ferries. Differing priorities set by port officials, grant officials, and legislators lead to differing allocations of port security resources and levels of protection against specific types of attacks. How they ultimately relate to one another under a national maritime security strategy remains to be seen."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.; Frittelli, John

  2007-05-14
• Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress [Updated May 16, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest agency in the federal government. It obligated nearly $270 billion on contracts for goods and services in FY2005 - an 88% increase over the amount obligated in the year 2000. The growth in DOD spending has been primarily for the acquisition of services. Furthermore, there has been a substantial shift in the types of contracts for troop support services, the size of the contracts, and the lack of effective management control over the administration of the contracts, and the oversight of the contractors. These new contracts have characteristics that make oversight difficult. One factor is that the concept of 'full and open competition ' has been historically the guiding principle by which the federal government has awarded contracts. Yet the majority of contracts for troop support services in Iraq have been awarded on a 'noncompetitive ' or sole-source basis. This report will examine logistical support contracts for troop support services (also known as service contracts) in Iraq, primarily administered through the United States' (U.S.) Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP). Four broad areas will be discussed, including (1) contract administration; (2) contract costs, the development of contract requirements, and the use of no-bid, sole-source contracts, and costs-reimbursement contracts; (3) transparency; and (4) the acquisition workforce."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grasso, Valerie Bailey

  2007-05-16
• Homeland Security Proposals: Issues Regarding Transfer of Immigration Agencies and Functions [Updated February 3, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "As the 107th Congress considered the broader question of homeland security and the creation of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the issue of where to locate the various immigration and citizenship functions performed by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs posed a distinct set of questions. Congress weighed what immigration functions constituted border security, what were homeland security, and whether those immigration functions that may not have homeland security-related roles should be transferred to the proposed DHS. The debate centered on several options: place all of INS in a newly created DHS under a Border Security and Transportation Division; place INS's enforcement functions in DHS under the Border Security and Transportation Division but leave INS's service function in DOJ under a newly created Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; place all of INS in DHS in its own Directorate of Immigration Affairs, which would have two separate bureaus for the enforcement and service functions; or place INS's enforcement functions in a DHS Bureau of Border Security and INS's service functions in a DHS Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services - the choice eventually enacted. In addition to the transfer of INS, there had been considerable debate over whether the issuances of visas should remain with the DOS."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2003-02-03
• Tuberculosis: International Efforts and Issues for Congress [October 26, 2007]

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  "Infectious diseases are estimated to cause more than 25% of all deaths around the world. A number of infectious disease outbreaks over the past decade, such as H5Nl avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), have heightened concerns about how infectious diseases might threaten global security. International air travel and trade have complicated efforts to detect and contain infectious diseases. People could cross borders carrying a highly contagious disease before an infectious agent causes symptoms… The House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees passed companion TB bills, Stop TB Now Act (S. 968 and H.R. 1567) to support global TB efforts and authorize $330 million in FY2008 and $450 million in FY2009. They also authorized $70 million and $100 million for anti-TB programs at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in FY2008 and FY2009, respectively. Although Congress voted to increase support for global TB efforts, some Members expressed concern that the additional funds might be provided at the expense of other global health programs. This report discusses some key issues Congress might consider as debate ensues about the proper level and use of global TB funds."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2007-10-26
• Foreign Language and International Studies: Federal Aid Under Title VI of the Higher Education Act [Updated July 18, 2007]

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  "Title VI of the Higher Education Act (HEA) -- International Education Programs -- authorizes a variety of grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and related entities to enhance instruction in foreign language and area studies (FLAS). This is one of the oldest U.S. Department of Education (ED) programs of support to higher education, having been initiated as Title VI of the National Defense Education Act of 1958. This program reflects the special priority placed by the federal government on FLAS, especially with respect to diplomacy, national security, and trade competitiveness. Interest in HEA Title VI and other federal programs supporting FLAS has increased recently due to concerns regarding terrorism arising from foreign regions which are infrequently included in American postsecondary curricula. […]. There appears to be broad agreement that interaction between American society and people and cultures from throughout the world is increasing steadily, generating national security concerns involving nations large and small. International education advocates argue that since it may be impossible to predict which nations will generate such concern in the future, and substantial time is required to develop the necessary human capital, it is important that ongoing support be provided from some source for instruction in all of the world's significant languages and cultures. However, it may be questioned whether this support should be provided by the federal government, and whether it should be focused on the nation's colleges and universities, on federally operated language schools, or both."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kuenzi, Jeffrey J., 1965-

  2007-07-18
• Honduran-U.S. Relations [May 31, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. Current President Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party won a four-year term in the November 2005 elections. The country has enjoyed 25 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. Public support for the Zelaya government remains firm, buoyed by a strong economy that grew an estimated 6% in 2006. The economy has benefited from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. A key challenge for the government is curbing violent crime and the growth of youth gangs. The Zelaya government initially vowed to focus on reintegrating gang members into society, but it subsequently has resorted to more traditional law enforcement actions to crack down on the gangs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson

  2007-05-31
• China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities -- Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 29, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "Concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere about China's military modernization. The topic is an increasing factor in discussions over future required U.S. Navy capabilities. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? Several elements of China's military modernization have potential implications for future required U.S. Navy capabilities. These include theater-range ballistic missiles (TBMs), land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs), anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), land-based aircraft, submarines, surface combatants, amphibious ships, naval mines, nuclear weapons, and possibly high-power microwave (HPM) devices. China's naval limitations or weaknesses include capabilities for operating in waters more distant from China, joint operations, C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), long-range surveillance and targeting systems, anti-air warfare (AAW), antisubmarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and logistics. […] Certain options are available for improving U.S. Navy capabilities by 2010; additional options, particularly in shipbuilding, can improve U.S. Navy capabilities in subsequent years. China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting of Navy ships in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW-capable platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP [electromagnetic pulse] hardening of Navy systems. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2006-08-29
• Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle: Questions and Answers About U.S. Military Personnel, Compensation, and Force Structure [Updated March 19, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "This report provides short answers to commonly asked questions about military personnel, compensation, and force structure issues related to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the ongoing war against terrorism, and Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), the name given to military operations related to homeland security and support to federal, state, and local agencies in the wake of the September 11th attacks. The section on personnel addresses issues such as casualties, reserve mobilization, 'sole surviving son or daughter' status, conscientious objection, and 'stop-loss.' The section on compensation addresses issues related to the pay and benefits -- including death benefits -- provided to members of the U.S. military participating in OEF/ONE and their families. The section on force structure addresses issues related to how OEF/ONE might affect the number and type of personnel needed by the military, and answers common questions about whether or not a return to conscription is likely under current circumstances."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kapp, Lawrence

  2002-03-19
• Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress [Updated December 11, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "The Navy is procuring a new class of surface combatant called the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The first LCS was procured in FY2005, another three were procured in FY2006, and two more were procured in FY2007. Current Navy plans call for procuring three LCSs in FY2008, and then about six per year in FY2009-FY2016, for a planned total of 55 ships. The LCS is a small, fast surface combatant that uses modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages, including unmanned vehicles (UVs). The ship's mission orientation can be changed by changing out its mission packages. The basic version of the LCS, without any mission packages, is referred to as the LCS sea frame. The LCS's primary intended missions are countering enemy mines, submarines, and fast attack craft in littoral (near-shore) waters. Secondary missions include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); maritime intercept; special operations forces (SOF) support; and logistics support for movement of personnel and supplies. The LCS is also mentioned in connection with the Navy's role in what the Bush Administration refers to as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The LCS program raises several potential oversight issues for Congress, including the increase in reported LCS unit procurement costs, the program's total acquisition cost, the acquisition strategy for later ships in the program, and the funding of LCS mission packages. […] The Senate report on the bill (S.Rept. 109-292 of July 25, 2006) had recommended funding the procurement of one LCS (rather than two) in FY2007, and rescinding funding for one of the three LCSs procured in FY2006. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2006-12-11
• Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress [November 30, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "The Navy is procuring a new class of surface combatant called the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The first LCS was procured in FY2005, another three were procured in FY2006, and two more were procured in FY2007. Current Navy plans call for procuring three LCSs in FY2008, and then about six per year in FY2009-FY2016, for a planned total of 55 ships. The LCS is a small, fast surface combatant that uses modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages, including unmanned vehicles (UVs). The ship's mission orientation can be changed by changing out its mission packages. The basic version of the LCS, without any mission packages, is referred to as the LCS sea frame. The LCS's primary intended missions are countering enemy mines, submarines, and fast attack craft in littoral (near-shore) waters. Secondary missions include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); maritime intercept; special operations forces (SOF) support; and logistics support for movement of personnel and supplies. The LCS is also mentioned in connection with the Navy's role in what the Bush Administration refers to as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). […] This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2006-11-30
• North Korea's Abduction of Japanese Citizens and the Six-Party Talks [March 19, 2008]

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  From the Summary: "The admission by North Korea in 2002 that it abducted several Japanese nationals -- most of them nearly 30 years ago -- continues to affect significantly the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. This report provides background information on the abductee issue, summarizes its effect on Japanese politics, analyzes its impact on U.S.-Japan relations, and assesses its regional implications. Congress has indicated considerable interest in the abductions issue. The North Korean Human Rights Act (P.L. [Public Law] 108-333) includes a sense of the Congress that non-humanitarian aid be contingent on North Korean progress in accounting for the Japanese abductees. A House hearing in April 2006 focused on North Korea's abductions of foreign citizens, with testimony from former abductees and their relatives. Some Members of Congress have sponsored legislation (S.Res. 399 and H.R. 3650) that support Japan's call for settlement of the abductions controversy before North Korea is removed from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chanlett-Avery, Emma

  2008-03-19
• Terrorist Attacks and National Emergency Declarations [Updated April 10, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "As part of his response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., President George W. Bush formally declared national emergencies on September 14 and 23. The President's actions follow a long-standing tradition of alerting the nation to a crisis threatening public order and constitutional government. Under current arrangements, such declarations also allow the President to make use of activated authority on a selective basis, as appropriate for responding to the emergency at hand. Some 60 provisions of law may be brought into force by an emergency declaration. Updated as events recommend, this report chronicles the actions taken by President Bush pursuant to his national emergency declarations, as well the issuance of additional such declarations concerning terrorism."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2002-04-10
• Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing: U.S. Policy Development [November 29, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "As part of the World War II effort to develop the atomic bomb, reprocessing technology was developed to chemically separate and recover fissionable plutonium from irradiated nuclear fuel. In the early stage of commercial nuclear power, reprocessing was thought essential to supplying nuclear fuel. Federally sponsored breeder reactor development included research into advanced reprocessing technology. Several commercial interests in reprocessing foundered due to economic, technical, and regulatory issues. President Carter terminated federal support for reprocessing in an attempt to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons material. Reprocessing for nuclear weapons production ceased shortly after the Cold War ended. The Department of Energy now proposes a new generation of 'proliferation-resistant' reactor and reprocessing technology."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Andrews, Anthony

  2006-11-29
• Terrorism: Some Legal Restrictions on Military Assistance to Domestic Authorities Following a Terrorist Attack [September 14, 2001]

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  From the Summary: "The Constitution empowers to the President to act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces and to see to the execution of federal law; it gives Congress the authority to make federal law including laws for the regulation of the armed forces. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits use of the armed forces to perform civilian governmental tasks unless explicitly authorized to do so. There are statutory exceptions to ensure continued enforcement of state and federal law, to provide disaster assistance, and to provide technical support for law enforcement. There are constitutional impediments to the use of the military to nationalize an industry, to try civilians, and to compel state officials to perform federally-imposed duties. Unlawful use of the armed forces might result in criminal or civil liability and frustrate prosecution of terrorists. For a more complete discussion, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report 95-964, 'The Posse Comitatus Act &Related Matters: The Use of the Military to Execute Civilian Law'."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2001-09-14
• H. Rept. 116-172: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, Report to Accompany H.R. 3409, July 23, 2019

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  From the Purpose of Legislation: "The purpose of H.R. 3409, as amended, is to authorize $11.1 billion in discretionary funding for the United States Coast Guard (hereafter, Coast Guard or Service) in fiscal year 2020, and $11.6 billion in fiscal year 2021. The bill authorizes the end-of-year strength of 44,500 active duty personnel and maintains existing military training student loads for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The bill also authorizes $29 million in fiscal year 2020 and $29.6 million in fiscal year 2021 for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Finally, the bill makes reforms to Coast Guard authorities and laws governing shipping and navigation."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-07-23
• Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations [Updated January 23, 2008]

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  "The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. For both defense authorization and appropriations, this report summarizes the status of the bills, their scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity. This report is updated as events warrant and lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered as well as related CRS products."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Belasco, Amy; Daggett, Stephen; Towell, Pat

  2008-01-23
• Haiti: Developments and U.S. Policy Since 1991 and Current Congressional Concerns [Updated January 25, 2008]

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  "Following the first free and fair elections in Haiti's history, Jean-Bertrand Aristide first became Haitian President in February 1991. He was overthrown by a military coup in September 1991. For over three years, the military regime resisted international demands that Aristide be restored to office. In September 1994, after a U.S. military intervention had been launched, the military regime agreed to Aristide's return, the immediate, unopposed entry of U.S. troops, and the resignation of its leadership. President Aristide returned to Haiti in October 1994 under the protection of some 20,000 U.S. troops, and disbanded the Haitian army. U.S. aid helped train a civilian police force. Subsequently, critics charged Aristide with politicizing that force and engaging in corrupt practices. Elections held under Aristide and his successor, René Préval (1996-2000), including the one in which Aristide was reelected in 2000, were marred by alleged irregularities, low voter turnout, and opposition boycotts. Efforts to negotiate a resolution to the electoral dispute frustrated the international community for years. Tension and violence continued throughout Aristide's second term, culminating in his departure from office in February 2004, after the opposition repeatedly refused to negotiate a political solution and armed groups took control of half the country. An interim government, backed by the Bush Administration, was established with Gérard LaTortue as Prime Minister. The U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has tried to improve security conditions, but Haiti remains unstable. Natural disasters have contributed to instability."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2008-01-25