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• U.S. Wind Turbine Manufacturing: Federal Support for an Emerging Industry [September 23, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "Increasing U.S. energy supply diversity has been the goal of many Presidents and Congresses. This commitment has been prompted by concerns about national security, the environment, and the U.S. balance of payments. More recently, investments in new energy sources have been seen as a way to expand domestic manufacturing. For all of these reasons, the federal government has a variety of policies to promote wind power. Expanding the use of wind energy requires installation of wind turbines. These are complex machines composed of some 8,000 components, created from basic industrial materials such as steel, aluminum, concrete, and fiberglass. Major components in a wind turbine include the rotor blades, a nacelle and controls (the heart and brain of a wind turbine), a tower, and other parts such as large bearings, transformers, gearboxes, and generators. Turbine manufacturing involves an extensive supply chain. Until recently, Europe has been the hub for turbine production, supported by national renewable energy deployment policies in countries such as Denmark, Germany, and Spain. Competitive wind turbine manufacturing sectors are also located in India and Japan and are emerging in China and South Korea. […] A variety of federal laws and policies has encouraged both wind energy production and the use of U.S.-made equipment to generate that energy. Some of these policies are subject to change at the end of 2011, and others are scheduled to expire in 2012. Future decisions about these policies will affect the extent to which wind turbine manufacturing becomes an important industrial sector in the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Platzer, Michaela D.

  2011-09-23
• Helium-3 Shortage: Supply, Demand, and Options for Congress [October 6, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The world is experiencing a shortage of helium-3, a rare isotope of helium with applications in homeland security, national security, medicine, industry, and science. For many years the supply of helium-3 from the nuclear weapons program outstripped the demand for helium-3. The demand was small enough that a substantial stockpile of helium-3 accumulated. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the federal government began deploying neutron detectors at the U.S. border to help secure the nation against smuggled nuclear and radiological material. The deployment of this equipment created new demand for helium-3. Use of the polarized helium-3 medical imaging technique also increased. As a result, the size of the stockpile shrank. […] The committee developed a rationing scheme for allocating the available helium-3. Some federal and private-sector users received no allocation or an amount less than they had planned. Several federal agencies are investigating alternative sources of helium-3 and ways to reduce the demand. Congressional attention appears predominantly focused on oversight of the current situation, how it arose, and the processes currently in place for addressing it. In future hearings and legislation, Congress may address additional issues, such as increasing the helium-3 supply, reducing demand, or changing how supply is allocated. This report discusses the nature of the shortage; federal actions undertaken so far to address it; current and potential sources of helium-3 and options for increasing the supply; current and projected uses of helium-3 and options for reducing the demand; and options for allocating the supply if it continues to fall short of the demand."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shea, Dana A.; Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)

  2011-10-06
• V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress [October 6, 2011]

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  From the Introduction: "The V-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter and flies forward like an airplane. Department of Defense (DOD) plans call for procuring a total of 458 V-22s--360 MV-22s for the Marine Corps; 50 CV-22 special operations variants for U.S. Special Operations Command, or USSOCOM (funded jointly by the Air Force and USSOCOM); and 48 HV-22s for the Navy. The proposed FY2012 budget requested funding for the procurement of 30 MV-22s and 7 CV-22s, with one CV-22 to be paid for from Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. The budget requested about $2.5 billion in procurement and advance procurement funding for procurement of MV-22s, and about $499.9 million in procurement and advance procurement funding for procurement of CV-22s, with $70 million of that from OCO. For FY2012, the V-22 program poses a number of potential oversight issues for Congress, including the aircraft's readiness rates, reliability and maintainability, operational suitability, and whether to approve a follow-on multi-year procurement contract."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gertler, Jeremiah

  2011-10-06
• Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Aircraft Program [October 19, 2011]

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  From the Introduction: "The Navy has been procuring F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters since FY1997. Super Hornets and older F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets currently account for the majority of the aircraft in the Navy's 10 active-duty aircraft carrier air wings (CVWs)--of the 70 or so aircraft in each CVW, more than 40 typically are Hornets and Super Hornets. In FY2006, the Navy also began procuring the EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare version of the Super Hornet. Growlers are replacing older Navy and Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler electronic attack aircraft. Super Hornets and Growlers were procured in FY2005-FY2009 under a multiyear procurement (MYP) arrangement. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests about $2.4 billion for the procurement of 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighters and about $1.1 billion for the procurement of 12 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. The Navy's FY2011 request for 22 F/A-18E/Fs comes in the context of a projected shortfall in Navy and Marine Corps strike fighters. Estimates of the extent of the shortfall vary, with the peak of the shortfall ranging from 100 aircraft by one estimate to 243 or more aircraft according to other estimates."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gertler, Jeremiah

  2011-10-19
• Community Services Block Grants (CSBG): Background and Funding [October 6, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) provide federal funds to states, territories, and tribes for distribution to local agencies to support a wide range of community-based activities to reduce poverty. Smaller related programs--Community Economic Development (CED), Rural Community Facilities, Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI), and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)--also support anti-poverty efforts. CSBG and some of these related activities trace their roots to the War on Poverty, launched in the 1960s. Today, they are administered at the federal level by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). […] Representative Rehberg, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education, introduced an FY2012 spending bill on September 29 (H.R. 3070). This bill also would reject the Administration's proposed reduction for CSBG and would maintain the block grant and Rural Community Facilities at FY2011 levels. The bill would increase CED to $20 million and cut IDAs from $24 million to $9 million. It also would eliminate funding for JOLI. According to the latest data, the nationwide network of more than 1,000 CSBG grantees served nearly 21 million people in more than 8 million low-income families in FY2009. The network reported spending $14.9 billion of federal, state, local, and private resources. Of the total, $623 million came from regular federal CSBG funds and $344 million from a one-time appropriation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). About $9 billion came from other federal programs and $1.2 billion came from additional federal spending under ARRA."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Spar, Karen

  2011-10-06
• Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1994-2001

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  "Developing nations continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers. Recently, from 1998-2001, the United States and Russia have dominated the arms market in the developing world, with the United States ranking first each of the last four years in the value of arms transfer agreements. In 2001, the United States ranked first in arms transfer agreements with developing nations with nearly $7 billion or 43.6% of these agreements. Russia was second with $5.7 billion or 29.6% of such agreements. China ranked third with $600 million or 3.8% of such agreements. In 2001, the United States ranked first in the value of arms deliveries to developing nations at $6 billion, or 41.7% of all such deliveries. Russia ranked second at $3.4 billion or 23.6% of such deliveries. The United Kingdom ranked third at $3.3 billion or 22.9% of such deliveries. During the 1998-2001 period, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) ranked first among developing nations in the value of arms transfer agreements, concluding $10.8 billion in such agreements. India ranked second at $7.2 billion. China ranked third with $6.7 billion. In 2001, Israel ranked first in the value of arms transfer agreements among all developing nations weapons purchasers, concluding $2.5 billion in such agreements. China ranked second with $2.1 billion in such agreements. Egypt ranked third with $2 billion." - from Summary

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2002-08-06
• Remedies Available to Victims of Identity Theft [Updated July 9, 2003]

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  According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the most common complaint from consumers in all fifty states.1 Victims of identity theft may incur damaged credit records, unauthorized charges on credit cards, and unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts. Oftentimes, victims must change their addresses, telephone numbers, and even their Social Security numbers. This report provides an overview of the federal laws that could assist victims of identity theft with purging inaccurate information from their credit records and removing unauthorized charges from credit accounts, as well as federal laws that impose criminal penalties on those who assume another person's identity through the use of fraudulent identification documents. Similar state laws and recent legislative proposals aimed at preventing identity theft and providing additional remedies will also be discussed. To date, several bills (S. 22, S. 153, S. 223, S. 228, H.R. 220, H.R. 637, H.R. 818, and H.R. 858) related to identity theft have been introduced in the 108th Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Welborn, Angie A.

  2003-02-27
• Iraqi Chemical & Biological Weapons (CBW) Capabilities [Updated September 4, 1998]

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  Since 1991, the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) has destroyed over 38,000 filled and unfilled chemical weapons (CW) munitions, 690 metric tons of CW agents, 3,000 metric tons of CW precursor chemicals, and over 400 pieces of CW production equipment. The Iraqi government maintains that all its chemical and biological weapons (CBW) arsenal and production capability has been destroyed either by UNSCOM or in 1991 by the Iraqis themselves in unauthorized activities which violated U.N. Security Council Resolution 687. UNSCOM maintains that Iraq has not provided verification of this destruction, and has a substantial record of deception and omission in its CBW declarations to the United Nations. British and U.S. intelligence reports in February 1998 and the UNSCOM report to the Security Council in April 1998 assert that Iraq has not accounted for and may still possess a significant CBW capability, including: 500-700 mustard agent artillery shells, over 150 bombs filled with BW agents, and 45 CBW missile warheads. In addition, UNSCOM believes that Iraq manufactured over 200 metric tons of the persistent nerve agent VX, but has accounted for only 3.9 tons. Growth medium sufficient to produce 16,000 liters of anthrax has also not been accounted for. These reports are based on defector debriefings, records of purchases, and Iraqi documents. U.N., British, and U.S. officials believe that without continuous U.N. monitoring, Iraq would be capable of restoring its CBW production within months. Owing to obstruction of UNSCOM inspections, the question of airstrikes against suspected CBW sites has arisen, but lack of certainty about targets and concerns about collateral casualties have inhibited action. Potential casualties from the purposeful of use of CBW were estimated by the Office of Technology Assessment, using a Washington DC scenario, to range from several hundred to several million, depending on the agent used and weather. A glossary of CBW terms is appended to this report. This report will be updated only to reflect substantial new information. For additional information, see CRS Issue Brief 92117 Iraqi Compliance with Cease-fire Agreements, by Kenneth Katzman.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bowman, Steve

  1998-09-04
• Immigration Policy for Intracompany Transfers (L Visas): Issues and Legislation [June 12, 2003]

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  Concerns are growing that the visa category that allows executives and managers of multinational corporations to work temporarily in the United States is being misused. This visa category, commonly referred to as the L visa, permits multinational firms to transfer top-level personnel to their locations in the United States for 5 to 7 years. Although the number of L visas issued has tripled in the past 20 years, the number of L visas that the Department of State issued in FY2002 (112,624) is down from a high of 120,538 in FY2001. Some are now charging that firms are using the L visa to transfer "rank and file" professional employees rather than limiting these transfers to top-level personnel, thus circumventing immigration laws aimed at protecting U.S. employees from the potential adverse employment effects associated with an increase in the number of foreign workers. Proponents of current law maintain that any restrictions on L visas would prompt many multinational firms to leave the U.S., as well as undermine reciprocal agreements that currently permit U.S. corporations to transfer their employees abroad. Legislation that would amend the L-1 visa has been introduced (H.R. 2154). This report tracks legislative activity and will be updated as action warrants.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  2003-06-12
• Thailand-U.S. Economic Relations: An Overview [March 28, 2003]

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  Thailand is a key U.S. ally in the international war against terrorism and efforts to counter illegal narcotics traffic and is an important U.S. economic partner in Southeast Asia. Thailand continues to rebuild its economy after the debilitating effects of the Asian Financial Crisis which hit the country in 1997. International trade and investment continues to play a major role in the Thai economy, and policymakers there are attempting to develop strategies to boost Thailand's international competitiveness. This report will be revised as events warrant.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morrison, Wayne M.

  2003-03-28
• Oregon Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [March 23, 2004]

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  "The Office of Emergency Management serves as the lead Oregon agency to manage preparation for and response to disasters. The governor is authorized to declare a state of emergency at the request of a county governing body or based on his or her determination that an emergency has occurred. During a state of emergency the governor is authorized to control goods, services and commodities, and may, with the legislature's approval, transfer and spend money appropriated for other purposes to meet the emergency. The governor may unilaterally accept federal financial assistance for political subdivisions after the President issues a major disaster declaration; concurrence of the state Emergency Board or the Joint Ways and Means Committee of the Assembly is required for temporary housing assistance or financial aid to individuals and families. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. [...] Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2004-03-23
• Iraqi Chemical & Biological Weapons (CBW) Capabilities [February 17, 1998]

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  The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) has destroyed large amounts of CB weapons and materials in Iraq since 1991. UNSCOM has reported no firm evidence that Iraq still retains weapons or materiel, but the Iraqi government has not provided adequate evidence to support its claim all its CBW arsenal has been destroyed, nor has it accounted for CBW production materials known to have been in its possession. These factors, coupled with Iraqi obstruction of UNSCOM inspections has led to strong suspicions. U.S. and British intelligence agencies believe that Iraq still may possess tons of chemical warfare agents and the necessary materials to produce thousands of liters of biological agents. In addition, UNSCOM and U.S. intelligence believe Iraq may still have hidden from 2-10 warheads designed to deliver chemical or biological agents. UNSCOM and U.S. intelligence differ in their estimates of the number of missiles that may still be in Iraq. The Iraqi chemical warfare arsenal has included nerve agents (Sarin and VX), blister agents ("mustard gas"), and psychoactive agents (so-called Agent 15). Biological/toxin warfare agents produced by Iraq include anthrax, botulinum, aflotoxins, ebola virus, bubonic and pneumonic plague, ricin, and clostrdium perfringens. Reconstitution of militarily significant production capability using materials unaccounted for to UNSCOM could take only a matter of weeks. During the week of February 23, the Senate is scheduled to consider S.Con.Res. 71, calling on the President to take all necessary and appropriate actions in response to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its lethal weapons program.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bowman, Steve

  1998-02-17
• Identity Theft and the Fair Credit Reporting Act: An Analysis of TRW v. Andrews and Current Legislation [Updated February 27, 2003]

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  One of the ways in which victims of identity theft may recover for financial harm is by filing suit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. However, the Act imposes a two year statute of limitations on suits filed. On November 13, 2001, the Supreme Court decided a case interpreting when the Act's statute of limitations begins to run. In that case, the Court held that the statute of limitations begins to run when inaccurate disclosures first occur, and not when the consumer learns of the inaccuracies in his report. Several pieces of legislation attempting to provide consumers with additional time to file suit have been introduced in response to the Court's decision. This report will provide a brief summary of the Fair Credit Reporting Act provisions in question, as well as an analysis of the recent Supreme Court decision and an overview of recent legislation (S. 22 and H.R. 818) introduced in response to that decision. This report will be updated as events warrant.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Welborn, Angie A.

  2003-02-27
• Cuba: Issues for the 112th Congress [August 22, 2011]

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  "Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. The government of Raúl Castro has implemented limited economic policy changes, including an expansion of self-employment begun in October 2010. A party congress held in April 2011 laid out numerous economic goals that could increase the private sector. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, although it has reduced the number of political prisoners over the past several years, including the release of over 125 since 2010 after talks with the Catholic Church. […] Several initiatives would ease sanctions: H.R. 255 and H.R. 1887 (overall sanctions); H.R. 833 and H.R. 1888 (agricultural exports); and H.R. 380 and H.R. 1886 (travel). Two initiatives, S. 603 and H.R. 1166, would modify a trademark sanction, while several bills already noted would eliminate that sanction (H.R. 255, H.R. 1887, and H.R. 1888). Three bills would take different approaches toward Cuba's offshore oil development: H.R. 372, S. 405, and H.R. 2047. Two initiatives would discontinue Radio and TV Martí broadcasts to Cuba: S. 476 and H.R. 1317. One resolution would call for the return of U.S. fugitives in Cuba. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31139, 'Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances' and CRS Report R41522, 'Cuba's Offshore Oil Development: Background and U.S. Policy Considerations.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2011-08-22
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Background and Current Developments [December 7, 2011]

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  "A ban on all nuclear tests is the oldest item on the nuclear arms control agenda. Three treaties that entered into force between 1963 and 1990 limit but do not ban such tests. In 1996, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which would ban all nuclear explosions. In 1997, President Clinton sent the CTBT to the Senate, which rejected it in October 1999. In a speech in Prague in April 2009, President Obama said, 'My administration will immediately and aggressively pursue U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.' However, the Administration focused its efforts in 2010 on securing Senate advice and consent to ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). The Administration has indicated it wants to begin a CTBT 'education' campaign with a goal of securing Senate advice and consent to ratification, but there have been no hearings on the treaty in the 111th or 112th Congresses. As of December 2011, 182 states had signed the CTBT and 156, including Russia, had ratified it. However, entry into force requires ratification by 44 states specified in the treaty, of which 41 had signed the treaty and 36 had ratified. Seven conferences have been held to facilitate entry into force, most recently on September 23, 2011. […] This report will be updated occasionally. This version reflects Indonesia's ratification of the treaty on December 6, 2011, and makes other updates throughout. CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL34394, 'Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Issues and Arguments', by Jonathan Medalia, presents CTBT pros and cons in detail. CRS Report R40612, 'Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Updated 'Safeguards' and Net Assessments', by Jonathan Medalia, discusses safeguards-- unilateral steps to maintain U.S. nuclear security consistent with nuclear testing treaties--and their relationship to the CTBT. CRS Report R41908, 'Energy and Water Development: FY2012 Appropriations', coordinated by Carl E. Behrens, provides details on stockpile stewardship."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Medalia, Jonathan E.

  2011-12-07
• Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive [August 23, 2011]

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  "Attempts to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunify the island have undergone various levels of negotiation for over 45 years. Throughout 2011, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu have continued the negotiation process but have thus far failed to reach a mutually agreed settlement. Although both sides have intimated that some convergence of views has been achieved in the areas of governance, economy, and EU issues, Christofias and Eroglu have not found common ground on the difficult issues of property rights, security, settlers, and citizenship, areas where both sides have long-held and very different positions and where neither side seems willing or able to make necessary concessions. […] These comments led Cypriot President Christofias to state that there could be no prospect for peace if this was also the position of the Turkish Cypriots. Finally, the Government of Cyprus announced that it would soon begin drilling for natural gas off the southern coast of Cyprus, prompting both Ankara and the Turkish Cypriots to protest that such a move would jeopardize the settlement negotiations. The United States Congress continues to maintain its interest in a resolution of the Cyprus issue. Language expressing continued support for the negotiation process has been included in the House FY2012 Foreign Assistance Authorization bill. This report provides a brief overview of the early history of the negotiations, a more detailed review of the negotiations since 2008, and a description of some of the issues involved in the talks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morelli, Vincent L.

  2011-08-23
• Egypt in Transition [August 23, 2011]

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  "On February 11, 2011, President Hosni Mubarak resigned from the presidency after 29 years in power. For 18 days, a popular peaceful uprising spread across Egypt and ultimately forced Mubarak to cede power to the military. How Egypt transitions to a more democratic system in the months ahead will have major implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and for other countries in the region ruled by monarchs and dictators. This report provides a brief overview of the transition underway and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. U.S. policy toward Egypt has long been framed as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Egypt's government as a moderating influence in the Middle East. U.S. policy makers are now grappling with complex questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations, and these debates are likely to influence consideration of appropriations and authorization legislation in the 112th Congress. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. For FY2012, the Obama Administration has requested $1.551 billion in total aid to Egypt. On July 27, 2011, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs marked up its FY2012 State-Foreign Operations appropriation, proposing that Egypt receive the full FY2012 request ($1.551 billion), including $1.3 billion in military aid, and that military aid should also be used for 'border security programs and activities in the Sinai, with the expectation that the Egyptian military will continue to adhere to and implement its international obligations, particularly the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-08-23
• Dispute Settlement Under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement: An Overivew [August 12, 2011]

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  "The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) follows current U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) practice in containing two types of formal dispute settlement: (1) State-State, applicable to disputes between PTPA Parties, and (2) investor-State, applicable to claims by an investor of one State Party against other State Party for breach of a PTPA investment obligation. A Party in a State-State dispute found to have violated a PTPA obligation is generally expected to remove the complained-of measure; remedies for non-compliance include compensation and the suspension of PTPA concessions or obligations (e.g., imposition of a tariff surcharge on the defending Party's products), with the defending Party having the option of paying a fine to the prevailing Party or, in some cases, into a fund that may be used to assist the defending Party in complying in the case. […] The fact-finding review could possibly lead to a State-State dispute proceeding if the United States considers that Peru has acted inconsistently with the agreement and efforts to settle the dispute through consultations are unsuccessful. To establish a PTPA violation, the United States must demonstrate that Peru has failed to adopt or maintain a law, regulation, or practice in a manner that affects trade or investment between the Parties. In addition, one case has been brought under the PTPA investor-State dispute settlement mechanism. In April 2011, a U.S. firm filed an arbitral claim alleging that Peru had violated its PTPA investment obligations in its treatment of a metallurgical smeltering and refining operation run by the claimant's affiliate in Peru."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Jeanne J.

  2011-08-12
• Cooperative R&D: Federal Efforts to Promote Industrial Competitiveness [December 7, 2011]

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  "In response to the foreign challenge in the global marketplace, the United States Congress has explored ways to stimulate technological advancement in the private sector. The government has supported various efforts to promote cooperative research and development activities among industry, universities, and the federal R&D [research and development] establishment designed to increase the competitiveness of American industry and to encourage the generation of new products, processes, and services. Collaborative ventures are intended to accommodate the strengths and responsibilities of all sectors involved in innovation and technology development. Academia, industry, and government often have complementary functions. Joint projects allow for the sharing of costs, risks, facilities, and expertise. […] Federal efforts to encourage cooperative activities include the National Cooperative Research Act; the National Cooperative Production Act; tax changes permitting credits for industry payments to universities for R&D and deductions for contributions of equipment used in academic research; and amendments to the patent laws vesting title to inventions made under federal funding in universities. Technology transfer from the government to the private sector is facilitated by several laws. In addition, there are various ongoing cooperative programs supported by multiple federal departments and agencies. Given the increased popularity of cooperative programs, questions might be raised as to whether they are meeting expectations. Among the issues before Congress are whether joint ventures contribute to industrial competitiveness and what role, if any, the government has in facilitating such arrangements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schacht, Wendy H.

  2011-12-07
• Small-scale Terrorist Attacks Using Chemical and Biological Agents: An Assessment Framework and Preliminary Comparisons [May 20, 2004]

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  "This report, which will be updated as necessary, presents a means of assessing the relative threat from terrorist-use of individual chemical, biological, and toxin agents. It focuses on small-scale, targeted chemical and biological attacks, rather than mass-casualty attacks. The framework considers the elements of access, public health impact, medical treatment, prophylaxis, and dissemination. Other factors that may affect potential use by terrorists include the range of lethality, covert employment of an agent, and the availability of dual-use technologies. The results of this framework may be useful in addressing the threat these agents pose, for example by indicating priorities for countermeasure funding. Other uses include weighing the potential effectiveness of policy options, assessing threat reduction approaches to specific agents, and serving as a resource for developing other specialized frameworks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shea, Dana A.; Gottron, Frank

  2004-05-20
• Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [November 29, 2011]

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  "The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding for the procurement of an 11th San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ship. The Navy intends this ship to be the final ship in the class. The ship has received $184.0 million in prior-year advance procurement (AP) funding, and the Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests the remaining $1,847.4 million needed to complete the ship's estimated procurement cost of $2,031.4 million. The Navy plans to begin procuring a new class of amphibious ship called the LSD(X) in FY2017. Some observers have suggested using the LPD-17 design as the basis for the LSD(X). Navy officials do not stress this option and instead appear more interested in developing an all-new design for the LSD(X). If a decision were made to use the LPD-17 design as the basis for the LSD(X), then procuring a 12th LPD-17 in FY2014 or FY2015 would help keep the LPD-17 production line open until the procurement of the first LSD(X) in FY2017, which in turn might help reduce LSD(X) production costs. Issues for Congress include whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed funding request for the 11th LPD-17, whether to encourage or direct the Navy to use the LPD-17 design as the basis for the design of the LSD(X), and--particularly if the LPD-17 design is used as the basis for the LSD(X)--whether to fund the procurement of a 12th LPD-17 in FY2014 or FY2015."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2011-11-29
• Conventional Prompt Global Strike and Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues [December 8, 2011]

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  "Prompt global strike (PGS) would allow the United States to strike targets anywhere on Earth with conventional weapons in as little as an hour. This capability may bolster U.S. efforts to deter and defeat adversaries by allowing the United States to attack high-value targets or 'fleeting targets' at the start of or during a conflict. Congress has generally supported the PGS mission, but it has restricted funding and suggested some changes in funding for specific programs. Many analysts believe that the United States should use long-range ballistic missiles armed with conventional warheads for the PGS mission. These weapons would not substitute for nuclear weapons in the U.S. war plan but would, instead, provide a 'niche' capability, with a small number of weapons directed against select, critical targets, which might expand the range of U.S. conventional options. Some analysts, however, have raised concerns about the possibility that U.S. adversaries might misinterpret the launch of a missile with conventional warheads and conclude that the missiles carry nuclear weapons. […] These include not only ballistic missiles and boost-glide systems, but also bombers, cruise missiles, and possibly scramjets or other advanced technologies. Finally, Congress is likely to question how the New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaty, signed by the United States and Russia in April 2010, would affect U.S. plans for the CPGS [conventional prompt global strike] mission. Warheads deployed on boost-glide systems would not be affected by the treaty because these are new types of strategic offensive arms. But those deployed in existing types of reentry vehicles on existing types of ballistic missiles, like the Navy's CTM [Conventional Trident modification] program, would count against the treaty limits. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2011-12-08
• Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects: Authorization and Appropriations [December 5, 2011]

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  "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertakes activities to maintain navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. Congress directs the Corps through authorizations, appropriations, and oversight of its studies, construction projects, and other activities. Historically, the agency's authorizations and appropriations have been largely project[-]based, with the projects being in specific locations. There is some uncertainty about legislation related to the Corps during the 112th Congress, in light of the House Republican Conference standing order in its conference rule and the Senate Republican Conference resolution supporting a moratorium on Member earmark requests. This report summarizes congressional authorization and appropriations processes for the Corps and explains the standard Corps project development process. It also discusses agency activities under general authorities. […] Congress generally authorizes Corps activities and provides policy direction in Water Resources Development Acts (WRDAs). Beginning in 1986, a biennial WRDA consideration was loosely followed; enactment has been less regular. The most recent WRDA was enacted in 2007 (P.L. 110-114). Pressure to authorize new projects, increase authorized funding levels, and modify existing projects promotes fairly regular WRDA consideration. WRDAs historically have been omnibus bills including many provisions for site[-]specific activities. Authorizations of many Corps activities were included under the House Republican Conference 2010 moratorium on Members requesting earmarks. Congress also authorizes some studies through resolutions passed by an authorizing committee. […] Congress has granted the Corps some general authorities to undertake some studies, small projects, technical assistance, and emergency actions such as flood-fighting and repair of damaged levees. Additionally, the Corps conducts emergency response actions directed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.

  2011-12-05
• Clean Air Act Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated January 9, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "The conference report on the energy bill (H.R. 6), which came to the House and Senate floor for action the week of November 17, contains several Clean Air Act provisions. The most prominent of these concerns the gasoline additives MTBE [Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether] and ethanol, which are used to meet Clean Air Act requirements that reformulated gasoline (RFG) sold in the nation's worst ozone non-attainment areas contain at least 2% oxygen, to improve combustion. MTBE has been implicated in numerous incidents of ground water contamination. H.R. 6 would ban the use of MTBE as a fuel additive nationwide, except in states that specifically authorize its use, after December 31, 2014, unless the President determines not to ban it [...] H.R. 6 would also extend Clean Air Act deadlines for areas that have not attained ozone air quality standards, if upwind areas contribute to their nonattainment. Besides the provisions in the energy bill, the most prominent air quality issue in recent months has been what to do about emissions from coal-fired electric power plants. [...] The Administration and several members of Congress have also proposed legislation on the subject- a group of bills referred to as 'multi-pollutant' legislation. [...] Controversy has arisen over EPA's [Environmental Protection Agency's] proposed and promulgated changes to the Clean Air Act's New Source Review (NSR) requirements. NSR imposes emission controls on modifications of power plants and other major facilities. Since December 31, 2002, EPA has promulgated several changes to streamline (and, many argue, weaken) the NSR requirements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarthy, James E.

  2004-01-09
• U.S. Treatment of Prisoners in Iraq: Selected Legal Issues [May 24, 2004]

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  "A recent Army report charging that U.S. Military Police and other personnel, including civilian contractor personnel, abused Iraqi prisoners held under the authority of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) has given rise to questions regarding the applicable law. The report was the result of an Army investigation initiated after a soldier turned over to military law enforces photographs depicting U.S. military personnel subjecting Iraqi detainees to treatment that has been described as degrading, inhumane, and in some cases, tantamount to torture. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 related to the treatment of prisoners of war (POW) and civilian detainees, as well as the Hague Regulations define the status of detainees and state responsibility for their treatment. Other international law relevant to human rights and to the treatment of prisoners may also apply. A discussion of accountability in case of breach of these standards follows, including potential means of asserting jurisdiction over alleged violators, either in military courts under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or U.S. federal courts, by applying U.S. criminal statutes that explicitly apply extraterritorially or within the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 7) or by means of the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA). Finally, the report discusses international requirements to provide redress for those whose treatment at the hands of U.S. officials may have fallen below the standards outlined in the first section of the report. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elsea, Jennifer

  2004-05-24
• Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and Its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape [December 6, 2011]

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  "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent federal agency with its five members appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. It was established by the Communications Act of 1934 (1934 Act) and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The mission of the FCC is to ensure that the American people have available--at reasonable cost and without discrimination--rapid, efficient, nation- and world-wide communication services, whether by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable. […] Most of the FCC's budget is derived from regulatory fees collected by the agency rather than through a direct appropriation. The fees, often referred to as 'Section (9) fees,' are collected from license holders and certain other entities (e.g., cable television systems) and deposited into an FCC account. The law gives the FCC authority to review the regulatory fees and to adjust the fees to reflect changes in its appropriation from year to year. It may also add, delete, or reclassify services under certain circumstances. The FY2012 budget is included in H.R. 2434, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2012. The House Appropriations Committee reported the bill on July 7, 2011. For FY2012, the House Appropriations Committee approved $319,004,000 for agency salaries and expenses with no direct appropriation (all funding will be obtained through the collection of regulatory fees). This level is $16,790,000 less than FY2011 and $39,797,000 less than the request. Additional details of the budget can be found in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R41340, 'Financial Services and General Government (FSGG): FY2011 Appropriations.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Figliola, Patricia Moloney

  2011-12-06
• Safe Drinking Water Act: State Revolving Fund Program [Updated May 10, 2004]

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  "In the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996 (P.L. 104-182), Congress authorized a drinking water state revolving loan fund (DWSRF) program to help public water systems finance infrastructure projects needed to comply with federal drinking water regulations and to protect public health. Under this program, states receive capitalization grants to make loans for drinking water projects and to support certain other SDWA activities. The DWSRF program was authorized at $1 billion annually through FY2003. Since the program was first funded in FY1997, Congress has provided $6.94 billion, including $844.9 million for FY2004. Through June 2003, the DWSRF program had provided $6.37 billion in assistance and supported 5,333 projects. For FY2005, the Administration has requested $850 million for this program. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) 2001 survey of capital improvement needs for public water systems indicated that communities need to invest $150.9 billion on drinking water infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years. Interest in addressing infrastructure funding needs and related issues continues in the 108th Congress. Key issues include the gap between estimated needs and funding, SDWA compliance and cost issues, particularly for small systems, and the availability of funds for security improvements. Bills have been introduced to increase DWSRF funding levels and to provide grants to small systems. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tiemann, Mary

  2004-05-10
• MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 11, 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 issue of MMWR contains the following: "Progress Toward Rubella Elimination -- World Health Organization European Region, 2005-2019"; "Impact of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic on Administration of Selected Routine Childhood and Adolescent Vaccinations -- 10 U.S. Jurisdictions, March-September 2020"; "Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Variants Circulating in the United States, December 2020-May 2021"; "Hospitalization of Adolescents Aged 12-17 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 -- COVID-NET [Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network], 14 States, March 1, 2020-April 24, 2021"; "Decreases in COVID-19 Cases, Emergency Department Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Deaths Among Older Adults Following the Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, September 6, 2020-May 1, 2021"; and "'QuickStats': Percentage of Children Aged 2-17 Years Who Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses, by Sex and Age Group -- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019."

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

  2021-06-11
• Losing Ground: U.S. Competitiveness in Critical Technologies, Hearing Before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, January 29, 2020

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  This is the January 29, 2020 hearing on "Losing Ground: U.S. Competitiveness in Critical Technologies," held before the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. From the opening statement of Eddie Bernice Johnson: "United States leadership in science and technology has long given U.S. companies a competitive advantage, which in turn has led to job creation and increased standards of living for all Americans. It has also bolstered our national defense. However, as recent reports have underscored, the United States has already begun to face the consequences of our inability to make strategic and sustained long-term investments in our science and technology enterprise." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Diane Souvaine, Eric Schmidt, and Chaouki Abdallah.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Foreign Policy Issues for Congress [October 19, 2012]

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  From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of transnational security issues related to patterns of interaction among international terrorist and crime groups. In addition, the report discusses the U.S. government's perception of and response to the threat. It concludes with an analysis of foreign policy options. In recent years, the U.S. government has asserted that terrorism, insurgency, and crime interact in varied and significant ways, to the detriment of U.S. national security interests. Although unclassified anecdotal evidence largely serves as the basis for the current understanding of criminal-terrorist connections, observers often focus on several common patterns. [...] To combat these apparent criminal-terrorist connections, Congress has maintained a role in formulating U.S. policy responses. Moreover, recent Administrations have issued several strategic documents to guide U.S. national security, counterterrorism, anti-crime, and intelligence activities. […] While the U.S. government has maintained substantial long-standing efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime separately, Congress has been challenged to evaluate whether the existing array of authorities, programs, and resources sufficiently respond to the combined crime-terrorism threat. Common foreign policy options have centered on diplomacy, foreign assistance, financial actions, intelligence, military action, and investigations. At issue for Congress is how to conceptualize this complex crime-terrorism phenomenon and oversee the implementation of cross-cutting activities that span geographic regions, functional disciplines, and a multitude of policy tools that are largely dependent on effective interagency coordination and international cooperation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Rollins, John; Wyler, Liana Sun

  2012-10-19