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Impeachment and Trial of a Former President [January 15, 2021]
From the Document: "For the second time in just over a year, the House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump. The House previously voted to impeach President Trump on December 18, 2019, and the Senate voted to acquit the President on February 5, 2020. Because the timing of this second impeachment vote is so close to the end of the Trump Administration, it is possible that any resulting Senate trial may not occur until after President Trump leaves office on January 20, 2021. This possibility has prompted the question of whether the Senate can try a former President for conduct that occurred while he was in office."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cole, Jared P.; Garvey, Todd
2021-01-15
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated January 15, 2021]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007- 2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-01-15
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and COVID-19 [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently have a specific standard that protects health care or other workers from airborne or aerosol transmission of disease or diseases transmitted by airborne droplets. Some in Congress, and some groups representing health care, meat and poultry processing, and other workers, are calling on OSHA to promulgate an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect workers from exposure to SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) gives OSHA the ability to promulgate an ETS that would remain in effect for up to six months without going through the normal review and comment process of rulemaking. OSHA, however, has rarely used this authority in the past--not since the courts struck down its ETS on asbestos in 1983."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-01-14
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Domestic Terrorism and the Attack on the U.S. Capitol [January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 6, 2021, a large group of individuals breached the U.S. Capitol security while Congress was in session. Members were voting on whether or not to certify President-elect Joe Biden's election victory, and many participants in the attack allegedly intended to thwart this effort. According to media coverage, violent participants injured scores of District of Columbia Metropolitan Police and U.S. Capitol Police officers and killed one, while four civilians have died as well. In light of this incident and the violent threat to the operation of the U.S. Congress, policymakers may be interested in whether this incident may be treated as domestic terrorism and if the participants are domestic terrorists, among other issues. This Insight discusses whether or not participants and their actions may be categorized as domestic terrorists and domestic terrorism, respectively, and issues around designating domestic fringe groups, such as the Boogaloo Bois and Proud Boys who were allegedly involved in the attack, as terrorist organizations. It concludes with possible next steps for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sacco, Lisa N.
2021-01-13
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Comparison of the Second Round of 'Stimulus Checks' in P.L. 116-260 to the First Round in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) [January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "At the end of 2020, lawmakers included a second round of direct payments in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). The payments equal $600 per eligible individual ($1,200 for most married couples) plus an additional $600 per eligible child, phasing down for higher-income households. The first round of direct payments was enacted in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136) in March 2020. As with the first round of direct payments, the second round of payments are structured as a new one-time refundable credit against 2020 income taxes. Generally, these payments are being automatically issued by the Treasury based on 2019 tax data until January 15, 2021. Eligible households who do not automatically receive a second payment (or who receive less than they would based on their 2020 income and family size) are to generally be able to receive the payment (or receive an additional payment) as a refundable credit when they file their 2020 income tax return. These payments are not taxable and do not count as income or resources for a 12-month period in determining eligibility for, or the amount of assistance provided by, any federally funded public benefit program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2021-01-13
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COVID-19-Related Suspension of Immigrant Entry [Updated January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "On December 31, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation to extend Proclamation 10052, issued on June 22, 2020, through March 31, 2021. Proclamation 10052, among its other provisions, extends Proclamation 10014, issued April 22, 2020, which suspended the entry into the United States of certain aliens (foreign nationals) who are seeking lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (i.e., immigrants). The three proclamations justify the suspension to protect American workers from foreign labor market competition during a time of high domestic unemployment and reduced demand for workers caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The proclamations rely on two immigration-related legal authorities. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), §212(f) (8 U.S.C. §1182(f)), the President may suspend immigration when it would harm U.S. interests. Under INA §215(a) (8 U.S.C. §1185(a)) the President may prescribe limitations and exceptions on who may enter or depart the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2021-01-13
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Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected resources and CRS products on economic relief and assistance for medium and large businesses that were directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, contains provisions to assist businesses. This Insight focuses on sources of assistance designated for medium and large businesses that do not qualify for Small Business Administration programs or other assistance programs for small businesses. [...] Note that this Insight may not include every instance of federal assistance to medium or large firms provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie
2021-01-13
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Second Round of 'Stimulus Checks' in P.L. 116-260 [January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to the continued economic weakness from the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, Congress passed a second round of direct payments as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). The first round of direct payments were included in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136). This Insight provides a brief overview of the second round of payments--often referred to as 'stimulus checks.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2021-01-13
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COVID-19: Government Resources for Realtime Economic Indicators [Updated January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents select real-time economic indicators that attempt to measure the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the U.S. economy. Created by select federal government agencies, these new or unique indicators attempt to measure the demographic, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19 in real-time, or on a weekly or monthly basis, rather than quarterly or annually."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-13
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Federal Communications Commission in the Incoming Biden Administration: Issues and New Directions [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the incoming Biden Administration may take different positions on several key topics than the FCC under the Trump Administration, including Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Section 230), net neutrality, and 5G [fifth generation technology]. The recent confirmation of President Donald Trump's nominee to join the FCC, Nathan Simington, and Chairman Ajit Pai's resignation on Inauguration Day will leave the agency with a 2-2 split between Democratic and Republican commissioners. The FCC typically has five members, with two commissioners and a chairperson from the President's party. Democrats are due to effectively take control of the Senate majority and would typically be handling an FCC nominee of the incoming President's party. Current commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has been mentioned as a strong contender for agency chairperson."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2021-01-12
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-01-12
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Unemployment Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Brief [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The National Bureau of Economic Research declared the start of the current economic downturn in February 2020, marking the end of the longest period of expansion in U.S. history. This expansion followed the Great Recession (December 2007 to June 2009), a downturn widely considered to be the worst since the Great Depression (August 1929 to March 1933). The unemployment rate rose quickly in March 2020, and by April 2020 it had greatly surpassed its previous peaks observed during and just after the Great Recession. This spike in unemployment coincided with various mandated stay-at-home orders implemented in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other pandemic-related factors affecting U.S. demand. Although unemployment rates have declined since April, the December rate (6.7%) remains almost twice as high as the rate observed during February (3.5%). This report discusses recent unemployment rate patterns at the national and state levels using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene; Carter, Jameson A.; Nicchitta, Isaac A. . . .
2021-01-12
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries to support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets, as well as countering illicit narcotics, since the 1990s. The Trump Administration sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. assistance efforts in some parts of the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular migration. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the Administration's proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Martin, Rachel L.
2021-01-11
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CARES Act (P.L. 116-136): Provisions Designed to Help Banks and Credit Unions [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause numerous borrowers to miss loan repayments, potentially leading to distress at banks and credit unions. Because of the importance of those institutions to the economy, regulators have implemented 'safety and soundness' regulations, including lending, capital, and liquidity rules. Regulators also require the institutions to report financial information. As part of Congress's response to COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) includes four sections--4011, 4012, 4013, and 4014--that temporarily relax some of the regulations banks face. Section 4016 expands access to the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF), which is a liquidity facility for credit unions that is administered by at the National Credit Union Administration. This Insight examines those sections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Gnanarajah, Raj; Getter, Darryl E.
2021-01-11
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CARES Act Bank and Credit Union Relief: Expirations and Extensions Under P.L. 116-260 [January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause numerous borrowers to miss loan repayments, potentially leading to distress at banks and credit unions. As part of Congress's response, Division A of the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136) included six sections--4008, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, and 4016--that either temporarily relaxed regulations facing banks and credit unions or provided regulators additional temporary authorities to support those institutions and their lending. [...] This Insight identifies which provisions were extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260); which provisions expired; and the possible implications of those extensions and expirations. As enacted, the CARES Act provisions would have expired on the earlier of (1) the termination date of the COVID-19 national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act (P.L. 94-412) or (2) the end of 2020. P.L. 116-260, Division N, Sections 540 and 541, extended the expiration date of CARES Act Sections 4013, 4014, and 4016 until the earlier of the emergency termination date or the end of 2021. The act did not extend Sections 4008, 4011, and 4012, and they expired on December 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Getter, Darryl E.; Gnanarajah, Raj
2021-01-11
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Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines: An Overview [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized for emergency use Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines sponsored by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Several other COVID-19 vaccines are currently in clinical trials; additional vaccines may become available within months. Operation Warp Speed (OWS)--the COVID-19 medical countermeasure initiative led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD)--has contracted with manufacturers to purchase hundreds of millions of doses (including Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna's vaccines) and related supplies. OWS is also planning and implementing a nationwide vaccine program. OWS has thus far been financed largely by emergency funding provided in the coronavirus supplemental appropriations acts. [...] This Insight provides overviews of supplemental appropriations for selected vaccine-related activities and available information on allocations and obligations. It does not address health care financing issues related to vaccine administration or regular appropriations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya
2021-01-11
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COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources for Renters [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "This Insight highlights resources from selected federal agencies and other organizations that may aid renters at risk of eviction due to circumstances related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Minter, Alyse N.
2021-01-11
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USMCA: Labor Provisions [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). USMCA establishes new and updated provisions on the protection of worker rights and enforcement of labor commitments. Congress approved implementing legislation for USMCA (H.R. 5430) on December 19, 2019. President Trump signed the legislation into law on January 29, 2020 (P.L. 116-113). The protection of worker rights and the enforceability of labor provisions were a major congressional concern throughout the USMCA negotiations and remained an issue after the three countries concluded the agreement in September 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.
2021-01-08
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Regulating Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Detections of unregulated contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS] and 1,4-dioxane) in public water supplies have raised questions about the quality of drinking water and increased congressional interest in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) efforts to regulate contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Congress enacted SDWA in 1974 to address the quality of public drinking water supplies and protect public health. A key part of the act is the authority for EPA to regulate contaminants in public water supplies. [...] This report discusses the SDWA provisions relevant to how EPA evaluates contaminants to determine whether a contaminant warrants a 'national primary drinking water regulation' (NPDWR), provides an overview of the regulatory development process, and analyzes certain issues that may affect implementation of this section. In addition to the agency's work related to contaminant regulation, EPA has issued other SDWA regulations applicable to public water systems. These include regulations to reduce lead content in drinking water pipes and plumbing and to increase consumer information and public notification about drinking water quality and compliance. The report is primarily limited to EPA's implementation of the process outlined in SDWA Section 1412 'National Drinking Water Regulations' for evaluating contaminants for regulation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-01-08
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Protection of Federal Government Officials [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Overview: "In the aftermath of the breach of the U.S. Capitol security on January 6, 2021--while a joint session of Congress was counting and certifying the 2020 presidential election electoral votes--and in response to increased political tension across the nation, there is renewed congressional interest in protective details for government officials. Attacks against political leaders and other public figures have been an ongoing security issue in the United States. Since the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) started protecting Presidents in 1906, seven assaults or assassination attempts have occurred, with one resulting in a death (President John F. Kennedy). Prior to USSS protection, three sitting Presidents had been assassinated (Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley). In addition, official records and news accounts show that there have been at least 20 attacks against Members of Congress since 1789."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Nagel, Jared C.
2021-01-08
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Defense Primer: The United States Space Force [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "On December 20, 2019, the United States Space Force (USSF) became the sixth branch of the Armed Forces. The Space Force was established within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) with the enactment of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Secretary of the Air Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the Space Force and the United States Air Force (USAF), two separate and distinct military uniformed services. The current Chief of Space Operations (CSO) is General John W. 'Jay' Raymond, who serves as the principal uniformed advisor for all space activities to the Secretary of the Air Force."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2021-01-08
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CARES Act Title IV Financial Assistance Ends [January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Under Title IV of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136), the U.S. Department of the Treasury made loans to specified industries and investments in Federal Reserve programs, authorized until the end of 2020. While Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases and deaths continue to reach new highs, financial conditions stabilized shortly after enactment of the CARES Act. This raised the question of whether assistance should be extended at least until the pandemic ended or allowed to expire because financial stability had been restored. The December COVID-19-related relief package (specifically, Division N, Title X, of P.L. 116-260) did not change the year-end expiration date and permanently closed down all but one of the Fed programs backed by CARES funding. In effect, those programs may be revived only by a future act of Congress and not at the Federal Reserve and Treasury Secretary's discretion. This Insight provides some preliminary observations on Title IV assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Scott, Andrew P.
2021-01-08
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "In the months since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic has negatively affected global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could reduce global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery of a rate of 2.5% to 5.2% in 2021. [...] The full economic impact of the pandemic likely will remain unclear until the negative health effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2021-01-08
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Inauguration Security and Operations [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years at noon on January 20. In 2021, the President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris are to be officially sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 20. Planning for the 2021 inauguration is being challenged by the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic and the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during Congress's counting and certification of the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes. Inauguration security and operations adjustments to traditional ceremonies, customs, and practices are being made. This In Focus presents information related to 2021 inauguration security and operations based on past inaugural activities and announced activities to date. Additional security details are expected to be implemented due to the Capitol security breach. This document will be updated if they are publicly announced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Finch, Christina Miracle
2021-01-08
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House of Representatives Vacancies: How Are They Filled? [January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Vacancies in the office of U.S. Representative occur when an incumbent Member dies, resigns, or leaves office for any reason before the end of their term. Multiple special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives typically take place in each Congress. The same procedures apply if a Representative-elect dies between the election and the day on which the new Congress to which they were elected convenes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Neale, Thomas H.
2021-01-08
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007- 2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-01-08
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Azerbaijan and Armenia: The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict [January 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "In autumn 2020, a six-week war fundamentally reshaped the dynamics of a decades-old conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh (or Mountainous Karabakh, also known in Armenian as Artsakh) and surrounding territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. [...] This report focuses on the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, the autumn 2020 war, and related U.S. policy. It first provides brief historical background and then discusses the post-1994 conflict resolution process and the relationships of Azerbaijan and Armenia with regional powers Russia and Turkey. In addition, the report provides analysis of the autumn 2020 war, the November 2020 cease-fire agreement, and the war's domestic impact in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The report then discusses U.S. responses to the war, longer-term U.S. policy toward the conflict, and the role of Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Bowen, Andrew S.
2021-01-07
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Employee Retention and Employee Retention and Rehiring Tax Credits [January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "The March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) included an employee retention tax credit designed to help businesses retain employees during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. The credit was modified and expanded in December 2020, becoming the employee retention and rehiring tax credit, in the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (enacted as Subtitle B to Title II of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; P.L. 116-260)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.
2021-01-07
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Budget Reconciliation Process: Stages of Consideration [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The purpose of the reconciliation process is to enhance Congress's ability to bring existing spending, revenue, and debt limit laws into compliance with current fiscal priorities and goals established in the annual budget resolution. In adopting a budget resolution, Congress is agreeing upon its budgetary goals for the upcoming fiscal year. Because it is in the form of a concurrent resolution, however, it is not presented to the President or enacted into law. As a consequence, any statutory changes concerning spending or revenues that are necessary to implement these policies must be enacted in separate legislation. Budget reconciliation is an optional congressional process that operates as an adjunct to the budget resolution process and occurs only if reconciliation instructions are included in the budget resolution. Reconciliation instructions are the means by which Congress can establish the roles that specific committees will play in achieving these budgetary goals. Reconciliation consists of several different stages, which are described in this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lynch, Megan Suzanne; Saturno, James
2021-01-07
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Defense Primer: Military Pay Raise [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "The phrase 'military pay raise,' frequently used in discussions of military compensation, almost always refers to the annual increase in basic pay for members of the uniformed services. By law, basic pay is automatically increased at the start of each calendar year by an amount linked to the change in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), although the President or Congress may override this statutory adjustment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2021-01-07
