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MMWR Recommendations and Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 27, 2021: Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021-22 Influenza Season
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 Recommendations and Reports issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021-22 Influenza Season." 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.)
2021-08-27
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 34, August 26, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Federal lab, NUSTL [National Urban Security Technology Laboratory], expands outreach to first responders as a scientific and technical resource"; "US Secret Service NTAC [National Threat Assessment Center] shares violence prevention research for schools"; "FEMA releases two new EOC [Emergency Operations Center] Toolkit documents"; "FEMA offering exercise assistance through the National Exercise Program"; and "Cyber Threats."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-08-26
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Recent Funding Increases for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance [August 26, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that $3.46 billion in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding [hyperlink] will be made available to states, territories, and tribes (STTs) with major disaster declarations for the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic [hyperlink]. FEMA also announced increased funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for FY2021 [hyperlink]. In addition, further funding for BRIC and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program [hyperlink] (FMA) may be available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [hyperlink] (IIJA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2021-08-26
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Violence Prevention: Resources for Federal, State, Local, Tribal, Territorial, and Private Sector Homeland Security Partners
From the Document: "The Department of Homeland Security's mission is 'with honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.' This requires and depends on close collaboration with our federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners. This guide provides an overview of available DHS resources supporting violence prevention for our partners in the field, as well as grant and funding opportunities."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2021-08-25
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International COVID-19 Data and Vaccine Distribution: Selected Resources [August 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to nearly every country worldwide, causing millions of cases and deaths as reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The resources below provide information on tracking the international spread of the virus and global efforts to contain it through vaccine distribution, tests, and treatments. These resources are not a comprehensive list of COVID-19 international data sources. Rather, they are a starting point that may help congressional staff find resources for frequently requested data. [...] Readers may consider using caution when comparing data across sources, time frames, and geographies, as each resource may have differing methodologies and definitions that may change over time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fischer, Hannah
2021-08-25
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 20, 2021
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: "Protracted, Intermittent Outbreak of 'Salmonella' Mbandaka Linked to a Restaurant -- Michigan, 2008-2019"; "Disparities in Excess Mortality Associated with COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] -- United States, 2020"; "Use of Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] in Remote Communities --Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Alaska, September 15, 2020-March 1, 2021"; "Vitamin D-Deficient Rickets and Severe Hypocalcemia in Infants Fed Homemade Alkaline Diet Formula -- Three States, August 2020-February 2021"; and "Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥65 Years Who Have a Lot of Difficulty Hearing or Cannot Hear at All Even When Using Hearing Aids, by Urbanization Level -- National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-08-20
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Remote Learning for K-12 Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic [August 20, 2021]
From the Background: "This report focuses on online learning in elementary and secondary schools during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic and on the most emergent issues associated with the implementation of online learning on a mass scale that took place at the start of the pandemic in spring 2020. It also describes the issues faced by school districts as they consider approaches for providing instruction in the 2021-2022 school year. Finally, it delineates federal efforts to provide assistance to support states and localities dealing with these issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zota, Rita R.; Granovskiy, Boris
2021-08-20
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Liability Issues Related to COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing and Global Distribution [August 19, 2021]
From the Background: "In March 2021, the United States announced efforts to donate Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19) vaccines abroad. In many high-income countries, vaccines and other medical countermeasures are playing a critical role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Vaccine distribution efforts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been comparatively slow for a variety of reasons, raising concerns about how inequities may hinder pandemic control. Some vaccine manufacturers and others willing to donate COVID-19 vaccines are concerned about legal exposure should there be adverse health events arising from COVID-19 vaccination outside of the United States. [...] This In Focus discusses potential liability issues that vaccine manufacturers and donors may face and options Congress might consider while deliberating vaccine distribution and liability issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Hart, Nina M.
2021-08-19
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Bioeconomy: A Primer [August 19, 2021]
From the Summary: "The term bioeconomy refers to the share of the economy based on products, services, and processes derived from biological resources (e.g., plants and microorganisms). The bioeconomy is crosscutting, encompassing multiple sectors, in whole or in part (e.g., agriculture, textiles, chemicals, and energy). Many predict that the bioeconomy will be a key component of the future economy. Specifically, many view the development of and transition to predominantly a bioeconomy as a means to address grand challenges such as climate change, food security, energy independence, and environmental sustainability. [...] Congress may consider a number of issues regarding advancement of the U.S. bioeconomy, including the development and implementation of a national bioeconomy strategy, federal investments in bioeconomy-related research and development, expanding the bioeconomy workforce, promoting and furthering the development of regional bioeconomies, increasing both the market for bio-based products and services, as well as public awareness and acceptance of bio-based products and services. Conversely, Congress may decide there is no need to restructure federal activities and policies, including some long-standing efforts (e.g., bio-based fuels or agricultural biotechnology), under a bioeconomy framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallo, Marcy E.
2021-08-19
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Selective Service System and Draft Registration: Issues for Congress [Updated August 18, 2021]
From the Overview: "The United States has not used conscription to fill manpower requirements for over four decades; however, the Selective Service System and the requirement for young men to register for the draft remain today. Men who fail to register are subject to penalties in the form of lost benefits and criminal action. Some have questioned the need to maintain this agency and the registration requirements. Others have questioned whether the current requirements for registration are fair and equitable. This report provides Congress with information about how the Military Selective Service Act (MSSA), the Selective Service System (SSS), and associated requirements for registration have evolved over time. It explains why the United States developed the SSS, what the system looks like today, how constituents are affected by the MSSA requirements, and what the options and considerations may be for the future of the Selective Service. The first section of the report provides background and history on the Military Selective Service Act, the Selective Service System, and the implementation of the draft in the United States. The second section discusses statutory registration requirements, processes for registering, and penalties for failing to register. The third section discusses the current organization, roles, and resourcing of the Selective Service System. The final section discusses policy options and consideration for Congress for the future of the MSSA and the Selective Service System."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2021-08-18
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Environmental Assessment of Proposed Tracer Particle and Gas Releases: Chemical and Bio-Defense Testbed (CBT) Program, Urban Threat Dispersion (UTD) Program, Version 5
From the Executive Summary: "The United States (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and other stakeholders in New York City (NYC), is proposing to conduct testing events to improve resiliency of urban areas and transportation systems against chemical or biological terrorist attacks (Proposed Action). This Environmental Assessment (EA) documents the analysis of any potential effects on the environment resulting from the Proposed Action. This EA is being coordinated with stakeholders and the public for information and comment, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as outlined in 40 CFR [Code of Federal Regulations] Parts 1500-1508 and DHS Directive 023-01, Rev. 01 and DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev.01, implementing NEPA. [...] The Proposed Action would take place between September 2021 and May 2022 and involves the release of particle and gas tracer materials directed into the open-air space in several predetermined locations within NYC. The Proposed Action would include the release of low concentrations of safe particle and gas tracer materials as part of two programs - the Urban Threat Dispersion (UTD) program and the Chemical and Bio-defense Testbed (CBT) program. The Proposed Action and the No Action Alternatives are considered in this EA."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate
2021-08-17
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 13, 2021
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: "West Nile Virus and Other Domestic Nationally Notifiable Arboviral Diseases -- United States, 2019"; "Alternative Methods for Grouping Race and Ethnicity to Monitor COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Outcomes and Vaccination Coverage"; "Reduced Risk of Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] After COVID-19 Vaccination -- Kentucky, May-June 2021"; "Rapid Increase in Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant -- Mesa County, Colorado, April-June 2021"; "Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing Hospitalization Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years -- COVID-NET [COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network], 13 States, February-April 2021"; and "Use of COVID-19 Vaccines After Reports of Adverse Events Among Adult Recipients of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and mRNA [messenger ribonucleic acid] COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna): Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, July 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-08-13
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Federal Employees and COVID-19 Vaccination Attestations: Immediate Takeaways [Updated August 13, 2021]
From the Document: "Executive Order 13991 [hyperlink] established the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force [hyperlink] (Task Force) to provide ongoing guidance to heads of executive agencies on government operation and employee safety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On July 29, 2021, the Task Force issued revised 'model safety principles' to executive agencies and departments. Among other safety principles, this guidance [hyperlink] instructs federal agencies to determine the vaccination status of federal employees and onsite contractors, and requires employees and onsite contractors to 'sign an attestation confirming their vaccination status.' Those who decline to provide an attestation must [hyperlink] wear a mask and be subject to testing and other safety measures. This effort to promote COVID-19 vaccination, similar [hyperlink] to some state and municipal employers' requirements, follows newly reported increases in COVID-19 cases and related [hyperlink] hospitalizations attributable to the spread of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19. [...] This Sidebar begins by providing background on the Task Force and the vaccination attestation policy. It then describes the primary authorities federal agencies may employ to implement the policy and relevant constitutional considerations. Next, the Sidebar discusses key requirements under federal antidiscrimination laws that may inform the implementation of the guidance. Finally, the Sidebar briefly considers whether COVID-19 vaccines' current emergency use authorization (EUA) status affects the federal government's ability to impose requirements related to vaccination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Anderson, April J.; Shimabukuro, Jon O.; Shen, Wen W.
2021-08-13
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Smithsonian Institution: Climate Change Action Plan
From the Introduction: "As one of the foremost research complexes in the world, the Smithsonian has long kept climate change, sustainability, and stewardship of the planet a focus of our scientific research as well as our operational decisions -- a focus that spans across all aspects of the Institution for a truly One Smithsonian approach. This Climate Action Plan details our Institution-wide efforts to assess our vulnerabilities, enhance our resiliency, research the Earth system, adapt to a changing climate and its effects, and educate our staff and the public on the climate crisis. Because the Smithsonian is such a multi-faceted organization, these initiatives are not siloed into certain portions of the Institution. Instead, many areas, specifically our public programs, our research, our collections, our administrative functions, and our facilities infrastructure, which touch every part of the Institution, are all vital to our ongoing approach in facing climate change. Smithsonian's Climate Action Plan, combined with our Climate Change Policy, are the backbone of how we are and will address these urgent concerns of preparing for and mitigating against the impacts of climate change as well as our steps to create a more sustainable future."
Smithsonian Institution
2021-08-13
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Priority Open Recommendations: Department of Homeland Security [August 13, 2021]
From the Document: "[T]he purpose of this letter is to provide an update on the overall status of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) implementation of GAO [Government Accountability Office]'s recommendations and to call your personal attention to areas where open recommendations should be given high priority. In November 2020, we reported that on a government-wide basis, 77 percent of our recommendations made 4 years ago were implemented. DHS's recommendation implementation rate was 84 percent. As of March 2021, DHS had 464 open recommendations. Fully implementing these open recommendations could significantly improve agency operations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-08-13
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 32, August 12, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Webinar series from UL [Underwriters Laboratories] shares science relevant to lithium-ion battery safety for responders"; "NVFC [National Volunteer Fire Council] and PHMSA [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration] offer pipeline response, planning, and preparedness toolkit for fire departments"; "Resources for ensuring inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency response plans" ; "FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] hosts virtual UAS [Unmanned Aircraft Systems] Symposium Sept. 14-15, invites public safety partners to learn and discuss latest regulations on drones"; "CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] launches new Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative"; "CISA releases new cyber training guide"; "Microsoft: Zero Trust security just hit the mainstream"; "NCCoE [National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence] names 18 firms for zero trust collaboration project"; and "Indiana hospital reroutes ambulances during ransomware attack."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-08-12
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Selected Federal Financial Assistance for Emergency Response to Extreme Heat: In Brief [August 11, 2021]
From the Document: "This report identifies federal assistance potentially available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture, and other authorities for certain extreme heat response costs incurred by SLTTs [state, local, tribal, territorial governments] and eligible community organizations (e.g., hospitals). Given evolving and flexible program and grant guidelines, the lists in this report may not be comprehensive. Program applicability to each applicant or incident may vary. Federal assistance for other costs related to extreme heat (e.g., preparedness, infrastructural improvements, and assistance for individuals) are not detailed here, but may be available from the Department of Energy, EPA (e.g., the Heat Islands Reduction Program), and other agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Wyatt, Taylor R.; Cecire, Michael H. . . .
2021-08-11
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Federal Support for School Safety and Security [August 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "In the United States, more than 70 million students are enrolled in public elementary and secondary (K-12) schools or degree-granting postsecondary institutions. School and campus safety and security for these students encompasses many issues, including violence prevention and response, school climate, and the physical and mental health of the school community. Students' safety and security while in school is a paramount concern of the federal government and state and local governments, as well as school districts, institutions of higher education, students' families, and Members of Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dragoo, Kyrie E.; Reese, Shawn; James, Nathan . . .
2021-08-10
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 32, August 6, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "New fentanyl detection standards will protect first responders in the field"; "CDC [Center for Disease Control and Prevention] and FDA warn of increased availability of delta-8 THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] and adverse events"; "CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] releases Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework"; "IAFC [International Association of Fire Chiefs] hosts virtual Wildland-Urban Interface Conference, Nov 15-16"; "CISA, FBI, and NSA release joint Cybersecurity Advisory on BlackMatter Ransomware"; "Ongoing cyber threats to US water and wastewater systems sector facilities"; "CISA seeking answers for implementation of endpoint detection and response tools"; and "Ransomware group FIN12 aggressively going after healthcare targets." Please note this EMR-ISAC InfoGram corresponds to the October 21, 2021 InfoGram.
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-08-06
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Federal Employees and COVID-19 Vaccination Attestations: Immediate Takeaways [August 6, 2021]
From the Document: "Executive Order 13991 [hyperlink] established the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force [hyperlink] (Task Force) to provide ongoing guidance to heads of executive agencies on government operation and employee safety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On July 29, 2021, the Task Force issued revised 'model safety principles' to executive agencies and departments. Among other safety principles, this guidance [hyperlink] instructs federal agencies to determine the vaccination status of federal employees and onsite contractors, and requires employees and onsite contractors to 'sign an attestation confirming their vaccination status.' Those who decline to provide an attestation must [hyperlink] wear a mask and be subject to testing and other safety measures. This effort to promote COVID-19 vaccination, similar [hyperlink] to some state and municipal employers' requirements, follows newly reported increases in COVID-19 cases and related [hyperlink] hospitalizations attributable to the spread of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19. [...] This Sidebar begins by providing background on the Task Force and the vaccination attestation policy. It then describes the primary authorities federal agencies may employ to implement the policy and relevant constitutional considerations. Next, the Sidebar discusses key requirements under federal antidiscrimination laws that may inform the implementation of the guidance. Finally, the Sidebar briefly considers whether COVID-19 vaccines' current emergency use authorization (EUA) status affects the federal government's ability to impose requirements related to vaccination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Anderson, April J.; Shimabukuro, Jon O.; Shen, Wen W.
2021-08-06
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Wildfire Statistics [Updated August 6, 2021]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. [...] Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity. Nationwide data compiled by the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) indicate that the number of annual wildfires is variable but has decreased slightly over the last 30 years and that the number of acres impacted annually, while also variable, generally has increased. Since 2000, an annual average of 70,600 wildfires burned an annual average of 7.0 million acres. This figure is more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s (3.3 million acres), although a greater number of fires occurred annually in the 1990s (78,600 average)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2021-08-06
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 6, 2021
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: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Vaccine Safety in Adolescents Aged 12-17 Years -- United States, December 14, 2020-July 16, 2021"; "Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Infections, Including COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections, Associated with Large Public Gatherings -- Barnstable County, Massachusetts, July 2021"; "'Notes from the Field': Delays in Identification and Treatment of a Case of Septicemic Plague -- Navajo County, Arizona, 2020"; and "'QuickStats': Injury Deaths as a Percentage of Total Deaths, by Age Group -- National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2019."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-08-06
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Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution [Updated August 5, 2021]
From the Background: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to severe health and economic consequences across the globe, as governments work to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. In late 2020, researchers started identifying several COVID-19 variants, now driving surges in related cases and deaths across Africa and south Asia. The United States, India, and Brazil have the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, many caused by the Delta variant. Vaccines and other countermeasures play a growing role in COVID-19 control. However, insufficient access to vaccines in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) raises questions about how inequities may hinder pandemic control worldwide."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2021-08-05
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: Senate Amendment 2137 to H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as Proposed on August 1, 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as proposed on August 1, 2021. From the Document: "The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over the 2021-2031 period, enacting Senate Amendment 2137 to H.R. 3684 would decrease direct spending by $110 billion, increase revenues by $50 billion, and increase discretionary spending by $415 billion. On net, the legislation would add $256 billion to projected deficits over that period. The legislation would provide $382.9 billion in contract authority (a form of mandatory budget authority) for a variety of transportation programs over the 2022-2026 period. Under the rules governing baseline projections that are specified in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, this estimate incorporates an assumption that the contract authority of about $79.9 billion that would be provided in 2026 (the final year of the authorization) would also be provided in each subsequent year. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] therefore estimates that an additional $399.6 billion in contract authority would be available over the 2027-2031 period, for a total of $782.5 billion over the 10-year period. Over the 2022-2031 period, that total would be $196.5 billion more that the amount in CBO's July 2021 baseline."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2021-08-05
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 31, August 5, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "DHS S&T [Science and Technology Directorate] designs and tests practical, lightweight respirator for wildland firefighters"; "DHS releases new human trafficking guidance for law enforcement"; "FEMA releases new emergency planning guidance for chemical incidents"; "Webinar: Preventing Targeted Violence and Protecting the Safety and Security of Houses of Worship in the United States and Europe"; "NSA [National Security Agency] releases guidance on securing wireless devices while in public"; "CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's]: China cyber threat overview and advisories"; "DDoS [distributed denial-of-service] attacks largely target the US and the computers and internet sectors"; "A clever phishing campaign is targeting Office 365 users"; and "REvil [Ransomware Evil] most popular ransomware variant in 2021 (so far)."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-08-05
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated August 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the pandemic might have for the international security environment, and appendices listing CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Biden Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.
2021-08-05
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ADA at 31: Access to Housing and Health Care Must Meet the Rise of Disability in the U.S.
From the Document: "It has been nearly 50 years since disability activists in San Francisco took over a federal building for 28 days to force the signing of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This legislation established the rights of people with disabilities against discrimination in programs receiving federal funds. By 1990, disability activists were literally crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand civil rights legislation for disabled people. This resulted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which celebrated its 31st anniversary in July 2021. Yet even with these laws' protections, the lack of access and equity for people with disabilities--particularly those who are multiply marginalized--was put in sharp focus by their treatment during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Despite the coronavirus being indiscriminate, it has laid bare the inequities of the United States for all to witness. COVID-19 killed hundreds of thousands of Americans in part due to the vulnerability created through continued inequities in the distribution of resources and services, particularly in marginalized populations. [...] Despite the passage of several temporary measures to better support people in the United States--including increased economic support, access to health care testing and vaccines, and eviction and foreclosure protections --housing, food, and health care still have not been determined as basic rights to maintain public health and safety." This material 'ADA at 31: Access to Housing and Health Care Must Meet the Rise of Disability in the U.S.' was published by the Center for American Progress.
Center for American Progress
Novack, Valerie; Moh, Kelly
2021-08-05
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 4, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as geopolitical competition in the region between the United States, Russia, and China; increased military operations in the region by the United States, Russia, and other Arctic countries; growth in commercial shipping through the Arctic; and oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, and/or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2021-08-04
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Observations: Fiscal Year 2020 COVID-19 Federal Contracting
From the Document: "Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has authorized more than $5 trillion1 to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Numerous federal agencies have used a large portion of these funds to award contracts for critical goods and services to support federal, state, and local response efforts. In July 2020,2 the Government Accountability Office reported that contracting--while critical during emergencies--can also present unique challenges. Officials may face pressure to provide goods and services as quickly as possible, which can result in fraud and improper payments. Even in non-pandemic times, financial management controls and proper oversight of government contracts pose a challenge to federal agencies and programs. The substantial increase in funding for pandemic-related programs combined with the public's expectation that these funds get distributed quickly makes it more likely that these risks may occur. However, even in times of emergency, federal agencies must put controls in place to protect against fraud and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively."
Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
2021-08-04
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated August 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Sub-Saharan Africa has confirmed fewer COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths per capita than other regions, but many countries have faced a deadlier third wave of cases since mid-2021. As of July 2021, southern African countries had the highest per-capita caseloads (and had also administered the most tests). Public health experts have expressed acute concerns about the regional surge in both cases and deaths, which they attribute to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant and public fatigue with infection control restrictions. Most governments in Africa have struggled to secure vaccines. Total cumulative confirmed cases and deaths remain concentrated in a handful of countries, led by South Africa. Studies suggest that case data may be underreported in many countries, and experts warn that asymptomatic transmission may have hidden the scope of the spread while allowing for potential virus mutation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .
2021-08-04
