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Cruelty, Coercion, and Legal Contortions: The Trump Administration's Unsafe Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
From the Introduction: "Since his first days in office in 2017, President Donald Trump has aggressively exploited the U.S. immigration system to reduce the number of foreigners allowed entry into the United States, and especially to repel refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants in need of protection. [...] One striking example of the effort to eviscerate long-standing American protection policy is the set of agreements the Trump administration signed with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, the so-called 'Asylum Cooperative Agreements' (ACAs). These agreements follow a pattern of unlawful maneuvers designed to close off legal pathways to protection in the United States. [...] This report examines the ACAs' impact on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, their tenuous foundation in U.S. law, and their role in U.S. foreign policy toward Central America. The Report is based on information gleaned through Committee hearings, travel to the region, rigorous oversight of the State Department, and consultations with international organizations and human rights advocates--information learned despite the Trump administration's obstruction and efforts to hide relevant documentation. Annexes to this report include previously unpublished written material provided by the State Department to SFRC [Senate Committee on Foreign Relations] Democratic Staff. The report's annexes also include key documents related to the ACAs that the Trump administration refused to disclose to SFRC, ensuring they are now freely accessible to the public. SFRC Democratic Staff has found the ACAs to be alarmingly abusive in every respect."
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations
2021-01-18
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DHS Strategic Action Plan to Counter the Threat Posed by the People's Republic of China: Defending the Homeland in the Era of Great Power Competition
From the Executive Summary: "Though the global security environment has evolved considerably since the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) founding, its fundamental mission has endured: To safeguard the Homeland, its values, and the American way of life. The changing geopolitical landscape, led by the return of great power competition, is nowhere more evident than in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) ascension to the world-stage. [...] As denoted in the 2017 National Security Strategy of the United States (NSS) and 2020 United States Strategic Approach to the PRC (Strategic Approach), DHS and the broader United States Government (USG) have entered into a period of sustained competition against the PRC, requiring continued attention, adaptation, and resourcing to safeguard the American people and Homeland. The American people rely on DHS to play an integral role in the USG's competition with the PRC. The more than 240,000 men and women of the Department stand ready to curb malign PRC activity and the myriad of other challenges. This study, which seeks to more strategically identify, assess, and leverage the Department's unique resources and authorities, reflects these efforts. The DHS China Strategic Action Plan (SAP) is informed by and nests within the NSS and the Strategic Approach, which delineate the United States' strategic approach to PRC through the pursuit of four goals: (1) protecting the American people, the Homeland, and the American way of life; (2) promoting American prosperity; (3) preserving peace through strength; and (4) advancing American interests."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
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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Materials in Support of H. Res. 24, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors: House Judiciary Committee Majority Staff Report
From the Introduction: "The Constitution grants the House of Representatives the 'sole Power of Impeachment,' not merely as a safeguard for the nation between elections, but also in cases where the removal of the President is urgent and necessary to preserve the security of the constitutional order. The House must invoke this power now to impeach President Trump for inciting an insurrection on January 6, 2021. President Trump engaged in high Crimes and Misdemeanors when he urged his supporters to storm the United States Capitol Building and then failed to stop the ensuing violence. His actions marked the culmination of an extensive and unprecedented effort to overturn the results of the presidential election. As alleged in the Article of Impeachment and described in this report, President Trump has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law. His continued hold on the Office of the Presidency, even for only a few more days, represents a clear and present danger to the United States. [...] Impeachment is not a punishment of prior wrongs, but a protection against future evils. It is true that the President's remaining term is limited--but a President capable of fomenting a violent insurrection in the Capitol is capable of greater dangers still. He must be removed from office as swiftly as the Constitution allows. He must also be disqualified to prevent the recurrence of the extraordinary threat he presents. For these reasons, the House must impeach President Donald J. Trump."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary
2021-01-12
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H. Rept. 117-?: Providing for Consideration of the Resolution (H. Res. 24) Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for High Crimes and Misdemeanors, Report to Accompany H. Res ?, January 12, 2021
From the Summary: "The resolution provides for consideration of H. Res. 24, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, under a closed rule. The resolution provides two hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of H. Res. 24. The resolution provides that until completion of proceedings enabled by the first section of the resolution, (a) the Chair may decline to entertain any intervening motion, resolution, question, or notice; and (b) the Chair may decline to entertain the question of consideration. The resolution provides that upon adoption of H. Res. 24, (a) H. Res. 40 is hereby adopted; and (b) no other resolution incidental to impeachment relating to H. Res. 24 shall be privileged during the remainder of the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress. The resolution provides that H. Res. 8, agreed to January 4, 2021, is amended by striking 'January 28' each place that it appears and inserting 'February 11'."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-01-12
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Strategic Approach for Arctic Homeland Security
From the Executive Summary: "The Department is at a critical inflection point in its nascent history. Forged from the Nation-altering terrorist attacks of 9/11, DHS has grown and evolved during the past two decades to address all threats and hazards to the Homeland. [...] As an Arctic Nation, the United States must protect its citizens, sovereignty, and economic security interests throughout the region while bolstering the sovereignty and security interests of our like-minded allies and partners. [...] This strategic approach outlines DHS's unique role in the region and three goals the Department will endeavor to achieve in it: 1. Secure the Homeland through Persistent Presence and All Domain Awareness; 2. Strengthen Access, Response, and Resilience in the Arctic; and, 3. Advance Arctic Governance and a Rules-Based Order through Targeted National and International Engagement and Cooperation. The Arctic's expanded relevance, coupled with the Department's significant regional investments, requires DHS to have a unified, deliberate, and forward-looking approach. The Strategic Approach for Arctic Homeland Security fully leverages the broad range of DHS authorities, capabilities, capacity and partnerships to achieve the goals laid out in this document."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
2021-01-11
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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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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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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region. By the end of 2020, the region reported over 507,000 deaths (almost 28% of deaths worldwide)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-01-07
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Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress has maintained interest in Mexico, a neighboring country and top trading partner with which the United States has a close but complex relationship. In recent decades, U.S.-Mexican relations have improved as the countries have become close trade partners and worked to address crime, migration, and other issues of shared concern. Nevertheless, the history of U.S. military and diplomatic intervention in Mexico and the asymmetry in the relationship has continued to provoke periodic tension. For example, the U.S. investigation into and October 2020 arrest of Mexico's former defense minister damaged trust between the two governments. Congress remains concerned about the effects of organized-crime-related violence in Mexico on U.S. security interests and about U.S. citizens' safety in Mexico, and it has increased oversight of U.S.-Mexican security cooperation. Congress may continue to appropriate foreign assistance for Mexico and oversee bilateral efforts to address illegal drug flows, unauthorized migration, environmental issues, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) and its labor commitments, Mexico's treatment of U.S. energy firms, and border environmental and water issues may receive oversight attention. This report provides an overview of political and economic conditions in Mexico, followed by overviews of selected issues of congressional interest in Mexico: security and foreign aid, extraditions, human rights, trade, migration, energy, border environmental, water, and health."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-01-07
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 6, 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. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2021-01-06
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Issues in the Reauthorization of Amtrak [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "Amtrak--officially the National Railroad Passenger Corporation--has been the national intercity passenger railroad since 1971, and currently serves over 500 stations on a network approximately 22,000 miles long. In some markets, such as the busy Northeast Corridor (NEC) connecting Washington, DC; New York; and Boston, it has captured a greater share of intercity passengers than domestic airlines. In other, more rural markets, some see it as a vital link to the national transportation system despite low levels of ridership. Though Amtrak is legally a private for-profit corporation, the federal government controls the company's operations. A multiyear authorization of federal funding for Amtrak was included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-94), which expires at the end of FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-01-05
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Russian Cyber Units [January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Russia has deployed sophisticated cyber capabilities to conduct disinformation, propaganda, espionage, and destructive cyberattacks globally. To conduct these operations, Russia maintains numerous units overseen by its various security and intelligence agencies. Russia's security agencies compete with each other and often conduct similar operations on the same targets, making specific attribution and motivation assessments difficult. Congress may be interested in the various Russian agencies, units, and their attributes to better understand why and how Russia conducts cyber operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew S.
2021-01-04
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Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Helicopter noise can potentially expose members of the public to a variety of negative effects, ranging from annoyance to more serious medical issues. FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] is responsible for managing navigable U.S. airspace and regulating noise from civil helicopter operations. Residents of the D.C. area have raised concerns about the number of helicopter flights and the resulting noise. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review issues related to helicopter flights and noise within the D.C. area. Among its objectives, this report examines: (1) what is known about helicopter flights and noise from flights in the D.C. area, and (2) the extent to which FAA and helicopter operators have taken action to address helicopter noise in the D.C. area."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
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Pandemic Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Initial Assessment Report
From the Document: "FEMA acknowledges that COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] continues to affect individuals and families throughout the United States. Cases continue to rise, and more Americans are feeling the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in their personal and professional lives. This Initial Assessment Report is intended to help the agency learn and take improvement actions, and to reflect on the early operations. It is focused on the period from January 2020 through the end of September 2020, and FEMA's roles and responsibilities in the response operation."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2021-01
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Review of the Department of Justice's Planning and Implementation of Its Zero Tolerance Policy and Its Coordination with the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services
From the Executive Summary Introduction: "On April 6, 2018, then Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ, Department) had adopted a 'zero tolerance policy' for immigration offenses involving illegal entry and attempted illegal entry into the United States. The policy required each U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) on the Southwest border to prosecute all referrals for illegal entry violations, including misdemeanors, referred by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 'to the extent practicable, and in consultation with DHS.' [...] In July 2018, multiple members of Congress requested that the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) review the Department's role in the creation and implementation of the zero tolerance policy. The OIG conducted this review to assess the Department's planning for and implementation of the zero tolerance policy, including its internal coordination with the Southwest border USAOs, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and with DHS and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Consistent with the Inspector General Act of 1978, this review does not substitute the OIG's judgment for the judgments made by DOJ leadership regarding the substantive merits of the zero tolerance policy."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2021-01
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Economic Report of the President 'Together' with the Annual Report 'of the' Council of Economic Advisers (January 2021)
From the Introduction: "In 2020, the U.S. economy experienced its worst macroeconomic shock since the Great Depression. As a direct result of the arrival of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]--and consequent measures to contain and mitigate viral transmission, real output was on pace to contract by as much as 12.3 percent in 2020, which would have constituted the worst economic contraction since 1932. Professional forecasters projected that the unemployment rate would reach as high as 25.0 percent in May 2020, its worst level since the Great Depression and more than twice its peak in the aftermath of the 2008-9 global financial crisis. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) forecasted a contraction of almost 6 percent during the four quarters of 2020, and that the unemployment rate would remain over 11 percent through the end of the year."
United States. White House Office
Council of Economic Advisers (U.S.); Trump, Donald, 1946-
2021-01
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Inauguration Security and Operations [December 23, 2020]
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- and Vice President-elect are to be officially sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 20. Planning for the 2021 inauguration is being challenged by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic; 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Finch, Christina Miracle
2020-12-23
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COVID-19: China Medical Supply Chains and Broader Trade Issues [Updated December 23, 2020]
From the Summary: "The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first in China, and then globally, including in the United States, has drawn attention to the ways in which the U.S. economy depends on manufacturing and supply chains based in China. This report aims to assess current developments and identify immediate and longer range China trade issues for Congress. An area of particular concern to Congress has been U.S. shortages in medical supplies-- including personal protective equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals--as the United States stepped up efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic with limited domestic stockpiles and insufficient U.S. industrial capacity. Because of China's role as a global supplier of PPE, medical devices, antibiotics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, reduced exports from China led to shortages of critical medical supplies in the United States. Exacerbating the situation, in early February 2020, the Chinese government nationalized control of the production and distribution of medical supplies in China-- directing all production for domestic use--and directed the bureaucracy and Chinese industry to secure supplies from the global market. Once past the initial peak of its COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese government appears to have prioritized certain countries and selectively released some medical supplies for overseas delivery."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2020-12-23
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Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program--the Coast Guard's program for acquiring new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers). The PSC program has received a total of $1,169.6 million (i.e., about $1.2 billion) in procurement funding through FY2020, including $135 million in FY2020, which was $100 million more than the $35 million that the Coast Guard had requested for FY2020. With the funding it has received through FY2020, the first PSC is now fully funded and the second PSC has received initial funding. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requests $555 million in procurement funding for the PSC program. It also proposes a rescission of $70 million in FY2020 funding that Congress had provided for the procurement of long lead time materials (LLTM) for a 12th National Security Cutter (NSC), with the intent of reprogramming that funding to the PSC program. The Coast Guard states that its proposed FY2021 budget, if approved by Congress, would fully fund the second PSC. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Administration's FY2021 procurement funding request for the PSC program and the proposed rescission of FY2020 NSC funding, and, more generally, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's overall plan for procuring new polar icebreakers. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Coast Guard funding requirements, the Coast Guard's ability to perform its polar missions, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-23
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [December 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the capacity of the naval shipbuilding industry, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-23
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2020 National Preparedness Report
From the Foreword: "I am pleased to announce the release of the National Preparedness Report (NPR). Every year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) releases this report to provide a picture of how prepared the Nation is to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of any disaster, as well as ensure the continuity of lifelines, essential functions, and services. Through the NPR, FEMA hopes to inspire action by the whole community--including individuals; communities; state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments; the private and non-profit sectors; and the Federal Government--to increase capabilities and make us more resilient, prepared, and ready to address any challenges that we as a Nation may face. National preparedness is the responsibility of all levels of our society, including individuals, local governments, the private sector, and the Federal Government. The world this report has been released into is forever changed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, the largest pandemic in human history since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the first ever Stafford Act major disaster declaration of all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia for a naturally occurring infectious disease, and has altered the way of life for people across the world."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States. Department of Homeland Security
2020-12-22
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Defense Primer: The Military Departments [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Document: "There are three military departments within the Department of Defense (DOD): Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force. A military department provides and embodies traditional civilian control of the military. The authority, function, and organization of each military department are established in Title 10 of the United States Code. Since 1947, the military departments have fallen under the Secretary of Defense's authority, direction, and control. According to the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-433), combatant commands are responsible for military operations, whereas military departments are responsible for personnel, training, services, supply, and procurement. Under the leadership of its Secretary, each military department provides conventional, strategic, and special operations forces to conduct military operations within a combatant command. A military department consists of an executive headquarters and various agencies, installations, or field headquarters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ott, Alan
2020-12-22
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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requests a total of $597 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requests and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Election Administration: Federal Grant Funding for States and Localities [December 21, 2020]
From the Summary: "States, territories, and localities have primary responsibility for administering elections in the United States, but Congress has tools it can use to support or shape their efforts if it chooses to do so. One of those tools is funding. Congress can use its power to provide--and set conditions on--funding to encourage or help states and localities to adopt, reject, implement, or maintain election administration policies and practices. Congress has used or proposed using funding to engage with election administration issues in various ways, including by directing federal agencies to use some of their funding to support state and local election administration work and by considering conditioning eligibility for certain federal funds on adopting or rejecting election administration policies. Perhaps the most direct way in which Congress has used funding is by establishing and funding state and local grant programs specifically for election administration-related purposes. Congress first authorized major election administration-related grant programs for states and localities in response to issues with the conduct of the 2000 elections. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA; 52 U.S.C. §§20901-21145) set new requirements for the administration of federal elections and created the election administration-focused U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also authorized election administration-related grant programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shanton, Karen L.
2020-12-21
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Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Conformance Framework
From the Executive Summary: "The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have enabled widespread adoption of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in many applications across modern society. [...] This Resilient PNT Conformance Framework was sponsored by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and developed in coordination with industry and federal agency partners. It provides guidance for defining expected behaviors in resilient PNT user equipment (UE), with the goal of facilitating development and adoption of those behaviors through a common framework that enables improved risk management, determination of appropriate mitigations, and decision making by PNT end-users. To encourage industry innovation, this framework is PNT source agnostic and outcome based. It also contains four levels of resilience so that end-users can select a level that is appropriate based on their risk tolerance, budget, and application criticality. Therefore, a lower level receiver is not necessarily better or worse; instead, it simply reflects a level that meets the user's particular needs. This framework focuses on resilience and applies to UE that outputs PNT solutions, including PNT systems of systems, integrated PNT receivers, and PNT source components (such as GNSS chipsets)."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate
2020-12-18?
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Justice Department's Role in Cyber Incident Response [Updated December 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Criminals and other malicious actors rely on the internet and evolving technology to further their operations. They exploit cyberspace, where they can mask their identities and motivations. In this domain, criminals can compromise financial assets, hacktivists can flood websites with traffic--effectively shutting them down, and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. When such cyber incidents occur, a number of questions arise, including how the federal government will react and which agencies will respond. These questions have been raised following a number of high-profile breaches such as those against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Democratic National Committee, as well as intrusions into a number of federal agencies and other organizations via network management software produced by SolarWinds. Federal law enforcement has taken the lead in investigating cyber incidents, attributing certain malicious activities to specific perpetrators, and prosecuting cyber threat actors. This report outlines the federal framework for cyber incident response, highlighting the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) role in this response. It also discusses challenges for federal law enforcement and potential policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2020-12-18
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Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense--Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides a brief overview of implications for U.S. defense of renewed great power competition with China and Russia. The issue for Congress is how U.S. defense planning should respond to renewed great power competition, and whether to approve, reject, or modify the Trump Administration's proposed defense funding levels, strategy, plans, and programs for addressing renewed great power competition. Congress's decisions on these issues could have significant implications for U.S. defense capabilities and funding requirements. This report focuses on defense-related issues and does not discuss potential implications of renewed great power competition for other policy areas, such as foreign policy and diplomacy, trade and finance, energy, and foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-17
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated December 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are largely part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office ofForeign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as certain parts of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the Department of Commerce. Various Administrations have eased and tightened these restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed. [...] This report examines developments in U.S. policy restricting travel and remittances to Cuba, particularly changes under the Obama and Trump Administrations, current permissible travel to Cuba and current policy on remittances, and debate on lifting the travel restrictions. Appendix provides a history of legislative action related to the restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba from 1999 through 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-12-17
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 15, 2020]
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) . . .
2020-12-15
