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Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress for three types of unmanned vehicles (UVs) that the Navy wants to develop and procure in FY2020 and beyond: [1] Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs); [2] Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs); and [3] Extra-large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). [...] The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and FY2020 funding requests for these three types of UVs. The Navy's proposals for developing and procuring them pose a number of oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding and UV industrial bases."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-17
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA amphibious ship programs. The Navy's FY2020 budget submission defers the planned procurement of the second LPD-17 Flight II ship, LPD-31, by one year, to FY2021, and requests $247.1 million in advance procurement (AP) funding for the ship. The Navy wants to procure the next LHA-type amphibious assault ship in FY2024. The Navy's proposed FY2020 budget does not request any procurement or AP funding for this ship. Issues for Congress include whether to procure LPD-31 in FY2020 or FY2021; whether to procure LPD-31 (if it is procured in FY2020) with full funding or incremental funding; the amount of procurement or AP funding to provide for LPD-31 and LHA-9 in FY2020; and more generally whether the Navy is placing too much, too little, or about the right amount of emphasis on amphibious ships in its FY2020 budget submission, particularly compared to other Navy shipbuilding programs. Congress's decisions on these issues could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-17
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. A total of 35 LCSs have been procured through FY2019. The Navy wants FY2019 to be the final year of LCS procurement, and it has not requested the procurement of any additional LCSs in its FY2020 budget submission. [...] A current issue for Congress regarding the LCS program is whether to procure any additional LCSs in FY2020, and if so, how many. Another issue for Congress concerns future workloads and employment levels at the two LCS shipyards if one or both of these yards are not involved in building FFG(X)s. Congress's decisions on the LCS program will affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-17
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO-205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2020 budget requests the procurement of the fifth and sixth ships in the program. Issues for Congress regarding the TAO-205 program include the following: whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2020 procurement funding request for the program; the number of oilers the Navy will require in coming years to support its operations; and whether to encourage or direct the Navy to build TAO-205s with more ship self-defense equipment than currently planned by the Navy. Decisions that Congress makes regarding the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-17
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Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2020 [Updated January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "This report lists hundreds of instances in which the United States has used its Armed Forces abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes. It was compiled in part from various older lists and is intended primarily to provide a rough survey of past U.S. military ventures abroad, without reference to the magnitude of the given instance noted. The listing often contains references, especially from 1980 forward, to continuing military deployments, especially U.S. military participation in multinational operations associated with NATO or the United Nations. Most of these post-1980 instances are summaries based on presidential reports to Congress related to the War Powers Resolution. A comprehensive commentary regarding any of the instances listed is not undertaken here."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Plagakis, Sofia
2020-01-13
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Presidential Pardons: Overview and Selected Legal Issues [January 14, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides an overview of the President's pardon power. After briefly discussing the historical background to the power conferred by Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the report explores the different forms of clemency that are available, the relatively few limits on the pardon power, and the process of seeking and receiving clemency. The report concludes by addressing selected legal issues related to the pardon power: (1) the legal effect of pardons and other forms of clemency; (2) whether the President may grant clemency to himself; and (3) Congress's role in overseeing the use of the pardon power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-01-14
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Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 15, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report describes the categories of beneficiaries eligible for survivor benefits under the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), the formulas used in computing the income level (including the integration of SBP benefits with other federal benefits), and the costs of SBP participation incurred by the retiree and/or the beneficiary. While this report focuses primarily on SBP, survivors of military members may be eligible for other benefits, including life insurance, TRICARE health benefits, Annuity for Certain Military Surviving Spouses (ACMSS), the Minimum Income Widow Annuity, Department of Defense (DOD) death gratuity, commissary and exchange privileges, and other federal benefits, such as Social Security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2020-01-15
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Kenya [Updated January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. government considers Kenya a strategic partner and key regional actor in East Africa, and critical to counterterrorism efforts in the region. Kenya is sub-Saharan Africa's third largest economy, a regional finance and transportation hub, and a top tourism destination. Its capital, Nairobi, is home to one of four major United Nations offices worldwide and serves as a base for regional humanitarian efforts. It also hosts the largest U.S. diplomatic mission in Africa. Kenya ranks among the top U.S. foreign aid recipients globally and is one of the largest African recipients of U.S. counterterrorism assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2020-01-16
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Iranian Offensive Cyberattack Capabilities [January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "Iran's use of cyberspace has evolved from an internal means of information control and repression to more aggressive attacks on foreign targets. The regime has been developing its own cybersecurity software and internet architecture in order to protect and insulate its networks, and it has been developing technological cyber expertise as a form of asymmetric warfare against a superior conventional U.S. military. Iran also has a history of using cyberattacks in retaliation against the United States. In 2010, a computer worm known as Stuxnet was discovered by cybersecurity researchers to have infiltrated the computers that controlled nuclear centrifuges in Iran, causing physical damage and preventing operation. The Stuxnet worm was reported to have been a joint effort between the governments of the United States and Israel. Following the discovery of the Stuxnet malware, U.S. assets experienced an increase in the severity and duration of cyberattacks originating in Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Theohary, Catherine A.
2020-01-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated January 17, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are three tables organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was gathered from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.; DeBruyne, Nese F.
2020-01-17
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests a total of $2,347 million (i.e., about $2.3 billion) in procurement funding for the CVN-78 program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-17
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Cable Franchising Authority of State and Local Governments and the Communications Act [January 3, 2020]
From the Document: "Companies that provide cable television service (cable operators) are subject to regulation at the federal, state, and local levels. Under the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) exercises regulatory authority over various operational aspects of cable service. [...] This report first outlines the FCC's role in regulating cable operators and franchising authorities, beginning with the Commission's approach under the Communications Act through the passage of the Cable Act and its amendments. The report then turns to a discussion of recurring legal issues over the FCC's power over franchising authorities. The report concludes with a discussion of possible legal issues that may arise in current legal challenges to FCC regulations and offers considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Linebaugh, Chris D.; Holmes, Eric N.
2020-01-03
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Defense Primer: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Overview and Mission: "The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a voluntary high school program of instruction administrated by the Department of Defense (DOD) through the military departments. The purpose of JROTC, according to 10 U.S.C. §2031, is 'to instill in students in U.S. secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.' JROTC was established as an Army program by the National Defense Act of 1916 (P.L. 64-85) and in 1964 expanded to the Navy and Air Force. Congress authorized Coast Guard units at two specific schools: one in 1989 (P.L. 101-225) and one in 2005 (P.L. 109-241)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Arriaga, Xavier L.
2020-01-07
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Defense Primer: Command and Control of Nuclear Forces [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. President has sole authority to authorize the use of U.S. nuclear weapons. This authority is inherent in his constitutional role as Commander in Chief. The President can seek counsel from his military advisors; those advisors are then required to transmit and implement the orders authorizing nuclear use. But, as General John Hyten, then the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), noted during his September 2016 confirmation hearing, his job is to give advice, while the authority to order a launch lies with the president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2020-01-10
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Defense Primer: Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO) [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "As a result of the nation's extended involvement in contingency operations around the globe, some servicemembers have experienced prolonged, frequent, and/or stressful deployments. In addition, preparation for deployments (e.g., training, exercises, temporary duty assignments) can lead to extended working hours or frequent travel away from home station. The pace of operations for individuals is commonly referred to as 'personnel tempo' (PERSTEMPO) and can affect quality of life, work satisfaction, and overall morale for members and their families."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-01-07
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Defense Primer: Reserve Forces [Updated January 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The term 'reserve component' (RC) refers collectively to the seven individual reserve components of the Armed Forces. Congress exercises authority over the reserve components under its constitutional authority 'to raise and support Armies,' 'to provide and maintain a Navy,' and 'to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia.... ' (Article I, Section 8) There are seven reserve components: [1] Army National Guard; [2] Army Reserve; [3] Navy Reserve; [4] Marine Corps Reserve; [5] Air National Guard; [6] Air Force; Reserve; [7] Coast Guard Reserve."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2020-01-06
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Defense Primer: RDT&E
From the Document: "Advanced technology plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. national security. To maintain technological superiority on the battlefield, the Department of Defense (DOD) relies on scientific and technical knowledge developed in large measure through research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funded by the department and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. DOD also relies increasingly on technology developed by the private sector for commercial markets. This In Focus describes DOD's RDT&E appropriations structure and funding levels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F.
2020-01-03
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Defense Primer: Military Pay Raise [Updated January 6, 2020]
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
2020-01-06
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Proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Overview: "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA would revise and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in place since 1994. Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration notified Congress of its intention to enter into USMCA. [...] On December 13, 2019, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress the proposed USMCA implementing legislation. On the same day, the United States-Mexico Canada Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was introduced in the House of Representatives. On December 16, the companion bill was introduced in the Senate (S. 3052). The House Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation on December 17, 2019, and the full House approved the bill on December 19, 2019, by a vote of 385-41. The Senate Finance Committee approved the legislation on January 7, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.
2020-01-10
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SECURE Act and the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act Tax Proposals (H.R. 1994 and S. 972) [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Both the House and the Senate have considered legislation that addresses issues associated with tax-favored retirement plans. On May 23, the House passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019, H.R. 1994. Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Wyden of the Senate Finance Committee introduced the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2019, S. 972. The two bills have a number of similar provisions. Many of the provisions were also included in legislation passed by the House at the end of the 115th Congress (H.R. 88). The Grassley-Wyden bill has also been introduced in past Congresses. The provisions of the SECURE Act were included in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. This legislation was signed into law on December 20, 2019 (P.L. 116-94)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-01-10
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Offshore Energy Agency Appropriations, FY2020 [January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Three entities in the Department of the Interior (DOI) share responsibility for managing the nation's ocean energy resources, which cover approximately 1.7 billion acres on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) administers offshore energy leasing and mineral development; the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) oversees offshore operational safety and environmental protection; and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) manages public revenues from federally regulated offshore and onshore energy and natural resource projects. BOEM, BSEE, and ONRR receive appropriations in the annual Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Issues include determining the aggregate and program-level appropriations for each entity and considering related legislative proposals by the Trump Administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2020-01-10
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North American Development Bank [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The North American Development Bank (NADB) is a binational financial institution created and funded by Mexico and the United States. The NADB provides loans and grants to public and private entities for environmental and infrastructure projects on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Modeled after the multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as the World Bank, the NADB has a unique environmental focus and is the only development bank that also finances projects in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2020-01-10
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PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Funding Issues [Updated January 8, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The federal pipeline safety program is administered by the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), working with state pipeline safety regulators. Together, the federal and state agencies administer comprehensive regulations to ensure the safety of the nation's hazardous liquid (e.g., crude oil) and natural gas pipelines. Under the PIPES [Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety] Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-183), funding authorization for PHMSA's pipeline safety program expired on October 1, 2019. Although the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94) includes pipeline safety appropriations for FY2020, Congress is debating at what levels the program should next be authorized. In 2019, the Trump Administration proposed reducing PHMSA pipeline safety funding for FY2020 whereas bills in the House and Senate would authorize increased funding at different levels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2020-01-08
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Reinsurance, and Catastrophe Bonds [Updated January 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-89) revised the authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to secure reinsurance from 'private reinsurance and capital markets.' Risk transfer to the private market could reduce the likelihood of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) borrowing from the Treasury to pay claims. In addition, it could allow the NFIP to recognize some of its flood risk up front through premiums it pays for risk transfers rather than after-the-fact borrowing, and could help the NFIP to reduce the volatility of its losses over time. However, because reinsurers charge premiums to compensate for the assumed risk as well as the reinsurers' costs and profit margins, the primary benefit of reinsurance is to manage risk, not to reduce the NFIP's long-term fiscal exposure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2020-01-06
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Processing of Adults and Family Units Arriving at the Southern Border Without Valid Documents [January 9, 2020] [infographic]
From the Document: "The Trump Administration has implemented a series of policies that change the processing of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who arrive at the southern border without valid entry documents, many of whom claim asylum or a fear of persecution. These policies include metering, the Migrant Protection Protocols, an interim final rule that makes aliens ineligible for asylum if they reach the southern border through third countries (with limited exceptions), and a Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala. These policies generally apply to adults and family units only. (The interim final rule, however, also applies to unaccompanied alien children in formal removal proceedings.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Harrington, Ben; Smith, Hillel R.
2020-01-09
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U.S. Armed Forces Abroad: Selected Congressional Votes Since 1982 [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report summarizes selected congressional roll call votes related to instances in which U.S. Armed Forces have been sent abroad in potentially hostile situations. These votes reflect the type of congressional actions that observers maintain bear directly on issues affecting policy and the funding of troops abroad, often in the context of the War Powers Resolution, continued presence or withdrawal of troops, and the 'use of force.' The cases of Lebanon (1982-1983), Grenada (1983), Panama (1989), the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), Somalia (1992-1995), Haiti (1993- 1996), Bosnia (1992-1998), Kosovo (1999), the terrorist attack against the United States (2001) (including the use of U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan), and the use of U.S. Armed Forces against Iraq (2002-2003) and Iraq and Afghanistan (2001-Present) are examined, as are the revolution in Libya and its aftermath, the uprising and war in Syria, and military action against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (or ISIS or ISIL). The roll call votes that are available online (since 1990 in the House and 1989 in the Senate) are hyperlinked in the text."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2020-01-09
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Qatar: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated December 12, 2019]
From the Summary: "The State of Qatar has employed its ample financial resources to exert regional influence separate from and independent of Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman), an alliance of six Gulf monarchies. While fostering a close defense and security alliance with the United States, Qatar has intervened in several regional conflicts and has maintained ties to a wide range of actors who are often at odds with each other, including Sunni Islamists, Iran and Iran-backed groups, and Israeli officials. Qatar has maintained consistent dialogue with Iran, but the country also hosts U.S. forces that are attempting to deter Iran and conducting combat against major regional terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2019-12-12
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Space Weather: An Overview of Policy and Select U.S. Government Roles and Responsibilities [Updated January 6, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Space weather refers to the dynamic conditions in Earth's outer space environment. This includes conditions on the Sun, in the solar wind, and in Earth's upper atmosphere. Space weather phenomena include [1] solar flares or periodic intense bursts of radiation from the sun caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy, [2] coronal mass ejections composed of clouds of solar plasma and electromagnetic radiation, ejected into space from the sun, [3] high-speed solar wind streams emitted from low density regions of the sun, and [4] solar energetic particles or highly-charged particles formed at the front of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. [...] This report provides an overview of federal government policy developed under the existing legislative framework, and describes the specific roles and responsibilities of select federal departments and agencies responsible for the study and mitigation of space weather hazards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva; Humphreys, Brian E.
2020-01-06
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Small Satellite Boom Poses Challenges for Regulators [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Regulators and policymakers are struggling to keep pace with small satellites, spacecraft the size of shoe boxes that are displacing school bus-sized satellites for many purposes. 'Smallsats,' as they are known, occupy low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of between about 310 and 1,200 miles above Earth's surface. Many currently in orbit are about 10 centimeters wide and weigh less than 3 pounds. They have been used in government operations, but commercial companies are increasingly building and deploying them for communications, broadband internet, remote sensing, and Earth observation missions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Alyssa K.
2020-01-07
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Palestinians: Overview and Key Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated December 17, 2019]
From the Document: "The Palestinians and their ongoing disputes and interactions with Israel raise significant issues for U.S. policy. U.S.- Palestinian tensions have risen in connection with Trump Administration actions on Israeli-Palestinian matters such as Jerusalem and aid (see 'Key U.S. Policy Issues' below)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2019-12-17
