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Pandemic-Era Uncertainty on Main Street and Wall Street

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From the Abstract: "We draw on the monthly Survey of Business Uncertainty (SBU) to make three observations about pandemic-era uncertainty in the U.S. economy. First, equity market traders and executives of nonfinancial firms share similar assessments about uncertainty at one-year lookahead horizons. That is, the one-year VIX [Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index] has moved similarly to our survey-based measure of (average) firm-level subjective uncertainty at one-year forecast horizons. Second, looking within the distribution of beliefs in the SBU reveals that firm-level expectations shifted towards 'upside' risk in the latter part of 2020. In this sense, decision makers in nonfinancial businesses share some of the optimism that seems manifest in equity markets. Third, and despite the positive shift in tail risks, overall uncertainty continues to substantially dampen capital spending plans, pointing to a source of weak growth in potential GDP [gross domestic product]."

Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics

Meyer, Brent; Mihaylov, Emil; Davis, Steven J. . . .

2020-12-31
H. Doc. 116-176: Designation of Funding for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism, Communication from the President of the United States Transmitting a Designation of All Funding for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism, Pursuant to Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; H.R. 133 , December 31, 2020

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From the Document: "In accordance with section 6(b) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133; the ''Act''), I hereby designate for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Act pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts. The details of this action are set forth in the enclosed memorandum from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-31
United States Coast Guard Posture Statement: 2021 Budget Overview

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From the Document: "The Coast Guard provides exceptional service to the American taxpayer, but increasing mission demands and constrained resource levels continue to challenge Service readiness for both steady-state missions and contingency operations. The strong support we received in our Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Enacted Budget enabled us to begin addressing our long-standing readiness gap. To sustain that momentum, the FY 2021 Budget priorities directly reflect our intense and continued focus on 'READINESS.' While our new assets provide the Coast Guard with remarkable capability, we must ensure we can properly train, equip, and sustain the workforce, information technology systems, and shore infrastructure necessary to operate and maintain these assets. Such investments are essential mission-enablers, ensuring our operational success today and revolutionizing the way we conduct operations in the future."

United States. Coast Guard

2020-12-31?
Defense Primer: Intelligence Support to Military Operations [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "The bulk of the 'Intelligence Community' (IC), eight of 17 total elements, resides within the Department of Defense (DOD). This includes the National Security Agency (NSA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and the intelligence components of the Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force. Non-DOD IC elements, however, also provide support to the military. Integrated IC support of the military includes strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence activities, products and services that are necessary for military strategy, planning, and operations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeVine, Michael E.

2020-12-30
Defense Primer: National Security Space Launch [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Introduction: "The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) is a U.S. government program that enables acquisition of launch services, aimed at ensuring continued access to space for critical national security missions. The U.S. Air Force oversaw NSSL's predecessor program, the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), and awarded four companies contracts to design a cost-effective launch vehicle system. The Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategy was to select one company to ensure national security space (NSS) launches were affordable and reliable. The EELV effort was prompted by significant increases in launch costs, procurement concerns, and the lack of competition among U.S. companies. Today, the NSSL program's main priority is mission success. A RAND study released April 2020 identified a magnitude of risk associated with assured access to space. As Congress continues its oversight of NSSL, it may consider examining DOD's plan on the prioritization of the launch-related risks to ensure continued access to space and 100% mission success. A major concern in Congress and elsewhere over U.S. reliance on a Russian rocket engine (RD-180), used on one of the primary national security rockets for critical national security space launches, was exacerbated by the Russian backlash over the 2014 U.S. sanctions against its actions in Ukraine. Moreover, significant overall NSSL program cost increases and unresolved questions over individual launch costs, along with legal challenges to the Air Force contract awards by space launch companies, prompted legislative action."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCall, Stephen M.

2020-12-30
Defense Primer: Budgeting for National and Defense Intelligence [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Introduction: "Intelligence Community (IC) programs include the resources (money and manpower) to accomplish IC goals and responsibilities as defined by the U.S. Code and Executive Order 12333. IC programs are funded through the: (1) National Intelligence Program (NIP), which covers the programs, projects, and activities of the IC oriented toward the strategic requirements of policymakers, and (2) Military Intelligence Program (MIP), which funds defense intelligence activities intended to support tactical military requirements and operations. The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) manage the NIP and MIP, respectively, under different authorities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeVine, Michael E.

2020-12-30
Defense Primer: Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) is a civilian official, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who reports directly to the Secretary of Defense. The USD(I&S) is the Principal Staff Assistant and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence (CI), security, sensitive activities, and other intelligence related matters. On behalf of the Secretary, the USD(I&S) also exercises authority, direction, and control over Department of Defense (DOD) intelligence and security agencies, field activities, policy, processes, procedures, and products. To give greater emphasis to the importance and scope of the USD(I&S)'s security responsibilities, including primary federal government responsibility for conducting background investigations (consistent with Executive Order 13869), Congress redesignated the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)) as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (Section 1621 of P.L. 116- 92)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeVine, Michael E.

2020-12-30
Defense Primer: National and Defense Intelligence [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "The Intelligence Community (IC) is charged with providing insight into actual or potential threats to the U.S. homeland, the American people, and national interests at home and abroad. It does so through the production of timely and apolitical products and services. Intelligence products and services result from the collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation of information for its significance to national security at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Consumers of intelligence include the President, National Security Council (NSC), designated personnel in executive branch departments and agencies, the military, Congress, and the law enforcement community. The IC comprises 17 elements, two of which are independent, and 15 of which are component organizations of six separate departments of the federal government. Many IC elements and most intelligence funding reside within the Department of Defense (DOD)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeVine, Michael E.

2020-12-30
Defense Primer: Military Commissaries and Exchanges [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) offers certain 'quality-of-life' benefits to military members, their families, and retirees. The general purpose of these benefits is to attract, retain, and support morale and readiness for military servicemembers. One of these benefits is worldwide access to grocery and retail stores--called 'commissaries' and 'exchanges'--typically located on military installations. Commissaries provide subsidized groceries and household goods to eligible patrons. Exchanges sell goods for profit, similar to a department or specialty store, but use some of this profit to fund various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Kamarck, Kristy N.

2020-12-30
Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions due to nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order is preventing the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order directing the CDC to consider such a measure, is unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024). This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2020-12-30
Public Law 116-261: Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020

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From the Document: "An Act [t]o amend the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000, the Buy Indian Act, and the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide industry and economic development opportunities to Indian communities."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-30
Living in Boston During COVID-19: Inequities in Navigating a Pandemic

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From the Executive Summary: "In the Summer of 2020, the Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI) at Northeastern University, the Center for Survey Research (CSR) at University of Massachusetts Boston, and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) conducted a survey that captures the experiences of 1626 Bostonians during the first months of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, including: their ability and tendency to follow social distancing recommendations; attitudes towards regulations; and the economic and personal impacts of the pandemic. The survey provides unique insights into how these factors varied across the populations and neighborhoods of a single city--something not currently available from any other source, in Boston or otherwise. This is the first in a series of reports describing the results of the survey and related research. Here we concentrate on the frequency of multiple routine, or 'necessary,' activities--including going to work, accessing food, using public transit, and exercising-- that might expose individuals to infection risk. By examining how these activities were distributed by neighborhood, race, and socioeconomic status in both April and the Summer, we identify a variety of inequities in how different populations were able to mitigate risk."

Boston Public Health Commission; Boston Area Research Initiative; University of Massachusetts Boston. Center for Survey Research (CSR)

2020-12-30?
Public Law 116-269: Secret Service Overtime Pay Extension Act

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From the Document: "An Act [t]o amend the Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act of 2016 to extend the Secret Service overtime pay exception through 2023, and for other purposes."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-30
COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated December 30, 2020]

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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 and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the COVID-19 pandemic might have for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world, and a bibliography of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Trump 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 and even profound implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.

2020-12-30
U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 29, 2020]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the Trump Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2020-12-29
Defense Primer: Ballistic Missile Defense [Updated December 29, 2020]

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From the Document: "The United States has been developing and deploying ballistic missile defenses (BMD) to defend against enemy missiles continuously since the late 1940s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States deployed a limited nuclear-tipped BMD system to protect a portion of its U.S. land-based nuclear ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) force in order to preserve a strategic deterrent against a Soviet nuclear attack on the Homeland. That system became active in 1975 but shut down in 1976 because of concerns over cost and effectiveness. In the FY1975 budget, the Army began funding research into hit-to-kill or kinetic energy interceptors as an alternative--the type of interceptor technology dominates U.S. BMD systems today."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCall, Stephen M.

2020-12-29
U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 29, 2020]

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From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. While descriptions of the traditional U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. A change in the U.S. role could have significant and even profound effects on U.S. security, freedom, and prosperity. It could significantly affect U.S. policy in areas such as relations with allies and other countries, defense plans and programs, trade and international finance, foreign assistance, and human rights."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2020-12-29
Risk Related to Spread of New SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in the EU/EEA

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From the Summary: "The United Kingdom (UK) has faced a rapid increase in COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] case rates in the South-East, the East and the London area, which is associated with the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] variant, VOC [variant of concern] 202012/01. As of 26 December 2020, more than 3,000 cases of this new variant, confirmed by genome sequencing, have been reported from the UK. An increasing proportion of cases in the South East, the East and the London area are due to this variant, but cases have also been identified in other parts of the UK. Although it was first reported in early December, the initial cases were retrospectively identified as having emerged in late September. Preliminary analyses indicate that the new variant has increased transmissibility compared to previously circulating variants, but no increase in infection severity has so far been identified. Since 26 December, a few VOC 202012/01 cases have also been reported in other EU/EEA [European Economic Area] countries (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) and globally (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore)."

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

2020-12-29
COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated December 29, 2020]

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From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic[.] [...] One lesson learned from the actions taken to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession is the potential benefits that can be derived from providing additional funding for the SBA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO and the SBA's OIG can provide Congress information that could prove useful as Congress engages in congressional oversight of the SBA's administration of legislation to address COVID-19's adverse economic impact on small businesses, provide an early warning if unforeseen administrative problems should arise, and, through investigations and audits, serve as a deterrent to fraud."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean

2020-12-29
Issues to Watch in Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament

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From the Document: "Assistant Secretary Ford surveys a number of current questions in the arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament arenas, identifying key 'issues to watch' in the years ahead."

United States. Office of the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security

Ford, Christopher A., 1967-

2020-12-29
Europe, COVID-19, and U.S. Relations [Updated December 29, 2020]

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From the Document: "Like most of the rest of the world, European governments and the European Union (EU) have struggled to manage the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. European leaders have characterized the pandemic as Europe's biggest challenge since the Second World War, with potentially far-reaching political, social, and economic consequences beyond the public health impact. COVID-19 also has added tensions to a strained U.S.-European partnership. Members of Congress may be interested in COVID-19's implications for U.S. relations with Europe, including in NATO and with the EU, and in how the pandemic might alter certain U.S.-European dynamics, especially vis-à-vis China."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Garding, Sarah E. . . .

2020-12-29
FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation: The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program [Updated December 28, 2020]

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From the Document: "The federal government has historically provided resources to assist in recovery after a disaster and reduce future risk. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA, Division D of P.L. 115-254) introduced an increased emphasis on pre-disaster mitigation, authorizing a new source of funding for pre-disaster mitigation called the National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Fund. For each major disaster declaration, the President may set aside from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) an amount equal to 6% of the estimated aggregate amount of funding awarded under seven sections of the Stafford Act. There is potential for significantly increased funding following a year with many big disasters, but funding could also be less in a year with few disasters. FEMA anticipates that the new fund will receive $300-$500 million per year on average. As of November 30, 2020, there was $962 million available in the 6% set-aside from the DRF. This includes a $500 million set-aside associated with COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]; FEMA estimates up to $3.7 billion for BRIC [Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program] as a result of the COVID-19 major disaster declarations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.

2020-12-28
Real Wage Trends, 1979 to 2019 [Updated December 28, 2020]

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From the Summary: "Wage earnings are the largest source of income for many workers, and wage gains are a primary lever for raising living standards. Reports of stagnant median wages have therefore raised concerns among some that economic growth over the last several decades has not translated into gains for all worker groups. To shed light on recent patterns, this report estimates real (inflation-adjusted) wage trends at the 10th, 50th (median), and 90th percentiles of the wage distributions for the workforce as a whole and for several demographic groups, and it explores changes in educational attainment and occupation for these groups over the 1979 to 2019 period."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Donovan, Sarah A.; Bradley, David H.

2020-12-28
New Census Bureau Products Track COVID-19's Effects [Updated December 28, 2020]

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From the Introduction: "In May 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau released its first findings from the new Household Pulse and Small Business Pulse Surveys, both now in Phase 3. These experimental products are designed to track the effects of the novel coronavirus disease--first observed in Wuhan, China, in 2019 (COVID-19) and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The bureau defines such products as those 'using new data sources or methodologies that benefit data users in the absence of other relevant products.' Long before COVID-19 struck, the federal statistical system produced data that could gauge changes in mortality, health status, food supplies, unemployment, and business conditions, among other important variables. Not previously available, however, were the kind of data now provided by the pulse surveys, which are not only detailed but also being disseminated in almost real time to help policymakers respond to the pandemic and plan for recovery."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Williams, Jennifer D.

2020-12-28
H. Rept. 116-699: Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2020, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 5191, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, December 28, 2020

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From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 5191, the 'Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2019', reauthorizes and strengthens federal programs that support youth experiencing homelessness and youth who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. Recent research revealed that a staggering four million youth ages 13 to 25 experience homelessness in any given year, a figure much higher than previously known. H.R. 5191 provides a robust response to this public health crisis and addresses the needs of this vulnerable population by strengthening and expanding services to ensure that more youth experiencing homelessness can access and benefit from these programs."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-28
H. Rept. 116-701: School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act, Report Together with Minority Views to Accompany H.R. 4301, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, December 28, 2020

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From the Document: "The Committee on Education and Labor, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 4301) to require the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to publish an annual report on indicators of school crime and safety that includes data on school shootings, and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-28
Executive Order 13969: Expanding Educational Opportunity Through School Choice

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From the Document: "As part of their efforts to address the public health challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, State and local officials shut down in-person learning for the vast majority of our more than 56 million elementary and secondary school students beginning in late February and early March of this year. Since then, however, our Nation has identified effective measures to facilitate the safe resumption of in-person learning, and the Federal Government has provided more than $13 billion to States and school districts to implement those measures. The prolonged deprivation of in-person learning opportunities has produced undeniably dire consequences for the children of this country. [...] A failure to quickly resume in-person learning options is likely to have long-term economic effects on children and their families. [...] To help mitigate these harms, the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced additional relief for low-income parents by allowing States to use funds available through the Child Care and Development Fund to subsidize child care services and services that supplement academic instruction for children under the age of 13 who are participating in virtual instruction. [...] I am committed to ensuring that all children of our great Nation have access to the educational resources they need to obtain a high-quality education and to improving students' safety and well-being, including by empowering families with emergency learning scholarships."

United States. Office of the Federal Register

Trump, Donald, 1946-

2020-12-28
Introduction to U.S. Economy: Inflation [Updated December 28, 2020]

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From the Document: "'Inflation' is defined as a general increase in the price of goods and services across the economy, or, in other words, a general decrease in the value of money. Conversely, deflation is a general decrease in the price of goods and services across the economy, or a general increase in the value of money. As inflation occurs, individuals can purchase fewer goods and services with the same amount of money. For this reason, an individual would need about $304 in 2020 to purchase the same amount of goods and services as $100 would have purchased in 1980. Measures of inflation are used to adjust money figures to keep purchasing power constant over time, allowing for more accurate comparisons across disparate time periods. Monetary figures that have been adjusted for inflation are referred to as 'real', and non-inflation-adjusted figures are referred to as 'nominal'."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Weinstock, Lida R.

2020-12-28
Mask Mandates: Do They Work? Are There Better Ways to Control COVID-19 Outbreaks?

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From the Document: "A surge in COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases in the United States and Europe has prompted calls for a national mask mandate here in America. Advocates of government edicts have asserted that these would bring the pandemic 'under control' in a matter of weeks. [...] This 'Backgrounder' examines the effects of mask mandates in the U.S. and Italy. While there is no national mask mandate in the U.S., many states and counties have imposed them. We (the authors) find that, of the 25 counties reporting the highest numbers of new cases during this latest surge, 21 had mask mandates in place since at least July. Italy does have a national mask mandate that is backed by fines of up to 1,000 euros for non-compliance. We find that the mandate did not prevent a surge in cases in Italy that began in October, peaked in mid-November, and had not yet subsided in mid-December. These findings do not deny the efficacy of mask-wearing per se. Nor should they discourage the practice. Instead, they point to the inadequacy of public health strategies that rely predominantly on lockdowns and mask mandates. Governments should undertake more effective interventions. These include adopting better measures to protect nursing home residents, enabling nationwide screening through the widespread use of rapid self-tests, and establishing voluntary isolation centers where infected people can recover, rather than exposing their families to infection."

Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Badger, Doug; Michel, Norbert J.

2020-12-27
Public Law 116-260: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

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From the Document: "An Act making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, providing coronavirus emergency response and relief, and for other purposes."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-12-27

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