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Defense Primer: Cyberspace Operations [Updated January 14, 2020]
From the Overview: "The Department of Defense (DOD) defines cyberspace as a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers. The DOD Information Network (DODIN) is a global infrastructure carrying DOD, national security, and related intelligence community information and intelligence. Cyberspace operations are composed of the military, intelligence, and ordinary business operations of the DOD in and through cyberspace. Military cyberspace operations use cyberspace capabilities to create effects that support operations across the physical domains and cyberspace. Cyberspace operations differ from information operations (IO), which are specifically concerned with the use of information-related capabilities during military operations to affect the decision making of adversaries while protecting our own. IO may use cyberspace as a medium, but it may also employ capabilities from the physical domains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Theohary, Catherine A.
2020-01-14
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Department of Defense Global Health Engagement [Updated January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the Spanish-American War, the Department of Defense (DOD) has conducted 'global health engagement' (GHE) to prevent certain infectious diseases from threatening U.S. national security or military operations. Early GHE in partner nations and U.S.-controlled territories included site visits by epidemiological survey teams and establishment of DOD research laboratories to conduct research and monitor emerging disease threats. As a result, DOD has played a major role in discovering and developing vaccines for numerous infectious diseases, such as yellow fever, influenza, and most recently, Ebola."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.; Tharakan, Sara M.; Lane, Emily K.
2020-01-16
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Defense Primer: Active Duty Enlisted Retention [Updated January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The term 'retention' refers to the rate at which military personnel voluntarily choose to stay in the military after their obligated term of service has ended (as determined by their enlistment contract). Imbalances in the retention rate can cause problems within the military personnel system. A common retention concern is that too few people will stay in, thereby creating a shortage of experienced leaders, decreasing military efficiency, and lowering job satisfaction. This was a particular concern from 2004 to 2009, as the stress of major combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan raised concerns about the willingness of military personnel to continue serving. The opposite concern may also occur at times, particularly during force drawdowns: that too many people will stay in, thereby decreasing promotion opportunities and possibly requiring involuntarily separations to prevent the organization from becoming 'top heavy' with middle- and upper-level leaders or to comply with end-strength limitations. Each of these imbalances can also have a negative impact on recruiting by making the military a less-attractive career option."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2020-01-16
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Defense Primer: Army Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) [January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "As an operational concept, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) influence what types of weapon systems and equipment the Army procures, what types and numbers of soldiers are needed, and what type of training is required-- significant legislative concerns for Congress. In this regard, an understanding of MDO could prove beneficial for congressional oversight activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-01-16
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Defense Primer: Active Duty Enlisted Recruiting [Updated January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The Constitution provides Congress with broad powers over the Armed Forces, including the power 'To raise and support Armies' and 'To provide and maintain a Navy.' In the exercise of this authority, Congress has historically shown great interest in military recruiting, which is critical to maintaining a fully manned and capable military workforce. Congress exercises a powerful influence on recruiting through its establishment of personnel end-strength levels for the Active Components and Reserve Components. Higher end-strengths generally require a greater number of new recruits, higher rates of retention among current servicemembers, or some combination of the two. Through its oversight powers, Congress monitors the performance of the executive branch in managing the size and quality of the military workforce."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2020-01-16
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Methane and Other Air Pollution Issues in Natural Gas Systems [Updated January 24, 2020]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in U.S. energy policy has often focused on ways through which the United States could secure more economical, reliable, and cleaner fossil fuel resources both domestically and internationally. Recent expansion in natural gas production, primarily as a result of new or improved technologies (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, directional drilling) used on unconventional resources (e.g., shale, tight sands, and coalbed methane) has made natural gas an increasingly significant component in the U.S. energy supply. This expansion, however, has prompted questions about the potential impacts of natural gas systems on human health and the environment, including impacts on air quality."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2020-01-24
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Dominican Republic: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 13, 2015]
From the Summary: "The Dominican Republic, a country of roughly 10.3 million people that shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is a close U.S. trade partner and political ally in Latin America. The United States is the Dominican Republic's main trading partner, with two-way trade totaling more than $12.5 billion in 2014. In addition to trade, U.S. interest in the Dominican Republic has recently focused on anti-drug cooperation and governance/human rights issues, particularly as they relate to Haiti. U.S.-Dominican cooperation on bilateral and regional issues intensified during Leonel Fernández's most recent terms in office (2004-2008 and 2008-2012) and has continued during the Danilo Medina Administration. [...] This report provides background information on political and economic conditions in the Dominican Republic, as well as an overview of some of the key issues in U.S.-Dominican relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2015-03-13
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Benefits for Service-Disabled Veterans [Updated January 22, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers programs and provides benefits to qualified former U.S. servicemembers with service-connected disabilities (i.e., service-disabled veterans). These benefits can compensate a veteran for an injury or provide assistance to enable a veteran to have a higher quality of life. To qualify for benefits discussed in this report, a veteran must have a physical or mental condition that was 'incurred or aggravated' in the line of military duty that resulted in a disability. Service-connected disabilities are rated on a scale from 0% to 100%, in 10% increments, using a VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Disability ratings are used to determine eligibility for various types of benefits and the amount of disability compensation benefits a veteran can receive. This report describes major VA benefit programs that are limited to veterans with service-connected disabilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salazar, Heather M.; Perl, Libby; Collins, Benjamin
2020-01-22
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Multilateral Development Banks: U.S. Contributions FY2000-FY2020 [Updated January 23, 2020]
From the Document: "This report shows in tabular form how much the Administration requested and how much Congress appropriated for U.S. payments to the multilateral development banks since 2000. Multilateral development banks provide financial assistance to developing countries in order to promote economic and social development. The United States belongs to several multilateral development banks, including the World Bank and four regional development banks (the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). It also belongs to the North American Development Bank, which is a binational (U.S.- Mexico) development bank; the International Fund for Agricultural Development, which focuses on poverty and hunger in developing countries; and several trust funds administered by the World Bank, which focus on specific global issues such as food security and the environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2020-01-23
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Challenges to the United States in Space [Updated January 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Preserving key U.S. national security and economic interests is widely seen to depend on assured access and widespread use of space-based systems. Satellites are as essential to military and intelligence operations as fighters, warships, and combat vehicles. Major portions of the global economy rely on space systems; they facilitate the entire global financial system, stock markets, communications, agriculture, and transportation, as well as other commercial and civil activities. A June 2015 Department of Homeland Security report estimated $1.6 trillion of annual U.S. business revenues depend on satellites. Space systems are also a permanent and seamless component in the nation's critical infrastructure, as vital as the electrical grid or the highway system."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2020-01-27
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Boeing-Airbus Subsidy Dispute: Recent Developments [Updated January 27, 2020]
From the Document: "On October 18, 2019, the United States imposed additional tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of U.S. imports from the European Union (EU). The action, authorized by World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement procedures, followed an investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USTR determined that the EU had denied U.S. rights under WTO agreements. Specifically, the USTR concluded that the EU and certain member states had not complied with a WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) ruling recommending the withdrawal of WTO-inconsistent subsidies on the manufacture of large civil aircraft. In 2011, the DSB confirmed that these subsidies breached the EU's WTO obligations under the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-01-27
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U.S.-Turkish Trade Relations [Updated January 15, 2020]
From the Document: "Turkey, a NATO ally and emerging market straddling Europe and the Middle East, offers potential for U.S. trade and investment. U.S.-Turkish trade ties are relatively weak overall, and their further expansion depends on a number of economic and political factors. At a time of continued bilateral tension, Congress is monitoring U.S.-Turkish trade ties and related policy developments more intensively, as well as considering possible sanctions against Turkey."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2020-01-15
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U.S. Signs Phase One Trade Deal with China [Updated January 17, 2020]
From the Document: "President Trump on January 15, 2020, signed a phase one trade agreement with the Chinese government that is intended to resolve some of the trade and investment issues the Administration raised in March 2018, pursuant to Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. Including appendices, the agreement is 96- pages and covers some aspects of intellectual property (IP) (Chapter 1), technology transfer (Chapter 2), agriculture (Chapter 3), financial services (Chapter 4), macroeconomic policies and exchange rates (Chapter 5), trade purchases (Chapter 6), and dispute resolution (Chapter 7). Approximately one-fourth of the agreement addresses IP commitments. Discussion of technology transfer is confined to two pages. Some Members assess the deal to be a first step in a longer effort to address U.S. trade concerns with China. Many observers call it a short-term truce, noting it falls short of the Administration's goal of a comprehensive settlement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.
2020-01-17
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Human Rights Issues: Security Forces Vetting ('Leahy Laws') [January 3, 2017]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. 'Leahy Laws' prohibit U.S. security assistance to foreign security forces when there is credible information that a recipient unit has committed a 'gross violation of human rights' (GVHR). The origins of these laws date back to appropriations provisions sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the late 1990s; they were preceded by a series of provisions beginning in the 1970s that sought to constrain U.S. security assistance to governments with poor human rights records. Today's 'Leahy Laws' are permanent law and located in both Title 22 (Foreign Relations) and Title 10 (Armed Forces) of the U.S. Code. They restrict security assistance otherwise funded by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, but do not apply to foreign military sales and direct commercial sales."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rosen, Liana W.
2017-01-03
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [December 20, 2019]
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 rate of Navy ship procurement, 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 FY2020 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
2019-12-20
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North Korea: Legislative Basis for U.S. Economic Sanctions [October 19, 2016]
From the Summary: "U.S. economic sanctions imposed on North Korea are instigated by that country's activities related to weapons proliferation, especially its tests since 2006 of nuclear weapons and missile technology; regional disruptions; terrorism; narcotics trafficking; undemocratic governance; and illicit activities in international markets, including money laundering, counterfeiting of goods and currency, and bulk cash smuggling."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.
2016-10-19
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Iran-North Korea-Syria Ballistic Missile and Nuclear Cooperation [July 14, 2016]
From the Summary: "Congress has at times expressed concern regarding ballistic missile and nuclear programs in Iran, North Korea, and Syria. This report focuses primarily on unclassified and declassified U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) assessments over the past two decades. These assessments indicate that [1] there is no evidence that Iran and North Korea have engaged in nuclear-related trade or cooperation with each other, although ballistic missile technology cooperation between the two is significant and meaningful, and [2] Syria has received ballistic missiles and related technology from North Korea and Iran and also engaged in nuclear technology cooperation with North Korea."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.; Hildreth, Steven A.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2016-07-14
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North Korea's Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs [September 6, 2017]
From the Overview: "North Korea is making rapid advancements in its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Since Kim Jong-un came to power in 2012, North Korea has conducted over 80 ballistic missile test launches. In 2016, North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests and 26 ballistic missile flight tests on a variety of platforms. To date in 2017 North Korea has test launched 18 ballistic missiles (with five failures), including two launches in July that many ascribe as ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles). It then conducted a nuclear test on September 3. These tests and official North Korean statements suggest that North Korea is striving to build a credible regional nuclear warfighting capability that might evade regional ballistic missile defenses. Such an approach likely reinforces their deterrent and coercive diplomacy strategy--lending more credibility as it demonstrates capability--but it also raises serious questions about crisis stability and escalation control. Congress may further examine these advances' possible effects on U.S. policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2017-09-06
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U.S.-North Korea Relations [November 29, 2017]
From the Document: "North Korea has posed one of the most persistent U.S. foreign policy challenges of the post-Cold War period. With its recent advances in its nuclear and missile capabilities under 33-year-old leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea has evolved to become a grave security threat to the United States and its allies. Efforts to halt North Korea's nuclear weapons program have occupied the past four U.S. administrations. Since 2009, North Korea (officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK) has rebuffed U.S. and South Korean offers to negotiate on denuclearization, and has continued to develop its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Although the weapons programs have been the primary focus of U.S. policy toward North Korea, other U.S. concerns include North Korea's illicit activities, such as counterfeiting currency and narcotics trafficking, attacks against South Korea, and egregious human rights violations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.
2017-11-29
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Bolivia: Presidential Resignation and Aftermath [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "On November 10, 2019, Bolivia's Evo Morales of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party resigned his presidency and sought asylum in Mexico. He ultimately received refugee status in Argentina. Bolivia's military suggested Morales consider resigning to prevent violence after weeks of protests alleging fraud in the October 20, 2019, election. Three individuals in line to succeed Morales (the vice president and the presidents of the senate and the chamber of deputies) also resigned. Opposition Senator Jeanine Añez, formerly second vice president of the senate, declared herself senate president and then interim president on November 12. Bolivia's constitutional court recognized her succession. Following protests and state violence, the MAS-led Congress unanimously approved an electoral law to annul the October elections and select a new electoral tribunal. On January 3, 2020, the tribunal announced those elections are scheduled for May 3, 2020. The Trump Administration and Congress have expressed concerns regarding irregularities and manipulation in Bolivia's election and violence following the election and Morales's resignation. They support efforts to ensure the May elections are free and fair."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-01-07
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Army Corps of Engineers: Continuing Authorities Programs [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resources development projects pursuant to authorizing statutes and the receipt of appropriations. The standard process for a USACE project requires two separate congressional authorizations--one for studying feasibility and a subsequent one for construction--as well as appropriations for both (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R45185, 'Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorization and Project Delivery Processes'). Additionally, Congress has granted USACE programmatic authorities to undertake cost-shared projects of limited scope and cost without requiring project-specific congressional authorization. These programmatic USACE authorities are referred to as Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs). Congress has consistently funded USACE CAPs above the President's request since FY2013."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.
2020-01-09
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Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense-Issues for Congress [Updated December 19, 2019]
From the Summary: "Many observers have concluded that the post-Cold War era of international relations--an era that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and that was sometimes also referred to as the unipolar moment, with the United States as the unipolar power--began to fade in 2006-2008, and that by 2014, the international environment had shifted to a fundamentally different situation of renewed great power competition with China and Russia and challenges by these two countries and others to elements of the U.S.-led international order that has operated since World War II. [...] The issue for Congress is how U.S. defense funding levels, strategy, plans, and programs should respond to the shift in the international environment from the post-Cold War era to the era of renewed great power competition. Congress's decisions on these issues could have significant or even profound implications for U.S. defense capabilities and funding requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-12-19
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Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Updated December 6, 2019]
From the Background: "Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. §2411) grants the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) a range of responsibilities and authorities to investigate and take action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices. Prior to the Trump Administration and since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in 1995, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States has used Section 301 authorities primarily to build cases and pursue dispute settlement at the WTO. However, President Trump has been more willing to act unilaterally under these authorities to promote what the Administration considers to be 'free,' 'fair,' and 'reciprocal' trade. The Trump Administration's use of Section 301 has been the subject of congressional and broader international debate. The Administration has attributed this shift in policy to a large and persistent gap between U.S. and foreign government practices that may disadvantage or discriminate against U.S. firms. In addition, the Administration has justified many of its recent tariff actions--particularly those against China--by pointing to alleged weaknesses in WTO dispute settlement procedures and the inadequacy or nonexistence of WTO rules to address certain Chinese trade practices. It has also cited the failure of past trade negotiations and agreements to enhance reciprocal market access for U.S. firms and workers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2019-12-06
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Revising the Volcker Rule: Section 203 and Section 204 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act [December 10, 2019]
From the Document: "When Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010, Section 619, otherwise known as the 'Volcker Rule,' proved particularly consequential. Named after former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, who had long criticized certain banking practices that he felt were at odds with conventional banking principles, the Volcker Rule prohibits banks and affiliates from, among other things, (1) engaging in proprietary trading, and (2) owning or sponsoring hedge funds and private equity funds. These prohibitions are subject to several exemptions and restrictions, including those relating to underwriting, market making, and risk-mitigating hedging activities. Defenders of the Rule argue that it keeps banks from engaging in risky trading activities. Critics have argued that the Rule is overly complex, ambiguous, and may decrease market liquidity. [...] This Sidebar proceeds in two parts. First, it gives background on the Agencies' rulemakings. Second, it analyzes related legal issues. Specifically, the Agencies' interpretations of Sections 203 and 204 are generally in keeping with the common view regarding the scope of the provisions. Nonetheless, Congress could amend revisit and revise the Volker Rule in the event that it no longer believes the Rule is the best approach or does not believe the Rule is appropriately implemented by the Agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lobert, Joshua T.
2019-12-10
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Taiwan: Select Political and Security Issues [Updated December 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Taiwan, which officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), is an island democracy of 23.6 million people located across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. Since January 1, 1979, U.S.-Taiwan relations have been unofficial, a consequence of the Carter Administration's decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and break formal diplomatic ties with self-ruled Taiwan, over which the PRC claims sovereignty. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA, P.L. 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), enacted on April 10, 1979, provides a legal basis for this unofficial bilateral relationship. It also includes commitments related to Taiwan's security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.
2019-12-12
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South Korea: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated December 11, 2019]
From the Overview: "South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, or ROK) is one of the United States' most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. The U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1953 at the end of the Korean War, commits the United States to help South Korea defend itself, particularly from North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK), and the alliance has given the United States a partner and a forward presence in Asia that help it promote U.S. interests in East Asia. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in the ROK. The U.S.-ROK economic relationship is bolstered by the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). South Korea is the United States' seventh-largest trading partner, and the United States is South Korea's second-largest trading partner, behind China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Williams, Brock R.
2019-12-11
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Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) [Updated January 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is an interagency body comprised of nine Cabinet members, two ex officio members, and other members as appointed by the President, that assists the President in reviewing the national security aspects of foreign direct investment in the U.S. economy. While the group often operated in relative obscurity, the perceived change in the nation's national security and economic concerns following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the proposed acquisition of commercial operations at six U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World in 2006 placed CFIUS's review procedures under intense scrutiny by Members of Congress and the public. In 2018, prompted by concerns over Chinese and other foreign investment in U.S. companies with advanced technology, Members of Congress and the Trump Administration enacted the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA), which became effective on November 11, 2018. This measure marked the most comprehensive revision of the foreign investment review process under CFIUS since the previous revision in 2007, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act (FINSA). On September 17, 2019, the Department of the Treasury proposed regulations for public notice and comment to implement key parts of FIRRMA concerning how certain real estate and noncontrolling investments will be scrutinized."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2020-01-14
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Congressional Review Act (CRA): Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 14, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Congressional Review Act (CRA) is an oversight tool that Congress may use to overturn rules issued by federal agencies. The CRA was included as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), which was signed into law on March 29, 1996. The CRA requires agencies to report on their rulemaking activities to Congress and provides Congress with a special set of procedures under which to consider legislation to overturn those rules. Under the CRA, before a rule can take effect, an agency must submit a report to each house of Congress and the comptroller general containing a copy of the rule; a concise general statement describing the rule, including whether it is a major rule; and the proposed effective date of the rule. After receiving the report, Members of Congress have specified time periods during which they must submit and act on a joint resolution of disapproval to take advantage of the CRA's special 'fast track' procedures. If both houses pass the resolution, it is sent to the President for signature or veto. If the President were to veto the resolution, Congress could vote to override the veto."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carey, Maeve P.; Davis, Christopher M., 1966-
2020-01-14
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Appeals Court Says First Amendment Limits Regulation of Online Political Advertising: Implications for Congress [January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The proliferation of online political advertising has sparked a national conversation about its perceived harms. Some have argued that online political ads are more likely than their offline counterparts to include false claims and facilitate foreign influence in U.S. elections. These criticisms have led to calls for more government regulation of online political advertising, and some government officials have responded to that call. For example, in June, the chair of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the federal entity that generally regulates political campaign communications, advanced a rule proposal that would require certain online political advertisements to contain attribution statements, known as 'disclaimers.' Another example is the Honest Ads Act, which would extend federal campaign finance law disclosure and disclaimer requirements to online platforms for paid internet and paid digital communications and would require online platforms to maintain a publicly available file of requests to purchase certain political advertising. That bill was incorporated into H.R. 1 (116th Cong.), which passed the House in March 2019, and has been reintroduced as a stand-alone bill in both the House and the Senate. While there have been few, if any, enacted federal laws focusing on online political advertisements, a number of states have passed legislation on this front."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.; Whitaker, L. Paige
2020-01-10
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Conflict in Mali [Updated January 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Mali has faced severe security and governance challenges since a northern separatist rebellion, an Islamist insurgency, and a military coup shook the country from 2011 to 2013. Security conditions have worsened despite a 2015 peace deal between the government and northern rebels, as an Islamist insurgency has expanded from the north into central Mali, leveraging and fomenting local tensions and resentment toward state actors. Ethnic militias--some of which appear to enjoy state backing or tacit support--have carried out large massacres, contributing to worsening insecurity. Bamako (Figure 1) has also been a target of terrorist attacks, with some targeting Western nationals. Rebel, terrorist, communal defense, and criminal networks are fluid and shifting, complicating conflict resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-01-17
