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Taiwan: Select Political and Security Issues [Updated January 21, 2020]
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. U.S.-Taiwan relations have been unofficial since January 1, 1979, when the Carter Administration established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and broke 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. For discussion of issues related to Taiwan's economy, see CRS In Focus IF10256, 'U.S.-Taiwan Trade Relations', by Karen M. Sutter."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.
2020-01-21
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'Sense of' Resolutions and Provisions [Updated October 16, 2019]
From the Document: "One or both houses of Congress may formally express opinions about subjects of current national interest through freestanding simple or concurrent resolutions (called generically 'sense of the House,' 'sense of the Senate,' or 'sense of the Congress' resolutions). These opinions expressing the views of one or both chambers may also be included in other legislation upon introduction or subsequently added by amendment. This report identifies the various forms these expressions may take and the procedures governing such actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis, Christopher M., 1966-
2019-10-16
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'The Strategic Petroleum Reserve,' Statement of Phillip Brown Specialist in Energy Policy Before Committee on Energy and Natural Resources U.S. Senate [October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "In response to the 1973 Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) embargo on oil shipments to the United States, an event that contributed to rapidly escalating oil prices and petroleum product scarcity, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA, P.L. 94-163) was enacted in December 1975. EPCA authorized the creation of the SPR [Strategic Petroleum Reserve] to hold reserves of up to 1 billion barrels of petroleum products, among other provisions. [...] With relatively little SPR utilization in response to emergency global supply disruptions (for example, in response to instability and oil supply disruptions in Libya in 2011); limited, although more frequent, oil exchanges in response to domestic supply disruptions due to hurricanes and other circumstances (most recently in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey); and decreasing U.S. net petroleum (crude oil and products) imports, Congress has recently enacted legislation that requires SPR oil to be sold in order to fund other legislative priorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy)
2019-10-17
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Issues in Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Deployment [October 25, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Although some Members of Congress remain interested in autonomous vehicles, no legislative proposals have become law. Several fatal accidents involving autonomous vehicles raised new questions about how federal and state governments should regulate vehicle testing and the introduction of new technologies into vehicles offered for sale. A pedestrian was killed in Arizona by an autonomous vehicle operated by Uber on March 18, 2018, and three Tesla drivers died when they failed to respond to hazards not recognized by the vehicles. These accidents suggest that the challenge of producing fully autonomous vehicles that can operate safely on public roads may be greater than developers had envisioned, a new outlook voiced by several executives, including the Ford Motor Co. CEO. However, with the authorization of federal highway and public transportation programs set to expire at the end of FY2020, a surface transportation reauthorization bill could become a focus of efforts to also enact autonomous vehicle legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canis, Bill
2019-10-25
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated October 22, 2019]
From the Document: "Two years after victory was declared in the country's years-long military struggle against the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIL/ISIS) unresolved issues involving governance, territorial control, resources, and security cloud the path ahead for Iraq's leaders. Among the issues they face in late 2019 are popular protests and discontent, balancing competing priorities and competition between two of their key allies, the United States and Iran, and the potential for IS resurgence. Long-term fiscal challenges and demographic pressures loom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-10-22
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Libra: A Facebook-led Cryptocurrency Initiative [October 21, 2019]
From the Document: "On June 18, 2019, Facebook announced that, with 28 other members, it had founded the 'Libra Association', which planned to launch a new cryptocurrency, called 'Libra'. The association released a white paper that outlined the characteristics of Libra and described its goal of creating a cryptocurrency that would overcome some of the challenges faced by other cryptocurrencies and deliver the possible benefits of the technology on a large scale. President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin raised concerns about the Libra project, as did several Members of Congress during Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services hearings, although some Members were more welcoming of efforts to advance financial innovation. The House Financial Services Committee majority has drafted legislation that would effectively block the Libra project. Internationally, the G-7 finance ministers and central bank governors agreed that Libra raises 'serious regulatory and systemic concerns, as well as wider policy issues, which both need to be addressed before such projects can be implemented.' Subsequently and reportedly in part due to the level of official scrutiny of the project, several prominent members, such as eBay, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa, withdrew from the Libra Association."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Nelson, Rebecca M.
2019-10-21
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Artificial Intelligence and National Security [Updated November 21, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of technology that is capturing the attention of commercial investors, defense intellectuals, policymakers, and international competitors alike, as evidenced by a number of recent initiatives. On July 20, 2017, the Chinese government released a strategy detailing its plan to take the lead in AI by 2030. Less than two months later Vladimir Putin publicly announced Russia's intent to pursue AI technologies, stating, '[W]hoever becomes the leader in this field will rule the world.' Similarly, the U.S. National Defense Strategy, released in January 2018, identified artificial intelligence as one of the key technologies that will 'ensure [the United States] will be able to fight and win the wars of the future.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2019-11-21
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2019 NATO Leaders' Meeting: In Brief [November 27, 2019]
From the Overview: "Heads of state and government from NATO's 29 member states are scheduled to meet in London, United Kingdom (UK) on December 3-4, 2019; they last met in Brussels, Belgium, in July 2018. Two key goals for the meeting will be to commemorate the alliance's past achievements--2019 marks NATO's 70th anniversary--and to advance efforts to address new and emerging security challenges, including renewed Russian aggression, terrorism, and cyber and hybrid threats. The meeting also could expose heightened political tension within the alliance and divergent views on a range of issues, including U.S. policy toward NATO and Europe, relations with NATO member Turkey, and relations with Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul
2019-11-27
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Boeing-Airbus Subsidy Dispute: Recent Developments [November 18, 2019]
From the Background: "The United States and the EU have long claimed that the other either directly or indirectly subsidizes their domestic civil aircraft industry. According to the United States, the EU and the governments of certain EU member states-- France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK)-- have provided, over the years, subsidies to their respective Airbus-affiliated companies to aid in the development, production, and marketing of large commercial aircraft (e.g., through equity infusions, debt forgiveness, debt rollovers, marketing assistance, and alleged political and economic pressure on purchasing governments). The EU, on the other hand, claims that Boeing benefits from U.S. government support, mainly in the form of research and development funds from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and other agencies. Furthermore, the EU claims that Boeing receives subsidies in the form of tax reductions and exemptions, as well as infrastructure support to develop and produce new aircraft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2019-11-18
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Big Data in Financial Services: Privacy and Security Regulation [November 15, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress has shown interest in data privacy and security issues in the financial services industry, including an upcoming House Financial Services task force hearing. Recent data breaches at large financial institutions and credit reporting agencies have increased concern about the privacy and security of the large amounts of consumer financial information (known increasingly as 'big data') that companies gather, use, and store. Some of this information is public, whereas other information is considered personal and nonpublic. No single law provides a framework for regulating data privacy in the United States. Instead, myriad laws cover different industries. In the financial services industry, several federal and state laws cover data privacy; most comprehensively, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA; P.L. 106-102) directs financial regulators to implement disclosure requirements and security measures to safeguard private information. This Insight summarizes GLBA's regulatory implementation and discusses policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.
2019-11-15
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Air Force OA-X Light Attack Aircraft Program [Updated November 19, 2019]
From the Document: "On October 24, 2019, the U.S. Air Force issued a final request for proposals declaring its intent to acquire a new type of aircraft. The OA-X light attack aircraft is a small, two-seat turboprop airplane designed for operation in relatively permissive environments. The announcement of a formal program follows a series of Air Force 'experiments' to determine the utility of such an aircraft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2019-11-19
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Army Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Program [November 20, 2019]
From the Document: "The major combat rotorcraft platforms in U.S. inventory-- the Chinook, Black Hawk, Apache, and Kiowa Warrior-- are based on designs from the 1960s and 1970s. While several are still in production or remanufacture, the Army is leading DOD's effort to move to a new generation of rotorcraft technology. The Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program is a research and development effort dedicated to discovering, investigating, and refining the technologies that is to provide the next generation of vertical lift aircraft for the United States Armed Forces. According to the Army, the goal of the program is to develop technologies that improve 'maneuverability, range, speed, payload, survivability, reliability, and reduced logistical footprint' compared with current rotorcraft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2019-11-20
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [Updated October 23, 2019]
From the Summary: "This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and has continued to be a point of contention during the 116th Congress. [...] This report focuses primarily on legislative restrictions and executive branch policies related to international abortion and family planning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2019-10-23
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Burkina Faso [Updated October 23, 2019]
From the Document: "Burkina Faso has become a stark symbol of worsening security trends in West Africa's Sahel region, due to an armed conflict that began in 2016. Islamist insurgents-- some of whom have ties to the conflict in neighboring Mali, and to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State--have asserted control over parts of the country and carried out several large attacks in the capital. State security forces and tacitly state-backed militia groups have been accused of severe human rights abuses during counterterrorism operations, including torture and extrajudicial killings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2019-10-23
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Australia [Updated October 25, 2019]
From the Overview: "Australia is a long-standing ally of the United States which has supported the U.S. in every major conflict since World War I. Australia is, along with the United States, a member of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence sharing group of nations. Australia remains committed to its alliance relationship with the United States while seeking to preserve its significant trade relationship with China and maintain its influence in the South Pacific. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, of the right of center Liberal Party, has developed a positive relationship with President Trump who hosted Morrison for a state visit in September 2019. Australia is also a key producer of natural resources and was the United States' 16th largest goods export market in 2018; U.S. exports to Australia have increased 81.3% since the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2005. Australia is also adjusting to geopolitical uncertainty related to the rise of China and concerns over the United States' commitment to the region by developing strategic ties with Japan and other Indo-Pacific nations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2019-10-25
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Changing Landscape of Immigrant Investment Programs [October 25, 2019]
From the Document: "Immigrant investment programs (IIPs), also known as 'golden visas,' 'golden passports,' and citizenship- or residency-by-investment (CBI, RBI) programs, among other names, are distinct from other immigration channels--such as family ties or employer sponsorship--in that the applicant is required to make a financial contribution for the benefit of the host nation. Criteria and expectations range widely across programs, yet all IIPs grant an immigration benefit to the approved applicant in exchange for a sizable financial contribution to the private or public sector (sometimes both). The first official IIP was established in St. Kitts and Nevis in 1984, followed by one in Canada in 1986 and in the United States in 1990 [...]. There are now more than 50 actively promoted IIPs around the world, and more than 100 countries have immigrant investment legislation in place."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Roscoe, Jennifer M.
2019-10-25
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California Wildfires and Bulk Electric System Reliability [October 28, 2019]
From the Document "Many regions of the United States are susceptible to wildfires during droughts, with lightning being a frequent cause. California has been particularly affected in recent years. Since 2000, California has experienced 15 of the 20 most destructive wildfires in the state's history. However, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, electric utilities in California were responsible for several of these wildfires. [...] The 2019 California wildfires have resulted in a statewide emergency declaration. Earlier this year, PG&E [Pacific Gas & Electric] announced a new wildfire mitigation plan in response to California Senate Bill (SB) 901 requiring all California electric utilities to prepare plans on constructing, maintaining, and operating their electrical lines and equipment to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfire, which could involve shutting down power to thousands of customers to reduce the risks of wildfire. On October 8, 2019, PG&E implemented its plan, shutting off power to about 525,000 customers. Other California utilities announced similar outage plans in anticipation of strong winds of hurricane-force strength. [...] As residential communities continue to be built in areas prone to wildfires, the wildfire risk to human life and property is increased. According to a recent peer-reviewed study published in the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the wildland-urban interface (WUI), the area where houses sit within or directly adjacent to natural vegetation, increased by 33% between 1990 and 2010 nationwide. The study states that 'WUI growth often results in more wildfire ignitions, putting more lives and houses at risk. Wildfire problems will not abate if recent housing growth trends continue.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Richard J.
2019-10-28
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Carbon Sequestration Legislation in the 116th Congress [October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "Utilizing permanent underground storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), also known as geological sequestration, as a potential strategy to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is receiving increasing congressional attention. Proponents of geologic sequestration of CO2 view the process as a promising method of reducing GHG emissions from industrial sources, such as coal-fired power plants, while continuing to use fossil fuels as a source of electricity. Several bills introduced in the 116th Congress would address geological sequestration policy issues, focusing on federal research and development (R&D) and federal tax credits for storing carbon."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Angela C.
2019-10-30
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Overview of Continuing Appropriations for FY2020 (P.L. 116-59) [October 24, 2019]
From the Document: "This report provides an analysis of the continuing appropriations provisions for FY2020 included in Division A (Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020) of H.R. 4378. The legislation also included a separate Division B (Health and Human Services Extenders and Other Matters), which extended multiple federal health care programs that were otherwise set to expire September 30, 2019, and provided for some adjustments to additional health programs. This report examines only Division A, the continuing resolution (CR) portion of the legislation. On September 27, 2019, the President signed H.R. 4378 into law (P.L. 116-59)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Saturno, James; McClanahan, Kate P.
2019-10-24
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'Things of Value' and the Foreign Contribution Ban [October 28, 2019]
From the Document: "The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), as amended, prohibits foreign nationals from contributing money 'or other thing[s] of value' in connection with a federal, state, or local election. A 'thing,' as one dictionary has it, is some entity that 'cannot be specifically designated or precisely described.' Sure enough, the scope of this ban has largely proven blurry, inconsistent, and frequently contested. FECA's prohibition has been the subject of much debate in the wake of congressional inquiries over the Trump Administration's dealings with Ukraine earlier this year. This Sidebar introduces the debate in three parts: first, it provides an overview of historical developments that led to the present statutory language; second, it discusses the relevant code and regulatory sections that compose the ban; and third, it reviews patterns and practical difficulties arising in the interpretation and enforcement of this prohibition, with special attention to opposition research and the contribution of information. The post concludes with considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shelly, Jacob D.
2019-10-28
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Panama: An Overview [Updated October 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Panama's central location in the Americas (linking North and South America) and its transportation infrastructure--especially the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans--make the country a global trade hub and a strategic partner for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-24
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PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Funding Issues [Updated October 24, 2019]
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 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. Congress is debating at what levels and for how long the program should next be authorized. The Trump Administration has proposed a reduction in PHMSA pipeline safety funding whereas bills in the House and Senate would increase funding at different levels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2019-10-24
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Federal Employees' Retirement System: Benefits and Financing [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Summary: "Most civilian federal employees who were hired before 1984 are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Federal employees hired in 1984 or later are covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Both CSRS and FERS require participants to contribute toward the cost of their pensions through a payroll tax to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF). [...] This report provides an overview of current benefits and financing under CSRS and FERS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-
2019-11-13
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Impeachment Process in the House of Representatives [Updated November 14, 2019]
From the Summary: "Under the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives has the power to formally charge a federal officer with wrongdoing, a process known as impeachment. The House impeaches an individual when a majority agrees to a House resolution containing explanations of the charges. The explanations in the resolution are referred to as 'articles of impeachment.' After the House agrees to impeach an officer, the role of the Senate is to conduct a trial to determine whether the charged individual should be removed from office. Removal requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate. The House impeachment process generally proceeds in three phases: (1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of articles of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the articles of impeachment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rybicki, Elizabeth; Greene, Michael
2019-11-14
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Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [Updated October 8, 2019]
From the Summary: "The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized to November 21, 2019, through a series of short-term reauthorizations. The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird; Brown, Jared T.
2019-10-08
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Air Force KC-46A Pegasus Tanker Aircraft Program [Updated October 17, 2019]
From the Summary: "On February 24, 2011, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the Boeing Company as the winner of a competition to build 179 new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force, a contract valued at roughly $35 billion. Prior to the announcement, the program had been known as KC-X. The first four KC-46s were delivered in January 2019. The KC-46A acquisition program is a subject of congressional interest because of the dollar value of the contract, the number of jobs it would create, the importance of tanker aircraft to U.S. military operations, and because previous attempts to acquire a new tanker since 2001 had ultimately failed. It has also attracted attention due to cost growth, schedule delays, and other issues with program execution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2019-10-17
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Can Mass Shooting Victims Sue the United States? [October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "Several weeks after the police arrested Dylann Roof for unlawfully possessing a controlled substance, Roof tried to buy a semiautomatic handgun. Under existing law, this previous arrest should have disqualified Roof from obtaining that weapon. However, the FBI--by its own admission--committed oversights while performing Roof's background check. As a result, Roof successfully purchased the firearm despite his prior arrest. Roof then killed nine people with that handgun in a racially motivated attack on a South Carolina church. Several of Roof's victims (or their estates) sued the United States, seeking to hold the federal government liable for failing to prevent Roof from purchasing the firearm he used in the shooting. In its August 30, 2019 opinion in 'Sanders v. United States,' the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Fourth Circuit) rejected the United States's request to dismiss the victims' case. 'Sanders' may be significant to Congress not only due to the national attention surrounding Roof's case, but also because the litigation implicates broader debates over when--and subject to what conditions--a private party may sue the federal government. This Sidebar describes the statutes and legal principles governing when a plaintiff may pursue tort litigation against the United States, explains how the 'Sanders' court applied those laws and doctrines, and identifies potential considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Kevin M.
2019-10-17
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the center-right Republican Proposal and the 'Cambiemos' (Let's Change) coalition representing center-right and center-left parties--won the 2015 presidential election in a close race. Macri defeated the candidate of the leftist faction (Front for Victory, or FPV) of the Peronist party (officially known as the Justicialist Party) led by outgoing President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term. Macri's election ended 12 years of FPV rule by the Kirchners (Néstor Kirchner, 2003-2007, and Cristina Fernández, 2007-2015). The Kirchners' rule helped Argentina emerge from a severe economic crisis in 2001- 2002 but was characterized by protectionist and unorthodox economic policies and increasing corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-17
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Bahamas: An Overview [Updated October 16, 2019]
From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate. Since independence, the political scene has been dominated by two political parties, the center-left Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the center-right Free National Movement (FNM)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-16
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Canada's October 2019 Elections [Updated October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "Canada is to hold parliamentary elections on October 21, 2019. Polls suggest a close race, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party struggling to hold onto the majority they won in 2015. The outcome of the election could have implications for the United States, which is closely bound to Canada by a 5,500-mile border, extensive commercial ties, and mutual defense commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-10-17
