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Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress [June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), enacted in 1972, provides cash benefits in the form of a lifetime annuity to a surviving spouse or other eligible recipient(s) of a retiree or deceased member of the uniformed services. The original intent of the SBP (and its antecedents) was to 'ensure that the surviving dependents of military personnel who die in retirement or after becoming eligible for retirement will continue to have a reasonable level of income.' Coverage was later expanded to those who die while on active service. Under the SBP, a military retiree can elect to have a portion of his or her monthly retired pay withheld in order to provide a monthly survivor benefit to a designated beneficiary. The cost of this protection is shared by the retiree (in the form of reductions from monthly military retired pay after retirement), the government, and sometimes the beneficiary (under certain types of coverage). Nearly every Congress since1972 has, in some way, modified the SBP provisions. These modifications have affected eligibility, the size of the benefit, and the interactions of the benefit with other federal benefits, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs' Dependency andIndemnity Compensation (DIC) and Social Security. In nearly every instance, these changes have made the SBP more generous. The program's eligibility requirements and enrollment processes are complex, and modifications over time have added to the complexity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2021-06-29
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "As of June 24, 2021, 147 women are serving in the 117th Congress. There are 123 women serving in the House (including 3 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), 90 Democrats and 33 Republicans. There are 24 women in the Senate, 16 Democrats and 8 Republicans. Initially, at the beginning of the 117th Congress, there were 148 women, and since then two House Members resigned; three House Members took their respective oaths of office in February, April, and June 2021; one Senator resigned; and one Senator's appointed term expired. These 148 women who were initially sworn in surpassed the previous number of 130 women serving at the close of the 116th Congress. During the 116th Congress, the number of women serving fluctuated: there were a record 131 women initially sworn in; one woman in the House subsequently resigned; two women were appointed to the Senate, and one of those Senate appointments expired before the end of the Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manning, Jennifer E.; Brudnick, Ida A.
2021-06-29
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. The Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA shipbuilding programs pose multiple oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base. They could also have implications for the preservation and use of Congress's power of the purse under Article 1 of the Constitution, and for maintaining Congress as a coequal branch of government relative to the executive branch."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-29
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Resources for Grantseekers [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target community needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to individuals. Most federal grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn may award funds as sub-awards to local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. Because of this, contacting federal departments and agencies, state-level grants administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant opportunities is likely to be an important step for many grantseekers. However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking government aid might need to search for funding options other than grants. For instance, individuals may be eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance. Small businesses and students may be eligible for loans. [...] This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government and private funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for information on writing grant proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2021-06-29
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Federal Sentencing of Child Pornography: Non-Production Offenses
From the Introduction: "This report focuses on non-production child pornography offenses and provides updated data from fiscal year 2019 regarding the three factors the Commission previously identified as the recommended focus in sentencing child pornography offenders: content, community, and conduct. Specifically, this report analyzes the content of the offender's collection, the offender's level of involvement with other individuals in child pornography communities, and any engagement by the offender in sexually abusive conduct in addition to the child pornography offense."
United States Sentencing Commission
2021-06-29?
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H. Rept. 117-76: Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2021, Report Together with Dissenting Views, to Accompany H.R. 3291, June 29, 2021
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 3291, the 'Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2021', includes provisions to improve our nation's drinking water infrastructure, increase the safety of our drinking water, and make water service more affordable."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-06-29
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H. Rept. 117-77, Part 1: Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 3293, June 29, 2021
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 3293, the 'Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021', amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish permanent rate assistance programs for low-income water customers. Municipal water systems and states would administer the programs, pursuant to EPA grants. The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and submit a report to Congress, not later than two years after funds are first disbursed, on the results of the program."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-06-29
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2931, Enhancing Grid Security Through Public-Private Partnerships Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on June 10, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 2931 would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to collaborate with federal, state, and private sector entities to assess and improve the cyber and physical security of electric utilities. The bill would authorize DOE to provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to electric utilities and would specify program reporting and administrative requirements."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2021-06-28
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: Summary of Estimated Budgetary Effects of Rules Committee Prints 117-8 and 117-9, H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act Including Manager's Amendment (Defazio 161, Version 1)
This is a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate which contains four summary tables. From the Document: "H.R. 3684 [INVEST in America Act, Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act] would provide budget authority over the 2022-2026 period for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to continue operating programs funded from the Highway Trust Fund. The bill also would authorize the appropriation of funds for rail programs and certain other transportation programs administered by DOT and other federal agencies."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2021-06-28
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China-Iran Relations: A Limited but Enduring Strategic Partnership
From the Introduction: "Having suffered years of diplomatic and economic isolation due to international sanctions, Iran has gradually deepened its relationship with China, which has stepped in to become a critical strategic partner for Iran. Economically, China is Iran's top trading partner, a leading energy importer, and a top investor. The two countries also have longstanding military ties, consisting of strong cooperation in the 1980s and 1990s and more modest cooperation today, with semiregular engagements such as high-level military exchanges, exercises, and port calls. Beijing and Tehran's March 2021 25-year cooperation agreement reflects their deepening relationship, which continues to grow as the two countries strengthen their coordination on issues of mutual interest. [...] This report examines Beijing's diplomatic and political goals for its relationship with Tehran as well as the significant geopolitical constraints on the relationship. It then assesses Chinese economic assistance to Iran, evidenced by China's role as Iran's top import and export market and a critical investor in energy and transportation infrastructure. Finally, the report analyzes Sino-Iranian defense cooperation, including limitations associated with China's desire to balance its military partnership with Iran with its other significant equities in the Middle East. The report concludes with an analysis of the China-Iran relationship's implications for the United States."
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
Green, William; Roth, Taylore
2021-06-28
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Global Research and Development Landscape and Implications for the Department of Defense [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Providing for the national defense is a central concern of Congress, and technological advantage has long provided U.S. forces with a battlefield overmatch, deterring potential conflicts and contributing to decisive U.S. military victories. Underpinning U.S. technological advantage are leading-edge innovations built on a foundation of insights gained from research and development (R&D) activities. Today, many analysts believe that U.S. technological overmatch--and, by extension, national security--is at risk due to a number of factors, including a rapidly evolving global landscape for innovation; changes in the composition of R&D funding; and the increasing technological prowess of potential adversaries. Many policymakers believe that new approaches and mechanisms are required to maintain U.S. technological advantage. Congress plays a central role in how the Department of Defense (DOD) creates and acquires leading-edge technologies, including establishing and refining the organizational structure of DOD research and development activities,1 providing policy direction, and appropriating funds for R&D and innovation-related activities. Congress and the Administration have undertaken actions in these areas in an effort to ensure that the United States maintains superiority over its potential adversaries. This report provides an overview of the changes that have occurred in the global R&D landscape, the Administration's policies and perspectives on how to maintain U.S. military technological leadership, actions taken by Congress, and potential issues for consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F., Jr.; Gallo, Marcy E.
2021-06-28
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Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy began procuring DDG-51s, also known as Aegis destroyers, in FY1985, and a total of 87 have been procured through FY2021, including two in FY2021. The Navy procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers in FY2007-FY2009 and plans no further procurement of DDG-1000s. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of one DDG-51 in FY2022, rather than the two DDG-51s that are called for in FY2022 under the FY2018-FY2022 DDG-51 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract, and that were projected for FY2022 under the Navy's FY2021 budget submission. Procuring a second DDG-51 in FY2022 is the number one item on the Navy's FY2022 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL)--the service's list of programs it would prefer to be funded in FY2022, if additional funding were to become available. A key issue for Congress for the DDG-51 program in FY2022 is whether to fund the procurement of one DDG-51, two DDG-51s, or some other number of DDG-51s (such as zero or three). Other issues for Congress concern the Navy's future force-level goal for large surface combatants (or LSCs, meaning cruisers and destroyers) and how the Navy proposes to transition several years from now from procurement of DDG-51s to procurement of a successor destroyer design now in development called the DDG(X)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-28
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Energy and Water Development Appropriations: Nuclear Weapons Activities [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Summary: "The annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bill funds civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. The DOE budget funds the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semiautonomous agency within DOE. NNSA operates three programs: Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, Naval Reactors, and Weapons Activities. The last is the subject of this report. The Weapons Activities account supports U.S. nuclear warheads, provides the materials and components for those weapons, and sustains the infrastructure that supports that mission. They provide for 'the maintenance and refurbishment of nuclear weapons to continue sustained confidence in their safety, reliability, and performance; continued investment in scientific, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities to enable production and certification of the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile; and manufacture of nuclear weapon components.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-06-28
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U.S.-EU Privacy Shield [June 28, 2021]
From the Document: "For decades, data privacy and protection issues have been sticking points in U.S.-European Union (EU) relations. The EU considers the privacy of communications and the protection of personal data to be fundamental rights, codified in EU law, while U.S. policy protects certain data on a sectoral basis. To address EU concerns that the United States does not sufficiently protect personal data, the United States and the EU have concluded data transfer agreements in both the commercial and law enforcement sectors. However, unauthorized disclosures in the media in 2013 of U.S. surveillance programs and the alleged involvement of some U.S. telecommunications and internet companies heightened EU concerns about U.S. government access to EU citizens' personal data. Resulting tensions have impacted confidence in U.S.-EU data transfer accords, threatening bilateral trade for U.S. and EU businesses, and elevated congressional concerns that the EU approach to data protection creates unfair trade barriers and limits U.S. firms' access to the EU market."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2021-06-28
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Supreme Court: Structure of Federal Housing Finance Agency Violates Constitution [June 28, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 23, the Supreme 'Court in Collins v. Yellen' ruled [hyperlink] 7-2 that the structure of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) violates the Constitution's separation of powers. The FHFA is headed [hyperlink] by a single Director who, under the statute establishing the agency, can only be removed by the President for cause, rather than at will. The single-headed structure of the FHFA contrasts with the multimember structure of most [hyperlink] other agencies headed by officials that are similarly insulated from presidential control through for cause removal protections. The Court's ruling, which comes on the heels of a decision [hyperlink] last year invalidating the similarly structured Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), will have important implications for Congress's ability to configure agencies in the executive branch with relative independence from the President. The decision also appears to have had immediate practical effect, as President Biden removed the FHFA Director from office the next day."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cole, Jared P.
2021-06-28
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Supreme Court Holds Small Refineries Remain Eligible for Renewable Fuel Standard Exemptions After Lapse [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Document: "In 'HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining v. Renewable Fuels Association' [hyperlink], the Supreme Court held that small refineries may receive small refinery exemptions (SREs) from the renewable fuel standard (RFS) even if they have not received an exemption for every year of the program. Under the RFS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires refineries and importers of non-renewable fuels to blend a certain amount of renewable fuel into transportation fuel (or to obtain credits that fulfill this requirement). Congress included exemption provisions [hyperlink] in the RFS for small refineries, allowing those refineries to petition [hyperlink] EPA 'at any time' 'for an extension of the exemption . . . for the reason of disproportionate economic hardship.' These exemptions have garnered attention from stakeholders [hyperlink] and Congress [hyperlink] as the number of exemptions sought and granted increased significantly [hyperlink] during the Trump Administration. Several renewable fuels producers [hyperlink] challenged EPA's decisions to grant petitions to exempt three small refineries. The Tenth Circuit vacated [hyperlink] all three exemptions on several grounds, one of which was appealed to the Supreme Court in 'HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining'. The Supreme Court reversed. This Sidebar provides background on the RFS, discusses the Tenth Circuit's and Supreme Court's opinions, and explores its implications for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ward, Erin H.
2021-06-28
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Inspection Procedures for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard
From the Purpose: "The purpose of this Direction is to provide guidelines and establish uniform inspection and enforcement procedures for the (COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] emergency temporary standard, hereafter referred to as the ETS."
United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
2021-06-28
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 25, 2021: Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic -- United States, March-April 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This early release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic -- United States, March-April 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link: [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-06-25
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Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
From the Scope: "This report provides an overview for policymakers of the challenges associated with characterizing the potential threat posed by UAP [unidentified aerial phenomena] while also providing a means to develop relevant processes, policies, technologies, and training for the U.S. military and other U.S. Government (USG) personnel if and when they encounter UAP, so as to enhance the Intelligence Community's (IC) ability to understand the threat. The Director, UAPTF [Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force], is the accountable official for ensuring the timely collection and consolidation of data on UAP. The dataset described in this report is currently limited primarily to U.S. Government reporting of incidents occurring from November 2004 to March 2021. Data continues to be collected and analyzed."
United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
2021-06-25
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 25, 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "HIV Testing Trends Among Persons with Commercial Insurance or Medicaid -- United States, 2014-2019"; "Need for Contraceptive Services Among Women of Reproductive Age -- 45 Jurisdictions, United States, 2017-2019"; "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Surveillance and Investigations in Workplaces -- Seattle & King County, Washington, June 15-November 15, 2020"; "COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Adults -- United States, December 14, 2020-May 22, 2021"; "COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Intent Among Adults Aged 18-39 Years -- United States, March-May 2021"; and "'QuickStats': Percentage of Adults Who Did Not Get Needed Dental Care Because of Cost in the Past 12 Months, by Age Group and Sex - National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-06-25
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Independence Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Independence Day celebrations. It contains links to census and demographic information, CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports, sample speeches and remarks from the 'Congressional Record', and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also contains links to selected historical and cultural resources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Curran, Caitlin
2021-06-25
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. [...] The Biden Administration maintains that it is conducting a review of policy toward Cuba; currently, sanctions imposed during the Trump Administration remain in place. During the U.S. election campaign, Biden said he would reverse Trump Administration policies that harmed the Cuban people without advancing democracy and human rights. The White House press secretary said on March 9 that although a Cuba policy shift was not among the President's top priorities, the Administration was 'committed to making human rights a core pillar' of policy and 'to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.' On June 23, the Biden Administration opposed a U.N. General Assembly resolution (approved by vote of 184 to 2, with 3 abstentions) urging the United States to end its embargo on Cuba; the Obama Administration had abstained on the annual resolution in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-06-25
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Belarus: An Overview [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "In 2020, protests against allegedly widespread electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters led to the rise of a mass opposition movement in Belarus, on a scale unseen since the country became independent in 1991 (Belarus previously was part of the Soviet Union).The protests emerged in the wake of Belarus's August 2020 presidential election, during which opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya mounted an unexpectedly strong campaign against Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for more than 26 years. Since August 2020, about 35,000 Belarusians reportedly have been detained or imprisoned. More than 500, including 62 women, are considered political prisoners. Several individuals have been killed or have died under suspicious circumstances. The United States, the European Union (EU), and others have called for an end to the crackdown and for the government to hold free and fair presidential elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-06-25
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DHS Budget Request Analysis: Fy2022 [June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the third largest agency in the federal government in terms of personnel. The appropriations bill that funds it--providing almost $72 billion in FY2021--is the seventh largest of the 12 annual funding measures developed by the appropriations committees, and is the only appropriations bill that funds a single agency in its entirety and nothing else. This report provides an overview of the FY2022 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security. It provides a component-level overview of the appropriations sought in the FY2022 budget request, and puts the requested appropriations in context with the FY2021 requested and enacted level of appropriations, while noting some of the factors behind the larger changes from those baselines."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2021-06-25
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Priority Open Recommendations: Department of Transportation [June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The purpose of this letter is to provide an update on the overall status of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) implementation of GAO's [Government Accountability Office] recommendations and to call your personal attention to areas where open recommendations should be given high priority. In November 2020, we reported that on a government-wide basis, 77 percent of our recommendations made 4 years ago were implemented. DOT's recommendation implementation rate was 77 percent. As of April 2021, DOT had 178 open recommendations. Fully implementing these open recommendations could significantly improve agency operations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06-25
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $2,659.5 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-25
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Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline: Continued Uncertainty [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline under construction that would increase the amount of Russian natural gas export capacity directly to Germany and on to other European countries, bypassing Ukraine, Poland, and other transit states (Figure 1). Successive U.S. Administrations and Congresses have opposed Nord Stream 2, reflecting concerns about European dependence on Russian energy and the threat of increased Russian aggression in Ukraine. Nord Stream 2 construction was initially suspended in December 2019, after the passage of U.S. legislation establishing sanctions related to the pipeline. At the time, fewer than 100 miles of the approximately 760-mile long pipeline system (consisting of two parallel lines) remained to be laid. Construction resumed in December 2020. In response, the United States has imposed sanctions on several entities and vessels, including five Russian ships identified as engaging in pipe-laying activities. Construction is ongoing, however. Reports indicate that one of two lines of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline system is complete, and construction of the second line may be finished within months. Additional steps, including certification by German authorities, would be required before the pipeline begins to transport gas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul; Ratner, Michael; Welt, Cory
2021-06-25
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Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) around FY2028. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program.The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-25
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Overview of the Universal Service Fund and Selected Federal Broadband Programs [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Efforts to deploy voice telephone service throughout the United States began almost 100 years ago. Starting in the 1990s, these efforts shifted toward the deployment of broadband internet service to homes, schools, and businesses and the provision of infrastructure to support applications such as telehealth and distance learning. These efforts have been supported through various permanent and pilot programs since that time. Further, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has become increasingly aware of the issues associated with the lack of broadband access in many places throughout the country. [...] This report summarizes broadband support programs at the following agencies: [1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC), [2] National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), [3] Department of Agriculture (USDA), [4] Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), [5] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), [6] Department of the Treasury, and [7] Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This report provides an overview of the agencies named above and summaries of the programs themselves, including new programs created or proposed in response to the pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976- . . .
2021-06-25
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U.S. Funding for International Conservation and Biodiversity [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States supports international conservation efforts through foreign assistance programs, diplomatic engagement, and other tools. Members of Congress have supported such efforts on a bipartisan basis and have debated the level, scope, prioritization, and potential unintended consequences of U.S. international conservation activities. International conservation efforts focus on protecting species, restoring habitats, and recovering forests, among other things. Multiple federal departments and agencies administer and implement these initiatives, and Congress appropriates funding for them via several annual appropriations laws. Congress has shaped U.S. policy on international conservation through its authorization and appropriation of foreign assistance in part, as well as through its oversight activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Brown, Nick M.; Morgenstern, Emily M. . . .
2021-06-25
