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Digital Wallets and Selected Policy Issues [April 18, 2022]
From the Document: "Digital wallets are generally used for (1) payments to merchants through the use of near-field communication or QR codes for in-person purchases; (2) peer-to-peer transfers of funds through an app, via text message, or QR codes; (3) storing value from a linked bank account or debit card on an app-based account; or (4) storing, providing access to, and transacting in cryptocurrency. (For more on cryptocurrency, see CRS Report R45427, 'Cryptocurrency: The Economics of Money and Selected Policy Issues' [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=836620].) Digital wallets generally require the use of internet-connected hardware, such as a smartphone. Some, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, may work only with certain devices and associated operating systems. Others, such as the PayPal or Cash apps, can be downloaded and accessed from a range of devices, irrespective of operating system. For conceptual simplicity, it can be helpful to think of digital wallets as belonging to one of three groups: retailer-specific, general purpose, or cryptocurrency."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tierno, Paul; Scott, Andrew P.
2022-04-18
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April 2022 Update to TIGER: Policymakers Face Grim Quandaries as Storm Clouds Gather
From the Document: "This was to be the year of post-COVID [coronavirus disease] normalization, labor market healing, and a growth revival. Instead, it is turning into a fraught period of geopolitical realignments, persistent supply disruptions, and financial market volatility, all against the background of surging inflationary pressures and limited room for policy maneuver. The latest update of the Brookings-Financial Times Tracking Indexes for the Global Economic Recovery (TIGER) shows an overall loss of growth momentum, with considerable unevenness across countries in their vulnerability to adverse domestic and international developments. The war in Ukraine, the resurgence of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in China, and the limited macroeconomic policy space that now confronts most governments will make 2022 a tough year for global growth. The disruptive impact of COVID-19 seems contained in most other parts of the world, although it remains a wildcard as new variants emerge."
Brookings Institution
Khanna, Aryan; Prasad, Eswar
2022-04-17
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 6361, District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General Residency Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on February 2, 2022. From the Document: "H.R. 6361 would amend the District of Columbia Official Code to require the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard to reside within the District of Columbia. That officer, the Guard's top official in the District, is appointed by the President as a federal official. The federal government has broad authority over the National Guard, and it funds training and readiness. CBO estimates that the bill would have no effect on the federal budget because it affects only the criteria for selecting the commanding general."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-04-15
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 15, 2022
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: "Translocation of an Anteater ('Tamandua tetradactyla') Infected with Rabies from Virginia to Tennessee Resulting in Multiple Human Exposures, 2021"; "Surveillance to Track Progress Toward Polio Eradication -- Worldwide, 2020-2021"; "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Mortality and Vaccine Coverage -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, January 6, 2022-March 21, 2022"; "Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA [messenger ribonucleic acid] Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Among Adults with Previous SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Infection -- United States, June 2021-February 2022"; "Notes from the Field: Wound Botulism Outbreak Among a Group of Persons Who Inject Drugs -- Dallas, Texas, 2020"; and "QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Death Rates of Heart Disease and Cancer, by Sex -- United States, 2010-2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-04-15
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Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated April 15, 2022]
From the Document: "Eleven years after a 2011 uprising that toppled long-time authoritarian leader Muammar al Qadhafi, Libya has yet to make a transition to stable governing arrangements. Elections and diplomacy have produced a series of interim governments, but militias, local leaders, and subnational coalitions backed by competing foreign patrons have remained the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. The postponement of planned elections in 2021, Libyans' continuing lack of consensus over constitutional and legal arrangements, the potential fragility of a United Nations (U.N.)-backed ceasefire, and the reemergence of institutional rivalry threaten Libya's stability and pose challenges for U.S. decisionmakers. Successive U.S. Administrations have sought to prevent Libya from serving as a permissive environment for transnational terrorist groups and have taken different approaches to conflict and competition among Libyans. The Biden Administration supports the holding of new elections in Libya and has used U.S. influence to bolster U.N.-led mediation efforts to that end. Congress has appropriated funds to enable U.S. diplomacy and aid programs, and some Members have called for more assertive U.S. engagement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2022-04-15
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated April 15, 2022]
From the Overview: "Israel (see 'Appendix A' for a map and basic facts) has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas. For more background on aid, arms sales, and missile defense cooperation, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33222, 'U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel,' by Jeremy M. Sharp. U.S.-Israel security cooperation--a critical part of the bilateral relationship--is multifaceted. U.S. law requires the executive branch to take certain actions to preserve Israel's 'qualitative military edge,' or QME, and expedites aid and arms sales to Israel in various ways. A 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding (MOU)--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. The MOU anticipates possible supplemental aid in emergency situations such as conflict. In March 2022, Congress appropriated $1 billion in supplemental funding through FY2024 for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system as a response to the system's heavy use during a May 2021 conflict between Israel and Gaza Strip-based groups such as Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) (both of which are U.S.-designated terrorist organizations)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2022-04-15
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Equity Action Plan Summary: U.S. Department of Defense
From the Document: "The military community and military families are proudly diverse. One of the most important ways DoD is advancing equity for underserved communities is by enhancing support for military families and addressing the barriers underserved military families face in achieving economic security and health equity. At the same time, while the Department of Defense has historically focused on increasing equity for those within the DoD community, the collective actions described in this plan represent a shift in the Department's approach and focus to better ensure that we leverage our capabilities to create opportunities for all Americans, including for small, disadvantaged businesses, and to ensure that all qualified Americans can serve their country in uniform."
United States. Department of Defense
2022-04-15?
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Homeland Security FY 2021-2023 Annual Performance Report
From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Annual Performance Report (APR) for FY 2021-2023 presents the Department's mission programs, progress summaries, performance measure results and FY 2022 and FY 2023 targets. The report summarizes information on other key initiatives in the DHS Performance Management Framework related to the Strategic Review and our Agency Priority Goals (APG). Also included are other key management initiatives, and a summary of our performance challenges and high-risk areas identified by the DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report is consolidated to incorporate our annual performance plan and annual performance report."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2022-04-15?
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Evaluation of the Department of Defense's Efforts to Address the Climate Resilience of U.S. Military Installations in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic (DODIG-2022-083)
"The objective of this evaluation was to determine the extent to which the DoD has addressed the climate resilience of U.S. military installations in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. [...] In the past 5 years, extreme weather and changing climate have caused hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of damage in the United States. In 2019, a DoD report to Congress on the effects of climate change on military installations called the effects of a changing climate a national security issue, with potential impacts to DoD missions, operational plans, and installations. Public law, DoD directives, and recently released DoD Facilities Criteria require DoD installations to address climate and energy risks and threats to installation infrastructure, assets, and missions. The extent of climate change is more significant in the Arctic than in most other parts of the world. The DoD's Arctic Strategy recognizes that the Arctic has direct implications for U.S. national security interests. The DoD is investing in resilient installation infrastructure and assets in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions to support increased Arctic operations and enhanced Arctic awareness."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2022-04-15
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Equity Action Plan: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
From the Executive Summary: "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Meeting the aspiration of this goal requires that HUD prioritizes people in communities otherwise underserved by federal programs. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform to improve quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. [...] HUD's action plan responds to the request in Executive Order 13985 as implemented by the Office of Management and Budget to specifically address (1) procurement and (2) resources to the agency's civil rights unit, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). Access to federal contracting opportunities can support economic growth and wealth building for members of underserved communities. HUD's fair housing and civil rights work has a broad scope and touches every person in this country. Furthermore, the underlying mission of FHEO is squarely focused on underserved communities by eliminating housing and lending discrimination against persons of color and other vulnerable populations."
United States. Department of Housing and Urban Development
2022-04-15?
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Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V): A Primer [April 15, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins Act), as amended most recently by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V; P.L. 115-224), is the primary federal law supporting career and technical education (CTE) services offered within the states1 at the secondary and postsecondary education levels.2 CTE, once known as vocational education, consists of educational activities that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for specific careers in current or emerging professions. CTE also prepares students for the labor market more broadly by integrating CTE with academic standards. [...] This report provides an overview of Perkins V, including its design, implementation, and funding as described in statute. After a brief introduction to CTE, the report is divided into sections that focus on a detailed description of the Basic State Grants (BSG), discuss National Activities and other programs under Title I, and summarize additional provisions under Title II. A final section summarizes Perkins V authorizations and appropriations. The appendices provide a brief history of federal involvement in CTE as well as formulas and allocations for the BSG."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Edgerton, Adam K.
2022-04-15
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Joint Cybersecurity Advisory: APT Cyber Tools Targeting ICS/SCADA Devices
From the Summary: "The Department of Energy (DOE), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are releasing this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) to warn that certain advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have exhibited the capability to gain full system access to multiple industrial control system (ICS)/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) devices, including: [1] Schneider Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs), [2] OMRON Sysmac NEX PLCs, and [3] Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) servers. The APT actors have developed custom-made tools for targeting ICS/SCADA devices. The tools enable them to scan for, compromise, and control affected devices once they have established initial access to the operational technology (OT) network. [...] DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI urge critical infrastructure organizations, especially Energy Sector organizations, to implement the detection and mitigation recommendations provided in this CSA to detect potential malicious APT activity and harden their ICS/SCADA devices."
United States. Department of Energy; United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency; United States. National Security Agency . . .
2022-04-14
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EMR-ISAC: Infogram, Volume 22 Issue 15, April 14, 2022
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "NAEMSP [National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians] joint statement recommends reducing use of EMS [emergency medical services] lights and sirens"; "Virginia Beach public safety drone program serves as a model for interagency coordination"; "April is National Supply Chain Integrity Month"; "Webinar: Preparedness Lessons Learned from the 2021 Texas Power Failure"; "APT [advanced persistent threat] Actors target ICS [industrial control system]/SCADA [supervisory control and data acquisition] Devices"; "Lapsus$, Okta and the Health Sector"; "Microsoft blocks Russian cyberattacks linked to Ukraine war"; "Russian hackers thwarted in attempt to take out electrical grid, Ukrainians say"; and "MS-ISAC [Multi-State Information and Analysis Center]: Cyber clean for Spring."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2022-04-14
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 14, 2022]
From the Summary: "The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a key U.S. partner in the Middle East, and the two countries have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues. Jordan remains at peace with Israel and is a primary interlocutor with the Palestinians. Ongoing instability in neighboring Syria and Iraq magnifies Jordan's strategic importance to the United States. Jordan also is a longtime U.S. partner in global counterterrorism operations. U.S.-Jordanian military, intelligence, and diplomatic cooperation seeks to empower political moderates, reduce sectarian conflict, and eliminate terrorist threats. U.S. officials frequently express their support for Jordan. U.S. assistance has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's small size, refugee burden, and lack of major economic resources have made it dependent on aid from Western and various Arab sources. The Biden Administration has acknowledged Jordan's role as a key U.S. partner in promoting Israeli-Palestinian peace, as many U.S. policymakers advocate for continued robust U.S. assistance to the kingdom. Jordan also hosts over 3,000 U.S. troops."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2022-04-14
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated April 14, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [In this document] are three tables, organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was compiled from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) 'World Fact Book', International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2022-04-14
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Global Human Rights: The Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices [Updated April 14, 2022]
From the Document: "The State Department's 'Country Reports on Human Rights Practices' are an annual U.S. government account of human rights conditions in countries around the globe. The reports characterize countries on the basis of their adherence to 'internationally recognized human rights,' which generally refer to civil, political, and worker rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements. [...] In the early reports, there was concern within the State Department about publicly characterizing the human rights conditions in other countries, particularly that of U.S. allies. The first reports were criticized for being biased and thin on substance. Over time, with improvements in the breadth, quality, and accuracy of the reports, many observers have come to recognize them as authoritative. At the same time, countries whose human rights conditions are criticized in the reports often publicly defend their record and/or dismiss the reports as biased. [...] Topics that now receive increased coverage include, for example, press and internet freedoms, corruption and government transparency, and human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, the reports now reference separate congressionally mandated reports on international religious freedom (IRF) and trafficking in persons (TIP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weber, Michael A.
2022-04-14
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Department of Veterans Affairs Equity Action Plan
From the Executive Summary of Action Plan: "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not excluded from the systemic injustices and inequities that pervade American society. The GI Bill and loan guaranty programs were instrumental in economic prosperity and access to homeownership for Veterans in the postwar years, but Black Veterans lacked the same level of access. Additionally, exclusionary policies (e.g., Don't Ask Don't Tell) affecting LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and more] Service members led to the involuntary separation and denial of benefits for many LGBTQ+ Veterans. Other instances of inequities faced by underserved Veterans include disparities in claim rejection rates, unequal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compensation rates and access disparities for Veterans discharged under other-than-honorable (OTH) conditions. VA is reducing internal and external barriers that have impeded access to benefits, services, and healthcare. VA recognizes that internal barriers will require changes to policies, processes, and procedures to enable access to underserved Veterans. Conversely, external barriers such as legislation, infrastructure or technology differences can contribute to inequities. VA seeks to advance an inclusive environment that values and supports the diverse communities we serve--Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors--and cultivate 'equitable access to care, benefits and services for all.'"
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs
2022-04-14?
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Case Study: China's Economic Coercion Against Intel, Sam's Club, and Walmart
From the Document: "This report is part of the Commission's effort to monitor China's repression of human rights in the United States and globally. In December 2021, Chinese internet users publicly criticized U.S. companies Intel, Sam's Club, and Sam's Club's parent company Walmart after Intel asked suppliers to stop sourcing from Xinjiang and after Sam's Club products sourced from Xinjiang disappeared from shelves and online shopping sites in China. Some consumers in China also boycotted Sam's Club. Chinese Communist Party and government sources, including the Global Times, Communist Youth League, and the Party and government's highest-level disciplinary bodies, said publicly that Chinese consumers were justified in boycotting Sam's Club and warned that there would be economic consequences for the three companies. Such statements were consistent with prior cases of China's economic coercion, in which Chinese authorities punished foreign companies and other organizations whose speech or actions did not align with Party and government political priorities. In one December 2021 article, the Global Times discussed the possibility of creating a counter-sanctions mechanism using the PRC [People's Republic of China] Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, raising concerns about its potential application against companies that do not comply with Party and government political priorities."
United States. Congressional-Executive Commission on China
2022-04-14
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Challenging China's Trade Practices: Promoting Interests of U.S. Workers, Farmers, Producers, and Innovators [video]
This is the Thursday, April 14, 2022 hearing on "Challenging China's Trade Practices: Promoting Interests of U.S. Workers, Farmers, Producers, and Innovators," held in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 419 and Webex. From the Opening Statement of Robin Cleveland: "Our hearing today will focus on a key aspect of the U.S-China relationship and this Commission's mandate: trade. U.S. policymakers have long been dedicated to expanding market access and commercial opportunities. The United States has prioritized alignment with global trading rules and the formation of new rules to protect innovation and promote competition. As this Commission has observed in the last two decades, China's policies and practices run contrary to the U.S. approach. China has repeatedly flouted its commitments to reciprocal access, protection of intellectual property, and equal treatment. The Chinese Communist Party has strengthened the hand of the state rather than the market, creating a cascade of negative effects around the globe. Chinese state and nonstate producers have drowned global markets with over capacity to eliminate competition and hollow out entire industries. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and Beijing's failure to live up to its obligations under the Phase One Deal, it is clear that the United States and many of its allies must craft a more resilient approach to trade policy." The duration of the video is 7 hours, 40 minutes, 45 seconds.
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
2022-04-14
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2022 Agency Equity Plan Related to Executive Order 13985
From the Executive Summary: "The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has an opportunity and a responsibility to support states, districts, schools, institutions of higher education, educators, families and, ultimately, students in delivering on America's promise of education. Its stated mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. To fulfill this mission, the agency must embed equity throughout its operations and mission to meet the needs of every learner. [...] Consistent with the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has and is focused on strengthening the agency's processes, policies, strategies, and culture to ensure equity is the foundation upon which all decisions and protocols rest, and to strengthen the agency's work and build on its impact. We further recognize that in order to maximize opportunities to promote and implement equity throughout the work of the agency and do the work at the level in which we are most swiftly and efficiently garnering change, we require resources--including increased workforce capacity. In this way, we can guarantee that the transformative changes last long beyond the life of Executive Order 13985 and uphold our mission of ensuring equal access in educational opportunities and excellence for all students."
United States. Department of Education
2022-04-14?
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U.S. Department of the Interior Equity Action Plan
From the Executive Summary: "Executive Order 13985, 'Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government', calls on the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI, the Department) to advance equity so that it is not just an ideal, but a principle that is reflected in how the Department serves the American people and fulfills its mission. By embedding equity in its operations, policies, and decision-making process, the Department is committed to equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religion, or disability. The Department is proud to put forward this Equity Action Plan, which lays out the foundation to achieve outcomes that remove barriers to equal opportunity and deliver resources and benefits equitably to all."
United States. Department of the Interior
2022-04-14
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Department of Justice: Equity Action Plan 2022
From the Executive Summary: "The Department of Justice's mission is to 'enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.' As the Attorney General has explained: 'Advancing equal justice under law is a core principle of the Department of Justice. Established during Reconstruction, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the Department's first mission was to secure the civil rights promised by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.' Since then, the Department has continued its foundational work of ensuring that no individuals are denied the freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution. Since January 20, 2021, the Department has taken many steps to advance equity for marginalized and underserved communities. The Department has prioritized five action items to further advance that work[.] [...] The Department believes each of these action items will substantially advance equity and civil rights and, further, will promote public safety by increasing trust and communication between the Department and the communities it serves."
United States. Department of Justice
2022-04-14?
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Bahamas: An Overview [Updated April 13, 2022]
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. [...] Current Prime Minister Philip Davis led the PLP [Progressive Liberal Party] to a landslide electoral victory in September 2021, winning 32 House of Assembly seats; the FNM [Free National Movement], now led by Michael Pintard, who serves as leader of the opposition, won 7 seats. The difficult economic situation, brought about by the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and, beginning in 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was a key factor that led to the PLP's win in 2021. National elections are next due by 2026."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2022-04-13
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Management Alert - FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Operating Procedures Are Inconsistent with Previous Interpretation of Long-Standing Regulations for Eligible Funeral Expenses
From the Summary of Issues: "We are issuing this management alert to advise the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that its Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Funeral Assistance Program operating procedures are inconsistent with FEMA's previous interpretation of long-standing regulations for ineligible funeral expenses established in FEMA's 'Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide' (IAPPG). This interpretation of regulations for ineligible funeral expenses remains unchanged in FEMA Policy 104-21-0001 (COVID-19-specific policy). During our ongoing audit of the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, we determined, and verified through analyzing a sample of completed program applications, that FEMA regularly reimburses applicants for expenses expressly excluded from funeral assistance in the IAPPG. Due to the unprecedented size of this program and the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA must take action to curb reimbursement of ineligible expenses to avoid further waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2022-04-13
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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 13, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 64 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2023 budget requests $60.0 million, $650.0 million, and $16.0 million in procurement funding, respectively, for the NSC, OPC, and FRCs programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requested and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. The NSC, OPC, and FRC programs have been subjects of congressional oversight for many years, and were previously covered in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports dating back to 1998 that are now archived."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-04-13
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Russia's War in Ukraine: Military and Intelligence Aspects [April 13, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Russia's full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 marked the start of Europe's deadliest armed conflict in decades. It also prompted intensive international efforts to respond to the war. Multiple Members of Congress have engaged with U.S. and international measures, including by considering sanctions against Russia, providing assistance to Ukraine, and bolstering support to neighboring NATO countries. The immediate and long-term implications of the war are likely to be far-reaching, affecting numerous policy dimensions of concern to Congress. This report addresses military and intelligence aspects of Russia's war in Ukraine, which are of interest to many in Congress as Congress considers various legislative measures and conducts oversight of U.S. policy. It provides an overview of the conflict, including the run-up to the invasion, the performance and conduct of the Russian and Ukrainian militaries, possible Russian intentions, and recent developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew S.
2022-04-13
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Evaluation of the Department of Defense's Efforts to Address the Climate Resilience of U.S. Military Installations in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic
From the Finding: "U.S. military installation leaders at the six Arctic and sub-Arctic installations we visited did not conduct installation resilience assessments and planning required by DoD directive and public law. DoD Directive 4715.21, 'Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience' (2016), requires DoD Components to integrate climate change considerations into DoD Component policy, guidance, plans, and operations. In addition, 10 U.S.C. § 2864 (2020) requires commanders of major military installations to identify, assess, and develop plans to address military installation resilience and environmental risks and threats to assets, infrastructure, and mission. However, most installation leaders at the six installations we visited in the Arctic and sub-Arctic region were unfamiliar with military installation resilience planning requirements, processes, and tools, and did not comply with requirements to identify current and projected environmental risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation measures or incorporate these considerations into plans and operations."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2022-04-13
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Foreign Direct Investment: Background and Issues [Updated April 13, 2022]
From the Document: "Both inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI) are significant to the U.S. economy, international trade, and global supply chains, and form a key component of U.S. trade policy. Traditionally, the United States has supported a rules-based and open investment environment domestically and internationally to promote U.S. economic growth and other policy objectives, such as ensuring that the United States remains a premier destination for FDI and ensuring the competitiveness of U.S companies overseas. [...] At the intersection of many competing interests, U.S. investment policy has been the subject of long-standing debate. [...] Congress could examine several aspects of U.S. FDI policy, including the effects of FDI on the U.S. economy, firms, workers, and U.S. supply chains; further reforms to foreign investment reviews and whether to require greater transparency and oversight of U.S outbound investment; U.S. investment policy objectives and commitments in FTAs [free trade agreements] and BITs [bilateral investment treaties], and new initiatives; trading partner FDI policies and trade barriers; and the effectiveness of investment promotion programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2022-04-13
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Role of International Tribunals in the Response to the Invasion of Ukraine [Updated April 13, 2022]
From the Document: "The Ukrainian government and much [hyperlink] of the international community contend that actions taken by Russian forces following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine violate international law. A number of officials have also expressed concern that actions during the invasion may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity [hyperlink]; others, including the Secretary General of the United Nations [hyperlink] (U.N.) and the U.S. Secretary of State [hyperlink] have claimed that the situation in Ukraine is leading to increased human rights violations. This Sidebar addresses the role of international tribunals in addressing issues involving international humanitarian and human rights law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.; Mulligan, Stephen P.
2022-04-13
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U.S. Department of Energy's Equity Action Plan
From the Executive Summary: "The Department of Energy (hereinafter DOE or the Department) is responsible for ensuring the Nation's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. [...] Executive Order (EO) 13985, 'Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government', provides an opportunity for the Department to examine its internal processes and programs to ensure that the agency eliminates barriers to access; transform programs and policies to open even broader pathways for underrepresented groups to access DOE resources; and stand up new programs to better serve communities. EO 13985 provides an opportunity for the Department to continually strive for equity across its mission areas. Moreover, these actions and ongoing efforts will position DOE as a critical partner within an all-of-government approach to tackling the climate crisis. EO 13985--focused on equity within the Department's functions and programs--dovetails with the Department's efforts to ensure that 40% of the benefits of its clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate programs flow to underserved communities (the Justice40 Initiative) and provides the blueprint for delivering on the historic Justice40 Initiative."
United States. Department of Energy
Baker, Shalanda H.
2022-04-13?
