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• Mexican Economy after the Global Financial Crisis [September 16, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The state of Mexico's economy is important for U.S. policymakers for many reasons, most significantly because a prosperous and democratic neighboring country is in the best interest of the United States. The two countries have strong economic, political, and social ties, which have direct policy implications related to bilateral trade, economic competitiveness, migration, and border security. In May 2010, President Barack Obama hosted Mexican President Felipe Calderón at a meeting in the White House in which the two leaders discussed key issues affecting the two countries. They agreed to continue and reinforce cooperation on creating jobs, promoting economic recovery and expansion, and encouraging inclusive prosperity across all levels of society in both countries. The 111th Congress is likely to maintain an active interest in Mexico on issues related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other trade issues, economic conditions in Mexico, migration, border security issues, and counter-narcotics."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles

  2010-09-16
• Biofuels Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs [September 15, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "With recent high energy prices, the passage of major energy legislation in 2005 (P.L. 109-58) and 2007 (P.L. 110-140), and the passage of a new farm bill in 2008 (P.L. 110-246), there is ongoing congressional interest in promoting alternatives to petroleum fuels. Biofuels--transportation fuels produced from plants and other organic materials--are of particular interest. Ethanol and biodiesel, the two most widely used biofuels, receive significant government support under federal law in the form of mandated fuel use, tax incentives, loan and grant programs, and certain regulatory requirements. The 22 programs and provisions listed in this report have been established over the past three decades, and are administered by five separate agencies and departments: Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Internal Revenue Service, and Customs and Border Protection. These programs target a variety of beneficiaries, including farmers and rural small businesses, biofuel producers, petroleum suppliers, and fuel marketers. Arguably, in prior years the most significant federal programs for biofuels have been tax credits for the production or sale of ethanol and biodiesel. However, with the establishment of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) under P.L. 109-58, Congress has mandated biofuels use; P.L. 110-140 significantly expanded that mandate. In the long term, the mandate may prove even more significant than tax incentives in promoting the use of these fuels."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Yacobucci, Brent D.

  2010-09-15
• Guantanamo Detention Center: Legislative Activity in the 111th Congress [January 13, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The detention of alleged enemy belligerents at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, together with proposals to transfer some such individuals to the United States for prosecution or continued detention, has been a subject of considerable interest for Congress. Several authorization and appropriations measures enacted during the 111th Congress addressed the disposition and treatment of Guantanamo detainees. This report analyzes legislation enacted in the 111th Congress concerning persons held at the Guantanamo detention facility. […] Several appropriations measures enacted in the 111th Congress restricted appropriated funds from being used to transfer or release Guantanamo detainees into the United States; they permitted transfers for purposes of criminal prosecution or detention during legal proceedings, contingent upon certain reporting requirements being fulfilled. However, the 2011 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (P.L. 111-383), which was signed into law on January 7, 2011, prohibits any funds it authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being used to transfer Guantanamo detainees into the United States for any purpose, and also bars such funds from being used to assist in the transfer of such persons. Because Guantanamo detainees are presently in military custody, the act could be interpreted as effectively barring the transfer of any Guantanamo detainee into the United States, despite language in authorizing appropriations measures for other federal agencies that permits the use of funds to transfer detainees into the country for criminal prosecution. In addition to these restrictions, the 2011 NDAA bars authorized funds from being used to construct facilities in the United States to house transferred Guantanamo detainees, and also imposes restrictions on the transfer of detainees to certain foreign countries in order to deter the return of transferred detainees to hostilities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garcia, Michael John

  2011-01-13
• Guantanamo Detention Center: Legislative Activity in the 111th Congress [November 4, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The detention of alleged enemy belligerents at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, together with proposals to transfer some such individuals to the United States for prosecution or continued detention, has been a subject of considerable interest for Congress. Several authorization and appropriations measures enacted during the 111th Congress, along with various pending bills, address the disposition and treatment of Guantanamo detainees. To date in the 111th Congress, provisions directly relating to Guantanamo detainees have been enacted as part of eight laws: the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-32); the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-83); the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 111-84); the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-88); the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117); the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-118); the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-212) and the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2010 (P.L. 111-259). Most of these measures impose general restrictions on the use or availability of funds to transfer or release Guantanamo detainees into the United States, though they also provide an exception permitting transfers for purposes of criminal prosecution or detention during legal proceedings if certain reporting requirements are fulfilled. [...] This report analyzes relevant provisions in enacted legislation and selected pending bills."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garcia, Michael John

  2010-11-04
• European Parliament [January 21, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The 736-member European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the European Union (EU), a unique political and economic partnership composed of 27 member states. The EP is the only EU institution that is directly elected. The EP plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and works closely with the two other main EU bodies, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers). Although the EP does not formally initiate EU legislation, it shares legislative power with the Council of Ministers in many policy areas, giving it the right to accept, amend, or reject proposed EU laws. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. The most recent EP elections were held in June 2009. The EP currently has seven political groups, which caucus according to political ideology rather than nationality, plus a number of 'non-attached' or independent members. The EP has 20 standing committees that are key actors in the adoption of EU legislation and a total of 41 delegations that maintain international parliament-to-parliament relations. The EP is led by a President, who oversees its work and represents the EP externally. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Experts assert that the EU's latest effort at institutional reform--the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on December 1, 2009--significantly increases the relative power of the EP within the EU. The Lisbon Treaty gives the EP a say equal to that of the member states in the Council of Ministers over the vast majority of EU legislation (with some exceptions in areas such as tax matters and foreign policy), as well as the right to decide on the allocation of the EU budget jointly with the Council. The treaty also gives the EP the power to approve or reject international agreements and expands the EP's decision-making authority over trade-related issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.

  2011-01-21
• Dominican Republic: Background and U.S. Relations [January 3, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The Dominican Republic, a country of roughly 9.7 million people that shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is a key U.S. trade partner and political ally in the region. The United States is the Dominican Republic's main trading partner, with two-way trade totaling more than $10.6 billion in 2008 before falling to $8.6 billion in 2009. In addition to trade, U.S. interest in the Dominican Republic has focused on anti-drug cooperation and governance/human rights issues, as well as the country's role in helping resolve regional conflicts. After a July 12, 2010, official meeting, President Barack Obama praised Dominican President Leonel Fernández's regional leadership, particularly the role he and his government have played in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti and in helping to resolve the political crisis in Honduras. President Fernández of the center-left Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) took office for his third term in August 2008. Fernández previously served as President from 1996-2000 and 2004-2008. In 2009, President Fernández achieved one of his primary political goals: securing congressional approval of a new constitution. The new constitution, which took effect in January 2010, allows presidents to complete one term and then serve again after sitting out of office for four years, making President Fernández eligible to run again in 2016. Few have criticized Fernández for changing the constitution to allow himself to run for another term, but some have spoken out against calls from the PLD for further changes that would enable him to run in 2012. Despite some lingering economic and security challenges that have yet to be resolved and concerns about corruption in his Administration, President Fernández has remained popular. His party dominated legislative elections held on May 16, 2010."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2011-01-03
• Murder or Attempted Murder of a Member of Congress and Other Federal Officials and Employees: Implications in Federal Criminal Law and Procedure of Events in Tucson [January 25, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "Jared Lee Loughner was arrested for the attempted murder of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, the murder of United States District Court Judge John Roll, and the murder or attempted murder of several federal employees. The arrest brings several features of federal law to the fore. Federal crimes of violence are usually violations of the law of the state where they occur; an offender may be tried in either federal or state court or both. Ordinarily, federal crimes must be tried where they occur, but in extraordinary cases a defendant's motion for a change of venue may be granted. In capital cases, the decision to seek the death penalty rests with the Attorney General. Should a defendant elect to assert an insanity defense, he must provide pretrial notification. In the face of that notice, the court may order an examination to determine the defendant's competence to stand trial. Federal law affords victims, including families of the deceased or incapacitated, the right to confer with prosecutors, and to attend the trial and other public judicial proceedings."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2011-01-25
• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Background and Funding [June 2, 2011]

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  From the Background: "The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program was created by Title I of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the '94 Crime Act). The mission of the COPS program is to advance community policing in all jurisdictions across the United States. The COPS program awards grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies throughout the United States so they can hire and train law enforcement officers to participate in community policing, purchase and deploy new crime-fighting technologies, and develop and test new and innovative policing strategies. COPS grants are managed by the COPS Office, which was created in 1994 by Department of Justice (DOJ) to oversee the COPS program. […] Legislation to reauthorize the COPS program was introduced in both the 110th and 111th Congresses and has been reintroduced in the current Congress (see below). There are several issues Congress might consider as it debates legislation to reauthorize the program. These issues are the subject of another CRS report. Another issue Congress might consider is the appropriate funding level for COPS, especially in light of concerns about federal spending and possible reductions to appropriations for DOJ."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  James, Nathan

  2011-06-02
• Technology Assessment: Defense Navigation Capabilities, DOD is Developing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Technologies to Complement GPS, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate

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  From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "For decades, the satellite-based GPS [Global Positioning System] has transmitted PNT [positioning, navigation, and timing] data to receivers used by military platforms and personnel worldwide. PNT information is essential in many facets of DOD operations. Given the ubiquity of GPS, the failure, malfunction, or jamming of its signals or equipment could disrupt military activities involving aircraft, ships, munitions, land vehicles, and ground troops. This possibility has led DOD to explore alternatives to GPS. GAO was asked to assess the alternative PNT technologies DOD is developing. This report discusses (1) how DOD plans to meet future PNT needs and the capabilities and limitations of alternative PNT technologies, (2) how alternative PNT technologies integrate with one another and with current PNT capabilities, and (3) policy options that may help address challenges with the development and integration of alternative PNT technologies."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2021-05
• MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 11, 2021: Demographic and Social Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Initiation Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years -- United States, December 14, 2020-April 10, 2021

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  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: "Demographic and Social Factors Associated with COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Vaccination Initiation Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years -- United States, December 14, 2020-april 10, 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.)

  2021-05-11
• Priority Open Recommendation: Securities and Exchange Commission

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  From the Document: "The purpose of this letter is to provide an update on the overall status of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) 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. As of April 2021, SEC's 4-year implementation rate was 89 percent. Overall, SEC had 10 open recommendations. Fully implementing these open recommendations could significantly improve SEC's operations."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2021-05-04
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 958, Protecting Moms Who Served Act

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  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on May 4, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 958 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide coordinators to support veterans through every stage of their pregnancies. The bill also would require VA to deliver training on the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans to maternity-care professionals in medical facilities that are not operated by the department. Currently, VA provides coordinators through its Maternity Care Coordination Program, and it also trains maternity-care workers in nondepartmental facilities through the Women's Health Education team. H.R. 958 would authorize the appropriation of $15 million for 2022 for those purposes. CBO estimates that those activities included in the bill would cost $15 million over the 2021-2026 period. Assuming appropriation of the specified amount, CBO estimates that VA spending would increase by that amount."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2021-05-10
• Oversight of the 1998 National Drug Control Strategy, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifth Congress, Second Session, March 26, 1998

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  This is the March 26, 1998 hearing on "Oversight of the 1998 National Drug Control Strategy," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. From the Opening Statement of J. Dennis Hastert: "Drug abuse in America, especially among our youth, is at tragic levels and international drug trafficking is increasingly becoming our top national security threat. I am particularly alarmed about this country's lack of control of the war on drugs. Specifically, I would like to point out on the charts which clearly illustrate that our Nation is losing our kids, America's future, to this modern-day plague. [...] In this Congress, we want to promote policies that will lead to victory, and virtually eliminate this scourge." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Barry R. McCaffrey.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  1998
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017, Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, March 3, March 10, April 7, and July 13, 2016

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  This is a compilation of four hearings on "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017," held before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations on March 3, March 10, April 7, and July 13, 2016. On March 3 and March 10, 2016, the hearings focused on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), reviewing why the budget was increased 4.9 percent, and whether the budget request was warranted. From the opening statement of Mark Kirk on March 3, 2016: "This subcommittee and this Congress have given all of the funding that you have requested and more. The answer to every VA problem is not just more money and not just give us flexibility. We need to talk about the VA's culture of corruption with results and talk about performance. We need to talk about accountability and putting veterans first, not bureaucrats." On April 7, 2016, the hearing focused on budget requests from the Department of Defense, specifically in relation to the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. From the opening statement of Mark Kirk on April 7, 2016: "In this hearing, I want to hear how the funding that is being requested directly supports the Nation's men and women in uniform and how our military strategy is supported by the request." The last hearing on July 13, 2016 focused on VA patient care and the challenges and updates needed to the Department of Veteran's Affairs health information technology (IT) systems, especially VistA. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Miranda Ballentine, Laverne H. Council, Katherine Hammack, Steven R. Iselin, Robert A. McDonald, Valerie C. Melvin, Jonathan R. Nebeker, Peter J. Potochney, Danny Pummill, David J. Shulkin, Lauren Thompson, David W. Waltman, and Mark Yow.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018
• Brazil-U.S. Relations [September 7, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "As its economy has grown to be the 10th largest in the world, Brazil has consolidated its power in South America, extended its influence to the broader region, and become increasingly prominent on the world stage. The Obama Administration's national security strategy regards Brazil as an emerging center of influence, whose leadership it welcomes 'to pursue progress on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues.' In recent years, U.S.-Brazil relations have generally been positive despite Brazil's prioritization of strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties with nontraditional partners in the 'developing South.' Although some disagreements have emerged over the past two years--such as different policy approaches toward the situations in Honduras and Iran--Brazil and the United States continue to work together on a number of issues, including counternarcotics, counterterrorism, energy security, trade, human rights, HIV/AIDS, and the environment."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meyer, Peter J.

  2010-09-07
• Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress [January 3, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "Lebanon's Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, political party, social welfare organization, and U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization. Its armed element receives support from Iran and Syria and possesses significant paramilitary and unconventional warfare capabilities. In the wake of the summer 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and an armed domestic confrontation between Hezbollah and rival Lebanese groups in May 2008, Lebanon's political process is now intensely focused on Hezbollah's future role in the country. Lebanese factions are working to define Hezbollah's role through a series of 'National Dialogue' discussions. Hezbollah and other Lebanese political parties have long emphasized the need to assert control over remaining disputed areas with Israel. However, current Hezbollah policy statements suggest that, even if disputed areas were secured, the group would seek to maintain a role for 'the resistance' in providing for Lebanon's national defense and would resist any Lebanese or international efforts to disarm it. Hezbollah continues to define itself primarily as a resistance movement and remains viscerally opposed to what it views as illegitimate U.S. and Israeli intervention in Lebanese and regional affairs. It categorically refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist and opposes all concluded and pending efforts to negotiate resolutions to Arab-Israeli disputes on the basis of mutual recognition, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Addis, Casey L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.

  2011-01-03
• Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress [October 8, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "Lebanon's Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, political party, social welfare organization, and U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization. Its armed element receives support from Iran and Syria and possesses significant paramilitary and unconventional warfare capabilities. In the wake of the summer 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and an armed domestic confrontation between Hezbollah and rival Lebanese groups in May 2008, Lebanon's political process is now intensely focused on Hezbollah's future role in the country. Lebanese factions are working to define Hezbollah's role through a series of 'National Dialogue' discussions. [...] Hezbollah continues to define itself primarily as a resistance movement and remains viscerally opposed to what it views as illegitimate U.S. and Israeli intervention in Lebanese and regional affairs. It categorically refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist and opposes all concluded and pending efforts to negotiate resolutions to Arab-Israeli disputes on the basis of mutual recognition, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Given these positions, most observers believe that prospects for accommodation and engagement between the United States and Hezbollah are slim, even as the group's close relationships with Syria and Iran, its pivotal role in Lebanese politics, and reinvigorated U.S. engagement in regional peace efforts increase Hezbollah's potential influence over stated U.S. national security objectives."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Christopher M.; Addis, Casey L.

  2010-10-08
• Intelligence Issues for Congress [October 14, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "To address the challenges facing the U.S. intelligence community in the 21st century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation also established a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Making cooperation effective presents substantial leadership and managerial challenges. The needs of intelligence 'consumers'--ranging from the White House to Cabinet agencies to military commanders--must all be met, using the same systems and personnel. Intelligence collection systems are expensive and some critics suggest there have been elements of waste and unneeded duplication of effort while some intelligence 'targets' have been neglected. The DNI has substantial statutory authorities to address these issues, but the organizational relationships remain complex, especially for Defense Department agencies. Members of Congress will be seeking to observe the extent to which effective coordination is accomplished."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2010-10-14
• U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel [September 16, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and an analysis of current issues. [...] Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. From 1976-2004, Israel was the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, having since been supplanted by Iraq. Since 1985, the United States has provided nearly $3 billion in grants annually to Israel. Almost all U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance. In the past, Israel also had received significant economic assistance. Strong congressional support for Israel has resulted in Israel's receiving benefits not available to other countries. For example, Israel can use some U.S. military assistance both for research and development in the United States and for military purchases from Israeli manufacturers. In addition, all U.S. foreign assistance earmarked for Israel is delivered in the first 30 days of the fiscal year. Most other recipients normally receive aid in installments. Congress also appropriates funds for joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2010-09-16
• Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases [September 8, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "Total debt of the federal government can increase in two ways. First, debt increases when the government sells debt to the public to finance budget deficits and acquire the financial resources needed to meet its obligations. This increases 'debt held by the public.' Second, debt increases when the federal government issues debt to certain government accounts, such as the Social Security, Medicare, and Transportation trust funds, in exchange for their reported surpluses. This increases 'debt held by government accounts.' The sum of 'debt held by the public' and 'debt held by government accounts' is the total federal debt. Surpluses generally reduce debt held by the public, while deficits raise it. On September 3, 2010, total federal debt outstanding was $13.435 trillion."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Austin, D. Andrew; Levit, Mindy R.

  2010-09-08
• Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding [September 7, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, also known as fire grants or the FIRE Act grant program, was established by Title XVII of the FY2001 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 106-398). Currently administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program provides federal grants directly to local fire departments and unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. A related program is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program, which provides grants for hiring, recruiting, and retaining firefighters. The fire grant program is now in its tenth year. The Fire Act statute was reauthorized in 2004 (Title XXXVI of P.L. 108-375) and provides overall guidelines on how fire grant money should be distributed. There is no set geographical formula for the distribution of fire grants--fire departments throughout the nation apply, and award decisions are made by a peer panel based on the merits of the application and the needs of the community. However, the law does require that fire grants be distributed to a diverse mix of fire departments, with respect to type of department (paid, volunteer, or combination), geographic location, and type of community served (e.g. urban, suburban, or rural)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2010-09-07
• Democratic Republic of Congo: Background and Current Developments [October 8, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "In October 2008, the forces of the National Congress for the Defense of the Congolese People (CNDP), under the command of General Laurent Nkunda, launched a major offensive against the Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) in eastern Congo. Within days, the CNDP captured a number of small towns and Congolese forces retreated in large numbers. Eastern Congo has been in a state of chaos for over a decade. The first rebellion to oust the late President Mobutu Sese Seko began in the city of Goma in the mid-1990s. The second rebellion in the late 1990s began also in eastern Congo. The root causes of the current crisis are the presence of over a dozen militia and extremist groups, both foreign and Congolese, in eastern Congo, and the failure to fully implement peace agreements signed by the parties. Over the past 14 years, the former Rwandese armed forces and the Interhamwe militia have been given a safe haven in eastern Congo and have carried out many attacks inside Rwanda and against Congolese civilians. A Ugandan rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), is also in Congo, despite an agreement reached between the LRA and the government of Uganda."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dagne, Theodore S.

  2010-10-08
• Saving Rates in the United States: Calculation and Comparison [September 14, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The amount of money saved has important economic consequences. Nationally, the amount of saving affects how much can be invested and ultimately the size of the capital stock. Increasing the size of the capital stock is believed to be one way to raise the productivity of the labor force and the economy's long-term growth rate. Individually, saving is critical to accumulating sufficient wealth to maintain living standards after retirement. This report explains how national saving is measured, presents recent estimates of saving rates in the United States, and, for comparison, provides those of other major industrial countries. The pace of economic growth is likely to be a matter of particular importance in the decades just ahead as the economy confronts the need to effect unprecedented generational transfers of income to pay for the retirement of the baby-boom generation. A larger economic pie makes such transfers easier for the economy to bear. Because the national rate of saving has implications for the pace of economic growth and the country's capacity to meet these long-term obligations, it is likely to be matter of ongoing concern to Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elwell, Craig Kent, 1947-

  2010-09-14
• Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations [January 28, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of U.S.-Egyptian relations, Egyptian politics, and U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. Major public unrest transpiring in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world in late January 2011 raises challenging policy questions for the United States government and the 112th Congress. U.S. policy toward Egypt has long been framed as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian- Israeli peace treaty. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Egypt's government as a moderating influence in the Middle East. At the same time, there have been increasing U.S. calls for Egypt to democratize. In recent years, congressional views of U.S.-Egyptian relations have varied. Many lawmakers have viewed Egypt as a stabilizing regional force, but some members have argued for the United States to pressure Egypt's government to implement political reforms, improve human rights, and take a more active role in reducing Arab-Israeli tensions. Those concerns, in addition to economic frustration, are now driving the most significant public unrest in Egypt in a generation. The Obama Administration has called on the Egyptian government to respect the basic rights of protestors and has expressed concern about violence."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-01-28
• International Trade and Finance: Key Policy Issues for the 112th Congress [January 21, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "The 112th Congress faces a full agenda of international trade and finance issues. Early in 2011, the Obama Administration is expected to ask Congress to approve a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea and possibly FTAs with Colombia and Panama. The Administration is seeking to conclude the much larger 10-year-old World Trade Organization's (WTO's) Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which, if completed, would also require congressional approval. The Administration is also negotiating a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, a regional FTA that currently includes nine countries on both sides of the Pacific. A U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) was first negotiated by President George W. Bush's Administration and signed on June 30, 2007. The Obama Administration did not submit it for approval in the 111th Congress due to opposition from U.S. automakers and beef producers. In early December 2010, U.S. trade negotiators won further concessions on autos from the South Korean government, which may allow President Obama to decide to submit the agreement to Congress in 2011. Any vote on this proposed agreement would take place under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which allows implementing bills for trade agreements to be considered under expedited legislative procedures--limited debate, no amendments, and an up or down vote. While the proposed KORUS FTA is covered by TPA, which expired on July 1, 2007, many experts argue that TPA would have to be renewed if the United States is to be a credible negotiator at the WTO Doha Round and the TPP discussions. Any trade debate in the 112th Congress will likely revolve around the perceived effects of trade and FTAs on U.S. stakeholders. Proponents are likely to argue that the FTAs will improve access to foreign markets, increase trade, and create jobs. Critics are likely to assert that the agreements favor corporations over workers, and place downward pressure on wages and labor standards."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ahearn, Raymond J.

  2011-01-21
• Dominican Republic: Background and U.S. Relations [November 1, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The Dominican Republic, a country of roughly 9.7 million people that shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is a key U.S. trade partner and political ally in the region. The United States is the Dominican Republic's main trading partner, with two-way trade totaling more than $10.6 billion in 2008 before falling to $8.6 billion in 2009. In addition to trade, U.S. interest in the Dominican Republic has focused on anti-drug cooperation and governance/human rights issues, as well as the country's role in helping resolve regional conflicts. After a July 12, 2010, official meeting, President Barack Obama praised Dominican President Leonel Fernández's regional leadership, particularly the role he and his government have played in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti and in helping to resolve the political crisis in Honduras. [...] In recent years, U.S. interest in the Dominican Republic has focused on trade, security, and human rights issues. Trade and investment flows have expanded since the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States free trade agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force for the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2007. U.S. trade capacity building assistance has also reportedly helped boost Dominican competitiveness in some sectors. The United States is the largest bilateral donor to the Dominican Republic, with U.S. assistance totaling an estimated $49 million in FY2010. [...] This report provides background information on current political and economic conditions in the Dominican Republic, as well as an overview of some of the key issues in U.S.-Dominican relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2010-11-01
• Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity [Updated December 2, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "Congress has broad plenary authority to determine classes of aliens who may be admitted into the United States and the grounds for which they may be removed. Pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended, certain conduct may either disqualify an alien from entering the United States ('inadmissibility') or provide grounds for his or her removal/deportation. Prominently included among this conduct is criminal activity. 'Criminal activity' comprises acts violative of federal, state, or, in many cases, foreign criminal law. It does not cover violations of the INA that are not crimes, most notably, being in the U.S. without legal permission. Thus, the term 'illegal alien' -- an alien without legal status -- is not synonymous with 'criminal alien.' Most crimes affecting immigration status are not specifically mentioned by the INA, but instead fall under a broad category of crimes, such as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies. In addition, certain criminal conduct precludes a finding of good moral character under the INA, which is a requirement for naturalization and certain types of immigration relief. In certain circumstances, grounds for inadmissibility or deportability may be waived. Additionally, aliens facing removal may be allowed to remain in the United States, subject to discretionary or mandatory relief from removal for humanitarian reasons, such as through asylum, withholding of removal, or cancellation of removal. Aliens facing removal may also be permitted to depart the United States voluntarily, and thereby avoid the potential stigma and legal consequences of forced removal. Criminal conduct may effect an alien's eligibility for either voluntary departure or discretionary relief from removal. Additionally, criminal conduct is a key disqualifying factor under the character requirement for naturalization."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Eig, Larry M.; Garcia, Michael John

  2004-12-02
• NEPA and Hurricane Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding Efforts [September 28, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "As local, state, and federal agencies respond to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, agency officials must determine the extent to which certain environmental laws and regulatory requirements will apply to their response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. The requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) has drawn particular attention in the wake of the disaster. Signed into law by President Nixon on January 1, 1970, NEPA was the first of several major environmental laws passed in the 1970s. It declared a national policy to protect the environment and created a Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) in the Executive Office of the President. To implement the national policy, NEPA required that a detailed statement of environmental impacts be prepared for all major federal actions significantly affecting the environment. The 'detailed statement' would ultimately be referred to as an environmental impact statement or EIS. For many federal actions undertaken in response to an emergency or major disaster, NEPA's environmental review requirements are exempted under provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act); the CEQ regulations also allow for 'emergency alternative arrangements' of NEPA requirements. […]. This report provides an overview of NEPA requirements relevant to the hurricanes response and recovery efforts, its application to emergency and non-emergency actions related to the disaster, NEPA's role in two past flood and hurricane control projects that have been discussed in the press, and legislative proposals that relate to the NEPA process. It will be updated as developments warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Luther, Linda G.

  2005-09-28
• Collective Bargaining and Homeland Security [Updated September 5, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "This report discusses the personnel provisions of recent proposals to create a new Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, has generated concern among some members of the labor community who have questioned the possible denial of collective bargaining rights for the estimated 170,000 employees affected by the homeland defense reorganization. S. 2452, the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act of 2002, would restrict the President's ability under 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b)(1) to exclude the new Department and transferred agencies from coverage under chapter 71 of title 5, U.S. Code. The President's existing authority under 5 U.S.C. § 7103(b)(1) to exclude the employees of certain agencies from the ability to bargain collectively is also discussed in this report. The report provides a legislative history of this exclusion provision. In addition, the report reviews the concept of successorship, whereby a union may retain its status as the exclusive representative of employees acquired by a new employer. Successorship could be an issue for the eighteen unions that represent employees affected by the reorganization. This report reflects legislative action up through House passage of H.R. 5005. The report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shimabukuro, Jon O.

  2002-09-05
• Community Development Block Grant Funds in Disaster Relief and Recovery [October 19, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "In the aftermath of previous, presidentially-declared disasters, Congress has used the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help states and local governments finance recovery efforts, whether from natural or man-made disasters. Congress has appropriated supplemental CDBG funds to assist states and communities recover from such natural disasters as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. In addition, CDBG funds have supported recovery efforts of New York City following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Oklahoma City following the bombing of the Alfred Murrah Building in 1995, and the city and county of Los Angeles following the riots of 1992. In response to these calamities, CDBG funds have been made available for short-term relief efforts, mitigation actions, and long-term recovery, and have been used to provide housing and business assistance, infrastructure reconstruction, and public services. This report will provide a general overview of the CDBG program and its use in disaster relief. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Boyd, Eugene

  2005-10-19