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• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [March 8, 2007]

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  "Early in its tenure, the George W. Bush Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC [People's Republic of China] concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated in 2001 that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense and approved, in April 2001, a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, antisubmarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, and permitted visits from Taiwan's president in 2001 and 2003, and from Taiwan's vice president and defense minister in 2002. This initially assertive posture was in keeping with growing congressional sentiment that greater U.S. support was needed for Taiwan's defense needs, particularly given the PRC's military build-up in southern China. Members undertook a number of bipartisan initiatives to focus more U.S. attention on Taiwan and raise its international stature, including establishing a House Congressional Taiwan Caucus in 2002 and Senate Taiwan Caucus in 2003. […] In response to Taiwan's political developments, the Bush Administration appears to have dialed back its earlier public enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan initiatives. While still pursuing a closer U.S. relationship with Taiwan, U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits. This report replaces CRS Issue Brief IB98034, 'Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices', by Kerry Dumbaugh. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2007-03-08
• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [March 30, 2006]

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  "Under the Bush Administration, U.S.- China-Taiwan relations have undergone a number of changes. Initially, the new Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense -- a position more supportive of Taiwan than had been articulated by previous U.S. presidents. In April 2001, the President also approved a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, anti-submarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, and permitted visits from Taiwan's president in 2001 and 2003, and from Taiwan's vice president and defense minister in 2002. […] Political trends in Taiwan have raised anxieties about its future and the implications for U.S. policy. Some are concerned that a continued emphasis on 'Taiwan identity' may lead to ethnic polarization and conflict. Others are concerned about the implications that these trends have for a possible declaration of Taiwan independence, which Beijing has vowed to 'pay any price' to prevent. In recent months, political developments in Taiwan appear to be causing the Bush Administration to dial back its earlier enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan. U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits. This issue brief tracking the situation in Taiwan will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2006-03-30
• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [February 28, 2006]

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  "Under the Bush Administration, U.S.- China-Taiwan relations have undergone a number of changes. Initially, the new Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC [People's Republic of China] concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense -- a position more supportive of Taiwan than had been articulated by previous U.S. presidents. In April 2001, the President also approved a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, anti-submarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, and permitted visits from Taiwan's president in 2001 and 2003, and from Taiwan's vice president and defense minister in 2002. […] Political trends in Taiwan have raised anxieties about its future and the implications for U.S. policy. Some are concerned that a continued emphasis on 'Taiwan identity' may lead to ethnic polarization and conflict. Others are concerned about the implications that these trends have for a possible declaration of Taiwan independence, which Beijing has vowed to 'pay any price' to prevent. In recent months, political developments in Taiwan appear to be causing the Bush Administration to dial back its earlier enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan. U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits. This issue brief tracking the situation in Taiwan will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2006-02-28
• Tactical Aircraft Modernization: Issues for Congress [July 14, 2006]

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  "This report examines DOD's four largest tactical aircraft modernization programs. The background section provides a brief description of each program, and a discussion of how tactical aircraft fit into military air operations: the missions they typically perform and how they contrast to longer-range combat aircraft. The Analysis section examines a number of policy issues including affordability, capability required, force structure, service roles and missions, industrial base, and transformation. The paper concludes with a synopsis of recent congressional action on these programs. […] Some in Congress have questioned these tactical aircraft modernization plans on grounds of affordability and requirements. Because of the lack of consensus about future threats and defense requirements, there has been increasing concern about the need for some of these aircraft programs on grounds of cost and affordability, military requirements and force levels, and effects on the defense industrial base. Debate has also emerged on the need to balance modernization needs with military transformation goals. This report replaces Issue Brief IB92115 of the same name."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.

  2006-07-14
• Taiwan's Accession to the WTO and Its Economic Relations with the United States and China [November 04, 2005]

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  "After several years of negotiations, Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the international organization that sets rules for most international trade, on January 1, 2002. China fought to allow Taiwan to join the WTO only as a 'separate customs territory' and only after China obtained membership (which it did in December 2001). Trade and investment relations between China and Taiwan have boomed in recent years; China has replaced the United States as Taiwan's export market. However, political tensions between China and Taiwan remain high. In an effort to further boost U.S.-Taiwan economic ties (and to lessen Taiwan's growing economic dependency on the mainland), some Members of Congress have indicated support for a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement (FTA). This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morrison, Wayne M.

  2005-11-04
• Strategic Petroleum Reserve [Updated November 25, 2005]

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  "Congress authorized the Strategic Petroleum reserve (SPR) in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA, P.L. 94-163) to help prevent a repetition of the economic dislocation caused by the 1973-74 Arab oil embargo. The program is managed by the Department of Energy (DOE). Physically, the SPR comprises five underground storage facilities, hollowed out from naturally occurring salt domes in Texas and Louisiana. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Secretary of Energy Bodman indicated on August 31 that the Bush Administration was authorizing releases of SPR crude oil. By September 19, seven requests for loans totaling roughly 13.2 million barrels were approved to operating refineries whose crude supply had been interrupted by the hurricanes. Delivery was not taken on all the volume approved for loan...On October 7, 2005, the House passed H.R. 3893 (212-210), the Gasoline for Americas Security Act. The act would allow sales of SPR oil to finance the expansion of SPR capacity as required by P.L. 109-58. Proceeds from the sale of SPR oil would be deposited to an SPR Expansion Fund. Additionally, the NHOR would be expanded to 5 million barrels. The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Congress approved $166.0 million (Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006, P.L. 109-103) to fund the SPR during FY2006. No new money was requested for the NHOR in FY2006, owing to prior year balances of $5.3 million."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bamberger, Robert

  2005-11-25
• Tax Policy Options after Hurricane Katrina [Updated October 6, 2005]

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  "The damage from Hurricane Katrina raises at least four issues that might be addressed by tax policy. The first issue is that the effect of the disaster, particularly given the potential impact on energy prices, might contract the overall economy, suggesting some need for a fiscal stimulus. The Administration has indicated that it will not propose a tax cut, but supports making the existing tax cuts permanent. Preliminary indications are that the effect of the hurricane on the national economy will be limited. Even if a stimulus were needed, there are many problems with relying on tax cuts (rather than spending or a monetary stimulus), given the difficulties in delivery of a tax cut. The Administration proposal is unlikely to have an effect, since the tax cuts do not, in general, expire until 2011 and there will be no immediate effect on disposable income. A related nationwide fiscal policy concern is that the loss of income (and the taxes on that income) and the increased spending will worsen pressures on the budget. A tax cut would exacerbate that effect. A second issue is whether the rise in energy prices should be addressed by some redistribution from energy producers to consumers, or some general relief. One proposal that has been made, to suspend the gasoline tax, would not be expected to have an effect on prices in the short run, but would rather increase profits of producers. Income tax rebates could be used to target poor people, but this approach, as with a stimulative tax cut, faces administrative difficulties. Proposals have been made for a windfall profits tax, which has some historical precedents, but the tax is difficult to administer." This report details all considerations for energy prices and other areas under the tax plan, as well as potential future impacts.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane

  2005-10-06
• Tax Policy Options After Hurricane Katrina [Updated September 19, 2005]

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  "The damage from Hurricane Katrina raises at least four issues that might be addressed by tax policy. The first issue is that the effect of the disaster, particularly given the potential impact on energy prices, might contract the overall economy, suggesting some need for a fiscal stimulus. The Administration has indicated that it will not propose a tax cut, but supports making the existing tax cuts permanent. Preliminary indications are that the effect of the hurricane on the national economy will be limited. Even if a stimulus were needed, there are many problems with relying on tax cuts (rather than spending or a monetary stimulus), given the difficulties in delivery of a tax cut. The Administration proposal is unlikely to have an effect, since the tax cuts do not, in general, expire until 2011 and there will be no immediate effect on disposable income. A related nationwide fiscal policy concern is that the loss of income (and the taxes on that income) and the increased spending will worsen pressures on the budget. A tax cut would exacerbate that effect."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane

  2005-09-19
• Tax Policy Options after Hurricane Katrina [September 16, 2005]

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  "The damage from Hurricane Katrina raises at least four issues that might be addressed by tax policy. The first issue is that the effect of the disaster, particularly given the potential impact on energy prices, might contract the overall economy, suggesting some need for a fiscal stimulus. [...] A second issue is whether the rise in energy prices should be addressed by some redistribution from energy producers to consumers, or some general relief. [...] A third issue is whether or not tax measures might be used to provide relief for the victims. [...] A fourth issue is what role tax subsidies might play in the longer term rebuilding of the area."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane

  2005-09-16
• State Department and Related Agencies: FY2006 Appropriations and FY2007 Request [Updated March 30, 2006]

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  "State Department funding, formerly in the Commerce, Justice, State (CJS) appropriation, is now in the House's Science, State, Justice, Commerce (SSJC) Appropriation and in the Senate's State-Foreign Operations Appropriation. In addition, typically each Congress passes a foreign relations authorization bill that authorizes the Department of State to spend its appropriations. The first session of the 109th Congress did not pass the State Department authorization legislation, S. 600 and H.R. 2601. The President sent his FY2007 budget to Congress on February 6, 2006. Included was the Department of State FY2007 budget request for a total of $9,503.8 million (6.2% more than the FY2006 enacted level, including rescissions) and the international broadcasting FY2007 budget request for $671.9 million (a 3.0% increase from the FY2006 level, including rescissions). Among the largest increases was the Administration's request for a 11.3% increase in educational and cultural exchanges."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.

  2006-03-30
• Taiwan's Accession to the WTO and its Economic Relations with the United States and China [Updated April 14, 2005]

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  "After several years of negotiations, Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the international organization that sets rules for most international trade, on January 1, 2002. China fought to allow Taiwan to join the WTO only as a separate customs territory and only after China obtained membership (which it did in December 2001). Trade and investment relations between China and Taiwan have boomed in recent years; China has replaced the United States as Taiwan's export market. However, political tensions between China and Taiwan remain high. In an effort to further boost U.S.-Taiwan economic ties (and to lessen Taiwan's growing economic dependency on the mainland), some Members of Congress have indicated support for a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement (FTA). This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morrison, Wayne M.

  2005-04-14
• Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [August 2, 2011]

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  "This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, which has governed arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. The United States also expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, the U.S.-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty terminated in 1979. […] Defense Secretary Robert Gates submitted to Congress in February 2010 an unclassified assessment of Taiwan's air defense forces, including its F-16 fighters, finding that Taiwan faced diminished ability to deny the PRC air superiority. Legislation in the 112th Congress includes H.Con.Res. 39 (Andrews) and H.R. 2583 (Ros-Lehtinen). Among other congressional actions, on May 26, 45 Senators wrote to President Obama to support a sale of F-16C/Ds. On July 21, Senator Cornyn lifted his hold on a nomination to urge for the pending report on Taiwan's air defense and decisions on the F-16s, promised by October 1. On August 1, 181 Members of the House sent a letter to President Obama to urge him to sell F-16C/D fighters."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2011-08-02
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2012 Budget and Appropriations [July 22, 2011]

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  "Some in the 112th Congress view the foreign affairs budget as a place to cut funds in order to reduce the budget deficit. Foreign affairs expenditures typically amount to about 1% of the annual budget. Others, including Members of Congress of both political parties, view a robust foreign affairs budget as essential for America's national security and foreign policy interests. The State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies appropriations bills, in addition to funding U.S. diplomatic and foreign aid activities, have been the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in recent years. (Congress has not amended foreign policy issues through a complete authorization process for State Department diplomatic activities since 2003 and for foreign aid programs since 1985.) After a period of decline in the 1980s and 1990s, funding for State Department operations, international broadcasting, and foreign aid rose steadily from FY2002 to FY2010, largely because of ongoing assistance to Iraq, Afghanistan, new global health programs, and increasing assistance to Pakistan. It declined again in FY2011 when Congress passed a continuing resolution (P.L. 112-10) significantly reducing U.S. governmentwide expenditures, including foreign affairs. […] This report analyzes the FY2012 request, including State Department, international broadcasting, and foreign aid highlights, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action related to FY2012 State-Foreign Operations legislation. This report will be updated to reflect congressional action. For details on the FY2011 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations, see CRS Report R41228, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Resler, Tamara J.

  2011-07-22
• Tanzania: Background and Current Conditions [August 31, 2011]

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  "Tanzania, with an eastern seaboard on the Indian Ocean and a western border abutting several of East Africa's Great Lakes, is a medium-sized poor country. Though it is socially diverse, with about 125 ethnic groups, it has enjoyed general political stability and national unity for about 40 years in a region wracked by civil wars, often with ethnic dimensions, in neighboring Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique. Tanzania is a union formed in 1964 between the mainland--a German colony and later a British protectorate formerly known as Tanganyika--and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and several smaller islands. The islands, which remain semi-autonomous with their own president and parliament, are populated by peoples of mixed Arab and African descent, and almost all are Muslim. […] There has been a gradual increase in political pluralism, but the CCM remains dominant in government and parliament, and is periodically accused of subverting the aspirations of opposition parties. Opposition parties have reportedly on some occasions been denied rally permits, and their party members detained, intimidated, and harassed, notably during electoral periods, according to human rights groups."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dagne, Theodore S.

  2011-08-31
• Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [June 3, 2011]

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  "This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of long-standing concern has been met with criticism from some observers, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing additional economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria's neighbors."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-06-03
• Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [April 28, 2011]

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  "This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of longstanding concern has been met with criticism from some, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria's neighbors. Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria has leveraged its geographic location and its foreign policy alignment to remain relevant in Middle Eastern politics. At times, Syria has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel, from whom it seeks the return of the occupied Golan Heights. However, Syria also acts at times as a 'spoiler' by hosting U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist groups such as Hamas and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Syria's long-standing relationship with Iran is of great concern to U.S. strategists, insofar as Syria serves as a conduit for Iranian power projection in the broader Middle East. As the Syrian government has grown more estranged from the United States over the last ten years, Syrian-Iranian relations have improved, and some analysts have called on U.S. policymakers and their regional allies to offer incentives to Syrian leaders in order to realign them away from Iran."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-04-28
• State and Local Preparedness for Terrorism: Policy Issues and Options [Updated May 9, 2002]

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  "The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have prompted Members of the 107th Congress to consider enhancing state and local response capabilities to better prepare for terrorist attacks, particularly attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. At present, Congress authorizes several programs designed to help state and local responders enhance their preparedness for terrorist attacks. These programs cover a range of activities, including emergency planning; training and equipment; response to chemical and biological attacks; law enforcement; and public health. Since the September attacks, however, emergency managers and analysts have asked Congress to address several issues in federal policy on state and local preparedness." This report includes some of the frequently mentioned policy issues.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2002-05-09
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations [April 22, 2011]

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  "The annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill has been the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in recent years, as Congress has not regularly considered these issues through a complete authorization process for State Department diplomatic activities since 2003 and for foreign aid programs since 1985. [...] On February 1, 2010, President Obama submitted a budget proposal for FY[fiscal year]2011 that requested $58.68 billion for the international affairs budget, a 3% increase over the enacted FY2010 funding level, including supplementals. If $1.8 billion in 'forward funding' of FY2010 priorities appropriated in FY2009 supplemental legislation is counted toward FY2010 rather than FY2009 totals, as it was by the Administration, and the enacted FY2010 supplemental is factored in, the FY2011 request would represent a slight decrease from FY2010-enacted levels. This report focuses only on the $56.82 billion requested for programs and activities funded through the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which excludes some portions of the International Affairs request and includes funding for certain commissions requested as part of other budget functions. The Administration requested significant increases for Global Health and Child Survival, Development Assistance, technical assistance and debt restructuring through the Treasury Department, Foreign Military Financing, and various multilateral environmental accounts. Programs for which the Administration recommended significantly reduced funding, compared with enacted FY2010 levels, are contributions to international organizations, commissions and foundations, and peacekeeping operations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Resler, Tamara J.

  2011-04-22
• Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [Updated September 27, 2007]

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  "This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' made to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. In addition, the United States has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, there is no defense treaty or alliance with Taiwan. […]. Several policy issues are of concern to Congress for legislation, oversight, or other action. One issue concerns the effectiveness of the Administration in applying leverage to improve Taiwan's self-defense as well as to maintain peace and stability. Another issue is the role of Congress in determining security assistance, defense commitments, or policy reviews. A third issue concerns the effectiveness of the Administration's management of cross-strait stability. The fundamental issue is how conflict might be best prevented. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2007-09-27
• Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [Updated September 13, 2007]

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  "This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the "one China" policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the "Six Assurances" made to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. In addition, the United States has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, there is no defense treaty or alliance with Taiwan."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2007-09-13
• Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [Updated July 23, 2007]

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  "This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. Two other relevant parts of the 'one China' policy are the August 17, 1982, U.S.-PRC Joint Communique and the 'Six Assurances' made to Taiwan. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been significant. In addition, the United States has expanded military ties with Taiwan after the PRC's missile firings in 1995-1996. However, there is no defense treaty or alliance with Taiwan. […] Several policy issues are of concern to Congress for legislation, oversight, or other action. One issue concerns the effectiveness of the Administration in applying leverage to improve Taiwan's self-defense as well as to maintain peace and stability. Another issue is the role of Congress in determining security assistance, defense commitments, or policy reviews. A third issue concerns whether trends in the Taiwan Strait are stabilizing or destabilizing and how the Administration's management of policy has affected these trends. The fundamental issue is whether the United States would go to war with China and how conflict might be prevented. The 110th Congress is considering legislation affecting military visits to Taiwan (H.R. 2764) and a sale of ships (S. 1565). Another issue concerns consideration of Taiwan's request for F-16C/D fighters (with a frozen budget until October 31 awaiting President Bush's possible release of U.S. price and availability data)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kan, Shirley

  2007-07-23
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2008 Appropriations [September 10, 2007]

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  "The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, and amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the past 40 years. Emergency supplementals enacted since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to assist the front-line states in the war on terrorism, fund Afghanistan and Iraq reconstruction, and upgrade State Department operations and security upgrades, also have pushed spending upward. For the first time, House and Senate bills encompass both State Department and foreign operations spending. In the 109th Congress, House and Senate jurisdictions did not coincide, with the House including the State Department in the Science, State, Justice and Commerce appropriations bill, and the Senate folding the State Department into the Foreign Operations bill. Prior to the 109th Congress, the State Department was funded in both the House and Senate Commerce, State, and Justice bills, and Foreign Operations was funded in its own measure. This report analyzes the FY2008 budget request and funding trends, including major issues Congress may consider, and tracks congressional action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Veillette, Connie

  2007-09-10
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2008 Appropriations [August 15, 2007]

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  "The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, and amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the past 40 years. Emergency supplementals enacted since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to assist the front-line states in the war on terrorism, fund Afghanistan and Iraq reconstruction, and upgrade State Department operations and security upgrades, also have pushed spending upward. For the first time, House and Senate bills encompass both State Department and foreign operations spending. In the 109th Congress, House and Senate jurisdictions did not coincide, with the House including the State Department in the Science, State, Justice and Commerce appropriations bill, and the Senate folding the State Department into the Foreign Operations bill. Prior to the 109th Congress, the State Department was funded in both the House and Senate Commerce, State, and Justice bills, and Foreign Operations was funded in its own measure. This report analyzes the FY2008 budget request and funding trends, including major issues Congress may consider, and tracks congressional action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Veillette, Connie

  2007-08-15
• Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated September 19, 2007]

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  "An array of bilateral issues continues to affect relations between the United States and Syria: the course of Arab-Israeli talks; questions of arms proliferation; Syrian connections with terrorist activity; Syria's role in Lebanon; and Syria's opposition to the U.S. occupation in Iraq. After Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, senior U.S. officials warned Syria to stop permitting transit of military supplies and volunteer fighters through Syria to Iraq. Nevertheless, foreign militants have continued to enter Iraq through Syria while an estimated 1.7 million Iraqi refugees have fled Iraq to Syria to escape sectarian violence and general instability. […] Since the summer 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, U.S. officials have increased their criticism of Syria's political and logistical support for Hezbollah. U.S. officials and some Members of Congress have blamed Syria for acting as a conduit for the transfer of rockets and other arms to Hezbollah units, thereby enabling Hezbollah units to engage in military action against Israeli targets. After the passage of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for cessation of hostilities and other measures to bring about peace in the region, the leaders of Syria and Iran claimed a victory, maintaining that their protégé, Hezbollah, had compelled Israel to accept a partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. In December 2006, the Iraq Study Group (ISG) Report recommended that the United States engage Syria in a regional dialogue on the situation in Iraq in order to avert further sectarian strife and regional war. The ISG also called for a resumption in the Arab-Israeli peace process and recommended that such a process involve all parties including Syria."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Prados, Alfred B.; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2007-09-19
• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [Updated September 25, 2007]

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  "In response to political developments in Taiwan, the Bush Administration is widely seen to have dialed back its initial public enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan initiatives, particularly those seen as provocative or as challenges to what the United States understand as the 'status quo.' While still pursuing a closer U.S. relationship with Taiwan, U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to Taiwan that some of its actions are 'unhelpful' and that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits. This represents a marked departure from the early days of the George W. Bush Administration, when the White House seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC concerns.[…]This initial policy approach was in keeping with growing congressional sentiment that greater U.S. support was needed for Taiwan's defense needs, particularly given the PRC's military build-up in southern China.[…] Since then, U.S.-Taiwan relations have undergone important changes, sparked in part by the increasing complexity and unpredictability of Taiwan's democratic political environment. […]In 2007, President Chen [Shui-ban] has made pursuing full United Nations membership under the name 'Taiwan' one of his policy priorities, despite PRC opposition and strong U.S. statements of discouragement. […]These political trends have raised anxieties about the prospects for a future political and constitutional crisis in Taiwan that could further complicate U.S. policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2007-09-25
• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [Updated October 9, 2006]

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  "Early in its tenure, the George W. Bush Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated in 2001 that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense and approved, in April 2001, a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, antisubmarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, and permitted visits from Taiwan's president in 2001 and 2003, and from Taiwan's vice president and defense minister in 2002. This initially assertive posture was in keeping with growing congressional sentiment that greater U.S. support was needed for Taiwan's defense needs, particularly given the PRC's military build-up in southern China. Members undertook a number of bipartisan initiatives to focus more U.S. attention on Taiwan and raise its international stature, including establishing a House Congressional Taiwan Caucus in 2002 and Senate Taiwan Caucus in 2003.[…] In response to Taiwan's political developments, the Bush Administration appears to have dialed back its earlier public enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan initiatives. While still pursuing a closer U.S. relationship with Taiwan, U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2006-10-09
• Taiwan: Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices [Updated July 1, 2006]

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  "Early in its tenure, the George W. Bush Administration seemed to abandon the long-standing U.S. policy of 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan in favor of 'strategic clarity' that placed more emphasis on Taiwan's interests and less on PRC concerns. Among other things, President Bush publicly stated in 2001 that the United States would do 'whatever it takes' to help Taiwan's defense and approved, in April 2001, a substantial sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan, including Kidd-class destroyers, antisubmarine P-3 'Orion' aircraft, and diesel submarines. The White House also was more accommodating to visits from Taiwan officials than previous U.S. Administrations, and permitted visits from Taiwan's president in 2001 and 2003, and from Taiwan's vice president and defense minister in 2002. This initially assertive posture was in keeping with growing congressional sentiment that greater U.S. support was needed for Taiwan's defense needs, particularly given the PRC's military build-up in southern China. Members undertook a number of bipartisan initiatives to focus more U.S. attention on Taiwan and raise its international stature, including establishing a House Congressional Taiwan Caucus in 2002 and Senate Taiwan Caucus in 2003.[…] In response to Taiwan's political developments, the Bush Administration appears to have dialed back its earlier public enthusiasm for supporting Taiwan initiatives. While still pursuing a closer U.S. relationship with Taiwan, U.S. officials now appear to be balancing criticisms of the PRC military buildup opposite Taiwan with periodic cautions and warnings to the effect that U.S. support for Taiwan is not unconditional, but has limits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2006-07-01
• Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions [March 28, 2011]

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  "This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. With unrest spreading in Syria, this report will be updated to reflect recent developments. Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria remains relevant in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Syria plays a key role in the Middle East peace process, acting at times as a 'spoiler' by sponsoring Palestinian militants and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah. At other times, it has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel. Syria's long-standing relationship with the Iranian clerical regime is of great concern to U.S. strategists. As Syria grew more estranged from the United States over the last ten years, Syrian-Iranian relations improved, and some analysts have called on U.S. policymakers to woo Syrian leaders away from Iran. Others believe that the Administration should go even further in pressuring the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-03-28
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations [March 23, 2011]

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  "This report focuses only on the $56.82 billion requested for programs and activities funded through the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill, which excludes some portions of the International Affairs request and includes funding for certain commissions requested as part of other budget functions. The Administration requested significant increases for Global Health and Child Survival, Development Assistance, technical assistance and debt restructuring through the Treasury Department, Foreign Military Financing, and various multilateral environmental accounts. Programs for which the Administration recommended significantly reduced funding, compared with enacted FY2010 levels, are contributions to international organizations, commissions and foundations, and peacekeeping operations. In the absence of a FY2011 budget resolution, both the House and Senate worked on FY2011 funding legislation using committee-approved discretionary budget allocations. The State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee was allocated $53.9 billion in the House and $54.0 billion in the Senate. The House State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee approved a draft FY2011 bill on June 30, which totaled $52.81 billion. On the Senate side, the full Appropriations Committee marked up and approved its FY2011 State-Foreign Operations bill, S. 3676, on July 27, totaling $54.22 billion. This report analyzes the FY2011 request, recent-year funding trends, and congressional action related to FY2011 State-Foreign Operations legislation. The report will be updated to reflect changes in legislative status."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Epstein, Susan B.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Resler, Tamara J.

  2011-03-23
• Tanzania: Background and Current Conditions [June 8, 2011]

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  "Tanzania, with an eastern seaboard on the Indian Ocean and a western border abutting several of East Africa's Great Lakes, is a medium-sized poor country. Though it is socially diverse, with about 125 ethnic groups, it has enjoyed general political stability and national unity for about 40 years in a region wracked by civil wars, often with ethnic dimensions, in neighboring Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique. Tanzania is a union formed in 1964 between the mainland--a German colony and later a British protectorate formerly known as Tanganyika--and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and several smaller islands. The islands, which remain semi-autonomous with their own president and parliament, are populated by peoples of mixed Arab and African descent, and almost all are Muslim. […] There has been a gradual increase in political pluralism, but the CCM remains dominant in government and parliament, and is periodically accused of subverting the aspirations of opposition parties. Opposition parties have reportedly on some occasions been denied rally permits, and their party members detained, intimidated, and harassed, notably during electoral periods, according to human rights groups. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dagne, Theodore S.

  2011-06-08