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Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress [March 31, 2005]

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"The 109th Congress is likely to continue the national debate over the efficacy and constitutionality of further federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced that will represent a variety of positions on gun control. If past congressional action is indicative, however, only a handful of bills will likely receive significant legislative action. Congress may reconsider a 'gun industry liability' bill, which passed the House in the last Congress (H.R. 1036), but not the Senate (S. [Senate bill] 1805). This bill has been reintroduced in both chambers (H.R. 800/S. 397). Three other firearm-related issues that may receive consideration include (1) further regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'assault weapons,' (2) requiring background checks for private firearm transfers at gun shows, and (3) retaining Brady background check records for approved firearm transactions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Krouse, William J.

2005-03-31
Federal Support for Involvement in State and Local Fusion Centers, Majority and Minority Staff Report, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, United States Senate

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This Majority and Minority Staff Report was issued by Senators Carl Levin and Tom Coburn of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. From the Executive Summary: "Sharing terrorism-related information between state, local and federal officials is crucial to protecting the United States from another terrorist attack. Achieving this objective was the motivation for Congress and the White House to invest hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars over the last nine years in support of dozens of state and local fusion centers across the United States. The Subcommittee investigation found that DHS-assigned detailees to the fusion centers forwarded 'intelligence' of uneven quality -- oftentimes shoddy, rarely timely, sometimes endangering citizens' civil liberties and Privacy Act protections, occasionally taken from already-published public sources, and more often than not unrelated to terrorism. Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead this initiative. A bipartisan investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has found, however, that DHS' work with those state and local fusion centers has not produced useful intelligence to support federal counterterrorism efforts. The Subcommittee investigation also found that DHS officials' public claims about fusion centers were not always accurate. For instance, DHS officials asserted that some fusion centers existed when they did not. At times, DHS officials overstated fusion centers' 'success stories.' At other times, DHS officials failed to disclose or acknowledge non-public evaluations highlighting a host of problems at fusion centers and in DHS' own operations. Since 2003, over 70 state and local fusion centers, supported in part with federal funds, have been created or expanded in part to strengthen U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly to detect, disrupt, and respond to domestic terrorist activities. DHS' support for and involvement with these state and local fusion centers has, from the beginning, centered on their professed ability to strengthen federal counterterrorism efforts."

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

2012-10-03
Fusion 2.0: The Next Generation of Fusion in California: Aligning State and Regional Fusion Centers

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From the Abstract: "A growing number of states have created multiple fusion centers, including California. In addition to having a state fusion center, California has four regional centers statewide. Each center is separately governed, but intended to work together as a unified, statewide system. Given their recognized autonomy, the relationship between California's fusion centers is voluntary and 'horizontal' versus 'hierarchical,' with no single entity in charge. Consequently, the attainment and sustainment of a robust and synchronized partnership between California's fusion centers is dependent upon each center's commitment to collaborate. Current research has focused largely on building collaboration within fusion centers, as opposed to between fusion centers. This research seeks to identify the appropriate role and mission of California's state fusion center as it relates to strengthening stakeholder relationships, collaboration, and sustainability, through the analysis of data captured from California's regional centers, sheriffs and police chiefs, and examining the roles and methods of other state fusion centers in states with multiple centers. From this research, this thesis recommends a series of collaborative initiatives intended to help strengthen intra-state fusion center collaboration, more properly align state and regional fusion center efforts, and enhance sustainability through maintained relevancy and added value to stakeholders and customers."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

MacGregor, David S.

2010-03
Cybersecurity: Utilizing Fusion Centers to Protect State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Entities Against Cyber Threats

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From the Abstract: "Many areas of the cyber domain of American citizens are under attack: critical infrastructure, electrical grids, banks, businesses, government, and personally identifiable information (identity theft, medical records, child exploitation, etc.). Although the focus of recent cybersecurity legislation has provided additional authorities to federal agencies, a key concern for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) government entities is this: What is the best way to protect computer networks at the state and local level? State and local governments have the responsibility to protect dams, freeway systems, power and water plants, emergency communications, personal identifiable information, health care records, educational institutions, and banking systems. The array of responsibilities and the cybersecurity threat landscape make state- and local-level computer networks fertile ground for the cyber adversary. This research focuses on the threat to SLTT computer networks and how to leverage information-sharing initiatives, cybersecurity policies and state and local fusion centers to prevent, mitigate, and deter cyber threats targeted at SLTT computer networks."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Flynn, Payton A., Sr.

2016-09
Eyes of the Storm: Can Fusion Centers Play a Crucial Role During the Response Phase of Natural Disasters Through Collaborative Relationships with Emergency Operations Centers?

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From the Abstract: "Through the maturation of the national network of fusion centers, processes and capabilities originally designed to detect and thwart terrorist attacks are now applied to disaster responses. The fusion process, which involves the synthesis and analysis of streams of data, can create incident specific intelligence. The sharing of this information can enhance the operating picture that is critical to key decision makers and the discipline of emergency management. This thesis examined three case studies of fusion center disaster responses through a collaborative-based analytical framework. The resulting analysis of the case studies identified the crucial role played by fusion centers in responding to disaster events in a collaborative effort with emergency operations centers. This thesis concludes that fusion centers offer the greatest impact through enabling information sharing throughout the response phase. The specific benefits of the sharing of information directly influence executive briefings and the deployment of resources. This thesis also modeled a collaborative response. The research determined that the depth and breadth of these relationships involving cooperative responses must be proportionate to the incident and include a level of redundancy. Through a system design model, overconnectivity through efficiency was shown to increase the likelihood of fracturing cooperative relationships."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Coyle, Timothy P.

2014-09
Asserting Collective State Sovereignty to Strengthen the National Network of Fusion Center

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From the Abstract: "The lack of legal uniformity in the National Network of Fusion Centers, or National Network, is not a simple problem, and there is no simple solution; however, operating in a 'network' with 79 fusion centers and 54 different legal frameworks while trying to detect and prevent criminal―and terrorism-related activity―is not a simple task, either. And despite the expenditure of significant federal, state, and local dollars to establish a capable and robust network of fusion centers, insufficient time and energy has been dedicated to the creation of an effective and uniform legal framework for the National Network. Through interviews with leadership from 11 fusion centers, this thesis addresses the complications of non-uniformity and evaluates three legal mechanisms with the potential to create uniformity. This research reveals that a congressionally approved interstate compact would be the most effective legal mechanism to create uniformity within the National Network because it results in state statutory authority in every participating jurisdiction, has the potential to create national legal uniformity, and respects the sovereignty of the states visà- vis the federal government."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Ladich, Samantha

2018-03
Strengthening the Value of the National Network of Fusion Centers by Leveraging Specialization: Defining 'Centers of Analytical Excellence'

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From the Abstract: "This article reports on the main findings of a project sponsored by the National Fusion Center Association to more precisely define the term 'Centers of Analytic Excellence.' Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security previously used this term to focus public attention on the analytical component of the fusion process. Drawing upon the input of a select group of federal, state, and local intelligence expert professionals through the application of the Delphi Method, the article proposes the (re)definition of the term 'Centers of Analytical Excellence' to mean a validation of a fusion center's demonstrated excellence in a particular subject area of analytical methodology. This is a significant departure from the sense in which this term has been used previously and provides a next state for individual fusion centers that aspire to share their analytic competencies across a national network. This article also discusses a number of additional perspectives regarding the state of analysis in fusion centers as raised by the experts consulted in the project."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Abold, Justin Lewis; Guidetti, Raymond A.; Keyer, Doug

2012-06
National Fusion Center Association [website]

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From the Webpage: "The National Fusion Center Association represents the interests of state and major urban area fusion centers, as well as associated interests of states, tribal nations, and units of local government, in order to promote the development and sustainment of fusion centers; encourage effective, ethical, and lawful intelligence and information sharing; and prevent and reduce the harmful effects of crime and terrorism on victims, individuals, and communities."

National Fusion Center Association
Fusion Centers [website]

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From the Webpage: "Fusion centers operate as state and major urban area focal points for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between federal; state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT); and private sector partners."

United States. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues [Updated May 27, 2022]

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From the Document: "Federal firearms regulation has been a subject of continuous interest for legislators. In recent Congresses, a range of proposals has been introduced, with some seeking to ease various federal firearms restrictions or facilitate reciprocity in state treatment of persons authorized to carry firearms by other states. Other proposals have sought greater restrictions on the federal rules concerning the possession, transfer, or sale of firearms or the expansion of background checks for firearm purchases. These various approaches, in turn, prompt debate about not only their pros and cons but also their legalities, as Congress's ability to legislate on such matters must comport with the Second Amendment and other constitutional constraints."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney); Krouse, William J.

2022-05-27
U.S. Food Price Inflation and Agriculture Policy [June 3, 2022]

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From the Document: "U.S. food price inflation has accelerated in 2022 ('Figure 1'). The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food rose by 9.4% [hyperlink] between April 2021 and April 2022, the largest 12-month increase between consecutive Aprils since 1981. Current food price inflation can be due to general inflationary pressure on the economy as well as food-specific factors, which may vary by the type of food. Rising food prices present challenges for many U.S. consumers, particularly low-income consumers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Rosch, Stephanie; Monke, Jim

2022-06-03
Advancing the Homeland Security Information Sharing Environment: A Review of the National Network of Fusion Centers

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From the Introduction: "At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Chairman Michael McCaul directed the Majority staff to conduct a review of federal coordination with, and support to, the National Network of Fusion Centers. [...] Committee staff conducted a review of the progress made across all levels of government to enhance the flow of counterterrorism information to and from fusion centers. The Committee visited ten fusion centers, and had additional meetings with five others, to hear directly from analysts and operators. [...] Though a comprehensive review of the Committee's analysis and findings is detailed below, Committee staff have noted that since the release of the Committee's 2013 report, significant progress has been made in the overall maturity of the National Network of Fusion Centers. Many fusion centers have expanded capabilities to address all crimes and threats, recognizing that early indicators of terrorism often include criminal activity. The Committee witnessed greater intra-network collaboration, including the exchange of best practices, collaboration on strategic products, and provision of support to other centers during major incidents. Additionally, fusion centers are embracing a multidisciplinary approach to outreach programs to better integrate fire, emergency medical services, and the private sector. [...] The Committee also noted several areas that warrant further attention and enhancement. [...] The Committee also identified several new challenges that, if not addressed, could impact the ability of fusion centers to assess threats and share information."

United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security

2017-11
2017 National Network of Fusion Centers: Final Report

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From the Purpose: "The National Network of Fusion Centers Final Report (Final Report) documents the findings of the Fusion Center Assessment (Assessment) and poses a list of recommendations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducts the Assessment to provide a comprehensive picture of the performance of the National Network of Fusion Centers (National Network), measure the effectiveness of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding, and guide partners to invest in mission areas with the greatest potential benefit to the homeland. The Assessment primarily evaluates fusion centers' adherence to selected performance measures. It also strives to ensure functional consistency across the National Network, regardless of fusion center size, scope, geography, or mission."

United States. Department of Homeland Security

2018-10
Cyber Integration for Fusion Centers: An Appendix to the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers

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From the Purpose: "This document identifies recommended actions and guidance for state and major urban area fusion centers (fusion centers) to integrate information technology, cybersecurity, and cybercrime prevention (cyber) intelligence and analytic capabilities. Development of these capabilities will inform local, state, and national detection, mitigation, response, recovery, investigation, and criminal prosecution activities that support and maintain the United States' cybersecurity."

United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance

2015-05
Network Fusion: Information and Intelligence Sharing for a Networked World

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From the Abstract: "An innovative design for sharing information and intelligence is found in the form of network fusion, which encourages collaboration across multiple disciplines by leveraging technology to connect the unconnected at classified and unclassified levels. As terrorists move to new methods of attack, law enforcement and first responders must use comprehensive and timely information and intelligence to both anticipate potential threats and to ensure a high measure of adaptability in responses. This article defines network fusion along with other architectures for homeland security connectivity; explores the current information and intelligence sharing challenges; examines how network fusion can enhance fusion centers as well as assist emergency responders; and makes several recommendations for implementing network fusion. Network fusion provides an opportunity to bring many unique perspectives together for smarter, faster and cheaper intelligence sharing."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Pfeifer, Joseph W.

2012-10
2013 Annual Report: Actions Needed to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication and Achieve Other Financial Benefits, Report to Congressional Addressees

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From the Document: "As the fiscal pressures facing the nation continue, so too does the need for executive branch agencies and Congress to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and activities. Opportunities to take such action exist in areas where federal programs or activities are fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative. To highlight these challenges and to inform government decision makers on actions that could be taken to address them, GAO [Government Accountability Office] is statutorily required to identify and report annually to Congress on federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives, either within departments or government-wide, that have duplicative goals or activities. In light of today's challenging fiscal environment, we have also identified additional opportunities to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness by means of cost savings or enhanced revenue collection. In March 2011, we issued our first annual report in this series, which presented 80 areas where opportunities existed for executive branch agencies or Congress to reduce fragmentation, overlap, or duplication; achieve cost savings; or enhance revenue. Figure 1 outlines the definitions we use for fragmentation, overlap, and duplication for this work. In February 2012, we issued our second annual report, which identified an additional 51 areas. In these two reports, we have identified a total of approximately 300 actions that executive branch agencies and Congress could take to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and activities."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2013-04
Grants Management: Improved Planning, Coordination, and Communication Needed to Strengthen Reform Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters

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From the Highlights: "GAO [Government Accountability Office] has previously identified several management challenges that have hindered grants management reform efforts. GAO was asked to review recent federal grants management reform efforts. GAO reviewed (1) what OMB [Office of Management and Budget] and other federal grants governance bodies have done since the passage of P.L. [Public Law] 106-107 to reform grants management processes, and (2) what actions, if any, have been taken to address what GAO has found to be persistent management challenges. GAO reviewed relevant legislation, OMB circulars and guidance, action plans of interagency councils responsible for overseeing grants management reforms, and previous GAO work and other literature on grants management reforms. GAO also reviewed its previous work on collaborative mechanisms and management consolidation efforts. GAO also interviewed officials from OMB, grant-making agencies, and associations representing a variety of grantee types. […] GAO recommends that the Director of OMB: (1) develop and make publicly available an implementation schedule that includes performance targets, goal leaders who can be held accountable for each goal, and mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and report on results; (2) clarify the roles and responsibilities for various streamlining initiatives; and (3) develop an effective two-way communication strategy with relevant stakeholders. OMB generally concurred with our recommendations and provided additional and updated information, which was incorporated into the report as appropriate."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2013-05
Capital Purchase Program: Status of the Program and Financial Health of Remaining Participants, Report to Congressional Committees

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From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "CPP [Capital Purchase Program] was established as the primary means of restoring stability to the financial system under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Under CPP, Treasury invested almost $205 billion in 707 eligible financial institutions between October 2008 and December 2009. CPP recipients have made dividend and interest payments to Treasury on the investments. TARP's authorizing legislation requires GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report every 60 days on TARP activities. This report examines (1) the status of CPP; and (2) the financial condition of institutions remaining in the program. To assess the program's status, GAO reviewed Treasury reports on the status of CPP. GAO also used financial and regulatory data to compare the financial condition of institutions remaining in CPP with those that had exited the program and those that did not participate. GAO provided a draft of this report to Treasury for its review and comment. Treasury generally concurred with GAO's findings."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2013-05
Virtual Economies and Currencies: Additional IRS Guidance Could Reduce Tax Compliance Risks, Report to the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate

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From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Recent years have seen the development of virtual economies, such as those within online role-playing games, through which individual participants can own and exchange virtual goods and services. Within some virtual economies, virtual currencies have been created as a medium of exchange for goods and services. Virtual property and currency can be exchanged for real goods, services, and currency, and virtual currencies have been developed outside of virtual economies as alternatives to government-issued currencies, such as dollars. These innovations raise questions about related tax requirements and potential challenges for IRS [Internal Revenue Service] compliance efforts. This report (1) describes the tax reporting requirements for virtual economies and currencies, (2) identifies the potential tax compliance risks of virtual economies and currencies, and (3) assesses how IRS has addressed the tax compliance risks of virtual economies and currencies. To accomplish these objectives, GAO [Government Accountability Office] reviewed tax laws, IRS guidance and program documents, federal program internal control guidance, and interviewed IRS officials and knowledgeable experts on the topics. […] GAO recommends that IRS find relatively low-cost ways to provide information to taxpayers, such as on its website, on the basic tax reporting requirements for virtual currencies. In commenting on a draft of this report, IRS agreed with our recommendation."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2013-05
Information Technology: Consistently Applying Best Practices Could Help IRS Improve the Reliability of Reported Cost and Schedule Information, Report to Congressional Committees

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From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "IRS [Internal Revenue Service] relies extensively on IT [information technology] systems to annually collect more than $2 trillion in taxes, distribute more than $300 billion in refunds, and carry out its mission of providing service to America's taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations. In fiscal year 2012, the agency spent about $2.5 billion for IT. Given the size and significance of IRS's IT investments, and the challenges inherent in successfully delivering these complex IT systems, it is important that Congress be provided ongoing, accurate, and objective information on the progress toward completion and the risks facing these projects. Accordingly, GAO's [Government Accountability Office] objectives, among other things, were to (1) summarize the reported cost and schedule performance for IRS's major IT investments, and (2) for selected investments, determine the reliability of reported cost and schedule variances. […] GAO recommends that IRS improve the reliability of reported cost and schedule information by addressing weaknesses in future updates of cost and schedule estimates. GAO also recommends that IRS ensure projects consistently follow guidance for updating performance information 60 days after completion of an activity and develop and implement guidance that specifies best practices to consider when determining projected amounts. IRS agreed with three of GAO's four recommendations and partially disagreed with the fourth recommendation related to guidance on projecting cost and schedule amounts. GAO continues to believe this recommendation is warranted."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2013-04
Negotiations with Iran: Blocking or Paving Tehran's Path to Nuclear Weapons? Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, March 19, 2015

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This is a testimony compilation from the March 19, 2015 hearing "Negotiations with Iran: Blocking or Paving Tehran's Path to Nuclear Weapons?" held before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of committee Chairman Edward R. Royce: "Case in point: Iran's uranium enrichment program, the key technology needed to developing a nuclear bomb. Reportedly, the Administration would be agreeable to leaving much of Iran's enrichment capacity in place for a decade. If Congress will be asked to 'roll-back' its sanctions on Iran -- which will certainly fund its terrorist activities - there must be a substantial 'roll-back' of Iran's nuclear program. And consider that international inspectors report that Iran has still not revealed its past bomb work - despite its commitment to do so. The IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] is still concerned about signs of Iran's military-related activities; including designing a nuclear payload for a missile. Iran hasn't even begun to address these concerns. Last fall, over 350 Members wrote to the Secretary of State expressing deep concerns about this lack of cooperation. How can we expect Iran to uphold an agreement when they are not meeting their current commitments? Indeed, we were not surprised to see Iran continue to illicitly procure nuclear technology during these negotiations. Or that Tehran was caught testing a more advanced centrifuge that would help produce bomb material quicker. This was certainly a violation of the spirit, if not the letter, of the interim agreement. Iran's deception is all the more reason that the Administration should obtain zero-notice, anywhere, anytime inspections on Iran's declared and undeclared facilities." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Anthony J. Blinken and Adam J. Szubin.

United States. Congress. House. Committee on Foreign Affairs

2015-03-19
Reviewing Current Developments in Ethiopia, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, September 12, 2018

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This is the September 12, 2018 hearing on "Reviewing Current Developments in Ethiopia," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Mike Coffman: "What we have seen in Ethiopia over the past few months has been entirely remarkable. New reforms and changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy have started Ethiopia on what I believe to be a stronger path of inclusion, democracy, and new freedoms. It is of the utmost importance that the United States can show to Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people that we stand side by side with them as these reforms occur and that we are able to provide assistance whenever and wherever possible. House Resolution 128, which was passed by the House of Representatives on April 10, has played an important role in illustrating the commitment that the United States has concerning the people of Ethiopia. This legislation called on the Government of Ethiopia to make clear, decisive steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its own citizens." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Tibor P. Nagy, Jr., Girum Alemayehu, Jamal Said, Emily Estelle, and Yoseph M. Badwaza.

United States. Government Publishing Office

2018
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection: The Threat is Real: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session on Examining the Protection Efforts being Made against Foreign-Based Threats to United States Critical Computer Infrastructure, October 6, 1999

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From the opening statement of Jon Kyl: "Today's hearing is on the subject of the critical information infrastructure and protection of the infrastructure and the threat thereto. At our hearing today, we are going to examine a growing public policy concern, the threat of hostile attack on our Nation's critical information infrastructure and the adequacy of the Federal Government's response to this threat." Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Jon Kyl, Dianne Feinstein, Jack L. Brock, Jr., Jean L. Boltz, Richard C. Schaeffer, Jr., Robert F. Bennett, John Tritak, and Michael A. Vatis.

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
Enhancing Border Security: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Second Session, February 10, 2000

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From the opening statement of Spencer Abraham: "Today, we will address the issue of enhancing border security. On December 14, 1999, Ahmed Ressam was arrested after attempting to enter Port Angeles, WA. He was found with nitroglycerin and other potential bomb-making material. He was successfully apprehended, but he will not be the last one to try. I hope today's hearing will shed light on four areas, in particular: First, what happened in Washington State in the days prior to the New Year and how Federal agencies responded to those events; second, what steps INS and Customs took and how did the two agencies coordinate their activities. Third, what other factors enhanced our ability to respond? In particular, how did cooperation between Canada and the United States, the world's strongest bilateral relationship, work during these incidents, and how does it work more broadly to protect Americans from potential dangers? And, finally, fourth, what additional resources are necessary to help deter and defend against terrorists, drug smugglers, and others seeking to do harm across our borders?" Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Spencer Abraham, Dianne Feinstein, Patrick J. Leahy, Rayn H. Callister, Slade Gorton, Colleen M. Kelley, Robert E. Lindemann, Michael A. Pearson, Ora A. Smith, and Charles W. Winwood.

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
S. Prt. 107-26: U.S. Defense Policy toward Taiwan: In Need of an Overhaul: A Staff Trip Report to the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session, April 2001

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This staff trip report discusses U.S. policy towards Taiwan. From the document: "Taiwan's military is confronted with a host of needs to counter the People's Republic of China's military buildup and increasingly hostile posture. Specifically, Taiwan desperately needs more advanced, longer-range weaponry, early warning capabilities, and better C41 (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) capabilities. It also needs several new hardware platforms, particularly submarines and advanced destroyers. Taiwan also needs a much better working relationship with the United States military. However, the U.S. Government imposes a host of petty and humiliating restrictions on our relationship with Taiwan. [...]. Though it may once have made strategic sense, current U.S. policy toward Taiwan is outdated, dangerous and, frankly, embarrassing. A radical change in mind set is needed to pave the way for a series of common sense changes in policy. Some of the changes recommended in this report are: Strict adherence to section 3(b) of the Taiwan Relations Act when considering defense sales to Taiwan and ending the practice of 'dumbing down' Taiwan's approved equipment; Lifting petty restrictions on visiting Taiwan officials and military officers, and on U.S. military officer travel to Taiwan; Establishing communications links between the Taiwan and U.S. defense establishments; Establishing operational training programs with Taiwan's military, including joint exercises; Devoting more intelligence community resources to studying the PRC threat to Taiwan and establishing a 'Team B' of analysts to provide an alternative assessment of the situation; and Making the defense of Taiwan an illustrative case in the Department of Defense's Quadrennial Defense Review."

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
House Document 107-74: Report on Continued Contributions in Support of Peacekeeping Efforts in Kosovo: Communication from the President of the United States Transmitting a Supplemental Report Consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to Help Ensure that the Congress Is Kept Fully Informed on Continued U.S. Contributions in Support of Peacekeeping Efforts in Kosvo

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This report was sent by President George W. Bush to the Speaker of the House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert to summarize the U.S. contributions to the peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo as of May 18, 2001, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution. From the document: "On December 18, 2000, then-President Clinton provided a report to the Congress regarding the continued deployment of combat-equipped U.S. military personnel as the U.S. contribution to the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo(KFOR) and to other countries in the region in support of that force. I am providing this supplemental report, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to help ensure that the Congress is kept fully informed on continued U.S. contributions in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo."

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
United States Policy in Afghanistan: Establishing Democratic Governance and Security in the Wake of Parliamentary Elections: Hearing Before the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, September 22, 2005

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This September 22, 2005 hearing of the U.S. House of Representative's Committee on International Relations addresses the state of Afghanistan's government and the effect that the recent parliamentary elections could have upon the nascent government. The future of the Afghan government is viewed also within the lens of the attempts made by the Taliban to destabilize the government. From the Statement of Henry J. Hyde: "Despite new threats of violence by the Taliban to derail the elections, and intimidation posed by local warlords, millions of Afghans turned out to vote, making a statement about their determination to support a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and not by the rule of a gun. The political reconstruction process outlined in the Bonn Agreement has played a crucial role in defining Afghanistan's democratic development. However, Afghanistan still faces many challenges before democratic governance is secured. The international community must continue to be engaged in Afghanistan if the factors contributing to its instability are to be overcome. I support the call for a post-election road map, coupled together with donor assistance, that will strengthen the political process, empower Afghan institutions, and provide a measure of success for facing the challenges that lie ahead."

United States. Government Printing Office

2005-09-22
Wired World: Cyber Security and the U.S. Economy: Hearing Before the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session, June 21, 2001

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Cyber threats to the U.S. economy don't stop at the door of the Pentagon, and many people are making it clear that future threats to the United States will be aimed at the private sector and at crippling the U.S. economy, rather than crippling the U.S. military. So an attempt for us to find out whether the current policies governing cyber security and cyber protection are sufficient is very much within the purview of the Joint Economic Committee. Technology in general and the Internet specifically have been of great benefit to the economy. They have driven our economic growth in the last 10 years. At the same time, they open up a whole new series of threats that we have not traditionally had. Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Jim Saxton, Robert F. Bennett, Jack Reed, Lawrence K. Gershwin, Brian Shaw, Steven Branigan, Peggy Lipps, Duane P. Andrews, Albert J. Edmonds, Jon S. Corzine, Lamar S. Smith, Catherine A. Allen, Frank J. Cilluffo, and a paper entitled "Mapping and Visualizing the Internet" by Steve Branigan, Bill Cheswick and Hal Burch.

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
National Fire Plan, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session to Conduct Oversight of the Administration's National Fire Plan, March 29, 2001

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From the opening statement of Hon. Larry E. Craig, U.S. Senator from Idaho: "During the worst of the fire season, we learned that the Federal fire fighting agencies' budget requests were reduced before they were sent to Congress. Consequently, fire fighting preparedness was not optimum, and fire fighting efforts in some instances were hampered. Today we are suffering through the results of a lack of that kind of foresightedness. Some parts of my State and some parts of the West will not recover for decades from what it experienced last summer. Unfortunately, the situation is still very dire. If you look at the maps of the mountain snowpack and spring and summer runoff forecasts for March of this year-and that is just going up-the bright red tells the story. It tells what could be a very angry story come summer. For much of the West, mountain snowpack is much less than 70 percent of that average, as demonstrated by those charts, spring and summer stream flows projected at less than 70 percent of the average flow. In very simple terms, this means that it is unusually dry out West for the summer, and it is dry right now. Unless we get some very unusual weather during the late spring and summer, then it will get dryer and the heat of the season could well produce a catastrophic fire situation. I, therefore, offer a very simple conclusion: We are likely to have another fire season similar to the one we have just experienced, but tragically enough, it could even be worse. Lately we have been discussing the crisis of California. That is an energy crisis. Once again, my colleague from Oregon and I in the Pacific Northwest are experiencing the problems that are, in part, a result of California's situation." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: G. Thomas Bancroft, Jeff Bingaman, Conrad Burns, Nils D. Christoffersen, Larry E. Craig, Pete V. Domenici, Nancy Farr, Dianne Feinstein, Tim Hartzell, Celia Headley, Steve Holmer, James E. Hubbard, Tim Johnson, Lynn Jungwirth, John Kyl, Lyle Laverty, Tom Nelson, David Wm. Smith, Gordon Smith, Betty Vega, Ron Wyden.

United States. Government Printing Office

2001
Overview of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, March 1, 2007

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From the opening statement of Eliot L. Engel: "Today's hearing will provide an overview of United States policy toward Latin America and developments in the hemisphere. [...] When we look at all of Latin America, and we see the disparity in terms of income, economic disparity, where a very, very small percentage of people at the top are doing extremely well and are extremely wealthy, and then the tremendous, overwhelming amounts of the population are living in absolutely unacceptable poverty, this is a powder keg, and this is certainly something that I think the United States cannot turn a blind eye to." Topics include foreign assistance for Haiti; Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts signed by Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador; the President's waiver of article 98 restrictions; Plan Colombia impacts on crime; fuel alternatives for Brazil; policy issues with President Chavez of Venezuela; preparations for a post-Castro Cuba; and a recent U.N. agreement with Guatemala. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Peter Hakim, Arturo Valenzuela, Eric Farnsworth, Eliot L. Engel, Dan Burton, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Luis G. Fortuño, and Sam Farr.

United States. Government Printing Office

2007

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