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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress [Updated February 10, 2022]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. [...] U.S. Administrations have long supported democracy and human rights in the region, with a current focus on authoritarian governments in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as democratic backsliding and corruption in other countries. In the past two years, support to help the region respond to the public health and economic impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become as a major U.S. policy component. The Biden Administration focused extensively on addressing the root causes of Central American migration during its initial months but has since fleshed out its broader approach toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The Administration's other priorities include efforts to promote public health and economic recovery from the pandemic; to work with partners to promote inclusive democracy throughout the region; to provide support to address Haiti's difficult humanitarian, security, and political challenges; and to engage more broadly with the region to address migration challenges. To advance those and other initiatives, the Administration requested nearly $2.1 billion in foreign aid for Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2022, nearly 16% higher than estimated FY2021 appropriations. The Administration also is providing significant supplemental pandemic-related assistance to the region, including, as of late January 2022, the donation of over 60 million vaccine doses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2022-02-10
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Poverty in the United States in 2020 [February 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Calendar year 2020 saw the onset of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, and an accompanying rise in the 'poverty rate'--the percentage of the population living in poverty (economic hardship characterized by low income). In 2020, approximately 37.2 million people had incomes below the official definition of poverty in the United States, which was an increase from 34.0 million people in 2019. The poverty rate rose to 11.4% from 10.5%. The increase in poverty was especially acute among the population under age 65, whose work statuses were most likely to have been affected by the economic fallout of the pandemic. This report presents a general overview of poverty in the United States. It introduces the concepts and data sources used in defining and measuring poverty. It then offers a historical perspective on poverty at the national level by presenting trend data on the official poverty measure. Next, it focuses on poverty by demographic group, mainly by comparing 2020 estimates with 2019, along four characteristics: [1] family structure, because poverty is defined according to the composition, needs, and resources of families, and because antipoverty interventions have often been targeted to families; [2] age, because age groups vary in the types and sources of income available to them, and because congressional policymaking has often focused on children and the aged population; [3] race and Hispanic origin, because poverty rates among these demographic groups historically have had wide differences; and [4] work status, because economic well-being is typically tied to the current or past work of oneself or one's family members."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dalaker, Joseph
2022-02-10
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Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) [Updated February 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Prior to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, insurance covering terrorism losses was normally included in commercial insurance policies without additional cost to the policyholders. The insured losses on all insurance lines from the 9/11 attacks exceeded $50 billion in current dollars, an amount well above other insurance industry experiences with terrorism losses. [...] Following September 2001, insurers and reinsurers pulled back from offering terrorism coverage. Some observers feared that a lack of insurance against terrorism loss would have a wide economic impact, particularly because insurance coverage can be a significant factor in lending decisions. Congress responded to the disruption in the insurance market by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA; P.L. [Public Law] 107-297). TRIA created a temporary program, initially set to expire at the end of 2005, to calm markets through a government reinsurance program sharing in terrorism losses. This program was intended to give the insurance industry time to gather the data and create the structures and capacity necessary for private insurance to cover terrorism risk. TRIA did (and does) not cover terrorism losses directly but instead reimburses private insurers for a portion of their losses. The act does not require premiums to be paid by private insurers for the government coverage. However, it does require private insurers to offer commercial insurance for terrorism risk, which private insurers were not willingly offering prior to TRIA's enactment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird
2022-02-10
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 442, BRIGHT Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on November 3, 2021. From the Document: "S. 442 would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to procure lighting systems for use in federal buildings that are the most cost effective and energy efficient when measured over the systems' expected lifetime. (Life cycle costs include all capital and operating expenses associated with a system over its life expectancy of up to 40 years, including fuel costs.) The bill also would require GSA to issue guidance about the efficiency of new lighting products. A variety of statutory provisions and executive orders direct federal agencies to meet certain goals to reduce the amount of energy used in federal facilities, increase the consumption of electricity that is generated from renewable sources, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and ensure that federal facilities meet certain standards related to the use of sustainable resources. In addition, the federal government uses life cycle costs to evaluate investments in owned and leased buildings. S. 442 could marginally accelerate meeting energy efficiency goals by encouraging the use of lighting systems that would have higher initial costs but longer-term energy savings. Using information from GSA, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that any such costs would be less than $500,000 annually and would total about $2 million over the 2022- 2026 period. Any additional savings from reduced energy costs would not be significant over the next five years. All of those effects, both costs and savings, would be subject to future appropriation actions consistent with the bill."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-10
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Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) [Updated February 10, 2022]
From the Summary: "During the Cold War, thousands of Americans worked in the development and testing of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. Some of these workers were exposed to radiation, beryllium, silica, and other toxic substances that may have contributed to various medical conditions, including different types of cancer. Enacted in 2000, the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA, Title XXXVI of P.L. 106-398) provides cash and medical benefits to former nuclear weapons arsenal workers with covered medical conditions and to their survivors. Part B of EEOICPA provides a fixed amount of compensation and medical coverage to Department of Energy (DOE) employees and contractors, atomic weapons employees, and uranium workers with specified medical conditions, including cancer. [...] Part E of EEOICPA operates similar to a traditional workers' compensation program. It pays variable cash benefits based on impairment and wage loss and provides medical benefits to former DOE contractors and uranium workers exposed to toxic substances on the job. [...] To date, Part B has paid over $7.3 billion in compensation, and Part E has paid more than $5.7 billion in compensation. Combined Parts B and E medical benefits exceed $7.6 billion. The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund pays EEOICPA benefits. The fund is financed through general revenues, and it is not subject to annual appropriations. The EEOICPA Office of Ombudsman, which assists claimants and medical providers navigate the program, was scheduled to sunset on October 28, 2020, but was permanently authorized by a provision in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (P.L. 116-283)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2022-02-10
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2021 [Updated February 10, 2022]
From the Summary: "This CRS [congressinal research service] report provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen, with summary tables providing information on various legislative proposals considered in the 114th , 115th , 116th, and 117th Congresses. These proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities, including [1] the authorization of the activities of the U.S. Armed Forces related to the conflict; [2] the extent of U.S. logistical, material, advisory, and intelligence support for the coalition led by Saudi Arabia; [3] the approval, disapproval, or conditioning of U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia; [4] the appropriation of funds for U.S. operations in support of the Saudi-led coalition; [5] the conduct of the Saudi-led coalition's air campaign and its adherence to international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict; [6] the demand for greater humanitarian access to Yemen; [7] the call for a wider government assessment of U.S. policy toward Yemen and U.S. support to parties to the conflict; [8] the nature and extent of U.S.-Saudi counterterrorism and border security cooperation; and [9] the role of Iran in supplying missile technology and other weapons to the forces of the Houthi movement. The 117th Congress may continue to debate U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition and Saudi Arabia's conduct of the war in Yemen, where fighting has continued since March 2015."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Humud, Carla E.
2022-02-10
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External Peer Review of the National Guard Bureau Internal Review Office
From the Document: "We reviewed the system of quality control for the National Guard Bureau Internal Review (NGB IR) Office in effect for the 3-year period ended February 28, 2021. A system of quality control encompasses the NGB IR Office's structure, policies adopted, and procedures established to provide it with reasonable assurance of conforming in all material respects with the Government Auditing Standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The elements of quality control are described in the Government Auditing Standards. In our opinion, except for the deficiencies described in this report, the system of quality control for the NGB IR Office in effect for the 3-year period ended February 28, 2021, has been suitably designed and complied with to provide the NGB IR Office with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity in all material respects with the Government Auditing Standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2022-02-10
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 22 Issue 6, February 10, 2022
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "CDP [Center for Domestic Preparedness] releases new microtraining video on bonding and grounding for hazardous materials work zone safety"; "National Wildfire Coordinating Group's 2022 Incident Response Pocket Guide now available"; "National Fire Service Research Agenda report released"; "New Mexico Tech offers new counter-UAS [Unmanned Aircraft Systems] tactical response training"; and "Cyber Threats."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2022-02-10
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Determining the Case Fatality Rate of COVID-19 in Italy: Novel Epidemiological Study
From the Abstract: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], which emerged in December 2019, has spread rapidly around the world and has become a serious public health event endangering human life. With regard to COVID-19, there are still many unknowns, such as the exact case fatality rate (CFR). [...] The main objective of this study was to explore the value of the discharged CFR (DCFR) to make more accurate forecasts of epidemic trends of COVID-19 in Italy. [...] We retrieved the epidemiological data of COVID-19 in Italy published by the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. We then used the proportion of deaths to discharged cases (including deaths and recovered cases) to calculate the total DCFR (tDCFR), monthly DCFR (mDCFR), and stage DCFR (sDCFR). Furthermore, we analyzed the trend in the mDCFR between January and December 2020 using joinpoint regression analysis, used ArcGIS version 10.7 to visualize the spatial distribution of the epidemic CFR, and assigned different colors to each province based on the CFR or tDCFR. [...] We provide a new perspective for assessing the fatality of COVID-19 in Italy, which can use ever-changing data to calculate a more accurate CFR and scientifically predict the development trend of the epidemic."
JMIR Publications
Yan, Mengqing; Kang, Wenjun; Guo, Zhifeng . . .
2022-02-10
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USDA Equity Action Plan in Support of Executive Order (EO) 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
From the Document: "The attached USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] Equity Action Plan details a subset of actions that USDA has chosen to highlight because of their potential high impact for underserved farmers and ranchers, families and children, and rural communities. While this is just a subset of many bold equity actions that we will implement, these actions create the foundation that will inform and build other equity-related strategies. USDA will institutionalize these strategies to become an organization that is trusted today and by future generations. Our country is stronger when everyone participates, and more vulnerable when people are left out. We know that people's frustrations run deep and are rooted in their own daily battles - to make ends meet, to maintain their land, to put food on their tables, and to see their children have a shot at economic opportunity. The increasing gap in wealth and opportunities challenges the very core of who we are as a Department. USDA's Equity Action Plan and other related efforts will make our programs benefit every working American, particularly those who have been left behind. How we implement and make progress over the next few years will determine whether our children will grow up in a Nation where opportunity is real. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advance equity in every facet of our mission."
United States. Department of Agriculture
Vilsack, Thomas J.; Bronaugh, Jewel
2022-02-10
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FEMA's Role in the COVID-19 Federal Pandemic Response [February 10, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared a nationwide emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288 as amended), authorizing assistance administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Five days later, the President notified then-FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor that the agency would assume leadership of the federal pandemic response effort--the first known instance of FEMA serving in such a role for a public health incident."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Horn, Diane P.; Lindsay, Bruce R. . . .
2022-02-10
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Foreign Assistance: Agreement Between the United States of America and Jordan
This Agreement was signed at Amman February 10, 2022 and entered into force February 10, 2022. From Article I: "The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan agree that, unless the consent of the Government of the United States of America has first been obtained, the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan shall not provide any assistance furnished by the United States of America under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act, or successor legislation, to any security force unit of Jordan that the Government of the United States of America has identified to Jordan via diplomatic channels as prohibited from receiving such assistance under section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, also known as the Leahy law."
United States. Department of State
2022-02-10
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Foreign Assistance: Agreement Between the United States of America and Latvia
This Agreement was signed at Riga on February 10, 2022 and entered into force on February 10, 2022. From Article I: "The Government of the United States of America and the Government of Latvia agree that, unless the consent of the Government of the United States of America has first been obtained, the Government of Latvia shall not provide any assistance furnished by the United States of America under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act, or successor legislation, to any security force unit of Latvia that the Government of the United States of America has identified to Latvia via diplomatic channels as prohibited from receiving such assistance under section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, also known as the Leahy law."
United States. Department of State
2022-02-10
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S. Rept. 117-69: National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019, Report Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, February 9, 2022
From the Purpose of the Bill: "The purpose of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 (S. 2661) is to designate the three-digit dialing code 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. S. 2661 also would reserve the ability of States to assess fees to support the hotline system, and make other changes to the law to enhance the effectiveness of the hotline system."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 1931, Japanese American Confinement Education Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on November 17, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 1931 would authorize the appropriation of $80 million, to remain available until expended, for the Japanese American Confinement Site grant program. Under that program, the National Park Service (NPS) awards funds to nonfederal entities to study and preserve sites associated with the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In 2021, $3 million was allocated for the program. Based on historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1931 would cost about $5 million annually and total $22 million over the 2022-2026 period, assuming the appropriation of the authorized amount. CBO expect the remaining funds would be used after 2026."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 3968, Municipal Ids Acceptance Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on June 23, 2021. From the Document: "Under current law, banks and credit unions are required to have a Customer Identification Program (CIP) to verify the identity of new customers prior to opening an account. H.R. 3968 would direct the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Department of the Treasury, and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to issue updated guidance clarifying that an identification card issued by a municipality may be used to verify the identity of a customer under the CIP. The operating costs for the FDIC, NCUA, and OCC are classified in the federal budget as direct spending. Using information from some of those agencies, CBO estimates that issuing updated guidance would increase gross direct spending at those agencies by less than $500,000 over the 2022-2031 period. Moreover, the NCUA and OCC collect fees from financial institutions to offset their operating costs; those fees are treated as reductions in direct spending. In total, CBO estimates that the net effect on direct spending would be insignificant over that period."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2311, Credit Union Governance Modernization Act of 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on November 16, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 2311 would add a new procedure for expelling members from a federal credit union. Under current law, federal credit unions may expel members under two circumstances: by a majority vote of the board of directors of a credit union for nonparticipation according to a policy adopted by that credit union or by a two-thirds vote of the credit union membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of expelling a member. H.R. 2311 would allow federal credit unions to expel members for cause by a two-thirds vote of the directors of the credit union. Under the bill, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) would be required to conduct rulemaking to establish the procedures credit unions must follow to expel members under that authority."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 5911, Fair Hiring in Banking Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on November 16, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 5911 would amend statutory prohibitions and limitations that restrict the hiring of certain individuals convicted of criminal offenses by insured depository institutions and insured credit unions. Under current law, some convictions prohibit a person from being employed by such institutions without prior consent of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Under H.R. 5911, both agencies would be required to issue a rule to provide additional exemptions from consent requirements. The bill also would direct the FDIC and NCUA to establish new procedures governing the review of consent applications and further define what offenses require agency consent. Lastly, each agency would be required to report to the Congress on the outcomes of those changes."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 3332, Manufactured Housing Community Preservation Act of 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on July 29, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 3332 would authorize the appropriation of $100 million annually over the 2022-2026 period for grants to public housing authorities and nonprofit organizations to acquire communities of manufactured housing. Grantees would be required to own and maintain the housing for a period of 30 years and annual rent increases would be limited. The bill also would require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report information about program outcomes to the Congress. For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in 2022 and that the authorized amounts will be appropriated each year. Based on the historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates implementing the housing program would cost $180 million over the 2022-2026 period; the remaining funds would be spent after 2026. Using information on the cost of similar requirements, CBO estimates that meeting the reporting requirement would cost less than $500,000 over the 2022-2026 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 2624, Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on December 15, 2021. From the Document: "S. 2624 would authorize the appropriation of $3.4 billion for fiscal year 2022 to construct or renovate 12 major medical facilities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Using information on historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $2.9 billion over the 2022-2026 period. The remaining amounts would be spent in later years. Such spending would be subject to the appropriation of the specified amounts. The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 700 (veterans benefits and services)."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-02-09
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2021 Trends Show Increased Globalized Threat of Ransomware
From the Summary: "In 2021, cybersecurity authorities in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom observed an increase in sophisticated, high-impact ransomware incidents against critical infrastructure organizations globally. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Security Agency (NSA) observed incidents involving ransomware against 14 of the 16 U.S. critical infrastructure sectors [hyperlink], including the Defense Industrial Base, Emergency Services, Food and Agriculture, Government Facilities, and Information Technology Sectors. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) observed continued ransomware targeting of Australian critical infrastructure entities, including in the Healthcare and Medical, Financial Services and Markets, Higher Education and Research, and Energy Sectors. The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK) recognizes ransomware as the biggest cyber threat facing the United Kingdom. Education is one of the top UK sectors targeted by ransomware actors, but the NCSC-UK has also seen attacks targeting businesses, charities, the legal profession, and public services in the Local Government and Health Sectors."
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
2022-02-09
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U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine [February 9, 2022]
From the Document: "In response to Russia's recent escalation of military pressure on Ukraine, the Biden Administration and the 117th Congress have considered multiple options to boost security assistance to Ukraine. Even prior to recent tensions, Ukraine was a leading recipient of U.S. military aid in Europe and Eurasia. Since Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, the United States has committed more than $2.7 billion in State and Defense Department (DOD)-funded security assistance to help Ukraine defend its territorial integrity and improve interoperability with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). [...] Much of U.S. assistance has been focused on providing systems and capabilities that Ukraine's domestic defense industry cannot produce, as well as on increasing UAF [Ukrainian Armed Forces] resilience and ability to sustain combat operations. U.S. officials continue to receive requests from Ukraine for assistance and have sent teams to evaluate Ukrainian abilities and needs. Ukrainian officials have expressed interest in acquiring advanced systems, including air defense, anti-missile, and anti-ship capabilities. [...] In response to the threat of a new Russian invasion of Ukraine, Congress has authorized or proposed increased funding levels for existing security assistance authorities and introduced multiple bills aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities. [...] Congress may consider the potential impact that new and advanced systems could have on Ukraine's readiness. Similarly, Congress may consider how to balance Ukraine's urgent and short-term defense needs with the long-term and sustainable development of its forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arabia, Christina; Bowen, Andrew S.; Welt, Cory
2022-02-09
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [February 9, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans, and the capacity of the U.S. shipbuilding industry to execute the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's force-level goal, its proposed FY2022 shipbuilding program, and its longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-02-09
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Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis, Economic Collapse, and U.S. Sanctions [February 9, 2022]
From the Document: "Humanitarian and economic conditions in Afghanistan, long one of the world's poorest and most aid-dependent countries, have deteriorated significantly since the Taliban's August 2021 takeover, creating the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. The Biden Administration and many Members of Congress seek to maintain sanctions on the Taliban and avoid actions that would empower the group or legitimize its rule. At the same time, they and many others in the international community seek to respond to the urgent humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan's needs will persist in the absence of sustainable economic development that may be difficult without greater engagement with the Taliban. [...] Looking ahead, Members of Congress may be compelled to balance the risk of assistance being diverted to or used by the Taliban with the risks of further economic collapse, including increased humanitarian needs and heightened insecurity. The United Nations stresses that the 2022 humanitarian appeal is critical to saving Afghan lives but is a 'stopgap measure.' Without a sustainable solution-- which may entail stabilizing the Afghan economy in a way that further solidifies the Taliban's position in power--the crisis may worsen, creating greater humanitarian and economic consequences."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Margesson, Rhoda; Collins-Chase, Edward J.
2022-02-09
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NASA: Lessons from Ongoing Major Projects Could Improve Future Outcomes, Statement of W. William Russell, Director, Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Space and Science, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "Acquisition management has been a long-standing challenge at NASA. GAO [Government Accountability Office] first designated NASA's acquisition management as a high-risk area in 1990 in view of NASA's history of persistent cost growth and schedule slippage in the majority of its largest systems. While NASA's major projects are complex, specialized, and often groundbreaking, GAO has identified management weaknesses that have exacerbated the inherent technical and engineering risks the projects face. In 2005, NASA expanded its effort to partner with commercial companies by forming the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Office. The public-private partnerships established by this program office represented a new way of doing business in the realm of human spaceflight. This statement reflects GAO's observations on lessons that NASA can apply to its management of its major projects as it seeks to leverage resources between the public and private sector to maximize federal return on program investments."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Russell, William
2022-02-09
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EO 13985 USAID Agency Equity Action Plan
From the Executive Summary: "USAID's [United States Agency for International Development's] equity assessment submitted in August 2021 outlined findings and 61 preliminary recommendations that USAID could use, if approved, to advance a values-based approach, update rules and regulations, expand our partner base, and become more consultative to achieve the President's goals regarding racial and ethnic equity in a foreign assistance context. The USAID Agency Equity Team (AET) prioritized the following recommendations for inclusion in the Action Plan: 1) continued development of the WorkwithUSAID platform, 2) enhanced implementation of USAID's nondiscrimination for beneficiaries policy, development and implementation of an Independent Accountability Mechanism, and advancement of Title VI protections at USAID, 3) lowered internal and external barriers for USAID awards, to include reduction of acquisition and assistance administrative burdens that negatively affect partner capacity, 4) designation of an Inclusive Development (ID) Advisor at each Mission and procurement of inclusive development support mechanisms managed through the Agency's ID Hub, and 5) implementation of a consistent approach to incorporate racial and ethnic equity and diversity into policy, planning, and learning. Together, these actions help reframe the ways in which USAID partners democratize the development process by integrating equity into Agency policies, strategies, and practices; enhance the ability of potential non-traditional partners to pursue USAID opportunities; prevent discrimination in Agency programs; and strengthen the Agency's capacity to advance inclusive development in our overseas programming."
United States. Agency for International Development
2022-02-09
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H. Rept. 117-244, Part 1: DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021, Report to Accompany H.R. 5616, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, February 8, 2022
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 5616, the 'DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021,' requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the accreditation status of each of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) basic training programs until all such programs achieve accreditation. For those programs that are not accredited, the Secretary must provide the reasons for not obtaining or maintaining accreditation, the activities, if any, taken to achieve accreditation, and the anticipated timeline for accreditation of the program. In addition, the bill directs DHS to engage in research and development to help State, local, Tribal, and Territorial law enforcement officers better access Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) training opportunities."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-02-08
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Human and Drug Trafficking: Actions Needed to Address Gaps in Federal Data to Counter Illicit Activities, Statement of Gretta L. Goodwin, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Congress and federal agencies need data of sufficient quality to help ensure vulnerable populations are appropriately identified and supported. For example, virtual currencies are increasingly used in various legitimate transactions, but can also facilitate illicit activities, including human and drug trafficking. Further, AI/AN [American Indian and Alaska Native] women in the U.S. experience higher rates of violence than most other women, and tribal and federal officials have stated that this incidence of violence constitutes a crisis. Federal officials and tribal stakeholders have raised concerns about challenges with cross-jurisdictional cooperation and a lack of comprehensive national data on cases. This statement discusses GAO's [Government Accountability Office] prior work on (1) the extent to which the number of missing or murdered AI/AN women in the U.S. is known; and (2) what is known about the use of virtual currency for human and drug trafficking and the extent to which U.S. agencies collect data on these topics."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Goodwin, Gretta L.
2022-02-08
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Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated February 8, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 12, 2020, the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (P.L. [Public Law] 116-124 [hyperlink]) (Secure Networks Act) became law. The act addresses congressional concerns [hyperlink] with telecommunications network equipment that may pose a national security threat to the United States. Section 2 directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a list of 'covered' telecommunications equipment that poses a national security threat. Section 4 directs the FCC to create the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program) to reimburse telecommunication providers that replace 'covered' equipment (see FCC website [hyperlink]). [...] On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021 (P.L. 116- 260) became law. Section 906 provides $1.9 billion to the FCC for the Secure Networks Act; $1.895 billion of that is for the Reimbursement Program. To date, no other funding has been provided. [...] In Section 901 of the CAA, 2021 [hyperlink], Congress amended the Secure Networks Act [hyperlink], making providers with fewer than 10 million customers eligible for reimbursement. Congress made 'accredited public or private noncommercial educational institutions that provide facilities-based educational broadband services [hyperlink]' and health care providers and libraries that provide advanced communication services eligible for reimbursement funding. Congress prioritized allocations [1]First, to providers with 2 million or fewer customers; [2] Next, to accredited public or private noncommercial educational institutions providing facilities-based educational broadband service; and [3] Last, to any remaining eligible applicants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallagher, Jill C.
2022-02-08
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FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: February 2022
This February 2022 edition of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin contains the following content: "Using Research for Investigative Decision-Making"; "National Data Exchange (N-DEx): A Leader in Information Sharing"; "Orange, Massachusetts, Police Department"; "Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department"; "Bulletin Notes"; "Community Outreach Spotlight: "COPTOBER" Community Fair"; "Notable Speech: Better Together"; and "FBI National Academy's Yellow Brick Road - 40th Anniversary."
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2022-02-08
