Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: June 2022
This June 2022 edition of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin contains the following content: "Compassion Fatigue Among Officers"; "Focus on Training: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic"; "Officer Wellness Spotlight: Prevention and Early Detection of Heart Disease"; "Bulletin Honors: Round Rock Police K-9 Memorial"; and "Bulletin Notes."
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2022-06
-
Police in Conflict: Lessons from the U.S. Experience in Afghanistan
From the Document: "Developing police capabilities in the midst of conflict is a problem the United States is certain to face in the future--yet it has long been the weakest link in the U.S. security sector assistance portfolio. The U.S. government lacks coordination among agencies that deal with foreign police assistance, a coherent theory of change for police reform, and a clear doctrine on the role of police in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. Nowhere has this failure been more apparent in recent years than in Afghanistan. 'Police in Conflict: Lessons from U.S. and International Police Assistance Efforts in Afghanistan' is the 12th lessons learned report to be issued by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. In this report, we explore the reasons behind the United States' inability to create an effective police force in that country--a failure that has much to teach us for future efforts elsewhere."
United States. Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
2022-06
-
State's Third Party Monitoring and Oversight of Its Conventional Weapons Destruction Program in Afghanistan: Audit of Costs Incurred by Norwegian People's Aid
From the Document: "On September 27, 2017, the U.S. Department of State (State) awarded a $1,000,000 cooperative agreement to Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) to support the third party monitoring and oversight of State's Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) program in Afghanistan. The program's objectives were to provide personnel, resources, supplies, and grant management and advisory services to 15 or more of State's CWD projects. State modified the contract nine times; the total award amount increased to $11,505,605, and the period of performance extended from August 31, 2018, to July 15, 2022. SIGAR's [Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's] financial audit, performed by Davis Farr LLP [limited liability partnership] (Davis Farr), reviewed $8,827,764 in costs charged to the agreement from September 27, 2017, through July 15, 2021. [...] Davis Farr did not find any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in NPA's internal controls, or any instances of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the agreement. Accordingly, the auditors did not find any questioned costs."
United States. Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
2022-06
-
Free Speech Challenges to Florida and Texas Social Media Laws [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Two U.S. Courts of Appeals recently took different positions on the validity of state laws that restrict internet services' ability to moderate user content, although the Supreme Court has vacated the ruling of one of those courts. Almost a year after Florida enacted Senate Bill 7072 [hyperlink], the Eleventh Circuit largely upheld [hyperlink] a preliminary injunction ruling the law likely unconstitutional, preventing Florida's law from taking effect. This ruling contrasts with a Fifth Circuit order [hyperlink] staying a preliminary injunction against a somewhat similar Texas law, H.B. 20 [hyperlink], and allowing that Texas law to take effect. As explained in more detail in this Legal Sidebar, these two courts' actions appeared to be based on different views of whether these laws likely violate the constitutional free speech rights of online platforms. The Supreme Court vacated the Fifth Circuit's stay, but the Fifth Circuit could still reach the same outcome in a future ruling on the merits. This Legal Sidebar begins by reviewing the relevant constitutional background, then explains both states' laws and the First Amendment aspects of the legal challenges to those laws."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.
2022-06-01
-
Insurrection Bar to Holding Office: Appeals Court Issues Decision on Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment [June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "On May 24, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a decision in 'Cawthorn v. Amalfi,' [hyperlink] a case involving Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment [hyperlink] (Section 3). That constitutional provision bars certain people who have 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion against' the United States from holding specified state and federal government offices. The specific question in the case was whether a Reconstruction-era statute granting amnesty to former Confederates barred application of Section 3 to persons who engage in any future rebellion or insurrection. The Fourth Circuit held that the 1872 statute did not have that effect and instead lifted the constitutional disqualification only for acts that had already occurred. The decision is relevant to Congress, both because Section 3 has been invoked against several legislators who allegedly participated in or supported the January 6, 2021, unrest at the Capitol and because the case raises broader constitutional considerations about what role state officials, federal courts, and Congress can play in determining the eligibility of congressional candidates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2022-06-01
-
Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Security Force Assistance (SFA) is defined as 'unified action to generate, employ, and sustain local, host nation or regional security forces in support of a legitimate authority.' By definition 'security forces include not only military forces, but also police, border forces, and other paramilitary organizations, as well as other local and regional forces.' SFA involves organizing, training, equipping, rebuilding, and advising foreign security forces (FSF). Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapter 16, governs the Department of Defense's (DOD's) SFA activities. Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) modifies, eliminates, or creates new SFA authorities and authorizes funding for Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs) to conduct SFA activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-06-01
-
Areas of Economic Distress for EDA Activities and Programs [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Congress has used program criteria to direct federal assistance to areas that are economically distressed or comparatively disadvantaged. Place-based measures frequently associated with economic distress include indicators such as poverty, unemployment rates, and income levels. The term 'economically distressed area' lacks a standardized definition and may vary by agency, program, or executive branch initiative. This In Focus summarizes the criteria as well as the data sources and mapping tools used for determining economic distress for activities and programs administered by the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). It also includes considerations for Congress regarding the EDA's criteria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawhorn, Julie M.
2022-06-01
-
Discretionary Waivers of Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility Under INA § 212(h) [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Federal immigration laws provide for the exclusion and removal of non-U.S. nationals ('aliens,' as the term is used in the Immigration and Nationality Act [hyperlink] [INA]) who lack authorization to enter or remain in the United States. The grounds for removal differ depending on whether an alien has already been lawfully admitted into the country. Those who have not yet been admitted--whether applying for a visa from abroad to come to the United States, initially presenting themselves at a U.S. port of entry, or found in the country after entering surreptitiously--may be removed if they fall within any of the grounds of inadmissibility listed under INA § 212(a) [hyperlink], including on account of committing enumerated criminal offenses. These inadmissibility grounds--particularly those relating to criminal activity--are cross-referenced by a host of other INA provisions relevant to unadmitted 'and' admitted aliens alike, including provisions establishing aliens' eligibility for relief from removal (e.g., asylum) and their ability to adjust to lawful permanent resident [hyperlink] (LPR) status. INA § 212(h) [hyperlink] enables immigration authorities to waive many criminal grounds of inadmissibility in some circumstances, but a waiver applicant must meet various eligibility requirements, must not be subject to certain bars to relief, and, ultimately, must show that relief is warranted as a matter of discretion. This Legal Sidebar discusses the scope of waiver authority under INA § 212(h)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2022-06-01
-
Economic Development Administration: An Overview of Programs and Appropriations (FY2011-FY2022) [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Summary: "Today, EDA [Economic Development Administration] administers nine core programs that fund a range of construction and non-construction activities in both urban and rural areas--primarily through competitive processes that solicit community-directed proposals aligned with the agency's investment priorities. EDA administers both flexible and targeted programs focused on innovation, technical assistance, and support for long-term, regional economic development planning. [...] Congress approves annual appropriations for EDA programs as well as administration expenses, and occasionally approves supplemental appropriations for economic recovery purposes. Since FY2011, annual appropriations average approximately $288 million. Annual appropriations decreased each year between FY2011 and FY2013, and have increased slightly each year since FY2014. In FY2022, Congress approved $373.5 million in annual appropriations for the agency's programs and administration. In FY2020 and FY2021, Congress also provided a total of $4.5 billion in supplemental appropriations for EDA programs in response to the economic impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For FY2023, the Biden Administration requested funding increases for several EDA programs and for salaries and expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawhorn, Julie M.
2022-06-01
-
U.S. Space Command: Air Force Should Develop Guidance for Strengthening Future Basing Decisions, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "The then President directed the establishment of U.S. Space Command in December 2018. The Department of Defense (DOD) views the advent of U.S. Space Command as a critical step to accelerate the nation's ability to defend its vital interests and deter adversaries in space. U.S. Space Command is responsible for planning and executing offensive and defensive space operations with the military services, other combatant commands, DOD agencies, and other partners. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the Air Force's process and methodology to select the permanent location for U.S. Space Command headquarters. This report (1) examines how the U.S. Space Command basing process compared with the established Air Force basing process and describes the steps the Air Force took to identify a headquarters location, and (2) evaluates the extent to which the Air Force's revised selection process for determining the U.S. Space Command headquarters conformed to GAO best practices for analyzing alternatives. GAO reviewed documentation, interviewed knowledgeable officials, and assessed related information using GAO's best practices for a high-quality AOA [Analysis of Alternatives] process. This is a public version of a sensitive report issued in May 2022. Information that DOD has deemed sensitive has been omitted. [...] GAO recommends that the Air Force develop guidance for future strategic basing decisions that is consistent with GAO's AOA best practices, and determine the basing actions to which it should apply. The Air Force neither agreed nor disagreed."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Oman: Politics, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Summary: "In January 2020, the Sultanate of Oman's long-time leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al Said, passed away and was succeeded by Haythim bin Tariq Al Said, a cousin selected by Oman's royal family immediately upon Qaboos's death. Sultan Haythim espouses policies similar to those of Qaboos and has not altered U.S.-Oman ties or Oman's regional policies. Oman, a longtime U.S. strategic partner, was the first Persian Gulf state to sign a formal accord permitting the U.S. military to use its facilities. Oman has hosted U.S. forces during every U.S. military operation in the region since then, and it assists U.S. efforts to counter terrorist groups and other regional threats. Oman has generally avoided joining other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman) in regional military interventions, instead seeking to mediate their resolution. Oman's leaders have consistently asserted that engaging Iran is preferable to confrontation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2022-06-01
-
ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System and the Federal Role [June 1, 2022]
From the Summary: "Portions of all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, are vulnerable to earthquake hazards and associated risks to varying degrees. Among the costliest U.S. earthquake disasters was the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake in California, which caused 60 fatalities and more than 7,000 injuries; left about 20,000 homeless; damaged more than 40,000 buildings; and caused an estimated $13-$20 billion in economic losses. 'Earthquake early warning' (EEW) is one way to reduce earthquake risks (i.e., fatalities and injuries, as well as damage to structures and operations). EEW refers to sending a warning to areas that may experience the highest intensity shaking; the EEW is sent after an earthquake is detected, but before damaging ground-shaking reaches the areas. An EEW received in tens of seconds to minutes before shaking allows institutions and individuals to take protective actions (e.g., an institution can automatically stop a train to prevent derailment or an individual can avoid getting into an elevator to avoid harm)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rowan, Linda R.
2022-06-01
-
Sifting Domestic Terrorism from Domestic Violent Extremism and Hate Crime Updated [June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Domestic terrorism (DT) differs from other criminal activity in key ways. Importantly, unlike most offenders--who may be driven by self-centered motives--domestic terrorists are driven by a cause or ideology. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the agency with lead responsibility for terrorism investigations at the federal level, generally relies on two definitions of DT. First, the Code of Federal Regulations [hyperlink] characterizes 'terrorism' as including 'the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.' Second, 18 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2331(5) [hyperlink] more narrowly defines 'domestic terrorism' as occurring primarily within U.S. territorial jurisdiction, and involving acts (A) ... dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) [that] appear to be intended-- (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping…[.] Domestic terrorists draw from many philosophies and worldviews [hyperlink] to justify their illegal acts. They can be motivated to commit crimes in the name of ideas such as animal rights, environmental rights, racially or ethnically based ideological objectives, anti-government or anti-authority beliefs, abortion-related beliefs, and anarchism [hyperlink], for example. Expression of these ideas--absent the commission of crimes--may involve constitutionally protected activity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sacco, Lisa N.
2022-06-01
-
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Authorities and Procedures [Updated June 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Congress has specified the conditions [hyperlink] under which non-U.S. nationals ('aliens' [hyperlink], as the term is used in the Immigration and Nationality Act [INA]) may lawfully enter or remain in the United States. Under this framework, aliens who satisfy applicable requirements may qualify for certain types of immigration benefits, such as adjustment to lawful permanent resident [hyperlink] (LPR) status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [hyperlink] (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is tasked with adjudicating immigration benefit applications. This Legal Sidebar provides a brief overview of USCIS's authorities and procedures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2022-06-01
-
Hanford Cleanup: DOE Has Opportunities to Better Ensure Effective Startup and Sustained Low-Activity Waste Operations, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "DOE [Department of Energy] created the DFLAW [Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste] program to treat part of the least radioactive portion of the 54 million gallons of radioactive liquid waste held in 177 aging and leak-prone underground storage tanks at the Hanford Site in Washington State. DOE estimates that the DFLAW program will cost $8.3 billion when complete and begin treating waste in December 2023. DOE is currently in negotiations with the contractor on a possible contract extension for certain DFLAW facilities that may require additional work. Senate Report 116-236 accompanying S. 4049, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the DFLAW program. Among other things, GAO's report describes the status of facilities needed to start DFLAW operations and examines the challenges DOE faces in starting and sustaining DFLAW operations. GAO reviewed agency documents and DFLAW program data from December 2020 through May 2021; analyzed DOE documents on DFLAW starting and operating challenges and risks, including DOE plans to manage them; and interviewed DOE officials. [...] GAO is making four recommendations, including that DOE ensures that existing challenges and problems in facilities, systems, and components related to DFLAW are resolved by the end of hot commissioning and the start of normal operations. DOE agreed with GAO's recommendations and stated that it is taking steps to implement them by December 31, 2022."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Los Alamos National Laboratory: Contractor Improving in Safety and Other Areas but Still Faces Challenges, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] relies heavily on an M&O [management and operating] contractor to carry out complex and dangerous work related to nuclear weapons production at LANL [Los Alamos National Laboratory]. Following substantial operational interruptions due to safety lapses, in 2018, NNSA awarded a new contract to manage and operate LANL to Triad. NNSA made changes to the contract with the intent over 10 years to improve safety performance, realize cost savings, and achieve other benefits. NNSA is now seeking to expand plutonium pit production and other missions at LANL and, in turn, increase the laboratory's workforce. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019 includes a provision for NNSA to report on the costs and benefits of competing any new M&O contract, and for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to issue two associated reviews. This is GAO's second review on NNSA's contract with Triad (for GAO's first review, see GAO-20-292R [hyperlink]). In this review, GAO examines (1) steps Triad has taken to improve safety performance at LANL, and how NNSA and other organizations have assessed these steps; and (2) the extent to which anticipated cost savings and other benefits have been realized under the current contract thus far. GAO reviewed NNSA performance evaluations, policies, and regulations, and interviewed DOE and NNSA officials and Triad representatives."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Export Controls: Enforcement Agencies Should Better Leverage Information to Target Efforts Involving U.S. Universities, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Over 2 million foreign students and scholars studied at U.S. universities in 2019, in many cases contributing to U.S. research. The U.S. government implements export controls to, among other things, mitigate the risk of foreign students' and scholars' obtaining controlled and sensitive information that could benefit foreign adversaries. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review agencies' efforts to address risks associated with foreign students and scholars who may seek to evade export control regulations. This report examines the extent to which agencies are assessing universities' risk of unauthorized deemed exports to prioritize outreach. GAO reviewed related laws and regulations; analyzed agency data; and interviewed agency officials in Washington, D.C., and 15 U.S. field offices. GAO based its selection of these offices on their proximity to research universities, their geographic dispersion, and other agencies' field office locations. This is a public version of a sensitive report issued in March 2022 that included additional information on (1) challenges agencies face in efforts to enforce export control regulations, particularly for deemed exports at universities, and (2) the extent to which agencies coordinate their efforts and share information. Information that agencies deemed sensitive has been removed. [...] GAO is making eight recommendations to strengthen Commerce's, DHS's, and FBI's ability to prioritize outreach to at-risk universities. All three agencies concurred with the recommendations"
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Business Systems: DOD Needs to Improve Performance Reporting and Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Planning, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "For fiscal year 2022, DOD requested approximately $38.6 billion for its unclassified IT [Information technology] investments. These investments included programs such as communications and command and control systems. They also included major IT business programs, which are intended to help the department carry out key functions, such as financial management and health care. The NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] for FY 2019 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to assess selected DOD IT programs annually through March 2023. GAO's objectives for this review were to (1) examine how DOD's portfolio of major IT acquisition business programs has performed; (2) determine the extent to which the department has implemented software development, cybersecurity, and supply chain risk management practices; and (3) describe actions DOD has taken to implement legislative and policy changes that could affect its IT acquisitions. To address these objectives, GAO determined that DOD's major IT business programs were the 25 that DOD reported to the federal IT Dashboard as of December 2021 (The IT Dashboard is a public website that includes information on the performance of IT investments). GAO examined DOD's planned expenditures for these programs from fiscal years 2020 through 2022, as reported in the department's FY 2022 submission to the Dashboard."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Yemen: State and DOD Need Better Information on Civilian Impacts of U.S. Military Support to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The United Nations has characterized the conflict in Yemen as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The U.S. has long-standing security relationships with Saudi Arabia and UAE [United Arab Emirates]--two primary actors in the conflict--and has continued to provide them military support, including for operations in Yemen since 2015. Public law 116-283 calls for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review U.S. military support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. This report examines the (1) total financial value of military support provided by DOD to Saudi Arabia and UAE in fiscal years 2015-2021, (2) extent to which DOD and State have assessed the use of U.S. military support in Yemen and to which this support contributed to or reduced civilian harm, and (3) extent to which State certifications and a DOD report submitted in response to two congressional mandates were timely and complete."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Water Quality: Agencies Should Take More Actions to Manage Risks from Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Harmful algal blooms--overgrowths of algae in water bodies--can produce toxins that harm humans and animals. These blooms are an environmental problem in all 50 states, according to EPA. Harmful algal blooms are also associated with some occurrences of hypoxia--depleted oxygen levels in a water body in which most animals cannot survive. Hypoxia can harm fisheries and disrupt ecosystems. Under the act, the interagency working group, with NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] and EPA leadership, is to maintain and enhance a national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program, develop a comprehensive research plan and action strategy, and submit various reports to Congress. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal efforts to manage harmful algal bloom and hypoxia risks. This report examines, among other things, (1) working group efforts to implement a national program; (2) agencies' actions to monitor and forecast harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; and (3) agencies' actions to help state, local, and tribal governments respond to these events."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Air Force and Navy Aviation: Actions Needed to Address Persistent Sustainment Risks, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "The Air Force and Navy spend billions of dollars annually to maintain their aircraft. The ability of the Air Force and Navy to complete aircraft maintenance directly affects military readiness, as maintenance delays reduce the time during which aircraft are available for operations and training. House Report 116-442 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to examine unit-level aviation maintenance. Among other things, this report assesses (1) trends in mission capability rates and related maintenance metrics for selected aircraft since fiscal year 2015 (2) the extent to which the Air Force and Navy have mitigated sustainment risks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Congressional Budget Office Analysis: Wildfires
From the Document: "The average annual acreage burned by wildfires in the United States has increased over the past 30 years, affecting both federal and nonfederal lands. In this report, the Congressional Budget Office analyzes trends in wildfire activity; considers the effects of wildfires on the federal budget, the environment, people's health, and the economy; and reviews forest-management practices meant to reduce the likelihood and seriousness of fire-related disasters. These are the major findings from the analysis: [1] About 8 million acres, on average, burned each year in wildfires between 2017 and 2021, more than double the average amount from 1987 to 1991. On average, a fire on federal lands is five times the size of one on nonfederal lands. [2] Average annual federal spending on fire suppression totaled $2.5 billion (in 2020 dollars) between 2016 and 2020. Other federal fire-related spending includes disaster assistance (which totaled $5 billion of obligations for disasters declared over those five years) and some indirect costs (such as spending on health care following smoke exposure and the potential loss of revenues from federal timber sales). [3] Environmental, health-related, and economic effects of wildfires are felt most acutely in the immediate area. Smoke and air pollution from wildfires spread widely and can exacerbate many health conditions. Wildfires also tend to have negative effects on watersheds. [4] Managing forests can reduce the risk and severity of wildfires, according to research. Techniques to do so include setting prescribed fires, managing wildfires in remote areas, and mechanically thinning forests to reduce the density of vegetation and different types of fuel in a forest. The cost to implement those strategies varies by landscape and by treatment required."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-06
-
Alternatives to Detention: ICE Needs to Better Assess Program Performance and Improve Contract Oversight, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has wide discretion to detain or release individuals of foreign nationality awaiting resolution of their immigration court proceedings, except for individuals subject to mandatory detention. The ATD [Alternatives to Detention] program, which ICE administers through a $2.2 billion contract, uses electronic monitoring and case management to help ensure that individuals enrolled comply with release conditions, such as appearing at immigration court hearings. The explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the ATD program. This report examines, among other objectives, (1) what data show about participation in the ATD program, (2) the extent to which ICE has assessed ATD performance, and (3) how ICE manages and oversees the ATD contractor."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Network Infrastructure Security Guide
From the Purpose: "This document was developed in furtherance of NSA's [National Security Agency's] cybersecurity missions. This includes its responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats to National Security Systems, Department of Defense information systems, and the Defense Industrial Base, and to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders."
United States. National Security Agency
2022-06
-
Cyber Insurance: Action Needed to Assess Potential Federal Response to Catastrophic Attacks, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Cyber threats to critical infrastructure represent a significant economic challenge. Although cyber incident costs are paid in part by the private cyber insurance market, growing cyber threats have created uncertainty in this evolving market. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to study cyber risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and available insurance for these risks. This report examines the extent to which (1) cyber risks for critical infrastructure exist; (2) private insurance covers catastrophic cyber losses and TRIP [Terrorism Risk Insurance Program] provides a backstop for such losses; and (3) cognizant federal agencies have assessed a potential federal response for cyberattacks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-06
-
Office of Servicemember Affairs Annual Report, January - December 2021
From the Executive Summary: "Since the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) began accepting consumer complaints in July 2011, servicemembers, veterans, and their families have submitted more than 250,000 complaints. [...] Inaccuracies in credit reporting and alleged debts subject to collection pose unique challenges for servicemembers, particularly with respect to how they impact servicemembers' housing, transportation, and security clearance. As our analysis of complaints illustrates, problems with medical billing practices are one of the main drivers of the servicemember complaints about consumer reporting and debt collection. That is particularly problematic given the general expectation that our armed forces will receive full coverage of their medical expenses as a core benefit of their service to our nation. Further exacerbating the risks such inaccuracies can pose, many servicemembers have complained that nationwide consumer reporting companies (NCRCs)failed to adequately respond to disputes and requests for investigation. This report outlines many of the contributing factors to these dynamics and steps that can be taken to address them. The report also provides further evidence of broader problems concerning medical billing and underlines the dangers regarding the coercive way credit reporting systems can be used to the disadvantage of consumers, especially among military families."
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
2022-06
-
Demand for a Domestic Offshore Wind Energy Supply Chain
From the Errata: "This report, originally published in March 2022, has been revised in June 2022 to make several minor updates to data included in this report based on feedback from industry experts: [1] We corrected the investment cost of the Prysmian cable facility to $200 million in Table 1. It was previously listed as $900 million, which is the value of the awarded cable contracts for the factory. [2] We updated the specifications for the New Jersey Wind Port in Table 9 with new input from the port designers. This change indicates that wind turbine installation vessels will be capable of accessing the port, which is also reflected in Table 10. [3] We updated the channel depth for the Port of Seattle in Table 11 to above 30 meters, indicating that there are no navigation channel depth limitations for floating wind installation out of this port. [4] We consolidated several types of support vessels in Table 17 and provided a rough estimate of the number of vessels that may be required per project. We also reclassified CTVs [crew transfer vessels], heavy lift vessels, and anchor handling tug supply vessels from a low risk to a moderate risk to the 30 GW [gigawatt] target."
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Shields, Matt; Marsh, Ruth; Stefek, Jeremy . . .
2022-06
-
Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2021
From the Document: "'Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2021' provides the most recent national indicators on school crime and safety. The information presented in this report serves as a reference for policymakers and practitioners so that they can develop effective programs and policies aimed at violence and school crime prevention. [...] This report covers a variety of topics on school crime and safety. It first examines different types of student victimization, including violent deaths and school shootings, nonfatal criminal victimization, and bullying victimization. Then, the report presents data on measures of school conditions--such as discipline problems, gangs, hate-related speech, possession of weapons, and use and availability of illegal drugs--as well as data that reflect student perceptions about their personal safety at school. This report wraps up the discussion on crime and safety issues at the elementary and secondary level by examining the percentages of teachers who reported having been threatened or attacked by their students."
National Center for Education Statistics; United States. Bureau of Justice Statistics
Irwin, Véronique; Wang, Ke; Cui, Jiashan . . .
2022-06
-
COVID-19's Effects on U.S. Immigration and Immigrant Communities, Two Years on
From the Executive Summary: "The first U.S. policy response to the novel coronavirus was to impose restrictions on travel from the initial affected countries. As COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] spread around the world, the U.S. government layered on new immigration-related restrictions on inbound travel, entry at the border, and visa issuance. As new variants of the virus emerged, this trend continued: The U.S. response to the detection of the Omicron variant in late 2021 was to impose new restrictions on immigration and travel from certain southern African nations. In addition to influencing immigration and border policies, the pandemic has had important and disparate impacts on immigrant communities in the United States. The first large community outbreak of the virus occurred in the heavily immigrant neighborhoods of Queens, New York. Immigrant 'essential workers' were hailed as early heroes of the pandemic; as many Americans retreated to their homes, large numbers of workers, immigrants included, had to report to work to keep health care, the food industry, and other vital parts of the economy going. Outbreaks of COVID-19 among immigrant workers in meat processing plants in Spring and Summer 2020 drove home the disproportionate risks of continuing such work during a pandemic."
Migration Policy Institute
Gelatt, Julia; Chishti, Muzaffar
2022-06
-
Was Pandemic Fiscal Relief Effective Fiscal Stimulus? Evidence from Aid to State and Local Governments
From the Abstract: "We use an instrumental-variables estimator reliant on variation in congressional representation to analyze the effects of federal aid to state and local governments across all four major pieces of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] response legislation. Through September 2021, we estimate that the federal government allocated $855,000 for each state or local government job-year preserved. Our baseline confidence interval allows us to rule out estimates of less than $433,000. Our estimates of effects on aggregate income and output are centered on zero and imply modest if any spillover effects onto the broader economy. We discuss aspects of the pandemic context, which include the surprising resilience of state and local tax revenues as well as of broader macroeconomic conditions, that may underlie the small employment and stimulative impacts we estimate in comparison with previous research."
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Clemens, Jeffrey; Hoxie, Philip; Veuger, Stan
2022-06
