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).

• Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [March 31, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021. Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested the procurement of the 35th and 36th Virginia-class boats. A key issue for Congress concerns the SSN force-level goal and procurement rate. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2022-03-31
• CBP Needs Improved Oversight for Its Centers of Excellence and Expertise

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Highlights: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not established performance standards for the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers) in accordance with the 'Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015' (TFTEA). This absence of performance standards made it difficult to determine to what extent establishing the Centers improved the assessment, collection, and protection of trade revenue. However, we identified several areas in which CBP could improve its compliance with the TFTEA, its procedural guidance for the Centers, and the reliability of trade import and enforcement data in its information systems. Without established performance standards, CBP cannot determine whether the Centers are achieving established goals, operating as intended, collecting and protecting trade revenue owed, or meeting their legislated mission as set forth in the TFTEA. CBP management also cannot make informed decisions about the Centers' operations and activities related to collecting trade revenues. Finally, without performance standards and adequate guidance on procedures, there is heightened risk of importers illicitly attempting to avoid paying duties and fees and circumventing trade practices, defrauding the Federal Government, and undermining lawful business."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2022-03-31
• China Primer: Hong Kong [March 31, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR, or Hong Kong) is a semi-autonomous city located off the southern coast of Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China (PRC or China). The city was established as a British colony in 1841, and administered by the British government until 1997, when it was formally returned to PRC jurisdiction. More than 90% of Hong Kong's population is ethnically Chinese. The first language of the vast majority is Cantonese (a variety of Chinese different from the Standard Mandarin recognized as the national language by PRC law). English is also widely spoken and used in commercial and legal settings."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Barrios, Ricardo; Sutherland, Michael D.

  2022-03-31
• Russian Military Actions at Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plants [Updated March 31, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Russian military forces have seized two of Ukraine's nuclear power plants as part of the invasion that began on February 24, 2022. The four-unit Chernobyl nuclear plant, whose last operating reactor permanently closed in 2000, was occupied on the first day of the invasion. Russian forces then attacked and captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, with six operational reactors, on March 4, 2022. Shelling caused damage [hyperlink] and loss of power to the building housing the Kharkiv subcritical research reactor, which was shut down. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed [hyperlink] that the 'physical integrity of facilities, the ability of operational staff to work without undue pressure, and the access to off-site power … have been seriously compromised.' Congress may wish to consider what actions the U.S. government could take to support international efforts to secure the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Holt, Mark; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham

  2022-03-31
• H. Rept. 117-285: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3617) to Decriminalize and Deschedule Cannabis, to Provide for Reinvestment in Certain Persons Adversely Impacted by the War on Drugs, to Provide for Expungement of Certain Cannabis Offenses, and for Other Purposes; Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 6833) to Amend Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to Establish Requirements with Respect to Cost-Sharing for Certain Insulin Products, and for Other Purposes; and for Other Purposes, Report to Accompany H. Res. 1017, March 31, 2022

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3617, the MORE [Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement] Act, under a structured rule. The resolution provides one hour of general debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their designees. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 117-37, modified by the amendment printed in part A of this report, shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The resolution makes in order only those further amendments to H.R. 3617 printed in Part B of this report. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in part B of this report. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6833, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, under a closed rule."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2022-03-31
• Skills Gaps: A Review of Underlying Concepts and Evidence [March 31, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From this Document: "This report is a response to congressional requests for the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to identify, synthesize, and explain the core components of the skills gap discourse and, to the extent possible, explore and clarify evidence on the existence of skills gaps. The report acknowledges that the skills gap label is often applied to several different circumstances and conditions and explores the varied meanings associated with the term. The report also attempts to shed light on the nature and existence of varied types of skills misalignments and explores their potential policy implications. It opens with operational definitions for three terms--'skills mismatch,' 'skills gaps,' and 'skill shortages'--to help clarify some of the key underlying issues and concepts that are prevalent in the skills gap discourse, and provides a framework for discussing them more precisely. It then offers an overview of the various issues and explanations that commonly surface in the skills gap debate. The next section of the report examines commonly cited evidence of skills mismatches, gaps, and shortages, noting the strengths and limitations of key sources. Although the section notes the likelihood of mismatches, gaps, and shortages in some instances and comments on some expectations for future trends, it does not attempt to draw firm conclusions from the reviewed sources about their presence in the current economy. The report then examines potential employer responses to skills misalignments, and closes with a discussion of federal policies designed to deal with existing or potential misalignments between the skills sought by employers and those possessed by workers. This discussion devotes attention to policy approaches focused on investing in skills as well as other approaches toward addressing misalignments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Donovan, Sarah A.; Stoll, Adam; Bradley, David H. . . .

  2022-03-31
• Audit of U.S. Africa Command's Execution of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Funding

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Objective: "The objective of this audit was to determine whether U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Southern Command officials used Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response and operations in accordance with Federal laws and DoD policies. This report focused on USAFRICOM's execution of CARES Act funding."

  United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General

  2022-03-31
• Fact Sheet: DHS Efforts to Assist Ukrainian Nationals

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Following Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing support and humanitarian relief to Ukrainian nationals in need both in the United States and abroad. To protect Ukrainians residing in the U.S., the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This will allow Ukrainians here since March 1, 2022 to stay and apply for employment authorization in the U.S. To provide pathways to the United States for Ukrainians seeking refuge, DHS is working to expand current legal pathways and develop new programs in support of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to displaced Ukrainians. We are coordinating our efforts closely with our European allies and partners who are on the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis." This fact sheet covers legal pathways for eligible Ukrainians, TPS, asylum, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, humanitarian parole, and special situations and expedited processing.

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

  2022-03-31?
• Owning the Conversation: Assessing Responses to Russian and Chinese Information Operations Around COVID-19

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "The crisis around COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and the resulting 'infodemic' has been exploited by authoritarian regimes to spread propaganda and disinformation among populations around the world. The Russian Federation and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have used the pandemic to engage in information warfare, spread divisive content, advance conspiracy theories, and promote public health propaganda that undermines US and European efforts to fight the pandemic. In 2021, the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) published two reports, Information Bedlam: Russian and Chinese Information Operations During COVID-19 and Jabbed in the Back: Mapping Russian and Chinese Information Operations During COVID-19, comparing how the Kremlin and CCP have deployed information operations around the COVID-19 pandemic, virus origins, and efficacy of the vaccines to influence targeted populations globally, using the infodemic as a diplomatic and geopolitical weapon. The CCP mainly spread COVID-19 narratives to shape perceptions about the origins of the coronavirus and often push narratives to shun responsibility."

  Center for European Policy Analysis

  Zakem, Vera; Lucas, Edward, 1962-; Lamond, James

  2022-03-31?
• Russia's 2022 Invasion of Ukraine: Related CRS Products [March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with wide-ranging implications for U.S. national security and an array of global geopolitical and economic issues. This report compiles CRS [Congressional Research Service] products on various aspects of this conflict and will be updated regularly as new products are developed. It also includes some products published before the invasion that offer relevant background and context. To contact specific CRS experts, congressional staff may see the author information on each of the products below or consult CRS Report R47036, 'Russia's Invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Related Policy Issues: CRS Experts', coordinated by Julie Kim."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Danon, Zoe; Blum, David A.

  2022-03-30
• Build Back Better Act (BBBA) Health Coverage Provisions: House-Passed and Senate-Released Language [March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "This report provides information about House-passed and Senate-released Build Back Better Act (BBBA) provisions related to private health insurance, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare. The BBBA, considered under the congressional reconciliation process, addresses numerous issues, such as taxes, child care, health care, education, the environment, and immigration, among others. [...] This report contains seven tables that together provide high-level comparisons of relevant House-passed and Senate-released provisions. The summary of the House-passed language is baselined against current law, and the summary of the Senate-released language is compared with the House-passed language."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Forsberg, Vanessa C.; Rosso, Ryan J.

  2022-03-30
• U.S.-Japan Relations [Updated March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1951, is a significant partner of the United States in several foreign policy areas, particularly security and trade. Shared security goals range from meeting the challenge of an increasingly powerful China to countering threats from North Korea. The U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty grants the United States the right to base U.S. troops--currently numbering around 54,000--and other military assets on Japanese territory in return for a U.S. pledge to protect Japan's security. The two countries collaborate through bilateral and multilateral institutions on issues such as science and technology, global health, energy, and agriculture. Japan is the fourth-largest overall U.S. trading partner and largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States, and its investors are the largest foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities. The Biden Administration has emphasized the importance of restoring U.S. alliances in Asia. Former Japan Prime Minister Suga was the first in-person visitor to the White House, signaling the importance of allied cooperation. Further reinforcing Japan's central role in the U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific, the Biden Administration has boosted the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue--or 'Quad'--convening the first-ever (virtual) leader-level meeting with Japan, Australia, and India."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Williams, Brock R. . . .

  2022-03-30
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: Estimated Changes in Direct Spending and Revenues Under H.R. 3617, the MORE Act

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as Reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 24, 2022, and Posted on the Website of the House Committee on Rules as Committee Print 117-37 on March 24, 2022. From the Document: "H.R. 3617 would federally decriminalize cannabis (marijuana), expunge the records of people convicted of federal cannabis offenses, and require resentencing of some federal prisoners. As a result, CBO estimates, thousands of current inmates would be released earlier than under current law. In the future, decriminalization also would reduce the number of people in federal prisons and the amount of time they serve. CBO estimates that over the 2022-2031 period, H.R. 3617 would reduce time served by current and future inmates by 37,000 person-years. CBO's analysis accounts for time served by offenders convicted of cannabis-only crimes and time served by people convicted of a crime in addition to a cannabis offense."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2022-03-30
• Women in China's Leadership

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This Issue Brief presents data illustrating female representation in China's leadership positions, namely in the Chinese Communist Party, in government, and in the military. From the Key Findings: " [1] According to United Nations data from 2021, China's population comprises approximately 703.8 million females and 740.4 million males. Although they represent roughly 48.7% of the population, women occupy less than 8% of senior leadership positions. [2] The absence of diversity is noteworthy given the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership's stated commitment to equal opportunity. [3] The absence of women in Party leadership parallels low female representation within the group of Chinese nationals holding leadership positions in international organizations. Of the 31 Chinese nationals serving in top leadership positions in key international organizations, only 4 are women."

  U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

  Janik, Sierra; Blaugher, Daniel; Ray, Jonathan

  2022-03-30
• DoD Actions to Address Findings and Recommendations of the 2021 On-Site Installation Evaluations

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Memorandum: "On my first full day in office, I made countering the scourge of sexual assault in the military a key priority. In the month following, I directed the establishment of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC) and directed broad policy compliance checks, the assessment and development of prevention capabilities at each installation, the enhancement of the Department's command climate efforts, and site visits to a representative sample of military installations. These site visits culminated in the release of the 2021 On-Site Installation Evaluation (OSIE) Report covering 20 DoD sites. The Office of Personnel and Readiness designed the OSIE to review best practices and areas for improvement across our installations. The OSIE Report provides the Department's most senior leaders greater visibility at the local level that can be scaled enterprise-wide. The OSIE Report will also allow the Department to better tailor our continued implementation of the IRC's recommendations. [...] I have reviewed and approved the findings and recommendations of the inaugural 2021 OSIE Report. The recommendations of the 2021 OSIE Report complement the recommendations I accepted from the IRC, of which active and urgent implementation is underway. While we have made progress, we must do more to strengthen the integrated capabilities we have on the ground to prevent sexual assault, harassment, suicide, domestic abuse, and other harmful behaviors."

  United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense

  Austin, Lloyd J. (Lloyd James), 1953-

  2022-03-30
• United States Central Command [Updated March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has command authority over U.S. forces in the Middle East and West/Central Asia. CENTCOM was formally established by the Department of Defense (DOD) on January 1, 1983. Its area of responsibility (AOR) comprises Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, West Bank & Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Yemen, Israel, Iran, Turkmenistan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. CENTCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) in Tampa, FL. [...] The Trump and Biden Administrations both described the need to effectively contend--economically, diplomatically, and militarily--with China and Russia as the key national security challenge facing the United States. Accordingly, activities vis-a-vis China and Russia would potentially be prioritized over other strategic challenges that have been prominent in the CENTCOM AOR, including deterring Iranian aggression and countering violent extremist groups such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Some observers maintain that a shift in U.S. resources and focus away from the CENTCOM AOR and toward Europe and Asia is advisable for several reasons. These include the reprioritization of military resources that, according to some, might be better applied to challenges in Europe--especially in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine--or the Indo-Pacific; skepticism about whether continued investments, presence, and operations in the region would result in strategic gains; and the growing threat posed by U.S. strategic competitors such as Russia and China."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McInnis, Kathleen J.; McGarry, Brendan W.

  2022-03-30
• United States European Command: Overview and Key Issues [Updated March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "United States European Command (or EUCOM, pronounced 'YEW-com') is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and was established in 1952. USEUCOM's commander, U.S. Air Force General Tod D. Wolters, is simultaneously the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR). During the Cold War, the European theater was a primary focus for U.S. defense and national security and EUCOM was focused almost exclusively on deterring, and if necessary defeating, the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. At the height of the Cold War, there were more than 400,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe. [...] Over the past 25 years, decisions regarding U.S. basing and posture in the European theater were designed to support expeditionary and cooperative security operations. The bulk of U.S. forces in Europe have been withdrawn and many bases and outposts were either consolidated or closed. However, two Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) were retained (in Italy and Germany) as were some naval bases, particularly those along NATO's south, and a number of Air Force bases that were deemed critical for supporting operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. [...] On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation' to protect the civilian population and to 'demilitarize' and 'de-Nazify' Ukraine (the latter term understood by many observers as a false pretext for overthrowing the democratically elected Ukrainian government). According to DOD, an additional 15,000 U.S. soldiers have deployed to Europe since early February 2022 to augment defense and deterrence efforts, bringing the total U.S. force posture in Europe, including permanently stationed forces, to approximately 100,000 military personnel."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McInnis, Kathleen J.; McGarry, Brendan W.; Belkin, Paul

  2022-03-30
• United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) [Updated March 30, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), headquartered in Miami-Dade County, FL, was officially established in 1963. Prior to that, U.S. military elements in the Western hemisphere had been organized under the U.S. Caribbean Defense Command. SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility (AOR) begins at the southern Mexican border and contains the remaining elements of Central and South America, adjacent Atlantic and Pacific waters, and the Caribbean Sea, ultimately encompassing 31 countries and 16 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty. The region represents about one-sixth of the landmass of the world assigned to regional unified commands. SOUTHCOM is led by U.S. Army General Laura Richardson." This In Focus goes on to discuss the following elements related to SOUTHCOM: "National Strategic Priorities"; "The Evolving Geopolitical Context of the Southern Hemisphere"; "Strategic Challenges"; "Subcomponents"; and "Funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McInnis, Kathleen J.; McGarry, Brendan W.

  2022-03-30
• Audit of Entitlements for Activated Army National Guard and Air National Guard Members Supporting the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Mission

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Objective: "The objective of this audit was to determine whether the process for activating Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) members in response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic ensured that entitlements were accurately identified and processed."

  United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General

  2022-03-30
• Defense Assistance Agreement Between the United States of America and Papua New Guinea

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (hereinafter referred to as the 'Parties'), Referring to grants under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or successor legislation, the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, 10 U.S.C. Section 333 and other Department of Defense authorities, and the furnishing, on a grant basis, of defense articles, related training, and other defense services, from the United States of America to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea under such authorities, Recognizing that for purposes of this agreement, the terms 'defense articles,' 'related training,' and 'defense services' include any items and services furnished by the United States to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on a grant basis under the provisions of this Agreement, pursuant to the applicable authorities of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or successor legislation, the Arms Export Control Act, 10 U.S.C. Section 333, and other Department of Defense authorities, Affirming the importance of complying with the applicable domestic laws of the Parties, and any applicable international law, in connection with the furnishing, on a grant basis, of such defense articles, related training, and other defense services; and Taking into account the capabilities of the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and recognizing that the furnishing, on a grant basis, of such defense articles, related training, and other defense services from the United States is subject to the consent of the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea[.]"

  United States. Department of State

  2022-03-30
• Afghanistan Designated for Temporary Protected Status [March 29, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On March 15, 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced [hyperlink] the designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status [hyperlink] (TPS) for a period of 18 months. The designation [hyperlink] of Afghanistan for TPS is based on ongoing armed conflict 'as the Taliban seeks to impose control in all areas of the country and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) conducts attacks against civilians.' The announcement [hyperlink] also references the 'extraordinary and temporary' conditions that prevent Afghans from being able to return safely to Afghanistan: a 'collapsing public sector, a worsening economic crisis, drought, food and water insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, internal displacement, human rights abuses and repression by the Taliban, destruction of infrastructure, and increasing criminality.' According to data provided to the Congressional Research Service (CRS) by DHS on March 7, DHS says the TPS designation will allow some 74,500 Afghans who were residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, to remain and work legally through September 2023."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wilson, Jill, 1974-

  2022-03-29
• Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 29, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "The Coast Guard's Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program envisages procuring 30 replacements for the Coast Guard's 35 aging river buoy tenders (WLRs), inland construction tenders (WLICs), and inland buoy tenders (WLIs). The Coast Guard wants to award the first contract for constructing the new WCCs in FY2022, and to have the first new WCC be in service by 2025. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2022 budget requested $67.0 million in procurement funding for the WCC program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's proposed acquisition strategy and funding requests for the WCC program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2022-03-29
• U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy: Considering 'No First Use' [Updated March 29, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Biden Administration's Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reviewed U.S. nuclear declaratory policy-- the statements the United States makes about when, how, and why it might use nuclear weapons to deter adversaries and reassure U.S. allies of its commitment to their defense. But, according [hyperlink] to an Administration fact sheet, the NPR will not alter this policy to include a 'no first use' pledge stating that the United States will never use nuclear weapons first in a conflict or a 'sole purpose' [hyperlink] policy stating that the sole purpose of nuclear weapons is to deter nuclear use. Instead, the NPR will state that 'the fundamental role of U.S. nuclear weapons is to deter nuclear attack on the United States, our allies, and partners.' It will also indicate that 'the United States would only consider the use of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States or its allies and partners.' The United States has long pledged [hyperlink] to refrain from using nuclear weapons against most non-nuclear weapon states, but has neither ruled out their first use in all cases nor specified the circumstances under which it would use them."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2022-03-29
• Defense Primer: Strategic Nuclear Forces [Updated March 29, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, the United States has maintained a 'triad' of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles. These include long-range land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), long-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and long-range heavy bombers equipped to carry nuclear-armed cruise missiles and gravity bombs. The number of nuclear warheads carried on these delivery vehicles peaked in the late 1980s, at around 14,000 warheads. It has been declining ever since, both as the United States complies with limits in U.S.-Russian arms control agreements and as it has changed requirements after the Cold War. As of February 2018, the United States had reduced its forces to comply with the New START Treaty, which entered into force in early 2011. [...] Early in the Cold War, the United States developed these three types of nuclear delivery vehicles, in large part because each of the military services wanted to play a role in the U.S. nuclear arsenal. However, during the 1960s and 1970s, analysts developed a more reasoned rationale for the nuclear 'triad.' They argued that these different basing modes had complementary strengths and weaknesses that would enhance deterrence and discourage a Soviet first strike. [...] The United States has reaffirmed the value of the nuclear triad. The Obama Administration noted, in the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), that the unique characteristics of each leg of the triad were important to the goal of maintaining strategic stability at reduced numbers of warheads. It pointed out that strategic nuclear submarines (SSBNs) are the most survivable leg of the triad, that single-warhead ICBMs contribute to stability and are not vulnerable to air defenses, and that bombers can be deployed as a signal in crisis, to strengthen deterrence and provide assurances to allies and partners. It also noted that 'retaining sufficient force structure in each leg to allow the ability to hedge effectively by shifting weight from one Triad leg to another if necessary due to unexpected technological problems or operational vulnerabilities.' The Trump Administration also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the nuclear triad and to the modernization programs for each of the components of that force structure."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2022-03-29
• Office for Bombing Prevention Needs to Improve Its Management and Assessment of Capabilities to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Highlights: "OBP's [Office for Bombing Prevention] primary mission is to protect life and critical infrastructure by building capabilities in the public and private sectors to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate bombing incidents. We conducted this audit to determine to what extent OBP manages and assesses national capabilities to counter IEDs [improvised explosive devices]."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2022-03-29
• Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic for Future Public Health Communications

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "Since September 2020, The Rockefeller Foundation has commissioned Hattaway Communications to conduct quantitative and qualitative surveys on Americans' attitudes towards Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] actions, addressing testing, vaccines, incentives, and mandates. These surveys have provided the public health community with a better understanding of people's attitudes toward the pandemic at major inflection points. This sixth and final survey wave focused on the long-term changes in how Americans think, feel, and act. It examined how living through the pandemic shifted how we view ourselves in relationship to each other and the structures and systems that guide healthcare and policy."

  Rockefeller Foundation. State and Territory Alliance for Testing; Hattaway Communications

  2022-03-29
• CISA Insights: Mitigating Attacks Against Uninterruptible Power Supply Devices

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Energy are aware of threat actors gaining access to a variety of internet-connected uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices, often through unchanged default usernames and passwords. In recent years, UPS vendors have added an Internet of Things capability, and UPSs are routinely attached to networks for power monitoring, routine maintenance, and/or convenience. UPS devices provide clean and emergency power in a variety of applications when normal input power sources are lost. Loads for UPSs can range from small (e.g., a few servers) to large (e.g., a building) to massive (e.g., a data center). Various different groups within an organization could have responsibility for UPSs, including but not limited to IT [information technology], building operations, industrial maintenance, or even third-party contract monitoring service vendors."

  United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency; United States. Department of Energy

  2022-03-29
• Inclusive Governance: Emergency Communications by the Numbers

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "Effective governance is a critical component of successful emergency communications. Key to that is involving representatives from all organizations with a role in these operations, including those outside the realm of traditional response (e.g., tribes, medical facilities, alerting authorities, non-governmental organizations, public works, utilities, forestry services, military, private sector, non-profit organizations) in governance and decision-making structures. The SAFECOM Nationwide Survey [hyperlink] (SNS) found that only a small fraction (4 percent) of emergency communications decision-making groups are proactively seeking new participants beyond first responders. This document uses SNS data to demonstrate the benefits to emergency communications when underrepresented organizations or sectors are incorporated into planning and coordination processes. It also highlights recommended actions in the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) [hyperlink] that public safety entities can take to make their governing bodies more inclusive."

  United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

  2022-03-29?
• MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 29, 2022: Effectiveness of Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Doses Following 1 Ad.26.COV2.s (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) Vaccine Dose Against COVID-19-associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults -- VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021-March 2022

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This Early Release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Effectiveness of Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Doses Following 1 Ad.26.COV2.s (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) Vaccine Dose Against COVID-19-associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults -- VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021-March 2022." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

  2022-03-29
• Fact Sheet: 2022 Nuclear Posture Review and Missile Defense Review

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On March 28, the Department of Defense transmitted to Congress the classified 2022 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) and Missile Defense Review (MDR). The releases of the unclassified 2022 NPR and MDR are forthcoming. [...] The 2022 NPR represents a comprehensive, balanced approach to U.S. nuclear strategy, policy, posture, and forces. Maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent and strong and credible extended deterrence commitments, remain a top priority for the Department and the Nation. The NPR underscores our commitment to reducing the role of nuclear weapons and reestablishing our leadership in arms control. [...] Within the broader context of the NDS, the MDR provides a framework for U.S. missile defense that is informed by the evolving missile threat environment. Missiles are a principal means for projecting military power, which makes missile defense a key component of integrated deterrence. The MDR assures the vital contributions of missile defenses to a resilient defense posture that reduces adversary confidence in missile use, reassures Allies, and offers military options to avoid risks of escalation."

  United States. Department of Defense

  2022-03-29?