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).
-
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): In Brief [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) subsidizes most of the cost of qualified health insurance for eligible taxpayers and their family members. Potential eligibility for the HCTC is limited to two groups of taxpayers. One group is comprised of individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) allowances because they experienced qualifying job losses. The other group consists of individuals whose defined-benefit pension plans were taken over by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) because of financial difficulties. HCTC-eligible individuals are allowed to receive the tax credit only if they either could not enroll in certain other health coverage (e.g., Medicaid) or are not eligible for other specified coverage (e.g., Medicare Part A). To claim the HCTC, eligible taxpayers must have 'qualified health insurance' (specific categories of coverage, as specified in statute). Several of those categories, known as 'state-qualified health plans', are available only after being established by state action. The HCTC is refundable, so eligible taxpayers may receive the full credit amount even if they had little or no federal income tax liability. The credit is also advanceable, so taxpayers may receive the credit on a monthly basis to coincide with the payment of premiums. The HCTC has a sunset date of January 1, 2022."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandez, Bernadette
2021-01-05
-
Low-Yield, Submarine-Launched Nuclear Warhead: Overview of the Expert Debate [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Trump Administration developed a new low-yield version of the W-76 warhead for existing submarine-launched Trident II (D-5) missiles. Unclassified sources state that the existing W76-1 warhead has an explosive yield of around 100 kilotons. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has said the low-yield version, the W76-2, would be configured 'for primary-only detonation.' This could mean a yield of less than 10 kilotons. Congress appropriated $65 million for the W76-2 warhead in FY2019 and $10 million to complete work in FY2020. It also authorized $19.6 million in FY2020 for the Navy to integrate the warhead into the submarine force. NNSA completed the first modified warhead in February 2019, began delivering warheads to the Navy by late 2019, and completed the deliveries during FY2020. The Pentagon reported in February 2020 that the Navy had begun deploying the warheads by that time. NNSA did not disclose the total number produced, although it is likely just a very small portion of the W76 stockpile (estimated, in unclassified sources, to be around 1,300 total warheads). The Trump Administration introduced the low-yield version of the W76 warhead in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). It cited the need for additional 'tailored' and 'flexible' capabilities to address the danger of coercive nuclear use, a concept described below, by Russia and North Korea."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-01-05
-
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA). Since the end of FY2017, 16 short-term NFIP reauthorizations have been enacted. The NFIP is currently authorized until September 30, 2021. [...] This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP, ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action. However, this report does not provide detail on current or future legislative issues for Congress, which are covered in a separate report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2021-01-05
-
World Trade Organization [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements, and today includes 164 members. It succeeded the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created as part of the post-WWII [World War II] effort to build a stable, open international trading system. The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administering existing agreements; (2) serving as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization and rules; and (3) providing a mechanism to settle disputes. The multiple WTO agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade (TBT), intellectual property rights (IPR), and government procurement. The agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries--most-favored nation (MFN) treatment, national treatment, fair competition, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral trade agreements outside the WTO, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-01-05
-
Taiwan: Political and Security Issues [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Taiwan, which officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), is an island democracy of 23.6 million people located across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. U.S.-Taiwan relations have been unofficial since January 1, 1979, when the Carter Administration established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and broke formal diplomatic ties with self-ruled Taiwan, over which the PRC claims sovereignty. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA, P.L. 96-8; 22 U.S.C. §3301 et seq.), enacted on April 10, 1979, provides a legal basis for this unofficial bilateral relationship. It also includes commitments related to Taiwan's security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.
2021-01-04
-
Defense Primer: Legal Authorities for the Use of Military Forces [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "By the Framers' apparent design, to keep the nation's 'purse' and the 'sword' in separate hands and in other ways hinder the nation's embroilment in unnecessary wars, the Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the President. Congress is empowered to declare war, provide for and regulate the Armed Forces, and issue letters of marque and reprisal, as well as to call forth the militia to suppress an insurrection, repel an invasion, or 'execute the Laws of the Union.' The President, as the Commander in Chief, has the responsibility to direct the Armed Forces as they conduct hostilities, put down insurrections, or execute the law when constitutionally authorized to do so. The extent to which the President has independent authority under the Constitution, without explicit statutory support,to use the military for purposes other than to repel a sudden attack is the subject of long-standing debate. At the same time, efforts in Congress to exercise its constitutional war powers in some way that is perceived to constrain military operations have met with objections that the constitutional separation of powers is imperiled."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer
2021-01-04
-
Burma's Political Prisoners and U.S. Policy [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Summary: "Despite a campaign pledge in 2015 that they 'would not arrest anyone as political prisoners,' Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) have failed to fulfil this promise since they took control of Burma's Union Parliament and the government's executive branch in April 2016. While presidential pardons have been granted for some political prisoners, people continue to be arrested, detained, tried, and imprisoned for political reasons. According to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (Burma), or AAPP(B), a Thailand-based, nonprofit human rights organization formed in 2000 by former Burmese political prisoners, there were 590 'individuals oppressed due to political activity'--including 35 sentenced to prison--as of the end of November 2020. [...] Congress may consider if and how to integrate concerns regarding political imprisonment into overall U.S. policy in Burma. Congress may also choose to assess how other important issues in Burma should influence U.S. policy, including efforts to end the nation's ongoing low-grade civil war, the forced deportation of more than 700,000 Rohingya from Rakhine State in 2017, and prospects for constitutional and legal reform designed to establish a democratically elected civilian government that respects the human rights and civil liberties of all Burmese people."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.
2021-01-04
-
Comparing DHS Component Funding, FY2021: In Brief [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "The homeland security appropriations bill includes all annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), providing resources to every departmental component. This report reviews the budget authority provided to DHS for FY2020 and requested by the Donald J. Trump administration for FY2021, as well as the congressional response. It also includes component-level information on FY2020 supplemental funding for DHS provided in the P.L. 116-136, the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act. The report provides a look at the resources available to DHS components that are described in appropriations committee documentation, and examines 'net discretionary annual appropriations' for DHS--a perspective on the net impact of legislation that funds DHS on congressionally-tracked budget totals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2021-01-04
-
Army Corps of Engineers: FY2021 Appropriations [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress generally funds the civil works activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in annual Energy and Water Development appropriations acts. These activities include the planning and construction of authorized water resource projects and the operation and maintenance of infrastructure and navigation improvements managed by USACE. For USACE civil works, President Trump requested $5.97billion for FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Carter, Nicole T.
2021-01-04
-
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Invasive Species Efforts [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "An 'invasive species' is a nonnative species that does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species impact terrestrial and aquatic--including marine and freshwater--systems. As society has become more connected, opportunities for the spread of invasive species have increased (e.g., navigation activities can transport species and introduce them to multiple different watersheds and waterbodies).After introduction, invasive species may become established and spread;it can be costly and difficult (or impossible, in some cases) to control or eradicate them. Many federal and nonfederal agencies managing land and water undertake efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species or, upon detection of an invasive species, devote resources to control and eradication efforts. [...] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), part of the Department of Defense, develops and maintains civil works projects in the United States principally to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. USACE is the steward of approximately 12 million acres of public lands and waters at hundreds of water resources projects nationwide. Invasive species can impact USACE projects by outcompeting native species, clogging water pipes, and affecting water quality and recreation. [...] This In Focus presents information on USACE invasive species funding and selected authorities, programs, and projects, as well as related legislative action in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Crafton, R. Eliot
2021-01-04
-
Russian Cyber Units [January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Russia has deployed sophisticated cyber capabilities to conduct disinformation, propaganda, espionage, and destructive cyberattacks globally. To conduct these operations, Russia maintains numerous units overseen by its various security and intelligence agencies. Russia's security agencies compete with each other and often conduct similar operations on the same targets, making specific attribution and motivation assessments difficult. Congress may be interested in the various Russian agencies, units, and their attributes to better understand why and how Russia conducts cyber operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew S.
2021-01-04
-
Foreign Direct Investment: Overview and Issues [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Overview: "The growing prominence of foreign direct investment (FDI) raises questions about its costs and benefits to the U.S. economy. Traditionally, the United States has supported a rules-based and open investment environment internationally in order to promote economic growth and advance other policy objectives. U.S. investment policy includes negotiating rules, disciplines, and market access commitments concerning FDI in trade agreements and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and administering investment promotion programs. It also involves reviewing certain proposed inbound FDI transactions for U.S. national security implications. FDI is a part of U.S. trade policy, given that it is a major driver of trade and plays a role in facilitating global supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jackson, James K., 1949-
2021-01-04
-
Introduction to U.S. Economy: The Business Cycle and Growth [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 8, 2020, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), an independent, nonprofit, research group, determined that economic activity in the U.S. peaked in February 2020 and that the economy subsequently entered into a recession in the same month. On a quarterly basis, economic activity peaked in the fourth quarter of 2019. This In Focus discusses the business cycle, how recessions are determined, and potential causes and effects of these fluctuations in the economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-04
-
Introduction to U.S. Economy: GDP and Economic Growth [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "As a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, economic activity declined rapidly in the United States in early 2020 and remains below pre-pandemic levels, despite gross domestic product growth being positive in the third quarter of 2020. The speed of the economic recovery and projections of longer-term growth are of concern to policymakers due to the connection between the economy's performance and the overall wellbeing of Americans. This In Focus provides an introduction to the U.S. economy, including how economists measure its performance and the factors that influence its long-run trajectory."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Keightley, Mark P.; Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-04
-
Uyghurs in China [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are a Muslim ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the far northwest of the People's Republic of China (PRC). They have garnered the attention of U.S. policymakers, particularly since 2018 following reports of the mass internment of Uyghurs in 'reeducation' centers. The detentions are part of a PRC government effort to systematically transform the thought and behavior of Uyghurs and forcefully assimilate them into Chinese society, which some observers believe may result in the destruction of Uyghur culture and identity. The U.S. government has responded by implementing targeted restrictions on trade with Xinjiang and imposing visa and economic sanctions on some PRC officials. Uyghurs speak a Turkic language and practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam. The XUAR, often referred to simply as Xinjiang (pronounced 'SHIN-jyahng'), is a provincial-level administrative region which comprises about one-sixth of China's total land area and borders eight countries. The region is rich in minerals, produces over 80% of China's cotton, and has China's largest coal and natural gas reserves and a fifth of its oil reserves. The XUAR is a strategic region for the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative, which involves Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and energy development in neighboring Central and South Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Weber, Michael A.
2021-01-04
-
U.S.-China Military-to-Military Relations [January 4, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) established formal military-to-military (mil-mil) ties in 1979, a year after the two countries established diplomatic relations. Since then, mil-mil relations have waxed and waned, with one side or the other periodically limiting ties in response to perceived transgressions. In recent years, military ties have encompassed regularly scheduled dialogues and exchanges, a handful of military exercises, and ongoing confidence-building measures. Congress has shaped U.S.-China mil-mil relations significantly and could seek to maintain, repeal, create, or modify legislation on this issue going forward."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Caitlin
2021-01-04
-
Wildfire Statistics [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. States are responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on nonfederal (state, local, and private) lands, except for lands protected by federal agencies under cooperative agreements. The federal government is responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on federal lands. The Forest Service (FS)--within the U.S. Department of Agriculture--carries out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres of the National Forest System (NFS). The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages wildfire response for more than 400 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, other public lands, and Indian reservations. Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity. Nationwide data compiled by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) indicate that the number of annual wildfires is variable but has decreased slightly over the last 30 years and that the number of acres impacted annually, while also variable, generally has increased. Since 2000, an annual average of 70,685 wildfires burned an annual average of 7.1million acres. This figure is more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s (3.3 million acres), although a greater number of fires occurred annually in the 1990s (78,600 on average)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2021-01-04
-
Supreme Court Considers Statute of Limitations for Military Rape Cases [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "In the consolidated cases 'United States v. Briggs' and 'United States v. Collins', decided on December 10, 2020, the Supreme Court overturned two lower court decisions and reinstated the rape convictions of three former servicemembers. The cases turned on the applicable statute of limitations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for prosecuting rapes committed by military servicemembers between 1986 and 2006. Before 1986, the statute of limitations--the time after which an offense cannot be punished--was three years; since 2006, there is no statute of limitations under the UCMJ for rape. But between 1986 and 2006, the length of the statute of limitations depended on whether rape was interpreted as an offense 'punishable by death' under the UCMJ. In its decision, the Court held that rape was punishable by death during this period under the UCMJ's terms and, accordingly, there was no statute of limitations between 1986 and 2006. This Sidebar begins by discussing the relevant legislative history and judicial interpretations of the UCMJ's statute of limitations and punitive provisions for rape. It then summarizes the factual and procedural history in 'Briggs' and 'Collins', outlines the parties' arguments before the Supreme Court, and discusses the Court's decision. The Sidebar concludes with some considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2021-01-04
-
Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "Helicopter noise can potentially expose members of the public to a variety of negative effects, ranging from annoyance to more serious medical issues. FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] is responsible for managing navigable U.S. airspace and regulating noise from civil helicopter operations. Residents of the D.C. area have raised concerns about the number of helicopter flights and the resulting noise. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review issues related to helicopter flights and noise within the D.C. area. Among its objectives, this report examines: (1) what is known about helicopter flights and noise from flights in the D.C. area, and (2) the extent to which FAA and helicopter operators have taken action to address helicopter noise in the D.C. area."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
CNO NavPlan: January 2021
From the Introduction: "The Navy's strategic direction remains clear. We are engaged in a long-term competition that threatens our security and way of life. As part of the Joint Force, we will meet this challenge by deploying forward--alongside our allies and partners--to deter aggression and preserve freedom of the seas. This Navigation Plan charts the course for how we will execute the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy. It supersedes Design 2.0 and informs my annual guidance for the Program Objective Memorandum and an internal implementation framework. It outlines the challenges we face, our unique role in meeting those challenges, and four priorities to focus our efforts: readiness, capabilities, capacity, and our Sailors. There is no time to waste - our actions in this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of the century."
United States. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
2021-01
-
Automated Vehicles: Comprehensive Plan
From the Executive Summary: "'The Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan (Comprehensive Plan)' advances the United States Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) work to prioritize safety while preparing for the future of transportation. Building upon the principles stated in 'Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies: Automated Vehicles 4.0 (AV 4.0)', the plan defines three goals to achieve this vision for Automated Driving Systems (ADS): 1. Promote Collaboration and Transparency - U.S. DOT will promote access to clear and reliable information to its partners and stakeholders, including the public, regarding the capabilities and limitations of ADS. 2. Modernize the Regulatory Environment - U.S. DOT will modernize regulations to remove unintended and unnecessary barriers to innovative vehicle designs, features, and operational models, and will develop safety-focused frameworks and tools to assess the safe performance of ADS technologies. 3. Prepare the Transportation System - U.S. DOT will conduct, in partnership with stakeholders, the foundational research and demonstration activities needed to safely evaluate and integrate ADS, while working to improve the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of the transportation system. Each goal includes a discussion of key objectives, as well as associated illustrative actions the Department is undertaking to address priorities while preparing for the future."
United States. Department of Transportation
2021-01
-
Hanford Cleanup: DOE's Efforts to Close Tank Farms Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities and Communication, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The Hanford site in Washington State contains about 54 million gallons of nuclear waste, which is stored in 177 underground storage tanks. In fiscal years 1997 through 2019, DOE [U.S. Department of Energy] spent over $10 billion to maintain Hanford's tanks and retrieve waste from them. DOE expects to spend at least $69 billion more on activities to retrieve tank waste and close tanks, according to a January 2019 DOE report. Senate Report 116-48, accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the status of tank closures at Hanford. GAO's report examines the status of DOE's efforts to retrieve tank waste, challenges DOE faces in its effort to close the C-farm, as well as DOE's approach for closing the remaining tank farms."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
Department of Energy Contracting: Improvements Needed to Ensure DOE Assesses Its Full Range of Contracting Fraud Risks, Report to the Honorable Gary C. Peters, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "DOE [Department of Energy] relies primarily on contractors to carry out its missions at its laboratories and other facilities, spending approximately 80 percent of its total obligations on contracts. GAO [Government Accountability Office] and DOE's Inspector General have reported on incidents of fraud by DOE contractors and identified multiple contracting fraud risks. GAO was asked to examine DOE's processes to manage contracting fraud risks. This report examines, for DOE, (1) types of contracting fraud schemes and their financial and nonfinancial impacts, (2) steps taken to commit to combating contracting fraud risks and the extent to which these risks have been assessed, and (3) steps taken to design and implement an antifraud strategy and to evaluate and adapt its approach."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
DOD Critical Technologies: Plans for Communicating, Assessing, and Overseeing Protection Efforts Should Be Completed, Report to the Chairwoman, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "The federal government spends billions annually to develop and acquire advanced technologies. It permits the sale and transfer of some of these technologies to allies to promote U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. However, the technologies can be targets for adversaries. The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain a list of acquisition programs, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and research areas that are critical for preserving U.S. national security advantages. Ensuring effective protection of critical technologies has been included on GAO's [Government Accountability Office] high-risk list since 2007. This report examines (1) DOD's efforts to identify and protect its critical technologies, and (2) opportunities for these efforts to inform government protection activities. GAO analyzed DOD critical acquisition program and technologies documentation, and held interviews with senior officials at DOD and other federal agencies responsible for protecting critical technologies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 1, 2021
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 issue of MMWR contains the following: "Implications of Shortened Quarantine Among Household Contacts of Index Patients with Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Infection -- Tennessee and Wisconsin, April-September 2020"; "Opportunities to Address Men's Health During the Perinatal Period -- Puerto Rico, 2017"; "Performance of an Antigen-Based Test for Asymptomatic and Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing at Two University Campuses -- Wisconsin, September-October 2020"; "Impact of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic on Global Poliovirus Surveillance"; "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 2020"; "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 2020"; "'COVID-19 Stats': COVID-19 Incidence, by Age Group -- United States, March 1-November 14, 2020"; and "'QuickStats': Percentage of Adults Aged ≥20 Years Consuming Breakfast on a Given Day, by Sex and Age -- United States, 2015-2018." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2020.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-01-01
-
Nuclear Waste: Congressional Action Needed to Clarify a Disposal Option at West Valley Site in New York, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The West Valley Demonstration Project Act, enacted in 1980, requires DOE [Department of Energy] to assist with cleanup activities at the site of the nation's only commercial facility for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. The site contained 600,000 gallons of liquid high-level waste, radioactively contaminated structures and soils, and buried radioactive waste. In 2011, DOE began the first phase of its decommissioning plan, which included demolishing aboveground structures and removing contaminated soils. The West Valley Reauthorization Act and the Senate Committee Report No. 116-48 included provisions for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review progress on the cleanup at West Valley. GAO's report examines (1) the status of the cleanup and (2) DOE's options for disposing of the remaining radioactive waste."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
Environmental Liabilities: NASA's Reported Financial Liabilities Have Grown, and Several Factors Contribute to Future Uncertainties, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the Highlights: "Decades of NASA's research for space exploration relied on some chemicals that can be hazardous to human health and the environment. NASA identified 14 centers around the country with hazardous chemicals that require environmental cleanup and restoration. NASA's Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program oversees the agency's environmental cleanup. NASA's environmental liabilities estimate is reported annually in the agency's financial statement. Federal accounting standards require agencies responsible for contamination to estimate and report their future cleanup costs when they are both probable and reasonably estimable. This report describes (1) NASA's environmental liabilities for restoration projects from fiscal years 2014 to 2019--the most recent data available at the time of our review--and (2) factors that could contribute to uncertainties in NASA's current or future environmental liabilities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
Farmworkers: Additional Information Needed to Better Protect Workers from Pesticide Exposure, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The use of pesticides contributes to U.S. agricultural productivity by protecting crops against pests or weeds, but this use may pose risks to human health. To reduce the consequences of pesticide exposure to farmworkers' health, EPA [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] revised the WPS [Agricultural Worker Protection Standard] in 2015 to include a provision that allows a farmworker to identify a person who can request, for their benefit, certain pesticide information from their employer--this is called the designated representative provision. This report examines (1) what is known about the extent of use and effect of the designated representative provision on the availability of pesticide information and (2) what is known about any misuse of information obtained through the provision."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-01
-
Framework for Providing Outpatient Medical Care in NYC During Winter 2020-2021
From the Document: "This document provides guidance on which non-COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]-related outpatient medical services to prioritize during a COVID-19 surge and resources to help providers continue offering these services."
New York (N.Y.). Department of Health
2020-12-31
-
Exchange Rates and Currency Manipulation [Updated December 31, 2020]
From the Document: "An exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of another currency. Exchange rates are some of the most important prices in the global economy: they affect international trade and financial flows and the value of every overseas investment. Policymakers have long expressed concerns that a country may intentionally weaken the value of its currency in order to boost exports at the expense of other countries. The United States has sought to counter so-called currency manipulation through a variety of policy tools. Currency manipulation is a controversial concept; there is debate about if, and if so how, it can be effectively addressed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2020-12-31
