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Georgia [Republic] and NATO Enlargement: Issues and Implications [March 7, 2008]
From the Summary: "This report examines the aspirations of Georgia [Republic] to become a member of NATO. Issues related to Georgia's reform progress, Georgia-Russia relations, and U.S. policy are examined. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Report RL34701, NATO Enlargement: Albania, Croatia, and Possible Future Candidates, by Vincent Morelli et al."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-03-06
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated April 2, 2009]
From the Summary: "The Obama Administration began with a security environment in Iraq vastly improved over that which prevailed during 2005-2007. The 'turnaround' has been widely attributed to the 'troop surge' announced by President Bush on January 10, 2007 ('New Way Forward'). Recent Defense Department reports assess that overall violence is down about 90% from late 2007 levels, to levels not seen since 2003. On February 27, 2009, President Obama announced that all U.S. combat brigades would be withdrawn by August 31, 2010, leaving a residual presence of 35,000 -- 50,000 U.S. trainers, advisers, and mentors, although some might still be in combat in some circumstances. Some believe that a large U.S. presence still is required to ensure further political progress and produce a unified, democratic Iraq that can govern and defend itself and is an ally in the war on terror, and there is concern that violence might increase as U.S. troops are drawn down. A U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement (SOFA), ratified by Iraq's parliament on November 27, 2008, mandates a complete U.S. withdrawal by the end of 2011, although it is possible that this time frame could be renegotiated if President Obama decides a U.S. presence is still needed to secure Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-04-02
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [April 14, 2009]
This report describes the main issues and developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba. "As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 111th Congress is how best to support political and economic change in Cuba. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of policy. In this new context, two broad approaches have been advanced: a stay the course approach that would maintain the U.S. dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at changing attitudes within the Cuban government and society through increased contact and engagement. On April 13, 2009, President Barack Obama followed through with his campaign pledge to allow unlimited family travel and remittances to Cuba, and the Administration also announced measures to increase telecommunications links with Cuba and to expand the scope of eligible humanitarian donations through gift parcels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-04-14
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U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress [April 15, 2009]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report, updated as warranted, discusses policy issues regarding military-to-military (mil-to-mil) contacts with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and provides a record of major contacts and crises since 1993. The United States suspended military contacts with China and imposed sanctions on arms sales in response to the Tiananmen Crackdown in 1989. In 1993, the Clinton Administration re-engaged with the top PRC leadership, including China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Renewed military exchanges with the PLA have not regained the closeness reached in the 1980s, when U.S.-PRC strategic cooperation against the Soviet Union included U.S. arms sales to China. Improvements and deteriorations in overall bilateral relations have affected military contacts, which were close in 1997-1998 and 2000, but marred by the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, mistaken NATO bombing of a PRC embassy in 1999, the EP- 3 aircraft collision crisis in 2001, and aggressive naval confrontations (including in March 2009). […] Issues for the 111th Congress include whether the Obama Administration has complied with legislation overseeing dealings with the PLA and has pursued a program of contacts with the PLA that advances a prioritized list of U.S. security interests. […] U.S. interests in military contacts with China include communication, conflict prevention, and crisis management; transparency and reciprocity; tension reduction over Taiwan; weapons nonproliferation; strategic nuclear and space talks; counterterrorism; and accounting for POW/MIAs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2009-04-15
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Evaluation of Los Angeles County's COVID-19 Mental Health Campaign
From the Key Findings: "[1] A majority of respondents reported some form of exposure to the campaign over a relatively short period. The campaign was particularly effective in reaching Black and Hispanic residents. [2] Los Angeles County residents exposed to the campaign were about twice as likely to be aware of the information and resources offered by LACDMH [Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health] and were significantly more likely to say the agency is there for them if they need help. [3] There was no evidence of broad reach into Los Angeles County Twitter communities discussing mental health that did not directly interact with Los Angeles County or state government. [4] Overall, there is evidence that the LACDMH COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] campaign successfully reached Los Angeles County residents, fostered a feeling of support among those it reached, and conveyed how to seek mental health help."
RAND Corporation
Collins, Rebecca L.; Eberhart, Nicole K., 1978-; Shearer, Amy . . .
2021
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H. Rept. 117-50: Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 3264, June 1, 2021
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 3264, the 'Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act' authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development into supply chain risks for critical domains of the United States economy. The research shall include a risk analysis for each critical domain to determine potential homeland security threats caused by disruption, corruption, exploitation, or dysfunction of the domain. Based on the results of the risk analysis, DHS is authorized to do further research into those critical domains considered highest risk to analyze the industries within the domains, examine performance under varying conditions, and identify ways to establish supply chain resiliency, among other things. The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to report annually to Congress through fiscal year 2026 on the results of the Department's research, along with actions the Secretary has taken or plans to take in response to the results."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-06-01
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H. Rept. 117-46: Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 2016, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, May 28, 2021
From the Purpose and Background: "The purpose of H.R. 2016 is to conduct a study on streamlining and consolidating federal information collection and preliminary damage assessments. [...] Multiple federal agencies participate in information collection and damage assessments to grant federal funding requested following emergencies and disasters, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). These tasks often need to be completed by more than one department or agency before an eligible applicant can receive federal assistance. This leads to slow turnaround times in assisting disaster survivors and impacted communities, and a backlog of applications for assistance following major disasters. Section 1223 of the 'Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA, P.L. 115-254)' broadly requires 'an inter-agency study to streamline information collection from disaster assistance applicants and grantees, and the establishment of a public website to present the data.' DRRA provides no timeline for when the study should occur, nor which federal departments and agencies should be involved. H.R. 2016 would further the requirements of Section 1223 and address the inefficiencies associated with disaster funding disbursement by requiring a federal working group to identify areas of potential overlap and to make a recommendation to Congress as to whether a single agency could assume responsibility for information collection and damage assessments."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-05-28
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Annual Report on Civilian Casualties in Connection with United States Military Operations in 2020
From the Document: "This report primarily provides information about U.S. military operations in 2020 that were assessed to have resulted in civilian casualties. This report also contains updates to information the Department of Defense (DoD) provided in the reports submitted to Congress in prior years pursuant to Section 1057 of the NDAA for FY 2018, as amended ('Section 1057 reports'). Some of the information provided in prior reports about U.S. military operations in 2017-2019 has been repeated in this report because the information was relevant to U.S. military operations in 2020."
United States. Department of Defense
2021?
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TSA Needs to Improve Its Oversight for Human Capital Contracts
From the Highlights: "In 2016, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) awarded a contract to Accenture, with a maximum value of $290 million, for recruitment and hiring to build up TSA's workforce. We conducted this audit to determine whether TSA is managing its Recruitment and Hiring (R&H) contract in a fiscally responsible manner according to Federal, departmental, and component requirements."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-06-01
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Executive Order 14031: Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
From the Document: "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) individuals and communities are irrefutable sources of our Nation's strength. These communities have molded the American experience, and the achievements of AA and NHPI communities make the United States stronger and more vibrant. [...] The purpose of this order is to [...] [establish] the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Both will work to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities in the United States."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-05-28
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Detection of Nuclear Weapons and Materials: Science, Technologies, Observations [August 4, 2009]
From the Summary: "Detection of nuclear weapons and special nuclear material (SNM, certain types of uranium and plutonium) is crucial to thwarting nuclear proliferation and terrorism and to securing weapons and materials worldwide. Congress has funded a portfolio of detection R&D and acquisition programs, and has mandated inspection at foreign ports of all U.S.-bound cargo containers using two types of detection equipment. Nuclear weapons contain SNM, which produces unique or suspect signatures that can be detected. It emits radiation, notably gamma rays (high-energy photons) and neutrons. SNM is very dense, so it produces a bright image on a radiograph (a picture like a medical x-ray) when x-rays or gamma rays are beamed through a container in which it is hidden. Using lead or other shielding to attenuate gamma rays would make this image larger. Nuclear weapons produce detectable signatures, such as radiation generated by or a noticeable image on a radiograph. Other detection techniques are also available. […] This analysis leads to several observations for Congress. Some detection technology is advancing faster than many have expected. It is easier and less costly to accelerate a program in R&D than in production. 'Concept of operations' is crucial to detection system effectiveness. Congress may wish to address gaps and synergisms in the technology portfolio. Congress need not depend solely on procedures developed by executive agencies to test detection technologies, but may specify tests an agency is to conduct. Ongoing improvement in detection capabilities produces uncertainties for terrorists that will increase over time, adding deterrence beyond that of the capabilities themselves. This report will be updated occasionally."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.
2009-08-04
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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [ August 14, 2009]
From the Summary: "Upon taking office, the Obama Administration faced a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, despite a build-up of U.S. forces there in preceding years, including an expanding militant presence in some areas, increasing numbers of civilian and military deaths, Afghan and international disillusionment with corruption in the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the infiltration of Taliban militants from safe havens in Pakistan. Building on assessments completed in the latter days of the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration conducted a 'strategic review,' the results of which were announced on March 27, 2009. The outcome of the review leaned toward those in the Administration who believe that adding combat troops is less crucial than building governance, although the review did announce an increase of 21,000 U.S. troops by September 2009. The strategy emphasizes non-military steps such as increasing the resources devoted to economic development, building Afghan governance primarily at the local level, reforming the Afghan government, expanding and reforming the Afghan security forces, and trying to improve Pakistan's efforts to curb militant activity on its soil. The strategy also backs Afghan efforts to negotiate with Taliban figures who are willing to enter the political process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-08-14
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U.S. Immigration Policy on Permanent Admissions [July 20, 2009]
From the Summary: "Four major principles underlie current U.S. policy on permanent immigration: the reunification of families, the admission of immigrants with needed skills, the protection of refugees, and the diversity of admissions by country of origin. These principles are embodied in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA specifies a complex set of numerical limits and preference categories that give priorities for permanent immigration reflecting these principles. Legal permanent residents (LPRs) refer to foreign nationals who live permanently in the United States. During FY2008, a total of 1.1 million aliens became LPRs in the United States. Of this total, 64.7% entered on the basis of family ties. Other major categories in FY2008 were employment-based LPRs (including spouses and children) at 15.0%, and refugees/asylees adjusting to LPR status at 15.0%. Over 17% of all LPRs come from Mexico, which sent 189,989 LPRs in FY2008. Substantial efforts to reform legal immigration have failed in the recent past, prompting some to characterize the issue as a 'zero-sum game' or a 'third rail.' The challenge inherent in reforming legal immigration is balancing employers' hopes to increase the supply of legally present foreign workers, families' longing to re-unite and live together, and a widely shared wish among the various stakeholders to improve the policies governing legal immigration into the country. Whether the Congress will act to alter immigration policies--either in the form of comprehensive immigration reform or in the form of incremental revisions aimed at strategic changes--is at the crux of the debate. Addressing these contentious policy reforms against the backdrop of economic crisis sharpens the social and business cleavages and may narrow the range of options."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2009-07-20
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Iraq: Former Regime Weapons Programs and Outstanding U.N. Issues [July 29, 2009]
From the Summary: "After asserting that Iraq had failed to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions that required Iraq to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the Bush Administration began military action against Iraq on March 19, 2003, and the regime of Saddam Hussein fell on April 9. U.N. Security Council resolution 1483, adopted May 22, 2003, lifted sanctions on Iraq and provided for the possibility that U.N. inspectors could return to Iraq, although the United States, not the United Nations, conducted the post-war WMD searches. U.S. teams attempted to find WMD and related production programs. Only minor finds of actual WMD were made. A major report (September 30, 2004) by U.S. experts performing post-war WMD searches (the 'Duelfer report') has concluded that pre-war U.S. assessments of Iraq's WMD capabilities were mostly incorrect but that analysis of Saddam's WMD intentions was probably accurate. Iraq remains barred from developing WMD by the Saddam-era U.N Security Council resolutions, even though there is a new government in Baghdad that is relatively democratic, and even though the formal WMD search effort was ended by the U.N. Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-07-29
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Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Background, Legislation, and Funding [July 14, 2009]
From the Summary: "The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program was created by Title I of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-322). The mission of the COPS program is to advance community policing in all jurisdictions across the United States. The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162) reauthorized the COPS program through FY2009 and changed the COPS program from a multi-grant program to a single-grant program. Several bills have been introduced in the 111th Congress that would modify the COPS program, reauthorize appropriations for the program, or both. Three of these bills--H.R. 1139, S. 167, and H.R. 1568--would reauthorize appropriations for the COPS program. In addition, H.R. 1139 and S. 167 would, among other things, change COPS from a single-grant to a multi-grant program and make the COPS Office an exclusive component of the Department of Justice (DOJ). H.R. 3154 and S. 1424 would require the Attorney General to award grants to units of local government with high violent crime rates so they could increase the size of their police forces. Appropriations for the COPS program were more than $1 billion for each of fiscal year (FY) FY1995-FY2002, with the exception of FY2000 ($595 million). Appropriations for the program decreased each fiscal year for FY2002-FY2006, increased for FY2007 and FY2008, and decreased again for FY2009. In addition to the annual appropriation for COPS included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8), Congress included a $1 billion appropriation for COPS hiring grants in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2009-07-14
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [March 2, 2009]
This updated CRS report discusses the progress being made in the in the areas of governance and security in post-Saddam Iraq. More specifically, in this report "the Administration is claiming success in significantly reducing violence in Iraq to the point where additional U.S. troop reductions can be considered, attributing the gains to a 'troop surge' announced by President Bush on January 10, 2007 ('New Way Forward'). With almost all of the 28,500 'surge' forces withdrawn as of July 2008, Defense Department reports assess that overall violence is down as much as 80% since early 2007, to levels not seen since 2004, but that progress can be 'fragile and tenuous' if not accompanied by national reconciliation and economic development. The Administration believes that additional 'conditions-based' reductions in U.S. forces, continued building of Iraq's security forces, and likely further political progress in Iraq -- is now likely to produce a unified, democratic Iraq that can govern and defend itself and is an ally in the war on terror. The Administration argues that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is increasingly recognized as capable, and that Iraqi legislative action in Iraq since the beginning of 2008 represents a substantial measure of the progress on political reconciliation that was envisioned would be facilitated by the surge. However, Maliki's growing confidence and insistence on a timeline for a U.S. withdrawal is complicating negotiations on a U.S.-Iraq agreement that would govern the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-03-02
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated December 17, 2008]
"The Bush Administration has claimed substantial success in significantly reducing violence in Iraq as a result of the 'troop surge' announced by President Bush on January 10, 2007 ('New Way Forward'). With the 28,500 'surge' forces withdrawn as of July 2008, Defense Department reports assess that overall violence is down as much as 80% since early 2007, to levels not seen since 2004. President-elect Obama has indicated that stabilizing Afghanistan should be a higher priority for the United States than Iraq, but U.S. commanders say that progress in Iraq is 'fragile and tenuous' and could be jeopardized by a too rapid draw-down. They recommend measured, incremental 'conditions-based' reductions in U.S. forces and continued building of Iraq's security forces, until further political progress produces a unified, democratic Iraq that can govern and defend itself and is an ally in the war on terror. A U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement (SOFA), ratified by Iraq's parliament on November 27, 2008, mandates a U.S. withdrawal by the end of 2011, although President-elect Obama has said a 'residual presence' of U.S. forces might be needed beyond that time. [...] The progress in 2008 came after several years of frustration that Operation Iraqi Freedom had overthrown Saddam Hussein's regime, only to see Iraq wracked by a violent Sunni Arab-led insurgency, resulting Sunni-Shiite sectarian violence, competition among Shiite groups, and the failure of Iraq's government to equitably administer justice or deliver services. Mounting U.S. casualties and financial costs--without clear movement toward national political reconciliation-- stimulated debate within the 110th Congress over whether a stable Iraq could ever be achieved, and at what cost. With a withdrawal timetable now set, there is growing U.S. support for compelling Iraq to fund key functions now funded by the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-12-17
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Israel and Hamas: Conflict in Gaza (2008-2009) [January 15, 2009]
"On December 27, 2008, Israel launched a major military campaign dubbed 'Operation Cast Lead' against the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip in order to counter Palestinian rocket fire and, more broadly, to significantly weaken all aspects of Hamas rule in Gaza. On January 3, 2009, Israel began a ground offensive into Gaza intended to eliminate Hamas's willingness or capability to launch rockets at Israeli towns and cities. As of January 14, Israeli bombings and ground forces had reportedly killed over 1,000 Palestinians, while 13 Israelis had been killed by Palestinian rockets and attempts to counter the ground invasion. [...]. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will likely be compelled to address the Gaza situation directly at the outset of his administration. The incoming 111th Congress may be called upon to increase various forms of assistance to Israel, to the Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, and to Palestinian civilians in order to support a sustainable post-conflict order that guarantees Israel's security and attends to the needs of the Palestinian humanitarian situation. The Gaza crisis constitutes a conundrum for all involved. [...]. Linking the cessation of violence in and around Gaza with international enforcement of a truce or a broader regional security initiative may be possible, but, at present, no proposed solution appears straightforward. This report will be updated as necessary to reflect further developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Migdalovitz, Carol; Zanotti, Jim
2009-01-15
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Iraq: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy [December 1, 2008]
"Iraq's neighbors have influenced events in Iraq since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, and developments in Iraq have had political, economic, and security implications for Iraq's neighbors and the broader Middle East. Declining levels of violence in Iraq and discussion of options for modifying U.S. policy toward Iraq are fueling consideration of Iraq's future and the current and potential policies by Iraq's neighbors. Policymakers and observers are now considering several potential 'Iraq scenarios,' ranging from the resolution of outstanding Iraqi political disputes and the successful consolidation of Iraq's government and security forces, to a competition among Iraq's neighbors for influence in Iraq or the return to widespread civil violence. Understanding regional perspectives on Iraq and the potential nature and likelihood of regional policies toward Iraq will be essential for Members of the 111th Congress as they consider the future of U.S. policy, including troop withdrawal options, the implementation of U.S.-Iraq security agreements, and annual appropriations and authorization legislation. The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq released in August 2007 assessed that 'Iraq's neighbors will continue to focus on improving their leverage in Iraq in anticipation of a Coalition drawdown.' The NIE identified Iranian assistance to armed groups and the 'reluctance' of Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbors to support the Iraqi government as particularly problematic. This report provides information about the current perspectives and policies of Iraq's neighbors; analyzes potential regional responses to continued insurgency, sectarian and ethnic violence, and long-term stabilization; discusses shared concerns and U.S. long-term regional interests; and reviews U.S. policy options for responding to various contingencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Migdalovitz, Carol; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-12-01
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Foreign Investment and National Security: Economic Considerations [December 1, 2008]
"The United States is the largest foreign direct investor in the world and also the largest recipient of foreign direct investment. This dual role means that globalization, or the spread of economic activity by firms across national borders, has become a prominent feature of the U.S. economy and that through direct investment the U.S. economy has become highly enmeshed with the broader global economy. This also means that the United States has important economic, political, and social interests at stake in the development of international policies regarding direct investment. With some exceptions for national security, the United States has established domestic policies that treat foreign investors no less favorably than U.S. firms. The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, spurred some Members of Congress and others to call for a reexamination of elements of the traditionally open environment in the United States for foreign investment. In particular, some Members argue that greater consideration must be given to the long-term impact of foreign direct investment on the structure and the industrial capacity of the economy and on the ability of the economy to meet the needs of U.S. defense and security interests. [...] This report also provides one possible approach for assessing the costs and benefits involved in using national policies to direct or to restrict foreign direct investment for national security reasons. Within the United States, there is no consensus yet among Members of Congress or between the Congress and the Administration over a working set of parameters that establishes a functional definition of the national economic security implications of foreign direct investment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2008-12-01
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations [December 4, 2008]
"In 2002, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began investigating allegations that Iran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the agency ultimately reported that some of these activities had violated Tehran's IAEA safeguards agreement. The agency has not stated definitively that Iran has pursued nuclear weapons, but has also not yet been able to conclude that the country's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. The IAEA Board of Governors referred the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, the council has adopted five resolutions, the most recent of which (Resolution 1835) was adopted in September. The Security Council has required Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA's investigation of its nuclear activities, suspend its uranium enrichment program, suspend its construction of a heavy-water reactor and related projects, and ratify the Additional Protocol to its IAEA safeguards agreement. However, a September 2008 report from IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei to the agency's Board of Governors indicated that Tehran has continued to defy the council's demands by continuing work on its uranium enrichment program and heavy-water reactor program. Iran has signed, but not ratified, its Additional Protocol. [...]. A September 2008 report from ElBaradei stated that the IAEA 'has not been able to make progress' on these matters. This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2008-12-04
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Georgia [Republic]: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated December 10, 2008]
"This report examines Georgia's efforts to democratize and bolster its free market economy, while surmounting the damage caused by Russia's military incursion in August 2008, Russia's narrowing tutelage over Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia's ongoing economic sanctions, and the global economic crisis. U.S. policy and assistance are discussed. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-12-10
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Ocean Piracy and its Impact on Insurance [December 3, 2008]
This CRS report is on the impact that piracy may have on insurance. "Many Members of Congress are concerned about the sharp rise in pirate attacks in the strategic waterways in the Gulf of Aden off the East coast of Africa. The hijacking of a Saudi Arabia owned oil tanker, Sirius Star, off the coast of Kenya on November 17, 2008, by pirates was another in a series of seizures that have focused worldwide attention on economic and humanitarian threats posed by pirates to the global seafaring community and the smooth flow of international trade. […] Commercial insurers, for example, could require a special 'war risk' insurance premium costing an additional ten of thousands of dollars a day. These additional costs could adversely impact international trade during the current global economic slowdown. In addition to proposals for military deterrence and diplomatic engagements, policymakers may elect to consider adjustments to the federal statute (Title XII of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended) that authorizes the federal government to underwrite marine war risk insurance in circumstances such as piracy. […] Policymakers may also elect to maintain the status quo on this statutory authority. […] Some may contend, as a result, that the insurance industry appears to be financially capable of handling U.S. exposure to the current piracy threat and that the existing policy 'backstop' will be adequate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.
2008-12-03
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Global Financial Crisis: The Role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) [Updated February 4, 2009]
"This report discusses two potential roles the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may have in helping to resolve the current global financial crisis: (1) immediate crisis control through balance of payments lending to emerging market and less-developed countries and (2) increased surveillance of the global economy through better coordination with the international financial regulatory agencies. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2008-12-01
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Wave, Tidal, and In-Stream Energy Projects: Which Federal Agency Has the Lead? [Updated November 26, 2008]
"Developments in wave, tidal, and in-stream energy generation technologies -- also referred to as hydrokinetic or marine energy -- are beginning to gain momentum. At the same time, their regulatory status is still evolving, as shown by recent changes in law aimed at clarifying the federal role in ocean wave and renewable energy. Two federal agencies currently appear to have a lead role in offshore renewable energy projects. The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) indicates that the Energy Policy Act of 2005, § 388, gave it authority as the lead agency for projects proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). MMS is developing a regulatory framework and is not accepting applications for hydrokinetic (and other alternative energy) projects until its rulemaking process is complete. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued preliminary permits and accepted license applications for hydrokinetic projects on the OCS and in the near-shore ocean environment. Also, FERC is developing a licensing process specific to hydrokinetic projects. The issue of which agency has final regulatory authority over hydrokinetic projects that are partially or completely on the OCS is unresolved and may affect project development in this burgeoning industry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lane, Nic
2008-11-26
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Resisting Anti-Semitisim and Xenophobia in Europe, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, January 29, 2020
This is the January 29, 2020 hearing on "Resisting Anti-Semitisim and Xenophobia in Europe," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of William R. Keating: "Anti-Semitism and hate is something we must work tirelessly to address in government and across civil society, but at its core, we cannot forget the deeply personal nature of these harms. [...] Hate speech, discrimination, and violence based on a person's identity, be it creed, race, sexual orientation, place of origin or otherwise, is a scourge we cannot afford to ignore at anytime. It is also important to note that given the focus of the subcommittee, our hearing today addresses these trends in Europe; however, we are seeing similar concerning trends, sadly, right here in the United States." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Alfred Munzer, Deborah E. Lipstadt, Ira Forman, Christie J. Edwards, Robert Williams, and Andrew Baker.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Tunisia: In Brief [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Tunisia remains the sole country to have made a durable transition to democracy as a result of the 2011 'Arab Spring.' Tunisians adopted a new constitution in 2014 and have since held two competitive national elections resulting in peaceful transfers of power. At the same time, living standards have worsened for many Tunisians, increasing pressure on political leaders. High unemployment and inflation, unpopular fiscal austerity measures, and concerns about corruption have spurred protests, labor unrest, and a backlash against political elites in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2019-11-01
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U.S. Natural Gas: Becoming Dominant [October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "In the beginning of the 21st century, natural gas prices were increasing and the United States was viewed as a growing natural gas importer. Multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals were built while existing ones were recommissioned and expanded. However, the market conditions also drove domestic producers to innovate. As average U.S. prices peaked in 2008, domestic shale gas production was brought to market. Improvements in technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling made the development of unconventional natural gas resources such as shale and other lower-permeability rock formations economically possible. Improved efficiency has lowered production costs, making shale gas production competitive at almost any price. The large amount of natural gas brought to market enabled large-scale exports from the United States. Of today's total global trade in natural gas, some 35% takes the form of LNG."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael
2019-10-30
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Using the Power of the Purse to Change Policy: SCOTUS Case on ACA Risk Corridors Asks Important Appropriations Law Question [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "In the world of recent litigation involving the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), most attention has focused on the ongoing litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit surrounding the constitutionality of the individual mandate. However, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear several cases involving another, perhaps lesser known provision of the ACA concerning 'risk corridors.' While the risk corridors cases--three cases consolidated under the lead case of 'Maine Community Health Options v. United States'--do not raise a question as to the validity of the entire ACA, they do raise important issues regarding the interpretation of appropriations acts, particularly when such acts conflict with authorizing statutes. After providing some background on the statutory provisions at issue, this Sidebar discusses relevant Supreme Court precedent regarding resolution of those conflicts and the broader implications that the risk corridor cases may have."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2019-11-01
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Israel: Background and Relations with the United States [March 7, 2009]
From the Summary: "Since 1948, the United States and Israel have developed a close friendship based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. U.S.-Israeli bilateral relations are multidimensional. The United States is the principal proponent of the Arab-Israeli peace process, but U.S. and Israeli views differ on some issues, such as the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and settlements. The Bush Administration and Congress supported Israel's 2006 military campaigns against Hezbollah and Hamas as acts of self-defense. Shortly after taking office in January 2009, President Obama stated that Israel is a strong ally of the United States. The United States and Israel concluded a free-trade agreement in 1985. Israel is a prominent recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The two countries also have close security relations. Other issues in U.S.-Israeli relations include Israel's military sales, inadequate Israeli protection of U.S. intellectual property, and espionage-related cases. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2009-03-07
