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Review of Veterans Health Administration's COVID-19 Response and Continued Pandemic Readiness
From the Introduction: "The VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a review of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility leaders' assessments of healthcare operations affected by COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] from March 11, 2020, through June 15, 2020. The OIG engaged leaders from 70 selected facilities in discussions about patient-care services provided in three clinical settings: (1) inpatient (acute care) and outpatient care, (2) community care, and (3) community living centers (CLCs). Facility leaders also commented on lessons learned and plans to manage anticipated COVID-19 surges."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
2020-07-16
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COVID-19: States Struggled to Implement CARES Act Unemployment Insurance Programs
From the Document: "On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act with the intent of providing expanded Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to workers who were unable to work as a direct result of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The expanded UI benefits required the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to implement major changes to the existing UI system. This audit focused on the Department of Labor's (DOL) and states' implementation of the three key new UI programs that posed the greatest risk for fraud, waste, and abuse: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). As of January 2, 2021, federal funding to states for these three UI programs was $392 billion."
United States. Department of Labor. Office of the Inspector General
2021-05-28
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Processing Readiness of Election and Political Mail During the 2020 General Elections
From the Objective: "Our objective was to evaluate the U.S. Postal Service's readiness for timely processing of Election and Political Mail for the 2020 general elections."
United States Postal Service. Office of Inspector General
2020-08-31
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COVID-19: More Can Be Done to Mitigate Risk to Unemployment Compensation Under The CARES Act
From the Document: "This report presents the results of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) audit of the Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) planning for and initial implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs. On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act. The expanded UI benefits under the CARES Act required ETA to implement major changes to the existing system including establishing six new programs -- each with the intent of providing expanded UI benefits to Americans who are unable to work as a direct result of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. These expanded UI benefits are estimated to cost $260 billion and are funded by the federal government. The billions of dollars involved have significantly increased the risk for fraud, waste, and abuse in UI programs."
United States. Department of Labor. Office of the Inspector General
2020-08-07
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COVID-19: MSHA Faces Multiple Challenges in Responding to the Pandemic
From the Document: "This report presents the results of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) audit of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic. This audit was part of phase 1 of the OIG's Pandemic Oversight Response Plan. On January 31, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in response to the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the pandemic spread throughout the United States, industries not otherwise deemed essential began to temporarily close for business. On March 28, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security labeled mining among 17 critical infrastructure industries that states should consider keeping open to assist in the United States' response to the pandemic. The mining industry is a key resource for our energy and construction industries, so it is important that we keep our miners and MSHA inspectors safe."
United States. Department of Labor. Office of the Inspector General
2020-07-24
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COVID-19: WHD Needs to Closely Monitor the Pandemic Impact on Its Operations
From the Document: "This report presents the results of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) audit of Wage and Hour Division's (WHD) plan for the implementation, enforcement, and oversight of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). It also raises key areas of concern with WHD's implementation and enforcement of the FFCRA. Congress passed the FFCRA on March 18, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, to ensure American workers would not be forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus."
United States. Department of Labor. Office of the Inspector General
2020-08-07
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BRIC Qualitative Criteria
From the Document: "This program support material provides detailed information about the six qualitative evaluation criteria that will be used in the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition. Information to both guide Applicants and subapplicants in the development of their subapplications and to assist panelists in the qualitative review of projects is described [herein]. Additionally, application instructions are included for each respective criterion to guide information submission in FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO)."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2020-08
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Rooting Out Fraud in Small-Business Relief Programs, Hearing Before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, March 25, 2021
This is the March 25, 2021 hearing on "Rooting Out Fraud in Small-Business Relief Programs," held before the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. From the opening statement of James E. Clyburn: "The Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, or EIDL, have been essential lifelines for millions of small businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic. More than $1 trillion has been disbursed by these programs, with good reason given the scale of the crisis. [...] Unfortunately, the Trump administration failed to take basic steps to prevent fraud when it implemented these programs last year. Thanks to the work of this committee and our oversight partners, we now know that this failure led to nearly $84 billion in potential fraud, including $79 billion in potentially fraudulent EIDL loans and grants and $4.6 billion in PPP loans. That means billions in taxpayer dollars may not have reached the small businesses that most urgently needed support." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Hannibal "Mike" Ware, Michael E. Horowitz. and William B. Shear.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Implementation of Economic Impact Payments
From the Highlights: "This audit was initiated to assess the IRS's [Internal Revenue Service] Economic Impact Payment (EIP) outreach and assistance to individuals, accuracy of the computation, and adequacy of controls to prevent ineligible individuals from receiving a payment. This is a part of a series of audits to evaluate the IRS's implementation of the EIP and the Recovery Rebate Credit. TIGTA [Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration] is conducting a separate review of the IRS's processing of Recovery Rebate Credit claims."
United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration
2021-05-24
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Remote Inspection of Federal Correctional Complex Tucson
From the Introduction: "In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S. Department of Justice (Department, DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) initiated a series of remote inspections of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities, including BOP-managed institutions, contract institutions, and Residential Reentry Centers. In total, these facilities house approximately 160,000 federal inmates. The OIG inspections sought to determine whether these institutions were complying with guidance related to the pandemic, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, DOJ policy and guidance, and BOP policy. While the OIG was unable to meet with staff or inmates as part of these remote inspections, the OIG issued a survey to over 38,000 BOP employees, as well as staff of contract institutions and Residential Reentry Centers."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2020-07
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EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory Has Taken Steps to Mitigate Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on Mobile Source Emission Compliance
From the Document: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Inspector General initiated an evaluation to determine: [1] How the coronavirus pandemic--that is, the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] virus and resultant COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] disease--has impacted laboratory operations and testing at the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, or NVFEL, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. [2] Any resulting impacts on the OTAQ's [Office of Transportation and Air Quality] compliance programs, which are designed to minimize the potential for emissions in excess of standards or for noncompliance with regulations in heavy-duty, light-duty, and nonroad vehicles, engines, and equipment. This report addresses these objectives based on our work within the OTAQ and contains no recommendations. This report examines the EPA's activities to oversee mobile source compliance with clean air laws and regulations during the coronavirus pandemic. It highlights NVFEL's efforts to minimize the potential for noncompliance during the pandemic and the importance of returning to full testing capacity to provide the most effective oversight."
United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of the Inspector General
2021-06-07
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Transportation Impact and Implications of COVID-19
From the Document: "Starting with initial lockdowns in March 2020, the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has had a profound impact on the U.S. transportation system, including changes in personal and commercial mobility. These changes in transportation patterns - both during the initial response to COVID-19 and during the subsequent year of efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while restoring some aspects of daily life - will likely have significant implications for the nature of the country's future mobility needs and the best ways to meet those needs. While the future transportation patterns and needs of a post-COVID-19 environment will take several years to fully emerge, a review of the initial impact of COVID-19 on the nation's mobility patterns is helpful in gaining insights to the future of U.S. transportation and in determining appropriate future transportation policies."
TRIP
2021-05
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Operation Freedom's Sentinel Lead Inspector General Report to the United States Congress, October 1, 2020-December 31, 2020
From the Foreword: "We are pleased to submit this Lead Inspector General (Lead IG) quarterly report to the U.S. Congress on Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS). This report discharges our individual and collective agency oversight responsibilities pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978. OFS has two complementary missions: the U.S. counterterrorism mission against al Qaeda, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan (ISIS-K), and their affiliates in Afghanistan; and U.S. military participation in the NATO-led Resolute Support mission to develop the capacity of the Afghan security ministries and to train, advise, and assist the Afghan security forces. This quarterly report describes the activities of the U.S. Government in support of OFS, as well as the work of the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development to promote the U.S. Government's policy goals in Afghanistan during the quarter. This report also discusses the planned, ongoing, and completed oversight work conducted by the Lead IG agencies and our partner oversight agencies during the quarter. This quarter, the Lead IG agencies issued eight audit, inspection, and evaluation reports related to OFS."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General; United States. Department of State. Office of the Inspector General; United States. Agency for International Development. Office of Inspector General
2021-05-18?
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated February 5, 2009]
This updated CRS [Congressional Research Service] 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
2009-02-05
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [February 3, 2009]
From the Summary: "Cuba, which remains a hard-line communist state with a poor record on human rights, commemorated the 50th anniversary of its revolution on January 1, 2009. Cuba's political succession from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl in 2006 was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Fidel stepped down from power temporarily in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008, when he officially became President. [...] As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 111th Congress will likely be 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 U.S. policy toward Cuba. In this new context, two broad policy approaches have been advanced: a status-quo or 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 Cuban society through increased contact and engagement. President Barack Obama vowed during the electoral campaign to change U.S. policy by allowing unlimited family travel and remittances to Cuba, although he also pledged to maintain the embargo as a source of leverage to bring about change in Cuba. Over the past several years, various legislative initiatives have been introduced to ease U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba, but none of these have been enacted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-02-03
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Conventional Warheads for Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues for Congress [January 26, 2009]
From the Summary: "The United States has deployed long-range ballistic missiles in its strategic offensive nuclear forces for more than 40 years. In recent years, some have proposed that the United States deploy conventional warheads on these missiles. This would provide the United States with the ability to strike promptly anywhere in the world, regardless of the presence of overseas bases or nearby naval forces. The Air Force and Navy have both studied the possible deployment of conventional warheads on their long-range ballistic missiles. The Air Force has been pursuing, with DARPA, research into a number of technologies that might enhance the U.S. long-range strike capability. [...] Long-range ballistic missiles can bring unique capabilities to the PGS mission. But these missiles are only uniquely capable if the United States must attack promptly, or within hours, of the start of an unanticipated conflict. In any other circumstance, the United States is likely to have the time to move its forces into the region. Hence, Congress may review whether the benefits brought by these systems outweigh the risks of misunderstandings arising from their use. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2009-01-26
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [January 28, 2009]
From the Summary: "This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW [violence against women] directly or include anti-VAW components. It outlines possible policy considerations for the 111th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities. Material relating to United Nations anti-VAW activities that previously appeared in this report is now published in CRS Report RL34518, 'United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women,' by Luisa Blanchfield."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Blanchfield, Luisa; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-01-28
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Nuclear Waste Disposal: Alternatives to Yucca Mountain [February 6, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses nuclear waste management. "Congress designated Yucca Mountain, NV, as the nation's sole candidate site for a permanent high-level nuclear waste repository in 1987, following years of controversy over the site-selection process. Over the strenuous objections of the State of Nevada, the Department of Energy (DOE) submitted a license application for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository in June 2008 to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). During the 2008 election campaign, now-President Obama lent support to Nevada's fight against the repository, contending in an issue statement that he and now-Vice President Biden 'do not believe that Yucca Mountain is a suitable site.' Under the current nuclear waste program, DOE hopes to begin transporting spent nuclear fuel and other highly radioactive waste to Yucca Mountain by 2020. That schedule is 22 years beyond the 1998 deadline established by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA). Because U.S. nuclear power plants will continue to generate nuclear waste after a repository opens, DOE estimates that all waste could not be removed from existing reactors until about 2066 even under the current Yucca Mountain schedule. Not all the projected waste could be disposed of at Yucca Mountain, however, unless NWPA's current limit on the repository's capacity is increased."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Holt, Mark
2009-02-06
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Interrogation of Detainees: Requirements of the Detainee Treatment Act [Updated January 23, 2009]
From the Summary: "U.S. treatment of enemy combatants and terrorist suspects captured in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations has been a subject of long-standing debate, including whether such treatment complies with U.S. statutes and treaties such as the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). [...]. Among other things, the [Detainee Treatment Act (DTA)] contains provisions that (1) require Department of Defense (DoD) personnel to employ United States Army Field Manual guidelines while interrogating detainees, and (2) prohibit the 'cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of persons under the detention, custody, or control of the United States Government.' These provisions of the DTA, which were first introduced by Senator John McCain, have popularly been referred to as the 'McCain Amendment.' This report discusses provisions of the DTA concerning standards for the interrogation and treatment of detainees. This report also discusses the application of the DTA by the DoD in the updated 2006 version of the Army Field Manual, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's ruling in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld. In addition, the report discusses the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (MCA) (P.L. 109-366), which contains provisions that reference or amend the DTA. It also discusses the Executive Order issued by President Barack Obama that generally instructs all U.S. agencies to comply with Army Field Manual requirements when interrogating persons captured in an armed conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John
2009-01-23
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Foreign Investment in the United States: Major Federal Statutory Restrictions [January 26, 2009]
"Foreign investment in the United States is a matter of congressional concern. It is believed by some that the United States has an unusually liberal policy which allows foreigners to invest in virtually all American businesses and real estate and that these foreign investments undermine the American economy by making it vulnerable to foreign influence and domination. [...]. This report takes a look at some of the major federal statutes which presently restrict investment by foreigners. The report first gives a brief history of foreign investment in the United States. It then reviews constitutional justifications and constitutional limitations which exist concerning federal statutory restrictions on foreign ownership of property. After that follows a discussion of some of the major federal statutes which limit foreign investment in the United States. Some of these statutes will be looked at in detail, but a detailed treatment of such other laws as the tax laws, the antitrust laws, and the immigration laws is beyond the scope of this report. The report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seitzinger, Michael V.
2009-01-26
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Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress [January 27, 2009]
From the Summary: "Alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles are seen by proponents as integral to improving urban air quality, decreasing dependence on foreign oil, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. However, major barriers--especially economics--currently prevent the widespread use of these fuels and technologies. Because of these barriers, and the potential benefits, there is continued congressional interest in providing incentives and other support for their development and commercialization. [...] The 111th Congress is likely to discuss alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles as it addresses several topics. These include: 1) the potential for supporting their development and deployment through economic stimulus legislation; 2) their role in any federal policy to address climate change; and 3) their role in federal energy policy. The 111th Congress may also play an oversight role in the development of regulations including: the Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of the renewable fuel standard enacted in 2005, and expanded in 2007; the Department of Transportation's implementation of new fuel economy standards enacted in 2007; and the Department of Agriculture's implementation of a new Farm Bill enacted in 2008.] [...] This report supersedes CRS Report RL33564, Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress, by Brent D. Yacobucci."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Yacobucci, Brent D.
2009-01-27
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U.S. Financial Crisis: Lessons From Chile [September 29, 2008]
This CRS report examines the Chilean banking crisis which occurred during the mid-1980's and compares it to the current U.S. financial crisis. More specifically, according to the report, "Chile's response to its 1981-84 systemic banking crisis has been held up as one example. The cost was comparable relative to the size of its economy to that facing the U.S. Government today. In 1985, Central Bank losses to rescue financially distressed financial institutions were estimated to be 7.8% of GDP (equivalent to approximately $1 trillion in the United States today). The policy options Chile chose had similarities as well as differences from those contemplated in the United States today. Their relevance is debatable, but they do highlight an approach that succeeded in eventually stabilizing and returning the Chilean banking sector to health, while keeping the credit markets functioning throughout the crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2008-09-29
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities-Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 11, 2008]
This CRS report provides an updated analysis of the modernization taking place in the Chinese Navy and the implications for U.S. Navy capabilities. More specifically, "concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere since the 1990s about China's military modernization. Several of the U.S. Navy's most expensive acquisition programs, as well as Navy initiatives for homeporting ships and for training sailors, are for developing or maintaining capabilities that could be useful or critical in countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities in coming years. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? [...] China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP hardening. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-08-11
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated August 12, 2008]
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
2008-08-12
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated August 8, 2008]
This CRS report provides an update on legislative action by the U.S. Congress in regards to the communist nation of Cuba. "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through economic sanctions, which the Bush Administration has tightened significantly. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress has been how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's departure from heading the government because of poor health. Raúl Castro, who had served as provision head of government since July 2006, was selected on February 24, 2008 by Cuba's legislature to continue in that role officially."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-08-08
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 6, 2008]
This CRS report provides updated information about the regional developments occurring in Central Asia and the implications for U.S. policy in this region. "After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union." Recent U.S. policy "has emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian 'front-line' states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade and transport linkages. Such policies aim to help the states become what the Administration considers to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that threaten international peace and stability. [...] The second session of the 110th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress is likely to pursue these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian assistance, economic development, security issues, human rights, and democratization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-06
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Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated August 12, 2008]
This updated CRS report provides "an overview of Egyptian politics and current issues in U.S.- Egyptian relations. It briefly provides a political history of modern Egypt, an overview of its political institutions, and a discussion of the prospects for democratization in Egypt. This report will be updated regularly. U.S. policy toward Egypt is aimed at maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations, continuing military cooperation, and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive Administrations have long viewed Egypt's leaders as a moderating influence in the Middle East, though in recent years, there have been increasing U.S. calls for Egypt to democratize. Congressional views of U.S.-Egyptian relations vary. Many lawmakers view Egypt as a stabilizing force in the region, but some Members would like the United States to pressure Egypt to implement political reforms, improve its human rights record, and take a more active role in reducing Arab-Israeli tensions. [...] There are several pieces of pending legislation on Egypt before the 110th Congress. Among them, H.Res. 1303, referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 24, 2008, encourages the Egyptian government, among other things, to honor its commitment to repeal the state of emergency in order to allow for the full consolidation of the rule of law in Egypt and take the steps necessary to fully implement and protect the rights of religious minorities as full citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2008-08-12
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Midwest Flooding Disaster: Rethinking Federal Flood Insurance? [August 11, 2008]
This CRS report provides analysis of Federal Flood Insurance in the wake of the 2008 Midwest floods. As the report states, "A key lesson learned from the 1993 and 2008 Midwest floods is that many people believe that the government will provide them with economic assistance despite their lack of insurance. What then is the appropriate role of the federal government in dealing with ambiguous risks, where the insurance industry is reluctant to offer coverage and homeowners and businesses demonstrated a reluctance to purchase coverage, even when is it mandatory? This question is important for the long-term solvency of the NFIP and overall future costs to federal taxpayers. This report examines the impact of the 2008 Midwest floods on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the context of congressional efforts to reauthorize and modify the program before its authorization expires on September 30, 2008. The report begins with an assessment of the risk of flooding in the United States and why Congress might move to rethink the current multifaceted approach to federal flood insurance. Members might, for example, opt to assess possible insurance requirements for individuals living behind levees, eliminate premium subsidization of certain 'grandfathered' properties, expand the NFIP to offer coverage against both flood and wind damages, and consider undertaking a nationwide flood insurance study (FIS) and remapping of the nation's floodplains, including areas behind levees and other flood control structures. The report concludes with lessons learned from the 1993 and 2008 Midwest floods, and an analysis of the NFIP's current financial conditions and major policy issues[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.
2008-08-11
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China's Economic Conditions [Updated August 7, 2008]
This CRS report "provides an overview of China's economic development, challenges China faces to maintain growth, and the implications of China's rise as a major economic power for the United States. This report will be updated as events warrant." Furthermore, the report talks about "how China's economy continues to be a concern to many U.S. policymakers. On the one hand, U.S. consumers, exporters, and investors have greatly benefitted from China's rapid economic and trade growth. On the other hand, the surge in Chinese exports to the United States has put competitive pressures on various U.S. industries. Many U.S. policymakers have argued that China often does not play by the rules when it comes to trade and they have called for greater efforts to pressure China to fully implement its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments and to change various economic policies deemed harmful to U.S. economic interests, such as its currency policy, its use of subsidies to support state-owned firms, trade and investment barriers to U.S. goods and services, and failure to ensure the safety of its exports to the United States. Concerns have also been raised over China's rising demand for energy and raw materials, its impact on world prices for such commodities, increased pollution levels, and efforts China has made to invest in energy and raw materials around the world, including countries (such as Iran and Sudan) where the United States has political and human rights concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2008-08-07
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Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding [Updated August 6, 2008]
This CRS report provides information about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and also discusses legislative action taking place in the current Congressional session. More specifically, "the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, also known as fire grants or the FIRE Act grant program, was established by Title XVII of the FY2001 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 106-398). Currently administered by the Grant Programs Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program provides federal grants directly to local fire departments and unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. A related program is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program, which provides grants for hiring, recruiting, and retaining firefighters. The fire grant program is now in its eighth year. Over $4.25 billion has been appropriated to the fire grant program since FY2001. [...]Ongoing issues in the 110th Congress include how appropriations for fire grants should compare with authorized levels, and to what extent the focus of the program should be shifted towards terrorism preparedness and away from the traditional mission of enhancing basic firefighting needs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.
2008-08-06
