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Gulf Security Dialogue and Related Arms Sales Proposals [Updated October 8, 2008]
"This [CRS] report describes the structure and objectives of the Gulf Security Dialogue; briefly assesses its regional implications; summarizes related proposed arms sales; provides an overview of congressional notification and review procedures; and analyzes recent related activity in the Administration and Congress. It will be updated as events warrant...In May 2006, the Administration launched an effort to revive U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security cooperation under the auspices of a new Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD). The Dialogue now serves as the principal security coordination mechanism between the United States and the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The core objectives of the Dialogue are the promotion of intra-GCC and GCC-U.S. cooperation to meet common perceived threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-10-08
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Winter Fuels Markets [October 21, 2008]
This CRS report looks at winter fuel markets. "The Energy Information Administration in its Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook (STEWFO) for the 2008-2009 winter heating season warned consumers of the likelihood of higher heating costs. Average expenditures for those heating with natural gas might see their expenditures rise by more than 18%. Home heating oil expenditures were forecast to rise by 23%, propane expenditures by 11% and electric heating expenses by 10%. The forecasted increases in total expenditures result from higher prices for all energy sources, as well as the expectation of a colder winter than the past several years. Oil markets have experienced downward volatility recently, with the price of crude oil falling almost 50% compared to the peak price reached in June 2008. If the downward trend in oil prices continues through the winter 2008-2009 heating season, or stabilizes at a lower level, the increased expenditure estimates of the STEWFO might not materialize. This is because the price of oil is a major factor in all the home heating prices surveyed in the STEWFO. The price of oil directly affects the prices of heating oil and propane, which are petroleum products. The price of oil indirectly affects the price of natural gas, and also, therefore, electricity through a historical price parity relationship."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Pirog, Robert L.
2008-10-21
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Natural Gas Passenger Vehicles: Availability, Cost, and Performance [October 20, 2008]
This CRS report focuses on natural gas passenger vehicles. "Higher gasoline prices and concerns over U.S. oil dependence have raised interest in natural gas vehicles (NGVs). Use of NGVs for personal transportation has focused on compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to gasoline. Consumer interest has grown, both for new NGVs as well as for conversions of existing personal vehicles to run on CNG. This report finds that the market for natural gas vehicles will likely remain limited unless the differential between natural gas and gasoline prices remains high in order to offset the higher purchase price for an NGV. Conversions of existing vehicles will also continue to be restricted unless the Clean Air Act (CAA) is amended or if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes changes to its enforcement of the CAA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Yacobucci, Brent D.
2008-10-20
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated November 19, 2008]
This CRS report provides the most recent update on the situation of Governance and Security in Post-Saddam Iraq. "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. Presidentelect 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 unravel if there is too rapid a 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. […] Provincial council elections, considered crucial to further reconciliation, are set for January 31, 2009 under a newly passed election law. Yet, there are growing tensions between the Shiite-dominated government and those Sunni leaders and fighters who have been key to stabilizing large parts of Iraq, as well as continued concerns over the degree to which the Shiite faction of Moqtada Al Sadr will integrate into the political process. […] At the same time, the growing government confidence held up finalizing a U.S.-Iraq agreement that would govern the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq beyond December 2008. A draft approved by the Iraqi cabinet on November 16, and now before Iraq's parliament, mandates a timetable for a full U.S. withdrawal by the end of 2011."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-11-19
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated November 20, 2008]
This updated CRS report is on the United States Border Patrol (USBP). "Today, the USBP's primary mission is to detect and prevent the entry of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and illegal aliens into the country, and to interdict drug smugglers and other criminals along the border. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 dissolved the Immigration and Naturalization Service and placed the USBP within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS, the USBP forms a part of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection under the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. During the last decade, the USBP has seen its budget and manpower more than triple. This expansion was the direct result of Congressional concerns about illegal immigration and the agency's adoption of 'Prevention Through Deterrence' as its chief operational strategy in 1994. […] Post 9/11, the USBP refocused its strategy on preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, as laid out in its recently released National Strategy. […] In the course of discharging its duties, the USBP patrols 8,000 miles of American international borders with Mexico and Canada and the coastal waters around Florida and Puerto Rico. […] Some issues for Congress to consider could include the slow rate of integration between the USBP's biometric database of illegal aliens and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) biometric database of criminals and terrorists; the number of unauthorized aliens who die attempting to enter the country each year; the increasing attacks on Border Patrol agents, and the threat posed by terrorists along the sparsely defended northern border as well as the more porous southwest border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2008-11-20
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Bolivia: Political and Economic Developments and Relations with the United States [Updated November 14, 2008]
"Bolivia has experienced a period of political volatility, with the country having had six presidents since 2001. Evo Morales, an indigenous leader and head of Bolivia's coca growers' union, and his party, the leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), won a convincing victory in the December 18, 2005, presidential election with 54% of the votes. Early in his term, President Morales moved to decriminalize coca cultivation and nationalized the country's natural gas industry. His efforts to reform the Bolivian constitution have, until recently, been stymied by a strong opposition movement led by the leaders (prefects) of Bolivia's wealthy eastern provinces who are seeking greater regional autonomy. In December 2007, the Constituent Assembly elected in mid-2006 passed a draft constitution without the presence of opposition delegates. In late August 2008, President Morales, buoyed by the strong support he received in a national recall referendum held on August 10, 2008, proposed to convoke a referendum on the draft constitution in December 2008. He later agreed to seek congressional approval for that referendum. Several opposition prefects were angered by Morales' proposal, and launched protests and blockades, which turned violent in mid-September. On October 20, 2008, after multiparty negotiations on the draft constitution's text, the Bolivian Congress approved legislation convoking a constitutional referendum to be held on January 25, 2009. U.S.-Bolivian relations have been strained by the Morales government's drug policy and its increasing ties with Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2008-11-14
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Russia's Economic Performance and Policies and Their Implications for the United States [Updated November 5, 2008]
"The Russian economy has grown impressively since 1999 and, by some measures, has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The growth has brought an improvement in the standard of living of the average Russian citizen and has brought economic stability that Russia had not experienced in at least a decade. This strong performance is a major factor in the popular support that former President (now Prime Minister) Putin enjoys-- some 70%-80% of the population view him favorably. The improvement in the Russian economy is also arguably a factor in the boldness with which the Putin leadership has reasserted Russia's status as a world power, challenging the United States, Europe, the other former Soviet states in economic and national security areas. The Russian economy is highly dependent on the production and export of oil, gas, and other natural resources. Its success has largely been the result of record breaking world energy prices, although prudent fiscal policies have also helped to promote economic stability. However, oil dependence could prove to be a double-edged sword. The Putin regime's failure to complete important economic reforms and its penchant for re-asserting government control over key economic sectors also loom among the possible roadblocks down the road. Russia's dependence on oil and other weak spots in the economy have been exposed by the 2008 credit crisis and other events. Although its influence has been greatly diminished since the Soviet period, Russia remains a formidable force on the global stage, and its influence seems to be growing. Russia's economy is large enough to influence global economic conditions. Many European countries and former Soviet states are highly dependent on Russian natural gas. Russia is a significant player on a number of issues critical to the United States, for example, nuclear proliferation by Iran and North Korea. Russia's perceived national interests do not always match those of the United States, creating an environment for disagreement if not conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2008-11-05
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China's Economic Conditions [Updated November 3, 2008]
"Since the initiation of economic reforms 30 years ago, China has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies. From 1979 to 2007 China's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average annual rate of 9.8%. Real GDP grew 11.4% in 2007 (the fastest annual growth since 1994). However, China faces a number of challenges, including the fallout from the global financial crisis, widespread government corruption, an inefficient banking system, over-dependence on exports and fixed investment for growth, pollution, widening income disparities, growing inflationary pressures, and the current global financial crisis. The Chinese government has indicated that it intends, over the coming years, to create a 'harmonious society' that would promote more balanced economic growth and address a number of economic and social issues. Trade and foreign investment continues to play a major role in China's booming economy. From 2004 to 2007, the value of total Chinese merchandise trade nearly doubled. In 2007, China's exports (at $1,218 billion) exceeded U.S. exports (1,162 billion) for the first time. China's imports were $956 billion and its trade surplus was $262 billion (a historic high). Well over half of China's trade is conducted by foreign firms operating in China. The combination of large trade surpluses, foreign direct investment flows, and large-scale purchases of foreign currency have helped make China the world's largest holder of foreign exchange reserves at $1.5 trillion at the end 2007."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2008-11-03
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Islamist Militancy in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region and U.S. Policy [November 21, 2008]
"Increasing militant activity in western Pakistan poses three key national security threats: an increased potential for major attacks against the United States itself; a growing threat to Pakistani stability; and a hindrance of U.S. efforts to stabilize Afghanistan. This report will be updated as events warrant. [...] The upsurge of militant activity on the Pakistan side of the border is harming the U.S.-led stabilization mission in Afghanistan, by all accounts. U.S. commanders in Afghanistan attribute much of the deterioration in security conditions in the south and east over the past year to increased militant infiltration from Pakistan. U.S. policymakers are putting in place a series of steps to try to address the deficiencies of the Afghan government and other causes of support for Afghan Taliban militants, but they are also undertaking substantial new security measures to stop the infiltration. A key, according to U.S. commanders, is to reduce militant infiltration into Afghanistan from Pakistan. To do so, U.S. General David McKiernan, the overall commander in Afghanistan, is 'redefining' the Afghan battlefield to include the Pakistan border regions, and U.S. forces are becoming somewhat more aggressive in trying to disrupt, from the Afghan side of the border, militant operational preparations and encampments on the Pakistani side of the border. At the same time, Gen. McKiernan and other U.S. commanders are trying to rebuild a stalled Afghanistan-Pakistan-U.S./NATO military coordination process, building intelligence and information sharing centers, and attempting to build greater trust among the senior ranks of the Pakistani military."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2008-11-21
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Status [Updated November 20, 2008]
This Congressional Research Service report about the Iranian Nuclear Program provides and update on the current status of its nuclear activities. "Although Iran claims that its nuclear programs are exclusively for peaceful purposes, they have generated considerable concern that Tehran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Indeed, the UN Security Council has responded to Iran's refusal to suspend work on its uranium enrichment and heavy-water nuclear reactor programs by adopting several resolutions, most recently in March 2008, which imposed sanctions on Tehran. Despite this pressure, Iran continues at its Natanz centrifuge facility to enrich uranium, expand the number of operating centrifuges, and conduct research on new types of centrifuges. Tehran has also continued to produce centrifuge feedstock, as well as work on its heavy-water reactor and associated facilities. Whether Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program is, however, unknown. A National Intelligence Estimate made public in December 2007 assessed that Tehran 'halted its nuclear weapons program,' defined as 'Iran's nuclear weapon design and weaponization work and covert uranium conversion-related and uranium enrichment-related work,' in 2003. The estimate, however, also assessed that Tehran is 'keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons' and that any decision to end a nuclear weapons program is 'inherently reversible.' Although Iran has cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to an extent, the agency says that Tehran has not gone far enough to alleviate all of the agency's concerns about Iran's enrichment and heavy-water reactor programs. The IAEA continues to investigate the program, particularly evidence that Tehran may have conducted procurement activities and research directly applicable to nuclear weapons development. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2008-11-20
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Proposed Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Labor Issues [November 24, 2008]
"This report examines three labor issues and arguments related to the pending U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (CFTA): violence against trade unionists; impunity (accountability for or punishment of the perpetrators); and worker rights protections for Colombians. [...]. Opponents of the pending U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (CFTA) argue against it on three points: (1) the high rate of violence against trade unionists in Colombia; (2) the lack of adequate punishment for the perpetrators of that violence; and (3) weak Colombian enforcement of International Labor Organization (ILO) core labor standards and labor laws. Proponents of the agreement argue primarily for the proposed Colombia FTA on the basis of economic and national security benefits. Accordingly, they argue, the CFTA would: support increased exports, expand economic growth, create jobs, and open up investment opportunities for the United States. They also argue that it would reinforce the rule of law and spread values of capitalism in Colombia, and anchor hemispheric stability. [...]. If Congress were to approve the Colombia FTA, it would be the second FTA (after Peru) to have some labor enforcement 'teeth.' Labor provisions including the four basic ILO core labor standards would be enforceable through the same dispute settlement procedures as for all other provisions (i.e., primarily those for commercial interests.) Opponents argue that under CFTA, only the concepts of core labor standards, and not the details of the ILO conventions behind them, would be enforceable."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolle, Mary Jane
2008-11-24
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Health and Safety Concerns Over U.S. Imports of Chinese Products: An Overview [Updated November 13, 2008]
"China is a major source of U.S. imports of consumer products (such as toys) and an increasingly important supplier of various food products. Reports of unsafe seafood, pet food, toys, tires, and other products imported from China over the past year or so have raised concern in the United States over the health, safety, and quality of imported Chinese products. This report provides an overview of this issue and implications for U.S.-China trade relations and will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2008-11-13
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Homeland Security Department: FY2009 Appropriations [September 25, 2008]
This CRS report details the FY2009 appropriations made for the Department of Homeland Security. "The Administration requested a net appropriation of $38.9 billion in budget authority for FY2009. The House Appropriations Committee reported its version of the FY2009 DHS Appropriations bill on June 24, 2008. The bill was filed on September 18, 2008, as H.R. 6947, and the accompanying report has been numbered H.Rept. 110-862. This report has been updated using draft versions of both the reported bill and report, and refers to the bill as draft-H.R. 6947. Draft- H.R. 6947 would provide a net appropriation of $41.1 billion in budget authority for DHS for FY2009. This amounts to an increase of $2.2 billion or nearly 6% increase over the President's request. The Senate reported its version of the bill on June 19, 2008. S. 3181 would provide $41.3 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2009, a $2.4 billion or 6% increase over the President's request. On September 23, 2008, the House Rules Committee reported H.Res. 1488 for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. H.R. 2638 was originally introduced as the FY2008 DHS Appropriations Act, but has been amended to serve as the legislative vehicle for the proposed Continuing Resolution, a Disaster Relief Emergency Supplemental, the Department of Defense FY2009 Appropriations Act, the FY2009 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, and the FY2009 Military Construction and Veterans Assistance Act. On September 24, 2008, the House passed H.R. 2638."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Lister, Sarah A.; Nunez-Neto, Blas
2008-09-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated September 24, 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." There were several legislative initiatives that were introduced in the 110th Congress that would ease sanctions against Cuba and several other initiatives that would tighten sanctions.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-09-24
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: A Legislative History [Updated October 23, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant was created by the 1996 welfare reform law, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). It replaced the program of cash assistance for needy families that dated back to the New Deal, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and some of its related programs. [...] This report will begin with a brief overview of the history of the AFDC program and the welfare reform debates of the 1960s to the 1990s. That overview will be followed by a summary of the 1996 welfare reform law and the changes made since 1996. The report concludes with a detailed chronology of TANF legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene
2019-10-23
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Emergency Communications Legislation: Implications for the 110th Congress [Updated September 15, 2008]
This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service providing an overview of Congressional legislation which relates to emergency communications. "Since September 11, 2001, several bills introduced in the U.S. Congress have included provisions to assist emergency communications. Key provisions from a number of these bills have become law. Legislation addressing communications among first responders focused first on interoperability -- the capability of different systems to connect -- with provisions in the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458) provided more comprehensive language that included requirements for developing a national approach to achieving interoperability. Some of the legislative requirements were based on recommendations made by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). Also in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation regarding the availability of spectrum for radio operations, Congress set a date to release needed radio frequency spectrum by early 2009, as part of the Deficit Reduction Act (P.L. 109-171). The act also provided funding for public safety and for the improvement of 911 systems through a Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund. In a section of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (P.L. 109-295, Title VI, Subtitle D), Congress revisited the needs of an effective communications capacity for first responders and other emergency personnel and expanded the provisions of P.L. 108- 458. The 109th Congress also passed provisions to improve emergency alerts, incorporated in the Port Security Improvement Act (P.L. 109-347). In the 110th Congress, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53) was passed in the 1st Session."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2008-09-15
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Piracy, Old and New: Copyright, State Sovereignty, and the Queen Anne's Revenge [October 23, 2019]
From the Document: "If a state reproduces a copyrighted work without permission, can it be sued for copyright infringement? In 1990, Congress expressed its view that the answer to this question should be 'yes' by enacting the Copyright Remedy Clarification Act (CRCA). The CRCA, which is directed at remedying state copyright infringement, provides that any 'State, and any [state] instrumentality, officer, or employee' shall be liable for copyright infringement 'in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity.' The CRCA further declares that states and their instrumentalities 'shall not be immune, under the Eleventh Amendment of the Constitution of the United States or under any other doctrine of sovereign immunity, from suit . . . for a violation of any the exclusive rights of a copyright owner.' Although the CRCA purports to abrogate state sovereignty immunity in copyright disputes, several lower courts have invalidated the statute as unconstitutional. In 'Allen v. Cooper', the Supreme Court is set to hear argument on whether the CRCA was within the constitutional powers of Congress. This Sidebar reviews the current law of state sovereign immunity, the facts of 'Allen v. Cooper', the arguments advanced by the parties, and the potential implications that the Court's decision may have for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2019-10-23
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Congress and U.S. Policy on North Korean Human Rights and Refugees: Recent Legislation and Implementation [Updated January 30, 2009]
This CRS report focuses on U.S. policy on North Korean human rights and refugees. "The passage of the reauthorization of the North Korean Human Rights Act in October 2008 (P.L.110-346) reasserted congressional interest in influencing the Bush Administration's policy toward North Korea. In addition to reauthorizing funding at original levels, the bill expresses congressional criticism of the implementation of the original 2004 law and adjusts some of the provisions relating to the Special Envoy on Human Rights in North Korea and the U.S. resettlement of North Korean refugees. Some outside analysts have pointed to the challenges of highlighting North Korea's human rights violations in the midst of the ongoing nuclear negotiations, as well as the difficulty in effectively reaching North Korean refugees as outlined in the law. Further, the law may complicate coordination on North Korea with China and South Korea. For more information, please see CRS Report RL34189, North Korean Refugees in China and Human Rights Issues: International Response and U.S. Policy Options, coordinated by Rhoda Margesson."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma
2009-01-30
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National Park Service: Government Shutdown Issues [Updated October 18, 2019]
From the Document: "Like other federal agencies, the National Park Service (NPS) has halted most operations during occasional government shutdowns resulting from lapses in appropriations. Over the past 25 years, such shutdowns occurred in late 1995/early 1996, October 2013, early 2018, and, most recently, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. Although government shutdowns have affected many agencies and programs, public and congressional attention has focused particularly on certain impacts, one of which is the effect of a shutdown on the National Park System."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.; Hardy Vincent, Carol
2019-10-18
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This Land is Your Land? Eminent Domain Under the Natural Gas Act and State Sovereign Immunity [October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "In passing the Natural Gas Act of 1938, Congress acknowledged that interstate natural gas pipelines and other natural gas transmission facilities serve the public interest. To facilitate the land acquisition process for pipelines, Congress amended the Natural Gas Act in 1947 to permit natural gas companies to exercise the power of federal eminent domain. But pipeline routes can require more than just privately owned property. In 2018, a pipeline construction company sought to exercise eminent domain over land set aside by the State of New Jersey for agriculture, conservation, and recreation. When New Jersey opposed the eminent domain action, the ensuing court battle set up a clash of two powers: the pipeline company's eminent domain power and New Jersey's power to control state lands and retain its sovereign immunity against the pipeline company. The Third Circuit's opinion in 'PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC v. New Jersey' calls into doubt whether the Natural Gas Act permits natural gas companies to condemn state lands--or whether such a grant of authority would even be constitutional. The issue is poised to reach another court of appeals in the coming months and may find its way to the Supreme Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Holmes, Eric N.
2019-11-05
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U.S. Women's Soccer Team and Equal Pay [October 23, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. Women's National Team's (USWNT) efforts to obtain pay equal to the pay provided to the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) by the U.S. Soccer Federation rose to prominence during the team's successful quest for the Women's World Cup 2019, the team's fourth such title since 1991. The members of the USWNT and USMNT share the same employer, U.S. Soccer, with whom each team has a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The USWNT efforts have led to discussions over whether U.S. Soccer has complied with key anti-discrimination laws regarding pay equity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-10-23
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [March 18, 2009]
This report tracks developments in U.S. Policy toward Cuba and legislative initiatives in the 111th Congress. This updated report includes the approval of three provisions by the 111th Congress intended to ease sanctions on family travel, travel for the marketing of agricultural and medical goods, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. Another initiative, H.R. 1103 would modify a provision of law restricting the registration or enforcement of certain Cuban trademarks. In addition to the provisions approved by the 111th Congress, an account of the March 2009 government shake-up has been included on page 7 of the report. From the Document: "In early March 2009, President Raúl Castro orchestrated a government shake-up that combined four ministries into two and ousted a dozen high-ranking officials, most notably including Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, Council of Ministers Secretary Carlos Lage, and Minister of Economy and Planning José Luis Rodriguez García."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-03-18
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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [January 7, 2009]
"Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances U.S. security interests in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles as well as obtaining China's cooperation in weapons nonproliferation. This problem refers to the threat of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and missiles that could deliver them. Some have argued that certain PRC transfers violated international treaties or guidelines, and/or have contravened various U.S. laws requiring sanctions to shore up those international standards. Even if no laws or treaties are violated, many view China's transfers as threatening U.S. security interests. Using a variety of unclassified consultations and sources, this CRS Report discusses the national security problem of the PRC's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. Table 1, at the end of this report, summarizes the U.S. sanctions imposed or waived on PRC entities or the PRC government for weapons proliferation. For a discussion of the policy problem in the 1980s to 1996, see CRS Report 96-767, Chinese Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Background and Analysis, by Shirley A. Kan. See also, by the same author, CRS Report 98-485, China: Possible Missile Technology Transfers Under U.S. Satellite Export Policy--Actions and Chronology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2009-01-07
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U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress [March 19, 2009]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report 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 since 1993. [...] Since 2001, the Bush Administration has continued the policy of engagement with China, while the Pentagon has skeptically reviewed and cautiously resumed a program of military-to-military exchanges. [...] Issues for the 111th Congress include whether the Administration has complied with legislation overseeing dealings with the PLA and has determined a program of contacts with the PLA that advances a prioritized list of U.S. security interests. Oversight legislation includes the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY1990-FY1991 (P.L. 101-246); National Defense Authorization Act for FY2000 (P.L. 106-65); and National Defense Authorization Act for FY2006 (P.L. 109- 163). Skeptics and proponents of military exchanges with the PRC have debated whether the contacts have significant value for achieving U.S. objectives and whether the contacts have contributed to the PLA's warfighting capabilities that might harm 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. U.S. defense officials report inadequate cooperation from the PLA, including denials of port visits at Hong Kong by U.S. Navy ships in November 2007. The PLA suspended military dialogue in October 2008 over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. PRC ships aggressively harassed U.S. ocean surveillance ships, including the USNS Impeccable, in March 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2009-03-19
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Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy [March 9, 2009]
From the Summary: "After the first Gulf war, in 1991, a new peace process consisting of bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon achieved mixed results. Milestones included the Israeli-Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Declaration of Principles (DOP) of September 13, 1993, providing for Palestinian empowerment and some territorial control, the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty of October 26, 1994, and the Interim Self-Rule in the West Bank or Oslo II accord of September 28, 1995, which led to the formation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Israeli-Syrian negotiations were intermittent and difficult, and postponed indefinitely in 2000. Negotiations with Lebanon also were unsuccessful, leading Israel to withdraw unilaterally from south Lebanon on May 24, 2000. President Clinton held a summit with Israeli and Palestinian leaders at Camp David on final status issues that July, but they did not produce an accord. A Palestinian uprising or intifadah began in September. On February 6, 2001, Ariel Sharon was elected Prime Minister of Israel, and rejected steps taken at Camp David and afterwards [...] Congress is interested in issues related to Middle East peace because of its oversight role in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, its support for Israel, and keen constituent interest. It is especially concerned about U.S. financial and other commitments to the parties, and the 111th Congress is engaged in these matters. Congress also has endorsed Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, although U.S. Administrations have consistently maintained that the fate of the city is the subject of final status negotiations. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2009-03-09
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Closing the Guantanamo Detention Center: Legal Issues [January 22, 2009]
"On January 22, 2009, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order requiring the Guantanamo detention facility to be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than a year from the date of the Order. [...]. The closure of the Guantanamo detention facility may raise a number of legal issues with respect to the individuals formerly interned there, particularly if those detainees are transferred to the United States. The nature and scope of constitutional protections owed to detainees within the United States may be different than the protections owed to persons held at Guantanamo or elsewhere. [...]. This report provides an overview of major legal issues likely to arise as a result of executive and legislative action to close the Guantanamo detention facility. It discusses legal issues related to the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees (either to a foreign country or into the United States), the continued detention of such persons in the United States, and the possible removal of persons brought to the United States. The report also discusses selected constitutional issues that may arise in the criminal prosecution of detainees, emphasizing the procedural and substantive protections that are utilized in different adjudicatory forums (i.e., federal civilian courts, courtmartial proceedings, and military commissions). Issues discussed include detainees' right to a speedy trial, the prohibition against prosecution under ex post facto laws, and limitations upon the admissibility of hearsay and secret evidence in criminal cases."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.; Garcia, Michael John; Liu, Edward C.
2009-01-22
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Filling Advice and Consent Positions at the Outset of a New Administration [December 18, 2008]
"In its 2004 report, the 9/11 Commission identified what it perceived were shortcomings in the appointment process during presidential transitions. The report asserted that delays in filling top executive branch leadership positions, such as those experienced during the 2000-2001 transition, could compromise national security policy-making in the early months of a new Administration. [...]. The process is likely to develop a bottleneck during this time, even under the best of circumstances, due to the large number of candidates who must be selected, vetted, and, in the case of positions filled through appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (PAS positions), considered by that body. The advice and consent appointment process has three stages: selection and vetting, Senate consideration, and presidential appointment. Congress has taken steps to accelerate appointments during presidential transitions. In recent decades, Senate committees have provided for pre-nomination consideration of Cabinet-level nominations; examples of such actions are provided in this report. In addition, recently adopted statutory provisions appear designed to facilitate faster processing of appointments during presidential transitions. [...]. The final portion of the report provides comprehensive data and analyses related to the length of time taken during recent party-turnover transitions to fill Cabinet-level positions and selected higher-level subcabinet positions. In general, transition-period Cabinet-level nominees were selected, vetted, considered, and confirmed expeditiously; they generally took office shortly after the new President's inauguration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hogue, Henry B.; Bearden, Maureen; Palmer, Betsy (Elizabeth A.)
2008-12-18
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China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [December 9, 2008]
"U.S.-China relations were remarkably smooth for much of the George W. Bush Administration, raising speculation about how relations will fare after the transition to the Obama Administration. The State Department in 2005 unveiled what it said was a new framework for the relationship-- with the United States willing to work cooperatively with China while encouraging Beijing to become a 'responsible stakeholder' in the global system. [...]. China is the second largest holder of U.S. securities and the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries used to finance the federal budget deficit. Other U.S. policymakers have advocated tougher stances on issues involving China. They are concerned about the impact of the PRC's strong economic growth and a more assertive PRC diplomacy in the international arena; procedures to assure the quality of Chinese pharmaceuticals, food, and other imports into the United States; repeated PRC inabilities to protect U.S. intellectual property rights, and trade practices and policies in China that contribute to a strong U.S. trade deficit with China ($256 billion in 2007). Democratic Taiwan, over which China claims sovereignty, remains the most sensitive bilateral issue and the one many observers fear could lead to Sino-U.S. conflict. [...]. Other concerns about China appear driven by security calculations, where U.S. officials question the motivations behind China's expanding military budget."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2008-12-09
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Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis? [February 13, 2009]
From the Summary: "Some aspects of the humanitarian crisis many feared would take place in March 2003 with the initial military operation in Iraq unfolded later as a result of the ongoing insurgency and sectarian violence. It is estimated that in total (including those displaced prior to the war) there may be as many as 2 million Iraqi refugees who have fled to Jordan, Syria, and other neighboring states, and approximately 2.7 million Iraqis who have been displaced within Iraq itself. Between 2004-2007, the violence and insecurity resulting from the ongoing sectarian strife, terrorism, and insurgency in Iraq produced substantial civilian displacement in different parts of the country. There are continued concerns about the absorptive capacity of neighboring countries, whether they can provide adequately for the populations that have moved across borders, and the impact of refugee flows on stability in general. Many of Iraq's neighbors fear that they are being overwhelmed by refugees who have fled over Iraq's borders. While there is clear evidence of limited improvement in Iraq--decreasing violence, reduced levels of displacement, and some returns in a few governorates--the situation in general remains fragile and requires sustained attention. UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] estimates that the number of Iraqis displaced within Iraq who need food and shelter exceeds 1 million people. This report provides an analysis of the current crisis, including an overview of the conditions for those displaced in Iraq and the refugee situations in Syria, Jordan, and elsewhere. It also provides information on the U.S. and international response and examines refugee resettlement options in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Margesson, Rhoda; Bruno, Andorra
2009-02-13
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [February 27, 2009]
From the Summary: "The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 60%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. Current President Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party won a four-year term in the November 2005 elections. The country has enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The economy, which grew 6.3% in 2007 and is expected to have grown 4% in 2008, has benefitted from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. However, the U.S. recession and global financial crisis will likely slow Honduran economic growth sharply in 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2009-02-27
