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Mass Casualty Commission [website]
From the Website: "The Mass Casualty Commission is an independent public inquiry created to examine the April 18-19, 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia and to provide meaningful recommendations to help keep communities safer. On October 21, 2020 the Government of Canada and Province of Nova Scotia each issued an Order in Council (OIC) officially establishing the Commission and announcing the appointment of the three Commissioners and the beginning of this important work."
Mass Casualty Commission
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Legislation Partially Addresses Fatal 'Duck Boat' Accidents [April 29, 2022]
From the Document: "Amphibious passenger vehicles (APVs), widely known as 'duck boats,' are tourist vehicles designed to drive on roads and operate as boats in water. Several fatal accidents have drawn attention to potential shortcomings in regulation of these unique vehicles (also known while afloat as 'vessels'), which are subject to oversight by multiple federal and state agencies. Legislation passed in the House and pending in the Senate would bring tighter regulation of duck boats while afloat but does not address recommendations intended to increase their safety while operating on the road. Duck boats host thousands of tours for more than one million passengers annually. About 200 such vehicles operate domestically. The original vehicles, referred to as DUKW, were built during World War II to deliver cargo from ships at sea directly to the shore and often to evacuate injured military personnel. The name DUKW, which became 'duck' over time, is from military terminology--D refers to the year designed (1942); U refers to utility; K to all-wheel drive powertrain; and W to dual-powered rear axles. Some of the vehicles in use today have been refurbished, and others were built more recently. Many duck boats are operated under a license from the private company Ride the Ducks International (RTDI), but others may be operated independently. [...] The 116th Congress considered legislation to improve Coast Guard regulation of APVs, with the Senate passing S. 1031, the Duck Boat Safety Enhancement Act of 2020, in December 2020. Similar legislation, S. 62, has been introduced in the 117th Congress. On March 29, 2022, the House passed legislation reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure--H.R. 6865, the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022--which includes new requirements for the Coast Guard's regulation of APVs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canis, Bill
2022-04-29
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Lebanon's 2022 Parliamentary Elections [May 12, 2022]
From the Document: "Lebanon plans to hold parliamentary elections on May 15, the first since the emergence in 2019 of a protest movement calling for the removal of the country's ruling political elite. Parties allied with the March 14 political coalition--which seeks close ties with the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia-- hope to win a majority in parliament. The 2018 elections resulted in a parliamentary--and therefore cabinet--majority for the March 8 political coalition of Hezbollah and its allies, which seeks close ties with Syria and Iran[.] As of 2022, forces opposed to Hezbollah remain splintered, and some analysts question [hyperlink] whether the election can overturn the current March 8 majority. The relative strength of Hezbollah and its allies in the next government may impact congressional consideration of additional aid to Lebanon, as the country struggles with an economic crisis the World Bank described [hyperlink] as possibly among the top three 'most severe crises episodes globally since the mid-nineteenth century.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2022-05-12
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Northern Ireland's 2022 Assembly Election: Outcome and Implications [May 11, 2022]
From the Document: "On May 5, 2022, voters in Northern Ireland--a part of the United Kingdom (UK)--went to the polls in elections for Northern Ireland's Assembly, its regional legislature. In a landmark outcome [hyperlink], the all-Ireland Sinn Fein party--which supports a united Ireland--came in first place. The Assembly is a key institution in Northern Ireland's devolved government, established by the 1998 peace agreement [hyperlink] aimed at ending 'the Troubles,' a 30-year sectarian conflict in which roughly 3,500 people died. The peace accord mandates power sharing in the devolved government between Northern Ireland's two dominant communities: 'unionists,' or Protestants who largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK, and 'nationalists,' or Catholics who consider themselves Irish and may favor a united Ireland. Despite a much improved security situation since 1998, peace and stability in Northern Ireland remain fragile and of continued interest to many in Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2022-05-11
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Role of the House Majority Leader: An Overview [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Summary: "The majority leader in the contemporary House is second-in-command behind the Speaker of the House. Typically, the majority leader functions as the Speaker's chief lieutenant or 'field commander' for day-to-day management of the floor. Although the majority leader's duties are not especially well-defined, they have evolved to include two fundamental and often interlocking responsibilities that orient the majority leader's work: to the institution of the House, and to the majority party conference. From an institutional perspective, the majority leader has a number of duties. Scheduling floor business is a prime responsibility of the majority leader. Although scheduling the House's business is a collective activity of the majority party, the majority leader has a large say in shaping the chamber's overall agenda and in determining when, whether, how, or in what order legislation is taken up. In addition, the majority leader is active in constructing winning coalitions for the party's legislative priorities; acting as a public spokesperson--defending and explaining the party's program and agenda; serving as an emissary to the White House, especially when the President is of the same party; and facilitating the orderly conduct of House business. From a party perspective, three key activities undergird the majority leader's principal goal of maintaining the party's majority status in the House. First, the majority leader assists in the reelection campaigns of party incumbents by raising and donating campaign funds and traveling to scores of House districts to campaign with incumbents or challengers of the party. Second, the majority leader promotes the party's agenda by developing themes and issues important to core supporters and the general public. Third, the majority leader encourages party cohesion by working to minimize internal factional disagreements that may undermine the majority party's ability to govern the House."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Oleszek, Mark J.; Oleszek, Walter J.
2022-05-03
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Role of Executive Agencies in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and executive agencies. The executive budget process is a complex set of activities that includes (1) development of the President's budget proposal, (2) submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and (3) execution of enacted appropriations and other budgetary legislation. While some of the activities must be completed by specific dates, many follow a more flexible schedule established by formal and informal rules and procedures. This report briefly covers agencies' roles in budget development in the context of the executive budget process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Heniff, Bill; Fiorentino, Dominick A.
2022-05-05
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Refining 'Reed: City of Austin' Updates Test for Content-Based Speech Restrictions [May 2, 2022]
From the Document: "The Supreme Court's April 21, 2022, decision in 'City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising of Austin, LLC' [hyperlink] is the latest development in the Court's free speech jurisprudence on content neutrality. Content neutrality is important because it largely determines the level of scrutiny that a court would apply to a law regulating speech in a First Amendment challenge, with content-neutral laws receiving less rigorous scrutiny than content-based ones do. In this case, the Court held [hyperlink] that the city's restriction on 'off-premises' signs--signs advertising or directing readers to businesses or activities at another location-- was content neutral on its face because it regulated signs based on their location rather than their subject matter or topic. This Sidebar provides a brief overview of how the Court's standards for evaluating content neutrality have changed over time. It then discusses the 'City of Austin' decision and why the case could have implications beyond sign ordinances, potentially paving the way for broader location- or function-based regulation of speech, including online speech."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Killion, Victoria L.
2022-05-02
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Role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and agencies. The executive budget process consists of three main phases: development of the President's budget proposal, submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and execution of enacted annual appropriations and other budgetary legislation. Congress may become involved in any of these phases. Under current law, the President must develop and submit a consolidated budget to Congress no later than the first Monday in February prior to the start of the upcoming fiscal year. OMB assists the President in carrying out budgetary duties. Originally created by the 1921 Budget and Accounting Act as the Bureau of the Budget, it was reconstituted as OMB in 1970. One of OMB's primary functions is to oversee the development of the President's budget proposal. This report briefly highlights the roles of OMB in budget development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riccard, Taylor N.
2022-05-05
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Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs: An Overview and Issues for Congress [May 10, 2022]
From the Document: "Congress is considering the establishment of a new regional technology and innovation hub program in U.S. competition legislation. The House and Senate are reconciling H.R. 4521 [hyperlink], the America COMPETES Act of 2022, as agreed to by the House on February 4, 2022, with the version [hyperlink] as agreed to by the Senate on March 28, 2022. The Senate substituted the text of H.R. 4521 with S. 1260, the United States Competitiveness and Innovation Act. Both bills would establish a competitive award program to plan for or implement regional consortia in an effort to advance innovation and technology-based economic development. This Insight provides a brief overview of regional innovation and technology-based economic development; describes key features of the proposed program--including differences in the House and Senate bills; and highlights potential considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawhorn, Julie M.; Gallo, Marcy E.
2022-05-10
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Role of the President in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and agencies. The executive budget process consists of three main phases: development of the President's budget proposal, submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and execution of enacted annual appropriations and other budgetary legislation. Congress may become involved in any of these phases. The President's budget proposal--referred to by statute as the 'Budget of the United States Government'--is required by law to be submitted annually. [...] This report briefly highlights the role of the President in budget development. For a detailed overview of the development, submission, and justification of the President's budget proposal, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R47019, 'The Executive Budget Process: An Overview,' by Dominick A. Fiorentino and Taylor N. Riccard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riccard, Taylor N.
2022-05-05
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U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Background and Issues [February 14, 2014]
"The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on May 15, 2012. It is a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia, which will eventually eliminate tariffs and other barriers in bilateral trade in goods and services. On October 3, 2011, President Barack Obama submitted draft legislation (H.R. 3078/S. 1641) to both houses of Congress to implement the agreement. On October 12, 2011, the House passed H.R. 3078 (262-167) and sent it to the Senate. The Senate passed the implementing legislation (66-33) on the same day. The agreement was signed by both countries almost five years earlier, on November 22, 2006. The Colombian Congress approved it in June 2007 and again in October 2007, after it was modified to include new provisions agreed to in the May 10, 2007, bipartisan understanding between congressional leadership and President George W. Bush. The United States is Colombia's leading trade partner. Colombia accounts for a very small percentage of U.S. trade (1% in 2013), ranking 31st among U.S. export markets and 33rd among foreign exporters to the United States. Because the FTA has been in effect for less than two years, the effect of the agreement is not yet clear. Economic studies estimate that, upon full implementation, the impact on the United States would be positive but very small due to the small size of the Colombian economy when compared to that of the United States (about 2.2%)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles
2014-02-14
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Supply Disruptions and the U.S. Economy [May 13, 2022]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has disrupted the production of many goods and services. Although those disruptions have waned since spring 2020, some continue to constrain production, exacerbating inflationary pressures [hyperlink]. The Biden Administration has announced a series of initiatives to address supply chain disruptions, which are detailed in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight IN11927 [hyperlink]. This Insight discusses some of the factors contributing to supply disruptions and policy considerations surrounding this issue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Weinstock, Lida R.
2022-05-13
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Supplemental Appropriations [Updated May 2, 2022]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a Department of Defense agency with civil works responsibilities, consisting largely of water resource projects to maintain navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. USACE also has a role in responding to natural disasters, especially floods. This In Focus covers the appropriations that Congress has provided USACE that are in addition to annual appropriations, referred to as 'supplemental appropriations.' Congress may consider both the amount of USACE supplemental appropriations and how effectively and efficiently the agency uses these funds. [...] Issues for Congress include oversight of USACE's short-term and long-term implementation of supplemental appropriations. There may be questions regarding how efficiently the funds are spent on projects and how effective the funded projects are in accomplishing the purposes set out by Congress. Implementation concerns have arisen with USACE emergency appropriations at times; for example, an August 2021 Senate Appropriations Committee report, S.Rept. 117-36, identified shortcomings in the pace and approach to managing supplemental construction funding and in compliance with required reporting. An ongoing challenge for USACE is that numerous authorized studies and construction projects remain unfunded. In spring 2021, USACE estimated its construction backlog at $109 billion. To what extent supplemental appropriations have helped address the USACE backlog remains uncertain, and the aggregate effect of supplemental appropriations on accomplishing the agency's water resource missions nationally remains unknown."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Nicole T.; Normand, Anna E.
2022-05-02
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Supplemental Funding for Ukraine: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "As of April 28, 2022, the Biden Administration had submitted to Congress two emergency supplemental funding requests to address the crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine [hyperlink]. The first, submitted on March 2, 2022, included $5 billion for Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations accounts, among other funding. On March 15, 2022, Congress enacted the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act (USAA, P.L. 117-103, Div. N), which provided $6.8 billion for SFOPS accounts. The Administration's second supplemental funding request, submitted to Congress on April 28, called for an additional $14.75 billion in SFOPS funding related to Ukraine. Reports suggest [hyperlink] Congress may pursue another emergency supplemental funding package, though it remains to be seen what that package may include and whether domestic priorities affect its consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgenstern, Emily M.
2022-05-06
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U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Background and Issues [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Summary: "The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on May 15, 2012. It is a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia, which will eventually eliminate tariffs and other barriers in bilateral trade in goods and services. [...] The United States is Colombia's leading trade partner in both imports and exports. Colombia accounts for a very small percentage of U.S. trade (less than 1% in 2021), ranking 21st among U.S. export markets and 32nd among foreign exporters to the United States in 2021. The economic effects of the U.S.-Colombia FTA are difficult to measure because of the large number of economic variables that affect trade as well as investor confidence. Some economic studies estimated that, upon full implementation, the impact on the United States would likely be positive but very small due to the small size of the Colombian economy. The congressional debate surrounding the U.S.-Colombia FTA mostly centered on violence, labor, and human rights issues in Colombia. Numerous Members of Congress opposed passage of the agreement because of concerns about alleged targeted violence against union members in Colombia, inadequate efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, and weak protection of worker rights. [...] To address the concerns related to labor rights and violence in Colombia, the United States and Colombia agreed upon an 'Action Plan Related to Labor Rights' that included specific and concrete steps to be taken by the Colombian government with specific timelines. It included numerous commitments to protect union members, end impunity, and improve worker rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles
2022-05-04
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Russia's War on Ukraine: The Economic Impact of Sanctions [May 3, 2022]
From the Document: "Across a range of metrics, Russia's economy is worse off than it was before Russia expanded its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that in 2022 Russia's economy will contract by 8.5%, inflation will reach 24%, and unemployment will double to 9.6%[.] The new sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Japan, and others are unprecedented in terms of scope, coordination, and speed, and appear to be the overarching source of economic pressure on Russia. Other factors--including economic disruptions from the war and the pandemic--also are creating challenges. The Russian government has implemented a number of policies to mitigate the impact of sanctions, and Russia's energy exports--so far largely exempt from international sanctions--remain a major source of revenue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2022-05-03
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Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: Implications for Global Food Prices and Food Security [May 2, 2022]
From the Document: "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has impacts on global food security [hyperlink]. Since February 24, 2022, a humanitarian and economic crisis has unfolded in Ukraine, limiting Ukrainian exports of food and agricultural commodities, and affecting millions of people in Ukraine and the region, including more than 12 million recently displaced [hyperlink] (roughly a quarter of the population of Ukraine). In addition, in response to the invasion, the United States and other countries have imposed financial and trade sanctions on Russia, further affecting international trade patterns. Because Ukraine and Russia are among the world's leading exporters of certain food staples used in many countries, the effects of such disruptions on global food security are becoming apparent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Nair, Amber D.; Rosch, Stephanie . . .
2022-05-02
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Russian Sanctions and Cryptocurrency [May 4, 2022]
From the Document: "The United States has imposed sanctions against certain Russian entities and individuals in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine--including on virtual currency transactions [hyperlink] and cryptocurrency mining [hyperlink]. Some Members of Congress and other observers have expressed [hyperlink] concern that sanctioned parties may evade sanctions using cryptocurrency [hyperlink] to transfer funds out of Russia, convert rubles to other fiat currencies, or receive payments and make purchases. Bills [hyperlink] have been introduced in the 117th Congress to prevent such evasion. This Insight focuses on various evasion techniques and potential gaps in existing regulatory oversight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Busch, Kristen E.; Tierno, Paul
2022-05-04
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Summary of Selected Biden Administration Actions on Supply Chains [May 13, 2022]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected Biden Administration actions on supply chains. The U.S. economy has faced many supply disruptions and bottlenecks since the beginning of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. These supply issues have contributed to high inflation throughout 2021 and thus far in 2022. For more information on supply chain disruptions and their effect on the U.S. economy, see CRS Insight IN11926 [hyperlink]. The first section of this Insight focuses on select executive orders signed by President Biden aimed at supply chain issues. The second section focuses on other Administration actions and goals to reduce supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks. Both sections are organized in chronological order. Each header provides a hyperlink to a description of the action in question."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2022-05-13
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Russia's 2022 Invasion of Ukraine: Related CRS Products [Updated May 13, 2022]
From the Document: "On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with wide-ranging implications for U.S. national security and an array of global geopolitical and economic issues. This report compiles CRS [Congressional Research Service] products on various aspects of this conflict, and will be updated regularly as new products are developed. It also includes some products published before the invasion that offer relevant background and context."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Danon, Zoe; Blum, David A.
2022-05-13
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U.S.-EU Trade Relations [May 6, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The United States and the 27-member European Union (EU) share a highly integrated trade and economic relationship. In 2021, the United States and the EU remained each other's largest overall trade and investment partner, despite recent major economic and other developments that have affected such ties, including the economic challenges and shifts in global activity arising from the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; 'Brexit,' the departure from the EU of the United Kingdom (UK); and the rise of China as a major bilateral trading partner for both. Their ties are of global consequence, as the United States and the EU bloc are the world's two largest economies, comprising 43% of global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020. Given the scope and magnitude of U.S.-EU trade and investment ties, efforts to strengthen and expand them by addressing remaining and new barriers to trade and investment historically have been a key part of U.S. trade policy. [...] President Joe Biden has 'underscored his support for the [EU] and his commitment to repair and revitalize the U.S.-EU partnership.' Developments during the Biden Administration include new means of cooperation, progress toward resolving certain bilateral trade irritants, and cooperation to address pressing global trade challenges. Nevertheless, diverging views and frictions remain. The 117th Congress may examine U.S. trade policy with respect to the EU in terms of resolving current trade frictions, deepening bilateral trade engagement and pursuing further trade liberalization, cooperating on global trade issues, and setting international rules and standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Johnson, Renée; Fefer, Rachel F. . . .
2022-05-06
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Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Background: "Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes affect communities across the United States every year, causing fatalities, destroying property and crops, and disrupting businesses. Tornadoes [hyperlink] are narrow, violently rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground, sometimes producing winds that exceed 300 miles per hour [hyperlink]. Tornadoes have been reported on all continents except Antarctica; however, they occur most commonly in North America, particularly in the United States, which reports approximately 1,200 tornadoes per year [hyperlink]. Tornadoes occur across the United States [hyperlink] but form frequently in three regions, shifting seasonally: (1) southern Plains (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas), (2) Gulf Coast, and (3) northern Plains and upper Midwest (e.g., North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota). Tornadoes occur mostly during spring and summer [hyperlink] [...] and usually during the late afternoon or early evening. However, tornadoes can occur at any time. For example, a deadly storm system [hyperlink] with several reported tornadoes touched ground overnight and traveled from Arkansas toward the Great Lakes between December 10 and 11, 2021. Peak winds [hyperlink] of one 'long-track' tornado reached approximately 190 miles per hour. Aspects of the event were rare, such as its timing, distance traveled, and geographic location."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva
2022-05-03
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U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems now account for the highest proportion of new electric power generation capacity in the United States ('Figure 1'). Domestic solar power generation has increased rapidly in recent years, enabled by technological advances, government support, state-level policies mandating use of electricity from renewable sources, and improved cost-competitiveness relative to generation from fossil fuels. [...] Expanding solar generation requires sufficient manufacturing capacity, from the production of polysilicon, the raw material used to convert solar energy into electricity, to the fabrication of solar cells and assembly of panels. Approximately three-quarters of the worldwide production of all inputs to PV systems currently occur in China. While PV panel assembly in the United States has increased since 2018 in the wake of increased U.S. import duties, many of the inputs into those panels are imported. A relatively small proportion of solar products sold in the United States is produced domestically. This report looks at the domestic solar PV manufacturing industry and the downstream value chain for solar power installations. It considers whether market shifts, including new product architectures, improved packaging designs, integration of energy storage into solar systems, and recycling or reuse of components, may create new opportunities for manufacturing in the United States. It also evaluates the extent to which international trade policies enacted over the last decade have impacted each stage of the domestic solar manufacturing industry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Singh, Manpreet
2022-05-05
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated May 10, 2022]
From the Summary: "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven principalities or 'emirates.' Its population is nearly 10 million, of which 90% are expatriates from within and outside the region who work in its open economy. The UAE is a significant U.S. security partner that hosts about 3,500 U.S. military personnel at UAE military facilities and buys sophisticated U.S. military equipment, including missile defenses and combat aircraft. A January 20, 2021, deal signed with the UAE to allow the country to procure up to 50 F-35s and 18 Reaper Drones was placed under review by the Biden Administration, but finalizing the sale has been delayed over several issues, including the UAE's ability to secure the F-35 and its technology from other large powers, including China, with which the UAE has been expanding relations. Furthermore, U.S.-UAE differences on the F-35 sale, as well as issues including energy production, Iran, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the conflict in Yemen, appear to have widened since late 2021. The UAE abstained on a February 24, 2022, U.N. Security Council resolution denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With ample financial resources and a U.S.-armed and advised military, the UAE has been asserting itself in the region, in many cases seeking to keep authoritarian Arab leaders in power and work against Islamist organizations that UAE leaders assert are regional and domestic threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2022-05-10
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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Background and U.S. Funding [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Summary: "Established in 1969, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the primary U.N. entity addressing population issues. Its overall goal is to ensure reproductive rights for all, including access to sexual and reproductive health services such as voluntary family planning. Headquartered in New York City, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and supports more than 3,000 staff. It is funded by voluntary contributions from governments and other donors, with expenses totaling $1.29 billion in 2020. [...] The United States played a key role in the creation of UNFPA and was initially one of its largest financial donors. In the mid-1980s, President Reagan and some Members of Congress became concerned that UNFPA's country program in the People's Republic of China (PRC) engaged in or provided funding for abortion or coercive family planning programs. In response, Congress enacted what became known as the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment as part of the FY1985 Supplemental Appropriations Act. The measure stated that no funds 'may be made available to any organization or program which, as determined by the President, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.' The amendment has continued to be included in annual appropriations laws, at times resulting in the withholding of U.S. funding from UNFPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Collins-Chase, Edward J.
2022-05-06
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Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "On August 5, 2021, the Biden Administration proposed amendments to the federal standards that regulate fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new light-duty vehicles--a category that includes passenger cars and most sports utility vehicles, vans, and pickup trucks. These standards include the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Light-Duty Vehicle GHG emission standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA finalized its amendments on December 30, 2021; NHTSA finalized its amendments on May 2, 2022. President Biden also signed Executive Order 14037, 'Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks' (86 'Federal Register' 43583), which (1) requires EPA and NHTSA to begin work on future rulemakings for multipollutant and fuel efficiency standards for both light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles and engines that would take effect beginning in model year (MY) 2027, and (2) sets a nonbinding electrification goal that '50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles.' Some policymakers see these pending rulemakings as an opportunity to re-envision the goals and structures of the federal vehicle fuel economy and GHG emission program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Canis, Bill
2022-05-09
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Fact Sheet: U.S. Department of Homeland Security 9/11 Anniversary Progress and Priorities
This U.S. Department of Homeland Security fact sheet discusses the 9/11 anniversary and progress and reevaluation of priorities made since then. The following is taken from the report: "Since 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made significant progress in protecting the nation from dangerous people and goods, protecting the nation's critical infrastructure on which our lives and economy depend, strengthening emergency response and unifying department operations. Seven years without an attack on U.S. soil are a testament to this department's 216,000 employees -- and the nation's first responders and law enforcement officers -- who every day put service before self. Since its creation in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, the department has achieved much to protect and secure the United States."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2008-09-10
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 11, 2022]
From the Summary: "Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 70,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four service component commands, and eight sub-unified commands. In 2013, based on a request from USSOCOM (with the concurrence of Geographic and Functional Combatant Commanders and the Military Service Chiefs and Secretaries), the Secretary of Defense assigned command of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) to USSOCOM. USSOCOM has the responsibility to organize, train, and equip TSOCs. While USSOCOM is responsible for the organizing, training, and equipping of TSOCs, the Geographic Combatant Commands will have operational control over the TSOCs. Because the TSOCs are now classified as sub-unified commands, the services are responsible to provide non-SOF support to the TSOCs in the same manner in which they provide support to the Geographic Combatant Command headquarters. [...] USSOCOM's FY2022 budget request was for $12.6 billion, representing a decrease of $495 million (4%) of the FY2021-enacted position of $13.1 billion. A potential issue for Congress includes potential implications of the Ukraine Conflict for U.S. SOF."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-11
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U.S.-Proposed Missile Technology Control Regime Changes [Updated May 10, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Beginning in 2017, the United States has submitted a series of proposals to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) partners that would relax the regime's export guidelines for certain Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Advocates of altering the guidelines to ease such exports argue that increasing competition from foreign UAS manufacturers is undermining the competitive advantage of their U.S. counterparts. Other observers have emphasized the need to maintain the MTCR's standards, which are widely regarded as effective. [...] The MTCR, according to its website, 'seeks to limit the risks of proliferation of' nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (NBC weapons) 'by controlling exports of goods and technologies that could make a contribution to delivery systems (other than manned aircraft) for such weapons.' Established in 1987 by the United States and six other countries, the MTCR, which holds several meetings per year and currently consists of 35 partner countries, is an informal voluntary arrangement whose partners agree to apply common export policy guidelines to an annex containing two categories of controlled items. Partner countries implement these guidelines pursuant to national legislation and regularly exchange information on relevant export licensing issues, including denials of technology transfers. The MTCR guidelines apply to both armed and unarmed UAS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2022-05-10
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP): Status and Issues [Updated May 3, 2022]
Form the Document: "In the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA 2014, Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121; 33 U.S.C. §§3901-3914, as amended [hyperlink]), Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide credit assistance to specified eligible entities, in the form of secured or direct loans, for water resource projects. WIFIA 2014 authorized an analogous program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [hyperlink] for water projects outside of USACE mission areas (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus IF11193, 'WIFIA Program: Background and Recent Developments'). This Insight focuses on the USACE program, which USACE refers to as the Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program [hyperlink] (CWIFP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Nicole T.; Humphreys, Elena H.; Normand, Anna E.
2022-05-03
