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• Proposed U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA): Provisions and Implications [November 12, 2010]

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  "On June 30, 2007, U.S. and South Korean trade officials signed the proposed U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) for their respective countries. If approved, the KORUS FTA would be the second largest FTA that South Korea has signed to date, after the agreement with the European Union (EU). It would be the second largest (next to North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA) in which the United States participates. South Korea is the seventh-largest trading partner of the United States and the United States is South Korea's third largest trading partner. Various studies conclude that the agreement would increase bilateral trade and investment flows. The final text of the proposed KORUS FTA covers a wide range of trade and investment issues and, therefore, could have substantial economic implications for both the United States and South Korea. The agreement will not enter into force unless Congress approves implementation legislation. The negotiations were conducted under the trade promotion authority (TPA), also called fast-track trade authority, that the Congress granted the President under the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Act of 2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107-210). The authority allows the President to enter into trade agreements that receive expedited congressional consideration (no amendments and limited debate)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cooper, William H., 1949-; Manyin, Mark E.; Jurenas, Remy . . .

  2010-11-12
• Proposed U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA): Provisions and Implications [June 17, 2009]

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  "On June 30, 2007, U.S. and South Korean trade officials signed the proposed U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) for their respective countries. If approved, the KORUS FTA would be the largest FTA that South Korea has signed to date and would be the second largest (next to North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA) in which the United States participates. South Korea is the seventh-largest trading partner of the United States and the United States is South Korea's third largest trading partner. Various studies conclude that the agreement would increase bilateral trade and investment flows. The final text of the proposed KORUS FTA covers a wide range of trade and investment issues and, therefore, could have substantial economic implications for both the United States and South Korea. The agreement will not enter into force unless Congress approves implementation legislation. The negotiations were conducted under the trade promotion authority (TPA), also called fast-track trade authority, that the Congress granted the President under the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Act of 2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107-210). The authority allows the President to enter into trade agreements that receive expedited congressional consideration (no amendments and limited debate). The Bush Administration did not send draft implementing legislation to Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cooper, William H., 1949-; Manyin, Mark E.; Jurenas, Remy . . .

  2009-06-17
• Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate [August 17, 2015]

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  "The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides non-reciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have implemented similar programs since the 1970s. The U.S. program was first authorized in Title V of the Trade Act of 1974, and is subject to periodic renewal by Congress. The GSP program was most recently extended until December 31, 2017, in Title II of P.L. 114-27.The program was also retroactively renewed for all GSP-eligible entries between July 31, 201,3 (the latest expiration date) and the effective date of the current GSP renewal (July 29, 2015). Imports under the GSP program in 2012 (last full year of GSP implementation) amounted to about $19.9 billion--about 6% of all imports from GSP countries, and about 1% of total U.S world imports. P.L. 114-27 also designated new product categories as eligible for GSP status, including some cotton products (for least-developed beneficiaries only) and certain luggage and travel goods."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2015-08-17
• Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate [May 19, 2014]

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  "The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides non-reciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have implemented similar programs since the 1970s.The U.S. program was first authorized in Title V of the Trade Act of 1974, and is subject to periodic renewal by Congress. The GSP program was most recently extended until July 31, 2013, in Section 1 of P.L. 112-40, and has not yet been renewed. Imports under the GSP program in 2013 amounted to about $18.5 billion--about 7% of all imports from GSP countries, and about 1% of total U.S. imports. The expiration of GSP means that renewal of the program may continue to be a legislative issue in the second session of the 113th Congress. In recent years, GSP renewal has been somewhat controversial. For example, in past years some Members reportedly asserted that more 'advanced' developing countries, such as Brazil and India, should not receive benefits under U.S. preference programs, and proposed ending or limiting their benefits in favor of providing a greater share of benefits to eligible least-developed beneficiaries. Other Members have proposed expanding preferences to grant duty-free, quota-free access (DFQF) to all least-developed countries. Last year, in the first session of the 113th Congress, controversy arose over funding provisions in Senate bill S. 1331 seeking to renew GSP. Other GSP legislation in the 113th Congress includes H.R. 2709, H.R. 2139, and H.R. 1682."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2014-05-19
• Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate [September 26, 2006]

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  "This report presents, first, a brief history, economic rationale, and legal background leading to the establishment of the Generalized System of Preferences [GSP]. A brief comparison of GSP programs worldwide, especially as they compare to the U.S. system, is also presented. Second, the U.S. implementation of the GSP is discussed, along with the present debate surrounding its renewal and legislative developments to date. Third, an analysis of the U.S. program's effectiveness and the positions of various stakeholders are presented. Fourth, possible implications of the expiration of the U.S. program and other possible options for Congress are discussed. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2006-09-26
• United States' Trade Remedy Laws and Non-market Economies: A Legal Overview [April 23, 2007]

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  "In the United States, there are two major forms of domestic trade remedy laws: antidumping law (AD), which combats the sale of goods at less than their fair market value, and countervailing duty law (CVD), which assess duties on imported goods to offset the amount of government or other public entity subsidization. Both of these remedies are available when the imported goods come from competitor countries that have free market policies. Since 1984, however, only AD law has been applied to those imported goods that come from non-market or other 'transitional' economies. With the continued economic growth of some non-market and 'transitional' economies, such as China and Vietnam, pressure has increased on the U.S. government to more aggressively utilize domestic trade remedy laws such as AD and CVD against unfair imports from these countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tatelman, Todd

  2007-04-23
• Free Trade Area of the Americas: Major Policy Issues and Status of Negotiations and Major Policy Issues [Updated March 12, 2004]

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  "In 1994, 34 Western Hemisphere nations met at the first Summit of the Americas, envisioning a plan for a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by January 2005. Nine years later, the third draft text of the agreement was presented at the Miami trade ministerial held November 20-21, 2003. Deep differences remain unresolved, however, and, as reflected in the Ministerial Declaration, have taken the FTAA in a new direction. It calls for a two-tier framework comprising a set of 'common rights and obligations' for all countries, augmented by voluntary plurilateral arrangements with country benefits related to commitments. A follow-up meeting in Puebla, Mexico was unable to clarify the details of this arrangement and negotiations will continue in late April 2004, when it is hoped that specific commitments will be defined. This report provides background and analysis for Congress on the proposed FTAA and will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2004-03-12
• Shelter from the Storm: The Global Need for Universal Social Protection in Times of COVID-19

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  From the Document: "As 2020 draws to a close, the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic shows no sign of abating. Without urgent action, global poverty and inequality will deepen dramatically. Hundreds of millions of people have already lost their jobs, gone further into debt or skipped meals for months. Research by Oxfam and Development Pathways shows that over 2 billion people have had no support from their governments in their time of need. Our analysis shows that none of the social protection support to those who are unemployed, elderly people, children and families provided in low and middle-income countries has been adequate to meet basic needs. 41% of that government support was only a one-off payment and almost all government support has now stopped. Decades of social policy focused on tiny levels of means-tested support have left most countries completely unprepared for the COVID-19 economic crisis. Yet, countries such as South Africa and Bolivia have shown that a universal approach to social protection is affordable, and that it has a profound impact on reducing inequality and protecting those who need it most."

  Oxfam International

  Barba, Liliana Marcos; Hilde van Regenmortel, Hilde

  2020-12
• From Catastrophe to Catalyst: Can the World Bank Make COVID-19 a Turning Point for Building Universal and Fair Public Healthcare Systems?

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  From the Document: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] has exposed the widespread failure to invest in strong and universal public health systems, putting millions of lives at risk and dramatically widening health inequalities. Oxfam analysed the World Bank's emergency health funding to 71 countries in response to the pandemic. While its response has been rapid and significant, we find the World Bank has missed vital opportunities to strengthen public health systems so they can tackle COVID-19 and deliver health for all in the future. Oxfam's research finds that 89% of projects do not plan to support any action to remove financial barriers, including user fees, that exclude millions from lifesaving care; and two-thirds lack any plans to increase the number of healthcare workers. An urgent course correction is needed to help countries effectively fight the pandemic and build fairer, more resilient universal healthcare systems."

  Oxfam International

  Seery, Emma; Marriott, Anna; Bous, Katie Malouf

  2020-12
• Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns and Expanded Social Assistance on Inequality, Poverty and Mobility in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico

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  From the Abstract: "Based on the economic sector in which household members work, we use microsimulation to estimate the distributional consequences of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 19] -induced lockdown policies in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Our estimates of the poverty consequences are worse than many others' projections because we do not assume that the income losses are proportionally equal across the income distribution. We also simulate the effects of most of the expanded social assistance governments have introduced in response to the crisis. This has a large offsetting effect in Brazil and Argentina, much less in Colombia. In Mexico, there has been no such expansion. Contrary to prior expectations, we find that the worst effects are not on the poorest, but those (roughly) in the middle of the ex ante income distribution. In Brazil, we find that poverty among the afrodescendants and indigenous populations increases by more than for whites, but the offsetting effects of expanded social assistance also are larger for the former. In Mexico, the crisis induces significantly less poverty among the indigenous population than it does for the nonindigenous one. In all countries the increase in poverty induced by the lockdown is similar for male- and female-headed households but the offsetting effect of expanded social assistance is greater for female-headed households."

  Center for Global Development

  Lustig, Nora; Martinez Pabon, Valentina; Sanz, Guillermo Federico . . .

  2020-10
• Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 280E to Marijuana Businesses: Selected Legal Issues [March 10, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The marijuana industry has grown as an increasing number of states have relaxed state law prohibitions on the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that the production, distribution, and possession of marijuana remains illegal, except in the narrow context of federally approved research studies. Regardless of marijuana's status under federal or state law, marijuana businesses are subject to the federal income tax. The Schedule I status of marijuana means that marijuana businesses are treated differently from many other businesses for tax purposes. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 280E (Section 280E) denies deductions and credits for amounts paid or incurred in carrying on the trade or business of trafficking controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the CSA) in violation of federal or state law. Consistent with marijuana's classification as a Schedule I controlled substance, Section 280E disallows taxpayers from taking tax deductions and claiming tax credits attributable to marijuana businesses. [...] Recent legislative proposals aim to relax federal restrictions on marijuana or to mitigate the disparity between federal and state marijuana regulation. Many of these proposals would alter the tax treatment of marijuana businesses by re-scheduling or descheduling marijuana under the CSA or by making marijuana-specific exceptions. Under these proposals, Section 280E would no longer prohibit marijuana businesses from taking deductions and credits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ball, Milan N.

  2021-03-10
• Statehood Process and Political Status of U.S. Territories: Brief Policy Background [Updated March 19, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Proposals to admit new states to the union are as old as the republic. An expanded United States was contemplated at least as early as 1787, with enactment of the Northwest Ordinance, which addressed territorial expansion, even before the first states ratified the U.S. Constitution later the same year. Vermont joined the union in 1791, the first new state beyond the 13 original colonies. Arizona and New Mexico completed the contiguous United States in 1912. Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states respectively in 1959. Would-be states have relied on different methods to join the union, and there is no single process for doing so. This In Focus provides brief background about the statehood process generally, and about how it might affect congressional consideration of proposed statehood for U.S. territories."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-

  2021-03-19
• Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions [May 19, 2016]

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  "Earthquakes and related events, such as soil liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and fires, pose risks to highway infrastructure. Concerns about the U.S. highway system's seismic vulnerability stem from interest in protecting public safety, facilitating response and recovery efforts, and minimizing economic loss and social disruption. This report addresses a number of frequently asked questions about earthquake risk and highway system components, especially bridges."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mallett, William; Carter, Nicole T.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2016-05-19
• Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions [June 5, 2013]

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  "The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sendai, Japan, on March 11, 2011, renewed concerns about the seismic risk to America's infrastructure, including its highways. Concerns about the U.S. highway system's seismic risk stem from interest in protecting public safety, facilitating response and recovery efforts, and minimizing economic loss and social disruption. Seismic resilience of the U.S. highway system has improved in recent decades as investments have been made to build new, more resilient infrastructure and to retrofit existing structures. However, not all existing highway infrastructure has been retrofitted, and no infrastructure can be constructed in a cost-effective manner to be immune from the most intense earthquakes, so some seismic risk to the U.S. highway system remains. Although earthquake hazards in the United States generally are well documented, little national or federal data exist about the seismic risk to U.S. highway infrastructure. Instead, seismic highway risks typically are assessed and addressed by state and local entities which are generally responsible for building and maintaining that infrastructure. The federal government supports these nonfederal efforts by providing data on the seismic hazard for different locations, assisting in the development of construction standards and guidelines, and undertaking research, training, and the development of tools to assist in risk reduction. In limited circumstances, the federal government invests directly in improving resiliency of specific highway structures. This report addresses frequently asked questions about the risk from earthquakes to highway systems, including bridges, tunnels, pavements, and other highway components. Particular attention is given to highway bridges, which often are the most vulnerable highway structures. The report also discusses federal and nonfederal actions to reduce seismic risk to the U.S. highway system. Japan is generally regarded as the country with the most earthquake-resilient infrastructure. Research into the performance of Japan's highway structures and systems during and after the massive Sendai earthquake and resulting tsunami is ongoing. Japanese and U.S. earthquake science and engineering researchers have well-established collaborations aimed at gathering empirical data and drawing lessons from significant events. It is too soon to know how the events in Japan will affect understanding of the seismic risk of U.S. highway infrastructure, and whether changes in U.S. seismic highway design standards and guidance will result."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Carter, Nicole T.; Mallett, William

  2013-06-05
• 2020 Operational Law Handbook

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  From the Preface: "The Operational Law Handbook is a 'how to' guide for judge advocates practicing national security law. It provides references and describes tactics and techniques for the practice of national security law. The Handbook is not a substitute for official references. Like national security law itself, the Handbook is a focused collection of diverse legal and practical information. It is not intended to provide 'the school solution' to a particular problem, but to help judge advocates recognize, analyze, and resolve problems they will encounter in the operational context. 'The Handbook is NOT an official representation of U.S. policy regarding the binding application of various sources of law, and should not be used as such.' However, it may reference source documents. [...] Simply put, the Handbook is made for the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen of the military Judge Advocate Generals' Corps who serve alongside their clients in the national security context. Accordingly, the Operational Law Handbook is compatible with current joint and combined doctrine."

  Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (United States. Army)

  Smith, Micah

  2020
• Policing Reform Legislation: Conditions on Funding and New Grant Authorizations [Updated March 11, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, combined with several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of the police, have generated congressional interest in legislation to reform state and local policing practices, and to require law enforcement agencies to collect more data on law enforcement actions and activities and share these data with the public. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. [House Report] 7120, 116th Congress) was introduced and passed by the House in June 2020, but it was not taken up by the Senate. The legislation has been reintroduced in the current Congress as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA, H.R. 1280). The House passed JIPA on March 3, 2021. The legislation is an omnibus measure that would address a variety of policing reform topics and approaches. These include attempting to reform state and local policing practices through two means: placing conditions on existing Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) or Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs; and authorizing new grant programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  James, Nathan

  2021-03-11
• Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated March 10, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Ten years after a 2011 uprising toppled longtime authoritarian leader Muammar al Qadhafi, Libya has yet to make a transition to stable governing arrangements. Militias, local leaders, and coalitions of national figures backed by competing foreign patrons have remained the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. [...] The U.N. Security Council has authorized financial and travel sanctions on those responsible for threatening 'the peace, stability or security of Libya,' obstructing or undermining 'the successful completion of its political transition,' or supporting others who do so. In parallel to these U.N. measures, U.S. executive orders provide for U.S. sanctions on those threatening peace in Libya. Congress has conditionally appropriated funding for transition support, stabilization, security assistance, and humanitarian programs for Libya since 2011. In the 117th Congress, companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate (H.R. 1228 and S. 379), would authorize future U.S. assistance, provide a legislative basis for U.S. sanctions, and establish new reporting requirements. Congress allocated not less than $30 million in FY2021 aid for 'stabilization assistance for Libya, including support for a United Nations-facilitated political process and border security' under P.L. [Public Law] 116-260."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Christopher M.

  2021-03-10
• Mexico: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [March 15, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Mexico, a top U.S. trade partner and neighbor, could play a key role in addressing several challenges facing U.S. policymakers in 2021. Although President Andrés Manuel López Obrador initially delayed [hyperlink] congratulating President Joe Biden on his electoral victory, the leaders now have spoken twice and have held a virtual meeting. During that March 1 meeting, they committed [hyperlink] to collaborate on bilateral and regional migration issues and on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and recovery, while reaffirming the importance of security cooperation and anti-corruption efforts. Each of those issues could test U.S.-Mexican relations, with tension in one area of the relationship potentially hindering cooperation in others. Most experts maintain the best way for both countries to weather such challenges is to continue working together [hyperlink] and with Canada to ensure the best possible outcomes for North America."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2021-03-15
• Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 8, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring a new class of medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $30.0 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed funding requests and emerging acquisition strategy for the NGLS program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-03-08
• Potential State Impacts of a Pause on Federal Onshore Oil and Natural Gas Leases [March 10, 2021]

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  From the Document: "On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order (E.O.) 14008, 'Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad'. Among other actions, this E.O. instructs the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) to 'pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of Federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices.' This E.O. was preceded by Secretarial Order (S.O.) 3395, issued by the Department of the Interior on January 20, 2021. The S.O. suspends certain delegated authorities to bureaus and offices for 60 days, including the authority to issue an authorization, including 'a lease, amendment to a lease, affirmative extension of a lease, contract, or other agreement, or permit to drill'; the authority to authorize such actions is retained in a number of indicated positions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tracy, Brandon S., 1973-

  2021-03-10
• Pension Provisions in the American Rescue Plan of 2021 [Updated March 18, 2021]

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  From the Document: "This In Focus describes all but one of the pension provisions in Title IX, Subtitle H, of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2). [...] Multiemployer defined benefit (DB) pension plans annually certify the plan's financial status--known as the plan's 'zone status'. A plan can be in 'endangered', 'seriously endangered', 'critical', or 'critical and declining' status (or no category if none of these apply). Multiemployer DB plans that report a status other than no category must take measures to improve their financial condition. Section 9701 permits plans to keep their zone status from the previous plan year, at the discretion of the plan, for either (1) the first plan year beginning during the period from March 1, 2020, through February 28, 2021, or (2) the succeeding plan year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Myers, Elizabeth A.; Topoleski, John J.

  2021-03-18
• Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons [Updated March 16, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Recent debates about U.S. nuclear weapons have questioned what role weapons with shorter ranges and lower yields can play in addressing emerging threats in Europe and Asia. These weapons, often referred to as nonstrategic nuclear weapons, have not been limited by past U.S.- Russian arms control agreements. Some analysts argue such limits would be of value, particularly in addressing Russia's greater numbers of these types of weapons. Others have argued that the United States should expand its deployments of these weapons, in both Europe and Asia, to address new risks of war conducted under a nuclear shadow. [...] Some argue that these weapons do not create any problems and the United States should not alter its policy. Others argue that the United States should expand its deployments of these weapons in response to challenges from Russia, China, and North Korea. Some believe the United States should reduce its reliance on these weapons and encourage Russia to do the same. Many have suggested that the United States and Russia expand efforts to cooperate on ensuring the safe and secure storage and elimination of these weapons; others have suggested that they negotiate an arms control treaty that would limit these weapons and allow for increased transparency in monitoring their deployment and elimination. The 117th Congress may review some of these proposals."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2021-03-16
• Palestinians: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 18, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The Palestinians are an Arab people whose origins are in present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Congress pays close attention--through legislation and oversight--to the ongoing conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. The current structure of Palestinian governing entities dates to 1994. In that year, Israel agreed with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to permit a Palestinian Authority (PA) to exercise limited rule over Gaza and specified areas of the West Bank, subject to overarching Israeli military administration that dates back to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. After the PA's establishment, U.S. policy toward the Palestinians focused on encouraging a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, countering Palestinian terrorist groups, and aiding Palestinian goals on governance and economic development. Since then, Congress has appropriated more than $5 billion in bilateral aid to the Palestinians, who rely heavily on external donor assistance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Zanotti, Jim

  2021-03-18
• Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 17, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $2,714.2 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-03-17
• U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 18, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS formed an element of the Trump Administration's confrontational overall approach toward China and its efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. Actions by China's maritime forces at the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea (ECS) are another concern for U.S. observers. Chinese domination of China's near-seas region could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-03-18
• Overview of Department of Defense Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum [Updated March 18, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Communication using the electromagnetic spectrum ('the spectrum') enables a number of modern military capabilities. The Department of Defense (DOD) uses electromagnetic radiation to enable military communications, navigation, radar, nonintrusive inspection of aircraft, and other equipment. [...] The U.S. government manages access to and use of spectrum. As the nation continues to experience significant growth in commercial wireless services (e.g., mobile phones, mobile applications, video streaming, Wi-Fi), demand for spectrum has increased. Congress has enacted policies to make additional spectrum available for commercial use, in some cases reallocating spectrum from federal agency use to commercial use. As Congress considers policies that reallocate spectrum from DOD to commercial use, it may consider the following issues: [1] 'Interoperability' (i.e., the ability of one radio or computer system to talk to another). [...] [2] 'DOD's ability to keep pace with technological advances by potential adversaries.' [...] [3] 'The private sector's increasing interest in using frequencies traditionally reserved for the military.' [...] [4] Spectrum sharing. [...] [5] The interagency process for spectrum allocation. [...] [6] Anticipating future spectrum needs for both commercial and military users."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hoehn, John R.; Sayler, Kelley M.; Gallagher, Jill C.

  2021-03-18
• U.S. Army Long-Range Precision Fires: Background and Issues for Congress [March 16, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Improvements to potential adversaries' artillery systems present a challenge to the U.S. military, the Army in particular. In addition to the challenge of improved artillery system capabilities and new employment techniques, the proliferation of special munitions--such as precision, thermobaric, and top-attack munitions--has renewed concerns about the potential impact of enemy cannon and rocket artillery on U.S. combat operations and ground combat systems. In response to this challenge, the U.S. Army is seeking to improve its ability to deliver what it refers to as long-range precision fires (LRPF) by upgrading current artillery and missile systems, developing new longer-range cannons and hypersonic weapons, and modifying existing air- and sea-launched missiles and cruise missiles for ground launch by Army units. Both the 2018 National Defense Strategy and the Army's Multi-Domain Operations operational concept call for improved Army LRPF capability to counter what has been described as Russian and Chinese anti-access, area denial (A2/AD) strategies designed to limit the freedom of movement and action of U.S. forces in both Europe and the Pacific region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2021-03-16
• Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 17, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress for three types of large unmanned vehicles (UVs) that the Navy wants to develop and procure in FY2021 and beyond: [1] Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs); [2] Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs); and [3] Extra-large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). The Navy wants to acquire these large UVs as part of an effort to shift the Navy to a new fleet architecture (i.e., a new combination of ships and other platforms) that is more widely distributed than the Navy's current fleet architecture. The Navy requested $579.9 million in FY2021 research and development funding for these large UVs and their enabling technologies. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these large UVs. The Navy's proposals for developing and procuring them pose a number of oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding and UV industrial bases. In addition to the large UVs covered in this report, the Navy also wants to develop and procure smaller USVs and UUVs, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various sizes. Other U.S. military services are developing, procuring, and operating their own types of UVs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-03-17
• Joint All-Domain Command and Control: Background and Issues for Congress [March 18, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is in the process of a once-in-a-generation modernization of its approach to commanding military forces. Senior DOD leaders have stated that the department's existing command and control architecture is insufficient to meet the demands of the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is DOD's concept to connect sensors from all of the military services--Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force--into a single network. DOD points to ride-sharing service Uber as an analogy to describe its desired end state for JADC2. Uber combines two different apps--one for riders and a second for drivers. Using the respective users' positions, the Uber algorithm determines the optimal match based on distance, travel time, and passengers (among other variables). In the case of JADC2, that logic would find the optimal platform to attack a given target, or the unit best able to address an emerging threat. For JADC2 to work effectively, DOD is pursuing two emerging technologies: automation and artificial intelligence, and new communications methods."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hoehn, John R.

  2021-03-18
• Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) and Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Programs [Updated March 11, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides cash benefits to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers; firefighters; employees of emergency management agencies; and members of emergency medical services agencies who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as the result of personal injuries sustained in the line of duty. The Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Claimants dissatisfied with denials of benefits may pursue administrative appeals within DOJ and may seek judicial review before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Szymendera, Scott

  2021-03-11