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Community Perspectives on Coronavirus Preparedness and Response, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, March 10, 2020
This is the March 10, 2020 hearing on "Community Perspectives on Coronavirus Preparedness and Response," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Donald M. Payne, Jr.: "We are here today to discuss the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. We are at a critical point in responding to the coronavirus crisis that is facing our Nation. Americans are concerned. Hundreds of Americans are sick. Sadly, their families mourning the loss of loved ones from the coronavirus, and our hearts are with them. The Nation is seeing cases on the rise, and experts say the outbreak is getting worse." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ronald A. Klain, Christopher Neuwirth, J. Nadine Gracia, and Thomas Dobbs.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Executive Branch Reorganization and Management Initiatives [Updated April 4, 2003]
This issue brief views reorganization and management as involving the alteration of the administrative structure and operations of the executive branch for reasons of efficiency, economy, and effectiveness.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2003-04-04
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Most-Favored-Nation Status of the People's Republic of China [Updated June 7, 2001]
After having been suspended in 1951, China's MFN tariff status with the United States was restored in 1980 conditionally under Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, including compliance with the Jackson-Vanik freedom-of-emigration amendment, which must be renewed annually, and the existence in force of a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Sundry legislation introduced in earlier Congresses to withdraw or severely restrict China's MFN status failed to be enacted, in two instances for failure to override the President's veto. In the 105th Congress, legislation was introduced, but not passed, to grant permanent MFN status to China outright or upon its accession to the World Trade Organization.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Pregelj, Vladimir N.
2001-06-07
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Internet Privacy: Overview and Pending Legislation [Updated October 7, 2003]
Internet privacy issues encompass concerns about the collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from visitors to Web sites, as well as debate over law enforcement or employer monitoring of electronic mail and Web usage. In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, debate over the issue of law enforcement monitoring has intensified, with some advocating increased tools for law enforcement to track down terrorists, and others cautioning that fundamental tenets of democracy, such as privacy, not be endangered in that pursuit. The parallel debate over Web site information policies concerns whether industry self regulation or legislation is the best approach to protecting consumer privacy.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Marcia S.
2002-10-07
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Colombia: The Problem of Illegal Narcotics and U.S. - Colombian Relations [Updated May 11, 1998]
From the Summary: "The United States has long been concerned with Colombia as a major producer and trafficker of the illegal narcotics entering this country: first marijuana, then cocaine, and now also heroin. Colombia's drug trafficking business has been dominated by two cartels during the two decades in which cocaine trafficking became a major activity: first the Medellin cartel, which dominated during the 1980s and then the Cali cartel, which dominated during the early 1990s. With the arrests of the major Cali cartel leaders in the mid-1990s, independent traffickers have filled the void. The rise of the cartels had significant social, political, and economic effects in Colombia. During the 1990s, U.S. officials became highly troubled by the degree to which leaders of the drug-trafficking organizations had become accepted into the mainstream of Colombian life and allegedly influenced the political system through funds passed to politicians. Bilateral relations deteriorated significantly with the inauguration to a four year term in August 1994 of President Ernesto Samper, whose campaign received funds from drug lords. [...] Nevertheless, bilateral counternarcotics efforts continue. Substantial funding has continued through the State Department's counternarcotics program, as permitted by the decertification. In mid 1997, the Clinton Administration authorized resumed FMF [Foreign Military Financing] and IMET [International Military Education and Training] funding to Colombia's security forces, and now provides assistance to the Colombian National Police, the air force and the navy. Assistance to the Colombian army may be provided once the State Department scrutinizes information from the Colombian army on the human rights records of units which would receive the aid."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
1998-05-11
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Fair Use on the Internet [May 21, 2002]
The advent and spread of Internet technologies pose new challenges to Congress and the courts in maintaining a balance between the free-flow of information over the Internet while still protecting intellectual property rights. The unauthorized use of copyrighted material constitutes an infringement of these rights, unless the use is excused by a statutory exception. In assessing whether a use of a copyrighted work is a "fair use," courts weigh four statutory factors -- (1) the purpose and character of the use, (2) the nature of the copyrighted work, (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Christopher A.
2002-05-21
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Privacy Act: Emerging Issues and Related Legislation [Updated February 26, 2002]
The Privacy Act of 1974 represents an attempt by Congress to legislate several aspects of personal privacy protection as it relates to federal agency operations and practices. These aspects cover areas ranging from sustaining traditional privacy principles, records held by federal agencies, and the right to fair information practices. Since its enactment, the Privacy Act has been amended on six occasions; actions in 1988 and 1990 establishing new procedures and data protection boards for computer matching are generally seen as being the most significant. Of late, new issues have arisen concerning these matters and some long-prevailing concerns. This report reviews the background and development of the statute, its current provisions, and emerging issues pertaining to it.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2002-02-26
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NATO's Decision-Making Procedure [Updated March 8, 2004]
"This report provides a brief analysis of NATO's decision-making procedures, with several examples of how the allies have handled sensitive issues in the past. It describes the February 2003 dispute over providing NATO defense planning and equipment to Turkey, and analyzes the debate over the decision-making process, including possible alterations of that process. This report will be periodically updated. See also CRS Report RS21354, The Nato Summit at Prague, 2002."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.
2004-03-08
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Mexico's Counter-Narcotics Efforts under Zedillo [Updated March 4, 1998]
"This report provides information on Mexico's counter-narcotics efforts under the presidency of Ernesto Zedillo from December 1994 to March 1998 in the context of President Clinton's February 26, 1998 certification that Mexico was fully cooperative in drug control efforts. The report focuses on (1) trends in Mexico's share of illicit drug traffic to the United States, (2) measures of Mexico's efforts to control drug trafficking, and (3) Mexico's cooperation with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts. Mexico has remained the major transit point for cocaine entering the United States from South America, and a major source country for heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine, although more cocaine may be transiting the Caribbean recently. Seizures of cocaine, opium and marijuana increased in 1997, while seizures of heroin, methamphetamine and ephedrine declined significantly. Arrests declined in 1997, but Mexico had some limited success against major druglords. Eradication of opium remained nearly the same, while marijuana declined, although Mexico leads the world in this area. U.S.-Mexico counter-narcotics cooperation reached unprecedented levels, with the full range of law enforcement, military, border, and drug control agencies being involved, although corruption remains a persistent problem. Acting through cabinet-level and working groups of the High Level Contact Group (HLCG) on Narcotics Control, the countries announced completion of joint anti-drug strategy goals in February 1998."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
1998-03-04
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Taiwan: Annual Arms Sales Process [Updated June 5, 2001]
This CRS Report discusses the low-profile annual arms talks process that successive Administrations used from the early 1980s to 2001 in determining arms sales to Taiwan, which are governed by the Taiwan Relations Act. The discussion is based on interviews in 1998 and 1999 with U.S. and Taiwan observers as well as U.S. and Taiwan news reports. This report on the process will not be updated.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2001-06-05
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Mexican Drug Certification Issues: U.S. Congressional Action, 1986-1998 [Updated April 9, 1998]
"This report summarizes U.S. congressional action relating to Mexican drug control and drug certification issues from 1986 to the present, with emphasis on recent actions. Beginning in 1986, in the context of the 1985 killing of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, Congress required the President to certify annually, subject to congressional review, that drug-producing or drug transit countries had cooperated fully with the United States in drug control efforts to avoid a series of aid and trade sanctions. Mexico has been fully certified each year, despite some criticism, but Congress has closely monitored these certification decisions. Congress took some initial steps on resolutions to disapprove Mexico's certification in 1987 and 1988, and passed some drug-related restrictions on Mexico in 1989 and 1996. Congressional efforts to overturn the President's certification of Mexico advanced the furthest in 1997, when both houses passed modified resolutions of disapproval, which would have required additional reports on Mexican and U.S. drug control efforts. President Clinton reported to Congress in September 1997, in compliance with the Senate-passed version, even though it was never enacted into law. Following President Clinton's certification, on February 26, 1998, that Mexico was fully cooperative in drug control efforts, resolutions of disapproval (S.J.Res. 42 and S.J.Res. 43 and H.J.Res. 114) were introduced in both houses in early March 1998. When the Senate considered the Senate measures on March 26, 1998, objection was raised to a request for unanimous consent to consider S.J.Res. 43 (with a national interest waiver), and S.J.Res. 42 (a simple resolution of disapproval) was defeated by a vote of 45 to 54."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
1998-04-09
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War Powers Resolution: After Thirty Years [March 11, 2004]
From the Summary: "This report discusses and assesses the War Powers Resolution, its application since enactment in 1973, providing detailed background on a variety of cases where it was utilized, or issues of its applicability were raised. It will be revised biannually. In the post-Cold War world, Presidents have continued to commit U.S. Armed Forces into potential hostilities, sometimes without a specific authorization from Congress. Thus the War Powers Resolution and its purposes continues to be a potential subject of controversy. On June 7, 1995 the House defeated, by a vote of 217-201, an amendment to repeal the central features of the War Powers Resolution that have been deemed unconstitutional by every President since the law's enactment in 1973. In 1999, after the President committed U.S. military forces to action in Yugoslavia without congressional authorization, Rep. Tom Campbell used expedited procedures under the Resolution to force a debate and votes on U.S. military action in Yugoslavia, and later sought, unsuccessfully, through a federal court suit to enforce Presidential compliance with the terms of the War Powers Resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2004-03-11
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Policing in Peacekeeping and Related Stability Operations: Problems and Proposed Solutions [Updated March 30, 2004]
"One of the most crucial and difficult tasks in peacekeeping and related stability operations is creating a secure and stable environment, both for the foreign peacekeepers and for the indigenous population. During the past decade, the United States and the international community have tried various approaches to providing that security. Most of these approaches have included the use of United Nations International Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL), whose forces are contributed on a case by case basis by U.N. Member states. Despite continuing improvements over the past decade, the current system has several drawbacks. These deficiencies lead to three gaps that impede the establishment of law and order, particularly those cases where not all parties to the conflict are dedicated to peace or where criminal networks have taken root. The first is the deployment gap, when international police are not available as quickly as needed. The second is the enforcement gap, where those deployed lack necessary skills, in particular combined military and policing 'constabulary' skills, as well as investigative and intelligence-gathering skills to deal with organized crime. The third is the institution gap, where competent judicial and penal personnel are needed to provide follow-up services to police work. Policymakers have long recognized and sought to remedy these problems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2004-03-30
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U.S. Nuclear Weapons: Changes in Policy and Force Structure [Updated February 23, 2004]
"The Bush Administration conducted a review of U.S. nuclear weapons force posture during its first year in office. Although the review sought to adjust U.S. nuclear posture to address changes in the international security environment at the start of the new century, it continued many of the policies and programs that had been a part of the U.S. nuclear posture during the previous decade and during the Cold War. This report, which will be updated as needed, provides an overview of the U.S. nuclear posture to highlight areas of change and areas of continuity. Analysts and observers have identified several issues raised by the Administration's Nuclear Posture Review. These include the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. national security policy, how to make the U.S. nuclear deterrent 'credible,' the relationship between the U.S. nuclear posture and the goal of discouraging nuclear proliferation, plans for strategic nuclear weapons, and the future of non-strategic nuclear weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2004-02-23
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China/Taiwan: Evolution of the 'One China' Policy - Key Statements from Washington [Updated March 12, 2001]
Despite apparently consistent statements over almost three decades, the critical "one China" principle has been left somewhat ambiguous and subject to different interpretations among Washington, Beijing, and Taipei. The Clinton Administration responded that Lee's statement was not helpful and reaffirmed the "one China" policy and opposition to "two Chinas." There also have been questions about whether and how President Chen Shui-bian, inaugurated in May 2000, might adjust Taiwan's policy toward the Mainland. Beijing, in February 2000, issued its second White Paper on Taiwan, reaffirming its "peaceful unification" policy but with new warnings about the risk of conflict. The U.S. policy on "one China" has evolved to cover three issues: sovereignty, peaceful resolution, and cross-strait dialogue.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2001-03-12
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Colombia: Conditions and U.S. Policy Options [Updated February 12, 2001]
From the Summary: "With the civil conflict in Colombia worsening, in many analysts' perception, some policymakers are again questioning the wisdom and scope of U.S. policy and assistance toward that country. [...] The guerrillas have cited that fumigation of crops that began in Putumayo in December 2000 as a rationale for blockading access to that province during late 2000, and for suspending peace talks with the government of Colombian president Andres Pastrana. [...] With Pastrana ineligible to run again in the upcoming 2002 presidential elections, with the balance of power between the Colombian military and the two guerrilla groups stalemated at best, and with the Pastrana Administration unable to curb the massacres committed by paramilitary groups, who operate with some level of assistance from members of the military, the likelihood of a peaceful settlement appears to be waning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2001-02-12
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Globalizing Cooperative Threat Reduction: A Survey of Options [April 15, 2004]
"This report analyzes the range of possibilities for applying Cooperative Threat Reduction Program funds, what kinds of assistance might be supplied, and describes legal, financial, technical, and political constraints on possible assistance. A key underlying issue is whether countries that pose particular risks are prepared to provide adequate cooperation to achieve CTR objectives. As many observers have noted, CTR programs cannot be precisely replicated in other countries. A common factor must be the willingness of such states to cooperate. Across the board, Congress may wish to consider domestic and international legal and political restrictions on cooperation with states outside the nonproliferation regimes, low levels of transparency exhibited by most of the potential recipient states, and the lack of incentives for many of these states to pursue threat reduction measures. In addition, Congress may wish to consider whether potentially expanding the geographic scope of CTR may have a negative effect on existing programs. One school of thought believes Russia, as the largest source of stocks of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, should continue to be the main focus of attention. Other observers believe there is now an opportunity to focus additionally on states within the nexus of terrorism and WMD."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2004-04-15
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2003 Supplemental and FY2004 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated August 27, 2003]
From the Summary: "In 2003, Congress is considering President Bush's requests for FY2004 and FY2003 supplemental assistance for Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI) launched in 2001. ARI was proposed as an expansion of Plan Colombia, developed by the Clinton Administration, with more funding for social and economic development programs for Colombia and its neighbors, who are affected by Colombia's struggle against guerrillas and drug traffickers. This included $34 million for the State Department's International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account, $34 million for the Department of Defense's Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities account, and $37.1 million in Foreign Military Financing Program funds. The President submitted his FY2004 budget request to Congress on February 3, 2003, including $990.7 million for countries comprising the Andean Regional Initiative, including military funding for Colombia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Veillette, Connie
2003-08-27
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Critical Infrastructures: What Makes an Infrastructure Critical? [Updated January 29, 2003]
Over the last few years, a number of documents concerned with critical infrastructure protection have offered general definitions for critical infrastructures and have provided short lists of which infrastructures should be included. The Bush Administration's proposal for establishing a Department of Homeland Security includes a function whose responsibilities include the coordination of policies and actions to protect the nation's critical infrastructure. Essentially, the federal government will have to try to minimize the impact on the nation's critical infrastructure of any future terrorist attack, taking into account what those impacts might be and the likelihood of their occurring. At the very least, a growing list of infrastructures in need of protection will require the federal government to prioritize its efforts.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.; Copeland, Claudia; Fischer, John
2003-01-29
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Electronic Congress: Proposals and Issues [Updated July 2, 2002]
The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent anthrax incidents have prompted some observers to suggest creating a capability for a virtual or electronic Congress (e-Congress) that could function in the event of an emergency. Currently, it is unclear exactly how an e-Congress would be constituted and operated; however, a proposal (H.R. 3481) has been introduced to require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate the feasibility and costs of implementing a computer system for remote voting and communication for Congress to ensure business continuity for congressional operations. The Committee on House Administration held hearings on e-Congress initiatives and other issues surrounding the continuity of congressional operations on May 1, 2002. Some observers have offered broad suggestions involving the establishment of a Web site that Members of Congress could access from any location beyond the Capitol complex.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seifert, Jeffrey W.
2002-07-02
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Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated September 17, 2003]
"Cuba under Fidel Castro remains a hard-line communist state, with a poor
record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. While there has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms, the economy remains in poor shape. Since the early 1960s,U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island, there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2003-09-17
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance [Updated November 18, 2003]
Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished a long-standing objective- the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but U.S. officials acknowledge that restoring security to postwar Iraq has proved more difficult than anticipated. Previous U.S. Administrations had ruled out major U.S. military action to change Iraq's regime, believing such action would be risky and not necessarily justified by the level of Iraq's lack of compliance on WMD disarmament. In the months prior to the war, the Administration stressed that regime change through U.S.-led military action would yield benefits beyond disarmament and reduction of support for terrorism; benefits such as liberation of the Iraqi people from an oppressive regime and promotion of stability and democracy throughout the Middle East. However, escalating resistance to the U.S.-led occupation has contributed to administration implementation of several options, including attempts to recruit more foreign participation in post-war peacekeeping, building Iraqi institutions that can maintain security, and accelerating transfer of authority to Iraqi political bodies. Formerly exiled opposition groups form the core of a U.S.-appointed 25-seat "governing council" as well as a 25-person cabinet; these bodies are relatively representative of Iraq's ethnic and political factions but have not yet clearly established themselves as legitimate and effective Iraqi institutions that could assume sovereignty. Congress has passed legislation (H.R. 3289, P.L. 108-106) that provides supplemental FY2004 funding for military costs and reconstruction in Iraq (and Afghanistan).
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-11-18
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Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated August 11, 2003]
"Cuba under Fidel Castro remains a hard-line communist state, with a poor
record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. While there has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms, the economy remains in poor shape. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba -- to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island, there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2003-08-11
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FY2004 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism: Military Operations & Reconstruction Assistance [Updated October 15, 2003]
On September 17, the White House submitted a formal request for FY2004 supplemental appropriations of that amount to Congress. Administration officials have said that they would like to see congressional action on the request completed some time before October 24, when an international donors conference is scheduled in Madrid to seek pledges of economic assistance for Iraq. Proposals have included measures providing part or all of reconstruction aid to Iraq as loans rather than grants; conditioning funds on strict reporting requirements; requiring the president to make greater efforts to increase international assistance; rolling back tax cuts to pay for the bill; shifting funds from Iraq reconstruction to domestic programs; transferring control of Iraq reconstruction from the Defense Department to the State Department; requiring competition in contracts in Iraq; increasing personnel benefits for deployed troops; and providing reconstruction assistance to Liberia. The House Appropriations Committee marked up its version of a supplemental appropriations bill for defense and for reconstruction (H.R. 3289) on October 9, and floor action began on October 15. The Senate Appropriations Committee marked up its version of a supplemental appropriations bill, S. 1689, on September 30, and the full Senate began floor debate on the bill on October 1. The Senate resumed consideration of the measure on October 14.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Daggett, Stephen; Nowels, Larry Q.; Margesson, Rhoda . . .
2003-10-15
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance [Updated October 10, 2003]
Previous U.S. Administrations had ruled out major U.S. military action to change Iraq's regime, believing such action would be risky and not necessarily justified by the level of Iraq's lack of compliance on WMD disarmament. Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished a long-standing objective, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but the post-war period has, by almost all accounts, proved more difficult than the Administration had anticipated. In September 2002, the President told the U.N. General Assembly that unless Iraq fully disarmed in cooperation with United Nations weapons inspectors, the United States would lead a coalition to achieve that disarmament militarily, making clear that this would include the ouster of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein's regime. In the months prior to the war, the Administration stressed that regime change through U.S.-led military action would yield benefits beyond disarmament and reduction of support for terrorism; benefits such as liberation of the Iraqi people from an oppressive regime and promotion of stability and democracy throughout the Middle East. The Administration hopes that the formation of the council and subsequent appointment of a cabinet will signal that Iraq is moving toward self rule and calm some of the resistance to U.S. forces in Iraq. See also CRS Report RL31833, Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance, and CRS Report RL32090, FY2004 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism: Military Operations & Reconstruction Assistance.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-10-10
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance [Updated September 22, 2003]
"Since the early 1990s, the United States has attempted to oust Saddam Hussein and his authoritarian regime from power in Iraq. Past efforts to change the regime failed because of limited U.S. commitment, disorganization of the Iraqi opposition, and the efficiency and ruthlessness of Iraq's several overlapping security services. Previous U.S. Administrations ruled out major U.S. military action to change Iraq's regime, believing such action would be risky and not necessarily justified by the level of Iraq's lack of compliance on WMD disarmament. Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished that objective, but the post-war period has, by almost all accounts, proved more difficult than the Administration had anticipated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-09-22
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Missile Proliferation and the Strategic Balance in South Asia [October 17, 2003]
This report analyzes the policy implications of missile proliferation in South Asia, providing information on India's and Pakistan's missile programs and their role in regional security. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947 and have significant unsettled territorial disputes. Concerns on region security became acute after May 1998, when both India and Pakistan tested nuclear explosive devices. Since that time, both countries have continued testing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and both have established command and control authorities to oversee their nuclear arsenals. Although the status of weaponization is unclear, a slow-speed arms race appears to be underway on the Asian Subcontinent, and the proliferation of missile capabilities in South Asia has been identified as a potentially major threat to regional stability and to key U.S. foreign policy goals. During the 1990s, U.S. security policy toward South Asia focused on preventing weapons proliferation, but the Bush Administration shifted to a more "pragmatic" approach emphasizing "restraint" in this area. For perhaps the first period in history the United States currently enjoys simultaneously positive relations with both countries. The strategic capabilities of India and Pakistan could provide a ready catalyst for transforming disputes or terrorist incidents into potentially cataclysmic confrontations. Both countries also are pursuing the development or acquisition of missile defense systems. Key issues for Congress addressed in this report are the extent to which missile proliferation in South Asia enhances or upsets regional stability and the role of U.S. policy in promoting such stability, as well as in tension reduction and nonproliferation.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-10-17
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Chemical Plant Security [Updated January 23, 2003]
Chemical facilities might be vulnerable to direct attacks by terrorists or covert use of business contacts, facilities, and materials to gain access to potentially dangerous chemicals. Because few terrorist attacks have been attempted on U.S. chemical facilities, the estimated risk of death and injury in the near future is low, but risks may be increasing, as available evidence indicates that many facilities may lack adequate safeguards. EPA authority and the ability of existing legislation to regulate in this area is unclear (Public Law 107-296, establishing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), does not address chemical plant security directly), therefore Congress might rely on existing mechanisms in the public and private sectors to evaluate and improve chemical site security, while waiting for better information about the potential harm from terrorist attacks on chemical facilities. Policy makers face at least three key issues: the effect of public disclosure; the relative importance of diverse risks; and who should be responsible for achieving results.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schierow, Linda-Jo
2003-01-23
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U.S. Use of Preemptive Military Force [Updated April 11, 2003]
From the Summary: "This report reviews the historical record regarding the uses of U.S. military force in a "preemptive" manner, an issue that emerged during public debates prior to the use of U.S. military force against Iraq in 2003. It examines and comments on military actions taken by the United States that could be reasonably interpreted as preemptive in nature. For purposes of this analysis a preemptive use of military force is considered to be the taking of military action by the United States against another nation so as to prevent or mitigate a presumed imminent military attack or use of force by that nation against the United States. The deployment of U.S. military forces in support of U.S.
foreign policy, without their engaging in combat, is not deemed to be a preemptive use of military force. This review includes all noteworthy uses of military force by the United States since the establishment of the Republic. A listing of such instances can be found in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL30172, Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2001. For an analysis of international law and preemptive force see CRS Report RS21314, International Law and the Preemptive Use of Force Against Iraq. This report will be updated if significant events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2003-04-11
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United Nations Security Council - Its Role in the Iraq Crisis: A Brief Overview [Updated May 16, 2003]
From the Summary: "On September 12, 2002, President Bush in his address to the U.N. General
Assembly, focused on Iraq and its failure to comply with various resolutions adopted by the U.N. Security Council. He urged the Council to act in the face of such repeated violations. On November 8, 2002, the Council responded, adopting Resolution 1441 (2002) unanimously. This short report provides background information on what the U.N. Security Council is and what it does, including the occasions when it has authorized the use of force or its equivalent. As the U.N. organ having primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security, the 15-member Security Council set the major international response to the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, authorizing the use of "force" to gain Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait in compliance with the 11 resolutions previously passed in 1990. In 1991, after the war, the Council adopted a series of 12 resolutions that assigned an extensive set of tasks to
the United Nations and imposed on Iraq an equally extensive series of obligations. As hostilities became imminent, U.N. activities inside Iraq were suspended. After March 19, 2003, the Council met in late March to air U.N. member concerns over the hostilities. This report ends with the start of hostilities and will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann
2003-05-16
