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Nordic Countries and U.S. Relations [September 13, 2018]
"The five Nordic countries--Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden--share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties and many political and economic similarities. They are all stable democracies with parliamentary systems of government and are largely regarded as open, egalitarian societies. They also are prosperous market economies with relatively high standards of living."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2018-09-13
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Positive Train Control: Most Railroads Expect to Request an Extension, and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018, Statement of Susan Fleming, Director, Physical Infrastructure, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Forty railroads including Amtrak, commuter, and freight railroads are currently required by statute to implement PTC [positive train control], a communications-based system designed to slow or stop a train that is not being operated safely. PTC must be interoperable, meaning trains can operate seamlessly on the same PTC-equipped track, including 'tenants' that operate on track owned by another 'host' railroad. Although the deadline for PTC implementation is December 31, 2018, railroads may receive a maximum 2 -year extension to December 31, 2020, if they meet certain statutory criteria. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review railroads' PTC implementation progress. This statement discusses (1) railroads' implementation progress and FRA's [Federal Railroad Administration] steps to assist them and (2) how railroads and FRA plan to approach the 2018 and 2020 deadlines. GAO analyzed railroads' most recent quarterly reports covering activities through June 30, 2018; sent a brief questionnaire to all 40 railroads; and interviewed officials from FRA and 16 railroads, selected in part based on those identified as at-risk by FRA."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-09-13
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Hurricane Florence: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [September 13, 2018]
"This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major disaster declarations relevant to Hurricane Florence, and selected federal resources and links to CRS products related to emergency and disaster declarations, disaster response,and recovery. Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, NC, as a category 1 hurricane on September 14, 2018. In anticipation of the landfall, President Trump has issued emergency declarations to Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (referred to as the Stafford Act-- 42 U.S.C. §§5721 et seq.), emergency declarations trigger aid for protecting property, public health and safety, and other activities that lessen or avert an incident becoming a catastrophic event."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Brown, Jared T. . . .
2018-09-13
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Senate Confirmation Votes on U.S. Supreme Court Nominations: Overview [September 13, 2018]
"After the Senate Judiciary Committee reports a Supreme Court nomination, it is placed on the Senate Executive Calendar (to be considered in executive session). Senate consideration of a Supreme Court nomination includes floor debate on the nomination, as well as a final vote by the Senate on whether to approve it. When floor debate on a nomination ends, the presiding officer puts the question of confirmation to a vote. A roll call vote to confirm requires a simple majority of Senators present and voting, a quorum being present. Since 1967, beginning with the confirmation of Thurgood Marshall, every Senate vote on whether to confirm a Supreme Court nomination has been by roll call (prior to 1967, most confirmation votes were by voice vote)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McMillion, Barry J.
2018-09-13
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H. Rept. 115-952: Department of Defense for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2019, and for Other Purposes, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157, September 13, 2018
From the Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference: "This conference agreement includes the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019, and the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. The Senate amendment included the Senate version of the Defense Appropriations bill (S. 3159) and added the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies bill (S. 3158). The House bill included the House version of the Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 6157) only. H.R. 6157 was passed by the House on June 28, 2018 and used as the vehicle for the Senate amendment, which passed the Senate on August 23, 2018. The agreement also includes continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-13
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H. Rept. 115-950: National Quantum Initiative Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 6227, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, September 13, 2018
"H.R. 6227, the 'National Quantum Initiative Act,' was introduced by Chairman Lamar Smith and sponsored by Ranking Minority Member Eddie Bernice Johnson. The purpose of H.R. 6227 is to provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States. The bill establishes a 10-year program to advance quantum research and technology applications and workforce development. The bill authorizes quantum activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-13
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Catastrophic Power Outage Study [presentation]
"The Nation has made significant advancements in emergency response and recovery planning over the past decade in response to the growing occurrence of complex disasters. Given the interconnected nature of critical systems and networks, new broad-scale approaches are needed to adequately prepare for, respond to, and recover from catastrophic disasters that can create significant power outages with severe cascading impacts to multiple critical sectors. [...] The desired outcome of this study is a greater understanding of how the public and private sectors can work together to further enhance and integrate critical infrastructure resilience with response and recovery actions to mitigate the risks posed by catastrophic power outages."
National Infrastructure Advisory Council (U.S.)
2018-09-13
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H. Doc. 115-152: National Emergency with Respect to Foreign Interference in United States Elections, September 13, 2018
From the letter from the President Donald Trump: "Foreign powers have historically sought to exploit America's free and open political system. In recent years, the proliferation of digital devices and internet-based communications has created significant vulnerabilities and magnified the scope and intensity of the threat of foreign interference. To deal with this threat, I have directed the Director of National Intelligence to conduct regular assessments of any information indicating that foreign election interference has taken place. I have also directed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct evaluations of the effects of any such interference that targeted election infrastructure or campaign-related infrastructure, and to provide updates and recommendations on appropriate measures to take in response."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-13
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H. Doc. 115-153: September 2018 Monthly Cumulative Report on Rescissions, September 13, 2018
"Communication from the Director, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President transmitting the September 2018 monthly cumulative report on rescissions, pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 685(e); Public Law 93-344, SEC. 1014(e); (88 Stat. 335)[.]"
United States. Government Printing Office
2018-09-13
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Summary of the Reengagement of Detainees Formerly Held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba [As of 15 July 2018]
"The Director of National Intelligence submits this summary consistent with direction in the Fiscal Year 2012 Intelligence Authorization Act, Section 307, which states: (a) ' The Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, shall make publicly available an unclassified summary of, (1) Intelligence relating to recidivism of detainees currently or formerly held at the Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department of Defense; and (2) An assessment of the likelihood that such detainees will engage in terrorism or communicate with persons in terrorist organizations."
United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
2018-09-13
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Hurricane Key Messages for Employers, Workers, and Volunteers
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are working with federal, state and local agencies as well as global health partners in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Protecting the health and safety of responders and volunteers by preventing diseases, injuries, and fatalities is a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Emergency Preparedness and Response Program priority. This document focuses on key messages for employers, workers, and volunteers responding to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. It will be updated as new information becomes available and will be distributed regularly. Please share this document with others as appropriate."
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2018-09-13?
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H. Rep. 115-951, Part 1: Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 5175, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, September 13, 2018
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 5175, Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, was introduced by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. David Loebsack (D-IA) on March 6, 2018. H.R. 5175 requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program to coordinate among Federal agencies, States, and the energy sector to ensure the security, resiliency, and survivability of natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas facilities. H.R. 5175 also requires the Secretary to coordinate response and recovery to physical and cyber incidents impacting the energy sector, develop advanced cybersecurity applications and technologies, perform pilot demonstration projects, develop workforce development curricula relating to physical and cybersecurity, and provide mechanisms to help the energy sector evaluate, prioritize, and improve physical and cybersecurity capabilities."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-13
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 18 Issue 37, September 13, 2018
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Free online hazmat training for rural, volunteer and remote responders"; "Quick-thinking paramedic makes life-saving suggestion"; "National test of IPAWS Public Alert and Warning System September 20"; and "'State of 911' Webinar: Coordinating 911 and DoD Activities".
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2018-09-13
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Electronic Health Records: Clear Definition of the Interagency Program Office's Role in VA's New Modernization Effort Would Strengthen Accountability, Statement of Carol C. Harris, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives
"The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 included provisions that VA [Veterans Affairs] and DOD [Department of Defense] jointly develop and implement electronic health record systems or capabilities and accelerate the exchange of health care information. The act also required that these systems be compliant with applicable interoperability standards. Further, the act established a joint Interagency Program Office to act as a single point of accountability for the efforts, with the function of implementing, by September 30, 2009, electronic health record systems that allow for full interoperability. This testimony discusses GAO's [Government Accountability Office] previously reported findings on the establishment and evolution of the Interagency Program Office over the last decade. In developing this testimony, GAO summarized findings from its reports issued in 2008 through 2018, and information on the departments' actions in response to GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2018-09-13
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Hurricane Payments and Training (Fiscal Year 2018 Report to Congress)
From the Executive Summary: "ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is committed to improving the financial payments process and communications for emergency evacuations. ICE submits the enclosed report to satisfy the requirements in P.L. 115-141 and its accompanying Joint Explanatory Statement. This report explains circumstances surrounding the erroneous payments made during Hurricanes Irma and Maria. ICE made payments to certain evacuated employees related to evacuation of themselves and their dependents from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, ICE made payments to employees for daily 'per diem' beyond what the governing evacuation regulations permitted while under evacuation orders. This report also includes specific actions taken to improve agencywide understanding of special allowances. Lastly, a certification by the Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of ICE provides confirmation that ICE has developed and will implement a training plan before the end of FY 2018 to strengthen internal controls."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2018-09-13
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Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments [September 13, 2018]
"The military retirement system is a government-funded benefit system that has been viewed historically as a significant incentive in retaining a career military force. The system includes a defined benefit (i.e.,pension) element for all retirees and a defined contribution element for certain eligible retirees. The defined benefit includes a monthly annuity for qualified active and reserve retirees paid out of the Military Retirement Fund.The defined contribution benefit includes government-matching payments into an individual retirement Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. The amount of the retirement annuity depends on time served and basic pay at retirement. It is adjusted annually by a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure that the annuity is protected from the adverse consequences of inflation. Military retirees are also entitled to nonmonetary benefits,which include exchange and commissary privileges, medical care through TRICARE, and access to Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2018-09-13
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Race, Rights, and Politics: Black and Minority Populations in Europe
From the Document: "The OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] has had a focus on diverse and vulnerable populations, from Roma and Jewish populations to national minorities and migrants, in Europe and the United States since its inception. Over the past decade, our commissioners have also focused on the situation of people of African descent in Europe, or black Europeans, from hearings in the U.S. Congress to resolutions in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Central to those efforts has been raising awareness about Europe's long history and contribution of African descent populations."
United States. Congress. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
2018-09-12
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Costs of Government Interventions in Response to the Financial Crisis: A Retrospective [September 12, 2018]
"In September 2008, the crisis reached panic proportions. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that supported a large proportion of the mortgage market, were taken into government conservatorship. Lehman Brothers, a major investment bank, declared bankruptcy. The government acquired most of the equity in American International Group (AIG), one of the world's largest insurers, in exchange for an emergency loan from the Federal Reserve (Fed). These firms were seen by many, either at the time or in hindsight, as 'too big to fail' firms whose failure would lead to contagion that would cause financial problems for counterparties or would disrupt the smooth functioning of markets in which the firms operated. One example of such contagion was the failure of a large money market fund holding Lehman Brothers debt that caused a run on many similar funds, including several whose assets were sound."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Labonte, Marc
2018-09-12
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FY2019 Appropriations for the Department of Energy [September 12, 2018]
"The Department of Energy (DOE) is funded through the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. The President's FY2019 budget request is $30.4 billion for the DOE, approximately $4.2 billion (12%) less than the FY2018 enacted level of $34.6 billion (see P.L. 115-141 and Title III of Division D, Explanatory Statement on page H2481). Conference report H.Rept. 115-929 to accompany H.R. 5895, which includes the FY2019 Energy and Water appropriations bill in a three-bill 'minibus' funding bill, was filed on September 10, 2018. According to the joint explanatory statement, the report would fund DOE at $35.7 billion--$1.1 billion above the FY2018 enacted level and $5.3 billion above the request. Proposed changes to the DOE budget are illustrated in Figure 1, which compares the FY2018 enacted levels to the FY2019 request and FY2019 conference report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Clark, Corrie E.
2018-09-12
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Insider Threat Mitigation Program: Available Resources
From the Document: "Malicious insiders pose a serious threat to organizations in the public and private sectors. Their authorized access or insider knowledge of critical assets offers them opportunities to compromise information, sabotage infrastructure, or inflict harm upon co-workers. A complacent or uninformed workforce can be equally as damaging by inadvertently allowing easy access to an external threat. Insider threats can be current or former employees, partners, contractors, or family and friends. Regardless of the actor, it is important for organizations to establish an insider threat program that can detect, deter, and prevent insiders from causing harm. Provided [herein] are some of the Department of Homeland Security resources to help organizations design a comprehensive program that protects against physical and cyber insider threats."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2018-09-12?
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Preliminary Estimate of Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of S. 3021, the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, as Posted on the Website of the House of Representatives on September 10, 2018
"CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing the legislation would decrease direct spending by $333 million over the 2019-2028 period mostly because it would direct the Department of Energy to sell 5 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 2028, which would increase net offsetting receipts by $340 million."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2018-09-12
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E. Rept. 115-7: United Nations Convention on the Assignment of Receivables in International Trade, Done at New York on December 12, 2001, and Signed by the United States on December 30, 2003, Report to Accompany Treaty Doc. 114-7, September 12, 2018
"The United Nations Convention on the Assignment of Receivables in International Trade (the 'Convention') provides uniform rules to facilitate cross-border receivables financing. Receivables financing is an important tool in helping U.S. companies secure working capital financing. Within the United States, lenders and buyers of receivables are familiar with providing financing based upon the use of receivables from debtors located within the United States as working capital collateral. Uniform Commercial Code Article 9, as adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, provides extensive rules on the use of receivables as to finance operations or use as collateral and how to resolve potential conflicts of law. However, U.S. based lenders may be less willing to make loans secured by receivables owed by debtors located outside the United States because such cross-border transactions may involve countries whose laws are not consistent with modern financial practices. The Convention, if widely adopted, will establish clear rules for resolving conflicts of law with respect to receivables financing. A key element of the Convention includes providing clear rules on establishing location under the treaty, allowing commercial parties to structure deals and effectively choose the forum that suits their needs in many transactions."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-12
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H. Rept. 115-945: REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 3398, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, September 12, 2018
"H.R. 3398, the REAL ID [Real Identification] Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to permit Freely Associated States to meet identification eligibility requirements."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-12
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H. Rept. 115-947: Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2018, Report to Accompany H.R. 4887, September 12, 2018
"H.R. 4887, the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2018, or the GREAT Act, requires the creation of a comprehensive taxonomy of standardized data elements for Federal awards to be implemented government-wide. The standardization will ease the reporting burden for grant recipients and improve public and private oversight."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-12
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H. Rept. 115-946, Part 1: Correcting Miscalculations in Veterans' Pensions Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 4431, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, September 12, 2018
"H.R. 4431, the Correcting Miscalculations in Veterans' Pensions Act provides permissive authority to agencies to pay interest accrued on Federal civilian deposits made by former military members if the interest accrued because of an administrative error."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-12
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H. Rept. 115-948: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2019, Report Together with Minority Views to Accompany H.R. 6776, September 12, 2018
"March 1, 2018, marked the fifteenth anniversary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While DHS is the youngest Department, it is comprised of agencies that date back to the late 1700s with a mission and footprint that stretches beyond every U.S. state and territory. The Committee's recommendation of $58,087,000,000 in discretionary funding prioritizes the programs and activities of the Department that keep the Homeland safe by securing our borders, enhancing critical national security efforts, and responding to disasters."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018-09-12
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U.S. - Taiwan Trade Relations [September 11, 2018]
"With a population of 23 million people, Taiwan has evolved to become a highly developed, dynamic, and globally competitive economy. In 2017, Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis was $1.2 trillion, making it the world's 21st largest economy. Its per capita GDP on a PPP basis (a common measurement of living standards) was 15% greater than Japan's and about 75% of the U.S. level. In 2017, Taiwan was the world's 18th largest trading economy. The World Economic Forum ranked Taiwan as the world's 15th most competitive economy in 2017. Taiwan is a major global producer of information and communications technology (ICT) products (e.g., notebook PCs, tablets, smartphones, and computer peripherals) and semiconductors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2018-09-11
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3D-Printed Guns: An Overview of Recent Legal Developments [September 11, 2018]
"As has been widely reported, a company called Defense Distributed has been embroiled in a multi-year legal battle related to its online dissemination of computer files for 3D printing of non-metallic firearms. These files contain code that ostensibly allows for the automatic generation of plastic firearms and components by anyone with access to a 3D printer. On August 27, 2018, a federal court in Seattle granted a preliminary order or injunction that blocks the government from allowing Defense Distributed to disseminate the files on the Internet for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, shortly after entry of the order, the company expressed its intention to sell the blueprints online and ship them to individual purchasers, which it views as permissible under the court's ruling. In light of these developments, this Sidebar addresses the various legal questions that have arisen with respect to the recent litigation over 3D printed guns by providing an overview of the issues and developments that have culminated in the injunction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2018-09-11
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Section 232 Investigations: Overview and Issues for Congress [September 11, 2018]
"On March 8, 2018, President Trump issued two proclamations imposing duties on U.S. imports of certain steel and aluminum products, using presidential powers granted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Section 232 authorizes the President to impose restrictions on certain imports based on an affirmative determination by the Department of Commerce (Commerce) that the targeted products are being imported into the United States 'in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.' Section 232 investigations and actions are important for Congress, as the Constitution gives it primary authority over international trade matters. In the case of Section 232, Congress has delegated the President broad authority to impose limits on imports in the interest of U.S. national security. The statute does not require congressional approval of any presidential actions that fall within its scope. In the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980, however, Congress amended Section 232 by creating a joint disapproval resolution provision under which Congress could override presidential actions in the case of adjustments to petroleum or petroleum product imports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Jones, Vivian Catherine; Hammond, Keigh E. . . .
2018-09-11
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 6175, Maritime Safety Act of 2018
From the Summary: "H.R. 6175 would require the Coast Guard (USCG) to pursue a variety of activities aimed at improving maritime safety. Using information from the agency, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that meeting the bill's requirements would cost $5 million over the 2019-2023 period; any such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 6175 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 6175 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). H.R. 6175 would impose private-sector mandates on shipping companies that operate freight vessels regulated by the USCG. CBO estimates that the incremental costs of the requirements in H.R. 6175 would be small and would fall below the annual threshold for private-sector mandates established in UMRA ($160 million in 2018, adjusted annually for inflation)."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2018-09-11
