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Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Air Pollution, and Climate Change [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "On August 5, 2021, the Biden Administration announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines through a series of rulemakings over three years (Executive Order 14037, 'Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks,' 86 'Federal Register' 43583). The first rule, to be promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and slated to be finalized in 2022, applies to heavy-duty vehicles starting in model year (MY) 2027. The rule would set new standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions for the sector as well as targeted updates to the current GHG emission standards. A second rule, to be promulgated by EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would set more stringent GHG emission and fuel efficiency standards for new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines beginning with MY2030."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2022-05-09
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S. Rept. 117-107: To Amend the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to Repeal Certain Obsolete Requirements, and for Other Purposes, Report of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United State Senate, to Accompany S. 3499, May 9, 2022
From the Purpose and Summary: "S. 3499 repeals Section 692 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA) to conform with government-wide requirements. Section 692 of PKEMRA placed a limitation on certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emergency response and recovery contracts to prevent excessive subcontracting. Subsequently, a provision in the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 resulted in government-wide changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to prevent excessive subcontracting, making Section 692 unnecessary."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-05-09
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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): Compensation Related to Exposure to Radiation from Atomic Weapons Testing and Uranium Mining [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was enacted in 1990 and provides one-time cash benefits to certain persons who participated in atomic weapons testing or lived near the Nevada Test Site during periods of atmospheric (above-ground) atomic weapons testing. Benefits under RECA are also available to certain uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who worked in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971, when the federal government stopped its procurement of uranium for the atomic weapons program. All RECA claimants must have contracted one of the medical conditions specified in the statute after possible exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of an atomic weapon or after working in the uranium industry. The RECA program is administered by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). To date, DOJ has approved more than 36,000 RECA claims for more than $2.3 billion in benefits. The majority of RECA claims are related to atomic weapons testing rather than the uranium industry. Complete RECA program data are provided in [this document]. Benefits under RECA are paid out of general revenue and are considered mandatory spending."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2022-05-09
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [In this document] are three tables, organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was compiled from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2022-05-09
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Navy Shipboard Lasers: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on shipboard solid state lasers (SSLs) that the Navy is developing for surface-ship self-defense. The Navy's proposed FY2023 budget requests continued research and development funding for these efforts. The issue for Congress is whether to modify, reject, or approve the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for shipboard laser development programs. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the defense technology and industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-05-09
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Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Summary: "This guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2022-05-09
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Preparing Secrets for a Post-Quantum World--National Security Memorandum 10 [May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "On May 4, 2022, President Biden signed National Security Memorandum 10 (NSM 10 [hyperlink]) on 'Promoting United States Leadership in Quantum Computing While Mitigating Risks to Vulnerable Cryptographic Systems.' Along with an accompanying Executive Order [hyperlink] (EO), the memorandum seeks to promote U.S. leadership in quantum information science [hyperlink] (QIS). NSM 10 also addresses potential threats that quantum computers may pose to encrypted data and systems. This Insight discusses the cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing, details about the memorandum, and potential issues for Congress"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2022-05-09
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Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "On August 5, 2021, the Biden Administration proposed amendments to the federal standards that regulate fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new light-duty vehicles--a category that includes passenger cars and most sports utility vehicles, vans, and pickup trucks. These standards include the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Light-Duty Vehicle GHG emission standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA finalized its amendments on December 30, 2021; NHTSA finalized its amendments on May 2, 2022. President Biden also signed Executive Order 14037, 'Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks' (86 'Federal Register' 43583), which (1) requires EPA and NHTSA to begin work on future rulemakings for multipollutant and fuel efficiency standards for both light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles and engines that would take effect beginning in model year (MY) 2027, and (2) sets a nonbinding electrification goal that '50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles.' Some policymakers see these pending rulemakings as an opportunity to re-envision the goals and structures of the federal vehicle fuel economy and GHG emission program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Canis, Bill
2022-05-09
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U.S. International Climate Finance: FY2023 [Updated May 9, 2022]
From the Document: "Over the past several decades, to varying degrees, the United States has delivered financial and technical assistance for climate change activities in the developing world through a variety of bilateral and multilateral channels with appropriations passed by Congress and implemented by the executive agencies. Climate finance is funded primarily through programs at the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Funds for these programs are requested in the President's budget under the International Affairs function (Function 150) and funded through the annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriation. [...] U.S. Administrations have typically divided international climate finance into three main programmatic initiatives or categories: [1] 'Adaptation:' programs that aim to assist low-income countries with reducing their vulnerability to climate change impacts and building climate resilience. [2] 'Clean Energy:' programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation and energy use by accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies, policies, and practices. [3] 'Sustainable Landscapes:' programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Congress oversees U.S. government assistance to lower-income countries for climate change initiatives. [...] With Executive Order (E.O.) 14008, 'Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,' of February 1, 2021 (86 'Federal Register' 7619), President Joe Biden directed that climate change 'shall be an essential element of United States foreign policy and national security. The United States will work with other countries and partners, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to put the world on a sustainable climate pathway.' As called for by the E.O., the United States released the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2022-05-09
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Analyzing How the Effects of Federal Policies May Differ by Race and Ethnicity
From the Document: "Many Members have asked whether the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] can provide information on how the effects of federal policies differ by race and ethnicity. This letter updates you regarding the agency's efforts to increase its capacity to analyze how budgetary and economic conditions or developments may affect various demographic groups (including groups based on race and ethnicity) differently. Over the past few years, CBO has examined different outcomes among demographic groups in a number of contexts. For example, in July 2020, CBO described the race and ethnicity, sex, age, education, and household earnings of the 19 million people who were expected to receive regular unemployment benefits in that month. More recently, CBO examined the effects of the pandemic on the employment of men and women of different races and ethnicities. Those types of analyses can be challenging to produce because of limitations in the data. In response to Congressional interest in how policies affect people in different groups, CBO is seeking to enhance its capabilities, building on its earlier work and existing models. For example, CBO may use methods to statistically combine detailed income tax data from tax returns with survey data, and it has proposed to the Census Bureau a project to evaluate the accuracy of such statistically matched data. This letter provides more detail on the challenges regarding data availability and describes CBO's ongoing efforts to increase the agency's capacity to analyze budgetary and economic outcomes for various demographic groups."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
Swagel, Phillip
2022-05-06
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 06, 2022
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Geographic Differences in Sex-Specific Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mortality Rate Trends Among Adults Aged ≥25 Years -- United States, 1999-2019"; "Use of a Modified Preexposure Prophylaxis Vaccination Schedule to Prevent
Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, 2022"; "West Nile Virus and Other Domestic Nationally Notifiable Arboviral Diseases -- United States, 2020"; "Effectiveness of a COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Additional Primary or Booster Vaccine Dose in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Infection Among Nursing Home Residents During Widespread Circulation of the Omicron Variant -- United States, February 14-March 27, 2022"; and "Acute Hepatitis and Adenovirus Infection Among Children -- Alabama, October 2021-February 2022." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-05-06
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H. Rept. 117-307: School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 5428, May 6, 2022
From the Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of H.R. 5428, the 'School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act', is to direct the U.S. Department of Education (ED), in consultation with the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS), to annually collect and report on indicators of school safety for all school shootings in prekindergarten through 12th grade (PreK-12) schools and institutions of higher education. The bill creates definitions of 'school shooting' and 'mass shooting' for the purpose of data collection. This would also be the first time these terms would be defined in federal law. In addition to the number of shootings, H.R. 5428 requires data collection on a number of factors related to school shootings, including the number of people killed and injured, the demographics of the shooter and victims, and the type of gun and ammunition used, among other factors. The bill also requires a historical collection and reporting of data on prior school shootings."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-05-06
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2326, Veterans' Cyber Risk Assessment Act
From the Document: "H.R. 2326 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an outreach campaign to educate veterans about cybersecurity risks, such as disinformation, identity theft, scams, or fraud perpetuated through the Internet. VA would be required to provide information on how veterans may report cybersecurity risks to law enforcement and establish a website that includes information for veterans on such risks. The department also would be required to report on the progress of the campaign within 60 days of enactment. Based on the cost of similar outreach campaigns, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates the requirement would cost less than $500,000."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-06
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3904, Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2022
From the Document: "S. 3904 would require the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to provide cybersecurity threat information and training to health care providers in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill also would require CISA to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of its efforts. Under current law, CISA currently employs 32 analysts to provide training to and share information with eight critical infrastructure sectors. Using information from CISA, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] expects that the agency would need four additional analysts to expand its support to the health care sector."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-06
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3491, Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State Act
From the Document: "S. 3491 would authorize the appropriation of $2 million in 2022 to establish a new legislative branch commission. The commission, comprising eight members chosen by the Congress, would have 18 months to examine the challenges of modern-day diplomacy and report to the President and the Congress on its findings. It also would make recommendations on ways to improve the operations and management of the Department of State. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 in 2022 and a total of $2 million over the 2022-2026 period, subject to the appropriation of the specified amounts."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-06
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H. Rept. 117-309: Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 7077, May 6, 2022
From the Purpose of the Bill: "The purpose of the bill is to require the United States Fire Administration to conduct on-site investigations of major fires."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-05-06
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Defense Primer: Quantum Technology [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "Quantum technology translates the principles of quantum physics into technological applications. In general, quantum technology has not yet reached maturity; however, it could hold significant implications for the future of military sensing, encryption, and communications, as well as for congressional oversight, authorizations, and appropriations. [...] Congress has considered the management and implications of quantum technology. For example, Section 234 of the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 115-232) directs the Secretary of Defense--acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering--to execute a quantum technology research and development program in coordination with the private sector and other government agencies. Furthermore, Section 220 of the FY2020 NDAA (P.L. 116- 92) requires DOD to develop ethics guidelines for the use of quantum technologies, as well as plans for supporting the quantum workforce and reducing the cybersecurity risks associated with quantum technologies. It additionally authorizes the Secretary of each military department to establish Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers that may 'engage with appropriate public and private sector organizations' to advance quantum research. To date, the Navy has designated the Naval Research Laboratory as its QIS Research Center, while the Air Force has designated the Air Force Research Laboratory as a QIS Research Center for both the Air Force and Space Force. The Army says it does not plan to establish a QIS Research Center at this time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2022-05-06
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Pandemic Learning: Technical Materials for Teacher Survey and Discussion Groups with Public K-12 School Principals, Teachers, and Parents
From the Background: "This electronic supplement serves as a companion to GAO-22-104487 [hyperlink], 'Pandemic Learning: As Students Struggled to Learn, Teachers Reported Few Strategies as Particularly Helpful to Mitigate Learning Loss', as well as two forthcoming reports on pandemic learning. This supplement presents technical information about our two methodologies--a nationwide survey of K-12 public school teachers and discussion groups with educators and parents--as well as a reproduction of the survey instrument and survey results in aggregate form." GAO-22-104487, "Pandemic Learning: As Students Struggled to Learn, Teachers Reported Few Strategies as Particularly Helpful to Mitigate Learning Loss," can be accessed at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=867219].
United States. Government Accountability Office
2022-05-06?
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European Parliament and U.S. Interests [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the 27-country European Union (EU). The EP's 705 members represent the EU's roughly 445 million citizens. The most recent EP elections were in May 2019. The EP has accumulated more power over time as part of EU efforts to improve democratic accountability and transparency in EU policymaking. Enhanced powers since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty have made the EP a more important actor on several issues of U.S. concern, including trade, data privacy, and counterterrorism. Congress-EP ties are long-standing, and Congress may be interested in EP activities given the EP's potential to influence key aspects of U.S.-EU relations. [...] Interparliamentary exchanges between Congress and the EP date back to the 1970s. The Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD) has been the formal mechanism for engagement between the U.S. House of Representatives and the EP since 1999. TLD meetings are intended to take place twice a year to discuss various political and economic issues. Many MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] have long argued for further enhancing cooperation with Congress, and some U.S. analysts suggest it might be in U.S. interests for Congress to forge closer ties with the EP to help strengthen U.S.-EU relations and reduce frictions. Others assess that structural and procedural differences between Congress and the EP likely would impede more extensive legislative cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2022-05-06
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Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Professionals [May 6, 2022]
From the Summary: "Human trafficking occurs throughout the United States, and traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals for commercial sex and forced labor in a variety of legal and illegal industries. U.S. efforts to counter trafficking in persons broadly involve prevention and awareness training, investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offenses, and protection for victims. With respect to identifying victims and protecting them from further exploitation, certain industries--such as the health care industry--are uniquely positioned to recognize potential signs of trafficking. Some studies have indicated that many trafficking victims come in contact with medical professionals at some point during their exploitation, and health care professionals may be well situated to recognize indicators of human trafficking. [...] Various federal departments and agencies have developed efforts to enhance awareness of human trafficking. [...] One program is specifically focused on the health care industry. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program. [...] Health provider training to recognize human trafficking could occur at multiple points in time: during formal education (e.g., medical or nursing school), during clinical training (e.g., as part of medical residency training or nurse clinical training), and while in active practice (e.g., as part of the requirements to obtain or maintain a license). Generally, the federal role at each of these points may be limited because schools and clinical training programs set training content, and states license health professionals. However, policymakers may consider several options for influencing this training."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-
2022-05-06
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Al Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "Al Qaeda (AQ) is a transnational Sunni Islamist terrorist organization and network of affiliates that the U.S. intelligence community described as of early 2022 as one of the groups that 'probably pose the greatest threat to U.S. persons and interests abroad' and a potential source of inspiration to domestic violent extremists. Sustained counterterrorism (CT) pressure has weakened the group since it perpetrated the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks. In its March 2022 annual public threat assessment, the U.S. intelligence community stated that Al Qaeda 'is constrained in its efforts to lead a unified global movement' but will try to 'capitalize on permissive operating environments.' U.S. officials characterize the AQ threat as stemming mainly from its affiliates, which have generally focused on local issues in their respective areas of operation, where they threaten local U.S. personnel, interests, and partners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2022-05-06
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Supplemental Funding for Ukraine: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "As of April 28, 2022, the Biden Administration had submitted to Congress two emergency supplemental funding requests to address the crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine [hyperlink]. The first, submitted on March 2, 2022, included $5 billion for Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations accounts, among other funding. On March 15, 2022, Congress enacted the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act (USAA, P.L. 117-103, Div. N), which provided $6.8 billion for SFOPS accounts. The Administration's second supplemental funding request, submitted to Congress on April 28, called for an additional $14.75 billion in SFOPS funding related to Ukraine. Reports suggest [hyperlink] Congress may pursue another emergency supplemental funding package, though it remains to be seen what that package may include and whether domestic priorities affect its consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgenstern, Emily M.
2022-05-06
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U.S.-EU Trade Relations [May 6, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The United States and the 27-member European Union (EU) share a highly integrated trade and economic relationship. In 2021, the United States and the EU remained each other's largest overall trade and investment partner, despite recent major economic and other developments that have affected such ties, including the economic challenges and shifts in global activity arising from the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; 'Brexit,' the departure from the EU of the United Kingdom (UK); and the rise of China as a major bilateral trading partner for both. Their ties are of global consequence, as the United States and the EU bloc are the world's two largest economies, comprising 43% of global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020. Given the scope and magnitude of U.S.-EU trade and investment ties, efforts to strengthen and expand them by addressing remaining and new barriers to trade and investment historically have been a key part of U.S. trade policy. [...] President Joe Biden has 'underscored his support for the [EU] and his commitment to repair and revitalize the U.S.-EU partnership.' Developments during the Biden Administration include new means of cooperation, progress toward resolving certain bilateral trade irritants, and cooperation to address pressing global trade challenges. Nevertheless, diverging views and frictions remain. The 117th Congress may examine U.S. trade policy with respect to the EU in terms of resolving current trade frictions, deepening bilateral trade engagement and pursuing further trade liberalization, cooperating on global trade issues, and setting international rules and standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Johnson, Renée; Fefer, Rachel F. . . .
2022-05-06
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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Background and U.S. Funding [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Summary: "Established in 1969, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the primary U.N. entity addressing population issues. Its overall goal is to ensure reproductive rights for all, including access to sexual and reproductive health services such as voluntary family planning. Headquartered in New York City, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and supports more than 3,000 staff. It is funded by voluntary contributions from governments and other donors, with expenses totaling $1.29 billion in 2020. [...] The United States played a key role in the creation of UNFPA and was initially one of its largest financial donors. In the mid-1980s, President Reagan and some Members of Congress became concerned that UNFPA's country program in the People's Republic of China (PRC) engaged in or provided funding for abortion or coercive family planning programs. In response, Congress enacted what became known as the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment as part of the FY1985 Supplemental Appropriations Act. The measure stated that no funds 'may be made available to any organization or program which, as determined by the President, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.' The amendment has continued to be included in annual appropriations laws, at times resulting in the withholding of U.S. funding from UNFPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Collins-Chase, Edward J.
2022-05-06
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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Highway Bridges [May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "The United States has approximately 620,000 bridges on public roads subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) mandated by Congress (23 U.S.C. [United States Code] §144). About 48% of these bridges are owned by state governments and 50% by local governments. State governments generally own the larger and more heavily traveled bridges, such as those on the Interstate Highway system. Less than 2% of highway bridges are owned by the federal government, primarily those on federal land. The number of bridges classified as poor has declined gradually for many years. However, about 44,000 bridges remain in poor condition and this has led to recent changes in federal bridge policy intended to speed up the rate of bridge improvement. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. [Public Law] 117-58), enacted on November 15, 2021, authorized and appropriated funding for surface transportation programs for FY2022-FY2026. The IIJA created new bridge funding programs and increased federal funding for highway programs that also can fund bridges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kirk, Robert S.; Mallett, William
2022-05-06
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Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program: Status and Issues in Brief [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior (DOI) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans--referred to by BOEM as national programs or five-year programs--to schedule proposed oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). Currently, offshore leasing is taking place under a program for mid-2017 through mid-2022 developed by the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration published the first draft of a new program in 2018. No further versions have been released to date. Given timing requirements specified in law and regulations, it appears the remaining steps to finalize a new program could not be completed before the current program expires on June 30, 2022, and thus the federal government faces a gap between programs. The OCSLA does not establish a federal authority for offshore oil and gas lease sales outside of a five-year program. [...] The leasing decisions in BOEM's five-year programs may affect the economy and environment of individual coastal states and of the nation as a whole. Accordingly, Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the planning and implementation of the five-year programs. The following discussion summarizes developments regarding the next leasing program and analyzes selected issues for congressional consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2022-05-06
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Fact Sheet: Joint Resolutions of Disapproval Under the Arms Export Control Act [May 6, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Under the Foreign Military Sales Act (FMSA) of 1968, Congress delegated authority to the President to sell and transfer defense articles, defense services and related training to foreign governments. Due to increased concern over arms sales in the 1970s, however, Congress amended the FMSA in 1974 to include procedures for Congress to block proposed arms sales by passing concurrent resolutions of disapproval, at Section 36 (22 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2776). These procedures were later expanded under the renamed Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976 and in subsequent amendments. In 1986, Congress amended the AECA to require enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval to block an arms sale. This Fact Sheet lists the concurrent and joint resolutions of disapproval that have been introduced under the AECA. This Fact Sheet is a research aid that lists, in chronological order, the concurrent resolutions ('Table 1') and joint resolutions ('Table 2') of disapproval under the AECA related to foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), commercial technical assistance, or manufacturing licensing agreements. It includes pertinent information on the concurrent and joint resolutions as they progressed through the legislative process, including bill number, title, date introduced, and final status. Each bill number includes a hyperlink to the bill's record in Congress.gov. This Fact Sheet will be updated as legislative activity warrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Plagakis, Sofia
2022-05-06
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U.S. Ground Forces in the Indo-Pacific: Background and Issues for Congress [May 6, 2022]
From the Summary: "Since the end of the Second World War in 1945, the U.S. military has maintained a significant and enduring presence in the Indo-Pacific region. In the past, the United States' strategic approach to the region has varied greatly. From September 11, 2001, until almost the next decade, strategic emphasis was placed largely on global counterterrorism, primarily focused on U.S. Central Command's (USCENTCOM's) and later U.S. Africa Command's (USAFRICOM's) areas of operation. Starting around 2004, the George W. Bush Administration began to consider strengthening relations with allies in Asia and potentially revising U.S. doctrine and force posture in the region to improve U.S. capabilities. In 2011, the Obama Administration announced the United States would expand and strengthen its existing role in the Asia-Pacific region. Referred to as the 'Rebalance to Asia,' this strategic shift away from counterterrorism was intended to devote more effort to influencing the development of the Asia-Pacific's norms and rules, particularly as China was emerging as an ever-more influential regional power. [...] The February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and its present and future implications for European and Indo-Pacific security will likely increase both congressional interest and action in the near term and for the foreseeable future. Potential issues for Congress include [1] the role of U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region, [2] the posture of U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region, [3] U.S. ground forces execution of regional wartime missions, and [4] the potential impact of the Ukrainian conflict on U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-06
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3199, Ethiopia Peace and Stabilization Act of 2022
From the Document: "S. 3199 would require the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons the Administration determines have taken the following actions in Ethiopia: [1] Undermined efforts to end the civil conflict, [2] Obstructed humanitarian assistance, or [3] Profited from business activity related to the conflict, electoral fraud, abuses of human rights, or public corruption. The bill would suspend certain U.S. foreign assistance to Ethiopia. It also would authorize the Administration to assist entities that promote peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia as well as those that investigate and seek accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and abuses of human rights in that country. Lastly, the bill would require the Administration to develop and implement strategies to promote democracy, reconciliation, and the rule of law in Ethiopia and to report to the Congress on its actions under the bill and on other related matters."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-05
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 4270, Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
From the Document: "H.R. 4270 would authorize the appropriation of specific amounts each year from 2022 through 2026, totaling $163 million, for the Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with other federal and state agencies, to establish an abandoned oil and gas well research and demonstration program. Under the program, DOE would focus on developing technologies and strategies to improve abandoned well identification, increase the efficiency of abandoned well plugging and repurposing, and mitigate the effects of abandoned wells on the environment. For this estimate, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] assumes that the bill will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2022 and that the specified amounts will be appropriated each year. However, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) appropriated $30 million to DOE for similar activities in 2022--an amount equal to what H.R. 4270 would authorize for that same year. Accordingly, CBO's estimate of the budgetary effects of the bill reflects authorizations totaling $133 million over the 2022-2026 period--the difference between the amounts specified in the bill and the amounts provided under current law. Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4270 would cost $69 million over the 2022-2026 period and $64 million after 2026."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-05
