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• Trade Promotion Authority (Fast-Track Authority for Trade Agreements): Background and Developments in the 107th Congress [Updated December 7, 2001]

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  "On July 25, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus released his proposal for a fast-track bill. The proposal included negotiating objectives, directives in support of labor rights and environmental protection, greater congressional oversight of negotiations, and a toolbox approach to enforcement. On October 3, Ways and Means Chairman Thomas introduced H.R. 3005. This bill was reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee (H.Rept. 107-249, Part 1) on October 16, 2001. On October 4, Representative Rangel, Ways and Means Ranking Member, and Representative Levin, Ranking Member on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released their own proposal, H.R. 3019. That bill was rejected by the Ways and Means Committee on October 9 by a 27-12 vote. On October 11, Senator Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, gave a major speech outlining his position on fast-track legislation. It is uncertain when the Senate might act on any legislation. On December 6, the House passed TPA [Trade Promotions Authority] bill H.R. 3005 along party lines by a vote of 215-214. H.R. 3005 was approved as amended under Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 306 (H. Rept. 107- 323). On December 7, Senator Baucus said that the Finance Committee will mark up legislation on trade negotiating authority on December 11 or 12. Full Senate action is not expected until next year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sek, Lenore

  2001-12-07
• Terrorism Risk Insurance: Issue Analysis and Overview of Current Program [May 24, 2013]

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  "Prior to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, insurance coverage for losses from such attacks was normally included in general insurance policies without specific cost to the policyholders. Following the attacks, such coverage became very expensive if insurers offered it at all. Because insurance is required for a variety of economic transactions, it was feared that the absence of insurance against terrorism loss would have a wider economic impact. Terrorism insurance was largely unavailable for most of 2002, and some have argued that this adversely affected parts of the economy. Congress responded to the disruption in the terrorism insurance market by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA; P.L. 107-297, 116 Stat. 2322). TRIA created a temporary three-year Terrorism Insurance Program in which the government would share some of the losses with private insurers should a foreign terrorist attack occur. This program was extended in 2005 (P.L. 109-144, 119 Stat. 2660) and 2007 (P.L. 110-160, 121 Stat. 1839). The amount of government loss sharing depends on the size of the insured loss. In general terms, for a relatively small loss, private industry covers the entire loss. For a medium-sized loss, the federal role is to spread the loss over time and over the entire insurance industry; the government assists insurers initially but then recoups the payments through a broad levy on insurance policies afterwards. For a large loss, the federal government would cover most of the losses, although recoupment is possible in these circumstances as well. Insurers are required to make terrorism coverage available to commercial policyholders, but TRIA does not require policyholders to purchase the coverage. The prospective government share of losses has been reduced over time compared with the initial act, but the 2007 reauthorization expanded the program to cover losses from acts of domestic terrorism. The TRIA program is currently slated to expire at the end of 2014."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Webel, Baird

  2013-05-24
• Turkey's 2007 Elections: Crisis of Identity and Power [Updated September 10, 2007]

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  "The European Union and the United States have urged Turks to adhere to their constitutional processes and warned the military not to intervene. Turkey is a candidate for EU membership, which might give the EU some influence. Yet, that influence is limited because some European countries and many Turks have lost their enthusiasm for Turkey's accession. The official U.S. reaction to events in Turkey appeared to lag behind that of the EU. Early statements encouraged Turkey to follow its constitutional processes, while later ones added a warning to the military. Terrorism has emerged as the major issue in the campaign, which may exacerbate tensions between Turkey and the United States over U.S. inaction against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Turkish terrorist group harbored in northern Iraq. The Turkish government and military may take U.S. warnings and domestic political considerations into account in decision-making on a possible incursion into Iraq to fight the PKK."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Migdalovitz, Carol

  2007-09-10
• U.N. Convention Against Torture: Overview of U.S. Implementation Policy Concerning the Removal of Aliens [Updated October 12, 2007]

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  "The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) requires signatory parties to take measures to end torture within their territorial jurisdictions. For purposes of the Convention, torture is defined as an extreme form of cruel and inhuman punishment committed under the color of law. The Convention allows for no circumstances or emergencies where torture could be permitted. Additionally, CAT Article 3 requires that no state party expel, return, or extradite a person to another country where there are substantial grounds to believe he would be subjected to torture. CAT Article 3 does not expressly prohibit persons from being removed to countries where they would face cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment not rising to the level of torture."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garcia, Michael John; Nordin, Johannes

  2007-10-12
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated August 3, 2007]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The dilemma facing Congress is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. In the 110th Congress, aviation, rail, and transit security have been a major focus of congressional activity. On January 9, 2007, the House passed the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 (H.R. 1), which contains provisions, among others, on aviation and cargo security. On March 13, 2007, the Senate passed the Improving America's Security Act of 2007 (S. 4), which is similar but not identical to H.R. 1. At the end of July 2007, the House and Senate passed a conference agreement on H.R. 1 (H.Rept. 110-259) that was signed into law on August 3, 2007 (P.L. 110-53). Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew; Peterman, David Randall; Frittelli, John

  2007-08-03
• Turkey's 2007 Elections: Crisis of Identity and Power [Updated July 11, 2007]

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  "The European Union and the United States have urged Turks to adhere to their constitutional processes and warned the military not to intervene. Turkey is a candidate for EU membership, which might give the EU some influence. Yet, that influence is limited because some European countries and many Turks have lost their enthusiasm for Turkey's accession. The official U.S. reaction to events in Turkey appeared to lag behind that of the EU. Early statements encouraged Turkey to follow its constitutional processes, while later ones added a warning to the military. Terrorism has emerged as the major issue in the campaign, which may exacerbate tensions between Turkey and the United States over U.S. inaction against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Turkish terrorist group harbored in northern Iraq. The Turkish government and military may take U.S. warnings and domestic political considerations into account in decision-making on a possible incursion into Iraq to fight the PKK."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Migdalovitz, Carol

  2007-07-11
• Identity Theft, 2005

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  "In 2005, 6.4 million households, representing 5.5% of all households in the United States, discovered that at least one member experienced one or more types of identity theft. This is the first full year of data on identity theft available from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Questions on identity theft were first added to the NCVS in July 2004."

  United States. Office of Justice Programs

  2007-11
• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: Economic, Program, and Policy Issues [Updated January 18, 2008]

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  "Economists generally agree that trade enhances the economic welfare of all trading partners, but in compelling firms and workers to face stiffer global competition, can also cause adjustment problems. Congress has responded by authorizing three programs to assist trade-impacted workers, firms, and farmers. This report focuses on the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program for firms, which provides technical assistance to trade-affected firms to help them develop strategies to remain competitive in the changing international economy. The program authorization lapsed on October 1, 2007 and is operating under a temporary extension through December 31, 2007. The House has passed a second three-month extension and a new five-year reauthorization bill. The Senate did not pass either bill before adjourning. This report will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2008-01-18
• U.N. Law of the Sea Convention and the United States: Developments Since October 2003 [Updated October 31, 2007]

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  "On October 31, 2007, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to recommend Senate advice and consent to U.S. adherence to the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Agreement Relating to Implementation of Part XI of that Convention. This followed the statement by President Bush on May 15, 2007, urging 'the Senate to act favorably on U.S. accession' to the Convention. CRS Issue Brief IB95010, The Law of the Sea Convention and U.S. Policy, serves as a basic CRS source for discussion of issues related to the United States and the Convention and Agreement, whereas this short report focuses on events and issues that emerged since October 2003.1 It summarizes the committee's proposed resolution of advice and consent in 2004 and presents some of the issues raised in support of and in opposition to U.S. adherence. This report will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Browne, Marjorie Ann

  2007-10-31
• Turkey: Background and U.S. Relations [April 27, 2012]

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  "Congress has an active role to play in shaping and overseeing U.S. relations with Turkey, and several Turkish domestic and foreign policy issues have significant relevance for U.S. interests. This report provides background information on Turkey and discusses possible policy options for Members of Congress and the Obama Administration. U.S. relations with Turkey-a longtime North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally-have evolved over time as global challenges to U.S. interests have changed. Turkey's economic dynamism and geopolitical importance-it straddles Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia and now has the world's 16th-largest economy-have increased its influence regionally and globally. Although Turkey still depends on the United States and other NATO allies for political and strategic support, growing economic diversification and military self-reliance allows Turkey to exercise greater leverage with the West. […] Congressional interest in Turkey is high with respect to the following issues: 1) Addressing ongoing change in the Middle East by coordinating policies and using Turkey's regional example to influence political outcomes in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere; counter Iranian influence; and preserve stability; 2) The decline in Israel-Turkey relations and how that might affect U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation, including arms sales to counter the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization; and 3) A potential congressional resolution or presidential statement on the possible genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey's predecessor state) during World War I."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Zanotti, Jim

  2012-04-27
• Trafficking in Persons: International Dimensions and Foreign Policy Issues for Congress [April 20, 2012]

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  "Trafficking in persons, or human trafficking, refers to the involuntary subjection of men, women, and children to exploitative conditions that can be tantamount to slavery. Reports suggest that human trafficking is a global phenomenon, victimizing millions of people each year and contributing to a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. It is a centuries-old problem that, despite international and U.S. efforts to eliminate it, continues to occur in virtually every country in the world. Human trafficking is also an international and cross-cutting policy problem that bears on a range of major national security, human rights, criminal justice, social, economic, migration, gender, public health, and labor issues. [...] The 112th Congress has introduced and taken action on several bills related to human trafficking, including bills to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), the cornerstone legislative vehicle for current U.S. policy to combat human trafficking, beyond FY2011 (S. 1301, H.R. 2830, and H.R. 2583). Given recent challenges in balancing budget priorities, the 112th Congress may choose to consider certain aspects of this issue further, including the effectiveness of international anti-trafficking projects, interagency coordination mechanisms, and the monitoring and enforcement of anti-trafficking regulations, particularly as they relate to the activities of U.S. government contractors and subcontractors operating overseas."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wyler, Liana Sun

  2012-04-20
• Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP): Implementation and Status [May 18, 2012]

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  "The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was created by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA; P.L. 110-343) in October 2008. EESA was enacted to address an ongoing financial crisis that reached near-panic proportions in September 2008. The act granted the Secretary of the Treasury authority to either purchase or insure up to $700 billion in troubled assets owned by financial institutions. This authority was granted for up to two years from the date of enactment and was very broad. In particular, the definitions of both 'troubled asset' and 'financial institution' allowed the Secretary wide leeway in deciding what assets might be purchased or guaranteed and what might qualify as a financial firm."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Webel, Baird

  2012-05-18
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Countries: Comparative Trade and Economic Analysis [May 30, 2012]

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  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. The negotiating partners have expressed an interest in allowing this proposed 'living agreement' to cover new trade topics and to include new members that are willing to adopt the proposed agreement's high standards. To that end, Canada, Japan, and Mexico have begun consultations with the partner countries about the possibility of joining the negotiations. The TPP negotiations are of significant interest to Congress. Congressional involvement includes consultations with U.S. negotiators on and oversight of the details of the negotiations, and eventual consideration of legislation to implement the final trade agreement. In assessing the TPP negotiations, Members may be interested in understanding the potential economic impact and significance of TPP and the economic characteristics of the other TPP countries as they evaluate the potential impact of the proposed TPP on the U.S. economy and the commercial opportunities for expansion into TPP markets. This report provides a comparative economic analysis of the TPP countries and their economic relations with the United States. It suggests that the TPP negotiating partners encompass great diversity in population, economic development, and trade and investment patterns with the United States. This economic diversity and inclusion of fast-growing emerging markets presents both opportunities and challenges for the United States in achieving a comprehensive and high standard regional FTA among TPP countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Williams, Brock R.

  2012-05-30
• Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [June 21, 2002]

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  "International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. […] Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is a trend toward proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). For instance Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been aggressively seeking a nuclear arms capability. Iraq is thought to be stockpiling chemical and biological agents. Also, indications have surfaced that the Al Qaeda organization attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. As a result, stakes in the war against international terrorism and its supporters are increasing and margins for error in selecting appropriate policy instruments or combinations of them to prevent terrorist attacks are diminishing correspondingly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-; Perl, Raphael

  2002-06-21
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [January 3, 2006]

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  "International terrorism has long been recognized as a serious foreign and domestic security threat. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. As the 9/11 Commission report released on July 19, 2004, concludes, the United States needs to use all tools at its disposal, including diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism is toward loosely organized, self-financed, international networks of terrorists. Another trend is toward terrorism that is religiously- or ideologically-motivated. Radical Islamic fundamentalist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose terrorist threats of varying kinds to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. A third trend is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. […] On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States ('9/11 Commission') issued its final report. On December 17, 2004, the President signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, establishing a National Intelligence Director and National Counterterrorism Center."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2006-01-03
• Turkey: Background and U.S. Relations [February 2, 2012]

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  "Congressional interest in Turkey is high with respect to the following issues: 1) Addressing ongoing change in the Middle East by coordinating policies and using Turkey's regional example to influence political outcomes in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere; counter Iranian influence; and preserve stability; 2) The decline in Israel-Turkey relations and how that might affect U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation, including arms sales to counter the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization; and 3) A potential congressional resolution or presidential statement on the possible genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey's predecessor state) during World War I."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Zanotti, Jim

  2012-02-02
• Trade Primer: Qs and As on Trade Concepts, Performance, and Policy [April 16, 2012]

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  "The 112th Congress has a full legislative and oversight agenda on international trade. The agenda so far has included approval of legislation to implement free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, and may take up enhanced enforcement of U.S. trade agreements, as well as Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, oversight of the World Trade Organization's Doha Round, and trade relations with China. This report provides information and context for many of these topics. It is intended to assist members and staff who may be new to trade issues. This report is divided into four sections in a question-and-answer format: trade concepts; U.S. trade performance; formulation of U.S. trade policy; and trade and investment issues. Additional suggested readings are provided in an appendix."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2012-04-16
• Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: Background and Analysis [December 22, 2011]

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  "Commercial ties between the United States and the 27-member European Union are substantial, growing, and mutually beneficial. However, differences in regulatory approaches limit an even more integrated marketplace from developing. To deal with this situation, a variety of government-to-government efforts have been created to dismantle existing regulatory barriers and to prevent new ones from emerging. These efforts fall under the rubric of transatlantic regulatory cooperation (TRC) and are at the heart of today's U.S.-EU economic relationship. This report is intended to serve as an introduction and primer on a complicated, broad, and often highly technical set of issues. Since the mid-1990s, both U.S. and European multinational companies have viewed divergent ways of regulating markets for both goods and services as the most serious barriers to transatlantic commerce. The primary reason why these companies seek to achieve greater harmonization in standards and regulatory procedures is to reduce costs imposed by having to comply with two different sets of regulations and standards. […] TRC has been mostly an executive branch driven process. Yet, through authorization and appropriations of the many different regulatory agencies involved in TRC, Congress could play a more central role if it decided to move in this direction. As domestic regulation takes place in an increasingly integrated transatlantic marketplace, Congress will be called upon to balance the often competing demands of trade expansion and barrier reduction against domestic health and safety concerns."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ahearn, Raymond J.

  2011-12-22
• Trafficking in Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean [January 23, 2012]

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  "Trafficking in persons (TIP) for the purpose of exploitation is a lucrative criminal activity that is of major concern to the United States and the international community. According to the most recent U.S. State Department estimates, roughly 800,000 people are trafficked across borders each year. If trafficking within countries is included in the total world figures, official U.S. estimates are that some 2 million to 4 million people are trafficked annually. While most trafficking victims still appear to originate from South and Southeast Asia or the former Soviet Union, human trafficking is also a growing problem in Latin America. Countries in Latin America serve as source, transit, and destination countries for trafficking victims. Latin America is a primary source region for people trafficked to the United States. In FY2010, for example, primary countries of origin for the 449 foreign trafficking victims certified as eligible to receive U.S. assistance included Mexico, Honduras, Haiti, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic (along with India and Thailand). Since enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA, P.L. 106-386), Congress has taken steps to address human trafficking by authorizing new programs and reauthorizing existing ones, appropriating funds, creating new criminal laws, and conducting oversight on the effectiveness and implications of U.S. anti-TIP policy. Most recently, the TVPA was reauthorized through FY2011 in the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-457). Obligations for U.S.-funded anti-TIP programs in Latin America totaled roughly $17.1 million in FY2010."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2012-01-23
• TRICARE and VA Health Care: Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) [January 27, 2012]

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  "The 111th Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148; ACA), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152; HCERA), and hereafter referred to as ACA. In general, ACA did not make any significant changes to the Department of Defense (DOD) TRICARE program or to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. However, many have sought clarification as to whether certain provisions in ACA, such as a mandate for most individuals to have health insurance, or extending dependant coverage up to age 26, would apply to TRICARE and VA health care beneficiaries. To address some of these concerns, Congress has introduced and/or enacted legislation. The TRICARE Affirmation Act (H.R. 4887; P.L. 111-159), signed into law on April 26, 2010, affirms that TRICARE satisfies the minimum acceptable coverage requirement in ACA. Similarly, P.L. 111-173, signed into law on May 27, 2010, clarifies that the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), Spina Bifida Health Care Program, and the Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Health Care Program meet the 'minimum essential coverage' requirement under ACA. TRICARE coverage of children was extended to age 26 by the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (P.L. 111-383). ACA requires that if a health insurance plan provides for dependent coverage of children, the plan must continue to make such coverage available for an adult child until age 26. This requirement relating to coverage of adult children will take effect for the plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010. Under ACA, both married and unmarried children will qualify for this coverage. The authorizing statute for CHAMPVA currently does not conform to this ACA requirement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Panangala, Sidath Viranga; Jansen, Don J.

  2012-01-27
• Terrorist Identification, Screening, and Tracking under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6 [Updated August 4, 2004]

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  "In Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6 (HSPD-6), the Administration announced plans to establish a Terrorist Screening Center (TSC), as a multi-agency effort to be administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where several watch lists are being consolidated into a single terrorist screening database (TSDB). The TSC is the latest of three multi-agency efforts undertaken by the Administration to better identify, screen, and track known terrorists, suspected terrorists, and their supporters. The other two are the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force (FTTTF) and the Terrorist Threat Integration Center (TTIC). According to the Administration, the TSC complements the FBI-led FTTTF's efforts to prevent terrorists from entering the United States, and to track and remove them if they manage to enter the country. The TTIC serves as a single locale where terrorism-threat data from all sources are further analyzed to more critically focus on terrorism. The 9/11 Commission has recommended building a National Counterterrorism Center based on TTIC. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2004-08-04
• Tsunamis and Earthquakes: Is Federal Disaster Insurance in Our Future? [April 6, 2005]

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  "Members of the 109th Congress might opt to examine the affordability and availability of natural disaster insurance for homeowners, and consider proposals for improving insurers' access to capital in the reinsurance, banking, and securities markets in order to ensure adequate capacity and solvency of the industry to meet consumer needs. Some of the policy questions that might arise are: What quid pro quo would taxpayers get for providing a financial backstop for the insurance industry? What is the role of state insurance departments vis-a-vis federal control? Is current insurance regulation conducive to creating private sector incentives for mitigation? Who subsidizes whom? These are just some of the policy questions that the 109th Congress might be called upon to debate in considering proposals to establish a federal catastrophe reinsurance program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  King, Rawle O.

  2005-04-06
• Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [January 13, 2005]

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  "Despite differences on Burma policy and human rights issues, shared economic and security interests have long provided the basis for U.S.-Thai cooperation. Bangkok and Washington coordinate closely on law enforcement, intelligence, and military operations. Thailand contributed troops and support for U.S. military operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq and was designated as a major non-NATO ally by President Bush in December 2003. Thailand's airfields and ports play a particularly important role in U.S. global military strategy, including serving as the primary hub of the relief effort for the Indian Ocean tsunami. The high-profile arrest of radical Islamic leader Hambali in a joint Thai-U.S. operation underscores Thailand's role in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. If negotiations for an FTA are successful, the current U.S.-Thai bilateral trade total of $20 billion could rise considerably."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chanlett-Avery, Emma

  2005-01-13
• Trade Negotiations During the 109th Congress [Updated August 3, 2005]

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  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Critics contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. [...] Potential agreements resulting from current trade negotiations may be considered by Congress under trade promotion authority (fast-track authority) legislation enacted in 2002. That legislation covers agreements signed before June 30, 2007. Under the legislation, if the President meets notification requirements and other conditions, Congress will consider a bill to implement a trade agreement under an expedited procedure (no amendment, deadlines for votes). The notification requirements include minimum 90-day notices before starting negotiations and before signing a trade agreement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sek, Lenore; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2005-08-03
• Terrorist Watchlist Checks and Air Passenger Prescreening [Updated March 1, 2007]

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  "Considerable controversy continues to surround U.S. air passenger prescreening and terrorist watchlist checks. In the past, such controversy centered around diverted international flights and misidentified passengers. While screening agencies have taken some steps to ameliorate those problems, other related issues have arisen, underscoring that screening passengers for more intensive searches of their person or baggage, or to prevent them from boarding an aircraft in the event of a terrorist watchlist hit, is likely to be a difficult proposition for the federal agencies tasked with aviation and border security, principally the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Recent developments underscore the difficulties encountered by frontline-screening agencies. In the 110th Congress, meanwhile, the House passed a bill (H.R. 1) to implement further the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission on January 9, 2007. This bill includes two provisions that would require the DHS Secretary to (1) establish a timely and fair appeals process for persons delayed or prevented from boarding a commercial aircraft by any homeland security agency, and (2) formulate a strategic plan to test and implement an advanced passenger prescreening system. And, the Senate is currently considering similar provisions in S. 509, as an amendment to S. 4 - the Senate alternative to H.R. 1. Congress included similar provisions in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Elias, Bartholomew

  2007-03-01
• Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 5, 2007]

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  " U.S.-Thailand relations are of particular interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally and a significant trade and economic partner. The currently-stalled proposed U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would require implementing legislation to take effect. However, the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by a military coup in September 2006 and subsequent economic and political instability has cast uncertainty on how U.S. priorities will fare in the future. Future U.S.-Thai relations will likely depend upon how quickly the military rulers fulfill their promise to restore democratic rule. Despite differences on Burma policy and human rights issues, shared economic and security interests have long provided the basis for U.S.-Thai cooperation. Thailand contributed troops and support for U.S. military operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq and was designated as a major non-NATO ally by President Bush in December 2003. Thailand's airfields and ports play a particularly important role in U.S. global military strategy, including having served as the primary hub of the relief effort following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The high-profile arrest of radical Islamic leader Hambali in a joint Thai-U.S. operation in 2003 underscores Thailand's role in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. The U.S.-Thai bilateral trade total in 2005 was $25 billion; Thailand is the United States' 19th largest trading partner."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chanlett-Avery, Emma

  2007-04-05
• Trade Agreements: Impact on the U.S. Economy [Updated March 15, 2007]

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  "The United States is negotiating an unprecedented number of trade agreements. These agreements range from bilateral trade agreements with countries that account for meager shares of U.S. trade to multilateral negotiations that could affect large numbers of U.S. workers and businesses. During this process, Congress likely will be presented with an array of data estimating the impact of trade agreements on the economy, or on a particular segment of the economy. […] This report examines the major features of economic models being used to estimate the effects of trade agreements. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the models as an aid in helping Congress evaluate the economic impact of trade agreements on the U.S. economy. In addition, this report identifies and assesses some of the assumptions used in the economic models and how these assumptions affect the data generated by the models. Finally, this report evaluates the implications for Congress of various options it may consider as it assesses trade agreements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jackson, James K., 1949-

  2007-03-15
• Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 11, 2007]

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  "U.S.-Thailand relations are of particular interest to Congress because of Thailand's status as a long-time military ally, a key country in the war against terrorism in Southeast Asia, and a significant trade and economic partner. The currently-stalled proposed U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would require implementing legislation to take effect. However, the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by a military coup in September 2006 and subsequent economic and political instability has cast uncertainty on how U.S. priorities will fare in the future. Future U.S.-Thai relations will likely depend upon how quickly the military rulers fulfill their promise to restore democratic rule. Despite differences on Burma policy and human rights issues, shared economic and security interests have long provided the basis for U.S.-Thai cooperation. Thailand contributed troops and support for U.S. military operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq and was designated as a major non-NATO ally by President Bush in December 2003. Thailand's airfields and ports play a particularly important role in U.S. global military strategy, including having served as the primary hub of the relief effort following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The high-profile arrest of radical Islamic leader Hambali in a joint Thai-U.S. operation in 2003 underscores Thailand's role in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. The U.S.-Thai bilateral trade total in 2005 was $25 billion; Thailand is the United States's 19th largest trading partner."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Chanlett-Avery, Emma

  2007-01-11
• Transportation Security: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated March 9, 2007]

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  "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The dilemma facing Congress is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71) creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. […] A leading issue with regard to securing truck, rail, and waterborne cargo is the desire of government authorities to track a given freight shipment at a particular time […]. Debate over who should pay for cargo security, government or industry, and whether mandates or guidelines are the best approach to ensure industry's due diligence in protecting their supply chains are other leading issues. The Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-347) will provide grant funds for security improvements to seaports. […] Members of Congress want to know whether current federal policies, regulations, and grants could more effectively promote hazmat transportation security at reasonable costs. […]"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew; Peterman, David Randall; Frittelli, John

  2007-03-09
• U.N. Convention Against Torture: Overview of U.S. Implementation Policy Concerning the Removal of Aliens [Updated January 16, 2007]

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  "The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) requires signatory parties to take measures to end torture within their territorial jurisdictions. For purposes of the Convention, torture is defined as an extreme form of cruel and inhuman punishment committed under the color of law. The Convention allows for no circumstances or emergencies where torture could be permitted. Additionally, CAT Article 3 requires that no state party expel, return, or extradite a person to another country where there are substantial grounds to believe he would be subjected to torture. CAT Article 3 does not prohibit persons from being removed to countries where they would face cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment not rising to the level of torture. […] CAT obligations concerning alien removal have additional implications in cases of criminal and other deportable aliens. The Supreme Court's ruling in Zadvydas v. Davis suggests that certain aliens receiving protection under CAT cannot be indefinitely detained, raising the possibility that certain otherwise-deportable aliens could be released into the United States if CAT protections make their removal impossible. CAT obligations also have implications for the practice of 'extraordinary renditions,' by which the U.S. purportedly has transferred aliens suspected of terrorist activity to countries that possibly employ torture as a means of interrogation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garcia, Michael John; Nordin, Johannes

  2007-01-16