Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
U.S. Army's Modular Redesign: Issues for Congress [Updated February 10, 2005]
"In what the Army describes as the 'most significant Army restructuring in the past 50 years,' the Army intends to redesign its current 10 active duty division force to a 43 or 48 brigade-level unit of action or UA force by FY2007. The Army National Guard will also redesign its force structure in a similar fashion. While the Army cites the need for a more responsive, deployable, joint, and expeditionary force, others suggest that the primary reason for redesign is the ever increasing long term troop requirements to support the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The addition of up to 15 additional active duty and a yet to be finalized number of Army National Guard brigade-sized UAs could provide an additional force pool of deployable units to ease the burden on units presently deployed, and possibly to shorten the length of time that units are deployed on operations. The Army has two other concurrent initiatives underway which it considers inextricably linked to its brigade-centric redesign -- restructuring to create new 'high demand' units and stabilizing the force. Both initiatives involve substantial policy, organizational, and personnel changes from FY2004 - FY2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2005-02-10
-
U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications [Updated July 11, 2005]
"The overall effect of NAFTA on the U.S. economy has been relatively small, primarily because two-way trade with Mexico amounts to less than three percent of U.S. GDP. The most significant trade issues that the United States and Mexico are focusing on in 2005 include agricultural products, the trucking industry, and rules of origin. Over the last decade, the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico has strengthened significantly. The two countries continue to cooperate on issues of mutual concern. On March 23, 2005, President Bush met with President Fox and Prime Minister Martin of Canada to discuss issues related to North American trade, immigration and defense. After the meeting, the three leaders announced the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) in which they seek to establish a cooperative approach to advance their common security and prosperity; develop a common security strategy; and promote economic growth, competitiveness, and quality of life. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Flynn, Paul J.
2005-07-11
-
U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications [May 25, 2005]
"The bilateral economic relationship with Mexico is among the most important for the United States. The most significant feature of the relationship is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been in effect since 1994. In bilateral trade, Mexico is the United States' second most important trading partner, while the United States is Mexico's most important trading partner. In U.S. imports, Mexico ranks third among U.S. trading partners, after Canada and China, while in exports Mexico ranks second, after Canada. The United States is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico. These links are critical to many U.S. industries and border communities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Flynn, Paul J.
2005-05-25
-
U.S. Military Operations in the Global War on Terrorism: Afghanistan, Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia [August 26, 2005]
"U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia are part of the U.S.-initiated Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). These operations cover a wide variety of combat and non-combat missions ranging from combating insurgents, to civil affairs and reconstruction operations, to training military forces of other nations in counternarcotics, counterterrorism, and counterinsurgency tactics. Numbers of U.S. forces involved in these operations range from 18,000 to just a few hundred. Some have argued that U.S. military operations in these countries are achieving a degree of success and suggest that they may offer some lessons that might be applied in Iraq as well as for future GWOT operations. Potential issues for Congress include NATO assumption of responsibility for operations in Afghanistan, counterdrug operations in Afghanistan, a long-term strategy for Africa, and developments in Colombia and the Philippines. This report will not discuss the provision of equipment and weapons to countries where the U.S. military is conducting counterterrorism operations1 nor will it address Foreign Military Sales (FMS), which are also aspects of the Administration's GWOT military strategy. This report will be updated on a periodic basis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2005-08-26
-
U.S. Assistance to the Former Soviet Union [Updated October 21, 2005]
"Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $26 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. Over the years, various aspects of the program have drawn strong congressional interest and sponsorship; some country programs have been the subject of controversy and debate. At one time or another, these aid programs have sought to address the range of U.S. foreign policy, strategic, and economic interests in the region. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the former Soviet Union and then focuses on the foreign operations FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2005-10-21
-
U.S.-China Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated July 21, 2005]
"The extent of U.S.-China counter-terrorism cooperation has been limited, but the tone and context of counter-terrorism helped to stabilize--even if it did not transform--the bilateral relationship. Congress has oversight over the trend toward closer ties with China as well as a range of policy options. These options cover law-enforcement cooperation; designations of terrorist organizations; release of detained Uighurs from Guantanamo Bay prison; weapons nonproliferation; waivers of sanctions for the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown to export security equipment (e.g., for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing); the Container Security Initiative (CSI); military-to-military contacts; and China's influence on Central Asia through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). On July 19, 2005, the House passed an amendment to H.R. 2601 to express concerns that China and other SCO countries called for a deadline for U.S. deployments in Central Asia. The House passed H.R. 2601 on July 20. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2005-07-21
-
U.S. Foreign Aid to East and South Asia: Selected Recipients [Updated August 27, 2006]
"Since the war on terrorism began in 2001, and the Bush Administration's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and Global HIV/AIDS Initiative (GHAI) were initiated in 2004, the United States has increased foreign aid spending dramatically in some regions. The United States has raised military, economic, and development assistance primarily for anti-terrorism objectives in the East Asia- Pacific (EAP) and South Asia regions, with Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia receiving the bulk of the increases. Average annual funding for the EAP region (excluding North Korea) during 2002-2006 was $494 million compared to $368 million in 2001. Annual foreign aid spending for South Asia (excluding Afghanistan) during 2002-2006 averaged $953 million compared to $201 million in 2001. The United States government has acknowledged other aid recipients, particularly Malaysia, Mongolia, and Thailand, for cooperating with global counterterrorism efforts and for making progress in developing their economies and democratic institutions. As such, the United States acts to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security goals and respond to global development and humanitarian needs through its foreign assistance programs. This report analyzes annual budget justifications and legislation for foreign operations and discusses U.S. foreign aid trends, programs, and restrictions in 16 East Asian and South Asian countries. This report does not cover aid to Pacific Island nations, North Korea, and Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2006-08-27
-
U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues [Updated September 8, 2006]
"As Congress reviews the Bush Administration's plans for U.S. strategic nuclear forces, it may review a number of questions about the future size of that force. For example, some have questioned why the United States must retain 2,200 strategic nuclear warheads. Congress may also question the Administration's plans for reductions in the Minuteman force and B-52 fleet. This report includes background on the 'strategic triad,' strategic nuclear delivery vehicles, submarine launched ballistic missiles, bombers, and other issues for congress. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2006-09-08
-
U.S. Public Diplomacy: Background and the 9/11 Commission Recommendations [Updated October 19, 2006]
"While the 9/11 terrorist attacks rallied unprecedented support abroad for the United States initially, they also heightened the awareness among government officials and terrorism experts that a significant number of people, especially within Muslim populations, harbor enough hatred for America so as to become a pool for terrorists. Over time it became clear that for the global war on terrorism to succeed, sustained cooperation from around the world would be required. Many U.S. policymakers now recognize the importance of how America and its policies are perceived abroad. A former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and both chairmen of the 9/11 Commission expressed the view that public diplomacy tools are at least as important in the war on terrorism as military tools and should be given equal status and increased funding. As a result of the 9/11 Commission recommendations, Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (S. 2845, P.L. 108-458) which included provisions expanding public diplomacy activities in Muslim populations. At the same time, some believe that there are limits to what public diplomacy can do when the problem is not foreign misperception of America, but rather disagreements with specific U.S. foreign policies. A major expansion of U.S. public diplomacy activities and funding cannot change that, they say. This report presents the challenges that have focused renewed attention on public diplomacy, provides background on public diplomacy, actions the Administration and Congress have taken since 9/11 to make public diplomacy more effective, as well as recommendations offered by others, particularly the 9/11 Commission."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2006-10-19
-
Uganda: Current Conditions and the Crisis in North Uganda [October 20, 2006]
"In February 2006, Ugandans voted in the first multi-party elections in almost 26 years. President Yoweri Museveni and his ruling National Revolutionary Movement (NRM) parliamentary candidates won a decisive victory over opposition candidate Kizza Besigye and the Forum for Democracy Coalition. Nevertheless, poll results showed a notable decline in support for President Museveni from previous elections. International election observers did not condemn the election results, nor did they fully endorse the electoral process. Critics charged the government with intimidating the opposition during the pre-election period, and Besigye spent much of the campaign period in jail. The election followed a controversial move by the Ugandan parliament in July 2005 to remove the constitutional two-term limit on the presidency. In the north, the government of Uganda fought the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), an armed rebel group backed by the government of Sudan. Through over 20 years of civil war, the brutal insurgency has created a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 1.5 million and resulted in the abduction of over 20,000 children. In recent months, the government and the LRA have entered into peace negotiations mediated by the government of Southern Sudan. The negotiations have had some limited success in halting the fighting through a negotiated ceasefire, but observers suggest criminal indictments by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the LRA's leadership may limit the rebels' willingness to reach a final settlement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2006-10-20
-
U.S.-Japan Economic Relations: Significance, Prospects, and Policy Options [Updated July 9, 2007]
"During the last decade policy leaders seem to have made a deliberate effort to drastically reduce the friction that prevailed in the economic relationship. On the one hand, this calmer environment has stabilized the bilateral relationship and permitted the two countries to focus their attention on other issues of mutual interest, such as national security. On the other hand, as some have argued, the friendlier environment masks serious problems that require more attention, such as continuing Japanese failure to resolve long-standing market access barriers to U.S. exports of autos and auto parts and flat glass and the failure of the two countries to reduce bilateral trade imbalances. Failure to resolve any of these outstanding issues could cause heightened friction between the two countries. Issues regarding U.S.-Japan economic relations may emerge on the agenda of the 110th Congress. U.S. and Japanese leaders have several options on how to manage their relationship including stronger reliance on the World Trade Organization; special bilateral negotiating frameworks and agreements; or a free trade agreement. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks and they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2007-07-09
-
War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance [Updated July 25, 2007]
"For over three decades, war powers and the War Powers Resolution have been an issue in U.S. military actions in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central America, and Europe. Authorizing military actions in response to the terrorist attacks against the United States of September 11, 2001, through P.L. 107-40 directly involved war powers. The continued use of force to obtain Iraqi compliance with U.N. resolutions remained a war powers issue from the end of the Gulf war on February 28, 1991, until the enactment of P.L. 107-243, in October 2002, which explicitly authorized the President to use force against Iraq, an authority he exercised in March 2003, and continues to exercise for military operations in Iraq. Debate continues on whether using the War Powers Resolution is effective as a means of assuring congressional participation in decisions that might get the United States involved in a significant military conflict. Proposals have been made to modify or repeal the resolution. None have been enacted to date. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2007-07-25
-
U.S. Assistance to Vietnam [Updated June 17, 2005]
"U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic and economic relations were non-existent for more than fifteen years following communist North Vietnam's victory in 1975 over U.S. ally South Vietnam. Normalization of relations, particularly in the economic sphere, between the United States and unified Vietnam began in earnest in the 1990s. As the normalization process has proceeded, the U.S. has eliminated most of the Cold War-era restrictions on U.S. aid to Vietnam, and U.S. assistance has increased markedly from around $1 million when assistance was resumed in 1991 to nearly $50 million in FY2004. [...] This report quantifies and briefly describes U.S. assistance programs to Vietnam. It includes an appendix detailing funding levels for U.S. aid programs. The report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.
2005-06-17
-
U.S. Assistance to the Former Soviet Union [Updated July 14, 2005]
"Three objectives have been most prominent in the U.S. assistance program to the region--facilitating the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, promoting the introduction and growth of free market economies, and fostering security by controlling the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and expertise. More recently, a fourth objective, very much encompassing the other three, has emerged--supporting the war on terror. A fifth objective of U.S. assistance, humanitarian relief, was mostly applied in the early 1990s in response to countries experiencing food shortages."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2005-07-14
-
U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress [July 29, 2005]
"The Bush Administration has been exploring ways of creating a strategic partnership with India since 2001. Indian officials identified their growing energy needs as an area for cooperation, particularly in nuclear energy. The U.S.-India 2004 Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative included expanded cooperation in civil nuclear technology as one of three goals. Phase I of the NSSP, completed in September 2004, required addressing proliferation concerns and ensuring compliance with U.S. export controls. In September 2004, the Administration published a final ruling stating there was a presumption of approval of licenses for some items that are used in the 'balance of plant' (non-reactor-related end-uses) activities at safeguarded nuclear facilities, and that are not multilaterally controlled for nuclear proliferation reasons. 'Balance of plant' activities, refers 'to the part of a nuclear power plant used for power generation (e.g., turbines, controllers, or power distribution) to distinguish it from the nuclear reactor.' In practice, this means certain dual-use equipment (e.g. machine tools), not controlled by the Nuclear Suppliers Group because they do not meet certain performance criteria, could be exported to the Rajasthan and Tarapur reactors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2005-07-29
-
U.S. Nuclear Weapons: Changes in Policy and Force Structure [Updated August 10, 2006]
"The Bush Administration conducted a review of U.S. nuclear weapons force posture during its first year in office. Although the review sought to adjust U.S. nuclear posture to address changes in the international security environment at the start of the new century, it continued many of the policies and programs that had been a part of U.S. nuclear posture during the previous decade and during the Cold War. This report […] provides an overview of the U.S. nuclear posture to highlight areas of change and areas of continuity." In particular, the document addresses U.S. nuclear strategy and doctrine during and after the Cold War, targeting, nuclear infrastructure, and the Nuclear Posture Review. Also included are discussions of the U.S. force structure of non-strategic nuclear weapons, strategic nuclear weapons, and ballistic missile defenses both before and after the Cold War, focusing on the Bush Administration's policies. The report contains tables of the levels of U.S. strategic nuclear forces over time.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2006-08-10
-
U.S. Nuclear Cooperation With India: Issues for Congress [Updated July 21, 2006]
"In late June, the House International Relations Committee (H.R. 5682) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee (S. 3709; S. Report 109-288) reported their versions of legislation to create an exception for India from relevant provisions of the Atomic Energy Act. Both bills provide the requisite waivers, with minor modifications, retain the requirement for a joint resolution of Congress for such an agreement to enter into force and contain some restrictions. S. 3709 would prohibit cooperation in sensitive nuclear technologies, with a narrow exception and require end-use monitoring of U.S. exports. Both bills contain significant reporting requirements. The House will consider H.R. 5682 on July 26, 2006. Negotiations on the cooperation agreement with India have begun, with the next round scheduled for mid-July in New Delhi. Although U.S. officials offered draft decision language to Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) members in March on a broad exception for India, members discussed the issue but did not agree to take up a decision at the May 2006 plenary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2006-07-21
-
U.S.-Vietnam Relations: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 30, 2006]
"After communist North Vietnam's victory over U.S.-backed South Vietnam in 1975, U.S.-Vietnam relations remained essentially frozen for over 15 years. Since then, bilateral ties have expanded remarkably, to the point where the relationship in many ways has been virtually normalized. Congress has played a significant role in this process. Each step in improving bilateral ties has brought controversy, albeit at diminishing levels. Some argue that improvements in bilateral relations should be conditioned upon Hanoi improving its record on human and religious rights, particularly in the Central Highlands region. Opposition to the pace and scope of normalization also has come from groups arguing that Vietnam has not done enough to account for U.S. Prisoners of War/Missing in Action from the Vietnam War, though this argument has diminished markedly in recent years. Interests favoring normalization have included those reflecting a strong U.S. business interest in Vietnam's reforming economy and American strategic interests in integrating Vietnam more fully into East Asia and in expanding cooperation with a country that has an ambivalent relationship with China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.
2006-06-30
-
Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated August 23, 2006]
"After taking office as President, Yushchenko said that Ukraine would seek integration into the global economy and Euro-Atlantic institutions. The Ukrainian government's main foreign policy goal is to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of this year. In the longer term, Ukraine's leaders seek to join the European Union and NATO. Ukraine is seeking to retain good ties with Russia, but relations have been troubled since Yushchenko has taken power, particularly after Russia cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine in January 2006. The supplies were quickly restored, but only after Ukraine agreed to a hefty increase in gas prices. Yanukovych's return to power may result in closer Ukrainian ties to Russia and less effective Ukrainian government support for the country's WTO membership and Euro-Atlantic integration. U.S. officials supported the 'Orange Revolution' in Ukraine in late 2004 and early 2005, warning the former regime against trying to impose fraudulent election results, and hailing Yushchenko's ultimate victory. U.S. officials have remained upbeat about Ukraine's successes in some areas, such as adopting legislation needed for WTO membership and in improving media freedom, while acknowledging difficulties in others. Administration officials have also praised Ukraine's efforts to hold a free and fair parliamentary election on March 26, 2006 and have vowed to work with the new government led by Prime Minister Yanukovych."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.
2006-08-23
-
U.S.-China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated June 27, 2006]
"After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States faced a challenge in enlisting the full support of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in counterterrorism. This effort raised short-term policy issues about how to elicit cooperation and how to address China's concerns about military action (Operation Enduring Freedom). Longer-term questions have concerned whether counterterrorism has strategically transformed bilateral relations and whether China's support has been valuable and not obtained at the expense of other U.S. interests. The extent of U.S.-China counterterrorism cooperation has been limited, but the tone and context of counterterrorism helped to stabilize- even if it did not transform- the bilateral relationship pursued by President George Bush. In September 2005, Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick acknowledged that 'China and the United States can do more together in the global fight against terrorism' after 'a good start,' in his major policy speech calling China a 'stakeholder' in his search for a deeper framework for the bilateral relationship."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2006-06-27
-
U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation: A Side-By-Side Comparison of Current Legislation [September 5, 2006]
"In March 2006, the Bush Administration proposed legislation to create an exception for India from certain provisions of the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate a future nuclear cooperation agreement. After hearings in April and May, the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered bills in late June 2006 to provide an exception for India to certain provisions of the Atomic Energy Act related to a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement. On July 26, 2006, the House passed its version of the legislation, H.R. 5682. Senate consideration of similar legislation is pending. This report provides a thematic side-by-side comparison of the provisions of the two bills, H.R. 5682 (as agreed) and S. 3709 (as reported), with the Administration's proposed legislation, H.R. 4974/S. 2429."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.; Parillo, Jill Marie
2006-09-05
-
Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy [Updated March 12, 2007]
"The United States provided $5.9 million to Venezuela in FY2006, including $2.2 million under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative and $3.7 million in Transition Initiatives funding. For FY2007, the Administration requested $1 million in ACI funding, $1.5 million in ESF for democracy initiatives, and $45,000 for International Military Education and Training (IMET). For FY2008, the Administration requested $3 million in Development Assistance and $50,000 for IMET. As over the past several years, the 110th Congress will likely focus on oversight hearings on conditions in Venezuela, energy security, and the overall status of bilateral relations and U.S. policy, with legislative initiatives likely focusing on funding for U.S. democracy and anti-drug initiatives in Venezuela, the human rights situation, and energy security. To date in the 110th Congress, two resolutions have been introduced on the human rights situation in Venezuela: H.Con.Res. 50 (Fortuño) and H.Con.Res. 77 (Weller). Another bill, S. 193 (Lugar), the Energy Diplomacy and Security Act of 2007, would increase hemispheric cooperation on energy issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson
2007-03-12
-
U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications [Updated January 24, 2005]
"The overall effect of NAFTA on the U.S. economy has been relatively small, primarily because two-way trade with Mexico amounts to less than three percent of U.S. GDP. The most significant trade issues that the United States and Mexico are focusing on in 2005 include agricultural products, the trucking industry, and rules of origin. Over the last decade, the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico has strengthened significantly. The two countries continue to cooperate on issues of mutual concern. On March 23, 2005, President Bush met with President Fox and Prime Minister Martin of Canada to discuss issues related to North American trade, immigration and defense. After the meeting, the three leaders announced the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) in which they seek to establish a cooperative approach to advance their common security and prosperity; develop a common security strategy; and promote economic growth, competitiveness, and quality of life. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Flynn, Paul J.
2006-01-24
-
U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress [Updated November 30, 2007]
"This CRS Report discusses policy issues regarding military-to-military contacts with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and provides a record of major contacts since 1993. The United States suspended military contacts with China and imposed sanctions on arms sales in response to the Tiananmen Crackdown in 1989. In 1993, the Clinton Administration began to re-engage the PRC leadership up to the highest level and including China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Renewed military exchanges with the PLA have not regained the closeness reached in the 1980s, when U.S.-PRC strategic cooperation against the Soviet Union included U.S. arms sales to China. Improvements and deteriorations in overall bilateral relations have affected military contacts, which were close in 1997-1998 and 2000, but marred by the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, mistaken NATO bombing of a PRC embassy in 1999, and the EP-3 aircraft collision crisis in 2001."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2007-11-30
-
Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy [Updated January 11, 2008]
"Under the populist rule of President Hugo Chávez, first elected in 1998 and most recently reelected to a six-year term in December 2006, Venezuela has undergone enormous political changes, with a new constitution and unicameral legislature, and even a new name for the country, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. U.S. officials and human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the deterioration of democratic institutions and threats to freedom of expression under President Chávez, who has survived several attempts to remove him from power. The government has benefitted from the rise in world oil prices, which has sparked an economic boom and allowed Chávez to increase expenditures on social programs associated with his populist agenda. After he was reelected, Chávez announced new measures to move the country toward socialism. His May 2007 closure of a popular Venezuelan television station (RCTV) that was critical of the government sparked student-led protests and international condemnation. President Chávez was dealt a setback on December 2, 2007, when his proposed constitutional amendment package was defeated by a close margin in a national referendum. Many of the amendments proved controversial, such as the removal of presidential term limits and the government's ability to suspend certain constitutional rights during a state of emergency. The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, the fourth major supplier of foreign oil to the United States, but there has been friction in relations with the Chávez government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson
2008-01-11
-
Water Infrastructure Needs and Investment: Review and Analysis of Key Issues [Updated November 28, 2007]
"Policymakers are giving increased attention to issues associated with financing and investing in the nation's drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, which take in water, treat it, and distribute it to households and other customers, and later collect, treat, and discharge water after use. The renewed attention is due to a combination of factors. These include financial impacts on communities of meeting existing and anticipated regulatory requirements, the need to repair and replace existing infrastructure, and concerns about paying for security-related projects. The federal government has a long history of involvement with wastewater and drinking water systems, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) having the most significant role, both in terms of regulation and funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also plays an important role in rural communities through its water and wastewater loan and grant programs. These programs have been popular; however, states, local communities, and others have asserted that various program gaps and limitations may be diminishing their potential effectiveness. They also point to the emergence of new infrastructure needs and issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tiemann, Mary; Copeland, Claudia
2007-11-28
-
U.S.-Vietnam Relations: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 3, 2008]
"After communist North Vietnam's victory over U.S.-backed South Vietnam in 1975, U.S.-Vietnam relations remained essentially frozen until the mid-1990s. Since then, bilateral ties have expanded remarkably, to the point where the relationship has been virtually normalized. Indeed, since 2002, overlapping strategic and economic interests have compelled the United States and Vietnam to improve relations across a wide spectrum of issues. Congress played a significant role in the normalization process and continues to influence the state of bilateral relations. Voices favoring improved relations have included those reflecting U.S. business interests in Vietnam's reforming economy and U.S. strategic interests in expanding cooperation with a populous country -- Vietnam has over 85 million people -- that has an ambivalent relationship with China. Others argue that improvements in bilateral relations should be conditioned upon Vietnam's authoritarian government improving its record on human rights. The population of over 1 million Vietnamese Americans, as well as legacies of the Vietnam War, also drive continued U.S. interest. Economic ties are the most mature aspect of the bilateral relationship. Since the United States extended conditional normal trade relations (NTR) to Vietnam in 2001, bilateral trade -- primarily imports from Vietnam -- has increased more than sixfold, to the point where the United States is now Vietnam's largest export market. The final step toward full economic normalization was accomplished in December 2006, when Congress passed and President Bush signed H.R. 6111 (P.L. 109-432), extending permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Vietnam."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.
2008-01-03
-
War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance [Updated January 14, 2008]
"For over three decades, war powers and the War Powers Resolution have been an issue in U.S. military actions in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central America, and Europe. Presidents have submitted 123 reports to Congress as a result of the War Powers Resolution, although only one (the Mayaguez situation) cited Section 4(a)(1) or specifically stated that forces had been introduced into hostilities or imminent hostilities. […] War powers have been at issue in former Yugoslavia/Bosnia/Kosovo, Iraq, and Haiti. Authorizing military actions in response to the terrorist attacks against the United States of September 11, 2001, through P.L. 107-40 directly involved war powers. The continued use of force to obtain Iraqi compliance with U.N. resolutions remained a war powers issue from the end of the Gulf war on February 28, 1991, until the enactment of P.L. 107-243, in October 2002, which explicitly authorized the President to use force against Iraq, an authority he exercised in March 2003, and continues to exercise for military operations in Iraq. Debate continues on whether using the War Powers Resolution is effective as a means of assuring congressional participation in decisions that might get the United States involved in a significant military conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2008-01-14
-
U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel [Updated January 2, 2008]
"This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance figures, and an analysis of current issues. The report will be updated annually to reflect developments over the previous year... Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. From 1976-2004, Israel was the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, having recently been supplanted by Iraq. Since 1985, the United States has provided nearly $3 billion in grants annually to Israel... Strong congressional support for Israel has resulted in Israel's receiving benefits that may not be available to other countries. For example, Israel can use U.S. military assistance both for research and development in the United States and for military purchases from Israeli manufacturers. In addition, all U.S. foreign assistance earmarked for Israel is delivered in the first 30 days of the fiscal year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2008-01-02
-
Uganda: Current Conditions and the Crisis in North Uganda [Updated December 7, 2007]
"In February 2006, Ugandans voted in the first multi-party elections in almost 26 years. President Yoweri Museveni and his ruling National Revolutionary Movement (NRM) parliamentary candidates won a decisive victory over opposition candidate Kizza Besigye and the Forum for Democracy Coalition. Nevertheless, poll results showed a notable decline in support for President Museveni from previous elections. International election observers did not condemn the election results, nor did they fully endorse the electoral process. Critics charged the government with intimidating the opposition during the pre-election period, and Besigye spent much of the campaign period in jail. The election followed a controversial move by the Ugandan parliament in July 2005 to remove the constitutional two-term limit on the presidency. In the north, the government of Uganda has long fought the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), an armed rebel group backed by the government of Sudan. Through over 20 years of civil war, the brutal insurgency has created a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 1.5 million and resulted in the abduction of over 20,000 children. In 2006-07, the government of Uganda and the LRA have been actively engaged in an effort to resolve the conflict peacefully. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) has been mediating the talks since June 2006. The negotiations have had some success in halting the fighting. In August 2006, the government of Uganda and the LRA signed a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. The cessation of hostilities has allowed an estimated 400,000 displaced people to return to their homes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.; Reeves, Hannah
2007-12-07
