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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [Updated January 5, 2006]
"Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the national interest in reducing the role of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology reportedly include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran and North Korea. This CRS Report, updated as warranted, discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. China has taken some steps to mollify U.S. concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Nonetheless, supplies from China have aggravated trends that result in ambiguous technical aid, more indigenous capabilities, longer-range missiles, and secondary (retransferred) proliferation. As the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) has reported to Congress, China remains a 'key supplier' of weapons technology, particularly missile or chemical technology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2006-01-05
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European Union-U.S. Trade and Investment Relations: Key Issues [Updated April 8, 2008]
From the Summary: "The United States and EU [European Union] share a huge, dynamic, and mutually beneficial economic relationship. Not only are trade and investment ties between the two partners huge in absolute terms, but the EU share of U.S. global trade and investment flows has remained high and relatively constant over time, despite the rise of Asian trade and investment flows. These robust commercial ties provide consumers on both sides of the Atlantic with major benefits in terms of jobs and access to capital and new technologies. Agreements between the two partners in the past have been critical to making the world trading system more open and efficient. At the same time, the commercial relationship is subject to a number of trade disputes and disagreements that potentially could have adverse political and economic repercussions. […] Congress has pressured the executive branch to take a harder line against the EU in resolving some disputes, but has also cooperated with the Administration in crafting compromise solutions. Primarily through oversight in the second session of the 110th Congress, many Members of Congress can be expected to support efforts to resolve existing disputes and to maintain an equitable sharing of the costs and benefits of the commercial relationship with the EU. This report starts with background information and data on the commercial relationship and then discusses selective issues associated with trade in agricultural products, trade in services, and foreign direct investment. A concluding section assesses prospects for future cooperation and conflict. The report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldfarb, Charles B.; Fischer, John W. (John Werner); Ahearn, Raymond J.
2008-04-08
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Real Earnings, Health Insurance and Pension Coverage, and the Distribution of Earnings, 1979-2006 [April 28, 2008]
From the Summary: "From 1979 to 2006, there were differences between men and women in the level and growth in real earnings (i.e., actual earnings adjusted for inflation) and in employment-based health insurance and pension coverage. The pattern of earnings and benefit coverage also differed between all employed persons and workers employed full-time, year-round. […] The real weekly earnings of full-time, year-round workers increased by 15.4%. Earnings rose at all earnings levels. The increase was greatest (32.5%) at the 95th percentile. The earnings of men at the 20th and 40th percentiles fell by almost 10%, while the earnings of women increased at all earnings levels. Except for men with the highest earnings (i.e., top 5%), pension coverage fell for both men and women. Employment-based health insurance coverage also fell for both men and women. The decline was greatest among lower-wage workers and greater for lower-wage men than women. Thus, lower-wage men who worked full-time, year-round experienced both a decrease in earnings and a decline in pension and health insurance coverage. Despite improved earnings, women who were employed full-time, year-round lost both pension and health insurance coverage. Finally, inequality among all workers increased from 1979 to 2006. Inequality generally increased from 1980 to 1986, declined slightly from 1986 to 1992, rose again from 1992 to 1994, fell from 1995 to about 1999, and increased from about 1999 to 2005. Overall inequality decreased from 2005 to 2006, but it increased among women and decreased among men. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mayer, Gerald
2008-04-28
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Reforms: Regulatory Impacts Upon Innovation and Competition [Updated April 4, 2008]
From the Summary: "The interest of the 110th Congress in the patent system has been evidenced by the advancement of substantial reform bills in both the House and Senate. Alongside these congressional proposals, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has engaged in a significant rulemaking effort in recent years. This process culminated in new rules that would make several significant changes to the patent acquisition process. First, the rules would limit the number of 'continued applications' that could be filed, absent a petition and showing by the patent applicant of the need for such applications. Stated generally, a continued application is one that has been re-filed at the USPTO, commonly following an examiner's rejection. The USPTO has justified this limitation on the basis that the increasing number of continued examination filings is hampering its ability to review new applications. […] In addition, the USPTO has proposed reforms that would impose additional applicant disclosure obligations with respect to 'Information Disclosure Statements' filed in support of a particular patent application. The USPTO has not yet taken action concerning this rule. Should Congress conclude that the current situation with respect to claims and continued application practice at the USPTO is satisfactory, then no action need be taken. If Congress wishes to intervene, however, a number of options present themselves. In the 110th Congress, H.R. 1908 would expressly provide the USPTO with regulatory authority to specify the circumstances under which a patent applicant may file a continued application. Other possibilities include providing the USPTO with substantive rulemaking authority and more specific reforms directed to the relevant substantive provisions of the Patent Act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, John R.
2008-04-04
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Nigeria: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 26, 2007]
From the Summary: "In June 1998, General Sani Abacha, the military leader who took power in Nigeria in 1993, died of a reported heart attack and was replaced by General Abdulsalam Abubakar. In July 1998, Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, also died of a heart attack. General Abubakar released political prisoners and initiated political, economic, and social reforms. He also established a new independent electoral commission and outlined a schedule for elections and transition to civilian rule, pledging to hand over power to an elected civilian government by May 1999. In late February 1999, former military leader General Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president. Obasanjo won 62.8% of the votes (18.7 million), while his challenger, Chief Olu Falae, received 37.2% of the votes (11.1 million). President Obasanjo was reelected in 2003, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won a legislative majority in elections marred by serious irregularities and electoral fraud, according to international election observers. […] Nigeria's next general elections are scheduled for April 2007. Efforts to allow Obasanjo a third term were defeated in 2006, thus the election would mark the country's first transfer of power from one civilian government to another. Some analysts suggest the threat of regional tensions triggering wider civil unrest could lead to an electoral delay. This report will not be updated. For current information about Nigeria, see CRS Report RL33964, 'Nigeria: Current Issues', by Lauren Ploch."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2007-01-26
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El Salvador: Political, Economic, and Social Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated April 25, 2008]
From the Summary: "Throughout the last few decades, the United States has had a strong interest in El Salvador. During the 1980s, El Salvador was the largest recipient of U.S. aid in Latin America as its government struggled against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) insurgency. After the 1992 peace accords were signed, U.S. involvement shifted towards helping the government rebuild democracy and implement market-friendly economic reforms. Successive National Republican Alliance (ARENA) governments, including that of the current president, Tony Saca, have maintained close ties with the United States. On March 1, 2006, El Salvador implemented the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). In March 2007, the Bush Administration extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of eligible Salvadoran migrants living in the United States through March 2009. El Salvador is receiving some $28.6 million in U.S. assistance in FY2008 and could benefit from the proposed Mérida Initiative for Mexico and Central America. Many U.S. observers are interested in the campaign for the March 2009 presidential elections in El Salvador, particularly since the FMLN candidate, Mauricio Funes, appears to be leading the ARENA candidate, Rodrigo Ávila, in the polls. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2008-04-25
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Greece Update [Updated April 17, 2008]
From the Summary: "The conservative New Democracy (ND) party won reelection in September 2007. Kostas Karamanlis, its leader, remained prime minister and pledged to continue economic reforms to enhance growth and create jobs. The government's foreign policy focuses on the European Union (EU), relations with Turkey, reunifying Cyprus, resolving a dispute with Macedonia over its name, other Balkan issues, and sustaining good relations with the United States. Greece has assisted with the war on terrorism, but is not a member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. This report will be updated if developments warrant. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33497, 'Cyprus: Status of U.N. Negotiations and Related Issues', by Carol Migdalovitz."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2008-04-17
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Iranian Nuclear Sites [Updated April 16, 2007]
From the Summary: "On April 9, 2007, Iran declared that it has now developed the capability to produce enriched uranium which is needed to make nuclear fuel on an industrial scale. This report describes Iran's known nuclear sites listed in official International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports and includes a map with the location of the nuclear facilities. For further information and analysis of Iran's nuclear programs, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21592, 'Iran's Nuclear Program: Recent Developments', by Sharon Squassoni; and CRS Report RL32048, 'Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses', by Kenneth Katzman. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hassan, Hussein D.
2007-04-16
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2694, Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2021
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 11, 2021. From the Document: "Under current law, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) covers transportation, meal, and incidental costs incurred by defendants as they travel to court appearances, if a federal judge determines they are indigent. H.R. 2694 would authorize the agency to reimburse defendants for those expenses incurred during court appearances and during return trips to their residence or place of arrest. [...] CBO estimates that the costs for meals and other expenses incurred by defendants at court appearances would total less than $100,000 annually. In total, CBO estimates that implementing those provisions would cost less than $500,000 over the 2021-2026 period[.] [...] In addition, H.R. 2694 would allow magistrate judges, if the defendant has consented, to render decisions in proceedings that occur after the conclusion of a trial in criminal cases involving a petty offense or misdemeanor. As a result, some rulings would occur more quickly because they would be heard by a magistrate judge instead of a district court judge. [...] CBO estimates that implementing that provision would have no significant effect on the federal budget."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2021-06-22
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 1662, Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on May 25, 2021. From the Document: "S. 1662 would authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to increase funding transfers to the Reagan-Udall Foundation and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, respectively, up to an annual cap of $5 million each. The foundations are 501(c)(3) organizations created by the Congress to support the missions of FDA and NIH. CBO anticipates that the agencies would transfer the maximum authorized amounts to the foundations each year, about $38 million more than authorized under current law over the 2022-2026 period. CBO estimates that costs associated with the increased transfers would total $30 million over the 2021-2026 period; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2021-06-22
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Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment [Updated June 26, 2003]
"The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that 'Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. . . .' This language restricts government both more and less than it would if it were applied literally. It restricts government more in that it applies not only to Congress, but to all branches of the federal government, and to all branches of state and local government. It restricts government less in that it provides no protection to some types of speech and only limited protection to others. This report provides an overview of the major exceptions to the First Amendment - of the ways that the Supreme Court has interpreted the guarantee of freedom of speech and press to provide no protection or only limited protection for some types of speech. For example, the Court has decided that the First Amendment provides no protection to obscenity, child pornography, or speech that constitutes 'advocacy of the use of force or of law violation . . . where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cohen, Henry, 1949-
2003-06-26
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First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated August 28, 2003]
"In its FY2004 budget request, the Bush Administration proposed a new grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative' to help first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the proposal, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), within the Department of Homeland Security, would administer the $3.6 billion program. The programs primary purpose would be to improve the ability of first responders (including police, firefighters, emergency medical, and hazardous materials personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The program would fund a range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The Administration proposal is one of several proposals to restructure first responder preparedness grants before the 108th Congress. Recently, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved S. 1245, the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003, which seeks to simplify and streamline existing grant programs for first responder preparedness. Among other things, the bill authorizes a formula grant to states and localities for a broad range of preparedness activities. Other introduced bills propose different methods of distribution, ranges of eligible activities, and matching requirements. Examples of introduced bills include H.R. 1389, H.R. 1449, S. 87/H.R. 1007, S. 466, and S. 930. Restructuring proposals have also been included in House and Senate homeland security appropriations bills (H.R. 2555)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2003-08-28
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Internet Privacy: Overview and Legislation in the 109th Congress, 1st Session [Updated January 26, 2006]
"Internet privacy issues encompass several types of concerns. One is the collection of personally identifiable information (PII) by website operators from visitors to government and commercial websites, or by software that is surreptitiously installed on a user's computer ('spyware') and transmits the information to someone else. Another is the monitoring of electronic mail and Web usage by the government or law enforcement officials, employers, or email service providers. [...] Congress passed the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-56) that, inter alia, makes it easier for law enforcement officials to monitor Internet activities. That act was amended by the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296), loosening restrictions as to when, and to whom, Internet Service Providers may voluntarily release the content of communications if they believe there is a danger of death or injury. Some provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, including two that relate to Internet use, would have expired on December 31, 2005. Congress passed a brief extension (to February 3, 2006) in P.L. 109-160. Debate over whether civil liberties protections need to be added if the provisions are to be made permanent is expected to continue in the second session of the 109th Congress. Revelations that President Bush directed the National Security Agency to monitor some communications, including e-mails, in the United States without warrants may affect those deliberations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Marcia S.
2006-01-26
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International Population Assistance and Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [January 26, 2006]
"Since 1965, United States policy has supported international population planning based on principles of volunteerism and informed choice that gives participants access to information on all methods of birth control. This policy, however, has generated contentious debate for over two decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nowels, Larry Q.; Veillette, Connie
2006-01-26
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Energy Policy Act of 2005, P.L. 109-58: Electricity Provisions [January 24, 2006]
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005, was the first omnibus energy legislation enacted in more than a decade. Major provisions include tax incentives for domestic energy production and energy efficiency, a mandate to double the nation's use of biofuels, faster procedures for energy production on federal lands, and authorization of numerous federal energy research and development programs. This report describes the electricity provisions. It will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Abel, Amy
2006-01-24
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General Management Laws and the 9/11 Commissions Proposed Office of National Intelligence Director (NID) and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) [September 21, 2004]
"To improve the organization and capabilities of the U.S. intelligence community, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) recommended, among other things, that two entities be established - a National Intelligence Director (NID) and a National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The commission said that the NID should be located within the Executive Office of the President (EOP), and said the NCTC should report to the NID. Legislation designed to create these entities would place them either within the EOP (e.g., H.R. 5024 and H.R. 5050) or within an independent entity outside of the EOP (e.g., S. 2774 and H.R. 5040). Questions have been raised regarding a number of issues associated with the establishment of the NID and the NCTC. One set of such questions centers on whether these proposed entities would be covered by various general management laws - broad statutes designed to regulate the activities, procedures, and administration of all or most executive branch agencies in such areas as regulatory and information management, financial management, procurement, and strategic planning. Earlier in 2004, CRS published a compendium of these general management laws and a companion report on major themes from these laws, with possible management policy options (CRS Report RL30795, General Management Laws: A Compendium; and CRS Report RL32388, General Management Laws: Major Themes and Management Policy Options)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brass, Clinton T.; Copeland, Curtis W.
2004-09-21
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Communications Act Revisions: Selected Issues for Consideration [Updated January 23, 2006]
"This report provides an overview of selected topics which the 109th Congress may address in its examination of telecommunications issues. While far from a definitive list, the issues selected are wide-ranging and touch upon topics central to the telecommunications reform debate. The issues included in this report cover: broadband Internet regulation and access; broadcast indecency; digital television transition; Federal Communications Commission structure and reform; intercarrier compensation; media ownership rules; municipal deployment of broadband; public safety communications, the 'savings clause' and monopoly issues; spectrum auctions; and universal service fund reform. This report addresses major issues, rather than addressing specific legislative activity. The underlying references to CRS products, included at the end of each issue, should be used to expand upon the issue, update relevant events and, where appropriate, track Congressional activity. This report will be updated occasionally."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gilroy, Angele A.
2006-01-23
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Interrogation of Detainees: Overview of the McCain Amendment [Updated January 24, 2006]
"Recent controversy has arisen regarding U.S. treatment of enemy combatants and terrorist suspects detained in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, and whether such treatment complies with U.S. statutes and treaties such as the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Congress recently approved additional guidelines concerning the treatment of detainees. The Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 (P.L. 109- 148), and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2006 (P.L. 109-163) contain identical provisions that (1) require Department of Defense (DOD) personnel to employ United States Army Field Manual guidelines while interrogating detainees, and (2) prohibit the 'cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of persons under the detention, custody, or control of the United States Government.' These provisions, added to the defense appropriations and authorization bills via amendments introduced by Senator John McCain, have popularly been referred to as 'the McCain amendment.' This report discusses the McCain amendment, as modified and subsequently enacted into law. For a discussion of the provisions in the defense appropriations and authorization bills that limit judicial review of challenges to U.S. detention policy, see CRS Report RL33180, Guantanamo Detainees: Habeas Corpus Challenges in Federal Court, by Jennifer K. Elsea and Kenneth Thomas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John
2006-01-24
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Hurricane Katrina: HIPAA Privacy and Electronic Health Records of Evacuees [January 17, 2006]
"On September 4th, 2005 Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Leavitt declared a federal public health emergency for Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, and waived certain requirements under Medicare, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to allow health care providers in affected areas to care for patients without violating certain provisions of those laws. The Secretary waived sanctions and penalties arising from noncompliance with certain provisions of the HIPAA privacy regulations. On September 9, HHS issued Hurricane Katrina Bulletin #2--HIPAA Privacy Rule Compliance Guidance and Enforcement Statement for Activities in Response to Hurricane Katrina. The September 9 bulletin builds on a September 2 guidance in which the department emphasized how the HIPAA privacy rule allows patient information to be shared to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to assist patients in receiving care. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the federal government began a pilot test of KatrinaHealth.org, an Electronic Health Record (EHR) online system, sharing prescription drug information for hurricane evacuees with health care professionals. This report discusses, in response to Hurricane Katrina, HHS' waiver of certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and the compliance and enforcement guidance with respect to the Privacy Rule issued by HHS. It also provides a brief overview of KatrinaHealth.org. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stevens, Gina Marie
2006-01-17
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Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated December 11, 2002]
"The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) makes the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for providing assistance to state and local governments to ensure adequate preparedness for all disasters, including terrorist attacks. Several federal entities with functions relating to state and local preparedness, ranging from entire independent agencies to units of agencies and departments, will be transferred to the new department. Those transferred to the Emergency Preparedness and Response directorate (EPR) include: 1) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in its entirety; 2) National Domestic Preparedness Office and Domestic Emergency Support Teams, (FBI, within the Department of Justice); 3) Office of Emergency Preparedness (HHS), including the National Disaster Medical System and Metropolitan Medical Response System; and, 4) National Strategic Stockpile (HHS). The Justice Departments Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) will be transferred to the Border and Transportation Security directorate. ODP provides training, equipment grants, and technical assistance to states and localities. Its assistance activities focus exclusively on preparedness for terrorist attacks - particularly those involving weapons of mass destruction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-12-11
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Chemical Facility Security: A Comparison of S. 157 and S. 994 [June 11, 2003]
"The 108th Congress is considering legislation to reduce chemical facilities' vulnerability to acts of terrorism, so as to protect critical sectors of the U.S. infrastructure and reduce risks to public health and the environment. Competing bills, S. 994 and S. 157, have been introduced into the Senate. Both would require chemical facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop and implement site security plans, but the approaches of the bills differ with respect to the chemicals and facilities covered, planning requirements, and mechanisms for federal and facility accountability. In addition, S. 157 would assign the lead responsibility to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while S. 994 would give this role to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schierow, Linda-Jo
2003-06-11
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Congress as a Consumer of Intelligence Information [December 14, 2005]
"This responds to your request for a discussion of Congress and its role as a consumer of national intelligence, and for a listing and a description of some of the U.S. Intelligence Community's principal intelligence products, including an identification of those which the executive branch routinely shares with Congress, and those which it does not. Limitations on Congressional Access to Certain National Intelligence By virtue of his constitutional role as commander-and-in-chief and head of the executive branch, the President has access to all national intelligence collected, analyzed and produced by the Intelligence Community. The Presidents position also affords him the authority - which, at certain times, has been aggressively asserted - to restrict the flow of intelligence information to Congress and its two intelligence committees, which are charged with providing legislative oversight of the Intelligence Community. As a result, the President, and a small number of presidentially-designated Cabinet-level officials, including the Vice President " in contrast to Members of Congress " have access to a far greater overall volume of intelligence and to more sensitive intelligence information, including information regarding intelligence sources and methods. They, unlike Members of Congress, also have the authority to more extensively task the Intelligence Community, and its extensive cadre of analysts, for follow-up information. As a result, the President and his most senior advisors arguably are better positioned to assess the quality of the Community's intelligence more accurately than is Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cumming, Alfred
2005-12-14
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Potential Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: An Overview for Congress [March 18, 2003]
"There seems to be a consensus that the current poor humanitarian situation inside Iraq could worsen during a conflict, though this would likely depend on the nature and duration of the conflict and the extent and quality of humanitarian assistance. Problems could arise from the following: malnutrition and disruption of food supplies, inadequate sanitation and clean water, and reduced health and medical care. The consequences of war in Iraq could also include a potential humanitarian emergency with population movements across borders or within Iraq itself. Given the challenge of current conditions in Iraq, U.N. agencies indicate that a conflict in Iraq would disrupt critical infrastructure, delivery of basic services, and food distribution with the potential of severe humanitarian consequences. Relief agencies are having to plan for humanitarian needs amid great uncertainty about conditions in the aftermath of conflict. In recent months many have continued to reiterate that contingency planning does not mean they assumed war was inevitable."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Bockman, Johanna
2003-03-18
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Homeland Security: Human Resources Management [Updated January 6, 2003]
"P.L. 107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. 5005), authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish, and from time to time adjust, a human resources management (HRM) system for some or all of the organizational units of the new department. The law states specific requirements for the HRM system. Federal workforce improvements to be applied government wide also are authorized by P.L. 107-296. OPM has established several working groups to begin developing the new HRM system and hopes to have a draft proposal of the system ready by June 1, 2003. Key issues to be considered in establishing an HRM system for the new department might include staffing requirements and hiring and pay systems. Other issues likely to be considered would include the kind of automated human resources and payroll systems the various agencies proposed for transfer to the new department currently have and how those systems might be merged if a consolidation of HRM services were to occur. This report discusses the provisions of P.L. 107-296 as they relate to human resources management. It does not discuss provisions of the law which relate to labor management relations and collective bargaining."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2003-01-06
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First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated December 11, 2002]
"In February 2002, the Bush Administration proposed a new block grant program called the 'First Responder Initiative,' to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the Administration proposal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would administer the program, which, if approved, would provide $3.5 billion to states and localities. The Administrations primary goal for the program is to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The program would fund a broad range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The 107th Congress considered a number of bills similar to the Administration proposal. On October 1, 2002, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committed reported S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002. The bill contained several features proposed by the Administration, including a 25% matching requirement, a wide range of eligible activities, and a requirement that states distribute 75% of funds to sub-state regions. S. 2664 also contained some provisions not specified in the Administration proposal, such as establishing standards for training and equipment and prohibiting the use of funds for overtime expenses. Other proposals for preparedness block grants were introduced in the 107th Congress, including S. 2038/H.R. 4059."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-12-11
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First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated October 7, 2002]
"In its FY2003 budget request, the Administration proposed a new grant program, called the 'First Responder Initiative,' to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency would administer the program, which, if approved, would provide $3.5 billion to states and localities. The Administrations primary goal for the program is to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. The proposed program would fund a broad range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. On October 1, 2002, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committed approved S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002. The bill contains several features proposed by the Administration, including a 25% matching requirement, a wide range of eligible activities, and a requirement that states distribute 75% of funds to sub-state regions. S. 2664 also contains some provisions not specified in the Administration proposal, such as establishing standards for training and equipment and prohibiting the use of funds for overtime expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-10-07
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Georgia [Republic]: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 5, 2004]
"This report examines Georgia's efforts to surmount economic problems, civil war, separatism, crime, corruption, and human rights problems. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including military training and equipment transfers to help Georgia's antiterrorism efforts. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB95024, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2004-05-05
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Massachusetts Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 23, 2004]
"The Massachusetts statutory code incorporates emergency management with civil defense authorities. The governor has power to control emergency management activities, exercise control over private and public resources in a state of emergency, and enter into agreements with the federal and other state governments. The Defense Council advises the governor on civil defense matters, and the director of civil defense is responsible for the state Emergency Management Agency. Political subdivisions establish local organizations for civil defense. Continuity of government provisions require state officers and directors to list five persons who can serve if such a position is vacant due to absence or disability. Funding from the Commonwealth security trust fund supports emergency response and responding to terrorism. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2004-03-23
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Iraq Reconstruction Resources: Fact Sheet [Updated November 23, 2004]
"The conclusion of major military actions in the U.S.-led coalition's war to change the regime in Iraq spawned a major effort to rebuild the infrastructure and government of the country. Reconstruction efforts continue in Iraq despite ongoing hostilities. The Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (P.L. 108-11) and the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 (P.L. 108-106) provide more than $20 billion in funding for initiatives and projects for the rebuilding of postwar Iraq. Under this legislation, several federal departments and agencies have awarded contracts for the reconstruction effort. This fact sheet provides Internet links to the federal agencies or departments currently involved in the contracting process, along with their specific Iraq reconstruction programs underway or proposed. It provides overview information on federal agency contract solicitations, application procedures, and contact information where appropriate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Carolyn C.; Waterhouse, Michael
2004-11-23
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 18, 2021
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: "Persistent Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Fatal Unintentional Drowning Rates Among Persons Aged ≤29 Years -- United States, 1999-2019"; "Hepatitis A Virus Infections Among Men Who Have Sex with Men -- Eight U.S. States, 2017-2018"; "Mental Health Among Parents of Children Aged
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-06-18
