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Fighting COVID-19 in Steppes: Mongolian Community-Based Mitigation
From the Document: "While many nations' Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] responses have received mixed praise or criticism from the international community, Mongolia has quietly demonstrated competence and selflessness in the face of adversity. The nation responded quickly and effectively, preventing domestic transmission of the disease and establishing a public health stance that has kept deaths attributed to Covid-19 at zero, all while aiding other countries including China, Russia, and the United States. By observing precautions implemented by the Mongolian government, Mongolians have enabled the government to better protect its people from the disease while continuing to enact policies that foster and strengthen international ties. The early activation of the State Emergency Committee, integration with the World Health Organization, and unified communication efforts are lessons that can be applied across the globe."
Pacific Forum
Millward, Nicholas H.
2020-09-04
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Planning Guide for Local Governments: Setting Up Assessment and Recovery Locations for COVID-19
From the Purpose: "Assessment and recovery locations are designated places where people with COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] can recover from the illness if they don't need to be hospitalized or have already left the hospital. The locations are also for individuals who may be exposed (e.g., people under investigation), but don't have symptoms, and need a place to stay away from others. This document outlines considerations for developing an assessment and recovery location, including isolation and quarantine rooms, and other operational needs. Governmental agencies can identify existing building structures like motels, apartments, and other available building spaces to convert for use. This document does not apply to healthcare settings for creating isolation and quarantine spaces. This document should be used in tandem with Department of Health (DOH) guidance for home isolation and quarantine (those who have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease, are potentially exposed, or have symptoms of coronavirus disease) and CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] interim guidance for implementing home care for people not requiring hospitalization for COVID-19."
Washington (State). Department of Health
2020-03-22
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New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions [Updated November 27, 2019]
From the Summary: "The United States and Russia signed the New START [Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty] Treaty on April 8, 2010. After more than 20 hearings, the U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification on December 22, 2010, by a vote of 71-26. Both houses of the Russian parliament--the Duma and Federation Council-- approved the treaty in late January 2011 and it entered into force on February 5, 2011. Both parties met the treaty's requirement to complete the reductions by February 5, 2018. The treaty is due to expire in February 2021, unless both parties agree to extend it for no more than five years. New START provides the parties with 7 years to reduce their forces, and will remain in force for a total of 10 years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2019-11-27
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New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions [Updated May 30, 2019]
From the Summary: "The United States and Russia signed the New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaty on April 8, 2010. After more than 20 hearings, the U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification on December 22, 2010, by a vote of 71-26. Both houses of the Russian parliament--the Duma and Federation Council--approved the treaty in late January 2011 and it entered into force on February 5, 2011. Both parties met the treaty's requirement to complete the reductions by February 5, 2018. The treaty is due to expire in February 2021, unless both parties agree to extend it for no more than five years. New START provides the parties with 7 years to reduce their forces, and will remain in force for a total of 10 years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2019-05-30
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Protecting Your Clients, Protecting Yourself: Increasing Your Knowledge of COVID-19 Transmission, Mitigation, and Infection Prevention & Control [presentation]
This webinar, hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, provides an overview of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mitigation strategies.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
McNamara, Sara; Brennan, Brenda
2020-07
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Peace Corps: Overview and Issues [Updated June 26, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps sends American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns across the world. The Peace Corps' three-point legislative mandate, unchanged since its founding, is to promote world peace and friendship by improving the lives of those they serve, help others understand American culture, and bring volunteers' experience back to Americans at home. To date, more than 235,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 141 countries. As of the end of September 2018, 7,367 volunteers were serving in 61 nations. The current Director of the Peace Corps is Jody Olsen, who was sworn into office in March 2018. In 2019, the 116th Congress may consider the President's FY2020 funding request for the Peace Corps, reauthorization of the Peace Corps,oversight of reforms related to the Farr-Castle Act, the geographic distribution of Peace Corps programs, and related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Nick M.
2019-06-26
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Timeline for the First Year of COVID-19
This document provides a one year timeline of significant events related to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), starting with "Potential Patient Zero (Wuhan, China)" on November 17, 2019 and ending with "Global COVID-19 cases exceed 54 million, with more than 1.32 million deaths. New daily cases have recently spiked up the most across Europe and the U.S." on November 16, 2020. Each timeline event notes whether it is a global event, a U.S. event, or an event associated with the Department of Defense (DOD).
Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance
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Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
From the Document: "Equal opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy, and our diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths. But for too many, the American Dream remains out of reach. Entrenched disparities in our laws and public policies, and in our public and private institutions, have often denied that equal opportunity to individuals and communities. [...] It is therefore the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. Affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government. Because advancing equity requires a systematic approach to embedding fairness in decision-making processes, executive departments and agencies (agencies) must recognize and work to redress inequities in their policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-01-20
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Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers: Molecular Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) COVID-19 Authorized Tests [Alimetrix SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay]
From the Document: "This Fact Sheet informs you of the significant known and potential risks and benefits of the emergency use of a Molecular LDT [laboratory developed test] COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Authorized Test called the Alimetrix SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] RT-PCR [reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction] Assay that has been issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA. The Molecular LDT COVID-19 Authorized Test is authorized for use on certain respiratory specimens collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider."
United States. Food and Drug Administration
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Executive Order 13986: Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census
From the Document: "Both the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and section 2a(a) of title 2, United States Code, require that the apportionment base of each State, for the purpose of the reapportionment of Representatives following the decennial census, include all persons whose usual place of residence was in that State as of the designated census date, regardless of their immigration status. These laws, affirmed by the executive branch's longstanding historical practice, do not permit the exclusion of inhabitants of the United States from the apportionment base solely on the ground that they lack a lawful immigration status. Reflecting this legal background, and the values of equal representation and respect that the Constitution and laws embody, it is the policy of the United States that reapportionment shall be based on the total number of persons residing in the several States, without regard for immigration status. It is likewise essential that the census count be accurate and based on reliable and high-quality data."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-01-20
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Executive Order 13993: Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities
From the Document: "Immigrants have helped strengthen America's families, communities, businesses and workforce, and economy, infusing the United States with creativity, energy, and ingenuity. The task of enforcing the immigration laws is complex and requires setting priorities to best serve the national interest. The policy of my Administration is to protect national and border security, address the humanitarian challenges at the southern border, and ensure public health and safety. We must also adhere to due process of law as we safeguard the dignity and well-being of all families and communities. My Administration will reset the policies and practices for enforcing civil immigration laws to align enforcement with these values and priorities. [...] Executive Order 13768 of January 25, 2017 (Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States), is hereby revoked."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-01-20
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Fire Management Today: Forecasting Wildfire Behavior: Aids and Guides (Volume 64 No.1, 2004)
This issue of Fire Management Today features an article forecasting wildfires titled "Forecasting Wildland Fire Behavior: Aids, Guides, and Knowledge-Based Protocols" by M.E. Alexander and D.A. Thomas. Other articles include "Forest Fires and Sea Breezes" by G.L. Hayes; "Fundamentals of Fire Behavior" by H.T. Gisborne; "Vertical Wind Currents and Fire Behavior" by John S. Crosby; "Warning Signs for Fire Fighters" by A.A. Brown; "Recognizing Weather Conditions That Affect Forest Fire Behavior" by Owen P. Cramer; "Meteorological Problems Associated With Mass Fires" by DeVer Colson; "Some Principles of Combustion and Their Significance in Forest Fire Behavior" by George M. Byram; "Vortex Turbulence--Its Effect on Fire Behavior" by James B. Davis and Craig C. Chandler; "The Concept of Fire Environment" by C.M. Countryman; "Get the Most From Your Windspeed Observation" by John S. Crosby and Craig C. Chandler; "Atmospheric Stability Forecast and Fire Control" by Rollo T. Davis; "Downbursts and Wildland Fires: A Dangerous Combination" by Donald A. Haines; "Estimating Slope for Predicting Fire Behavior" by Patricia L. Andrews; "Air Tanker Vortex Turbulence--Revisited" by Donald A. Haines; "A Trend Analysis of Fireline "Watch Out" Situations in Seven Fire-Suppression Fatality Accidents" by Gene A. Morse; "LCES [lookout(s), communication(s), escape routes, and safety zone(s)]--A Key to Safety in the Wildland Fire Environment" by Paul Gleason; "How IC's [Incident Commanders] Can Get Maximum Use of Weather Information" by Christopher J. Cuoco and James K. Barnett; "Beyond the Safey Zone: Creating a Margin of Safety" by Mark Beighley; "Firefighter Safety Zones: How Big Is Big Enough?" by Bret W. Butler and Jack D. Cohen; "Safety Alert: Watch Out for Aircraft Turbulence!" by Billy Bennett; and "The Consumption Strategy: Increasing Safety During Mopup" by Tom Leuschen and Ken Frederick.
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service
2004
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U.S. Export Control Reforms and China: Issues for Congress [Updated January 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Over the past two years, the U.S. government has reformed--through legislation, regulation, and licensing practices--the export control system that regulates dual-use exports (goods and technology that have both civilian and military uses). These changes largely aim to address concerns about China's attempts to seek global civilian and military leadership in advanced and emerging technologies through coordinated industrial policies. Some of these reforms have prompted U.S. business concerns because they tighten technology trade with China, which is a growing market for many firms. Other reforms--such as setting emerging technology controls, expanding controls on existing technologies of concern, and reforming the licensing process--are ongoing. Congress has an important role in overseeing the reforms it legislated and shaping the evolving U.S. export control regime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-01-15
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U.S.-China Investment Ties: Overview [Updated January 15, 2021]
From the Background: "Investment is playing a growing role in U.S. commercial ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC or China). For many years, the PRC government invested much of its foreign exchange reserves in U.S. assets, particularly U.S. Treasury securities. China is the world's largest holder of foreign exchange reserves and had $3.2 trillion in reserves as of November 2020. [...] Since 1999, the PRC government has pushed an outward investment policy that has sought to diversify its overseas investments into hard assets by encouraging its companies--many of them state-tied firms--to invest overseas. These investments have targeted gaining access to critical raw materials and cutting-edge technology and establishing an overseas presence to expand infrastructure and create markets for Chinese goods and services. While a significant share of China's investment in the United States is in U.S. public and private securities, U.S. capital flowing into China largely has taken the form of foreign direct investment (FDI), in part due to China's restrictions on portfolio investment and investment rules that tie sales and procurement requirements or incentives to an investment or manufacturing presence. Initial U.S. investment in China focused on export-oriented manufacturing. Since the 1990s, U.S. investment has expanded into manufacturing, distribution, and services for the domestic market as well. In recent years, China has also sought to open gradually certain participation in its capital and debt markets to foreign investors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Sutter, Karen M.
2021-01-15
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Overview: "The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a new U.S. government agency that aims to promote private investment in developing countries to support U.S. global development, foreign policy, and economic interests. DFC emerged from a general congressional consensus, supported by the Trump Administration, to elevate U.S. efforts to respond to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China's growing economic influence in developing countries, modernize U.S. development finance tools for private capital mobilization, and streamline bureaucracy. Authorized by the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act, Div. F of P.L. 115-254, 22 U.S.C §9612 et seq.) for seven years through October 2025, DFC assumed the development finance functions of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC, now terminated) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Development Credit Authority (DCA). The BUILD Act also expanded its authorities and increased its exposure cap to $60 billion, compared to OPIC's former $29 billion exposure cap. DFC launched operations in December 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Brown, Nick M.
2021-01-12
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U.S. Government Procurement and International Trade [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has demonstrated that U.S. companies and the federal government rely heavily on global supply chains. This has prompted congressional interest in better understanding the role of international trade in U.S. government procurement. In particular, Members have sought ways to incentivize U.S. domestic production by prioritizing the procurement of domestic goods and services, while upholding U.S. commitments under various international trade agreements. Separately, the Trump Administration issued executive orders that aim to incentivize companies to relocate to the United States by limiting waivers that would allow government purchases of foreign goods. Within this context, Members have raised questions regarding how federal agency acquisitions comply with two domestic sourcing laws: namely, the Buy American Act of 1933 (BAA, 41 U.S.C. §§8301-8305) and Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA, 19 U.S.C. §§2501- 2581). Although both BAA and TAA have provisions that affect trade, there is a critical difference between their respective requirements. Whereas BAA operates as a 'price preference' for U.S. products, TAA establishes a 'prohibition' on procuring products and services from non designated foreign countries, unless one of TAA's exceptions applies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-14
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The Tax Treatment of Canceled Mortgage Debt [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Historically, if a lender forgives or cancels mortgage debt (and most other debts), tax law has treated the amount of canceled debt as a cancellation of debt income (CODI) subject to ordinary income tax rates. Section 108 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) contains two exceptions that are particularly relevant in the case of canceled home mortgage debt: a borrower may exclude canceled debt from gross income if (1) the debt is discharged in Title 11 bankruptcy; or (2) the borrower is insolvent (that is, has liabilities that exceed the fair market value of his or her assets, determined immediately prior to discharge). These exceptions are permanent tax provisions. Near the beginning of the housing downturn and Great Recession, Congress enacted a temporary provision that provided distressed borrowers another option for excluding canceled mortgage debt. This provision has been extended a number of times since its original enactment, most recently by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116- 260), which extended it through the end of 2025. The latest extension also reduced the maximum amount of debt that qualifies for the exclusion. This In Focus provides a brief overview of the tax treatment of canceled mortgage debt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Keightley, Mark P.
2021-01-14
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Stafford Act Emergency Declarations for Attacks on Federal Property [January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to an attack (or other exigency) on federal property, the President may issue a declaration of an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288, Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). This Insight describes the types of federal assistance that may be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under an emergency declaration to support response and recovery efforts following an attack on federal property and includes historical examples of such declarations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2021-01-12
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Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper: A Primer [January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper (Sergeant at Arms) is an elected officer of the Senate and is the chamber's primary law enforcement and protocol official, responsible for the protection, security, decorum, and other administrative aspects of the Senate floor, Senate wing of the Capitol, Senate office buildings, and adjacent grounds. The office was initially established during the First Congress, when the Senate elected James Mathers as Senate Doorkeeper. The Senate Sergeant at Arms performs duties according to law, Senate rules, and custom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2021-01-14
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U.S. Challenges to China's Farm Policies [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "In early 2019, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States in two cases that the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) filed against China, alleging that China's agricultural policies were inconsistent with its WTO obligations. While China agreed to conform to the WTO rulings, USTR contends that Beijing failed to act on one of the cases by the agreed-upon deadline of June 30, 2020. On July 16, 2020, USTR submitted a notification to the WTO requesting authorization to take countermeasures against imports from China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2021-01-14
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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): Compensation Related to Exposure to Radiation from Atomic Weapons Testing and Uranium Mining [Updated January 13, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides one-time benefit payments to persons who may have developed cancer or other specified diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling, or transporting. Administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), RECA has awarded over $2.4 billion in benefits to more than 37,000 claimants since its inception in 1990. The RECA program is scheduled to sunset in 2022. RECA benefits are available to the following groups: (1) onsite participants--$75,000 to persons who participated onsite in the atmospheric test of an atomic weapon and developed one of the types of cancers specified in the statute; (2) downwinders--$50,000 to persons who were present in one of the specified areas near the Nevada Test Site during a period of atmospheric atomic weapons testing and developed one of the types of cancers specified in the statute; and (3) uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters--$100,000 to persons who worked in mining, milling, or transportation of uranium between 1942 and 1971 and developed one of the types of diseases specified in the statute. The RECA statute was last amended in 2000. Since then, Congress has frequently considered legislation to expand the downwinder-eligibility area by making persons who were affected in other states during periods of atmospheric atomic weapons testing eligible for benefits and by allowing uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters to qualify for benefits based on work after 1971. However, an expansion of the downwinder-eligibility area is not supported by a congressionally mandated National Research Council report on atomic test fallout, and the inclusion of post-1971 uranium work, which was largely for commercial rather than governmental purposes, is not consistent with the program's stated intent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-01-13
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Revoking Hong Kong's Preferential Trade Status: Legal Framework and Implications [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "On July 14, 2020, the President issued an executive order finding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong) 'no longer sufficiently autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to the People's Republic of China' (China) with regard to specific laws listed in the order, and suspending differential application of those laws to Hong Kong. One of the relevant laws, 19 U.S.C. § 1304, sets out how products from other territories must be marked to indicate their country of origin. In response to the executive order, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice requiring all goods previously marked with 'Hong Kong' to indicate 'China' as their country of origin. Since this action, Hong Kong has initiated a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute by requesting consultations with the United States, arguing the new marking requirements violate several WTO agreements. This Sidebar presents the legal framework that applies to Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory from China, and analyzes the implications of the U.S. actions as well as Hong Kong's decision to initiate WTO proceedings. Although the President's executive order suspended a number of statutory provisions that gave preferential treatment to Hong Kong and invoked authority to declare a national emergency with respect to the situation in Hong Kong, these actions are beyond this Sidebar's scope."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2021-01-12
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Senate Powersharing Agreement of the 107th Congress (2001-2003): Key Features [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The 2000 elections resulted in a Senate composed of 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats. A historic agreement, worked out by the party floor leaders, in consultation with their party colleagues, was presented to the Senate (S.Res. 8) on January 5, 2001, and agreed to the same day. The agreement was expanded by a leadership colloquy on January 8, 2001. It remained in effect until June of 2001, when Senators reached a new agreement to account for the fact that a Senator had left the Republican Party to become an Independent who would caucus with the Democratic Party. This report describes the principal features of this and related agreements which provided for Republican chairs of all Senate committees after January 20, 2001; equal party representation on all Senate committees; equal division of committee staffs between the parties; procedures for discharging measures blocked by tie votes in committee; a restriction on the offering of cloture motions on amendable matters; restrictions on floor amendments offered by party leaders; eligibility of Senators from both parties to preside over the Senate; and general provisions seeking to reiterate the equal interest of both parties in the scheduling of Senate chamber business. Also noted is that not all aspects of Senate practice were affected by the powersharing agreement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rybicki, Elizabeth
2021-01-11
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U.S. Capitol Police: Brief Background [January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Capitol Police [USCP] is a department within the legislative branch with security, protection, and administrative responsibilities. The USCP is responsible for law enforcement and security within the Capitol Complex, including the U.S. Capitol building, the Capitol Visitor Center, Capitol grounds, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, Capitol Police buildings, Library of Congress buildings, and adjacent grounds. The USCP performs these roles in coordination with the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. The House and Senate Sergeants at Arms are charged with maintaining order in their chambers, and they each perform a number of law enforcement, security-related, decorum, and protocol duties. The House and Senate have each had an elected Sergeant at Arms since 1789."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2021-01-12
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SelectUSA Program: U.S. Inbound Investment Promotion [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "U.S. efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) primarily take place at U.S. state and local levels, such as through economic development organizations (EDOs), which work to attract business investment locally and regionally. At the same time, federal efforts to coordinate investment promotion also exist. Currently, federal efforts are focused through SelectUSA, a Department of Commerce program established in 2011 (Executive Order 13577), which aims to coordinate federal efforts to attract and retain 'job-creating' business investment in the United States. SelectUSA focuses both on drawing foreign investors to the United States and working to 're-shore' U.S. firms. For the 117th Congress, SelectUSA may present issues as to its possible codification, funding, economic impact, and implications for other investment policy issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2021-01-14
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Safeguards: Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Updated January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 23, 2018, President Trump proclaimed a four-year safeguard measure on imports of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (CSPV) cells and modules, and a three-year safeguard on large residential washing machines. These safeguards, still in force, were issued under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. §2251), and imposed additional tariffs and quotas on U.S. imports of these products. The safeguards were instituted based on findings by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that the goods are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities that they are a substantial cause of serious injury to U.S. manufacturers. The ITC also recommended possible steps to remedy the injury."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Vivian Catherine
2021-01-13
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New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions [Updated June 25, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The United States and Russia signed the New START [Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty] Treaty on April 8, 2010. After more than 20 hearings, the U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification on December 22, 2010, by a vote of 71-26. Both houses of the Russian parliament--the Duma and Federation Council-- approved the treaty in late January 2011 and it entered into force on February 5, 2011. Both parties met the treaty's requirement to complete the reductions by February 5, 2018. The treaty is due to expire in February 2021, unless both parties agree to extend it for no more than five years. New START provides the parties with 7 years to reduce their forces, and will remain in force for a total of 10 years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2020-06-25
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Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 116th Congresses [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. Market-based approaches that would address GHG emissions typically involve either a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or emissions fee program. Both approaches would place a price--directly or indirectly--on GHG emissions or their inputs, namely fossil fuels. Both would increase the price of fossil fuels, and both would reduce GHG emissions to some degree. Both would allow covered entities to choose the best way to meet their emission requirements or reduce costs, potentially by using market forces to minimize national costs of emission reductions. Preference between the two approaches ultimately depends on which variable policymakers prefer to precisely control--emission levels or emission prices. A primary policy concern with either approach is the economic impacts that may result. Expected energy price increases could have both economy-wide impacts (e.g., on the U.S. gross domestic product) and disproportionate effects on specific industries and particular demographic groups. The degree of these potential effects would depend on a number of factors, including the magnitude, design, and scope of the program and the use of tax or fee revenues or emission allowance values."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2021-01-12
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Middle East: Key Issues for the 117th Congress [January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "The Middle East in 2021 faces continued political instability, civil wars, terrorist threats, economic crises, the proliferation of unconventional weapons, external military intervention, and the ongoing spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It remains to be seen whether the territorial defeat of the Islamic State (IS) organization and the recent diplomatic normalization agreements brokered by the Trump Administration between Israel and several Arab states augur improved regional stability. U.S. stated policy goals have remained broadly consistent across Administrations: deter interstate conflict, counter terrorism, ensure the global flow of energy resources, and preserve U.S. influence in the face of rival power competition. The 116th Congress shaped U.S. policy in the Middle East through various legislative tools. Congress appropriated funds for issues Members deemed a priority--such as stabilization efforts in Syria. Some Members sought to place conditions on U.S. foreign aid and/or block arms sales to express concern with particular developments--such as Saudi use of U.S. military equipment to target civilians in Yemen. The 116th Congress maintained and expanded sanctions--such as those in place against Iran--in an effort to change state behavior. Congress also continued to shape the U.S. military footprint in the region through its annual defense authorization and appropriation measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2021-01-13
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Tribal Response Plan COVID-19: State of North Dakota
From the Introduction: "This comprehensive document was prepared by the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission and the American Indian Public Health Resource Center, and adapted from the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department's 'Tribal Response Plan COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] State of New Mexico,' with input from professionals and subject matter experts. It was designed to assist tribal governments by providing detailed information on such matters as testing, screening, accessing healthcare, restricting access to tribal lands in addition to working with state departments and agencies. It outlines steps, strategies and procedures to prevent the further spread of the virus or stem the potential surge of positive cases. These are unprecedented times, urgent circumstances that require quick responses to each unique situation that may occur or develop. This document will hopefully offer guidance and clarity in understanding what steps and measures can be instituted to address and minimize the spread of COVID- 19 [sic] with available state, local, tribal and non-governmental organization (NGO) resources."
North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission; North Dakota State University. American Indian Public Health Resource Center
2020-04-24
