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• Theater Missile Defense: Indigenous Programs and Interest Among U.S. Friends and Allies [May 5, 1994]

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  The threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, especially missiles, is a growing international concern. Most nations seek to deal with this threat through a combination of arms control and military measures. Only a few allies and friends of the United States, however, appear apprehensive and are considering or seeking to acquire advanced theater missile defense (TMD) capabilities to deal with these threats. Some nations are satisfied with the limited TMD capability they have in the Patriot antitactical missile system, which is designed to defend small areas. Some nations in Europe, such as France and Germany, are beginning to think about acquiring TMD to defend troops they may have deployed overseas in peacekeeping roles, for example. Likewise, nations such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are considering TMD development and procurement in response to perceived regional threats. But only in the case of Israel does a U.S. friend or ally appear committed to acquiring additional TMD capabilities. TMD efforts among U.S. allies and friends are revealing. Most countries who have acquired Patriot antitactical missile systems have negotiated offset agreements that ensure there is not an excessive flow of resources or money out of their country. A number of countries have also received contracts from the United States to conduct TMD research and development, investing relatively little of their own resources. There is little other TMD cooperation among U.S. allies and friends, and the only indigenous TMD programs in other countries remain simply options as they upgrade their alr- defense capabilities.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hildreth, Steven A.

  1994-05-05
• Transportation Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated June 9, 2003]

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  "This issue brief identifies key transportation issues facing the 108th Congress. The Administration has requested $53.9 billion for the Department of Transportation for FY2004, or 4% less than comparable funding for FY2003 ($56.1 billion, excluding funds for programs transferred to the Department of Homeland Security in FY2003). Authorizing legislation for the existing federal highway and transit programs will expire at the end of FY2003. The Administration has now released its reauthorization proposal, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA), H.R. 2088 and S. 1072. The proposal calls for only minimal increases in program spending over the next six years, and calls for a decrease in year-over-year spending in FY2004. Reauthorization will be considered in the 1st Session of the 108th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Harrison, Glennon J.

  2003-06-09
• Homeland Security: 9/11 Victim Relief Funds [Updated March 27, 2003]

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  "In the first days following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, an unprecedented number of Americans contributed over $2.2 billion (some estimates run as high as $2.7 billion) in donations to assist in the relief of victims. According to the New York State Attorney General's office, over 250 new charitable funds were created in the weeks following the 9/11 crisis. The federal government responded to the attacks in various ways. In the first week after the disaster, Congress passed the 2001 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States (P.L. 107-38), part of which provided at least $20 billion for disaster recovery in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Then 12 days after the attack the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (P.L. 107-42) became law. This $6 billion program is intended to compensate any individual (or the personal representative of a deceased individual) who was physically injured or killed as a result of the attack. Nearly 3,000 victim families are expected to apply for compensation. Attorney General Ashcroft appointed a Special Master who is presently in the process of distributing the fund. Congress also passed, and the President signed into law, the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001 (P.L.107- 134). Among other things, this law states that victims will not be subject to federal income taxes for the year in which they died and also for the previous year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wolfe, M. Ann

  2003-03-27
• Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated May 5, 2003]

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  The Homeland Security Act transferred several federal entities administering preparedness programs to the new department of Homeland Security. In addition, the Justice Department's 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. At least two bills have been introduced in the 108th Congress that would restructure DHS entities administering preparedness programs. The department's Office of State and Local Government Coordination, however, may have the necessary authority to develop a department-wide approach.The Homeland Security Act instructs FEMA to maintain its all-hazards focus, but some observers contend that, with the threat of terrorism, this approach may no longer apply.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Canada, Ben

  2003-05-05
• Iraq: U.S. Military Operations [Updated May 14, 2003]

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  "Iraq's chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons programs, together with Iraqi long-range missile development and support for terrorism, are the primary justifications put forward for military action. On March 17, 2003 President Bush issued an ultimatum demanding that Saddam Hussein and his sons depart from Iraq within 48 hours. On March 19, offensive operations began with air strikes against Iraqi leadership positions. By April 15, after 27 days of operations, coalition forces were in relative control of all major Iraqi cities. Iraqi political and military leadership had disintegrated. The major challenge to coalition forces is now the restoration of civil order and the provision of basic services to the urban population. As the U.S. ground offensive approached Baghdad, DOD civilian leadership came under criticism for not permitting the deployment of sufficient U.S. ground forces to maintain the offensive, protect lines of supply, and secure rear areas where sporadic Iraqi resistance continues. With the fall of Baghdad, Mosul, and Kirkuk, this criticism muted. There was no use of chemical or biological (CB) weapons, and no CB weapons stockpiles have been found, though two mobile labs believed to be biological agent production facilities have been discovered."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bowman, Steve

  2003-05-14
• Homeland Security: Protecting Airliners from Terrorist Missiles [Updated March 25, 2003]

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  "The Congressional Research Service addresses the recent terrorist threats against commercial airliners by way of shoulder fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). As a result of CRS's investigation, various recommendations are made to Congress in an effort to curtail these attacks. CRS presents a menu of options including installing infrared (IR) countermeasures on aircraft; modifying flight operations and air traffic control procedures; improving airport and regional security; and strengthening missile non-proliferation efforts. CRS asserts that equipping aircraft with missile countermeasure systems can protect the aircraft even when operating in areas where ground-based security measures are unavailable or infeasible to implement. However, this option has a relatively high cost, between $1 million and $3 million per aircraft, and the time needed for implementation does allow for immediate response to the existing terrorist threat. Procedural improvements such as specific flight crew training, altering air traffic procedures to minimize exposure to the threat, and improved security near airports may be less costly than countermeasures and could more immediately help deter domestic terrorist attacks. However, these techniques by themselves cannot completely mitigate the risk of domestic attacks and would not protect U.S. airliners flying to and from foreign airports."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.; Elias, Bartholomew

  2003-03-25
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [April 25, 2003]

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  A review of background and issues for Congress on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is brought forth in this report. The report addresses current UAV programs and the development of UAVs.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.; Bone, Elizabeth

  2003-04-25
• Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1995-2002

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  This report is prepared annually to provide unclassified quantitative data on conventional arms transfers to developing nations by the United States and foreign countries for the preceding eight calendar years. Some general data are provided on worldwide conventional arms transfers, but the principal focus is the level of arms transfers by major weapons suppliers to nations in the developing world. Developing nations continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers. During the years 1995-2002, the value of arms transfer agreements with developing nations comprised 66.2% of all such agreements worldwide. Recently, from 1999-2002, the United States and Russia have dominated the arms market in the developing world, with the United States ranking first and Russia second each of the last four years in the value of arms transfer agreements. France was the third leading supplier from 1999-2002.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2003-09-22
• Research and Development in the Department of Homeland Security [Updated June 20, 2003]

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  The Department of Homeland Security incorporates a number of research and development activities that were transferred from other agencies when the department was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296). It also includes a number of new activities. The Department of Homeland Security has requested a budget of approximately $1 billion for research and development in FY2004, of which approximately $800 million would fund the Science and Technology Directorate, with the remainder divided among R&D programs in various other parts of the department, such as the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard. This report describes the research and development programs of the Department of Homeland Security and discusses the issues that surround them. These issues include matters specific to individual programs, such as their objectives, budgets, and management and the status of their integration into the new department, as well as general questions, such as the department's model for organizing, funding, and conducting its research and development activities and the challenges it faces for internal and external research and development coordination. The report proceeds to discuss the key issues of and balance of the proposed R&D portfolio, the model for conducting R&D in the department, the challenge of internal coordination of R&D programs within the department, the challenge of external coordination with other agencies, and the department's relationship with the private sector

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)

  2003-06-20
• Congressional Continuity of Operations (COOP): An Overview of Concepts and Challenges [Updated January 14, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "Interruptions of congressional operations by incidents such as episodic computer virus infections, or the anthrax contamination that took place during autumn 2001, have demonstrated the importance of congressional continuity of operations (COOP) planning. COOP planning refers to the internal effort of an organization to assure that the capability exists to continue essential functions in response to a comprehensive array of potential operational interruptions...This report discusses the circumstances surrounding COOP planning, including provisions for alternative meeting sites and methods for conducting House and Senate meetings and floor sessions when Capitol facilities are not available...One challenge involves the relocation of legislative activities. There appears to be no constitutional bar to the House and Senate adopting a resolution that approves meetings of either chamber outside the Capitol in advance of doing so...Other concerns regarding physical security have prompted some observers to propose creating a virtual or electronic Congress (e-Congress). Although these suggestions have generally focused on the creation of a Web site accessible by Members anywhere in the country, it is unclear exactly how an e-Congress would be constituted and operated. Other challenges for COOP planning include maintaining Member office information security, and the Legislative Information System (LIS). Although current congressional COOP planning began prior to September 11, 2001, details surrounding House and Senate COOP planning are not publicly available, and some specific information is excluded from this report to preserve operational security. Contingency planning in the House, however, has evolved over the past 20 years and there exists a range of backup strategies for maintaining critical House legislative and administrative information systems."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seifert, Jeffrey W.; Petersen, R. Eric

  2003-01-14
• Homeland Security: The Presidential Coordination Office [Updated February 4, 2004]

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  Responding to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush, among other actions, announced in his September 20 address to a joint session of Congress, his intention to create an Office of Homeland Security (OHS), headed by a director who would have Cabinet rank and would report directly to the President. OHS, as subsequently chartered with E.O. 13228 of October 8, 2001, is an agency of the Executive Office of the President. The success of this office as a coordinator of federal preparations and response to terrorism, including the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Homeland Security, may be guided by past experience with similar such entities. This report reviews past experience principally with the Office of War Mobilization and its successor, the Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion and its significance for OHS, as well as the administrative development of the new agency. That OHS was not altogether successful in its efforts at homeland security leadership may have prompted the President to propose the creation of a Department of Homeland Security in June 2002. However, during the course of the establishment of the department, attempts to replace or recharter OHS legislatively were not successful. The establishment of the new department and the new Homeland Security Council appear to have diminished the role of OHS by assuming some of its functions. Although a presidential assistant for homeland security may be retained in the White House, the continued need for OHS is less certain.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2004-02-04
• Continuity of Operations (COOP) in the Executive Branch: Background and Issues for Congress [April 21, 2003]

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  "In the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, subsequent anthrax incidents, and occasional warnings of terrorist reprisals in response to U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, federal policymakers have given renewed attention to continuity of operations (COOP) issues. COOP planning is a segment of federal government contingency planning that refers to the internal effort of an organization, such as a branch of government, department, or office, to assure that the capability exists to continue essential operations in the aftermath of a comprehensive array of potential operational interruptions...Government-wide, COOP planning is critical because much of the recovery from an incident, which might include the maintenance of civil authority, and infrastructure repair, among other recovery activities, presumes the existence of an ongoing, functional government to fund, support, and oversee actions taken. In the executive branch, COOP planning can be viewed as a continuation of basic emergency preparedness planning, and a bridge between that planning and efforts to maintain continuity of government in the event of a significant disruption to government activity or institutions. Because the number and types of potential interruptions are unknown, effective COOP planning must provide, in advance of an incident, a variety of means to assure contingent operations. This report discusses the background of COOP planning, discusses elements of an effective COOP plan, and reviews the current policies governing COOP planning in the executive branch. The final two sections address issues and policy questions, including, among other matters, the status of agency preparedness, maintaining COOP preparedness, congressional committee oversight of COOP activity, and funding for contingency planning." -- Summary

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Petersen, R. Eric

  2003-04-21
• Terrorist Motivations for Chemical and Biological Weapons Use: Placing the Threat in Context [March 28, 2003]

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  This report presents the arguments for and against future non-state terrorist acquisition and/or use of CBW weapons against the United States, as well as a brief discussion of issues for congress concerning how best to counter the threat. There is widespread belief that the likelihood of terrorist use of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) is increasing, in part as a result of publicized new evidence of terrorist interest and capabilities, as well as the political fall-out from the war in Iraq. This is a serious present concern that deserves examination in the broader framework provided by the patterns, motivations and historical context for the current terrorist threat. Although it can have a powerful psychological impact, past CBW use by terrorists has been rare and has not caused a large number of casualties, especially compared to other weapons. Terrorist attacks are deliberately designed to surprise, so no trend analysis will ever perfectly predict them, especially in the contemporary international climate.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cronin, Audrey Kurth, 1958-

  2003-03-28
• Presidential and Vice Presidential Succession: Overview and Current Legislation [Updated March 25, 2003]

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  "Whenever the office of President of the United States becomes vacant due to "removal ... death or resignation" of the chief executive, the Constitution provides that "the Vice President shall become President." When the office of Vice President becomes vacant for any reason, the President nominates a successor, who must be confirmed by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. If both of these offices are vacant simultaneously, then, under the Succession Act of 1947, the Speaker of the House of Representatives becomes President, after resigning from the House and as Speaker. If the speakership is also vacant, then the President Pro Tempore of the Senate becomes President, after resigning from the Senate and as President Pro Tempore. If both of these offices are vacant, or if the incumbents fail to qualify for any reason, then the cabinet officers are eligible to succeed, in the order in which their departments were created...Succession-related provisions are derived from the Constitution, statutory law, and political precedents of the past two centuries. Current legislative proposals include S. 148, introduced by Senator DeWine, and H.R. 1354, introduced by Representative Tom Davis, both of which are pending before the 108th Congress. These bills would include the Secretary of Homeland Security in the line of succession, but diverge from tradition by making the secretary eighth in line of succession, following the Attorney General, rather than inserting the office at the end of the current succession list. This report traces the evolution of succession procedures and reviews contemporary practices and pending legislation." -- Summary

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Neale, Thomas H.

  2003-03-25
• Status of the Copenhagen Climate Change Negotiations [December 9, 2009]

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  From the Overview: "The United States and almost 200 other countries are negotiating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address climate change cooperatively beyond the year 2012. Parties agreed to complete those negotiations by the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) scheduled for December 7-18, 2009, in Copenhagen. […] Negotiations had lagged through 2008. In December 2008, the then-incoming Obama Administration stated its policy to reduce U.S. emissions to 14% below 2005 levels by 2020. Optimism among many grew that the U.S. Congress would pass GHG [greenhouse gas] control legislation before the Copenhagen meeting, providing guidance to the executive branch negotiators regarding the elements of a treaty that the Senate would ultimately consent to ratify. The Obama position and passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 2454 (the American Clean Energy and Security Act, ACES, or the 'Waxman-Markey' bill) have led to reinvigorated hopes of some people that consensus among countries could be found by December 2009 on a comprehensive Copenhagen agreement with quantified commitments. As the weeks remaining until December wane, with neither a U.S. GHG target nor U.S. financial offers, it becomes less likely that China and major non-Annex I country emitters would agree to GHG reduction commitments--which they have been strongly resisting. Smaller countries, concerned about the impacts of climate change on their welfare and economies, and looking to the United States and other large, wealthy countries for leadership on climate change, have become increasingly frustrated. Lack of strong political agreements has led to recent demonstrations in as many as 4,500 locations in 170 countries. More are planned during the Copenhagen meeting."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lattanzio, Richard K.; Leggett, Jane A.

  2009-12-09
• Forest Carbon Markets: Potential and Drawbacks [May 24, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "Forests are major carbon sinks (storehouses), and activities that alter forests can release or sequester carbon dioxide (CO2), the most common greenhouse gas (GHG). Some carbon markets have been formed under mandatory GHG reduction regimes, such as the Kyoto Protocol and various regional and state initiatives in the United States. Other markets have formed for voluntary efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Offsets, or credits for sequestering carbon or reducing emissions in unregulated sectors, are typically allowed in both mandatory and voluntary markets. Forestry activities are among the largest-volume and lowest-cost opportunities for generating offsets."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Gorte, Ross W.

  2010-05-24
• EPA Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Plants: Many Questions, Some Answers [September 30, 2013]

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  From the Summary: "As President Obama announced initiatives addressing climate change on June 25, 2013, a major focus of attention was the prospect of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for fossil-fueled--mostly coal-fired--electric generating units (EGUs). EGUs (more commonly referred to as power plants) are the largest anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about one-third of total U.S. GHGs. If the country is going to reduce its GHG emissions by significant amounts, as the President has committed to do, emissions from these sources will almost certainly need to be controlled. The President addressed this issue by directing EPA to re-propose GHG emission standards for new EGUs by September 20, 2013. He also directed the agency to propose guidelines for existing power plants by June 2014, and finalize them a year later. EPA had already proposed standards for new sources in April 2012, but the public comment period had generated more than 2.5 million comments--the most ever for a proposed EPA rule--and the agency had not yet finalized the rule. The re-proposed standards were released September 20. They would set an emissions limit of 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated by new coal-fired EGUs, and a standard of either 1,000 or 1,100 lbs/MWh (depending on size) for new natural gas-fired plants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarthy, James E.

  2013-09-30
• South Korea-U.S. Economic Relations: Cooperation, Friction, and Future Prospects [Updated March 21, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Over the past decade, South Korea has emerged as a major economic partner for the United States. Korea is the U.S.'s seventh-largest trading partner -- ahead of Western European countries such as France and Italy -- and its sixth-largest export market. Korea has also become a significant investment site for American companies, which have poured nearly $10 billion into the country over the past three years. The U.S. is Korea's largest export market, second-largest source of imports, and largest supplier of foreign direct investment. Increased economic interaction has been accompanied by disagreements over trade policies. The level of bilateral friction is principally affected by four factors: the size of the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea; the state of the U.S. economy; the progress of Korea's economic reforms; and whether or not bilateral political or security issues override bilateral trade considerations. […] This report summarizes the main issues in U .S.-South Korean economic relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manyin, Mark E.

  2002-03-21
• Clean Water Act and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) of Pollutants [Updated August 25, 2008]

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  From the Summary: "Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to identify waters that are impaired by pollution, even after application of pollution controls. For those waters, states must establish a total maximum daily load (TMDL) of pollutants to ensure that water quality standards can be attained. Implementation was dormant until states and EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] were prodded by lawsuits. The TMDL program has become controversial, in part because of requirements and costs now facing states to implement this 35-year-old provision of the law, as well as industries, cities, farmers, and others who may be required to use new pollution controls to meet TMDL requirements. In July 2000, EPA issued revisions to strengthen the program. The rule was widely criticized, and congressional interest was high. The 2000 rule did not go into effect, and in March 2003, EPA withdrew the rule to consider whether to issue an entirely new rule or other options; no timetable has been announced. Consequently, the program continues to operate under regulations issued in 1992. Congress has several options to address TMDL issues, which remain contentious."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Copeland, Claudia

  2008-08-25
• Status of Trade Legislation in the 107th Congress [Updated March 18, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Congressional leaders and the Bush Administration have placed broad and often controversial international trade issues high on the legislative agenda during the 107th Congress. A free trade agreement with Jordan and a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam were both approved in 2001. Legislation was also enacted providing conditions under which Mexican trucks will be permitted to operate in the United States. Several other major issues, including provision of trade promotion ('fast-track') authority for the President, renewing certain trade preferences, revising export controls, enhancing export financing, assisting firms and workers affected by imports, and revising trade remedy statutes await additional congressional action this year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2002-03-18
• Status of Trade Legislation in the 107th Congress [February 6, 2002]

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  From the Summary: "Congressional leaders and the Bush Administration have placed broad and often controversial international trade issues high on the legislative agenda during the 107th Congress. A free trade agreement with Jordan and a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam were both approved in 2001. Legislation was also enacted providing conditions under which Mexican trucks will be permitted to operate in the United States. Several other major issues, including provision of trade promotion ('fast-track') authority for the President, renewing certain trade preferences, revising export controls, enhancing export financing, assisting firms and workers affected by imports, and revising trade remedy statutes await additional congressional action this year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2002-02-06
• Recommendations for Reimbursing Contractors' Paid Leave Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

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  From the Document: "Section 3610 of the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act allows the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to reimburse its contractors and their subcontractors for any paid leave, including sick leave, that they provide to keep their employees or subcontractors in what the section refers to as a 'ready state.' To do this, the act permits the DOI to modify, without consideration, the terms of existing contracts or other agreements to reimburse contractors for this paid leave, using the minimum applicable contract billing rates (not to exceed an average of 40 hours per week). This memorandum offers three recommendations that, if implemented, will improve the DOI's consistent application and oversight of Section 3610."

  United States. Department of the Interior. Office of Inspector General

  2020-07-06
• Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [September 2, 2011]

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  "The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages. The Navy wants to field a force of 55 LCSs. The first two LCSs (LCS-1 and LCS-2) were procured in FY2005 and FY2006 and were commissioned into service on November 8, 2008, and January 16, 2010, respectively. Six more (LCSs 3 through 8) were procured in FY2009-FY2011 at a rate of two ships per year; these ships are now under construction. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding to procure four more LCSs (hulls 9 through 12). Navy plans call for procuring an additional 15 LCSs in FY2013-FY2016 in annual quantities of 4-4-4-3. There are two very different LCS designs--one developed and produced by an industry team led by Lockheed, and another developed and produced by an industry team led by General Dynamics. […] The Navy needed additional legislative authority from Congress to implement the dual-award strategy. Congress granted the authority in Section 150 of H.R. 3082/P.L. 111-322 of December 22, 2010. On December 29, 2010, the Navy implemented the dual-award strategy, awarding a 10-ship, fixed-price incentive (FPI) block-buy contract to Lockheed, and another 10-ship, FPI block-buy contract to Austal USA. LCSs 5 through 8 are the first four LCSs executed under the two block-buy contracts. Current issues for Congress concerning the LCS program include the Navy's lack of economic order quantity (EOQ) authority for executing the two block-buy contracts, changes or potential changes to the composition of LCS mission modules announced by the Navy in January 2011, the combat survivability of the LCS, and hull cracking on LCS-1."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2011-09-02
• Prosecution of Public Corruption: An Overview of Amendments Under H.R. 2572 and S. 401 [September 21, 2011]

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  "The Public Corruption Prosecution Improvements Act (S. 401) and the Clean Up Government Act of 2011 (H.R. 2572) are virtually identical proposals, one introduced by Senator Leahy and the other by Representative Sensenbrenner. They would expand the scope of the federal criminal statutes under which public corruption is prosecuted, increase the penalties for public corruption, and amend related procedures to facilitate prosecution. Many of the bills' proposals have been under consideration since 110th Congress. Several would extend the reach of federal anticorruption statutes read narrowly in 'Skilling, Sun Diamond, Cleveland', and 'Valdes.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2011-09-21
• European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey's Accession Negotiations [September 9, 2011]

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  "October 2011 will mark the sixth anniversary of the European Union's decision to proceed with formal negotiations with Turkey toward full membership in the Union. It will also mark the beginning of the annual period when all three European Union institutions--the Council, Commission, and Parliament--provide their assessment of the progress Turkey has made or failed to accomplish in the accession process over the previous year and issue recommendations on whether and how Turkey's accession process should proceed. For the 2010 assessments, none of the institutions provided the kind of positive endorsement of the accession talks that pro-EU supporters in Turkey would have hoped for, leading some to believe that the EU might be losing interest in Turkey and that some in Turkey have become even more disillusioned with the EU. […] This report provides a brief overview of the EU's accession process and Turkey's path to EU membership. The U.S. Congress has had a long-standing interest in Turkey as a NATO ally; a regional energy transit hub; and a partner in issues involving the Black Sea, the broader Middle East, and the Caucasus. Although some Members have expressed support for Turkey's membership in the EU, the level of congressional support seems to have diminished as congressional concerns with several of Turkey's recent foreign policy developments have surfaced. The 112th Congress may review Turkey's relations with the United States, the impact of the EU accession process on internal political and economic reforms in Turkey, and Turkey's apparent intent to become a more independent regional foreign policy influence."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morelli, Vincent L.

  2011-09-09
• Prosecution of Public Corruption: An Abridged Overview of Amendments Under H.R. 2572 and S. 401 [September 21, 2011]

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  "The Public Corruption Prosecution Improvements Act (S. 401) and the Clean Up Government Act of 2011 (H.R. 2572) are virtually identical proposals, one introduced by Senator Leahy and the other by Representative Sensenbrenner. Federal officials prosecute corruption--public and private; federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal--under a number of statutes including those that outlaw bribery, bribery involve federal programs, mail fraud, and/or wire fraud. The bills would expand the scope of these and related federal statutes, increase the penalties for those convicted, and amend related procedures to facilitate prosecution. The bills represent a merger of two prior efforts. One involved reactions to the Supreme Court's 'Skilling' decision which limited honest services mail and wire fraud prosecutions to cases of bribery and kickbacks. The other involved a more general concern over the state of law in the area of public corruption. The Senate Judiciary Committee addressed this second concern when it reported S. 1946 to floor during the 110th Congress. The bills track many of the provisions in that earlier proposal. They also mirror proposals offered in the last Congress in the wake of 'Skilling.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2011-09-21
• Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [September 15, 2011]

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  "U.S. aid to Africa initially reached a peak in 1985, when global competition with the Soviet Union was at a high point. After the cold war ended, security assistance levels for Africa began to decline. In 1995, at the outset of the 104th Congress, substantial reductions in aid to Africa had been anticipated, as many questioned the importance of Africa to U.S. national security interests in the post-cold war era. As the debate went forward, however, congressional reports and bills emphasized U.S. humanitarian, economic, and other interests in Africa. Aid levels did fall, but gradually began to increase again in FY1997. U.S. assistance to Africa is reaching new highs due to a significant increase in health care sectors under the Global Health and Child Survival (GHCS) program. U.S. aid to Africa nearly quadrupled from $1.2 billion in FY2006 to $6.9 billion in FY2011. Moreover, the United States is the leading donor of humanitarian assistance to Africa. Between FY1999 and FY2009, the United States provided over $10.1 billion to East and Central African countries and an estimated $2.2 billion to Southern Africa countries. […] The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) is the principal multilateral channel for U.S. aid, but the United States also contributes to the African Development Bank and Fund and to United Nations activities in Africa. Total U.S. foreign assistance to Africa for FY2009 was $8.2 billion. More than half of the FY2009 funding went to health-related programs. Sub-Saharan Africa received an estimated $8.09 billion in FY2010 and $6.9 billion in FY2011. The Obama Administration has requested an estimated $7.7 billion for FY2012."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dagne, Theodore S.

  2011-09-15
• Vulnerable Youth: Background and Policies [January 13, 2014]

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  From the Summary: "The majority of young people in the United States grow up healthy and safe in their communities. Most of those of school age live with parents who provide for their well-being, and they attend schools that prepare them for advanced education or vocational training and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. Many youth also receive assistance from their families during the transition to adulthood. During this period, young adults cycle between attending school, living independently, and staying with their families. Approximately 60% of parents today provide financial support to their adult children who are no longer in school. This support comes in the form of housing (50% of parents provide this support to their adult children), living expenses (48%), cost of transportation (41%), health insurance (35%), spending money (29%), and medical bills (28%). Even with this assistance, the current move from adolescence to adulthood has become longer and increasingly complex. […] Separately, Congress has considered other legislation (the Younger Americans Act of 2000 and the Youth Community Development Block Grant of 1995) to improve the delivery of services to vulnerable youth and provide opportunities to these youth through policies with a 'positive youth development' focus. The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs characterizes positive youth development as a process that engages young people in positive pursuits that help them acquire and practice the skills, attitudes, and behaviors that they will need to become effective and successful adults in their work, family, and civic lives."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.

  2014-01-13
• H.R. 3080 and S. 601: Side-by-Side Comparison of Selected Provisions [January 15, 2014]

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  From the Document: "This report provides a side-by-side analysis of selected provisions of House-passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRDDA 2013), and Senate-passed S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 (WRDA 2013). Both bills represent omnibus legislation for Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) water resources activities. On October 31, 2013, the Senate took up H.R. 3080, and replaced the text passed by the House with the text of S. 601 as passed by the Senate. The Senate insisted on its amendment and requested a conference. While the House and Senate versions of H.R. 3080 are the basis for conference, this report compares H.R. 3080 as passed by the House and S. 601 as passed by the Senate, which is identical to the Senate version of H.R. 3080. […] During the bills' consideration, Members expressed frustration with how long Corps projects take. Many Members have also expressed interest in authorizing new projects and deauthorizing older unconstructed projects. Some Members want more prominent nonfederal roles. Others support more funding for harbor maintenance and improved inland waterway construction. H.R. 3080 and S. 601 would address these issues, but often using different means. The earmark debate and concerns about congressional roles also shaped each bill's approach. The Administration provided comments during congressional deliberations; the most recent was a December 2013 letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works (ASA), to the conferees."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Frittelli, John; Luther, Linda G. . . .

  2014-01-15
• National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities (Revised 2019)

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  From the Introduction: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency charged with enforcing the nation's immigration laws in a fair and effective manner. ICE identifies, apprehends, detains, and removes individuals who are amenable to removal from the United States. ICE uses its immigration detention authority to effectuate this mission by securing individuals in custody while they await the outcome of their immigration proceedings and/or removal from the United States. ICE has important obligations under the U.S. Constitution and other federal and state law when it decides to keep an individual in custody. ICE detention standards ensure that detainees are treated humanely; protected from harm; provided appropriate medical and mental health care; and receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled. This revision of ICE's National Detention Standards (NDS) reflects the agency's ongoing commitment to working with its state and local partners to enforce immigration laws and improve public safety and national security. These standards have been updated to better reflect the strong relationship ICE has with its law enforcement partners, including where detention facilities successfully manage their own populations and are willing to assist ICE with housing immigration detainees."

  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

  2019