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Defense Primer: Department of Defense Contractors [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Throughout its history, the Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on contractors to support a wide range of military operations. A 'defense contractor', as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, is 'any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal non-Federal entity that enters into a contract directly with the DOD to furnish services, supplies, or construction' (see 32 C.F.R. 158.3, 'Definitions'). Within the defense policy community, the term 'contractor' is commonly used in two different contexts. The word can describe the private companies with which DOD contracts to provide goods and services. It can also describe individuals hired by DOD--usually through private companies, which are also considered contractors in the previous context--to perform specific tasks. The term 'contractor' does not refer to military servicemembers, civilian DOD career employees, or civilian political appointees. Operations over the past 30 years have highlighted the central role that contractors play in supporting U.S. troops, both in terms of the number of contractors and the type of work being performed. During recent U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors frequently accounted for 50% or more of the total DOD presence in-country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
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Defense Primer: Acquiring Specialty Metals and Sensitive Materials [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Some metals (such as titanium and tungsten) and metal alloys, as well as strong permanent magnets known as rare earth magnets, are critical to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) operations. These materials are frequently integrated into components (e.g., integrated circuits, electrical wiring, or optoelectronic devices) or structures (e.g., aircraft fuselages or ship hulls) of the military platforms and weapon systems that enable warfighting capabilities. There are few, and, in some cases, no known alternatives for many of these materials, which often have unique physical properties, such as high material strength coupled with low density, or resistance to various forms of corrosion. Many of these materials are subject to 'sourcing restrictions or prohibitions' in DOD acquisitions. Congress established these restrictions or prohibitions to protect the domestic materials industry and ensure the United States maintains critical production capabilities and capacity within the defense industrial base. Statutory restrictions establish that some items that incorporate certain metals and metal alloys known as specialty metals generally must be produced or manufactured in the United States. Other statutory prohibitions establish that some items that incorporate certain sensitive materials may not be acquired from specified sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
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COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources for Renters [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an order (2020-19654) in the 'Federal Register', temporarily halting residential evictions nationwide through December 31, 2020, for covered renters. The CDC published an FAQs [frequently asked questions] document related to this order. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) was enacted. Division N of the act extends the CDC eviction moratorium order through January 31, 2021 (§502) and provides $25 billion for emergency rental assistance to be administered by state and local governments (§501). On January 29, 2021, the CDC issued an order extending the eviction moratorium through March 31, 2021. This order also extends application to American Samoa, which was not covered by the previous order. These actions follow the expiration of a previous federal eviction moratorium. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided a temporary federal moratorium on eviction filings for nonpayment of rent against renters residing in federally assisted properties or properties with federally backed mortgages. This moratorium went into effect upon enactment of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, and lasted for 120 days (through July 24, 2020). Landlords were required to provide at least 30 days' notice before renters must vacate the property (not before August 23, 2020)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Minter, Alyse N.
2021-02-03
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Environmental Provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Overview: "Linkages between trade and environmental protection have long been a concern to some U.S. policymakers and stakeholders. The central question is whether trade liberalization (i.e., the removal of barriers on the free exchange of goods and services between nations) advances shared economic and environmental goals. Some observers argue that economic expansion brought on by trade liberalization adversely affects the environment. Among other concerns, they contend that for developing countries, international competition may lead them to adopt less stringent environmental standards or to engage in more polluting activities. Thus, they claim that environmental provisions are necessary in trade agreements to help raise or maintain international standards and protect U.S. businesses and workers from perceived unfair competition. Other policymakers and stakeholders believe that trade liberalization and environmental protection can be mutually supportive. They argue that while economic growth may adversely affect the environment during the initial stages of industrialization, it can also provide resources to mitigate such effects as countries develop. They also argue that trade liberalization can support U.S. environmental goals through the elimination of tariffs on environmental goods, and the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-02-03
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Fiscal Policy in the COVID-19 Economic Recovery [February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress is currently considering a new stimulus package to address the economic recovery. As of December 2020, the unemployment rate for private nonagricultural workers was 6.7%, down from 13.3% in May and 14.7% in April, but significantly above the 4.4% rate in March before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to affect the economy. COVID-19 infections and deaths, while slowing in the late spring of 2020, began to rise steeply in the fall and winter."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2021-02-03
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U.S.-China Relations [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Overview: "The Joseph R. Biden Administration has signaled significant continuity with the Donald J. Trump Administration in its view of the challenge the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) poses to U.S. interests. In written responses to questions from Senators, thenSecretary of State-nominee Antony J. Blinken described China as 'engaged in conduct that blunts our technological edge, threatens our alliances and our influence in international organizations, and is designed to make America and its allies more dependent on China, and China less dependent on America and our allies.' Blinken has also stated that he believes China's treatment of its Uyghur ethnic minority constitutes genocide. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, at his own confirmation hearing, called China 'the most significant threat going forward.' China is 'already a regional hegemon,' he said, and seeks to become 'the preeminent power in the world in the not-too-distant future.' Biden did not immediately schedule a call with China's top leader, Xi Jinping, instead prioritizing calls to allies and partners and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Biden Administration is reviewing the Trump Administration's China actions. It has pledged to work closely with U.S. allies and partners; re-engage with the United Nations; ensure the U.S. military's competitive edge over China's; put democratic values at the center of foreign policy; and make investments at home in American workers, infrastructure, education, and innovation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.; Sutter, Karen M.
2021-02-03
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Executive Order 14010: Creating a Comprehensive Regional Framework to Address the Causes of Migration, to Manage Migration Throughout North and Central America, and to Provide Safe and Orderly Processing of Asylum Seekers at the United States Border
From the Document: "For generations, immigrants have come to the United States with little more than the clothes on their backs, hope in their hearts, and a desire to claim their own piece of the American Dream. These mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters have made our Nation better and stronger. The United States is also a country with borders and with laws that must be enforced. Securing our borders does not require us to ignore the humanity of those who seek to cross them. The opposite is true. We cannot solve the humanitarian crisis at our border without addressing the violence, instability, and lack of opportunity that compel so many people to flee their homes. Nor is the United States safer when resources that should be invested in policies targeting actual threats, such as drug cartels and human traffickers, are squandered on efforts to stymie legitimate asylum seekers. Consistent with these principles, my Administration will implement a multipronged approach toward managing migration throughout North and Central America that reflects the Nation's highest values."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-02-02
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Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans
From the Document: "Consistent with our character as a Nation of opportunity and of welcome, it is essential to ensure that our laws and policies encourage full participation by immigrants, including refugees, in our civic life; that immigration processes and other benefits are delivered effectively and efficiently; and that the Federal Government eliminates sources of fear and other barriers that prevent immigrants from accessing government services available to them. Our Nation is enriched socially and economically by the presence of immigrants, and we celebrate with them as they take the important step of becoming United States citizens. The Federal Government should develop welcoming strategies that promote integration, inclusion, and citizenship, and it should embrace the full participation of the newest Americans in our democracy."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-02-02
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Executive Order 14011: Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families
From the Document: "It is the policy of my Administration to respect and value the integrity of families seeking to enter the United States. My Administration condemns the human tragedy that occurred when our immigration laws were used to intentionally separate children from their parents or legal guardians (families), including through the use of the Zero-Tolerance Policy. My Administration will protect family unity and ensure that children entering the United States are not separated from their families, except in the most extreme circumstances where a separation is clearly necessary for the safety and well-being of the child or is required by law."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-02-02
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Trial Memorandum of the United States House of Representatives in the Impeachment Trial of President Donald J. Trump [February 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This trial arises from President Donald J. Trump's incitement of insurrection against the Republic he swore to protect. The House of Representatives has impeached him for that constitutional offense. To protect our democracy and national security--and to deter any future President who would consider provoking violence in pursuit of power--the Senate should convict President Trump and disqualify him from future federal officeholding. On January 6, 2021, with Vice President Michael Pence presiding, Congress assembled to perform one of its most solemn constitutional responsibilities: the counting of electoral votes for President of the United States. This ritual has marked the peaceful transfer of power in the United States for centuries. Since the dawn of the Republic, no enemy--foreign or domestic--had ever obstructed Congress's counting of the votes. No President had ever refused to accept an election result or defied the lawful processes for resolving electoral disputes. Until President Trump. In a grievous betrayal of his Oath of Office, President Trump incited a violent mob to attack the United States Capitol during the Joint Session, thus impeding Congress's confirmation of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the winner of the presidential election."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary
2021-02-02
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S. Doc. 117-2: Proceedings of the United States Senate in the Impeachment Trial of Donald John Trump: Part I, February 2, 2021
This Senate document outlines Part I of the impeachment proceedings against Donald J. Trump, which includes: [1] Precept; [2] Writ of Summons; [3] Return of Service; [4] Answer of Donald John Trump to Article of Impeachment; and [5] Trial Memorandum of Untied States House of Representatives.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-02-02
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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Coast Guard's program of record (POR), which dates to 2004, calls for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) as replacements for 90 aging Coast Guard high-endurance cutters, medium-endurance cutters, and patrol craft. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requested a total of $597 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs; Congress provided a total of $837 million for FY2021, with the additional $240 million being for the FRC program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-02-02
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: Monetary Policy [February 2, 2021]
From the Document: "The Federal Reserve (Fed), the nation's central bank, is responsible for monetary policy. This In Focus explains how monetary policy works. Typically, when the Fed wants to stimulate the economy, it makes policy more expansionary by reducing interest rates. When it wants to make policy more contractionary or tighter, it raises rates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2021-02-02
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Federal Economic Development and COVID-19 Recovery: Issues and Policy Options [February 2, 2021]
From the Document: "States and local governments traditionally lead U.S. economic development efforts, with the federal government selectively intervening to address significant need. However, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused pervasive social and economic dislocation and extreme subnational fiscal stress, straining existing federal economic development structures. This Insight examines current federal economic development policy and outlines various options for addressing a potentially lengthy pandemic recovery, or future such long-term challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.
2021-02-02
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Maximizing Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Respond to COVID-19: Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security [and] the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, February 2, 2021
From the Document: "Consistent with the nationwide emergency declaration concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, it is the policy of my Administration to combat and respond to COVID-19 with the full capacity and capability of the Federal Government to protect and support our families, schools, and businesses, and to assist State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to do the same, including through emergency and disaster assistance available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Biden, Joseph R., Jr.
2021-02-02
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2021 Budget and Appropriations [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "Each year, Congress considers 12 distinct appropriations measures to fund federal programs and activities. One of these is the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) bill, which includes funding for U.S. diplomatic activities, cultural exchanges, development and security assistance, and participation in multilateral organizations, among other international activities. On February 10, 2020, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress its SFOPS budget proposal for FY2021, totaling $44.12 billion (including $158.90 million in mandatory State Department retirement funds). None of the requested SFOPS funds were designated as Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds. The Administration's FY2021 request was about 3% higher than its FY2020 request for SFOPS accounts but nearly 24% below the FY2020 SFOPS funding level enacted by Congress (including COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] supplemental funds, which were enacted after the FY2021 request was submitted)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Morgenstern, Emily M.
2021-02-02
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E.O. 14005: Bolstering Federal Government Purchase of American Products and Services [February 2, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 25, 2021, President Joe Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14005 to advance the policy that the U.S. government should 'use terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards and Federal procurements to maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced, and services offered in, the United States.' Although the E.O. has broad applicability, this Insight focuses exclusively on the Buy American Act (BAA) as applied to federal procurement and discusses selected provisions of the E.O. As may occur during a presidential transition, E.O. 14005 revoked two executive orders and superseded a third that also promoted Buy American policies and were issued by President Biden's immediate predecessor."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-02-02
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U.S.-Japan Relations [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Overview: "Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1951, is a significant partner of the United States in several foreign policy areas, particularly security and trade. Shared security goals range from meeting the challenge of an increasingly powerful China to countering threats from North Korea. The U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty grants the United States the right to base U.S. troops--currently numbering around 50,000--and other military assets on Japanese territory in return for a U.S. pledge to protect Japan's security. The two countries collaborate through multiple bilateral and multilateral institutions on issues such as science and technology, global health, energy, and agriculture. Japan is the fourth largest U.S. trading partner and largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States, and its investors are the largest foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities. The U.S.-Japan relationship remains strong, and recent leadership transitions in both capitals could smooth relations and deepen cooperation across a greater set of issues. Whereas alliance relations under former President Trump and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe relied heavily on personal rapport between leaders, President Biden and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga may revert to a more traditional partnership that relies more on institutionalized ties. [...] In the short term, the countries will confront the expiration of their existing cost-sharing agreement for hosting the U.S. military in Japan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Williams, Brock R. . . .
2021-02-02
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South Korea: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Overview: "South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, or ROK) is one of the United States' most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. The U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1953 at the end of the Korean War, commits the United States to help South Korea defend itself, particularly from North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK). The alliance also helps the United States promote its interests in East Asia and around the globe, including by deploying ROK troops to U.S.-led military conflicts in the Middle East. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in the ROK. [...] Policy cooperation between the United States and South Korea was inconsistent under the administrations of Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in. President Moon, a progressive, was elected in May 2017 after a decade of conservative rule. President Biden has called for reinvigorating the alliance, suggesting he would abandon President Trump's repeated use of punitive tariffs against allies like Seoul and his demand for a five-fold increase in South Korea's payments for the costs of hosting U.S. troops. Unlike Trump, Biden has not signaled an interest in demanding new concessions in the KORUS FTA [U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement] or withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea. Bilateral difficulties could surface, however, over North Korea policy. Moon's government favors easing sanctions against Pyongyang, a stance that could create tensions with Washington."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Williams, Brock R.
2021-02-02
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Trump Administration's 'Zero Tolerance' Immigration Enforcement Policy [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "In recent years, Central American migrant families have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in relatively large numbers, many seeking asylum. While some request asylum at U.S. ports of entry, others do so after attempting to enter the United States illegally between U.S. ports of entry. On May 7, 2018, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy toward illegal border crossing, both to discourage illegal migration into the United States and to reduce the burden of processing asylum claims that Trump Administration officials contended are often fraudulent. Under the zero tolerance policy, DOJ prosecuted 100% of adult aliens apprehended crossing the border illegally, making no exceptions for whether they were asylum seekers or accompanied by minor children. [...] This report briefly reviews the statutory authority for prosecuting persons who enter the United States illegally and the policies and procedures for processing apprehended illegal border entrants and any accompanying children. It explains enforcement policies under past administrations and then discusses the Trump Administration's zero tolerance policy on illegal border crossers and the attendant family separations. The report concludes by presenting varied policy perspectives on the zero tolerance policy and briefly reviews recent related congressional activity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2021-02-02
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Department of Energy: Improved Performance Planning Could Strengthen Technology Transfer, Report to the Honorable Joseph Manchin, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "Researchers at DOE [Department of Energy] and its 17 national labs regularly make contributions to new energy technologies, such as more efficient batteries for electric vehicles. Technology transfer officials at the labs help these researchers license intellectual property and partner with private-sector companies to bring these technologies to market. However, several recent reports have highlighted barriers and inconsistencies in technology transfer at DOE, including a 2015 commission report that found barriers related to the costs of collaboration and low maturity level of many DOE technologies. This report examines (1) steps DOE has taken to address barriers to technology transfer and (2) the extent to which DOE plans and tracks the performance of its technology transfer and commercialization activities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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2018 Pacific Island Disasters: Federal Actions Helped Facilitate the Response, but FEMA Needs to Address Long-Term Recovery Challenges, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The CNMI [Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands], Guam, and Hawaii experienced an unprecedented number of natural disasters in 2018-- including typhoons, earthquakes, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions. FEMA is the lead federal agency responsible for helping states and territories prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Due to the remoteness of Hawaii and the Pacific territories, disaster response and recovery can be challenging. Title IX of the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review FEMA's response and recovery efforts for 2018 natural disasters, including those in the Pacific region. This report examines (1) how FEMA and its federal partners prepared for and responded to the 2018 disasters in the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii; and (2) the extent to which FEMA assisted the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii in recovering from the 2018 natural disasters."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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Veterans Community Care Program: Immediate Actions Needed to Ensure Health Providers Associated with Poor Quality Care Are Excluded, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] MISSION Act of 2018 established a new community care program, the VCCP [Veterans Community Care Program], aimed at providing care to veterans when it could not reasonably be delivered by providers at VA medical facilities. The act also requires VA to exclude from participation in the VCCP providers who lost a license for violating medical license requirements in any state or who VA removed from employment for quality of care concerns or otherwise suspended from VA employment. The VA MISSION Act included provisions for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on the implementation of restrictions on certain health care providers' participation in the VCCP. This report examines, among other issues, VA and contractor processes to implement these eligibility restrictions on provider participation in the VCCP."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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Immigrant Families Continued Avoiding the Safety Net During the COVID-19 Crisis
From the Document: "In its first days in office, the Biden administration has already moved to reverse many of the Trump administration's immigration policies that created a climate of fear and insecurity for many immigrant families. The prior administration's changes to the 'public charge' rule intensified immigrant families' reluctance to participate in public benefit programs and supports that address basic health, nutrition, and housing needs. According to new data from the Urban Institute's December 2020 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey (WBNS), immigrant families continued avoiding noncash public programs and other supports in 2020 because of concerns about immigration status."
Urban Institute
Bernstein, Hamutal; Karpman, Michael; Gonzalez, Dulce . . .
2021-02
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Disaster Resilience: FEMA Should Take Additional Steps to Streamline Hazard Mitigation Grants and Assess Program Effects, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The rising number of natural disasters and increasing reliance on federal assistance are key sources of federal fiscal exposure. FEMA has four grant programs to increase disaster resilience through hazard mitigation projects. The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019, included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the federal response to disasters in 2018. This report addresses 1) FEMA's use of grants to support hazard mitigation; 2) challenges reported by selected jurisdictions applying for grants; and 3) how FEMA has assessed the effects of its hazard mitigation projects and shared the results."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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Sexual Harassment and Assault: Guidance Needed to Ensure Consistent Tracking, Response, and Training for DOD Civilians
From the Highlights: "With nearly 900,000 federal civilian employees around the world, DOD has responsibilities for preventing and responding to sexual harassment and assault within its workforce. In fiscal year 2018, DOD estimated that about 49,700 civilian employees experienced sexual harassment and about 2,500 civilian employees experienced work-related sexual assault in the prior year. House Report 116-120 included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review DOD's prevention of and response to sexual harassment and assault involving DOD federal civilian employees. GAO's report examines, among other things, the extent to which DOD has (1) visibility over such reported incidents, and (2) developed and implemented policies and procedures to respond to and resolve these incidents. GAO reviewed policies and guidance; analyzed program data from fiscal years 2015 through 2019; interviewed officials at a nongeneralizable sample of five military installations; evaluated DOD training materials; and interviewed DOD, service, and civilian officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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Venezuela: Additional Tracking Could Aid Treasury's Efforts to Mitigate Any Adverse Impacts U.S. Sanctions Might Have on Humanitarian Assistance
From the Highlights: "Venezuela has been experiencing an economic, political, and humanitarian crisis. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company, government, and central bank, among others, in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and certain individuals. Treasury and the Department of State lead the implementation of the sanctions program, and USAID [U.S. Agency for International Development] is primarily responsible for implementing humanitarian assistance for Venezuelans. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review U.S. sanctions related to Venezuela. This report examines: (1) how the Venezuelan economy performed before and since the imposition of sanctions in 2015; (2) the steps U.S. agencies have taken to identify and mitigate potential negative humanitarian consequences of sanctions related to Venezuela; and (3) what is known about the impact of U.S. sanctions related to Venezuela on the U.S. oil industry. GAO analyzed economic indicators, reviewed documents, interviewed agency officials, and spoke with representatives from selected humanitarian organizations and the U.S oil industry."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02
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Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers: Access Bio, Inc., CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen
From the Document: "This Fact Sheet informs you of the significant known and potential risks and benefits of the emergency use of the CareStart™ COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Antigen test. The CareStart™ COVID-19 Antigen test is authorized for use using nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab specimens collected from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within five days of symptom onset."
United States. Food and Drug Administration
2021-02-01
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DHS Grants and Contracts Awarded Through Other Than Full and Open Competition, FYs 2018 and 2019
From the DHS OIG (Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General) Highlights: "The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2019 required DHS to submit a report to the Office of Inspector General listing all grants and contracts awarded by any means other than full and open competition (OTFOC) during fiscal years 2018 and 2019. We reviewed the report to assess DHS' compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This report contains two recommendations aimed at improving DHS' future reporting submissions."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-02-01
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CBO Paper: National Cruise Missile Defense: Issues and Alternatives
From the Document: "Since the 1980s, the United States has invested considerable resources to develop and field ballistic missile defenses to protect the U.S. homeland from attack by long-range ballistic missiles. In recent years, concerns have arisen that another type of weapon--land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs)--may also pose a threat to the U.S. homeland. Unfortunately, the systems that the U.S. military has deployed to protect the United States from ballistic missile warheads that fly high above the atmosphere are ill-suited to counter LACMs, which fly close to Earth's surface. This Congressional Budget Office report examines the potential for LACM attacks against the United States and the types of systems that might be fielded to provide a cruise missile defense with nationwide coverage. Such coverage would be analogous to that provided by national ballistic missile defenses."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
Arthur, David (David Alan); Bennett, Michael J., 1958-
2021-02
