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Agriculture in the WTO: Rules and Limits on U.S. Domestic Support [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "Omnibus U.S. farm legislation--referred to as the farm bill--has typically been renewed every five or six years. Farm revenue support programs have been a part of U.S. farm bills since the 1930s. Each successive farm bill usually involves some modification or replacement of existing farm programs. A key question likely to be asked of every new farm proposal or program is how it will affect U.S. commitments under the World Trade Organization's (WTO's) Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) and its Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM). The United States is currently committed, under the AoA, to spend no more than $19.1 billion annually on those domestic farm support programs most likely to distort trade--referred to as amber box programs and measured by the Aggregate Measure of Support (AMS). The AoA spells out the rules for countries to determine whether their policies--for any given year--are potentially trade distorting and how to calculate the costs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2021-03-03
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SBA Office of Advocacy: Overview, History, and Current Issues [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) is an 'independent' office within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that advances 'the views and concerns of small businesses before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, the federal courts, and state and local policymakers as appropriate.' [...] This report examines Advocacy's origins and the expansion of its responsibilities over time; describes its organizational structure, funding, functions, and current activities; and discusses recent legislative efforts to further enhance its authority."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-
2021-03-03
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SBA Disaster Assistance for Civil Unrest [March 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) has the authority--after gubernatorial requests for disaster assistance, including for riots and civil disorders--to issue disaster declarations authorized under the Small Business Act that activate the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. This Insight provides information about SBA disaster declarations and SBA disaster loan types."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Nagel, Jared C.
2021-03-03
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Success of Future Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts Depends on FEMA Addressing Current Vulnerabilities
From the Highlights: "Multiple hurricanes in 2017 exposed weaknesses in Federal, state, and local governments' capabilities to respond to concurrent disasters. We previously published more than two dozen reports resulting in 115 recommendations to improve Federal disaster response. This report provides a summary of our previous findings and recommendations, which may inform future disaster response efforts. FEMA should share this report with its PA [public assistance] grant recipients and subrecipients to promote their awareness and improvement in the systemic areas identified."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-03-03
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Potential Military Roles for Supersonic Transports [March 3, 2021]
From the Document: "A new generation of supersonic (faster than the speed of sound in level flight, also called Mach 1) passenger aircraft is now under development. Using 'low-boom' technology developed through NASA research to minimize sound signatures on the ground, advanced engines, and alternative fuel concepts, these new supersonic transports (SSTs) advertise the ability to fly over populated areas with minimal disruption, cruise more economically, and avoid some of the potential negative environmental effects of carbon-based fuels in high-altitude flight. These new aircraft have attracted interest and some investment from the U.S. military, and have on occasion been proposed for military missions by their developers. The potential roles differ with the size and capabilities of each aircraft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2021-03-03
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Regulating Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "Concerns about drinking water quality have resulted in congressional attention to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), particularly on the process for evaluating contaminants for potential regulation. Detections of unregulated contaminants in public water supplies in numerous states have raised concerns about the quality of drinking water and increased congressional interest in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) response to such detections. Additionally, concerns about the detection of regulated contaminants, such as lead, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of certain existing regulations. SDWA is the key federal law that authorizes EPA to promulgate regulations to control contaminants in public water supplies. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-03-03
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Manufacturing USA: Advanced Manufacturing Institutes and Network [March 3, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress maintains a strong interest in the health of U.S. manufacturing due to its central role in the economy and national defense. Manufacturing accounts for about 11% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). In 2019, manufacturing enterprises directly employed approximately 12.5 million full-time employees in the United States and indirectly supported millions of additional jobs in other industries. Manufacturers also funded more than 62% of the nation's industrial research and development (R&D), providing a foundation for technological innovation and continued U.S. technological leadership. Wages and salaries per full-time equivalent employee in manufacturing were $72,735 in 2019, compared to $66,778 for employees in all industries. With respect to national defense, the United States depends heavily on its manufacturing base to produce military weapons, aircraft, ground vehicles, ships, and other equipment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2021-03-03
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NATO: Key Issues for the 117th Congress [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The United States was the driving proponent of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) creation in 1949 and has been the unrivaled leader of the alliance as it has evolved from a collective defense organization of 12 members focused on deterring the Soviet Union to a globally engaged security organization of 30 members. Historically, U.S. Administrations have viewed U.S. leadership of NATO as a cornerstone of U.S. national security policy that brings benefits ranging from peace and stability in Europe to the political and military support of important allies, including many of the world's most advanced militaries. During his term in office, former President Donald Trump openly challenged long-standing U.S. support for NATO, however, arguing, among other things, that NATO was a 'bad deal' for the United States.[...] Many allies have welcomed President Joe Biden's pledge to renew U.S. support for NATO and to prioritize consultation and cooperation with allies.[...] Allied heads of state and government are expected to meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in May or June 2021 to set NATO's agenda for the coming year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul
2021-03-03
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Cross-Cutting Issues in Cybersecurity Series [March 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Cybersecurity is a risk management process that identifies, mitigates, and assesses threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to computers, computer networks, information and communications technology, data, digital systems, cyber-physical systems, and users. While cybersecurity threats manifest themselves in information technology, they raise a host of policy issues that are not just limited to technical concerns. The CRS [Congressional Research Service] 'Cross-Cutting Issues in Cybersecurity' series examines the intersection between cybersecurity and other policy areas. This interdisciplinary series will contain two products for each topic: a podcast and a CRS Insight. During the podcast CRS analysts will discuss matters related to the subject topic. Accompanying each podcast will be a CRS Insight where documents, programs, and references mentioned during the podcast will be provided. This CRS Insight provides a common place to find each podcast and associated Insight. These products are listed below in order of publication."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2021-03-03
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China Primer: U.S.-China Relations [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Overview: "In its early statements, the Joseph R. Biden Administration has signaled significant continuity with the Donald J. Trump Administration in its characterization of the challenge the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) poses to U.S. interests. President Biden has referred to China as 'our most serious competitor,' stated that China is challenging 'our prosperity, security, and democratic values,' and called on allies and partners to 'prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China.' In written responses to questions from Senators, then Secretary 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.' 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 it seeks to become 'the preeminent power in the world in the not-too-distant future.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.; Sutter, Karen M.
2021-03-03
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 3, 2021: Travel from the United Kingdom to the United States by a Symptomatic Patient Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant -- Texas, January 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This early release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Travel from the United Kingdom to the United States by a Symptomatic Patient Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] B.1.1.7 Variant -- Texas, January 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-03-03
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 3, 2021: First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant P.1 in the United States -- Minnesota, January 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This early release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Variant P.1 in the United States -- Minnesota, January 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-03-03
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Interim National Security Strategic Guidance
From the Document: "Today, I am issuing this interim guidance to convey my vision for how America will engage with the world. I direct departments and agencies to align their actions with this guidance, even as we begin work on a National Security Strategy. [...] Today, more than ever, America's fate is inextricably linked to events beyond our shores. We confront a global pandemic, a crushing economic downturn, a crisis of racial justice, and a deepening climate emergency. We face a world of rising nationalism, receding democracy, growing rivalry with China, Russia, and other authoritarian states, and a technological revolution that is reshaping every aspect of our lives. Ours is a time of unprecedented challenges, but also unmatched opportunity."
United States. White House Office
2021-03-03?
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FEMA Needs to Improve Guidance and Oversight for the Presidential Residence Protection Assistance Grant
From the Highlights: "In each of 2017 and 2018, Congress appropriated $41 million to FEMA for the PRPA [Presidential Residence Protection Assistance] grant. We conducted this audit to determine whether FEMA ensured state and local law enforcement agencies accounted for and expended PRPA grant funds in accordance with Federal laws, regulations, and FEMA and United States Secret Service guidelines."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-03-03
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Methods for the Detection and Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants
From the Scope and Objective: "This technical guidance provides guidance to laboratories, microbiology experts and relevant stakeholders in making decisions on establishing or scaling up capability and capacity to detect and identify circulating SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] variants, and in making decisions on which technologies to use and for which objective. The objective of this document is to present the available methods (screening and sequencing) for detection and identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 VOCs [variants of concern]. The document also outlines quality assessment issues, as well as considerations on sample and method selection and results reporting based on the different objectives of testing."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe
2021-03-03
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DPRK's COVID-19 Outbreak and Its Response
From the Introduction: "In this essay, Shin Yeong-jeon notes that both the DPRK [North Korea] and the United States say 'No Problem' when it comes to the Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic in the DPRK: 'The DPRK is voicing 'No Problem' despite the economic sanctions of the United States and the United Nations. The United States also argues that US-led international sanctions are not the cause of humanitarian disasters in the DPRK. This 'No Problem' collusion pattern can invite dangerous consequences, which not only distorts the facts but can also lead to many victims, making intervention difficult by missing confirmation timing for catastrophic situations such as famine. This is similar to the 'No Problem' collusion pattern in the North Korean famine of the late 1990s.' In light of the DPRK's emerging Covid-19 and food crises, he concludes that 'The DPRK needs to establish a more open cooperation system with the international community including the ROK and the United States. The United States also needs to make sure that the DPRK is not in extreme situations or makes its worst choices. To this end, it is necessary to change the policy on the Korean Peninsula that the Obama and Trump administrations took in the past, and the core of this is to proceed with step-by-step denuclearization while opening the possibility of peace and prosperity through the vitalization of exchanges between the two Koreas.'"
Nautilus Institute
Yeong-jeon, Shin
2021-03-03
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U.S. Department of Energy's Clear Path VIII After Action Report/Improvement Plan [November 19-20, 2020 and December 10, 2020]
From the Executive Summary: "The 'Clear Path VIII Exercise' was developed to examine the energy sector's response and restoration roles, responsibilities, plans, and procedures following a catastrophic incident, stressing the interdependencies among multiple critical infrastructure sectors within the state of Utah. [...] The Clear Path series encompasses a diverse array of exercise scenarios, challenging response officials and allowing planners to build on corrective actions and validate improvements made in response to lessons learned from both exercises and in the real-world. The purpose of the eighth iteration of Clear Path is to examine the energy sector's response and restoration roles, responsibilities, plans, and procedures following a major earthquake along Utah's Wasatch Fault Zone, stressing the interdependencies among multiple critical infrastructure sectors. The emphasis of this exercise was on defining the roles and responsibilities of energy sector providers, facilitation of resource requests, developing situational awareness, and communications and coordination throughout the impact area."
United States. Department of Energy
2021-03-03?
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House COVID Relief Bill Includes Critical Expansions of Child Tax Credit and EITC
From the Document: "Two key tax credit provisions in the COVID [coronavirus disease] relief legislation that the House passed February 27 would provide significant help to those on the fault lines of some of the pandemic's worst economic effects. People who have lower incomes, are Black or Latino, have less than a college education, or work in face-to-face service occupations have long faced barriers to high-paying jobs and opportunity, which the pandemic and its economic fallout have widened. The House bill's provisions making the full Child Tax Credit available to all children except those with the highest incomes (sometimes called making the credit 'fully refundable'), and making an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) available to far more low-paid workers not raising children in the home (so-called 'childless workers'), would result in historic reductions of child poverty and provide timely income support for millions of people, including millions of essential workers."
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)
Marr, Chuck; Cox, Kris; Hingtgen, Stephanie . . .
2021-03-02
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U.S. Agricultural Aid in Response to COVID-19 [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first confirmed in the United States in mid-January 2020. In addition to the catastrophic health crisis it created, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to substantial economic upheaval across the U.S. economy, including the agricultural sector. This In Focus summarizes the major COVID-19-related agricultural programs, the types of support they provide, and their implementation period, funding levels, outlays to date, and underlying authorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rosch, Stephanie; Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2021-03-02
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U.S. Trade Debates: Select Disputes and Actions [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "During the Trump Administration, the United States and some of its major trading partners engaged in a contentious 'war' of words over trade--one that tipped over into action in 2018, mostly in the form of increased tariffs. The tariffs imposed by the United States, combined with retaliatory measures adopted by other countries (particularly with respect to China), reportedly continue to have noticeable effects on trade flows and U.S. firms. To date, most ongoing disputes related to these actions remain unresolved. Although the scale and scope of these unilateral U.S. tariff increases are unprecedented in modern times, tensions and irritants in international trade relations are not uncommon. Over the last 100 years, the United States has been involved in a number of trade disputes. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), as of March 2021, the United States has been involved in 280 trade disputes (addressed through the WTO dispute settlement system since 1995), either as a complainant or a respondent. Most disputes are settled, or when unresolved, are contained or defused through bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Since the early 20th century, only one dispute has resulted in a worldwide tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs: the trade dispute ignited by the U.S. 'Smoot-Hawley' Tariff Act of 1930."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-03-02
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Reported Increase in Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans [March 2, 2021]
From the Document: "Several media outlets have reported an increase in violence and possible hate crimes against Asian Americans and people of Asian descent (specifically people of East or Southeast Asian descent) since the beginning of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly against Asian seniors. [...] In January 2021, President Biden signed a presidential memorandum condemning racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and directing federal agencies to combat xenophobia. Congress may examine and address these hate crimes in their oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and to meet any constituent concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hanson, Emily J.; James, Nathan
2021-03-02
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Proposals for Systems of Records on Decertified Officers and Police Misconduct [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Document: "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA, H.R. 1280) would attempt to reform a range of law enforcement practices, especially practices that are considered to be biased against people of color. The bill would, among other things, promote the use of body-worn cameras, expand de-escalation training, reduce racial profiling and require state and local governments to report data on the use of force, In addition, the legislation would also attempt to curb so-called 'wandering officers' (i.e., law enforcement officers who are fired or resign under threat of termination but are later hired by another law enforcement agency, often in another state). There are a litany of stories about law enforcement officers who are alleged or found to have engaged in misconduct, including the use of excessive force, being hired at other law enforcement agencies that are unaware of the officers' full employment history. There is disagreement over how common the wandering officer phenomenon is and to what extent these officers may be a threat to the public."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan; Finklea, Kristin
2021-03-02
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COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Observations on Efforts Toward and Factors Affecting the Aviation Industry's Recovery, Statement of Heather M Krause, Director, Physical Infrastructure, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "International flight restrictions, local stay-at-home orders, and a general fear of contracting and spreading COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] through air travel had a sudden and profound effect on the aviation industry. According to Department of Transportation statistics, passenger traffic was down 60 percent system-wide in 2020 compared to 2019. This reduction in demand has affected airlines, airports, and the entire aviation supply chain. This testimony is based on ongoing work and provides preliminary observations on the: (1) actions that businesses across the aviation industry have taken to respond to reduced passenger demand, (2) factors that may affect industry recovery, and (3) considerations for federal support to the aviation industry."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Krause, Heather
2021-03-02
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Pipeline Transportation of Hydrogen: Regulation, Research, and Policy [March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Some in Congress have proposed hydrogen as an environmentally superior alternative to conventional fossil fuels for vehicles and electric power generation, among other applications. [...] This report discusses the physical characteristics of hydrogen, including its safety and how it is commercially produced. The report reviews the current status of hydrogen transportation in pipelines and options for expanding U.S. hydrogen pipeline infrastructure. The report examines relevant federal regulation of hydrogen pipeline siting, safety, commercial service, and security. It reviews federal support of hydrogen pipeline-related research programs since the 1960s and summarizes congressional actions to support U.S. hydrogen pipeline development. The report concludes with a discussion of selected policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2021-03-02
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Policing Reform Legislation: Conditions on Funding and New Grant Authorizations [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, combined with several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of the police, have generated congressional interest in legislation to reform state and local policing practices, and to require law enforcement agencies to collect more data on law enforcement actions and activities and share these data with the public. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. 7120, 116th Congress (was introduced and passed by the House in June 2020, but it was not taken up by the Senate. The legislation has been reintroduced in the current Congress as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA, H.R. 1280). The legislation is an omnibus measure that would address a variety of policing reform topics and approaches. These include attempting to reform state and local policing practices through two means: placing conditions on existing Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) or Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs; and authorizing new grant programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2021-03-02
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Broadband Provisions: In Brief [March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Access to broadband--high-speed internet access that is faster than traditional dial-up access, always on, and relies on high-speed transmission technologies (e.g., fiber optic cable, cable modem, wireless)--remains a key interest for Congress. Broadband is currently deployed throughout the United States, primarily by the private sector. While the number of new broadband subscribers continues to grow, studies and data indicate that the rate of broadband deployment in many urban, suburban, and high-income areas is higher than in rural and low-income areas. The term 'digital divide' is used to describe the gap between those who have access to broadband and those who do not. [...] This report discusses Division N, Title IX of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) that contains supplemental appropriations for broadband programs. The report provides information on each broadband program or initiative grouped by lead agency, including background and history (if applicable), deadlines, appropriation amounts, and eligibility information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Gallagher, Jill C. . . .
2021-03-02
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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 28 to 30 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2022. [...] The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's annual funding requests and envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress's decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-02
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. The Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA shipbuilding programs pose multiple oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-02
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New U.S. Marine Corps Force Design Initiatives [Updated March 2, 2021]
From the Background: "On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) announced a major force design initiative planned to occur over the next 10 years. The Marine Corps aims to redesign the force for naval expeditionary warfare and to better align itself with the National Defense Strategy, in particular, its focus on strategically competing with China and Russia. The Marines intend to eliminate or reduce certain types of units and eliminate some military occupational specialties (MOS). The Marines also plan to reorganize higher echelon Marine formations and get smaller--reducing forces by 12,000 personnel by 2030."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-03-02
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Vulnerabilities in MARAD's NSMV Program Management May Hinder Efficient Achievement of Program Goals
From the Highlights: "The Maritime Administration (MARAD) provides ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet as training vessels for cadets at the State maritime academies to become licensed mariners. In fiscal year 2015, MARAD began the design of National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) to replace five training ships nearing the end of useful life. Congress directed MARAD to use an entity other than itself to contract for NSMV construction using commercial design standards and construction practices and has thus far appropriated approximately $1.3 billion for the NSMV program. Given this significant investment and MARAD's support of national security, we initiated this audit. Our objective was to assess MARAD's management of the NSMV Program, including oversight of the vessel construction manager (VCM) contract and use of commercial design standards and commercial construction practices consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government."
United States. Department of Transportation. Office of Inspector General
Neill, Susan
2021-03-02
