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Public Law 117-43: Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act
This law is an Act making "continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for providing emergency assistance, and for other purposes." The Act is broken up into the following divisions: Division A--Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022; Division B--Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022; Division C--Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022; and Division D--Other Matters. Further details are provided under each division regarding appropriation amounts, eligibility, time periods, and reporting requirements.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021-09-30
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Interpersonal Violence in the Department of the Air Force: Findings of the Interpersonal Violence Task Force
From the Document: "In July 2020, the Secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) directed the formation of an Interpersonal Violence Task Force to examine whether the Department of the Air Force (DAF) was keeping Airmen and Guardians safe from interpersonal violence (IPV). This was, in part, triggered by tragedies involving U.S. service members [...]. In both cases, the victims had reportedly experienced IPV immediately prior to their deaths. [...] In the aftermath of these tragedies, the DAF community wanted to better understand the dynamics that led to these deaths and determine whether additional measures were needed to keep Airmen and Guardians safe when faced with the potential for ongoing IPV situations. [...] The task force designed and administered an anonymous, online survey to the entire DAF-- Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, and civilians--over a six-week period during fall 2020 [...] Overall, 54% of individuals who took the survey indicated experiencing at least one behavior the task force categorized as falling within a type of IPV[.]"
United States. Department of the Air Force
2021-09-30?
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Department of Homeland Security: Fiscal Year 2020 Entry/Exit Overstay Report
From the Executive Summary: "This report provides data on expected departures and overstays, by country, for foreign travelers to the United States who entered as nonimmigrants through air or sea ports of entry (POE) and who were expected to depart in FY 2020 (October 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020). An overstay is a nonimmigrant who was lawfully admitted to the United States but who remained in the United States beyond the authorized period of admission. The authorized period of admission can be a fixed period or for the duration of a certain activity, such as the period during which a student is pursuing a full course of study or any authorized technical/practical training. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) identifies two types of overstays: 1) individuals for whom no departure has been recorded (Suspected In-Country Overstays), and 2) individuals whose departure was recorded after their authorized period of admission expired (Out-of-Country Overstays)."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2021-09-30
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Federal Cybersecurity: Background and Issues for Congress [September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Federal agencies are responsible for collecting, processing, storing, and disposing of digital information. Managing that data and the systems using the data in a secure way requires undertaking planning, implementing processes, and conducting programming on behalf of the agency--commonly referred to as 'cybersecurity'. [...] This report begins with a discussion of cybersecurity principles and provides case examples of challenges to those principles. The report then provides an overview of policies related to federal cybersecurity by exploring and analyzing laws, agency guidance, and standards for cybersecurity, along with agency responsibilities for cybersecurity. This report concludes by examining options for Congress to address federal cybersecurity issues through updating statutes, requiring cyber incident reports, establishing cybersecurity funding levels, mandating the use of shared services, and/or requiring the adoption of modern cybersecurity tools."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2021-09-29
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Secure Blockchain-Based Architecture for the COVID-19 Data Network
From the Abstract: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has impacted the world economy and mainly all activities where social distancing cannot be respected. In order to control this pandemic, screening tests such as PCR [Polymerase chain reaction] have become essential. For example, in the case of a trip, the traveler must carry out a PCR test within 72 hours before his departure and if he is not a carrier of the COVID-19, he can therefore travel by presenting, during check-in and boarding, the negative result sheet to the agent. The latter will then verify the presented sheet by trusting: (a) the medical biology laboratory, (b) the credibility of the traveler for not having changed the PCR result from 'positive to negative'. Therefore, this confidence and this verification are made without being based on any mechanism of security and integrity, despite the great importance of the PCR test results to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, we propose in this paper a blockchain-based decentralized trust architecture that aims to guarantee the integrity, immutability and traceability of COVID-19 test results. Our proposal also aims to ensure the interconnection between several organizations (airports, medical laboratories, cinemas, etc.) in order to access COVID-19 test results in a secure and decentralized manner."
Hyper Articles en Ligne (HAL)
Al-Mohtar, Darine; Daou, Amani Ramzi; El Madhoun, Nour . . .
2021-09-29
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CBP's FAST Program Exposes Borders to Security Risks
From the Highlights: "As a Trusted Traveler Program, CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] established the FAST [Free and Secure Trade] program to expedite processing for carriers and drivers pre-approved as low risk to enhance trade and safeguard against border security risks. We conducted this audit to determine the extent that CBP ensures only low-risk commercial drivers participate in the FAST program. [...] We made four recommendations to improve the program and mitigate risks at CBP land ports of entry."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-09-29
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High-Performance Computing: Advances Made Towards Implementing the National Strategy, but Better Reporting and a More Detailed Plan Are Needed, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "In 2015, Executive Order 13702 established the NSCI [National Strategic Computing Initiative] to maximize the benefits of high-performance computing for economic competitiveness and scientific discovery. The order directed 10 agencies to implement the NSCI and pursue five strategic objectives, including accelerating delivery of a capable exascale computing system, which is anticipated to be at least three times more powerful than the current top-ranked system. The NSCI Executive Council, established by the executive order and co-chaired by OSTP [Office of Science and Technology Policy] and the Office of Management and Budget, issued a strategic plan in 2016, which was updated in 2020. GAO was asked to review the status of the NSCI. This report examines (1) agencies' efforts and OSTP's and agencies' reporting on progress towards meeting the objectives of the 2016 strategic plan and (2) the extent to which the 2020 strategic plan includes desirable characteristics of a national strategy. GAO analyzed key NSCI documents, administered a questionnaire to 10 NSCI agencies, and interviewed OSTP and other agency officials and nonfederal stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-09-29
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EPA Needs an Agencywide Strategic Action Plan to Address Harmful Algal Blooms
From the Document: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation to determine how the EPA is exercising its authority under the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts to address harmful algal blooms and protect human health and the environment. Harmful algal blooms impact our nation's recreational and drinking waters. They occur when, among other conditions, high levels of nutrients--nitrogen and phosphorus--pollute rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. These nutrients reach bodies of water from sources such as livestock operations; fertilizer runoff from farm fields, lawns, and gardens; urban stormwater; and industrial and municipal discharges."
United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of the Inspector General
Brunton, Charles; Butler, Kathlene; Hamann, Julie . . .
2021-09-29
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FDA Approval of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Document: "In August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech for individuals 16 years of age or older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine--and the first vaccine based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology-- to be licensed by FDA. Pfizer and BioNTech will market their licensed COVID-19 vaccine under the brand name Comirnaty (pronounced koe-MIR-na-tee). [...] FDA's approval of Comirnaty has caused some confusion about the scope of FDA's approval, the relationship between Comirnaty and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and other issues. This report addresses some common questions about FDA's approval of Comirnaty."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.; Bodie, Agata; Ward, Erin H.
2021-09-29
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Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021. Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of the 35th and 36th Virginia-class boats. A key issue for Congress concerns the SSN force-level goal and procurement rate. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Germany's September 26 Elections [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Document: "None of the candidates to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel won a clear governing mandate in Germany's September 26, 2021, parliamentary elections. The center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which has been Merkel's junior coalition partner for 12 of her 16 years in office, beat Merkel's center-right political group by 1.6 percentage points, but neither party exceeded 26% of the vote. Merkel, who was not a candidate in the elections, is to remain chancellor during what some analysts expect could be protracted negotiations [hyperlink] to form a new government. Merkel's likely successors have pledged continuity in German foreign policy and relations with the United States, but the end of the Merkel era--and her legacy of global leadership--could have important implications [hyperlink] for U.S.-German and U.S.-European relations. Areas of particular concern for Congress could include Germany's policies toward Russia, China, and NATO. Merkel's tenure has been viewed as a period of remarkable stability [hyperlink] and economic prosperity in Germany. The country's broader political landscape arguably has become more fractured [hyperlink] during her time in office, however, as Germany's two main political parties--the SPD and Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU)--have lost support to smaller parties on both sides of the political spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul
2021-09-29
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Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $1,087.9 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion) for the procurement of the third FFG-62, and $69.1 million in advance procurement (AP) funding for the fourth and fifth FFG-62s, which are programmed for procurement in one or more future fiscal years. The FFG-62 program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring a new class of medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $27.8 million in research and development funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed funding requests and emerging acquisition strategy for the NGLS program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy TAGOS(X) Ocean Surveillance Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy wants to procure in FY2022 the first of a planned new class of seven TAGOS(X) ocean surveillance ships. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $434.4 million for the procurement of the first TAGOS(X). The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's funding requests and acquisition strategy for the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated September 29, 2021]
"Situated on the Atlantic coast of South America's Southern Cone, Argentina has a vibrant democratic tradition and has Latin America's third-largest economy. U.S.-Argentine relations have been strong in recent years. [...] Upon taking office, President Fernández faced an economy in recession, high poverty, and unsustainable public debt. He pledged to restructure Argentina's debt and opened talks with bondholders and other creditors. He also rolled out several measures, including a food program and price controls on basic goods, aimed at helping low-income Argentines cope with inflation and increased poverty. [...] Argentina has been hard hit by the pandemic. COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths surged in May and June 2021 but have since declined. As of September 29, 2021, the country reported over 115,000 deaths, with a mortality rate of 255 per 100,000 people, according to Johns Hopkins University. Although the procurement and rollout of vaccines was initially slow compared with some other countries, as of September 29, 48.1% of Argentina's population was fully vaccinated. [...] In July 2021, the United States donated 3.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna) to Argentina. In addition, according to the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, the United States has donated more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief supplies, including three relief hospitals and other supplies provided by the U.S. Southern Command."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-09-29
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Issues Raised by a Federal Government Shutdown: Grants to State and Local Governments and the Covid-19 Pandemic [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Document: "Midnight September 30, 2021, will be the end of FY2021. In the absence of new funding legislation for FY2022, funding for federal agencies and activities funded through all 12 of the regular annual appropriations acts will lapse. The resulting lapse in appropriations will require a shutdown of most federal agency operations [hyperlink], including those necessary to administer federal aid to state and local governments. [...] Since March 2020, COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic response legislation has provided additional funding for federal grant programs to state and local governments. According to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, $582.3 billion [hyperlink] has been provided to state, local, and tribal governments for pandemic response, not including additional grant funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 [hyperlink] (American Rescue Plan, P.L. 117-2, enacted March 11, 2021). The American Rescue Plan provided an additional $360 billion [hyperlink], of which $219.8 billion was appropriated for the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund [hyperlink], $130.2 billion for the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund [hyperlink], and $10 billion for the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund [hyperlink]. A federal government shutdown may cause disruption to, or cessation of, grant administration activities for normal grant program appropriations, as well as pandemic-related supplemental funding, depending on the following factors: [1] the timing and duration of a federal government shutdown; and [2] the choices made by federal, state, and local officials in anticipation of, or during, a shutdown regarding grant program administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Keegan, Natalie
2021-09-29
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COVID-19: Reviewing Existing Policies Could Help Selected Agencies Better Prepare for Dedicated User Fee Revenue Fluctuations, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "Each year, federal agencies collect billions of dollars in dedicated user fee revenue from fees charged to users of federal goods and services, which are dedicated by law for a specific purpose or program. The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic disrupted critical government operations for agencies that rely on these revenues. The CARES Act [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act] included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to review the effects of the pandemic on public institutions of the U.S. This report examines how dedicated user fee revenues have changed since the onset of the pandemic and how selected agencies managed revenue changes related to the pandemic, among other objectives. To determine revenue changes, GAO compared dedicated user fee revenues in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to amounts from prior years. GAO selected three agencies to review-- FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], NPS [National Park Service], and USCIS [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services]--based on whether they relied on dedicated user fee revenue to a high (FAA and USCIS) or low (NPS) extent, among other factors. GAO interviewed officials at the selected agencies and reviewed relevant documents to determine how these agencies managed revenue changes, and compared those actions to internal control standards and leading practices for fee design."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-09-29
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IT Modernization: HUD Needs to Improve Its Estimation and Oversight Practices for Single-Family Housing, Report to the Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "For many years, HUD [Department of Housing and Urban Development] has insured a portfolio of single-family mortgages worth over $1 trillion, relying on an outdated IT [information technology] infrastructure and manual processes. HUD has made several unsuccessful attempts to modernize IT in the past, leaving it dependent on legacy systems. In April 2019, FHA [Federal Housing Administration] and HUD's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), initiated FHA Catalyst. GAO [s Government Accountability Office] was requested to review HUD's single-family housing modernization program. This report examines (1) the extent to which HUD has implemented leading practices for managing requirements and identifying and mitigating risks for FHA Catalyst, (2) the reliability of the program's estimated costs and schedule, and (3) the extent to which HUD has established effective oversight for the program. GAO compared FHA Catalyst documentation on requirements, risk, cost, schedule, and oversight to leading practices identified in the Capability Maturity Model Integration, and GAO's guides on cost, schedule, and investment management. GAO also interviewed FHA and OCIO officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-09-29
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Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Columbia (SSBN-826) class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and wants to procure the second boat in the class in FY2024. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $4,647.0 million (i.e., about $4.6 billion) in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on the Columbia-class program could substantially affect U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Federal Disaster Assistance for Agriculture [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Document: "A number of federal assistance programs are designed to address agricultural losses following a natural disaster, including insurance, direct payments for loss, loans, and cost share to rehabilitate damaged lands. These programs are intended to assist producers recovering from production, financial, and physical loss related to or caused by the disaster. They are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through three agencies: the Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). All programs have permanent authorization, and only one (the emergency loan program) requires a federal disaster designation. Many of the programs receive mandatory funding amounts that are 'such sums as necessary' and are not subject to annual discretionary appropriations. Other programs, however, require supplemental appropriations. Some programs are subject to payment limits, while others are not (e.g., crop insurance). 'Table 1' provides a brief overview of permanent USDA assistance programs for agricultural producers following a natural disaster. It is not comprehensive as it does not include temporary assistance programs, such as the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP). Other programs for community water, housing, food assistance, and wildfire support offered by USDA are also not discussed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stubbs, Megan
2021-09-29
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Defense Primer: Electronic Warfare [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Document: "Electronic warfare (EW), as defined by the Department of Defense (DOD), are military activities that use electromagnetic energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum ('the spectrum') and attack an enemy. The spectrum is a range of frequencies for electromagnetic energy. EW supports command and control (C2) by allowing military commanders' access to the spectrum to communicate with forces, while preventing potential adversaries from accessing the spectrumto develop an operational picture and communicate with their forces. Some have argued that EW is a component of anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) campaigns. [...] The National Defense Strategy, released in 2018, emphasized the return of great-power competition, reflecting China's and Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize their forces to counter U.S. military advantages. In addition, the congressionally mandated National Defense Strategy Commission, which independently evaluated DOD strategy, stated that the United States is losing its advantages in electronic warfare, hindering the nation's ability to conduct military operations against capable adversaries. The commission recommended increasing EW investments and developing new concepts to regain U.S. military advantage. Each service has incorporated EW capabilities into platforms and combat systems and is currently working to modernize its existing capabilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2021-09-29
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $2,659.5 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy began procuring DDG-51s, also known as Aegis destroyers, in FY1985, and a total of 87 have been procured through FY2021, including two in FY2021. The Navy procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers in FY2007-FY2009 and plans no further procurement of DDG-1000s. [...] A key issue for Congress for the DDG-51 program in FY2022 is whether to fund the procurement of one DDG51, two DDG-51s, or some other number of DDG-51s (such as zero or three). Other issues for Congress concern the Navy's future force-level goalfor large surface combatants (or LSCs, meaning cruisers and destroyers) and how the Navy proposes to transition several years from now from procurement of DDG-51s to procurement of a successor destroyer design now in development called the DDG(X). Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO-205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's annual ship authorization and funding requests for the program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) in FY2028. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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FEMA Must Take Additional Steps to Better Address Employee Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
From the Highlights: "We initiated a review to determine whether FEMA appropriately reported, investigated, and adjudicated employee allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2021-09-29
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Navy Next-Generation Attack Submarine (SSN[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy wants to begin procuring a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), called the Next-Generation Attack Submarine or SSN(X), in FY2031. The SSN(X) would be the successor to the Virginia-class SSN design, which the Navy has been procuring since FY1998. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $98.0 million in research and development funding for the SSN(X) program. An issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's funding requests and acquisition strategy for the SSN(X) program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-29
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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 29, 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 24 to 35 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 FY2023. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program. 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
2021-09-29
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Tracking Self-Reported Symptoms and Medical Conditions on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Infodemiological Study
From the Abstract: "Harnessing health-related data posted on social media in real time can offer insights into how the pandemic impacts the mental health and general well-being of individuals and populations over time. [...] This study aimed to obtain information on symptoms and medical conditions self-reported by non-Twitter social media users during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, to determine how discussion of these symptoms and medical conditions changed over time, and to identify correlations between frequency of the top 5 commonly mentioned symptoms post and daily COVID-19 statistics (new cases, new deaths, new active cases, and new recovered cases) in the United States."
JMIR Publications
Ding, Qinglan; Massey, Daisy; Huang, Chenxi . . .
2021-09-28
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Failure to Mitigate Risk of and Manage a COVID-19 Outbreak at a Community Living Center at VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois
From the Executive Summary: "The VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a healthcare inspection to assess allegations that facility leaders failed to mitigate risk of and manage a community living center (CLC) COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak (CLC outbreak) at the VA Illiana Health Care System (facility) in Danville, Illinois. In the fall of 2020, 11 residents died of COVID-19, and 239 patients and 92 staff were diagnosed with the virus. The allegations stated that a COVID-19 outbreak occurred in two CLC neighborhoods--Unity and Victory--and there was a failure to observe general infection control practices specifically related to respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) use, issuance, and training; failure to minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19 for CLC residents and staff; and inconsistent ongoing testing and failure to notify residents, their families, and staff of positive COVID-19 test results. The OIG [Office of the Inspector General] identified concerns related to facility and CLC leaders' actions following the CLC outbreak."
United States. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Inspector General
2021-09-28
