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• Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) [August 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a trade agreement, signed in late 2020 after eight years of talks, among the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)--Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and five ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) partners--Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. RCEP is to enter into force 60 days after ratification by six ASEAN and three non-ASEAN countries. Members aim for entry into force in early 2022; to date, China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand have ratified the deal. RCEP follows the recent entry into force of 'megaregional' trade deals, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP or TPP-11), which includes seven RCEP members and four countries in the Americas. Although overall RCEP has less extensive commitments than other recent trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP or the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement), many analysts view RCEP as an achievement for the multilateral trading system, which faces myriad challenges. The collective economic weight of its membership gives RCEP the potential to deepen some trade patterns and supply chains in Asia through lower trade costs and streamlined rules. Congress may consider how RCEP affects U.S. commercial and strategic interests, and if it affects the relevance of the United States in shaping trade rules and economic integration in Asia and globally."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Sutherland, Michael D.; Dolven, Ben . . .

  2021-08-05
• Proposals for a National Secure Data Service, in Context [August 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "On June 28, 2021, the House passed H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act [hyperlink], which would authorize appropriations and certain activities. One provision would establish a 'National Secure Data Service' (NSDS) demonstration project [hyperlink]. The proposal relates to a recommendation from an earlier Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking (CEP) [hyperlink]. Among other things, CEP was charged [hyperlink] with considering [hyperlink] whether a federal government 'clearinghouse' for program and survey data should be established. CEP interpreted 'clearinghouse' [hyperlink] to mean 'a data storage facility that permanently stores records from multiple databases from multiple agencies and, therefore, grows with each new data linkage.' CEP rejected the clearinghouse model, however, citing [hyperlink] 'well-founded concerns about the potential privacy harm such a clearinghouse could raise.' Instead, it recommended [hyperlink] establishment of an NSDS, which would 'temporarily link existing data and provide secure access to those data for exclusively statistical purposes in connection with approved projects' and 'do this without creating a data clearinghouse or warehouse.' This Insight discusses NSDS proposals, related background, and potential issues for Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stuessy, Meghan M.; Brass, Clinton T.

  2021-08-05
• United Kingdom, France and the Indo-Pacific [Updated August 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Successive U.S. Administrations have sought to bring European allies into a range of strategic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Most recently, President Biden during his visit to Europe in June 2021 sought greater cohesion with European allies on how democratic nations respond to challenges posed by China. While Europe's focus on the region has increased in recent years, France and the United Kingdom (UK) stand out for their recent actions that demonstrate their assessment of growing defense and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Through their strategic relations, regional deployments, arms sales, and military-to-military relationships, France and the UK have the ability to strengthen the defense capabilities of regional states, help shape the regional balance of power, and support U.S. interests. In recent years, France and the UK have developed their strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific and are networking with like-minded Indo-Pacific nations to bolster regional stability and help preserve the norms of the international system."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Mix, Derek E.; Belkin, Paul

  2021-08-05
• At What Rate Do Noncitizens Appear for Their Removal Hearings? Measuring in Absentia Removal Order Rates [August 5, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Noncitizens who are charged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with immigration violations may have their cases adjudicated during immigration court removal proceedings. Immigration courts operate within the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). During proceedings, immigration judges (IJs) determine whether noncitizens (i.e., 'respondents') are removable (deportable), and if so, whether they are eligible for protection or relief from removal, such as asylum. Removal proceedings may involve multiple hearings. Respondents who fail to appear for any of their hearings may be ordered removed 'in absentia' (i.e., in the respondent's absence) by an IJ. The rate at which respondents fail to appear for their hearings has been a key measure that some have cited to support policy positions and legal decisions related to mandatory detention, border security, and asylum. Yet the method for measuring the in absentia rate has been debated, and there is wide variation in the rates cited by elected officials and reported in the media. This In Focus explains the legal requirements for in absentia removal orders, how EOIR calculates in absentia rates, how to interpret those rates, and an alternative method for calculating in absentia rates that some argue measures the rate more comprehensively by accounting for a large and growing number of pending cases. It also presents data on in absentia removal orders for asylum seekers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Straut-Eppsteiner, Holly

  2021-08-05
• ADA at 31: Access to Housing and Health Care Must Meet the Rise of Disability in the U.S.

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  From the Document: "It has been nearly 50 years since disability activists in San Francisco took over a federal building for 28 days to force the signing of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This legislation established the rights of people with disabilities against discrimination in programs receiving federal funds. By 1990, disability activists were literally crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand civil rights legislation for disabled people. This resulted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which celebrated its 31st anniversary in July 2021. Yet even with these laws' protections, the lack of access and equity for people with disabilities--particularly those who are multiply marginalized--was put in sharp focus by their treatment during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Despite the coronavirus being indiscriminate, it has laid bare the inequities of the United States for all to witness. COVID-19 killed hundreds of thousands of Americans in part due to the vulnerability created through continued inequities in the distribution of resources and services, particularly in marginalized populations. [...] Despite the passage of several temporary measures to better support people in the United States--including increased economic support, access to health care testing and vaccines, and eviction and foreclosure protections --housing, food, and health care still have not been determined as basic rights to maintain public health and safety." This material 'ADA at 31: Access to Housing and Health Care Must Meet the Rise of Disability in the U.S.' was published by the Center for American Progress.

  Center for American Progress

  Novack, Valerie; Moh, Kelly

  2021-08-05
• Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution [Updated August 5, 2021]

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  From the Background: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to severe health and economic consequences across the globe, as governments work to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. In late 2020, researchers started identifying several COVID-19 variants, now driving surges in related cases and deaths across Africa and south Asia. The United States, India, and Brazil have the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, many caused by the Delta variant. Vaccines and other countermeasures play a growing role in COVID-19 control. However, insufficient access to vaccines in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) raises questions about how inequities may hinder pandemic control worldwide."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2021-08-05
• Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Examining the Threat of Racially, Ethnically, Religiously, and Politically Motivated Attacks, Part II, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, August 5, 2021

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  This is the August 5, 2021 hearing on "Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Examining the Threat of Racially, Ethnically, Religiously, and Politically Motivated Attacks, Part Two" held before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Elizabeth Neumann, Maya Berry, Jonathan Greenblatt, and Brian Levin. The duration of the video is 1 hours, 55 minutes, and 6 seconds.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  2021-08-05
• North Korea's Vaccination Capabilities: Implications for a COVID-19 Campaign

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  From the Document: "Although the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appears to have succeeded in preventing the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 virus) from entering its borders, the drastic isolation measures have hurt its economy and taken a toll on the vulnerable population. As the pandemic shows no sign of abating, the country will need to explore a path to reopening while minimizing the risk to its people. Vaccines, while not a panacea, are indispensable to any strategy for reopening. However, questions have been raised about the country's ability to maintain the cold temperatures required for storage and transport and implement a national vaccination program. We analyze the DPRK's history with vaccines which shows that, with the proper preparations, it could carry out swift, nationwide campaigns. We also describe a theoretical vaccination road map using a combination of the AstraZeneca/Oxford and the mRNA (Moderna or the Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines."

  38 North; Henry L. Stimson Center

  Shafik, Nagi M.; Ryder, C. Yoonhee; Park, Kee B.

  2021-08-05
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: Senate Amendment 2137 to H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as Proposed on August 1, 2021

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  This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as proposed on August 1, 2021. From the Document: "The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over the 2021-2031 period, enacting Senate Amendment 2137 to H.R. 3684 would decrease direct spending by $110 billion, increase revenues by $50 billion, and increase discretionary spending by $415 billion. On net, the legislation would add $256 billion to projected deficits over that period. The legislation would provide $382.9 billion in contract authority (a form of mandatory budget authority) for a variety of transportation programs over the 2022-2026 period. Under the rules governing baseline projections that are specified in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, this estimate incorporates an assumption that the contract authority of about $79.9 billion that would be provided in 2026 (the final year of the authorization) would also be provided in each subsequent year. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] therefore estimates that an additional $399.6 billion in contract authority would be available over the 2027-2031 period, for a total of $782.5 billion over the 10-year period. Over the 2022-2031 period, that total would be $196.5 billion more that the amount in CBO's July 2021 baseline."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2021-08-05
• Role of AI in Addressing Misinformation on Social Media Platforms

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  From the Introduction: "[1] Over the past year, misinformation has consistently undermined the global public health response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. It has led to the use of dangerous and false health cures, increased the spread of the virus by perpetuating a myth that it is fake or presents no risk, and slowed vaccine uptake. All of this has contributed, directly or indirectly, to the deaths of many around the world, while also serving to deepen the public's distrust in democratic institutions. [2] In a bid to reduce the volume of COVID-19 misinformation, platforms have over the last year introduced a number of new measures and policies, many of which rely on the use of algorithms to help detect and address harmful content. At the same time, platforms have been forced to turn to machine-based content moderation in order to cover for shortfalls in their workforce of human moderators, many of whom were unable to work from the office for prolonged periods. [3] While initially proposed as a temporary solution to a unique crisis, some have questioned whether automated content moderation could become part of the status quo. Advocates see little choice but to rely heavily on algorithms to rein in misinformation. Critics, however, say that algorithms are not equipped to identify harmful content, and believe their adoption at scale could lead to unintended censorship. Others see this debate as a distraction from the more important question of how to reform platform business models, which may perpetuate misinformation."

  Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation

  2021-08-05?
• EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 31, August 5, 2021

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  The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "DHS S&T [Science and Technology Directorate] designs and tests practical, lightweight respirator for wildland firefighters"; "DHS releases new human trafficking guidance for law enforcement"; "FEMA releases new emergency planning guidance for chemical incidents"; "Webinar: Preventing Targeted Violence and Protecting the Safety and Security of Houses of Worship in the United States and Europe"; "NSA [National Security Agency] releases guidance on securing wireless devices while in public"; "CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's]: China cyber threat overview and advisories"; "DDoS [distributed denial-of-service] attacks largely target the US and the computers and internet sectors"; "A clever phishing campaign is targeting Office 365 users"; and "REvil [Ransomware Evil] most popular ransomware variant in 2021 (so far)."

  Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)

  2021-08-05
• COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated August 5, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the pandemic might have for the international security environment, and appendices listing CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Biden Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.

  2021-08-05
• With Great Hopes Come Great Expectations: Access and Adoption Issues Associated with COVID-19 Vaccines

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  From the Abstract: "Although COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccines are becoming increasingly available, their ability to effectively control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly contingent on an array of factors. This paper discusses how limitations to vaccine accessibility, issues associated with vaccine side effects, concerns regarding vaccine efficacy, along with the persistent prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among the public, including health care professionals, might impact the potential of COVID-19 vaccines to curb the pandemic. We draw insights from the literature to identify practical solutions that could boost people's adoption of COVID-19 vaccines and their accessibility. We conclude with a discussion on health experts' and government officials' moral and ethical responsibilities to the public, even in light of the urgency to adopt and endorse 'the greatest amount of good for the greatest number' utilitarian philosophy in controlling and managing the spread of COVID-19."

  JMIR Publications

  Su, Zhaohui; McDonnell, Dean; Cheshmehzangi, Ali . . .

  2021-08-04
• Forecasting COVID-19 Hospital Census: A Multivariate Time-Series Model Based on Local Infection Incidence

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  From the Abstract: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] has been one of the most serious global health crises in world history. During the pandemic, health care systems require accurate forecasts for key resources to guide preparation for patient surges. Forecasting the COVID-19 hospital census is among the most important planning decisions to ensure adequate staffing, number of beds, intensive care units, and vital equipment. [...] The goal of this study was to explore the potential utility of local COVID-19 infection incidence data in developing a forecasting model for the COVID-19 hospital census."

  JMIR Publications

  Nguyen, Hieu M.; Turk, Philip J.; McWilliams, Andrew D.

  2021-08-04
• COVID States Project: A 50-State COVID-19 Survey Report #59: What Americans Think About People Who Are Not Vaccinated

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  From the Document: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] continues to spread in the United States, driven by the Delta variant and fueled by the large number of unvaccinated individuals in the country. As a result, the role of unvaccinated Americans has received increasing attention from political and media elites. CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] director Rochelle Walensky, for instance, called the current situation [hyperlink] 'a pandemic of the unvaccinated'. President Biden noted that [hyperlink] 'We have a pandemic for those who haven't gotten a vaccination. It's that basic, that simple.'' This rhetoric, in turn, has at times shifted into blaming the unvaccinated for the continued spread of the disease. [...] In this report, we evaluate how people feel about those who are vaccinated and those who are not. [...] Overall, our findings suggest that people's own vaccination status predicts how they are likely to feel about others."

  Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.); Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy; Harvard Medical School . . .

  Lin, Jennifer; Lazer, David; Baum, Matthew A., 1965- . . .

  2021-08-04
• Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers and Other Vulnerable Groups During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Coronavirus Outbreaks: A Rapid Systematic Review

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  From the Abstract: "Although most countries and healthcare systems worldwide have been affected by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, some groups of the population may be more vulnerable to detrimental effects of the pandemic on mental health than others. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence currently available from systematic reviews on the impact of COVID-19 and other coronavirus outbreaks on mental health for groups of the population thought to be at increased risk of detrimental mental health impacts. [...] We conducted a systematic review of reviews on adults and children residing in a country affected by a coronavirus outbreak and belonging to a group considered to be at risk of experiencing mental health inequalities. Data were collected on symptoms or diagnoses of any mental health condition, quality of life, suicide or attempted suicide."

  PLoS ONE

  Uphoff, Eleonora P; Lombardo, Chiara; Johnston, Gordon . . .

  2021-08-04
• Nuclear Fundamentals Orientation Module 1: Welcome to the Nuclear Fundamentals Orientation (NFO) [presentation]

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  This presentation covers the following topics: "[1]Welcome to the Weapons Program; [2] Our Mission; [3] NFO [Nuclear Fundamentals Orientation] Classification/Classroom Safety; [4] What is NFO?; [5] NFO Structure; [6] NFO Overall Framework; [7] NFO Framework: Individual Presentations; [and] [8] Networking/Introductions"

  Los Alamos National Laboratory

  Scarlett, Harry Alan

  2021-08-04
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 3856, A Bill to Require the Comptroller General of the United States to Conduct a Study on Disparities Associated with Race and Ethnicity with Respect to Certain Benefits Administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for Other Purposes

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  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on July 28, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 3856 would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess whether there are racial or ethnic disparities with respect to compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who have disabilities resulting from medical conditions or injuries incurred or aggravated while on active military duty. The bill also would require GAO to develop recommendations to improve data collection on such disparities, brief the Congress on the results of the study, and submit a final report. On the basis of information about similar studies, CBO estimates completing the study would cost $1 million over the 2021-2026 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2021-08-04
• Biden Administration's Immigration Enforcement Priorities: Background and Legal Considerations [Updated August 4, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Almost immediately after taking office, President Biden issued a series of directives on immigration matters. Some of these directives focused on altering the immigration enforcement priorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency primarily charged with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Federal statute confers immigration authorities with 'broad discretion' to determine when it is appropriate to pursue the removal of a non-U.S. citizen or national (alien) who lacks a legal basis to remain in the country. Resource or humanitarian concerns have typically led authorities to prioritize enforcement actions against subsets of the removable population (e.g., those who have committed certain crimes or pose national security risks). [...] This Sidebar addresses the Biden Administration's immigration enforcement priorities and legal considerations that they raise."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Hillel R.

  2021-08-04
• U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 4, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. Actions by China's maritime forces at the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea (ECS) are another concern for U.S. observers. Chinese domination of China's near-seas region2 could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere. The issue for Congress is whether the Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-08-04
• TSA Did Not Assess Its Explosives Detection Canine Team Program for Surface Transportation Security

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  From the Highlights: "We conducted this review to determine the extent to which TSA has evaluated its EDCT [Explosives Detection Canine Team] program and has met the intent of the requirements in the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] Reauthorization Act of 2018, as part of developing and implementing its surface transportation risk-based security strategy."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

  2021-08-04
• COVID-19 Recovery Vendor List for Public Transportation

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  From the Overview: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency has significantly impacted public transportation operations throughout the Nation. As communities recover from COVID-19, transit agencies are implementing new and enhanced measures to ensure the safety of their employees and passengers and increase public confidence in transit, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection, personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings, and social distancing. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) are committed to helping the U.S. public transportation industry recover and become even stronger than before. The COVID-19 Vendor List for Transit includes information on vendors and products that transit agencies may use in their COVID-19 response and recovery efforts."

  American Public Transportation Association; Community Transportation Association of America

  2021-08-04
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated August 4, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of August 4, 2021, the region had almost 41.1million confirmed cases(21% of cases worldwide) and almost 1.38million deaths(32% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina had the region's highest numbers of deaths. Looking at mortality (death) rates per 100,000 population, Peru had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.

  2021-08-04
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 4, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as geopolitical competition in the region between the United States, Russia, and China; increased military operations in the region by the United States, Russia, and other Arctic countries; growth in commercial shipping through the Arctic; and oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, and/or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2021-08-04
• Human Trafficking: DOD Should Address Weaknesses in Oversight of Contractors and Reporting of Investigations Related to Contracts, Report to Congressional Committees

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  From the Highlights: "GAO [government Accountability Office] and DODIG [Department of Defense Office of Inspector General] reports on overseas U.S. military operations have highlighted TIP [trafficking in persons] among foreign workers employed on contracts. Congress included a provision in the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 for GAO to review DOD's efforts to combat TIP related to contracts. This report examines, among other things: the extent to which selected DOD components have implemented oversight and training requirements for CTIP [combating trafficking in persons] in contracts and the extent to which selected DOD components have tracked and reported investigations of TIP incidents in contracts from fiscal years 2015 through 2020. GAO analyzed federal laws, and DOD guidance, regulations, contracts, and data related to CTIP. GAO also interviewed DOD officials, including Army and Navy officials responsible for overseeing contracts in U.S. Southern Command. GAO is making six recommendations to improve DOD oversight of contractors' CTIP efforts and reporting of TIP in contracts: two to strengthen guidance on oversight, one to reinstate requirements on reporting the percentage of people trained, and three to clarify guidance for reporting on TIP investigations. DOD concurred with all of the recommendations."

  United States. General Accounting Office

  2021-08-04
• Observations: Fiscal Year 2020 COVID-19 Federal Contracting

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  From the Document: "Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has authorized more than $5 trillion1 to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Numerous federal agencies have used a large portion of these funds to award contracts for critical goods and services to support federal, state, and local response efforts. In July 2020,2 the Government Accountability Office reported that contracting--while critical during emergencies--can also present unique challenges. Officials may face pressure to provide goods and services as quickly as possible, which can result in fraud and improper payments. Even in non-pandemic times, financial management controls and proper oversight of government contracts pose a challenge to federal agencies and programs. The substantial increase in funding for pandemic-related programs combined with the public's expectation that these funds get distributed quickly makes it more likely that these risks may occur. However, even in times of emergency, federal agencies must put controls in place to protect against fraud and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively."

  Pandemic Response Accountability Committee

  2021-08-04
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa [Updated August 4, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Sub-Saharan Africa has confirmed fewer COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths per capita than other regions, but many countries have faced a deadlier third wave of cases since mid-2021. As of July 2021, southern African countries had the highest per-capita caseloads (and had also administered the most tests). Public health experts have expressed acute concerns about the regional surge in both cases and deaths, which they attribute to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant and public fatigue with infection control restrictions. Most governments in Africa have struggled to secure vaccines. Total cumulative confirmed cases and deaths remain concentrated in a handful of countries, led by South Africa. Studies suggest that case data may be underreported in many countries, and experts warn that asymptomatic transmission may have hidden the scope of the spread while allowing for potential virus mutation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas . . .

  2021-08-04
• Potential Generators of Right-Wing Extremism in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  From the Summary: "Post-conflict society, i.e., the legacy of the 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia, has been one of the dominant generators of the extreme right for a number of years. However, the emergence of the migrant crisis and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] virus are new contributing factors to the rise of right-wing extremism in Serbia. The forms of extreme right on the global scale differ. They range from latent xenophobia and extreme nationalism to the most brutal forms of racism, Nazism, and fascism. It is possible to distinguish two dominant forms of the extreme right in Serbia: 1. Nazi-fascist (of marginal presence) and 2. Clerical-nationalist (dominant). To understand right-wing ideology and practices, it is also necessary to analyze the role and behavior of hooligans and their various links with radical thinking and extremist actions. One major impact of the pandemic is that citizens perceive permanent change in their habit and behavior as a kind of alienation due to lack of interaction. This is cited by one in three respondents (34 percent). Two consequences of the pandemic are cited by equal percentages of citizens (20 percent each): severe problems in the health system and the unnecessary spread of fear and panic."

  Klačar, Bojan; Đorić, Marija

  2021-08-03?
• US Emergency Plan for Global COVID-19 Relief: Urgent Action to End the Pandemic Globally and Accelerate US Recovery and Security

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  From the Background: "We are at an exceedingly perilous and urgent moment in the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The Delta variant, vastly more dangerous and pernicious than the original SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] virus, has rapidly spread worldwide. It has been driving a deadly summer surge in the US; ripping through Latin America; causing Indonesia to become the next Asian hotspot; and fueling a third wave of the pandemic in Africa, where less than two percent of the population has been fully vaccinated [hyperlink]. [...] Unless vaccine delivery capabilities markedly improve, we are headed for a global supply glut, even as the vast majority of people in many countries remain unvaccinated. To prevent this, urgent action is needed to translate doses into vaccinations. [...] The plan's focus should be on immediate emergency relief, but it should be developed and implemented in a manner that advances long-term health system capacity for providing routine immunizations for children and adults, as well as other essential health services. Indeed, accelerating the response to the current crisis would be one of the most effective health systems strengthening initiatives ever undertaken. The plan would also serve as a catalyst and a model for efforts by other high-income nations to use their excess vaccine supplies and technical capabilities to augment the global response more effectively."

  Center for Global Development; Center for Strategic and International Studies (Washington, D.C.); COVID Collaborative . . .

  2021-08-03
• Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [August 3, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans, and the capacity of the U.S. shipbuilding industry to execute the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's force-level goal, its proposed FY2022 shipbuilding program, and its longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-08-03