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Executive Budget Process Timeline: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and executive agencies. The executive budget process is a complex set of activities that includes (1) development of the President's budget proposal, (2) submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and (3) execution of enacted appropriations and other budgetary legislation. While some of the activities must be completed by specific dates, many follow a more flexible schedule established by formal and informal rules and procedures. This report provides a brief overview of the phases of the executive budget process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fiorentino, Dominick A.
2022-05-05
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Role of Executive Agencies in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and executive agencies. The executive budget process is a complex set of activities that includes (1) development of the President's budget proposal, (2) submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and (3) execution of enacted appropriations and other budgetary legislation. While some of the activities must be completed by specific dates, many follow a more flexible schedule established by formal and informal rules and procedures. This report briefly covers agencies' roles in budget development in the context of the executive budget process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Heniff, Bill; Fiorentino, Dominick A.
2022-05-05
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Role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and agencies. The executive budget process consists of three main phases: development of the President's budget proposal, submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and execution of enacted annual appropriations and other budgetary legislation. Congress may become involved in any of these phases. Under current law, the President must develop and submit a consolidated budget to Congress no later than the first Monday in February prior to the start of the upcoming fiscal year. OMB assists the President in carrying out budgetary duties. Originally created by the 1921 Budget and Accounting Act as the Bureau of the Budget, it was reconstituted as OMB in 1970. One of OMB's primary functions is to oversee the development of the President's budget proposal. This report briefly highlights the roles of OMB in budget development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riccard, Taylor N.
2022-05-05
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Role of the President in Budget Development: In Brief [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and agencies. The executive budget process consists of three main phases: development of the President's budget proposal, submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and execution of enacted annual appropriations and other budgetary legislation. Congress may become involved in any of these phases. The President's budget proposal--referred to by statute as the 'Budget of the United States Government'--is required by law to be submitted annually. [...] This report briefly highlights the role of the President in budget development. For a detailed overview of the development, submission, and justification of the President's budget proposal, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R47019, 'The Executive Budget Process: An Overview,' by Dominick A. Fiorentino and Taylor N. Riccard."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riccard, Taylor N.
2022-05-05
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U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing [May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems now account for the highest proportion of new electric power generation capacity in the United States ('Figure 1'). Domestic solar power generation has increased rapidly in recent years, enabled by technological advances, government support, state-level policies mandating use of electricity from renewable sources, and improved cost-competitiveness relative to generation from fossil fuels. [...] Expanding solar generation requires sufficient manufacturing capacity, from the production of polysilicon, the raw material used to convert solar energy into electricity, to the fabrication of solar cells and assembly of panels. Approximately three-quarters of the worldwide production of all inputs to PV systems currently occur in China. While PV panel assembly in the United States has increased since 2018 in the wake of increased U.S. import duties, many of the inputs into those panels are imported. A relatively small proportion of solar products sold in the United States is produced domestically. This report looks at the domestic solar PV manufacturing industry and the downstream value chain for solar power installations. It considers whether market shifts, including new product architectures, improved packaging designs, integration of energy storage into solar systems, and recycling or reuse of components, may create new opportunities for manufacturing in the United States. It also evaluates the extent to which international trade policies enacted over the last decade have impacted each stage of the domestic solar manufacturing industry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Singh, Manpreet
2022-05-05
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Army Corps of Engineers: Section 7001 Report on Future Studies and Projects [Updated May 5, 2022]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resource development studies and projects and other assistance activities that are specifically authorized by Congress, typically biennially in Water Resources Development Acts [hyperlink] (WRDAs). In Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA; P.L. [public law]113-121, 33 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2282d), the 113th Congress established an annual process for identifying proposals for site-specific studies and projects within USACE's water resource mission and authorities. The Section 7001 process includes a call for nonfederal proposals and concludes with a report by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW) to USACE's congressional authorizing committees. In turn, these reports inform WRDA consideration. Congress last enacted a WRDA referencing prior Section 7001 reports in December 2020. Since then, USACE has published new Section 7001 reports for 2021 [hyperlink] (November 2021) and 2022 [hyperlink] (April 2022). The nonfederal proposal submission period for the 2023 report opened [hyperlink] on April 29, 2022, with an August 29, 2022, deadline. Congress established the Section 7001 process amidst congressional earmark moratorium policies [hyperlink] that applied to authorizations and appropriations during the 112th -116th Congresses. Although these policies have changed in the 117th Congress, the Section 7001 process remains active. In addition to the Section 7001 process, the House Transportation and Infrastructure [T&I] Committee website [hyperlink] and the Senate Environment and Public Works [EPW] Committee website [hyperlink] have indicated that they are considering requests by Members of Congress as part of their WRDA development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.
2022-05-05
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China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Document: "As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) over the past 20 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties. This growth reflects China's global 'soft power' efforts and 'influence operations' worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments. In turn, regional leaders and officials have frequently visited China. The PRC has signed various bilateral partnership agreements with countries throughout LAC, including 'comprehensive strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Sullivan, Mark P.
2022-05-04
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Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC), which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by a few or several percent. Potential issues for Congress concerning MYP and BBC include whether to use MYP and BBC in the future more frequently, less frequently, or about as frequently as they are currently used; whether to create a permanent statute to govern the use of BBC, analogous to the permanent statute that governs the use of MYP; and whether the Coast Guard should begin making use of MYP and BBC. Congress's decisions on these issues could affect defense acquisition practices, defense funding requirements, and the defense industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-05-04
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD [landing platform/dock]-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA [landing helicopter assault]-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
2022-05-04
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). As of May 3, 2022, the region had nearly 1.7 million deaths (over 27% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina had the region's highest numbers of deaths. Looking at deaths per 100,000 people, Peru had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago[.]" This document discusses economic impact, political impact, and U.S. policy considerations.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Sullivan, Mark P.
2022-05-04
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U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Background and Issues [Updated May 4, 2022]
From the Summary: "The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on May 15, 2012. It is a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia, which will eventually eliminate tariffs and other barriers in bilateral trade in goods and services. [...] The United States is Colombia's leading trade partner in both imports and exports. Colombia accounts for a very small percentage of U.S. trade (less than 1% in 2021), ranking 21st among U.S. export markets and 32nd among foreign exporters to the United States in 2021. The economic effects of the U.S.-Colombia FTA are difficult to measure because of the large number of economic variables that affect trade as well as investor confidence. Some economic studies estimated that, upon full implementation, the impact on the United States would likely be positive but very small due to the small size of the Colombian economy. The congressional debate surrounding the U.S.-Colombia FTA mostly centered on violence, labor, and human rights issues in Colombia. Numerous Members of Congress opposed passage of the agreement because of concerns about alleged targeted violence against union members in Colombia, inadequate efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, and weak protection of worker rights. [...] To address the concerns related to labor rights and violence in Colombia, the United States and Colombia agreed upon an 'Action Plan Related to Labor Rights' that included specific and concrete steps to be taken by the Colombian government with specific timelines. It included numerous commitments to protect union members, end impunity, and improve worker rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles
2022-05-04
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Russian Sanctions and Cryptocurrency [May 4, 2022]
From the Document: "The United States has imposed sanctions against certain Russian entities and individuals in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine--including on virtual currency transactions [hyperlink] and cryptocurrency mining [hyperlink]. Some Members of Congress and other observers have expressed [hyperlink] concern that sanctioned parties may evade sanctions using cryptocurrency [hyperlink] to transfer funds out of Russia, convert rubles to other fiat currencies, or receive payments and make purchases. Bills [hyperlink] have been introduced in the 117th Congress to prevent such evasion. This Insight focuses on various evasion techniques and potential gaps in existing regulatory oversight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Busch, Kristen E.; Tierno, Paul
2022-05-04
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China, Europe, and the Pandemic Recession: Beijing's Investments and Transatlantic Security
From the Introduction: "With most of Europe suffering the effects of a pandemic-induced recession, will China repeat the role it played in the wake of the 2009-12 European sovereign debt crisis, essentially acting as a lender of last resort for countries and firms in need of liquidity? A decade ago, in the wake of the global financial crisis, Chinese investment in Europe exploded. In 2008, Chinese outbound foreign direct investment in Europe totaled just €700 million in completed transactions. By 2016, this amount had grown to €37.3 billion in completed transactions. At the time, Chinese investments brought much-needed capital to the cash-strapped continent. Chinese investors have been drawn to Europe for several reasons, including the undervaluation of European assets, the appeal of technologically advanced industry, and a friendlier investment climate relative to the United States. [...] From a traditional national security perspective, much of this investment was relatively harmless. But some investments led to Chinese ownership and operation of infrastructure relevant to military operations and exercises in or through Europe. Additionally, some of these investments provided Beijing with access to technologies and research vital to current and future European defense capabilities. More broadly, Chinese investment also strengthened Beijing's hand in several capitals across Europe, augmenting China's soft power and influence. The purpose of this study is to assess whether and how China is repeating the role it played in the aftermath of the sovereign debt crisis and the Great Recession, to identify related national security risks for the United States and key allies, and to offer recommendations on how to reduce these risks."
Army War College (U.S.). Press
Deni, John R.; Alden, Chris; Brattberg, Erik . . .
2022-05-04
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Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions and Mistrust in Black Americans: Recommendations for Vaccine Dissemination and Uptake
From the Document: "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccination rates among Black Americans have been lower than White Americans and are disproportionate to their population size and COVID-19 impact. This study examined reasons for low vaccination intentions and preferred strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination. [...] Between November 2020 and March 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 participants who expressed low vaccination intentions in a RAND American Life Panel survey; we also interviewed five stakeholders who represent organizations or subgroups in Black communities that have been highly affected by COVID-19. [...] Many interviewees discussed the 'wait-and-see' approach, citing that more time and evidence for vaccine side effects and efficacy are needed. Perceived barriers to COVID-19 vaccination included structural barriers to access (e.g., transportation, technology) and medical mistrust (e.g., towards the vaccines themselves, the government, healthcare providers and healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies) stemming from historical and contemporary systematic racism against Black communities. Interviewees also discussed strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccines, including acknowledging systemic racism as the root cause for mistrust, preferred messaging content (e.g., transparent messages about side effects), modes, and access points (e.g., a variety of medical and non-medical sites), and trusted information sources (e.g., trusted leaders, Black doctors and researchers)."
PLoS ONE
Dong, Lu; Bogart, Laura M.; Gandhi, Priya . . .
2022-05-03
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 1924, Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act
From the Document: "H.R. 1924 would increase the number of first-time offenders who could have their records expunged following a conviction for simple drug possession. Under current law, people who are found guilty of a simple drug possession offense under federal law can be ordered by a judge to undergo a period of probation, rather than being charged with a crime, if they have not previously been convicted of a drug offense under federal or state law. Offenders who successfully complete the probation program, and who were under the age of 21 at the time the offense was committed, can then apply for expungement of their federal record."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-03
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 5615, Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act
From the Document: "H.R. 5615 would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a plan to the Congress to ensure that federal assistance is available to certain urban jurisdictions under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). UASI provides grants to state and local law enforcement agencies in urban areas that are at high-risk for acts of terrorism to cover the costs of planning, equipment, and training. Specifically, the act would require that grants be made available under the program for at least three consecutive years to jurisdictions that did not receive UASI funding in the current fiscal year."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-03
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 5374, SHOP SAFE Act of 2021
From the Document: "H.R. 5374 would amend the Trademark Act of 1946 to hold platforms that facilitate electronic commerce contributorily liable if a third party sells a counterfeit product that could affect the health or safety of a consumer on its platform. Such platforms would be required to take steps to prevent third parties from selling counterfeit products, such as by verifying the third party's identity, principal place of business, and contact information. Because the bill would not require any action by the federal government, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that H.R. 5374 would have no federal costs."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-03
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 4067, Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council Act
From the Document: "H.R. 4067 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a council to make recommendations on the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. Currently, the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), which is typically rechartered every two years (most recently in April 2021) fulfills those duties. Using information from the FCC, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that it would cost the agency $2 million over the 2022-2026 period to administer the CSRIC."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-03
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Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Document: "This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President. This includes consideration of proposals to sell major defense equipment, defense articles and services, or the retransfer to other states of such military items. In general, the executive branch, after complying with the terms of applicable U.S. law, principally contained in the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) (P.L. 90-629, 82 Stat. 1320), is free to proceed with an arms sales proposal unless Congress passes legislation prohibiting or modifying the proposed sale. The President has the obligation under the law to submit the arms sale proposal to Congress, but only after he has determined that he is prepared to proceed with any such notifiable arms sales transaction. The AECA also contains the statutory authority for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, under which the U.S. government sells U.S. defense equipment, services, and training on a government-to-government basis. In addition, the law specifies criteria for Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) of U.S.-government licensed defense articles and services directly from U.S. firms to eligible foreign governments and international organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.; Grimmett, Richard F.
2022-05-03
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Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) [May 3, 2022]
From the Document: "The Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is intended to replace the Army's M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)[.] 'Optionally manned' means the OMFV is to have the ability to conduct remotely controlled operations while a crew is not in the vehicle and to function autonomously with the Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV). The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, transports infantry on the battlefield and provides fire support to dismounted troops and suppresses or destroys enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defense systems. Two past efforts to replace the M-2 Bradley--the Future Combat System (FCS) Program and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program--were cancelled for programmatic and cost-associated reasons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-03
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S. Rept. 117-101: Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 539, May 3, 2022
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 539, the Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act, requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive the debt of disaster relief recipients when the Agency later determines it mistakenly granted assistance, but the recipient committed no fraud and made no false claim or misrepresentation. This prevents FEMA from recouping, sometimes years after the fact, funds that were awarded to disaster victims when the victim acted in good faith and the error was on the part of the Agency."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-05-03
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Resources for Tracking Federal COVID-19 Spending [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Summary: "This report provides selected sources for tracking COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] relief and assistance spending. It contains links to and information on government sources detailing spending amounts at various levels, including consolidated spending by multiple government agencies, spending by individual government agencies, and spending for specific recipients and geographies. The sources themselves are large government databases, individual agencies, oversight entities, and selected nongovernmental entities that attempt to repackage information on spending amounts obtained from available government sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2022-05-03
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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 3, 2022]
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 up 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 had previously envisioned procuring the first LAW in FY2023, but the Navy's FY2023 budget submission defers the procurement of the first LAW to FY2025. The Navy's proposed FY2023 budget requests $12.2 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
2022-05-03
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Role of the House Majority Leader: An Overview [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Summary: "The majority leader in the contemporary House is second-in-command behind the Speaker of the House. Typically, the majority leader functions as the Speaker's chief lieutenant or 'field commander' for day-to-day management of the floor. Although the majority leader's duties are not especially well-defined, they have evolved to include two fundamental and often interlocking responsibilities that orient the majority leader's work: to the institution of the House, and to the majority party conference. From an institutional perspective, the majority leader has a number of duties. Scheduling floor business is a prime responsibility of the majority leader. Although scheduling the House's business is a collective activity of the majority party, the majority leader has a large say in shaping the chamber's overall agenda and in determining when, whether, how, or in what order legislation is taken up. In addition, the majority leader is active in constructing winning coalitions for the party's legislative priorities; acting as a public spokesperson--defending and explaining the party's program and agenda; serving as an emissary to the White House, especially when the President is of the same party; and facilitating the orderly conduct of House business. From a party perspective, three key activities undergird the majority leader's principal goal of maintaining the party's majority status in the House. First, the majority leader assists in the reelection campaigns of party incumbents by raising and donating campaign funds and traveling to scores of House districts to campaign with incumbents or challengers of the party. Second, the majority leader promotes the party's agenda by developing themes and issues important to core supporters and the general public. Third, the majority leader encourages party cohesion by working to minimize internal factional disagreements that may undermine the majority party's ability to govern the House."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Oleszek, Mark J.; Oleszek, Walter J.
2022-05-03
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Russia's War on Ukraine: The Economic Impact of Sanctions [May 3, 2022]
From the Document: "Across a range of metrics, Russia's economy is worse off than it was before Russia expanded its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that in 2022 Russia's economy will contract by 8.5%, inflation will reach 24%, and unemployment will double to 9.6%[.] The new sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Japan, and others are unprecedented in terms of scope, coordination, and speed, and appear to be the overarching source of economic pressure on Russia. Other factors--including economic disruptions from the war and the pandemic--also are creating challenges. The Russian government has implemented a number of policies to mitigate the impact of sanctions, and Russia's energy exports--so far largely exempt from international sanctions--remain a major source of revenue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2022-05-03
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Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Background: "Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes affect communities across the United States every year, causing fatalities, destroying property and crops, and disrupting businesses. Tornadoes [hyperlink] are narrow, violently rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground, sometimes producing winds that exceed 300 miles per hour [hyperlink]. Tornadoes have been reported on all continents except Antarctica; however, they occur most commonly in North America, particularly in the United States, which reports approximately 1,200 tornadoes per year [hyperlink]. Tornadoes occur across the United States [hyperlink] but form frequently in three regions, shifting seasonally: (1) southern Plains (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas), (2) Gulf Coast, and (3) northern Plains and upper Midwest (e.g., North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota). Tornadoes occur mostly during spring and summer [hyperlink] [...] and usually during the late afternoon or early evening. However, tornadoes can occur at any time. For example, a deadly storm system [hyperlink] with several reported tornadoes touched ground overnight and traveled from Arkansas toward the Great Lakes between December 10 and 11, 2021. Peak winds [hyperlink] of one 'long-track' tornado reached approximately 190 miles per hour. Aspects of the event were rare, such as its timing, distance traveled, and geographic location."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva
2022-05-03
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP): Status and Issues [Updated May 3, 2022]
Form the Document: "In the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA 2014, Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121; 33 U.S.C. §§3901-3914, as amended [hyperlink]), Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide credit assistance to specified eligible entities, in the form of secured or direct loans, for water resource projects. WIFIA 2014 authorized an analogous program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [hyperlink] for water projects outside of USACE mission areas (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus IF11193, 'WIFIA Program: Background and Recent Developments'). This Insight focuses on the USACE program, which USACE refers to as the Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program [hyperlink] (CWIFP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Nicole T.; Humphreys, Elena H.; Normand, Anna E.
2022-05-03
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works: Primer and Resources [Updated May 3, 2022]
From the Document: "Congress plays a role in the nation's water resource development [hyperlink] through authorization and appropriations of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects and activities. USACE is a Department of Defense agency that develops civil works projects principally to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW) [hyperlink] provides policy direction and supervision of USACE civil works. A military Chief of Engineers [hyperlink] manages USACE's civil and military missions. USACE's 38 district offices [hyperlink] work with nonfederal project sponsors to develop water resource projects. Standard USACE project delivery [hyperlink] consists of USACE leading the study, design, and construction of authorized projects. Nonfederal project sponsors typically share in study [hyperlink] and construction [hyperlink] costs, including providing real estate and generally performing operation and maintenance [hyperlink] (O&M) for flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration projects. USACE typically performs O&M for navigation and some multipurpose projects, such as dams. USACE operates [hyperlink] more than 700 dams and maintains [hyperlink] more than 900 coastal, Great Lakes, and inland harbors, as well as 12,000 miles of inland waterways. USACE projects typically require two separate congressional authorizations--one for studying feasibility and one for construction--and appropriations for both. This Insight summarizes the USACE authorization and funding processes and provides links to related resources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Carter, Nicole T.
2022-05-03
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Operation Inherent Resolve: Lead Inspector General Report to the United States Congress [January 1, 2022-March 31, 2022]
From the Foreword: "We are pleased to submit this Lead Inspector General (Lead IG) quarterly report on OIR [Office of Institutional Research] to the U.S. Congress. This report discharges our individual and collective agency oversight responsibilities pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978. The United States launched OIR in 2014 to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), while setting the conditions for follow-on activities to increase regional stability. The U.S. Government strategy to defeat ISIS includes military operations, as well as support for local security forces, diplomacy, governance, humanitarian assistance, and stabilization programs. This quarterly report describes the activities of the U.S. Government in support of OIR, as well as the work of the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development to promote the U.S. Government's policy goals in Iraq and Syria, during the period January 1 through March 31, 2022. This report also discusses the planned, ongoing, and completed oversight work conducted by the Lead IG agencies and our partner oversight agencies during the quarter. During the quarter, the Lead IG agencies and our oversight partners issued eight audit, evaluation, and inspection reports related to OIR. Working in close collaboration, we remain committed to providing comprehensive oversight and timely reporting on Operation Inherent Resolve."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2022-05-03
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Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program [Updated May 2, 2022]
From the Summary: "On March 11, 2021, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its first F-15EX Eagle II fighter. The original Eagle II program was intended to deliver 144 aircraft to replace aging F-15Cs, most of which are in the Air National Guard; however, the FY2023 President's budget request adjusts the intention of procuring 80 aircraft. The Biden Administration's FY2023 budget proposal included a request for $2.6 billion to buy 24 F-15EX aircraft, the second to last procurement toward a planned initial buy of 80. The subsequent FY2022 defense budget proposal requested about $1.32 billion in procurement funding for 12 Eagle IIs and $133.5 million in advance procurement for future aircraft. The proposed budget also requested about $118.1 million for F15EX research and development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.; Gertler, Jeremiah
2022-05-02
