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Unemployment and Employment Programs Available to Workers from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Affected by Hurricane Katrina [Updated September 19, 2005]
"A variety of unemployment and employment programs are available to unemployed workers in three of the states affected by Hurricane Katrina: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Unemployment Compensation (UC)/Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are currently available to unemployed workers in these states. State unemployment taxes on employers pay for regular UC benefits. DUA benefits are federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) through each states UC agency. A contact list is provided for current or evacuated residents in order for them to apply for available unemployment benefits. Another income support program that may become available to workers is the Extended Benefit (EB) program. Currently the EB program in these states is not activated. This paper also briefly summarizes the most recent Temporary Extension of Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program. As of this writing, there is no TEUC program available to workers affected by Hurricane Katrina. The EB and TEUC programs would provide extensions to UC benefits (although not to DUA benefits) if triggered or activated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whittaker, Julie M.; Lordeman, Ann
2005-09-19
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Immigration: Policy Considerations Related to Guest Worker Programs [Updated May 28, 2008]
From the Summary: "At present, the United States has two main programs for temporarily importing low-skilled workers, sometimes referred to as guest workers. Agricultural guest workers enter through the H-2A visa program, and other guest workers enter through the H-2B visa program. Employers interested in importing workers under either program must first apply to the U.S. Department of Labor for a certification that U.S. workers capable of performing the work are not available and that the employment of alien workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Other requirements of the programs differ. […] President George W. Bush proposed a new, expanded temporary worker program in January 2004 when he announced his principles for immigration reform, and has since reiterated his support for such a program. In August 2007, following the unsuccessful cloture vote in the Senate on S. 1639, the Bush Administration announced that it would seek to streamline the existing H-2A and H-2B programs within current law. In February 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published proposed rules to significantly amend their respective H-2A regulations. The current discussion of guest worker programs takes place against a backdrop of historically high levels of unauthorized migration to the United States, and one question that often arises about proposals for new guest worker programs is whether they would enable participants to obtain LPR [legal permanent
resident] status. Other issues raised in connection with guest worker proposals include how new program requirements would compare with those of the H-2A and H-2B programs and how the eligible population would be defined. This report will be updated as legislative developments occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruno, Andorra
2008-05-28
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Gasoline Prices: Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated May 22, 2008]
From the Summary: "The high price of gasoline has been and continues to be a driving factor in consideration of energy policy proposals. Despite passage of the massive Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005, P.L. [Public Law] 109-58), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6, P.L. 110-140), numerous other proposed initiatives remain under active consideration in the 110th Congress. Measures proposed include repeal of some tax benefits to domestic oil and gas producers contained in EPACT2005, provisions on price gouging, and reform of oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. With crude oil and gasoline prices surging to record levels, tax relief proposals have been added to the list of proposals. […] But the continued and unrelenting increase in crude oil prices to record levels, even discounting inflation, is leading many to suggest that changing world market conditions may have led to permanent, or at least chronic, shortages of petroleum production capacity. Others continue to expect that growth in demand will moderate, and production will increase to meet demand, as it did following the shortages of the 1970s. The continuing high prices have led to a further search for legislative remedies. This report, after analyzing factors that have contributed to high gasoline prices, describes the major legislative initiatives and discusses the issues involved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2008-05-22
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2020 Explosives Incident Report (EIR)
From the Executive Summary: "(U) The 2020 'Explosives Incident Report (EIR)' is an informational product prepared by the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC), using incident data reported in the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) by '2,332' interagency partners and '11,184' registered users. This report examines the total number of explosives related incidents reported in BATS for calendar year 2020 and includes 'explosions and bombings, recoveries, suspicious packages, bomb threats, hoaxes,' and explosives 'thefts/losses.' It is important to note that BATS is a real-time dynamic incident management system that is strictly user dependent; therefore, it is possible that the data represented in this report may differ slightly from previously reported data due to updates or changes made by the owner of individual records."
United States Bomb Data Center; United States. Department of Justice
2020
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Tokyo Olympic Summer Games [June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have vowed to go ahead [hyperlink] with the 2020 Olympic Summer Games beginning on July 23, 2021; the games were postponed in 2020 due to the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Japan has curbed the pandemic to under 14,200 total deaths [hyperlink] out of a population of around 125 million. The virus has continued to spread, due in part to the emergence of more communicable variants and Japan's slow progress on vaccinating the population [hyperlink]. In April 2021, the Japanese government declared new states of emergency [hyperlink] in several cities, including Tokyo. As of mid-June 2021, Japan's daily infections averaged under 2,000 per day [hyperlink], with around 5% of Japan's population [hyperlink] fully vaccinated. Japan's national vaccination campaign started in mid-February--about two months after many other developed countries. A cautious vaccine approval process and a cumbersome bureaucratic approach to vaccination led to a slow rollout, but the pace of vaccinations increased in June. By the middle of June, around 800,000 shots were being administered daily [hyperlink] and between 8% and 10% of the population of the greater Tokyo region [hyperlink]--primarily the elderly--had received at least one dose. Japan trails behind the United States and other countries in vaccinating its population, presenting increased risk for any Japanese athletes, volunteers, and spectators that may attend the Games."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-06-15
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United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC) Arson Incident Report 2020
From the Executive Summary: "The 2020 'Arson Incident Report (AIR)' is an informational product prepared by the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC), using incident data reported in the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) by its nearly 2,332 interagency partners and 11,184 registered users. This report examines the total number of fire-related incidents reported in BATS for calendar year 2020 and includes 'Incendiary (Arson),' 'Undetermined,' 'Accidental,' 'Threats,' 'Natural,' and 'Wildland' fire incidents. It is important to note that BATS is a real-time dynamic incident management system that is strictly user dependent; therefore, it is possible that the data represented in this report may differ slightly from previously reported data due to updates or changes made by the owner of individual records. The reader should also be aware that when compared to the data reflected in the Uniform Crime Report and/or National Fire Incident Reporting System, the number of incidents reflected in BATS captures approximately 20 percent of the annual incendiary (arson) fires reported. Due to this limited dataset, the USBDC cautions the use of this report for analytical purposes."
United States Bomb Data Center; United States. Department of Justice
2021?
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U.S. International Trade: Trends and Forecasts [Updated May 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of the current status, trends, and forecasts for U.S. international trade. The purpose of this report is to provide current data and brief explanations for the various types of trade flows along with a short discussion of particular trends and points of contention related to trade policy. The United States is now running record level deficits in its trade with other nations. In 2006 the U.S. merchandise trade deficit reached $836 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP) and $818 billion on a Census basis. A surplus in services trade of $72 billion gave a deficit of $764 billion on goods and services for the year -- up $47 billion or 6.5% from the $717 billion deficit in 2005. […] The broadest measure of U.S. international economic transactions is the balance on current account. In addition to merchandise trade, it includes trade in services and unilateral transfers. In 2006, the deficit on current account rose to $856.7 billion from $791.5 billion in 2005. In trade in advanced technology products, the U.S. balance improved slightly from a deficit of $43.7 billion in 2005 to a deficit of $38.3 billion in 2006. In trade in motor vehicles and parts, the $145 billion U.S. deficit was mainly with Japan, Mexico, Germany, Canada, and South Korea. In crude oil, major sources of the $225 billion in imports were Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Nigeria. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki
2007-05-10
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Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program: Funding Issues and Activities [Updated May 15, 2008]
From the Summary: "In the early 1990s, Congress recognized that several federal agencies had ongoing high-performance computing programs, but no central coordinating body existed to ensure long-term coordination and planning. To provide such a framework, Congress passed the High-Performance Computing and Communications Program Act of 1991 (P.L. [Public Law] 102-194) to enhance the effectiveness of the various programs. In conjunction with the passage of the act, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released 'Grand Challenges: High-Performance Computing and Communications'. That document outlined a research and development (R&D) strategy for high-performance computing and a framework for a multiagency program, the High-Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program. The HPCC Program has evolved over time and is now called the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program, to better reflect its expanded mission. […] [P]roponents of government support believe that the outcomes achieved through the various funding programs create a synergistic environment in which both fundamental and application-driven research are conducted, benefitting government, industry, academia, and the public. Supporters also believe that such outcomes justify government's role in funding IT [information technology] R&D [Research and Development], as well as the growing budget for the NITRD Program. Critics assert that the government, through its funding mechanisms, may be picking 'winners and losers' in technological development, a role more properly residing with the private sector. [...] The FY2009 budget calls for $3.548 billion for the NITRD Program, an increase from the FY2008 projected budget of $3.341 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2008-05-15
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Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Service-Connected Disabilities [Updated May 15, 2008]
From the Summary: "Congress provides various benefits to American veterans and their dependents through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). One of these benefits is 'disability compensation', which is a monthly cash benefit program for veterans currently impaired from past service-connected activities. A claim for disability compensation is initially analyzed by the VA at the local level to determine: 1) whether the claimant is considered a 'veteran' (eligible for benefits); 2) whether the veteran qualifies for disability compensation (entitled to benefits); 3) the extent of the impairment and the 'rate' of the disability; and 4) the effective date for the compensation. […] If the veteran is found eligible for disability compensation, the VA then uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (SRD) to set the amount of earnings impairment on a percentage basis; the higher the percentage, the greater the compensation will be. Certain complications arise with the use of the rating system. A veteran's rating may be increased or decreased over time -- depending on his/her medical condition. Rating decisions may be appealed administratively. Legislation passed in the First Session of the 110th Congress increased the 2008 monthly disability compensation payments. Other legislation has been introduced that would provide veterans a cost-of-living (COLA) for their VA benefits equal to the COLA for Social Security benefits. The 110th Congress has considered additional legislation that may affect service-connected disabilities. One bill would change the manner in which disabled veterans could qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Several bills have been introduced to deal with the claims processing backlog at the VA and issues related to the receipt of disability benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weimer, Douglas Reid
2008-05-15
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Telework Legislation Pending in the 110th Congress: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Provisions [Updated June 11, 2008]
From the Summary: "S. 1000, the Telework Enhancement Act of 2007, and H.R. 4106, the Telework Improvements Act of 2008, are currently pending in the 110th Congress. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ordered S. 1000 to be reported, as amended, on November 14, 2007. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4106 by voice vote under suspension of the rules on June 3, 2008. H.R. 4106 would amend Title 5 of the 'United States Code' by adding a new Chapter 65 entitled 'Telework.' Under the legislation, the heads of executive branch agencies would be required to establish policies under which employees (with some exceptions) could be eligible to participate in telework. Legislative branch employees also would be covered by S. 1000. Agencies would have to establish policies on telework within 180 days after enactment of the acts. Employee participation in telework would be required to the maximum extent possible without diminishing either employee performance or agency operations. Executive branch employees not eligible for telework generally would include those whose duties involve the daily handling of secure materials, contact with persons, the use of special equipment, or physical presence. [...] H.R. 4106 would require the Comptroller General to evaluate the telework policies in the executive branch. This report presents a side-by-side comparison of the provisions of S. 1000, as ordered to be reported, and H.R. 4106, as passed by the House. It will be updated as events dictate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2008-06-11
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Price Increases in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Authority to Limit Price Gouging [Updated September 15, 2005]
"This report addresses the authority of state and federal governments to control price gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Specifically, questions have arisen regarding increased prices in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and the effect that the damage caused by the hurricane will have on prices, specifically gasoline prices, in other parts of the country. State laws regarding price gouging in the event of an emergency are discussed, as well as the role the federal government could play in addressing rising gas prices in other parts of the country. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welborn, Angie A.; Flynn, Aaron M.
2005-09-15
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Regulatory Waivers and Extensions Pursuant to Hurricane Katrina [Updated September 19, 2005]
"Federal agencies have waived a number of regulatory requirements and extended the deadlines for certain reports and applications to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and to ease the economic effects of the storm. Most of the actions were permitted by agency or program-specific authorizing statutes. More generally, though, Section 301 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act permits agencies to modify or waive administrative conditions for federal assistance in the wake of a major disaster upon the request of state or local authorities. This report identifies some (but not all) of those Katrina-related waivers and extensions, and will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copeland, Curtis W.
2005-09-19
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Federal Civil Rights Statues: A Primer [September 9, 2005]
"This report provides a brief summary of selected federal civil rights statutes, including the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Housing Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, the Civil Service Reform Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Congressional Accountability Act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feder, Jody
2005-09-09
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Emergency Contracting Authorities [September 20, 2005]
"Hurricane Katrina has given rise to many emergency contracting situations. This report will attempt to identify and summarize the primary emergency contracting authorities which might be available to facilitate response to these situations. Generally, these authorities may be divided into two categories, general emergency authority, and emergency (or national interest) exceptions to general procurement statutes or regulations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luckey, John R.
2005-09-20
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Older Americans Act: Disaster Assistance for Older Persons After Hurricane Katrina [Updated September 22, 2005]
"The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is having significant negative effects on older persons with physical and mental disabilities. Persons who are socially isolated and dependent upon informal caregivers and social service programs to assist them live independently have immediate and long-term needs. The Administration on Aging (AoA) has allocated $750,000 in disaster relief funds available through the Older Americans Act to Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi (divided equally among the three states). Congress may consider whether additional actions are necessary to assist state and area agencies on aging in their efforts to assist the frail elderly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Shaughnessy, Carol
2005-09-22
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Unemployment Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report discusses the state of the U.S. labor market using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The three primary sources are the Current Population Survey (CPS), the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, and the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program. In addition to the usual caveats about estimates (see the 'General Data Caveats' section), there were additional data challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (see the 'COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Data Issues' section). [...] This report generally finds the following: [1] The unemployment rate peaked10 in April 2020, at a level not seen since data collection started in 1948, before declining to a level in May 2021 that still remained 2.3 percentage points above the rate observed in February 2020. [2] In April 2020, the labor force participation rate declined to levels not seen since the early 1970s. Labor force participation has improved since then to 61.6%, which remains 1.8 percentage points below its pre-recession level. [3] Nonfarm payrolls shed 22.1 million jobs between January 2020 and April 2020. In May 2021, aggregate employment remained 7.3 million jobs below its pre-recession level."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene; Romero, Paul D.; Carter, Jameson A. . . .
2021-06-15
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Al Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy [June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Al Qaeda (AQ) is a transnational Islamist terrorist organization and network of affiliates that the U.S. intelligence community describes as one of 'the greatest Sunni terrorist threats to U.S. interests overseas' and a potential source of inspiration to domestic violent extremists. Sustained counterterrorism (CT) pressure appears to have weakened the group since it perpetrated the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks. In April 2021, the U.S. intelligence community told Congress that Al Qaeda's senior leadership 'has suffered severe losses in the past few years' but they expect that remaining leaders will continue to plot attacks and seek to exploit conflicts in different regions. In recent years, U.S. officials have characterized the AQ threat as stemming mainly from its affiliates, which have generally focused on local issues in their respective areas of operation, where they threaten local U.S. personnel, interests, and partners. [...] The U.S. campaign against Al Qaeda, now in its third decade, spans a wide array of policy areas. The United States has conducted airstrikes on AQ targets in at least seven countries since 2012, and U.S. forces have engaged in ground combat against AQ in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen in recent years. [...] U.S. policymakers also seek to combat Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups by addressing the drivers of terrorism through counter- and de-radicalization programs, by countering the financing of Al Qaeda and its affiliates, and by prosecuting individuals in the United States for providing support to the group and its affiliates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2021-06-14
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CDC's Federal Eviction Moratorium [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions [hyperlink] for nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order was to prevent the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing the CDC to consider such a measure, was unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority [hyperlink]. Since the issuance of the order, several courts have addressed challenges to the CDC's legal authority to issue the eviction moratorium. These courts have issued conflicting decisions on the eviction moratorium's legality and, while no court has issued an order enjoining the moratorium's enforcement nationwide, the conflicting judicial rulings have left a cloud of uncertainty [hyperlink] regarding the order's enforceability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Carpenter, David Hatcher
2021-06-14
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Army's Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) System [June 17, 2021]
From the Document: "The Army's MPF system is intended to address an operational shortfall: Currently the Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) do not have a combat vehicle assigned that is capable of providing mobile, protected, direct, offensive fire capability.... The MPF solution is an integration of existing mature technologies and components that avoids development which would lengthen the program schedule. Operationally, the Army wants the MPF to be able to Neutralize enemy prepared positions and bunkers and defeat heavy machine guns and armored vehicle threats during offensive operations or when conducting defensive operations against attacking enemies. In terms of the Army's overall procurement plans for MPF, The Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for MPF is 504 vehicles, with 14 MPFs per IBCT. The targeted fielding for the First Unit Equipped (FUE) is Fiscal Year (FY) 2025."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-06-17
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Army Corps of Engineers: Continuing Authorities Programs [Updated June 16, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resource development projects pursuant to authorizing statutes and the receipt of appropriations. The standard process for a USACE project requires two separate congressional authorizations--one for studying feasibility and a subsequent one for construction--as well as appropriations for both (see CRS [Congressional Research Services] Report R45185, 'Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorization and Project Delivery Processes'). Additionally, Congress has granted USACE programmatic authorities to undertake cost-shared projects of limited scope and cost without requiring project-specific congressional authorization. These programmatic USACE authorities are referred to as Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs). Congress has consistently funded USACE CAPs above the President's request since FY2013."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.
2021-06-16
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Amtrak, North Atlantic Rail Alliance Seek Support for Passenger Rail Proposals [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Two organizations have recently released multi-year, multi-billion dollar proposals for investment in intercity passenger rail. One, the federally owned passenger railroad Amtrak, seeks roughly $75 billion to add or initiate service on dozens of routes across the country by 2035. The other, the private North Atlantic Rail Alliance, would spend an estimated $105 billion to construct a new high-speed rail alternative to the existing Northeast Corridor (NEC) line from New York to Boston, plus new or upgraded branch lines. Both organizations have requested various measures supportive of their plans to be included in federal legislation. Some of these--though not all--were included in bills advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee (H.R. 3684, the INVEST [Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation] in America Act) and introduced in the Senate (S. 2016, the Surface Transportation Investment Act)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-06-14
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Pipeline Safety: Performance Measures Needed to Assess Recent Changes to Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Regulations, Report to Congressional Committees
From the Highlights: "The U.S. hazardous liquid pipeline network runs for over 220,000 miles and is a critical component of the nation's economy. Pipelines are considered to be a relatively safe mode of transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other hazardous liquids, but accidents can occur that result in loss of life and environmental damage. PHMSA [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration], within the Department of Transportation (DOT), sets the federal minimum pipeline safety standards and generally ensures operator compliance. In 2016, a pipeline safety statute included a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report on hazardous liquid pipeline safety after PHMSA issued a specific final rule amending its safety regulations, which it did in 2019. This report examines: (1) perspectives of selected pipeline stakeholders on the benefits and challenges of the amendments made by the 2019 Rule and (2) steps PHMSA has taken to inform stakeholders of these amendments and to measure their effects on pipeline safety."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06
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Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety
From the Webpage: "President Biden believes that the surge in gun violence that has affected communities across the country over the last year and a half is unacceptable, and his Administration is moving decisively to act with a whole-of-government approach as we enter the summer months when cities typically experience a spike in violence. Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime. This strategy implements preventative measures that are proven to reduce violent crime, and attacks the root causes - including by addressing the flow of firearms used to commit crimes."
United States. White House Office
2021-06-23
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Conventional Warheads for Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 16, 2008]
From the Summary: "The United States has deployed long-range ballistic missiles in its strategic offensive nuclear forces for more than 40 years. In the past few years, some have proposed that the United States deploy conventional warheads on these missiles. This would provide the United States with the ability to strike promptly anywhere in the world, regardless of the presence of overseas bases or nearby naval forces. The Air Force and Navy have both studied the possible deployment of conventional warheads on their long-range ballistic missiles. The Air Force has been pursuing, with DARPA [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency], research into a number of technologies that might enhance the U.S. long-range strike capability. It is developing a hypersonic glide vehicle, known as the Common Aero Vehicle (CAV), that could carry conventional munitions on modified Minuteman II or Peacekeeper missiles, or it could deploy these missiles with more familiar conventional warheads. This effort is now known as the Conventional Strike Missile (CSM) and could be deployed as a mid-term option for the Prompt Global Strike mission. The FY2007 Defense Budget requested $127 million to pursue the deployment of conventional warheads on Trident missiles, which might be deployed in 2-4 years, but the 109th Congress rejected most of this request. […] Long-range ballistic missiles can bring unique capabilities to the PGS [Prompt Global Strike] mission. But these missiles are only uniquely capable if the United States must attack promptly, or within hours, of the start of an unanticipated conflict. In any other circumstance, the United States is likely to have the time to move its forces into the region. Hence, Congress may review whether the benefits brought by these systems outweigh the risks of misunderstandings arising from their use. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2008-05-16
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Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases [Updated May 30, 2008]
From the Summary: "Total debt of the federal government can increase in two ways. First, debt increases when the government sells debt to the public to finance budget deficits and acquire the financial resources needed to meet its obligations. This increases 'debt held by the public'. Second, debt increases when the federal government issues debt to certain government accounts, such as the Social Security, Medicare, and Transportation trust funds, in exchange for their reported surpluses. This increases 'debt held by government accounts'. The sum of 'debt held by the public and debt held by government accounts' is the total federal debt. Surpluses generally reduce debt held by the public, while deficits raise it. The government's surpluses during FY1998-FY2001 reduced debt held by the public by $448 billion. The debt holdings of government accounts grew by $853 billion over the same period. The total net change raised total federal debt by $405 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Austin, D. Andrew
2008-05-30
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Current Economic Conditions and Selected Forecasts [Updated May 20, 2008]
From the Summary: "U.S. real GDP [gross domestic product] growth has been positive for 25 consecutive quarters or 75 months making this the fifth longest expansion since such calculations were made beginning with data in 1857 (the longest expansion lasted 120 months). As of the first quarter of 2008, real GDP is about 20% larger than it was at its previous high near the end of the 1991-2001 expansion. During the first quarter of 2008, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 0.6%, similar to the fourth quarter 2007. Annualized rates of growth over the first through fourth quarters of 2007 were 0.6%, 3.8%, and 4.9%. While the present expansion has been characterized by a modest growth in payroll employment compared with past expansions, a rising unemployment rate and job losses have characterized the first quarter of 2008. The unemployment rate has risen to 5.0% (April) from an expansion low of 4.4% (October 2006) and payroll employment has declined by nearly 160,000. […] The consensus among economists is that GDP will grow between 0.9% and 1.4% in 2008. The unemployment rate is expected to rise and average between 5.1% and 5.5%. The inflation rate is expected to be similar to the rate that prevailed in 2007. And, although the international trade deficit is still large, it has declined and the decline is expected to continue. To forestall an economic downturn and to ease the stress in national financial markets, the Federal Reserve has eased monetary policy over the past seven months. Between September 18, 2007, and April 30, 2008, the target for the federal funds rate was incrementally reduced to 2% from 5.25%. This report will be updated monthly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Makinen, Gail E.
2008-05-20
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Iran's Activities and Influence in Iraq [Updated May 14, 2008]
From the Summary: "Iran is materially assisting all major Shiite Muslim political factions in Iraq, most of which have longstanding ideological, political, and religious ties to Tehran, and their armed militias. The Administration notes growing involvement by Tehran in actively directing, training, and arming Shiite militiamen linked, to varying degrees, to hardline cleric Moqtada Al Sadr. Some analysis goes so far as to see a virtual 'proxy war' between the United States and Iran inside Iraq. This report will be updated. See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32048, 'Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-05-14
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Global Climate Change and Wildlife [Updated May 15, 2008]
From the Summary: "Recently projected climate changes could have widespread effects on wildlife species. These effects might be positive or negative, depending on the species. Some effects might include extinction, range shifts, mismatches in phenology (timing of pollination, flowering, etc.), and population changes. Effects of climate change on wildlife have been reported for some species and populations in localized areas. Many scientists contend that climate change acts in concert with other variables (such as habitat) to affect species. If the effects of climate change are widespread, there is uncertainty on how wildlife will adapt. Some suggest that evolution and migration will enable species to adapt, whereas others contend that adaptation will be minimal because of limited habitat, and changes in climate that may occur more rapidly than adaptation can respond."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Corn, M. Lynne (Mary Lynne), 1946-; Leggett, Jane A. . . .
2008-05-15
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Environmental Activities of the U.S. Coast Guard [Updated May 22, 2008]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG's) environmental activities focus on prevention programs, accompanied by enforcement and educational activities. An important component is maritime oil spill prevention, which includes inspection of U.S. and foreign-flagged ships to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and international agreements. As required by the Oil Pollution Act and the Superfund law, the USCG's pollution preparedness and response activities aim to reduce the impact of oil and hazardous substances spills. USCG's National Pollution Funds Center manages the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, paying certain spill-related costs and certifying that vessels show evidence of financial responsibility. Another prevention effort, minimizing marine debris, addresses commercial items (e.g., lost nets and fishing lines), as well as trash from recreational fishing and boating (e.g., beverage cans, bottles, and pieces of foam plastic). The Administration estimates that the marine environmental protection mission will receive $339 million in FY2009, a decrease of approximately $12 million from the enacted amount estimated for FY2008."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2008-05-22
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Border Security: Key Agencies and Their Missions [Updated May 13, 2008]
From the Summary: "After the massive reorganization of federal agencies precipitated by the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are now four main federal agencies charged with securing the United States' borders: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which patrols the border and conducts immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections at ports of entry; the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which investigates immigrations and customs violations in the interior of the country; the United States Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security; and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for securing the nation's land, rail, and air transportation networks. This report is meant to serve as a primer on the key federal agencies charged with border security; as such it will briefly describe each agency's role in securing our nation's borders. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2008-05-13
