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Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance [Updated December 20, 2004]
"Large-scale reconstruction assistance programs are being undertaken by the
United States following the war with Iraq. To fund such programs, Congress
approved on April 12, 2003, a $2.48 billion Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund in the FY2003 Supplemental Appropriation. On November 6, 2003, the President
signed into law P.L. 108-106, the FY2004 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation,
providing $18.4 billion for Iraq reconstruction. Contributions pledged at the October 24, 2003, Madrid donor conference by other donors amounted to roughly $3.6 billion in grant aid and as much as $13.3 billion in possible loans. On June 28, 2004, the entity implementing assistance programs, the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA), dissolved, and sovereignty was returned to Iraq.
Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 8, 2004, returned control of assets held in the Development Fund for Iraq to the government of Iraq. Many reconstruction efforts on the ground are underway, but security concerns
have slowed progress considerably. Most reconstruction funding is targeted at
infrastructure projects -- roads, sanitation, electric power, oil production, etc. Aid is also used to train and equip Iraqi security forces. However, of
the $18.4 billion appropriated by Congress in October 2003, only $9.6 billion had been obligated and $2.1 billion spent by mid-December 2004. Congress approved on September 29 an Administration-proposed re-allocation of $3.5 billion in previously appropriated reconstruction funds to give greater emphasis to security, employment generation, and debt relief."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2004-12-20
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Berry Amendment: Requiring Defense Procurement to Come from Domestic Sources [Updated December 8, 2004]
"The Berry Amendment requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home grown products, notably food, clothing, fabrics, and specialty metals. In order to protect the U.S. industrial base during periods of adversity and war, Congress passed domestic source restrictions as part of the 1941 Fifth Supplemental DOD Appropriations Act; these provisions later became the Berry Amendment. In the spring of 2001, Congress revisited the Berry Amendment largely in response to a controversy involving the Army's procurement of black berets. DOD had granted the Defense Logistics Agency authority to waive the Berry Amendment in order to purchase berets from foreign sources. However, it was reported that DOD had known for 25 years that no U.S. firm produced a solely domestic beret; this suggested that other violations of the Berry Amendment may have been overlooked or under-reported. This procurement event raised important questions: (1) If the U.S. does not produce a solely domestic item, should DOD procurement be restricted from access to foreign sources? (2) Do procurement policies under the Berry Amendment adequately provide the best value to DOD and the federal government? (3) To what extent do U.S. national security interests justify waivers of the Berry Amendment? Some policymakers believe that policies like the Berry Amendment contradict free trade policies, and that the presence and degree of such competition is the most effective tool for promoting efficiencies and improving quality. On the other hand, others believe that key U.S. sectors need the protections afforded by the Berry Amendment. These two views have been the subject of ongoing debate in Congress. In the 108th Congress, both the proposed FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4200), and P.L. 108-287, the FY2005 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, (H.R. 4613), contain provisions that may affect domestic source provisions in the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act. This report examines the original intent and purpose of the Berry Amendment, legislative proposals to amend both laws and regulations governing the application of domestic source restrictions, as well as options for Congress. The report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2004-12-08
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Data Mining: An Overview [Updated December 16, 2004]
"Data mining is emerging as one of the key features of many homeland security
initiatives. In the context of
homeland security, data mining is often viewed as a potential means to identify
terrorist activities, such as money transfers and communications, and to identify and
track individual terrorists themselves, such as through travel and immigration
records. While data mining represents a significant advance in the type of analytical tools
currently available, there are limitations to its capability. One limitation is that
although data mining can help reveal patterns and relationships, it does not tell the
user the value or significance of these patterns. These types of determinations must
be made by the user. A second limitation is that while data mining can identify
connections between behaviors and/or variables, it does not necessarily identify a
causal relationship. To be successful, data mining still requires skilled technical and
analytical specialists who can structure the analysis and interpret the output that is created. As with other aspects of data mining, while technological capabilities are
important, there are other implementation and oversight issues that can influence the
success of a project's outcome. One issue is data quality, which refers to the
accuracy and completeness of the data being analyzed. A second issue is the
interoperability of the data mining software and databases being used by different
agencies. A third issue is mission creep, or the use of data for purposes other than
for which the data were originally collected. A fourth issue is privacy. Questions
that may be considered include the degree to which government agencies should use
and mix commercial data with government data, whether data sources are being used
for purposes other than those for which they were originally designed, and possible
application of the Privacy Act to these initiatives. It is anticipated that congressional
oversight of data mining projects will grow as data mining efforts continue to evolve.
This report will be updated as events warrant."
created.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seifert, Jeffrey W.
2004-12-16
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Germany's Role in Fighting Terrorism: Implications for U.S. Policy [December 27, 2004]
"This report examines Germany's response to global Islamic terrorism after the
September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. It looks at current German strategy,
domestic efforts, and international responses, including possible gaps and
weaknesses. It examines the state of U.S.-German cooperation, including problems
and prospects for future cooperation. This report may be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Miko, Francis T.
2004-12-27
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Energy Policy: Historical Overview, Conceptual Framework, and Continuing Issues [Updated December 21, 2004]
"The persistent attention being given to energy policy has its roots in an
unexpected jump in oil prices that began in the late spring of 1999, following a
production cut by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This
supply change affecting fuel prices was the fourth significant episode since 1973 to jog American awareness of the extent to which the U.S. economy and lifestyle depends on inexpensive and plentiful energy. When the United States experiences a period marked by sharp increases in the price for energy and concern about the adequacy of essential supplies, there is widespread concern that the nation has no energy policy. The nation has, in fact, adopted several distinct policy approaches over the years, many of the debates turning around the question of the appropriate extent of the federal government's role in energy. Traditionally, the energy debate has been the most vigorous over the balance to be struck between increasing supply and encouraging conservation. However, when markets are unstable, debate turns on another axis as well, that of short-term versus long-term policies. There are other alternatives. For example, tax policy can affect energy price directly to the extent that excise taxes on fuel products can be raised or lowered. Programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can provide direct assistance to families whose quality of life is especially burdened by high energy prices. Lastly, Congress always has the option to require study and analysis of a problem before settling on a policy course. Energy policy issues of continuing interest include whether or not to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for leasing; settlement upon a pipeline route to allow production of Alaskan natural gas; access to public lands for energy exploration and development; restructuring of the electric utility industry to encourage competition and consumer choice; raising corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for motor vehicles; seeking effective means to promote energy conservation using currently available technologies; and development of new
technologies and alternative fuels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bamberger, Robert
2004-12
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Indonesian Separatist Movement in Aceh [Updated February 26, 2004]
"Indonesia faces a major separatist insurgency in the province of Aceh in northern
Sumatra. The Indonesian government has proposed autonomy for Aceh, but insurgents
demand independence. Negotiations and cease-fires have been unsuccessful.
Indonesian civilian leaders have been unable to control the Indonesian military, whose
aggressive actions in Aceh produce frequent reports of human rights abuses and
alienation of the populace. The Bush Administration has urged Indonesia to seek a
political settlement; but it has been hesitant to deal with the military's actions and seeks
renewed ties with the military in order to cooperate against terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2004-02-26
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Military Technology and Conventional Weapons Export Controls: The Wassenaar Arrangement [Updated May 21, 2004]
"This report provides background on the Wassenaar Arrangement, which was
formally established in July 1996 as a multilateral arrangement aimed at controlling
exports of conventional weapons and related dual-use goods and military technology.
It is the successor to the expired Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export
Controls (COCOM). This report focuses on the current status, features, and issues
raised by the establishment and functioning of the Wassenaar Arrangement. It will be
updated only if warranted by notable events related to the Arrangement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2004-05-21
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Special Operations Forces (SOF) and CIA Paramilitary Operations: Issues for Congress [Updated December 6, 2006]
"The 9/11 Commission Report recommended that responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary operations should be shifted from the CIA to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The President directed the Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence to review this recommendation and present their advice by mid-February 2005, but ultimately, they did not recommend a transfer of paramilitary responsibilities. This Report will briefly describe special operations conducted by DOD and paramilitary operations conducted by the CIA and discuss the background of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Best, Richard A.
2006-12-06
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Recruiting and Retention: A Brief Overview of FY2004 Results for Active Component Personnel [December 30, 2004]
"This report provides a brief overview of the FY2004 recruiting and retention rates for active component personnel. This report does not cover recruiting and retention rates for reserve component personnel. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States has launched three major military operations: Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), which covers military operations related to homeland security; Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which includes ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and certain other countries; and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), which includes ongoing military operations in Iraq. ONE, OEF, and OIF have dramatically increased the operations tempo of the military services, and especially of the Army, which has shouldered the bulk of the manpower burden associated with the occupation of Iraq. Additionally, more military personnel have been killed or wounded in Iraq than in any other conflict since the Vietnam war. Many observers have expressed concern that the current operations tempo, and the level of casualties in Iraq, might lead to lower recruiting and retention rates, thereby jeopardizing the vitality of today's all-volunteer military. To date, recruiting and retention rates for active component officer and enlisted personnel have remained generally strong. There are, however, some areas of concern. Most importantly, the Army will face significant recruiting and retention challenges in the coming year due to its increased recruiting and retention goals for FY2005, coupled with the relatively small number of people in the its 'delayed entry pool'(which consists of individuals who have signed a contract to join the military at a future date). This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2004-12-30
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NATO Applicant States: A Status Report [Updated April 25, 2003]
From the Abstract: "Nine central and eastern European nations are seeking an invitation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the November 2002 NATO summit: Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. There are general guidelines for evaluating nations seeking NATO membership; however, these guidelines are not a checklist that, when completed, would automatically guarantee membership. NATO members decide on the basis of consensus whether the admission of a state will serve the interests of the Alliance and promote European security and stability. This report, which was compiled from memoranda prepared in January 1999 at the request of former Senator William Roth, contains brief assessments of the NATO applicants' qualifications. The report was updated in April 2003."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.; Kim, Julie; Ek, Carl
2003-04-25
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Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2001 [Updated February 5, 2002]
From the Summary: "This report lists hundreds of instances in which the United States has used its armed forces abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes. It was compiled in part from various older lists and is intended primarily to provide a rough survey of past U.S. military ventures abroad, without reference to the magnitude of the given instance noted. The listing often contains references, especially from 1980 forward, to continuing military deployments especially U.S. military participation in multinational operations associated with NATO or the United Nations. Most of these post-1980 instances are summaries based on Presidential reports to Congress related to the War Powers Resolution. A comprehensive commentary regarding any of the instances listed is not undertaken here."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2002-02-05
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Colombia: U.S. Assistance and Current Legislation [Updated May 15, 2001]
From the Summary: "On February 7, 2000, the Clinton Administration, as part of its annual budget request, asked Congress for FY2000 supplemental appropriations of $954 million for assistance to Colombia and other Andean counternarcotics efforts. FY2000 allocated funding for Colombia, from appropriations made in 1999, already totals some $164.0 million. At the same time, the Administration requested $318 million for FY2001 assistance to Colombia and other regional efforts, in addition to the $150 million that it previously indicated it had planned to allocate to Colombia in FY2001. The Clinton Administration's 'Plan Colombia' program, as it became known, was intended to substantially increase the assistance provided to Colombia. The proposal's centerpiece was funding for the 'Push into Southern Colombia' program, which would include training and equipping two new army CN battalions, and providing funding to purchase new and sustain existing Blackhawk and Huey helicopters to transport them. Other assistance was included for interdiction, resettlement of displaced persons, economic development, and programs to improve Colombian National Police(CNP) eradication capabilities and to support human rights monitors, improve the justice system and strengthen the rule of law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2001-05-15
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Panama-U.S. Relations [Updated March 26, 2001]
From the Document: "The December 20, 1989, U.S. military intervention in Panama, known as Operation Just Cause, heralded a new period in U.S.-Panamanian relations. In the aftermath of the intervention, U.S. policymakers immediately faced a new range of challenges including assistance for economic recovery, support for the development of a civilian police force, cooperation with the new government on counter-narcotics measures, and support for fragile democratic institutions. Panama has made abundant progress in all these areas, although the country still faces challenges. U.S. policymakers maintain an active concern about these issues because of continued U.S. interests in Panama, particularly the Panama Canal, which continues to be important to the United States for its commercial value. The Panamanian President's popularity fell significantly during the first year of her administration but improved in the latter part of 2000. A December 2000 public opinion poll showed an overall approval rating of 62%. However, many analysts believe that it will be difficult for President Moscoso to sustain her popularity because of sluggish economic growth and the administration's recent increases in electricity and telecommunications rates. The rate increases, which occurred in January 2001, resulted in violent street protests in the capital and led to many arrests. The political difficulties the president is facing may make it unlikely for her to gain legislative approval of proposed tax and social security reform measures she is proposing in March 2001. These measures are part of an agreement with the IMF that had been earlier scheduled for 2000. Without these reforms, the government will have difficulty meeting its fiscal and debt reduction targets or its public investment goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Villarreal, M. Angeles
2001-03-26
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Haiti: Issues for Congress [Updated November 21, 2001]
From the Summary: "Since the virtual withdrawal of U.S. troops and the inauguration of Rene Preval as President in February 1996, Congress has been concerned that U.S. assistance to Haiti be effective, that Haitian leaders pursue democratic reforms, including the holding of free and fair elections, adopt sound economic policies, improve security conditions in Haiti, and fully investigate reported human rights abuses. Concern over political stability increased with President Preval's controversial dissolution of the Haitian Parliament in January 1999, and his rule by decree after that. This followed an election dispute that had remained unresolved since April 1997 and the lack of a fully functioning government since the resignation of Prime Minister Rosny Smarth on June 9, 1997. This political paralysis has also contributed to economic stagnation, preventing major reforms from being finalized, and impeding access to over $500 million in international assistance. The Foreign Operations Appropriations bill for FY2002 would prohibit assistance to Haiti except through regular notification procedures; no other conditions on aid to Haiti are in the current bill. It would also allow Haiti to purchase defense articles and services for the Haitian Coast Guard. FY2000 assistance to Haiti was $82 million; the estimate for FY2001 is $76 million; the request for FY2002 is $55 million."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2001-11-21
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Peru: Recovery from Crisis [Updated June 22, 2001]
From the Summary: "The United States and Peru have enjoyed generally friendly relations over the past decade, although the recurring political crises of the Fujimori government strained those relations. The primary U.S. interest in Peru has been the reduction of illicit narcotics production and trafficking. Other stated goals of U.S. assistance are: broader citizen participation and more responsive government; increased incomes for Peru's poor; improved health of high risk populations; and improved environmental conditions. The United States pressed the Fujimori government to improve respect for human rights; for much of his term Fujimori's regime had the worst human rights record in the hemisphere. The United States has been concerned about security in Peru and in the Andean region as a whole. The U.S. Congress has expressed concern about the development of democratic institutions in Peru, and has conditioned aid on the respect for those institutions, and for human rights, and the holding of free and fair elections. Congress has also expressed concern about the case of Lori Berenson, an American prisoner in Peru; the relationship between U.S. agencies and Peru's spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos; and whether to resume a joint aerial drug-interdiction program that was suspended after the accidental shooting of an American missionary plane."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2001-06-22
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Defense Research: A Primer on the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program [Updated July 14, 1999]
From the Abstract: "This report describes the basic elements and issues of the Department of Defense's (DOD) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program. It defines basic activities supported by the program, presents budget trends, discusses the management of program, and describes the infrastructure in which the program is implemented. This report is for staff new to the area of defense research and for senior staff interested in historical trends. This report will be updated periodically. For tracking congressional action on the current year's budget, the reader is referred to the Issue Brief entitled 'Defense Research: DOD's Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program,' by the same author."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.
1999-07-14
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Border Security: Inspections Practices, Policies, and Issues [Updated October 13, 2004]
"The United States now has a unified inspections operation at the borders; a single inspector is charged with examining people, animals, plants, goods, and cargo upon entry to the country. The transfer of these functions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks a significant policy shift for all of these functions, clarifying that -- although there are important commercial, economic, health, humanitarian, and immigration responsibilities -- ensuring the security of our borders is the top priority. The decision by DHS officials to further integrate the inspection duties so that there is 'one face at the border' now means that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors are essentially interchangeable and responsible for all primary inspections. A range of legal, administrative, and policy issues have emerged with unified border inspections. The bills implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations (S. 2845, H.R. 10, S. 2774/H.R. 5040 and H.R. 5024) have various provisions affecting border inspections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Monke, James; Viña, Stephen R.
2004-10-13
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Terrorist Financing: Current Efforts and Policy Issues for Congress [August 20, 2004]
"Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, there has been significant interest in terrorist financing. Congress has taken an active interest in this debate on terrorist financing, holding numerous hearings over the past few years, both in the House, and in the Senate. While the goals of freezing terrorist funds and tracking them for intelligence are not mutually exclusive, they tend to emphasize different strategies and approaches. This report responds to this increased interest in terrorist financing by analyzing the roles of relevant U.S. agencies and departments involved in tracking and seizing terrorist financing. This report focuses on U.S. efforts to combat financing for terrorist acts against the United States. In the months immediately following the attacks, substantial funds were frozen internationally. After this initial sweep, the freezing of terrorist assets slowed down considerably."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2004-08-20
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Border and Transportation Security: Overview of Congressional Issues [December 17, 2004]
"Enhancing border and transportation security (BTS) are essential strategies for
improving and maintaining homeland security.The effective implementation of border and transportation security measures requires the participation of numerous agencies. Federal responsibility for border and transportation security efforts is primarily contained within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS's Border and Transportation Security Directorate houses: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which has responsibility for security at and between ports-of-entry along the border; the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), which has responsibility for investigating and enforcing the nation's customs and immigration laws; and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for the security of the nation's transportation systems. The U.S. Coast Guard is a stand-alone agency within DHS, and has primary responsibility for the maritime components of homeland security (U.S. ports, coastal and inland waterways, and territorial waters). DHS's Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau (USCIS) is charged with approving immigrant petitions. In addition, the Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for issuing visas; and the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has a significant policy role through its adjudicatory decisions on specific immigration cases. This report provides a summary of the roles and responsibilities of various federal agencies engaged in border and transportation security activities; describes selected concepts and terms prominent in border and transportation security debates; and discusses selected issues that might be of interest to the 109th Congress. These issues include immigration-related border security issues; cargo security issues; aviation and non-aviation transportation security; and maritime security issues. This
report will be updated as significant developments occur. An appendix contains
summaries of the following: key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission affecting
border and transportation security; similar provisions in the recently enacted
Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004, and Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 11 (HSPD-11)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.
2004-12
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Intelligence Community Reorganization: Potential Effects on DOD Intelligence Agencies [Updated December 6, 2004]
"Some Members of Congress and independent commissions, most recently the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, the 9/11 Commission, have argued that a lack of coordination among intelligence agencies contributed to the failure to provide warning of the terrorist attacks of September 2001. Intelligence Reform legislation currently under consideration would modify current organization of the Intelligence Community to establish more centralized leadership under a newly established National Intelligence Director (NID) or Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Although there appears to be a consensus that the NID/DNI needs a stronger statutory base to ensure effective coordination of the national intelligence effort than the Director of Central Intelligence currently possesses, the extent of the budgetary and administrative authorities to be assigned to the NID/DNI is the subject of extensive debate. Significant concerns have been expressed by DOD officials, some Members of Congress, and various outside observers that some provisions that would provide the NID with greater authority and control of intelligence agencies in DOD could jeopardize the increasingly close relationship between these agencies and the operating military forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2004-12-06
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Emergency Communications: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings [Updated November 12, 2004]
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is one of several federally managed warning systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administers EAS with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), an organization within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA/NWS weather radio system has been upgraded to an all-hazard warning capability. In June 2004, NOAA and the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed an agreement that will allow DHS to use the NOAA/NWS network for its alerts and warnings. This report summarizes the technology and administration of EAS and the NOAA/NWS all-hazard network, and some of the key proposals for change. It will be updated.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2004-11-12
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Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Locations and Inventory [Updated December 21, 2004]
"Spent nuclear fuel is principally stored at 83 locations throughout the United States, including reactor storage pools, independent spent fuel storage installations, national laboratories, and defense weapons sites. Additional sites include university research and training reactors. The104 commercial nuclear generating units1 licensed to operate in 31 states discharge over 2,000 metric tons2 of spent fuel annually. The total inventory could approach 54,000 metric tons at the end of 2004. This report will be updated when new statistics become available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Andrews, Anthony
2004-12-21
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Government Activities to Protect the Electric Grid [Updated February 4, 2005]
"The electric utility system is vulnerable to outages caused by a range of activities, including system operator errors, weather-related damage, and terrorist attacks. The main risk from a successful terrorist attack against the electric power industry would be widespread power outages lasting for an extended period of time. While the electric utility industry has the primary responsibility for protecting its assets, federal and state government agencies also have been addressing physical security concerns. This report provides a description of initiatives within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, and Defense to protect the physical transmission infrastructure. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Abel, Amy
2005-02-04
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Presidential Inauguration of 2005: Basic Facts and Information on Inaugural Festivities [Updated December 7, 2004]
"The next presidential inauguration is set for January 20, 2005. This report provides general information and facts concerning past inaugurations and the forthcoming one, as well as historical information on the weather on inauguration day and the financing of past inaugural festivities. Also provided is information on where to obtain tickets for the inaugural festivities and how to participate in the inaugural parade, and a brief list of resources on the history of presidential inaugurations and compilations of inaugural addresses. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom
2004-12
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Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management - Legislative Phase [Updated February 25, 2003]
From the Summary: "After substantial congressional entreatment, President George W. Bush gave impetus to the creation of a Department of Homeland Security when, on June 6, 2002, he proposed the establishment of such an entity by Congress. At the time, bills to mandate a department were pending in both houses of Congress. The President's action was viewed as an effort to move beyond the coordination efforts of the Office of Homeland Security, established by E.O. 13228 of October 8, 2001, to a strong administrative structure for managing consolidated programs concerned with border security and effective response to domestic terrorism incidents. The President transmitted his department proposal to the House of Representatives on June 18, where it was subsequently introduced by request (H.R. 5005). The House approved the bill in amended form on July 26. The Senate did not begin consideration of the legislation until after the August congressional recess. Senate deliberations on the matter were slower due to partisan and parliamentary factors as well as a few highly contentious issues, such as the civil service protections and collective bargaining rights of the employees of the new department. When both houses of Congress reconvened after the fall elections, a new, compromise department bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 5710), which considered and adopted the measure on November 13. Six days later, the Senate approved the original House bill (H.R. 5005) as modified with the language of the compromise legislation (H.R. 5710), which had been offered as an amendment. The House cleared the Senate-passed measure for the President's signature. Ultimately, President Bush largely obtained what he wanted in the legislation mandating the department (P.L. 107-296; 116 Stat. 2135). This report is no longer being updated. CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31751, Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management--Implementation Phase, assesses the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2003-02-25
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U.S. Prisoners of War and Civilian American Citizens Captured and Interned by Japan in World War II: The Issue of Compensation by Japan [Updated July 27, 2001]
From the Summary: "Of the approximately 130,000 American prisoners of war (POWs) in World War
II (WWII), 27,000 or more were held by Japan. Of the approximately 19,000
American civilian internees held in WWII, close to 14,000 were captured and interned by Japan. After the conclusion of WWII, Congress passed the War Claims Act of 1948, which created a War Claims Commission (WCC) to adjudicate claims and pay out small lump-sum compensation payments from a War Claims Fund consisting of seized Japanese, German, and other Axis assets. Payments to POWs held by either
Germany or Japan were at the rate of $1 to $2.50 per day of imprisonment. The
WCC also paid civilian internees of Japan $60 for each month of internment, and civilians were also eligible for compensation for disability or death. The War Claims Act of 1948 did not authorize compensation for civilian internees held by Germany."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reynolds, Gary K.
2001-07-27
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Homeland Security: Human Resources Management [Updated February 20, 2004]
"P.L. 107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. 5005), authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish, and from time to time adjust, a human resources management (HRM) system for some or all of the organizational units of the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The law states specific requirements for the HRM system. Federal workforce improvements to be applied government-wide also are authorized by P.L. 107-296. On February 20, 2004, DHS and OPM jointly issued proposed regulations for the DHS HRM system which were published in the Federal Register. The proposed regulations cover job evaluation, pay and pay administration, performance management, labor-management relations, adverse actions, and appeals. The Budget of the United States for FY2005 proposes funding of $112.5 million to develop and implement a performance-based pay system and to train personnel. This report discusses the provisions of P.L. 107-296 as they relate to human resources management. It does not discuss provisions of the law that relate to labor management relations and collective bargaining."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2004-02-20
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Research and Development Funding: Fiscal Year 2002 [Updated May 15, 2001]
From the Summary: "President Bush requested $95.253 billion for federal R&D in FY2002, a 5.8% increase over the estimated $90.010 billion appropriated for FY2001. The House passed FY2002 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 83, passed March 28th) increases overall discretionary spending 4%, matching the President's request, while the Senate's passed budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 20, incorporated into H.Con.Res. 83, passed Senate April 6) increases discretionary spending 8%, to, among other spending provisions, help accommodate an additional $2.7 billion for R&D. On May 9, and 10, the House and Senate, respectively, passed the H.Con.Res. 83 conference report (see H.Rept. 107-55) which contains a 5% increase for overall discretionary spending."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.
2001-05-15
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Travel Restrictions: U.S. Government Limits on American Citizens' Travel Abroad [Updated January 28, 2003]
From the Summary: "The U.S. government currently maintains limitations or restrictions on travel to
four countries: Cuba, Libya, Iraq, and North Korea. This paper briefly outlines the nature of such restrictions, who administers them and why, and compares the restrictions among the four targeted countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.; Epstein, Susan B.
2003-01-28
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National Identification Cards: Legal Issues [Updated January 7, 2003]
From the Summary: "In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, renewed debate has arisen regarding the efficacy and legal implications of a national identification card, a form of identification that would be something more comprehensive than a driver's license, a Social Security card or a passport. Such debate has centered on finding the appropriate balance between maintaining personal freedom and protecting national security. Proponents contend that a card using "biometric" surveillance technologies such as electronic retinal scans or fingerprints could help reduce and/or track illegal immigrants or potential terrorists. Conversely, opponents assert that such a card could infringe upon civil liberties with minimal impact on reducing terrorism. This report will briefly summarize the policy arguments related to and legal implications of a national identification card. The report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Alison M., 1962-
2003-01-07
