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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Highway Bridges [May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "The United States has approximately 620,000 bridges on public roads subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) mandated by Congress (23 U.S.C. [United States Code] §144). About 48% of these bridges are owned by state governments and 50% by local governments. State governments generally own the larger and more heavily traveled bridges, such as those on the Interstate Highway system. Less than 2% of highway bridges are owned by the federal government, primarily those on federal land. The number of bridges classified as poor has declined gradually for many years. However, about 44,000 bridges remain in poor condition and this has led to recent changes in federal bridge policy intended to speed up the rate of bridge improvement. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. [Public Law] 117-58), enacted on November 15, 2021, authorized and appropriated funding for surface transportation programs for FY2022-FY2026. The IIJA created new bridge funding programs and increased federal funding for highway programs that also can fund bridges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kirk, Robert S.; Mallett, William
2022-05-06
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Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program: Status and Issues in Brief [Updated May 6, 2022]
From the Document: "Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior (DOI) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans--referred to by BOEM as national programs or five-year programs--to schedule proposed oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). Currently, offshore leasing is taking place under a program for mid-2017 through mid-2022 developed by the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration published the first draft of a new program in 2018. No further versions have been released to date. Given timing requirements specified in law and regulations, it appears the remaining steps to finalize a new program could not be completed before the current program expires on June 30, 2022, and thus the federal government faces a gap between programs. The OCSLA does not establish a federal authority for offshore oil and gas lease sales outside of a five-year program. [...] The leasing decisions in BOEM's five-year programs may affect the economy and environment of individual coastal states and of the nation as a whole. Accordingly, Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the planning and implementation of the five-year programs. The following discussion summarizes developments regarding the next leasing program and analyzes selected issues for congressional consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2022-05-06
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Fact Sheet: Joint Resolutions of Disapproval Under the Arms Export Control Act [May 6, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Under the Foreign Military Sales Act (FMSA) of 1968, Congress delegated authority to the President to sell and transfer defense articles, defense services and related training to foreign governments. Due to increased concern over arms sales in the 1970s, however, Congress amended the FMSA in 1974 to include procedures for Congress to block proposed arms sales by passing concurrent resolutions of disapproval, at Section 36 (22 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2776). These procedures were later expanded under the renamed Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976 and in subsequent amendments. In 1986, Congress amended the AECA to require enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval to block an arms sale. This Fact Sheet lists the concurrent and joint resolutions of disapproval that have been introduced under the AECA. This Fact Sheet is a research aid that lists, in chronological order, the concurrent resolutions ('Table 1') and joint resolutions ('Table 2') of disapproval under the AECA related to foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), commercial technical assistance, or manufacturing licensing agreements. It includes pertinent information on the concurrent and joint resolutions as they progressed through the legislative process, including bill number, title, date introduced, and final status. Each bill number includes a hyperlink to the bill's record in Congress.gov. This Fact Sheet will be updated as legislative activity warrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Plagakis, Sofia
2022-05-06
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U.S. Ground Forces in the Indo-Pacific: Background and Issues for Congress [May 6, 2022]
From the Summary: "Since the end of the Second World War in 1945, the U.S. military has maintained a significant and enduring presence in the Indo-Pacific region. In the past, the United States' strategic approach to the region has varied greatly. From September 11, 2001, until almost the next decade, strategic emphasis was placed largely on global counterterrorism, primarily focused on U.S. Central Command's (USCENTCOM's) and later U.S. Africa Command's (USAFRICOM's) areas of operation. Starting around 2004, the George W. Bush Administration began to consider strengthening relations with allies in Asia and potentially revising U.S. doctrine and force posture in the region to improve U.S. capabilities. In 2011, the Obama Administration announced the United States would expand and strengthen its existing role in the Asia-Pacific region. Referred to as the 'Rebalance to Asia,' this strategic shift away from counterterrorism was intended to devote more effort to influencing the development of the Asia-Pacific's norms and rules, particularly as China was emerging as an ever-more influential regional power. [...] The February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and its present and future implications for European and Indo-Pacific security will likely increase both congressional interest and action in the near term and for the foreseeable future. Potential issues for Congress include [1] the role of U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region, [2] the posture of U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region, [3] U.S. ground forces execution of regional wartime missions, and [4] the potential impact of the Ukrainian conflict on U.S. ground forces in the Indo-Pacific region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-06
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 3199, Ethiopia Peace and Stabilization Act of 2022
From the Document: "S. 3199 would require the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons the Administration determines have taken the following actions in Ethiopia: [1] Undermined efforts to end the civil conflict, [2] Obstructed humanitarian assistance, or [3] Profited from business activity related to the conflict, electoral fraud, abuses of human rights, or public corruption. The bill would suspend certain U.S. foreign assistance to Ethiopia. It also would authorize the Administration to assist entities that promote peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia as well as those that investigate and seek accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and abuses of human rights in that country. Lastly, the bill would require the Administration to develop and implement strategies to promote democracy, reconciliation, and the rule of law in Ethiopia and to report to the Congress on its actions under the bill and on other related matters."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-05
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 4270, Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act
From the Document: "H.R. 4270 would authorize the appropriation of specific amounts each year from 2022 through 2026, totaling $163 million, for the Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with other federal and state agencies, to establish an abandoned oil and gas well research and demonstration program. Under the program, DOE would focus on developing technologies and strategies to improve abandoned well identification, increase the efficiency of abandoned well plugging and repurposing, and mitigate the effects of abandoned wells on the environment. For this estimate, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] assumes that the bill will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2022 and that the specified amounts will be appropriated each year. However, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) appropriated $30 million to DOE for similar activities in 2022--an amount equal to what H.R. 4270 would authorize for that same year. Accordingly, CBO's estimate of the budgetary effects of the bill reflects authorizations totaling $133 million over the 2022-2026 period--the difference between the amounts specified in the bill and the amounts provided under current law. Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4270 would cost $69 million over the 2022-2026 period and $64 million after 2026."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-05
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 22 Issue 18, May 05, 2022
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "DHS S&T [Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate] evaluates new vision technology for bomb disposal robots"; "Coordinated ventilation and suppression tactics for structure fires: Final course in UL [Underwriters Laboratories] training series now available"; "Webinars: How to procure goods and services under a FEMA grant program"; "National Homeland Security Conference, July 11-14"; " FBI: Business Email Compromise - The $43 Billion Scam"; "HSCC [Health Sector Coordinating Council]: Operational Continuity-Cyber Incident (OCCI) Checklist"; "Microsoft finds new elevation of privilege Linux vulnerability, Nimbuspwn"; "Tractor-trailer brake controllers vulnerable to remote hacker attacks"; and "More details emerge on China's widespread Ukraine-related hacking efforts."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2022-05-05
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Federal Contracting: Opportunities Remain for Department of Labor to Improve Enforcement of Service Worker Wage Protections, Statement of Thomas M. Costa, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, Testimony Before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. Senate
From the Highlights: "The SCA [Service Contract Act] ensures that service workers on certain federal contracts receive pay and benefits that reflect current employment conditions in their locality. From fiscal years 2014 through 2019, the U.S. government obligated over $720 billion on service contracts covered under the SCA. This testimony describes (1) what available data reveal about past SCA cases, (2) challenges DOL [U.S. Department of Labor] reports facing in enforcing the SCA, and (3) SCA implementation challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Costa, Thomas
2022-05-05
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 5324, NWR Modernization Act of 2021
From the Document: "Under current law, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information, called NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). Those radio stations also broadcast warning and post-event information for all types of hazards including earthquakes, avalanches, chemical releases, oil spills, AMBER alerts, and 911 outages. H.R. 5324 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million to expand NWR coverage to underserved areas through the acquisition and installation of additional transmission infrastructure."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-05
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Defense Primer: Hypersonic Boost-Glide Weapons [Updated May 5, 2022]
From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is pursuing two types of hypersonic weapons technologies: boost-glide systems that place a maneuverable glide vehicle atop a ballistic missile or rocket booster, and cruise missiles that would use high-speed, air-breathing engines known as scramjets to travel to hypersonic speeds. This In Focus addresses only the first of these technologies. The Pentagon's FY2023 budget request for hypersonic-related research is $4.7 billion--up from $3.8 billion in the FY2022 request. This increased funding and statements from Pentagon officials demonstrate growing support for weapons that could attack priority targets promptly and with improved accuracy without facing defeat by an adversary's air or missile defense systems. Pentagon officials have also expressed concerns about advances in hypersonic weapons technologies in Russia and China, and on the potential threats to U.S. forces, allies, and territory."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; Woolf, Amy F.
2022-05-05
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National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment: Firearms in Commerce
From the Foreword: "As part of an administration-wide strategy to combat the rise in violent crime, in April 2021, President Biden and Attorney General Garland directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to issue a comprehensive report on firearms commerce and trafficking. [...] This volume presents and analyzes data collected by ATF and other federal agencies related to the manufacture, exportation, and importation of firearms. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of Gun Control Act (GCA) firearms and National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons that were domestically manufactured, exported by U.S. manufacturers, or imported into the U.S. increased by 187%, 240% and 350% respectively. This data illustrates the flow of new firearms into the domestic market over time which can help document trends and patterns in commerce. Trends in firearm commerce highlighted by this report include the pistol becoming the dominant firearm type manufactured and imported into the U.S. over the last decade, and an increase of 24,080% in annual manufacturing of short-barreled rifles in the period from 2000 to 2020. This volume analyzes technological developments that have occurred in the past 20 years. One of the most significant developments affecting lawful firearm commerce and law enforcement's ability to reduce illegal access to guns in this period has been the proliferation of privately made firearms (PMFs)."
United States. Department of Justice; United States. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
2022-05-05
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Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 5, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons as a part of its conventional prompt global strike (CPGS) program since the early 2000s. In recent years, it has focused such efforts on hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles with shorter and intermediate ranges for use in regional conflicts. Although funding for these programs has been relatively restrained in the past, both the Pentagon and Congress have shown a growing interest in pursuing the development and near-term deployment of hypersonic systems. This is due, in part, to advances in these technologies in Russia and China, leading to a heightened focus in the United States on the strategic threat posed by hypersonic flight. Open-source reporting indicates that both China and Russia have conducted numerous successful tests of hypersonic glide vehicles and likely fielded an operational capability. Experts disagree on the potential impact of competitor hypersonic weapons on both strategic stability and the U.S. military's competitive advantage. [...] The following report reviews the hypersonic weapons programs in the United States, Russia, and China, providing information on the programs and infrastructure in each nation, based on unclassified sources. It also provides a brief summary of the state of global hypersonic weapons research development. It concludes with a discussion of the issues that Congress might address as it considers DOD's funding requests for U.S. hypersonic technology programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
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. 113-121, 33 U.S.C. §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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Executive Agency Justification of the President's Budget: 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. After the submission of the President's budget request, each executive agency bears the responsibility for justifying its budget request to gain approval from Congress. [...] This report focuses on the justification of requests for spending provided through the annual appropriations process (i.e., discretionary spending)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fiorentino, Dominick A.
2022-05-05
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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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Public Law 117-116: Better Cybercrime Metrics Act
"An act to establish cybercrime reporting mechanisms, and for other purposes."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2022-05-05
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Ransomware Trends in the HPH Sector (Q1 2022) [presentation]
This Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) document is a May 5, 2022 presentation on "Ransomware Trends in the HPH [Healthcare and Public Health] Sector" for the first quarter of 2022.
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3)
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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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
