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• Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated March 30, 2021]

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  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 is preventing 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, is 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] for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024) [hyperlink]. This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

  2021-03-30
• COVID-19 Response: Broadband Funding for Tribes, Tribal Colleges and Universities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service [Updated March 30, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Three recent enacted laws that, in whole or in part, address the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided both direct and indirect broadband funding for American Indian tribes, tribal colleges and universities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service (collectively, 'tribal entities'). They are [1] the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. [public law] 116-136; [2] Division N of Title IX of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021), P.L. 116-260; and [3] the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), P.L. 117-2. This In Focus lists major broadband programs funded by these three laws as well as potential additional funding in subsequently proposed legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Casey, Alyssa R. . . .

  2021-03-30
• Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution [March 26, 2021]

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  From the Background: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has led to severe health and economic consequences across the globe, as governments work to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. Officials have instituted a range of physical lockdowns and quarantine measures. In late 2020, researchers identified several new COVID-19 variants, which present challenges to pandemic control. For example, parts of Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases believed to be caused in part by variants that have emerged in those countries. Vaccines and other countermeasures are playing a growing role in COVID-19 control. Researchers continue to study the safety and effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Congress has appropriated approximately $15 billion through supplemental appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, P.L. 116-260, and P.L. 117-2) for a range of global COVID-19 responses. Congress authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to use $4 billion of those funds in support of multilateral COVID19 vaccine efforts. Actions by the Biden Administration to deepen U.S. multilateral engagement, such as joining the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX), may lead to additional U.S. government support for global COVID-19 control."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2021-03-26
• Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 26, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. [...] President Trump unveiled his Administration's Cuba policy in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Administration had largely abandoned engagement and, from 2019 to January 2021, significantly increased sanctions(see discussion below)--especially on travel and remittances--to pressure the Cuban government on human rights and for its support of the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro. Although many observers expect the Biden Administration to shift U.S. policy to focus again on engagement, sanctions imposed under the Trump Administration remain in place. During the U.S. election campaign, Biden said he would reverse Trump Administration policies that harmed the Cuban people without advancing democracy and human rights. The White House press secretary said on March 9 that although a Cuba policy shift was not among the President's top priorities, the Administration was 'committed to making human rights a core pillar' of policy and 'committed to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2021-03-26
• Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province [Updated March 26, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Since 2009, an Islamist insurgency based in northeastern Nigeria has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Founded in the early 2000s as a Salafist Sunni Muslim reform movement, Boko Haram, which roughly translates to 'Western culture is forbidden,' has evolved into one of the world's deadliest Islamist armed groups. Since 2016, an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated splinter faction, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (IS-WA, aka ISIS-WA or ISWAP) has surpassed Boko Haram in size and capacity, and now ranks among IS's most active affiliates."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Husted, Tomas F.

  2021-03-26
• Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in Transportation [Updated March 26, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "Growing demands on the transportation system and constraints on public resources have led to calls for more private-sector involvement in the provision of transportation infrastructure through what are known as 'public-private partnerships' or 'P3s.' As defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 'public-private partnerships (P3s) are contractual agreements between a public agency and a private-sector entity that allow for greater private-sector participation in the delivery of transportation projects.' Typically, the 'public' in public-private partnerships refers to a state government, local government, or transit agency. The federal government exerts influence over the prevalence and structure of P3s through its transportation programs, funding, and regulatory oversight, but is usually not a party to a P3 agreement. This report discusses the benefits and limitations of P3s that involve long-term private financing, the experience with these types of P3s in the United States, and current federal policy. The report outlines a number of issues and policy options that Congress might consider: project evaluation and transparency, asset recycling, incentive grants, infrastructure banks, tax credits for equity and debt, Interstate highway tolling, and changes to an existing federal loan program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mallett, William

  2021-03-26
• 'Staying Nuclear'?: Legal Challenges to State Subsidies for Aging Nuclear Power Plants and Related FERC Actions [March 26, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Nuclear power plants can produce large amounts of electricity with relatively low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, potentially assisting the United States in reducing such emissions. But the U.S. nuclear power industry faces a number of challenges [hyperlink], including high operating and maintenance costs; aging plants; competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources; and lawsuits from labor and environmental groups, among others. According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 21 nuclear power reactors are currently undergoing decommissioning [hyperlink] in the United States; two reactors [hyperlink] are currently under construction. The federal government provides some financial support [hyperlink] to the nuclear energy industry in the form of tax credits and other measures. But states have also increasingly sought to subsidize nuclear power plants that operate within their jurisdictions to preserve existing nuclear generation capacity and the jobs and tax base they provide to local communities. [...] This Legal Sidebar examines key recent circuit court decisions related to state subsidization of the nuclear power industry and litigation against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s subsequent orders expanding the Minimum Offer Price Rule (MOPR) in the PJM Interconnection."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Murrill, Brandon J.

  2021-03-26
• COVID-19 and Direct Payments: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Third Round of 'Stimulus Checks' in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L.117-2) [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Congress included a third round of direct payments in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) to address the continued economic fallout from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The first round [hyperlink] was included in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-136). The second round [hyperlink] was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-260). This Insight provides a brief overview of the third round of payments--often referred to as 'stimulus checks' [hyperlink]. (A similar proposal for a third round of payments passed the House on February 27, 2021. That version had different phaseouts [hyperlink] from the third round ultimately included in P.L. 117-2 and discussed in this Insight.)"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.

  2021-03-25
• COVID-19 and Direct Payments: Comparison of First and Second Round of 'Stimulus Checks' to the Third Round in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) includes a third round of direct payments (often referred to as 'stimulus checks'). A first round of direct payments was included in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-136) in March 2020. A second round [hyperlink] of direct payments was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-260) in December 2020. This Insight compares some of the major aspects of the third round of direct payments to the first and second rounds."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.

  2021-03-25
• EU Digital Policy and International Trade

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  From the Summary: "A 'Europe fit for the digital age' is a top European Union (EU) priority and a key part of EU economic recovery efforts from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the European Commission's digital policy roadmap, 'Shaping Europe's Digital Future,' the EU aims to strengthen the EU economy and improve the region's digital competitiveness, especially with the United States and China. The EU initiative may raise several issues for Congress, such as the impact on U.S. firms doing business in the EU and U.S. leadership in setting global digital rules and standards. The initiative may also offer the potential for partnership between the United States and the EU to address areas of common concern."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fefer, Rachel F.

  2021-03-25
• Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy: In Brief [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and analysis on U.S. policy in Afghanistan, with a focus on two interrelated developments: [1] The February 2020 U.S.-Taliban agreement, in which the United States committed to the full withdrawal of international forces by May 2021 in exchange for Taliban counterterrorism assurances. [2] Intra-Afghan negotiations, which began in Doha, Qatar, in September 2020, but appear to have since stalled, prompting a renewed U.S. diplomatic effort, including a planned senior-level meeting in Turkey in April 2021 aimed at reaching a political settlement to end the war and a U.S.-drafted peace proposal. The report also provides information on security dynamics related to the ongoing conflict and related questions about the future of the United States' military presence and U.S. investment in development and security aid to Afghanistan (which has totaled more than $143 billion since 2001)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)

  2021-03-25
• Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Background: "The Department of Defense notes 'military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many future operations will center on developing capability and capacity of host nation (HN) or other FSFs [foreign security forces].' SFA [Security Force Assistance] activities have and are occurring in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. In the past, Special Forces units handled the majority of SFA missions, but the growing requirement for SFA over time has resulted in conventional forces assuming a more active role in conducting these missions. Conventional forces SFA missions were normally assigned to a Brigade Combat Team (BCT), the Army's principal warfighting organization. Because of the nature of SFA missions, BCT leadership--officers and senior and mid-grade noncommissioned officers (NCOs)--were typically deployed to conduct SFA missions, with most junior NCOs and soldiers remaining at their home station. This situation, while practical from a resource perspective, created a number of readiness concerns for the BCT soldiers remaining at home station. One such concern is with leadership stripped out of the BCTs for the SFAB mission, the remaining soldiers were limited to training at individual and squad level only, resulting in a low level of unit readiness."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2021-03-25
• Mexico: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Mexico, a top U.S. trade partner and neighbor, could play a key role in addressing several challenges facing U.S. policymakers in 2021. During a virtual meeting on March 1, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and President Biden committed [hyperlink] to collaborate on bilateral and regional migration issues and on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and recovery, while reaffirming the importance of security cooperation. High-level officials from both countries held migration talks on March 23 focused on addressing root causes of migration and determining steps Mexico could take to interdict some U.S.- bound migrant flows. President Biden also is asking Mexico [hyperlink] to accept migrant families expelled under current pandemic-related restrictions [hyperlink] on asylum processing."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2021-03-25
• Increasing Numbers of Unaccompanied Alien Children at the Southwest Border [March 25, 2021]

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  From the Document: "In the first five months of FY2021, encounters (apprehensions or expulsions) of unaccompanied alien children [hyperlink] (UAC) at the U.S.-Mexico border with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are approaching a level [hyperlink] close to that for all of FY2020. While the number of UAC encounters declined substantially from FY2019 to FY2020, in large part because of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they are expected to rapidly increase [hyperlink] in the coming months, a trend that has attracted considerable media attention. [...] Unaccompanied alien children [hyperlink] are statutorily defined as children who lack lawful immigration status in the United States, are under age 18, and lack a parent or legal guardian in the United States or a parent or legal guardian in the United States who is available to provide care and physical custody. UAC treatment and processing at U.S. borders is governed by several statutes and a legal settlement [hyperlink]."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kandel, William

  2021-03-25
• Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 25, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $2,714.2 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-03-25
• Brexit: Overview, Trade, and Northern Ireland

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  From the Summary: "The United Kingdom (UK) withdrew from the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020. Under the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the two sides, the UK continued to apply EU rules during a transition period lasting to the end of 2020. In December 2020, UK and EU negotiators concluded a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that sets out terms of the future relationship, including on trade, economic relations, and cooperation on a range of other issues. The agreement left numerous questions and issues unresolved, however, meaning many aspects of the UK-EU relationship may evolve over time and through subsequent negotiations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mix, Derek E.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Archick, Kristin

  2021-03-24
• Calculation and Use of the Disaster Relief Allowable Adjustment [Updated March 24, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Budget Control Act (P.L. 112-25, hereinafter the BCA) established limits on federal spending, as well as mechanisms to adjust those limits to accommodate spending that has special priority. One of these mechanisms--a limited 'allowable adjustment' to discretionary spending limits to pay for the congressionally designated costs of major disasters under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 100-707; hereinafter 'the Stafford Act')--represented a new approach to paying for disaster relief. In the past, while some funding for disaster costs had been included in annual appropriations measures as part of the regular funding process, many of these costs had been designated as emergency requirements and were included in supplemental appropriations measures on an ad hoc basis. This disaster relief designation allowed a limited amount of additional appropriations for disaster costs into the annual appropriations process, instead of relying on emergency designations and supplemental appropriations bills. The formula to calculate the size of the adjustment was revised in 2018, but under current law, the adjustment will expire at the end of FY2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Painter, William L.

  2021-03-24
• USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated March 24, 2021]

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  From the Document: "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs are often part of emergency response efforts, providing foods for distribution, additional benefits for redemption, and program flexibilities. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to food--particularly in light of increased unemployment and closures of institutions that households rely on for food, such as schools--has been a concern for many people. Some observers also view the programs, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as a means of economic stimulus. This report discusses related provisions of five laws that supplement FNS's prior response to the COVID-19 pandemic with new funds and authorities: [1] Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. [public law] 116-127, enacted March 18, 2020); [2] Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136, enacted March 27, 2020); [3] Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159, enacted October 1, 2020); [4] Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title VII (P.L. 116-260, enacted December 27, 2020); and [5] American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Title I (ARPA, P.L. 117-2, enacted March 11, 2021). This report also includes the Biden Administration announcement that, under an executive order, USDA will change the implementation of some of the 116th Congress laws' provisions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Billings, Kara Clifford

  2021-03-24
• Army Corps of Engineers: FY2021 Appropriations [Updated March 24, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Congress generally funds the civil works activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in annual Energy and Water Development appropriations acts. These activities include the planning and construction of authorized water resource projects and the operation and maintenance of infrastructure and navigation improvements managed by USACE. For USACE civil works, President Trump requested $5.97billion for FY2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Normand, Anna E.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2021-03-24
• Proposals to Modify Supreme Court Justices' Tenure: Legal Considerations [March 24, 2021]

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  From the Document: "This report discusses proposals to alter Supreme Court Justices' tenure. The report first explains that, under current law and practice, Justices typically remain on the Court for life unless they retire voluntarily. The report then describes the debate over whether to modify Supreme Court Justices' tenure, including proposals to impose term or age limits for the Supreme Court. While many of those proposals involve amending the Constitution, others would impose term or age limits legislatively. As the report explains, if Congress attempted to alter life tenure by ordinary legislation, a court might hold that legislation unconstitutional. The report then identifies issues Congress may consider if it opts to modify life tenure by amending the Constitution. The report concludes by noting other ways Congress might influence the Court's composition and operations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lewis, Kevin M.

  2021-03-24
• Federal Deficits, Growing Debt, and the Economy in the Wake of COVID-19 [March 23, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused widespread economic disruption. Commerce slowed, unemployment reached rates not seen since the Great Depression, and many businesses were forced to close. In response, the government enacted a series of laws aimed at providing relief to struggling individuals and businesses and stimulus to improve economic conditions, most recently the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. [public law] 117-2) enacted on March 11, 2021. Altogether, this resulted in large increases in the deficit in FY2020, and a large deficit is projected for FY2021 as well. [...] Deficits and growing debt can affect the economy in the short term and the long term. However, the state of the economy simultaneously contributes to the ways in which deficits and the debt are likely to affect certain parts of the economy. It is therefore necessary to discuss the current state of the budget and debt in the context of the economy and recent economic trends. This report discusses the changing macroeconomic landscape, COVID-19, and how both might influence policy considerations for deficits and the debt."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Weinstock, Lida R.

  2021-03-23
• Current Status of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic Response [Updated March 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is constructed as a joint federal-state partnership, in which the Unemployment Compensation (UC) program and the UC benefit are the foundation of the UI system. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides oversight of state UC programs and the state administration of federalUI benefits. Although there are broad requirements under federal law regarding UC benefits and financing, the specifics are set out under each state's laws, resulting in 53 different UC programs operated in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States operate their own UC programs and administer any temporary, federal UI benefits. A state UC program determines the weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks of UC available to unemployed workers. Most states provide up to 26 weeks of UC to eligible individuals who become involuntarily unemployed for economic reasons and meet state-established eligibility rules."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Whittaker, Julie M.; Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-

  2021-03-23
• Resources for Tracking Federal COVID-19 Spending [Updated March 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with supplemental appropriations measures providing relief and assistance to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. This report provides selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief and assistance spending. It contains links to and information on government sources detailing spending amounts at various levels, including consolidated spending by multiple government agencies, spending by individual government agencies, and spending for specific recipients and geographies. The sources themselves are large government databases, individual agencies, oversight entities, and selected nongovernmental entities that attempt to repackage information on spending amounts obtained from available government sources."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria

  2021-03-23
• Recent White House Actions on Immigration [Updated March 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "In the past several weeks, the Biden Administration has engaged [hyperlink] in a series of executive actions on a range of issues. Some concern the administration and enforcement of federal immigration laws. These immigration-related initiatives purport to revise substantially Trump Administration policies that generally prioritized immigration enforcement activities and restricted the ability of some non-U.S. nationals (aliens) to enter the United States or pursue immigration benefits. [...] This Legal Sidebar provides a brief overview of President Biden's executive orders and other directives relating to immigration through March 23, 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Hillel R.; Santamaria, Kelsey Y.

  2021-03-23
• United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [Updated March 23, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 31 individuals who have served since 1946, about two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations. On November 24, 2020, President-elect Biden announced his intent to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Permanent Representative, with Cabinet rank. Biden stated that he will accord Cabinet status to Greenfield 'because I want to hear her voice on all the major foreign policy discussions we have.' Thomas-Greenfield was confirmed by the Senate on February 23, 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.

  2021-03-23
• Compensation Programs for Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Injuries [March 22, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) emergency authorization of the Pfizer/BioNTech [hyperlink], Moderna [hyperlink], and Janssen Biotech/Johnson & Johnson [hyperlink] vaccines against COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], millions of Americans [hyperlink] have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Based on months-long clinical trials (including safety monitoring) of each vaccine candidate involving tens of thousands of participants, FDA did not [hyperlink] identify any [hyperlink] safety concerns for these vaccines that would preclude FDA emergency use authorization. As with most vaccines, however, a very small percentage of inoculated individuals experienced adverse reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine. Anecdotal reports [hyperlink] from early in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign include several cases of anaphylaxis--a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction--following vaccination. [...] Federal law has two distinct vaccination compensation regimes that may compensate individuals harmed by adverse reactions. In general, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program [hyperlink] (VICP) may provide compensation for injuries or deaths associated with most vaccines [hyperlink] routinely administered in the United States (such as pediatric and seasonal influenza vaccines). During certain public health emergencies, the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program [hyperlink] (CICP) may provide compensation for injuries and deaths resulting from the administration of 'covered countermeasures' under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act [hyperlink] (PREP Act), which may include vaccines."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hickey, Kevin J.; Ward, Erin H.

  2021-03-22
• Federal Data on Hate Crimes in the United States [Updated March 22, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "A number of recent and high-profile crimes where the offenders' actions appeared to be motivated by their bias or animosity towards a particular race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity has contributed to a perception that hate crimes are on the rise in the United States. These incidents might also generate interest among policymakers about how the federal government collects data on hate crimes committed in the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  James, Nathan; Hanson, Emily J.

  2021-03-22
• Federal Resources for State and Local Economic Development [March 22, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Congress has authorized over 130 economic development programs, which are administered by over 20 departments and agencies. Federal resources for economic development are often delivered to state and local stakeholders through technical assistance and financial assistance programs. This In Focus provides an overview of major federal financial assistance programs; primarily administered through grants, credit assistance, and tax policies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lawhorn, Julie M.

  2021-03-22
• House Committee on Ethics: A Brief History of Its Evolution and Jurisdiction [Updated March 22, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "This report briefly outlines the background of ethics enforcement in the House of Representatives, including the creation of both the Select Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Ethics. The report also focuses on various jurisdictional and procedural changes that the committee has experienced since 1967 and discusses the committee's current jurisdiction and procedures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Straus, Jacob R.

  2021-03-22
• Senate Select Committee on Ethics: A Brief History of Its Evolution and Jurisdiction [Updated March 22, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "This report briefly outlines the background of ethics enforcement in the Senate, including the creation of the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct and the subsequent renaming of the committee as the Select Committee on Ethics. The report also provides a brief overview of the Senate Code of Conduct and on the Select Committee's current jurisdiction and procedures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Straus, Jacob R.

  2021-03-22