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Department of Energy Appliance and Equipment Standards Program [November 8, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress continues to consider the extent and effectiveness of energy efficiency standards. One focus is energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Clark, Corrie E.
2019-11-08
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Congressional Participation in Litigation: Article III and Legislative Standing [Updated November 8, 2019]
From the Summary: "Houses, committees, and Members of Congress periodically seek to initiate or participate in litigation for various purposes, such as advancing their legislative objectives, challenging alleged transgressions of their legislative prerogatives, or defending core institutional interests. However, the constitutionally based doctrine of 'standing' may prevent legislators from pursuing litigation in federal court. The standing doctrine requires a litigant seeking federal judicial relief to demonstrate (1) a concrete and particularized and actual or imminent injury-in-fact (2) that is traceable to the allegedly unlawful actions of the opposing party and (3) that is redressable by a favorable judicial decision. The U.S. Supreme Court and the lower federal courts have issued several important opinions analyzing whether--and under what circumstances--a legislative entity has standing to seek judicial relief."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Freeman, Wilson C.; Lewis, Kevin M.
2019-11-08
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FY2020 Refugee Ceiling and Allocations [November 7, 2019]
From the Document: "On November 1, 2019, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Determination setting the FY2020 refugee ceiling at 18,000. The refugee ceiling is the maximum number of refugees that can be admitted to the United States in a fiscal year. From the start of FY2020 until the signing of the Presidential Determination, no refugees could be admitted to the United States. The FY2020 refugee ceiling of 18,000 is the lowest in the history of the U.S. refugee admissions program. The Trump Administration has reduced the refugee ceiling each year, setting it at 45,000 for FY2018 and 30,000 for FY2019. These ceilings are much lower than in previous years. Actual refugee admissions in FY2019 totaled 30,000"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruno, Andorra
2019-11-07
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National Flood Insurance Program: The Current Rating Structure and Risk Rating 2.0 [November 7, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary source of flood insurance coverage for residential properties in the United States, with more than five million policies in over 22,000 communities in 56 states and jurisdictions. The program collects about $4.6 billion in annual revenue from policyholders' premiums, fees and surcharges and provides over $1.3 trillion in coverage. [...] The price of insurance is generally based on three components: (1) the average annual loss, which is the expected loss per year; (2) the risk, which depends on the variability or uncertainty in loss estimates; and (3) expenses. These rating factors are used to calculate the premium that is sufficient to cover expected losses. The methodologies used to estimate these components, particularly the average annual loss and the risk, have changed over the decades that the NFIP has been in operation. This report will outline how the NFIP currently rates risks and sets premiums to cover losses, and how these are expected to change with the introduction of Risk Rating 2.0."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2019-11-07
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Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense--Issues for Congress [Updated November 7, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides a brief overview of implications for U.S. defense of the shift in the international environment to a situation of renewed great power competition with China and Russia. The issue for Congress is how U.S. defense funding levels, strategy, plans, and programs should respond to this shift. Congress's decisions on these issues could have significant or even profound implications for U.S. defense capabilities and funding requirements. This report focuses on defense-related issues and does not discuss potential implications of the shift to renewed great power competition for other policy areas, such as foreign policy and diplomacy, trade and finance, energy, and foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-11-07
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Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Overview and Issues for Congress [Updated November 7, 2019]
From the Document: "The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides nonreciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have implemented similar programs since the 1970s. Congress first authorized the U.S. program in Title V of the Trade Act of 1974, and most recently extended the GSP program in Division M, Title V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141). This act extended the GSP program until December 31, 2020, as well as retroactively renewing it for the time period between December 31, 2017 (the previous expiration date) and April 22, 2018. Currently, 120 developing countries and territories are GSP beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The program provides duty-free entry into the United States for over 3,500 products (based on 8-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule tariff lines) from BDCs, and duty-free status to an additional 1,500 products from 44 GSP beneficiaries additionally designated as least developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDCs). In 2018, products valued at about $23.8 billion (imports for consumption) entered the United States duty-free under the program, out of $238.4 billion worth of total imports from GSP-eligible countries. Total U.S. imports from all countries amounted to about $2.6 trillion in 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2019-11-07
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: Inflation [Updated November 7, 2019]
From the Document: "Inflation tends to interfere with pricing mechanisms in the economy, resulting in individuals and businesses making less than optimal spending, saving, and investment decisions. Additionally, in the presence of inflation, economic actors often engage in actions to protect themselves from the negative impacts of inflation, diverting resources from other more productive activities. Ultimately, these inefficient decisions reduce incomes, economic growth, and living standards. For this reason, it is generally accepted that inflation should be kept low to minimize these distortions in the economy. Some would argue that an inflation rate of zero is optimal; however a target of zero inflation makes a period of accidental deflation more likely, and deflation is thought to be even more costly than inflation. In an effort to balance these two risks, policy makers, including the Federal Reserve, often target a positive, but low, inflation rate, generally around 2%, which reduces inefficiencies within the economy while protecting against deflation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stupak, Jeffrey M.
2019-11-07
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: Unemployment [Updated November 7, 2019]
From the Document: "The official unemployment rate released on a monthly basis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), also known as U3, measures the number of unemployed individuals as a percentage of the entire labor force. It is important to define these terms, as the BLS definitions are not entirely intuitive. The labor force is defined as all individuals aged 16 and over who are either unemployed or employed, excluding active duty military personnel. Individuals are considered employed if they did any work for pay or profit in the previous week. Individuals are considered unemployed if they satisfy the following three criteria: (1) they do not have a job, (2) they have actively looked for work in the previous four weeks, and (3) and they are currently available to work. If an individual does not have a job, but has not looked for work in the previous four weeks, and/or is not currently available for work that individual is not considered part of the labor force."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stupak, Jeffrey M.
2019-11-07
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated November 7, 2019]
From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that most Venezuelans and much of the international community consider illegitimate. Since January, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form an interim government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. Although the United States and 56 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president, he has been unable to wrest Maduro from power. With Norway-backed negotiations between Maduro and Guaidó suspended, prospects for a negotiated solution to the crisis are uncertain. Venezuela's economy has collapsed. The country is plagued by hyperinflation, severe shortages of food and medicine, and electricity blackouts that have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. In April 2019, United Nations officials estimated that some 90% of Venezuelans are living in poverty. Maduro has blamed U.S. sanctions for these problems, but most observers cite economic mismanagement and corruption for the crisis. U.N. agencies estimate that 4.5 million Venezuelans had fled the country as of October 2019, primarily to Latin American and Caribbean countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Brown, Phillip; Margesson, Rhoda . . .
2019-11-07
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Harbor Dredging: Issues and Historical Funding [Updated November 6, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress is debating whether to support increased funding for dredging to better maintain harbor channel depths and widths. A bill passed by the House (H.R. 2440) seeks to boost dredging activity by utilizing more of the collections from a port tax levied to fund harbor maintenance. However, it is not clear whether the additional funding would increase the volume of material dredged from U.S. harbors, as a variety of factors affect the cost and performance of harbor dredging. In contrast to the House bill, in S. 2470 the Senate Committee on Appropriations recommends a Gulf Coast demonstration program addressing concerns about dredging cost and availability. According to S.Rept. 116-102, among other goals, the program should reduce the number of contract solicitations that lead to no bids or bids that are more than 25% higher than the government cost estimate and should reduce the cost per cubic yard for hopper dredge contracts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Frittelli, John
2019-11-06
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Unauthorized Childhood Arrivals, DACA, and Related Legislation [November 6, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report considers House and Senate measures on unauthorized childhood arrivals that have seen legislative action since 2001, focusing in particular on legislation considered in the 115th and 116th Congresses. It also discusses the related Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative and DACA-related data. The material is presented chronologically to trace the development of legislative proposals on unauthorized childhood arrivals and highlight the interplay between legislative action on these measures and developments related to the DACA initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruno, Andorra
2019-11-06
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Precision-Guided Munitions: Background and Issues for Congress [November 6, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report focuses on selected precision-guided munitions (PGMs) fielded by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Over the years, the U.S. military has relied on PGMs to execute ground, air, and naval military operations. PGMs have become ubiquitous in U.S military operations; funding for these weapons has increased dramatically from FY1998 to the present as depicted in. In FY2020, the Department of Defense (DOD) requested approximately $5.6 billion for more than 70,000 weapons in 13 munitions programs. DOD projects requesting approximately $4.4 billion for 34,000 weapons in FY2021, $3.3 billion for 25,000 weapons in FY2022, $3.8 billion for 25,000 weapons in FY2023, and $3.4 billion for 16,000 weapons in FY2024."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2019-11-06
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This Land is Your Land? Eminent Domain Under the Natural Gas Act and State Sovereign Immunity [October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "In passing the Natural Gas Act of 1938, Congress acknowledged that interstate natural gas pipelines and other natural gas transmission facilities serve the public interest. To facilitate the land acquisition process for pipelines, Congress amended the Natural Gas Act in 1947 to permit natural gas companies to exercise the power of federal eminent domain. But pipeline routes can require more than just privately owned property. In 2018, a pipeline construction company sought to exercise eminent domain over land set aside by the State of New Jersey for agriculture, conservation, and recreation. When New Jersey opposed the eminent domain action, the ensuing court battle set up a clash of two powers: the pipeline company's eminent domain power and New Jersey's power to control state lands and retain its sovereign immunity against the pipeline company. The Third Circuit's opinion in 'PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC v. New Jersey' calls into doubt whether the Natural Gas Act permits natural gas companies to condemn state lands--or whether such a grant of authority would even be constitutional. The issue is poised to reach another court of appeals in the coming months and may find its way to the Supreme Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Holmes, Eric N.
2019-11-05
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Funding U.S.-Mexico Border Barrier Construction: Current Issues [November 5, 2019]
From the Document: "The construction of barriers on the U.S-Mexico borders to control unauthorized crossings has been a matter of significant debate since President Donald Trump made construction of a border wall a key element of his campaign for the presidency. This Insight provides a brief overview of the funding history for these barriers, and how the current administration is redirecting federal funds to support construction of additional mileage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mann, Christopher T.; Painter, William L.
2019-11-05
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 5, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests a total of $2,347 million (i.e., about $2.3 billion) in procurement funding for the CVN-78 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
2019-11-05
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Legalization Framework Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [November 5, 2019]
From the Document: "The population of unlawfully present aliens in the United States numbers between 10 million and 12 million, according to recent estimates. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) takes three primary approaches to regulating this population: removal, deterrence, and--to a lesser extent-- legalization. Legalization, as used here, means the granting of a lawful immigration status to an unlawfully present alien so that he or she is no longer subject to removal under the INA. Put differently, an unlawfully present alien 'legalizes' by obtaining lawful permanent resident status (LPR or 'green card' status) or any other status (such as a nonimmigrant status) that extinguishes the statutory basis for his or her removal. The INA takes a generally restrictive approach to legalization. During much of the 20th century, a statutory provision called 'registry' allowed unlawfully present aliens to obtain LPR status based on their long-standing presence in the United States. If unlawfully present aliens had entered the United States before a fixed cutoff date and satisfied other requirements, such as a lack of certain types of criminal convictions, they could apply to the Attorney General for LPR status. The registry statute is now effectively obsolete because its cutoff date, which Congress last updated in 1986, remains fixed at 1972."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Harrington, Ben
2019-11-05
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Unemployment Compensation (UC): Issues Related to Drug Testing [Updated November 4, 2019]
From the Document: "Recent interest in Unemployment Compensation (UC) drug testing has grown at both the federal and state levels. The policy interest in mandatory drug testing of individuals who are applying for or receiving UC benefits parallels two larger policy trends. First, some state legislatures have considered drug testing individuals receiving public assistance benefits. While UC is generally considered social insurance (rather than public assistance), the concept of drug testing UC recipients (who are receiving state-financed benefits from a program authorized under state laws) could be interpreted as a potential extension of this state-level interest. Second, over recent years, Congress has considered issues related to UC program integrity, including drug testing, which may be viewed as addressing UC program integrity concerns. [...] Some stakeholders also expressed concern that expanded UC drug testing could create barriers to UC benefit receipt among eligible individuals and discourage UC claims filing. Stakeholders have also raised at least two legal concerns with the new final UC drug testing rule: (1) some commenters have argued that the new final rule may violate the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and (2) some commenters have argued that the new final rule improperly delegates authority to the states to identify occupations that regularly conduct drug testing. Other policy issues to consider related to expanding UC drug testing include administrative concerns, such as state establishment of a drug testing program for UC claimants as well as the potential provision of and funding for drug treatment services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Whittaker, Julie M. . . .
2019-11-04
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North American Development Bank [Updated November 4, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The North American Development Bank (NADB) is a binational financial institution created and funded by Mexico and the United States. The NADB provides loans and grants to public and private entities for environmental and infrastructure projects on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Modeled after the multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as the World Bank, the NADB has a unique environmental focus and is the only development bank that also finances projects in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2019-11-04
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Social Security: Demographic Trends and the Funding Shortfall [November 4, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The Social Security program, or Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), pays monthly benefits to retired or disabled workers and their families and to the family members of deceased workers. The OASDI program's ability to meet scheduled benefit payments rests upon sufficient revenues from payroll taxes, taxation on Social Security benefits, and interest earned on trust funds assets. The year 2020 marks the first since 1982 in which the OASDI program's total cost is projected to be greater than its total income. [...] The OASDI program can pay scheduled benefits while operating with a cash flow deficit (i.e., costs exceed revenues) during periods of positive trust funds balances because assets held in the trust funds can be redeemed to augment continuing income. However, this process cannot last indefinitely. As shown in Figure 1, a cash flow deficit is projected to persist throughout the 75- year projection period (2019-2093). This report presents data showing that the projected deficits are the result of rising costs associated with demographic changes, outlines how these demographic changes will impact the OASDI program's ability to fulfill benefit payments, and discusses some options policymakers have to address the program's financial shortfall."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Huston, Barry F.
2019-11-04
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Response Options to Oil Supply Disruptions [November 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "The September 2019 oil infrastructure attacks in Saudi Arabia temporarily disrupted production and processing of approximately 6% of global crude oil supply. This resulted in the largest single-day price increase over the last 10 years, as measured by West Texas Intermediate (WTI, the U.S. domestic oil price benchmark). This effect on U.S. domestic price levels from a temporary disruption in a foreign country illustrates the integrated and global nature of crude oil markets. Interruptions in oil supply could affect the price of crude oil and petroleum products (e.g., gasoline). The volume and rate at which lost supply is restored are key factors that contribute to the duration and magnitude of price effect. Also, assured access to crude oil is associated with energy independence and energy security. There are two primary options to replace lost or interrupted supplies: releasing stockpiles or using spare capacity. These and other options may be of interest to Congress during a crude oil supply disruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Greenley, Heather L.
2019-11-01
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Tunisia: In Brief [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Tunisia remains the sole country to have made a durable transition to democracy as a result of the 2011 'Arab Spring.' Tunisians adopted a new constitution in 2014 and have since held two competitive national elections resulting in peaceful transfers of power. At the same time, living standards have worsened for many Tunisians, increasing pressure on political leaders. High unemployment and inflation, unpopular fiscal austerity measures, and concerns about corruption have spurred protests, labor unrest, and a backlash against political elites in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2019-11-01
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Quantum Information Science: Applications, Global Research and Development, and Policy Considerations [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "This report provides an overview of QIS [Quantum information science] technologies: sensing and metrology, communications, and computing and simulation. It also includes examples of existing and potential future applications; brief summaries of funding and selected R&D [research and development] initiatives in the United States and elsewhere around the world; a description of U.S. congressional activity; and a discussion of related policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2019-11-01
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Summary: "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security, helping to address multiple regional threats by hosting U.S. military personnel at UAE military facilities and buying sophisticated U.S. military equipment, including missile defenses and combat aircraft. The alliance with the United States is expected to continue after UAE President Shaykh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan, who suffered an incapacitating stroke in January 2014, is succeeded by his younger brother and de-facto UAE leader Shaykh Muhammad bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2019-11-01
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Using the Power of the Purse to Change Policy: SCOTUS Case on ACA Risk Corridors Asks Important Appropriations Law Question [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "In the world of recent litigation involving the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), most attention has focused on the ongoing litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit surrounding the constitutionality of the individual mandate. However, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear several cases involving another, perhaps lesser known provision of the ACA concerning 'risk corridors.' While the risk corridors cases--three cases consolidated under the lead case of 'Maine Community Health Options v. United States'--do not raise a question as to the validity of the entire ACA, they do raise important issues regarding the interpretation of appropriations acts, particularly when such acts conflict with authorizing statutes. After providing some background on the statutory provisions at issue, this Sidebar discusses relevant Supreme Court precedent regarding resolution of those conflicts and the broader implications that the risk corridor cases may have."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2019-11-01
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy in Brief [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Afghanistan was elevated as a significant U.S. foreign policy concern in 2001, when the United States, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led a military campaign against Al Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored and supported it. In the intervening 18 years, the United States has suffered around 2,400 military fatalities in Afghanistan (including 17 in combat in 2019 to date) and Congress has appropriated approximately $133 billion for reconstruction there. In that time, an elected Afghan government has replaced the Taliban, and most measures of human development have improved, although future prospects of those measures remain mixed. The fundamental objective of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan is 'preventing any further attacks on the United States by terrorists enjoying safe haven or support in Afghanistan.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton
2019-11-01
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the rate of Navy ship procurement, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The Navy's proposed FY2020 budget requests funding for the procurement of 12 new ships, including 1 Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier, 3 Virginia-class attack submarines, 3 DDG-51 class Aegis destroyers, 1 FFG(X) frigate, 2 John Lewis (TAO-205) class oilers, and 2 TATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2020 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-11-01
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2019 California Wildfires: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of current Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations and federal assistance programs that may be available. The National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides fire weather outlooks intended to delineate areas of the continental United States where 'preexisting fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions during the next eight days, will result in a significant threat for the ignitions and/or spread of wildfires.' [...] NWS reports that various portions of California have experienced or are expected to experience weather conditions, including Santa Ana winds, which are conducive to igniting and spreading wildfires as well as making those wildfires difficult to suppress or contain. [...] Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) authorizes the President to declare a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Regional Administrators have been delegated the authority to authorize an FMAG because of the need to expedite assistance when the threat of a major disaster exists. [...] FMAGs have been authorized in 2019 for multiple wildfires, including the Kincade, Getty, Tick, Easy, Hill, 46, and Hillside Fires."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Horn, Diane P. . . .
2019-11-01
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Lebanon: Protests and Government Resignation [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "On October 29, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation, automatically triggering the resignation of his government. The move followed nearly two weeks of nationwide mass protests, described as potentially the largest in Lebanese history. Protestors represent a broad economic, political, and sectarian cross-section of Lebanese society, and have continued to call for a comprehensive change in political leadership even after the resignation of the Hariri government. The protests, and uncertainty over the formation of a new government, represent a significant challenge for Lebanese institutions, particularly against the backdrop of an ongoing financial crisis. Instability in Lebanon could create opportunities for actors of concern to the United States, including Hezbollah and Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2019-11-01
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Impact of Commercial Space Launch Activities on Aviation [November 1, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Congress has encouraged the growth of commercial space activities by requiring federal agencies to use private launch services and establishing offices to oversee commercial activity. In 2018, 35 commercially licensed launch and reentry events occurred at U.S. spaceports, a 100% increase from the 2016 level. Some forecasts project a rapid increase in demand for commercial launch services in coming years. The growth in launch activity has been accompanied by a rise in the number of commercial launch providers and locations--spaceports--licensed for launch services. Expanded commercial space activity has brought increasing attention to the use of U.S. airspace. Interest groups representing airlines and general aviation have voiced concerns about more frequent restrictions of airspace to accommodate commercial launch events. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which controls the use of the national airspace, has been challenged to accommodate the needs of commercial space launch operators and their clients while at the same time ensuring the safety of traditional aircraft operations, which it predicts will also grow."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Alyssa K.
2019-11-01
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Introduction to Financial Services: The International Foreign Exchange Market [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "The international foreign exchange market is a vast, complex assortment of globally dispersed actors and transactions that comprise millions of transactions daily, valued at trillions of dollars. On a daily basis, the value of global foreign exchange transactions eclipses the total global value of economic output and the value of all traded stocks and bonds. These markets are highly liquid as a result of extensive global communications systems and electronic trading venues that operate on a 24-hour basis. Foreign exchange markets respond rapidly to political and economic events and instantaneously transmit market signals across national borders. Governments are adopting or considering regulations to curtail some aspects of the foreign exchange derivatives market and are examining challenges posed by digital currencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K.
2019-11-01
