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Russia: The Navalny Poisoning, Chemical Weapons Use, and U.S. Sanctions [July 12, 2021]
From the Document: "On March 2, 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that in August 2020 the Russian government used a chemical weapon in an attack on opposition figure and anticorruption activist Alexei Navalny in violation of international law and against one of its own nationals. This finding triggered requirements under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (CBW Act; title III, P.L. 102-182; 22 U.S.C. 5601 et seq.). The Biden Administration imposed an initial round of sanctions, as required by the CBW Act. The CBW Act requires the President to impose economic and diplomatic measures that could cut off foreign aid, arms sales, and export licenses for controlled goods, services, and technology, and ratchet up in intensity if certain conditions are not met within 90 days."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.; Welt, Cory
2021-07-12
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Emergency Rental Assistance Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "In response to concerns about the economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on renters and their landlords, Congress created a $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Division N of P.L. 116-260). A second round of ERA funding--$21.55 billion--was included in Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). The ERA program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136) and implemented by the Department of the Treasury."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.; Perl, Libby; McCarty, Maggie
2021-07-09
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] viral pandemic continues to be a highly personal, individual experience that is also an unprecedented globally shared phenomenon with wide-ranging repercussions. The pandemic has disrupted lives across all countries and communities and negatively affected global economic growth in 2020 beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates indicate the virus reduced global economic growth in 2020 to an annualized rate of -3.4% to -7.6%, with a recovery of 4.2% to 5.6% projected for 2021. Global trade is estimated to have fallen by 5.3% in 2020, but is projected to grow by 8.0% in 2021. According to a consensus of forecasts, the economic downturn in 2020 was not as negative as initially estimated, due in part to the fiscal and monetary policies governments adopted in 2020. Generally, economic growth forecasts captured the decline and subsequent rebound in economic growth over the second and third quarters of 2020, but have been challenged since by the prolonged nature of the health crisis and its continuing impact on the global economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2021-07-09
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Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "This report presents current data on ownership of U.S. Treasury securities and major holders of federal debt by country. Federal debt represents the accumulated balance of borrowing by the federal government. The gross debt is composed of debt held by the public and intragovernmental debt held by federal trust funds. To finance the publicly held debt, U.S. Treasury securities are sold to investors. Treasury securities may be purchased directly from the Treasury or on the secondary market by individual private investors; the Federal Reserve; financial institutions in the United States or overseas; and foreign, state, or local governments. As of December 2020, there was $21.6 trillion of publicly held debt outstanding, up from $14.4 trillion in December 2016, a $7.2 trillion increase. During the same period, foreign holdings of debt increased by $1 trillion to a total of approximately $7.0 trillion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Nagel, Jared C.
2021-07-09
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [...] Information in this report was gathered from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2021-07-09
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Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons-- maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5--as a part of its conventional prompt global strike program since the early 2000s. In recent years, the United States has focused such efforts on developing hypersonic glide vehicles, which are launched from a rocket before gliding to a target, and hypersonic cruise missiles, which are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines during flight. As Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Commander of U.S. Strategic Command General John Hyten has stated, these weapons could enable 'responsive, long-range, strike options against distant, defended, and/or time-critical threats [such as road-mobile missiles] when other forces are unavailable, denied access, or not preferred.' Critics, on the other hand, contend that hypersonic weapons lack defined mission requirements, contribute little to U.S. military capability, and are unnecessary for deterrence. Funding for hypersonic weapons has been relatively restrained in the past; however, both the Pentagon and Congress have shown a growing interest in pursuing the development and near-term deployment of hypersonic systems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2021-07-09
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Intelligence Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Evaluation (IPPBE) Process [Updated July 9, 2021]
From the Document: "The statutory elements of the Intelligence Community (IC) use the Intelligence Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Evaluation (IPPBE) process to identify requirements and allocate resources that develop and maintain IC capabilities through development and execution of the National Intelligence Program (NIP) budget. The NIP is intended to support priorities described in national intelligence-related strategy documents such as the National Intelligence Strategy (NIS) and Consolidated Intelligence Guidance (CIG). The IPPBE process also supports the participation of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the development of the Military Intelligence Program (MIP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2021-07-09
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Crisis in the Central African Republic [July 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The Central African Republic (CAR) remains beset by violence and humanitarian suffering despite international stabilization efforts, two national elections, and multiple peace processes over the past decade. Growing Russian involvement in CAR's defense and mining sectors has raised U.S. policy concerns as a potential model for Russian penetration in Africa. U.N. agencies reported in mid-2021 that 2.8 million people in CAR (over 50%) required humanitarian assistance and over 700,000 were internally displaced, while nearly 700,000 more were refugees in nearby countries. These figures have increased in recent months. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought new health and economic challenges, though CAR has identified (and tested) fewer cases than many other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2021-07-08
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Joint All-Domain Command and Control: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is in the process of a once-in-a-generation modernization of its approach to commanding military forces. Senior DOD leaders have stated that the department's existing command and control architecture is insufficient to meet the demands of the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is DOD's concept to connect sensors from all of the military services--Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force--into a single network. [...] As DOD develops new methods to command and control military forces, Congress may consider several potential issues: [1] How can Congress consider JADC2-related activities in advance of validated requirements or cost estimates? [2] How can DOD ensure interoperability among each of the military services' and allies' communications systems? [3] How should DOD prioritize competing communications requirements for its future network? [4] What role will artificial intelligence play in future command and control decisionmaking systems? [5] What potential force structure changes will be necessary to meet JADC2 requirements? [6] How should DOD manage JADC2-related efforts?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2021-07-08
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. funding to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. contributions are used efficiently and effectively. U.S. policymakers' perspectives on U.N. funding have varied over time. Most recently, the Trump Administration consistently proposed significant overall decreases in U.N. funding; however, Congress generally funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. At the same time, the Trump Administration also withheld or halted funding to several U.N. bodies. The Biden Administration has supported reengaging with the United Nations; the President's FY2022 budget request proposes fully funding U.N. entities and paying selected U.S. arrears."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2021-07-08
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Strategies for Identifying Reporting Requirements and Submitted Reporting to Congress [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress may direct federal and independent agencies, commissions, and the President to prepare and submit required reports to Congress and its committees as a function of its oversight of the executive branch and to obtain information for the purposes of enacting legislation. These reporting requirements may be located in public laws, the 'United States Code', and committee reports. [...] However, identifying what reporting requirements are due to Congress and which reporting has already been submitted is often difficult. [...] To facilitate overcoming such difficulties, this report describes a variety of search methods across several databases that may be used to locate existing reporting requirements to Congress and required reports that have previously been submitted to Congress. It identifies how reporting requirements vary, explores how these variations make comprehensive searching on the topic difficult, and provides strategies for attempting to overcome these difficulties. The report also provides an overview of sources for reports submitted to Congress that may be of assistance to staff researching this topic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Marchsteiner, Kathleen E.
2021-07-08
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Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense--Issues for Congress [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides a brief overview of implications for U.S. defense of great power competition with China and Russia. The issue for Congress is how U.S. defense planning should respond to renewed great power competition, and whether to approve, reject, or modify the Biden Administration's proposed defense funding levels, strategy, plans, and programs for addressing renewed great power competition. Congress's decisions on these issues could have significant implications for U.S. defense capabilities and funding requirements. This report focuses on defense-related issues and does not discuss potential implications of 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
2021-07-08
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Overview: "Since 2001, U.S. policy has broadly been to assist the creation of a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan that actively combats religious militancy. Congress took keen interest in U.S. relations with Pakistan, the world's fifth most populous nation, following the 9/11 attacks, especially as related to counterterrorism and U.S. foreign assistance. Seen as key in efforts to stabilize neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan was among the world's leading recipients of U.S. foreign aid after 9/11, but the level peaked in FY2010 and has steadily declined since, reaching a 20-year nadir under the Trump Administration. U.S. ties with Pakistan have cooled considerably over the past decade. Washington tends to view Pakistan largely in the context of perceived U.S. interests in relations with India and Afghanistan, and the relationship has not recovered from a nadir reached in 2011, when it was revealed that Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden had received years of haven inside Pakistan. A decade later, Pakistan appears to have lost its status as a foreign policy priority for Washington. While the United States previously seemed to balance its relations with Pakistan and its archrival, India, it now appears to favor ties with India."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2021-07-08
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Reinstatement of Removal: An Introduction [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes removal processes for different categories of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States. Most removable aliens found in the interior of the country are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings have certain procedural guarantees including the right to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to pursue relief from removal, and to appeal an adverse decision. However, the INA sets forth a streamlined 'reinstatement of removal' process for certain aliens who unlawfully reenter the United States after being removed--a process that accounts for a considerable number of the removals of aliens found in the interior of the United States. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the reinstatement of removal framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-07-08
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United Nations Issues: Overview of the United Nations System [Updated July 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The United Nations (U.N.)system comprises interconnected entities including the United Nations, specialized agencies, U.N. peacekeeping operations, funds and programs, and other related bodies. Congress has generally supported the U.N. system and mission, and often uses U.N. mechanisms to further U.S. foreign policy objectives. At the same time, some policymakers have been critical of the U.N. system, arguing that U.N. actions or decisions do not align with U.S. policy priorities, or that it is not operating as effectively as possible."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2021-07-08
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Resources for Tracking Federal COVID-19 Spending [Updated July 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "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. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R46474, 'Laws Enacted in Response to COVID-19: Resources for Congressional Offices', by Meredith Sund. This report provides selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief and assistance spending."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2021-07-07
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Air Force B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber [Updated July 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense is developing a new long-range bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider (previously known as LRS-B), and proposes to acquire at least 100 of them. B-21s would initially replace the fleets of B-1 and B-2 bombers, and could possibly replace B-52s in the future. B-21 development was highly classified until the summer of 2015, when the Air Force revealed initial details of the aircraft and the program. Although technical specifications and other data remain out of public view, many details of the budget, acquisition strategy, procurement quantities, and other aspects of the B-21 program are now in the public arena. The Administration's FY2022 budget request included $2.98 billion for further development of the B-21. As passed, the FY2021 defense appropriations bill funded the program at $2.84 billion. As a large defense program that involves issues of strategic and nuclear policy, as well as substantial expenditures, the B-21 is likely to be subject to significant congressional interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2021-07-07
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'Mens Rea': An Overview of State-Of-Mind Requirements for Federal Criminal Offenses [July 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The concept of 'mens rea', or a 'guilty mind,' reflects the idea that a crime generally must consist of not only a proscribed act but also a 'mental element' sufficient to warrant punishment. Three questions regularly arise with respect to the mental state required for a given federal crime: (1) whether the statute establishing the crime contains a mental-state requirement, or requirements, at all; (2) if the statute does contain mental-state requirements, which elements of the offense must meet which requirements; and (3) what the mental-state requirements mean. Under federal law, determining the mental state required for commission of a crime necessitates an examination of congressional intent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2021-07-07
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State Department Personnel: Background and Selected Issues for the 117th Congress [Updated July 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress has played a significant role in the management of the Department of State's workforce since 1789, when it established the State Department pursuant to statute and established salaries for the Secretary of State and other personnel. Beginning in the early 20th century, Congress passed a series of laws intended to address corruption and graft in the State Department's diplomatic and consular services by merging them into the modern-day Foreign Service, a professional diplomatic corps. Today, the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465) serves as the framework through which the Department of State organizes and administers the Foreign Service. This law seeks to maintain and strengthen the Foreign Service's status as a professional diplomatic corps, providing for admission, appointment, promotion, and separation procedures that reflect merit principles and a rank-in-person merit classification system. In addition, the Foreign Service Act includes a finding stating that 'the members of the Foreign Service should be representative of the American people,' and further provides that it intends to foster 'the development and vigorous implementation of policies and procedures, including affirmative action programs' to encourage 'entry into and advancement in the Foreign Service by persons from all segments of American society.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.
2021-07-07
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U.S.-Kenya FTA Negotiations [Updated July 7, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States and Kenya began free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in 2020 under then-President Trump and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. Negotiations are currently on hold as the Biden Administration reviews its trade policy priorities. Some Members of Congress have pressed the Administration to proceed with the talks, but the July 1 expiration of U.S. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), under which President Trump had notified Congress of his intent to enter into the bilateral FTA negotiations, and the planned 2022 presidential elections in Kenya may complicate the path forward. A U.S.-Kenya FTA would be the first U.S. FTA with a country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Congressional interest may include (1) Congress's constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce; (2) the FTA's potential effects on the U.S. economy, and trade and foreign policy implications; and (3) statutory mandates in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA, P.L. 106-200, as amended), which among other things directs the President to seek African FTA partners"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2021-07-07
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Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Gun-Launched Guided Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on three potential new ship-based self-defense weapons for the Navy--solid state lasers (SSLs), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gun-launched guided projectile (GLGP), also known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP). The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests research and development funding for continued work on SSLs, but proposes suspending further work on the EMRG and GLGP programs and requests no research and development funding for them. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these three potential new weapons. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect future Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the defense industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-07-07
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Algeria [Updated July 6, 2021]
From the Document: "More than two years after nationwide protests forced longstanding President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down, questions remain about the future of Algeria's political system and state-centric economy, which revolves around oil and gas exports. President Abelmadjid Tebboune (75), a former prime minister, was elected in late 2019 to succeed Bouteflika, but some observers question his legitimacy and influence within the complex elite networks known in Algeria as 'le pouvoir' ('the powers that be'). Tebboune won nearly 60% of the vote but turnout was under 40%; his reputed patron, army chief of staff General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, died soon after; and the president spent months in hospitals abroad after contracting COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in late 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Collins, Sarah R.
2021-07-06
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Addressing Catalytic Converter Theft [July 6, 2021]
From the Document: "Thefts of catalytic converters, a key part of the emission control systems of internal combustion vehicles, are on the rise. The devices, which are installed not only on passenger vehicles but also on buses, motorcycles, and commercial trucks, use valuable metals to reduce pollutants emanating from the engine. Replacing a stolen catalytic converter can cost a passenger vehicle owner up to $3,000. These thefts have generated interest among policymakers in what role the federal government can play in addressing the issue. Some congressional offices are examining how existing federal motor vehicle theft statutes might be amended to address this issue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canis, Bill; James, Nathan
2021-07-06
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Introduction to Oversight of Offices of Inspector General [July 6, 2021]
From the Document: "'Who watches the watchers?' is a question that is frequently posed when people consider the role of oversight bodies, including offices of inspector general (OIGs). However, the organization of OIGs may pose unique challenges that make it more difficult to conduct oversight of their activities. In particular, the level of independence from agency leaders that allows inspectors general (IGs) to conduct their audits and investigations with less risk of actual or perceived interference also makes it more difficult to identify and remedy issues that arise within an OIG by limiting their supervision by senior agency officials. While oversight of OIGs may create specific challenges for Congress and other stakeholders, the efficient and effective operation of OIGs, like the agencies and officials they oversee, is important to the successful operation of the government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
2021-07-06
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American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2): Public Health, Medical Supply Chain, Health Services, and Related Provisions [July 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) is the sixth major legislative package in a series to address domestic public health and health system challenges related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic--the most consequential and widespread domestic infectious disease emergency in over a century. ARPA follows several earlier COVID-19 pandemic response measures enacted in 2020. ARPA includes provisions addressing a number of issues, such as tax credits, unemployment benefits, state fiscal relief, health, housing, education, and food assistance, among others. This report describes ARPA's public health, behavioral health, medical supply chain, and health-related workforce, services, and support provisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Duff, Johnathan H.; Cecire, Michael; Sekar, Kavya . . .
2021-07-02
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Behavioral Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Overview and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "Circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic--including mitigation strategies to prevent spread of the virus--appear to have adversely affected the mental health of many Americans. According to some studies, Americans experienced elevated levels of emotional distress, anxiety, depression, substance use, and drug-related overdoses in 2020 and 2021 compared with the same time period in previous years. Various stressors related to the pandemic may have contributed to decreased mental well-being, such as fears about contracting the virus, anxiety about its health effects, social isolation due to physical distancing measures, financial stress due to the economic consequences of the pandemic, grief and bereavement due to the death of a loved one, exposure to pandemic-related media coverage, and interruptions to substance use treatment and mental health care."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Duff, Johnathan H.; Romero, Paul D.; Sarata, Amanda K.
2021-07-02
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Domestic Terrorism: Overview of Federal Criminal Law and Constitutional Issues [July 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "Federal statute defines domestic terrorism to include dangerous criminal acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or to influence or affect government policy or conduct within the jurisdiction of the United States. Despite the federal statutory definition, no federal criminal provision expressly prohibits 'domestic terrorism.' Nevertheless, numerous federal statutes offer prosecutors options in charging violent and destructive conduct consistent with the statutory definition of domestic terrorism. [...] As a number of proposals introduced in the 116th and 117th Congresses reflect, Congress remains interested in additional legislation addressing domestic terrorism, and any legislative action in this area would take place against the backdrop of a broader discussion of potential policy concerns and constitutional considerations. For instance, some observers dispute whether there is a gap in the existing federal domestic terrorism legal regime that leaves some violent or destructive conduct outside the scope of federal jurisdiction, and, if so, what new criminal provisions would be required. Additionally, certain constitutional constraints, such as First Amendment protections, Fourth Amendment restrictions on government searches, and broader federalism-based limitations on federal jurisdiction, may be relevant should Congress consider new domestic terrorism law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney); Berris, Peter G.; Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2021-07-02
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Potential Application of 'Bostock v. Clayton County' to Other Civil Rights Statutes [July 2, 2021]
"Last year, the Supreme Court ruled in 'Bostock v. Clayton County' that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) forbids employers from firing an employee because of the employee's sexual orientation or gender identity. Because the Court reached this conclusion when interpreting Title VII's provision prohibiting discrimination 'because of . . . sex' in the workplace, 'Bostock' immediately raised questions about the scope and reach of other federal antidiscrimination statutes that also bar sex-based discrimination. This report examines whether and how the Supreme Court's decision in 'Bostock' might apply to other federal statutes that also bar sex discrimination in the absence of legislative amendments to those statutes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Back, Christine J.; Cole, Jared P.
2021-07-02
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Strengthening National Preparedness [July 2, 2021] [infographic]
From the Document: "In the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295), Congress required the President to develop a national preparedness system -- that includes planning and implementation guidance and processes -- with a national preparedness goal. It also directed the FEMA Administrator to develop 'guidelines to define risk-based target capabilities for Federal, State, local, and tribal government preparedness.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stienstra, Lauren; Wilhelm, Amber Hope
2021-07-02
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Trial Court Rules State Social Media Law Likely Unconstitutional [July 2, 2021]
From the Document: "In late May, Florida enacted a new law [hyperlink] regulating internet services and online content moderation. Interest groups representing internet companies quickly challenged [hyperlink] the law in court, arguing that it violates the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause [hyperlink] and is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 [hyperlink]. On June 30, 2021, in 'NetChoice v. Moody,' a federal trial court granted a preliminary injunction temporarily staying enforcement of the state law, which was set to go into effect on July 1, 2021. This Legal Sidebar explains the Florida law as well as the lawsuit challenging it. The Sidebar also discusses possible implications for Congress as it considers whether to regulate online content moderation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.
2021-07-02
