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WaterSense® Program: Congressional Authorization [Updated June 25, 2020]
From the Document: "WaterSense is a voluntary labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the development and use of water-efficient products and services. Through WaterSense, EPA develops water efficiency specifications for products, certain services, and homes; licenses third-party certification bodies;and maintains a registry of WaterSense-labeled products and certified services. EPA initially established WaterSense in 2006. The 115th Congress authorized and expanded WaterSense in America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA; P.L. 115-270), Section 4306 (42 U.S.C. §6294b)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-06-25
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Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Columbia-class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. The Navy has identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy wants to procure the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $2,891.5 million in procurement funding, $1,123.2 million in advance procurement (AP) funding, and $397.3 million in research and development funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. [...] This report focuses on the Columbia-class program as a Navy shipbuilding program. Another CRS [Congressional Research Service] report--CRS Report RL33640, 'U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues,' by Amy F. Woolf--discusses the Columbia class as an element of future U.S. strategic nuclear forces in the context of strategic nuclear arms modernization efforts and arms control agreements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-24
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Federal Election Commission: Membership and Policymaking Quorum, in Brief [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the nation's civil campaign finance regulator. The agency ensures that campaign fundraising and spending is publicly reported; that those regulated by the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and by commission regulations comply and have access to guidance; and that publicly financed presidential campaigns receive funding. [...] This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report briefly explains the kinds of actions that FECA precludes when a quorum is not possible because fewer than four FEC members are in office. The 2019-2020 episode marked the second quorum loss in the agency's history--the first occurred for six months in 2008--leaving the commission unable to hold hearings, issue rules, and enforce campaign finance law and regulation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-
2020-06-24
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Al Qaeda and Islamic State Affiliates in Afghanistan [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Afghanistan's geography, complex ethnic composition, and recent history of conflict and instability have created space for numerous regional armed groups. This product outlines major terrorist groups affiliated and allied with Al Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS, ISIL, or by the Arabic acronym 'Da'esh') and the convoluted, often shifting relations between them and various other state and non-state actors. These dynamics may inform assessments of U.S. policy in Afghanistan in light of the February 2020 U.S.-Taliban agreement, which commits the Taliban to undertake counterterrorism efforts and commits the United States to a full military withdrawal by April 2021. The Taliban is not a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but it relates to the groups below in varying ways that may have ramifications for that withdrawal, which U.S. officials describe as 'conditions-based.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2020-06-24
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Congress and Police Reform: Current Law and Recent Proposals [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "In May and June 2020, protests erupted nationwide after the publication of video footage of a Minneapolis police officer pressing his knee into the neck of George Floyd, leading to his death. That incident and its aftermath have sparked heightened interest in Congress's ability to implement reforms of state and local law enforcement. [...] This Sidebar provides an overview of existing federal authorities intended to prevent and redress constitutional violations by state and local public safety officials. It then presents some recent proposals that would change federal regulation of state and local law enforcement. The Sidebar concludes with a list of additional CRS [Congressional Research Service] resources related to law enforcement reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-06-24
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. On July 13, 2012, the Navy submitted to Congress a 73-page report on the Navy's policies and practices for naming ships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-24
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COVID-19-Related Suspension of Immigrant Entry [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 22, President Trump issued a proclamation that, among other provisions, extends Proclamation 10014 issued April 22 suspending the entry into the United States of certain aliens (foreign nationals) who are seeking lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (i.e., immigrants). Both proclamations justify the suspension as protecting American workers from foreign labor market competition during a time of high domestic unemployment and reduced demand for workers caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Both proclamations rely on two immigration-related legal authorities. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), §212(f) (8 U.S.C. §1182(f)), the President may suspend immigration when it would harm U.S. interests. Under INA §215(a) (8 U.S.C. §1185(a)) the President may prescribe limitations and exceptions on who may enter or depart the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2020-06-24
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Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC), which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by a few or several percent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-24
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Regulating Federal Law Enforcement: Considerations for Congress [June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "In the wake of unrest arising from the May 2020 death of George Floyd, broader questions have arisen regarding Congress's authority to regulate law enforcement officers. While federalism principles limit the extent to which Congress may pass laws directly affecting state and local police officers, Congress has broader authority to regulate 'federal' law enforcement officers and agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This Sidebar explores the existing criminal, administrative, and civil remedies that impose liability on federal law enforcement officials for claims of excessive use of force, including those brought under the 'Bivens' doctrine and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). It then concludes by discussing considerations for Congress regarding further regulation of federal law enforcement officials"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Novak, Whitney K.
2020-06-24
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Potential FEMA Emergency Sheltering Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic [June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Some hazards (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires) may result in evacuations and displacement of survivors. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, local, tribal, and territorial governments (SLTTs) are responsible for coordinating emergency sheltering support after a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may complicate efforts to provide sheltering in typical congregate settings. This Insight discusses potential emergency sheltering models previously used by FEMA and challenges posed by COVID-19, as well as policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2020-06-24
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Grant Funding for Freight Infrastructure: House and Senate Proposals [June 23, 2020]
From the Document: "The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 (FAST Act, P.L. 114-94) created two grant programs to facilitate freight movement, especially multimodal freight using some combination of trucks, trains, and/or ships. The National Highway Freight Program (NHFP, 23 U.S.C. §167) distributes funding to states according to a mathematical formula and can be used for projects located on a predefined highway network with some flexibility for multimodal infrastructure. The Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program (23 U.S.C. §117) is a competitive discretionary program that can be used for a wider variety of projects that may outstrip an individual state's financing capacity. Committees in each chamber have advanced legislation reauthorizing these programs with modifications. The House and Senate proposals for the NHFP have relatively few differences. In contrast, the proposals for the Section 117 program differ more dramatically. Broadly speaking, the Senate bill would retain the existing program with slightly increased funding while adding new eligibilities and set-asides, while the House bill would replace it with an entirely new program and nearly twice the funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2020-06-23
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Department of Energy Loan Programs: Title XVII Innovative Technology Loan Guarantees [June 23, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Energy's (DOE's) Loan Programs Office (LPO) manages the Title XVII Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program, the focus of this Insight, and the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program (TELGP). Table 1 provides a high-level comparison of these programs. LPO also manages the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) direct loan program. Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05 Title XVII, P.L. 109-58), as amended in 2009 (Sec 406, P.L. 111-5), the Title XVII program has supported projects under two separate loan guarantee authorities with different characteristics (see Table 1). 1. 'Section 1703' authority is currently active and to date has committed funds to one project, and, 2. 'Section 1705' authority expired in September 2011 and committed funds to 28 projects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Holt, Mark; Clark, Corrie E. . . .
2020-06-23
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Morocco: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Morocco as an important regional partner on security, trade, and development. Historically warm ties expanded after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when President George W. Bush sought the cooperation of Arab governments in countering terrorism. His Administration designated Morocco a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2004 and concluded a bilateral Free Trade Agreement the same year, which Congress authorized under P.L. 108-302. The United States has continued to build strong relations with the kingdom under President Obama and President Trump, notwithstanding occasional friction over the issue of Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Morocco claims and largely administers. High-level meetings regularly occur, including via a U.S.-Morocco Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (see 'U.S. Relations')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2020-06-23
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-23
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Overview of the Agency and Major Programs [June 23, 2020]
From the Background and Role: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the federal agency primarily responsible for supporting community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention services. Located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), SAMHSA provides federal funding for these services by administering two large formula-based block grant programs(one for substance abuse prevention and treatment services, the other for mental health services) and other formula and discretionary grants to local communities, states, and private entities. SAMHSA does not directly deliver treatment services. Rather, it supports state and local efforts in providing mental health and substance abuse (collectively known as behavioral health) services, primarily through funding and technical assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Duff, Johnathan H.
2020-06-23
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Support Offices in the House of Representatives: Roles and Authorities [Updated June 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report is an overview of the relationships among, and different roles and functions performed by, the 'daily operations' offices in the U.S. House of Representatives. The organizational authorities are also addressed. Certain entities shared with the Senate, like the legislative support agencies, are included in this report, although it focuses whenever possible on their service to the House. Offices with responsibilities in more than one area are addressed in successive sections. More detailed information on select offices is available in additional Congressional Research Service products identified throughout."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2020-06-23
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'No-Knock' Warrants and Other Law Enforcement Identification Considerations [June 23, 2020]
From the Document: "In the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd while in police custody, some Members of Congress have expressed interest in passing legislation that would alter the policing practices of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. One set of practices addressed in recently introduced reform legislation concerns law enforcement identification. The issue has arisen in at least two recent contexts. First, reports of federal law enforcement officers responding to protest activity without displaying badges or other identifying information have prompted questions about whether police may forego such identification when acting in an official capacity in public. Second, questions have arisen as to when officers are required to identify themselves before entering a home when executing a search warrant. An issue of particular focus in this context has been so-called 'no-knock' warrants--that is, warrants that permit law enforcement officers to enter a home without the need to identify their authority and purpose beforehand. In one case that has received renewed attention, a Louisville woman named Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her home by police during execution of such a warrant. Given congressional interest and legislation that has recently been introduced on both fronts, this Legal Sidebar provides an overview of law enforcement identification issues in the context of (1) public identification and (2) identification prior to execution of a warrant. This Sidebar additionally considers how several bills in the 116th Congress could alter practices on both fronts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Berris, Peter G.; Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-06-23
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Capital Markets, COVID-19, and Federal Government Emergency Facilities [June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "The spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] induced heavy capital markets selloffs and rebounds in 2020. The crisis induced stress conditions have been broadly felt in all corners of capital markets--stocks, bonds, investment funds, and other segments have all experienced heightened volatility. In response, the Federal Reserve (Fed), sometimes with support from the Treasury Department, has established several emergency facilities to provide support for key capital markets segments (Table 1). As of the publication of this Insight, some markets affected by the announced emergency support appear to have rebounded to a certain extent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Su, Eva
2020-06-22
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Debates Over Currency Manipulation [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Overview: "Some Members of Congress and policy experts argue that U.S. companies and jobs have been adversely affected by the exchange rate policies adopted by other countries. They allege that these countries use policies to 'manipulate' the value of their currency in order to gain an unfair trade advantage against other countries, including the United States. Other analysts are more skeptical about currency manipulation being a significant problem. They raise questions about whether government policies have long-term effects on exchange rates, whether it is possible to differentiate between 'manipulation' and legitimate central bank activities, and the net effect of currency manipulation on the U.S. economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2020-06-22
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Business Use of Tax and Other Provisions in the CARES Act and Other COVID-19 Legislation: Evidence from Surveys [June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided a range of benefits to businesses and their employees. [...] Three of the act's major programs are mutually exclusive (overall, or at least with respect to a given employee) and require employers to decide about whether to retain workers and how to pay them. [1] The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses allowed low-interest loans that could be forgiven if employees were retained. [2] Expanded unemployment insurance (UI) benefits helped workers laid off or furloughed (as well as the small number of employees using work sharing under short-time compensation [STC]). [3] The employee retention tax credit (ERTC) provided a credit for 50% of wages up to a ceiling for retained workers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-06-22
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Executive Order 13927 on Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 Emergency and the Endangered Species Act [June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 4, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13927 on 'Accelerating the Nation's Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Emergency by Expediting Infrastructure Investments and Other Activities.' The President declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency that threatens national security on March 13, 2020 (Proclamation 9994). The E.O. seeks to facilitate the nation's economic recovery from the national emergency by directing selected federal departments and agencies to use emergency and other authorities to expedite regulatory compliance for infrastructure and other projects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crafton, R. Eliot; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Ward, Erin H.
2020-06-22
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Consumer Credit Reporting, Credit Bureaus, Credit Scoring, and Related Policy Issues [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report first provides background information on the consumer data industry and various specialty areas. The report examines one prominent specialty area--consumer scoring--and describes various factors used to calculate credit scores. Next, the report provides a general description of the current regulatory framework of the consumer data industry. Finally, the report discusses selected policy issues pertaining to consumer data reports. Specifically, the report addresses policy issues concerning (1) inaccurate or disputed consumer data provided in consumer data reports; (2) how long negative or derogatory information should remain in consumer data reports; (3) differences in billing and collection practices that can adversely affect consumer data reports, an issue of particular concern with medical billing practices; (4) consumers' rights; (5) whether uses of credit bureau data outside of the financial services, such as for employment decisions, adversely affect consumers and should be limited; (6) whether the use of 'alternative' consumer data or newer versions of credit scores may increase accuracy and credit access; and (7) how to address data protection and security issues in consumer data reporting. For each policy issue, the report addresses corresponding legislative and regulatory developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.; Getter, Darryl E.
2020-06-22
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Bangladesh [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) is a Muslim-majority nation in South Asia, bordering India and Burma on the Bay of Bengal. It is the world's eighth most populous country, with approximately 163 million people living in a land area about the size of Iowa. It is a relatively poor nation suffering from high levels of corruption. In recent years, its democratic system has faced an array of challenges, including political violence, weak governance, poverty, demographic and environmental strains, and Islamist militancy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2020-06-22
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COVID-19: Resources for Tracking Federal Spending [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with various legislation providing relief to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight provides information on selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief funding provided through these bills."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2020-06-22
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion; and contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting. [...] This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs, examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009), and discusses legislation to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean; Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-06-22
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Supplemental Appropriations: SBA Disaster Loan Account [June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy, Congress made COVID-19-related economy injury an eligible expense for Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Congress also provided SBA an additional $20 million for SBA disaster assistance administrative expenses (P.L. 116- 123, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020). At that time, the SBA had about $1.1 billion in its disaster loan credit subsidy account to support about $7 billion in disaster loans. These funds are available until expended and are used to pay for disaster loan defaults and related expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Nagel, Jared Conrad; Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-
2020-06-22
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Uyghurs in China [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are an ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) far northwest. Uyghurs speak a Turkic language and practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam. The XUAR, often referred to simply as Xinjiang (pronounced 'SHIN-jyahng'), is a provincial-level administrative region which comprises about one-sixth of China's total land area and borders eight countries. The region is rich in minerals, produces over 80% of China's cotton, and has China's largest coal and natural gas reserves and a fifth of its oil reserves. The XUAR is a strategic region for the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative, which includes Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and energy development in neighboring Central and South Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2020-06-22
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-06-22
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Women in the Middle East and North Africa: Issues for Congress [June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "The status of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has garnered widespread interest among many Members of Congress. Many experts have found that women in this region fare worse than those in other parts of the world on a range of social, economic, legal and political measures. Some attribute this underperformance to gender roles and perspectives (including discriminatory laws and beliefs), and challenges facing the region overall (such as a preponderance of undemocratic governments, poor economic growth, civil wars, and mass displacement, which often disproportionately affect women)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Danon, Zoe; Collins, Sarah R.
2020-06-19
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2020 [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen, with summary tables providing information on various legislative proposals considered in the 114th, 115th, and 116th Congresses. These proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Collins, Sarah R.
2020-06-19
