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Chile: An Overview [Updated April 19, 2022]

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From the Document: "Chile has a long democratic tradition but experienced 17 years of authoritarian rule after a 1973 military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet deposed the democratically elected Socialist government of President Salvador Allende (1970-1973). More than 3,200 people were killed or 'disappeared' and some 38,000 people were imprisoned and/or tortured during the Pinochet dictatorship. Chile restored democracy in 1990, following a 1988 plebiscite. Center-left and center-right coalitions dominated Chilean politics for three decades following the transition. Centerleft coalitions held the presidency and majorities in Chile's bicameral congress for most of that period, but Sebastián Piñera led his center-right coalition to power for two nonconsecutive presidential terms (2010-2014, 2018-2022). Both coalitions largely maintained the market-oriented economic framework inherited from Pinochet while implementing consensus-based reforms to gradually expand the Chilean government's role in regulating economic activity and providing social services."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meyer, Peter J.; Klein, Joshua

2022-04-19
COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated April 19, 2022]

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From the Document: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. In reports issued in March and April 2021, the U.S. intelligence community provided assessments of the potential impact of the pandemic on the international security environment. Observers who discuss whether the pandemic will be world-changing for the international security environment have focused on several areas of potential change[.]"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2022-04-19
Defense Primer: Department of the Navy [Updated April 19, 2022]

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From the Document: "The Department of the Navy (DON) is a single military department that includes two military services--the Navy and the Marine Corps. As such, DON has a single civilian leader, the Secretary of the Navy, and two four-star military service chiefs--an admiral whose title is the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), and a general whose title is the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Although the title 'Secretary of the Navy' includes only the term 'Navy,' the secretary serves as the civilian leader for both the Navy and Marine Corps. The CNO and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The Secretary of the Navy is Carlos Del Toro, the CNO is Admiral Michael Gilday, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps is General David Berger."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2022-04-19
Trinidad and Tobago [Updated April 19, 2022]

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From the Document: "Trinidad and Tobago, the second-most-populous English-speaking Caribbean nation after Jamaica, is located in the southeast Caribbean, just seven miles from Venezuela at its closest point. The country's population is largely of African and East Indian descent, each comprising about 35% of the total, with those of mixed descent and other ethnic groups comprising the remainder. In 1962, the country became one of the first British territories in the Caribbean to attain independence, retaining the parliamentary political system it inherited from the United Kingdom (UK). In 1976, Trinidad and Tobago became a parliamentary republic, with a president elected by parliament as head of state (in a largely ceremonial role) replacing the British monarch."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Klein, Joshua; Sullivan, Mark P.

2022-04-19
American Battlefield Protection Program [Updated April 18, 2022]

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From the Document: "The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) promotes the preservation of significant sites where 'historic battles were fought on American soil' [...]. Initiated by the Secretary of the Interior in 1991, the program was authorized by Congress in 1996 in the American Battlefield Protection Act (P.L. 104-333) and is currently administered by the National Park Service (NPS). For most of its existence, the ABPP comprised two distinct competitive grant programs: the Battlefield Planning Grant Program and the Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant Program. Congress authorized two new grant programs in 2019, bringing the total number of ABPP grant programs to four (see 'New ABPP Grant Programs')[hyperlink]."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeSantis, Mark K.

2022-04-18
USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated April 18, 2022]

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From the Summary: "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs are often part of emergency response efforts, providing foods for distribution, additional benefits for redemption, and program flexibilities. During the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, access to food-- particularly in light of increased unemployment and closures of institutions that households rely on for food, such as schools--has been a concern for many people. Some observers also view the programs, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as a means of economic stimulus. This report discusses related provisions of five laws that supplement FNS's prior response to the COVID-19 pandemic with new funds and authorities[.]"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Billings, Kara Clifford

2022-04-18
Use of DNA by the Criminal Justice System and the Federal Role: Background, Current Law, and Grants [Updated April 18, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of how DNA is used to investigate crimes and exonerate innocent people of crimes they did not commit. It also reviews current law related to collecting DNA samples, sharing DNA profiles generated from those samples, and providing access to postconviction DNA testing. The report also includes a summary of grant programs authorized by Congress to assist state and local governments with reducing DNA backlogs, providing postconviction DNA testing, and promoting new technology in the field."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hanson, Emily J.

2022-04-18
U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Negotiations [Updated April 18, 2022]

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From the Document: "In October 2019, the United States and Japan signed two agreements to liberalize bilateral trade. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) provides for limited tariff reductions and quota expansions to improve market access. The U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement covers rules on the digital aspects of international commerce. The trade deals, which took effect in January 2020, without formal action by Congress, constituted what the Trump and Abe Administrations described as 'stage one' of a broader U.S.- Japan trade agreement, but further talks did not materialize. The Trump Administration used delegated tariff authorities in the 2015 grant of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA, P.L. 114-26 now expired) to proclaim the USJTA provisions, while the digital trade agreement, which did not require changes to U.S. law, was treated as an Executive Agreement. The Biden Administration has not pursued further bilateral trade talks with Japan, despite urging from some stakeholders to resume negotiation on issues left out of the initial agreements (e.g., auto trade and services)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Williams, Brock R.

2022-04-18
Public Transportation Faces Post-Pandemic Challenges [April 18, 2022]

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From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on public transportation agency budgets [hyperlink]. Public transportation agencies have kept many buses and trains running, especially to support the travel of 'essential workers,' but ridership and fare revenues have plummeted. Public transportation agency budgets have been supported by federal supplemental appropriations [hyperlink] totaling $69.5 billion, about five times the pre-pandemic $12 billion in annual federal public transportation support [hyperlink] and more than three times the $19 billion coming from fares and other operating revenue annually. While the pandemic is challenging the public transportation industry nationwide, its financial effects are pronounced most on agencies that operate the 15 subway and 32 commuter rail systems [hyperlink] in the United States, the largest of which are located in the New York metropolitan area. This is because subways and commuter rail have lost a greater share of ridership than bus systems due to the pandemic and are typically more reliant on fares to cover operating costs. These trends, if they hold, have implications for federal public transportation policy."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mallett, William

2022-04-18
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2023 Budget and Appropriations [April 18, 2022]

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From the Document: "Each year, Congress considers 12 distinct appropriations measures to fund federal programs and activities. One of these is the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations bill, which includes funding for U.S. diplomatic activities, cultural exchanges, development, security, humanitarian assistance, and participation in multilateral organizations, among other international activities. On March 28, 2022, the Biden Administration released its proposed FY2023 budget request, which called for $66.00 billion in new budget authority for SFOPS accounts ($65.94 billion after rescissions of prior year funding). The FY2023 request, including rescissions, represents a 17.3% increase from FY2022 enacted base appropriations (excluding emergency funding to address crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine) and a 0.9% decrease from total FY2022 enacted appropriations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Morgenstern, Emily M.; Gill, Cory R.

2022-04-18
Digital Wallets and Selected Policy Issues [April 18, 2022]

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From the Document: "Digital wallets are generally used for (1) payments to merchants through the use of near-field communication or QR codes for in-person purchases; (2) peer-to-peer transfers of funds through an app, via text message, or QR codes; (3) storing value from a linked bank account or debit card on an app-based account; or (4) storing, providing access to, and transacting in cryptocurrency. (For more on cryptocurrency, see CRS Report R45427, 'Cryptocurrency: The Economics of Money and Selected Policy Issues' [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=836620].) Digital wallets generally require the use of internet-connected hardware, such as a smartphone. Some, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, may work only with certain devices and associated operating systems. Others, such as the PayPal or Cash apps, can be downloaded and accessed from a range of devices, irrespective of operating system. For conceptual simplicity, it can be helpful to think of digital wallets as belonging to one of three groups: retailer-specific, general purpose, or cryptocurrency."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Tierno, Paul; Scott, Andrew P.

2022-04-18
Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated April 15, 2022]

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From the Document: "Eleven years after a 2011 uprising that toppled long-time authoritarian leader Muammar al Qadhafi, Libya has yet to make a transition to stable governing arrangements. Elections and diplomacy have produced a series of interim governments, but militias, local leaders, and subnational coalitions backed by competing foreign patrons have remained the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. The postponement of planned elections in 2021, Libyans' continuing lack of consensus over constitutional and legal arrangements, the potential fragility of a United Nations (U.N.)-backed ceasefire, and the reemergence of institutional rivalry threaten Libya's stability and pose challenges for U.S. decisionmakers. Successive U.S. Administrations have sought to prevent Libya from serving as a permissive environment for transnational terrorist groups and have taken different approaches to conflict and competition among Libyans. The Biden Administration supports the holding of new elections in Libya and has used U.S. influence to bolster U.N.-led mediation efforts to that end. Congress has appropriated funds to enable U.S. diplomacy and aid programs, and some Members have called for more assertive U.S. engagement."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Blanchard, Christopher M.

2022-04-15
Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated April 15, 2022]

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From the Overview: "Israel (see 'Appendix A' for a map and basic facts) has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas. For more background on aid, arms sales, and missile defense cooperation, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33222, 'U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel,' by Jeremy M. Sharp. U.S.-Israel security cooperation--a critical part of the bilateral relationship--is multifaceted. U.S. law requires the executive branch to take certain actions to preserve Israel's 'qualitative military edge,' or QME, and expedites aid and arms sales to Israel in various ways. A 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding (MOU)--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. The MOU anticipates possible supplemental aid in emergency situations such as conflict. In March 2022, Congress appropriated $1 billion in supplemental funding through FY2024 for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system as a response to the system's heavy use during a May 2021 conflict between Israel and Gaza Strip-based groups such as Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) (both of which are U.S.-designated terrorist organizations)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Zanotti, Jim

2022-04-15
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V): A Primer [April 15, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins Act), as amended most recently by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V; P.L. 115-224), is the primary federal law supporting career and technical education (CTE) services offered within the states1 at the secondary and postsecondary education levels.2 CTE, once known as vocational education, consists of educational activities that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for specific careers in current or emerging professions. CTE also prepares students for the labor market more broadly by integrating CTE with academic standards. [...] This report provides an overview of Perkins V, including its design, implementation, and funding as described in statute. After a brief introduction to CTE, the report is divided into sections that focus on a detailed description of the Basic State Grants (BSG), discuss National Activities and other programs under Title I, and summarize additional provisions under Title II. A final section summarizes Perkins V authorizations and appropriations. The appendices provide a brief history of federal involvement in CTE as well as formulas and allocations for the BSG."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Edgerton, Adam K.

2022-04-15
Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 14, 2022]

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From the Summary: "The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a key U.S. partner in the Middle East, and the two countries have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues. Jordan remains at peace with Israel and is a primary interlocutor with the Palestinians. Ongoing instability in neighboring Syria and Iraq magnifies Jordan's strategic importance to the United States. Jordan also is a longtime U.S. partner in global counterterrorism operations. U.S.-Jordanian military, intelligence, and diplomatic cooperation seeks to empower political moderates, reduce sectarian conflict, and eliminate terrorist threats. U.S. officials frequently express their support for Jordan. U.S. assistance has helped Jordan address serious vulnerabilities, both internal and external. Jordan's small size, refugee burden, and lack of major economic resources have made it dependent on aid from Western and various Arab sources. The Biden Administration has acknowledged Jordan's role as a key U.S. partner in promoting Israeli-Palestinian peace, as many U.S. policymakers advocate for continued robust U.S. assistance to the kingdom. Jordan also hosts over 3,000 U.S. troops."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

2022-04-14
Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated April 14, 2022]

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From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [In this document] are three tables, organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was compiled 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.

2022-04-14
Global Human Rights: The Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices [Updated April 14, 2022]

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From the Document: "The State Department's 'Country Reports on Human Rights Practices' are an annual U.S. government account of human rights conditions in countries around the globe. The reports characterize countries on the basis of their adherence to 'internationally recognized human rights,' which generally refer to civil, political, and worker rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements. [...] In the early reports, there was concern within the State Department about publicly characterizing the human rights conditions in other countries, particularly that of U.S. allies. The first reports were criticized for being biased and thin on substance. Over time, with improvements in the breadth, quality, and accuracy of the reports, many observers have come to recognize them as authoritative. At the same time, countries whose human rights conditions are criticized in the reports often publicly defend their record and/or dismiss the reports as biased. [...] Topics that now receive increased coverage include, for example, press and internet freedoms, corruption and government transparency, and human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, the reports now reference separate congressionally mandated reports on international religious freedom (IRF) and trafficking in persons (TIP)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Weber, Michael A.

2022-04-14
Bahamas: An Overview [Updated April 13, 2022]

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From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate. [...] Current Prime Minister Philip Davis led the PLP [Progressive Liberal Party] to a landslide electoral victory in September 2021, winning 32 House of Assembly seats; the FNM [Free National Movement], now led by Michael Pintard, who serves as leader of the opposition, won 7 seats. The difficult economic situation, brought about by the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and, beginning in 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was a key factor that led to the PLP's win in 2021. National elections are next due by 2026."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sullivan, Mark P.

2022-04-13
Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 13, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 64 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2023 budget requests $60.0 million, $650.0 million, and $16.0 million in procurement funding, respectively, for the NSC, OPC, and FRCs programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requested and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. The NSC, OPC, and FRC programs have been subjects of congressional oversight for many years, and were previously covered in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports dating back to 1998 that are now archived."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2022-04-13
Russia's War in Ukraine: Military and Intelligence Aspects [April 13, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "Russia's full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 marked the start of Europe's deadliest armed conflict in decades. It also prompted intensive international efforts to respond to the war. Multiple Members of Congress have engaged with U.S. and international measures, including by considering sanctions against Russia, providing assistance to Ukraine, and bolstering support to neighboring NATO countries. The immediate and long-term implications of the war are likely to be far-reaching, affecting numerous policy dimensions of concern to Congress. This report addresses military and intelligence aspects of Russia's war in Ukraine, which are of interest to many in Congress as Congress considers various legislative measures and conducts oversight of U.S. policy. It provides an overview of the conflict, including the run-up to the invasion, the performance and conduct of the Russian and Ukrainian militaries, possible Russian intentions, and recent developments."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowen, Andrew S.

2022-04-13
Foreign Direct Investment: Background and Issues [Updated April 13, 2022]

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From the Document: "Both inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI) are significant to the U.S. economy, international trade, and global supply chains, and form a key component of U.S. trade policy. Traditionally, the United States has supported a rules-based and open investment environment domestically and internationally to promote U.S. economic growth and other policy objectives, such as ensuring that the United States remains a premier destination for FDI and ensuring the competitiveness of U.S companies overseas. [...] At the intersection of many competing interests, U.S. investment policy has been the subject of long-standing debate. [...] Congress could examine several aspects of U.S. FDI policy, including the effects of FDI on the U.S. economy, firms, workers, and U.S. supply chains; further reforms to foreign investment reviews and whether to require greater transparency and oversight of U.S outbound investment; U.S. investment policy objectives and commitments in FTAs [free trade agreements] and BITs [bilateral investment treaties], and new initiatives; trading partner FDI policies and trade barriers; and the effectiveness of investment promotion programs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.

2022-04-13
Role of International Tribunals in the Response to the Invasion of Ukraine [Updated April 13, 2022]

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From the Document: "The Ukrainian government and much [hyperlink] of the international community contend that actions taken by Russian forces following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine violate international law. A number of officials have also expressed concern that actions during the invasion may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity [hyperlink]; others, including the Secretary General of the United Nations [hyperlink] (U.N.) and the U.S. Secretary of State [hyperlink] have claimed that the situation in Ukraine is leading to increased human rights violations. This Sidebar addresses the role of international tribunals in addressing issues involving international humanitarian and human rights law."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hart, Nina M.; Mulligan, Stephen P.

2022-04-13
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Current and Potential Programs [April 13, 2022]

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From the Summary: "Since the dawn of military aviation, the U.S. military has been interested in remotely piloted aircraft. Present-day unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) typically consist of an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) paired with a ground control station. UAS have become ubiquitous in U.S. military operations since the 1990s with the introduction of the MQ-1 Predator. The U.S. military currently employs several different large UAS, including [1] the Army's MQ-1C Gray Eagle, [2] the Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper, [3] the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray, [4] the Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk, [5] the Navy's MQ-4C Triton, and [6] the Air Force's RQ-170 Sentinel. In addition, several other reported programs are either in development or currently undergoing experimentation. These programs include the Air Force's B-21 Raider and the Air Force's RQ-180. As Congress performs its oversight and authorization functions, it may consider several potential issues associated with UAS programs, including [1] the cost of manned versus unmanned aircraft, [2] a lack of acknowledged follow-on programs of record, [3] the management of UAS acquisitions across the Department of Defense, [4] the interoperation of UAS with existing force structure, and [5] export controls of UAS abroad."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hoehn, John R.; Kerr, Paul K.

2022-04-13
Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 12, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program--the Coast Guard's program for acquiring new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2023 budget requests $167.2 million in procurement funding for the PSC program and $125.0 million in procurement funding for the purchase of an existing commercially available polar icebreaker that would be used to augment the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking capacity until the new PSCs enter service. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Administration's FY2023 procurement funding request for the PSC program, and, more generally, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's overall plan for procuring new polar icebreakers. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Coast Guard funding requirements, the Coast Guard's ability to perform its polar missions, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2022-04-12
China's Role in the Exploitation of Global Fisheries: Issues for Congress [April 12, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the growing number of overfished global fish stocks have raised environmental and national security issues for Congress and successive U.S. Administrations. In 2019, a nongovernmental organization-led initiative (the Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime) developed an IUU Fishing Index that identified China as the overall worst-scoring coastal country (out of 152 total countries) with regard to IUU fishing practices. By a wide measure, China is the largest single contributor to these concerns because of the scale, range, and behavior of its fishing fleets. [...] Declining domestic fish stocks and an expanding fishing fleet encouraged by national policies are two factors that may be driving IUU fishing by Chinese actors. A significant portion of China's domestic fish stocks have been depleted by overfishing and degradation of coastal habitat. [...] After a brief overview of the state of the current global fisheries and international and regional fisheries management, this report will examine China's fishing practices, including IUU activities and distant-water fishing in select regions. There is also a discussion of potential issues for Congress, including U.S. responses to IUU fishing."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Dolven, Ben

2022-04-12
Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 12, 2022]

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From the Introduction: "The Coast Guard's Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program envisages procuring 30 replacements for the Coast Guard's 35 aging river buoy tenders (WLRs), inland construction tenders (WLICs), and inland buoy tenders (WLIs). The Coast Guard wants to award the first contract for constructing the new WCCs in FY2022, and to have the first new WCC be in service by 2025. The WCC program received $67.0 million in FY2022 procurement funding. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2023 budget requests $77.0 million in procurement funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's proposed acquisition strategy and funding requests for the WCC program."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2022-04-12
Blockchain: Novel Provenance Applications [April 12, 2022]

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From the Summary: "Blockchain, generally, is a database technology that records and stores information in blocks of data that are linked, or 'chained,' together. Data stored on a blockchain are continually shared, replicated, and synchronized across the nodes in a network--individual computer systems or specialized hardware that communicate with each other and store and process information. This system enables tamper-resistant recordkeeping without a centralized authority or intermediary. There are multiple types of blockchains, and, depending on the type, recorded data may be accessible to all users or only a designated subset. All blockchains share common characteristics, including decentralization (i.e., no centralized authority), immutability (i.e., the blockchain records are unalterable), and pseudonymity (i.e., how users' real-world identities are handled). Certain blockchain types may offer greater levels of decentralization and pseudonymity than others. New blockchain applications, such as smart contracts, non-fungible tokens, and decentralization autonomous organizations, may automate processes or replace intermediaries in a variety of fields. Recent developments in blockchain governance protocols and consensus mechanisms have raised concerns about the environmental impact, oversight, and accountability of blockchain networks."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Busch, Kristen E.

2022-04-12
Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: European Union Responses and Implications for U.S.-EU Relations [Updated April 12, 2022]

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From the Document: "The 27-member European Union (EU) has responded with unprecedented unity and speed to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. EU policy responses [hyperlink] and coordination with the United States [hyperlink] are of interest to Congress given the EU's role as an important U.S. partner." EU policy responses to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine listed in this document include sanctions, military assistance, helping refugees and providing aid, U.S.-EU cooperation, and U.S. and congressional interests.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Archick, Kristin

2022-04-12
Qatar: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 11, 2022]

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From the Summary: "The State of Qatar, a small Arab Gulf monarchy which has about 300,000 citizens among a total population of about 2.4 million, has employed its ample financial resources to exert regional influence, often independent of the other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates [UAE], Bahrain, and Oman). Qatar has fostered a close security partnership with the United States while engaging with a wide range of actors who are often at odds with each other, including some Sunni Islamists, Iran and Iran-backed groups, and Israeli officials. Some of Qatar's fellow GCC and Arab states object to Qatar's independent foreign policy and the criticism of Arab leaders often seen on its Al Jazeera media network. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, joined by Egypt and a few other governments, severed relations with Qatar and imposed limits on the entry and transit of Qatari nationals and vessels in their territories, waters, and airspace. The Trump Administration sought a resolution of the dispute, in part because the rift was hindering U.S. efforts to formalize a broad front of Arab states to counter Iran. Following its Arab neighbors' actions, Qatar deepened relations with Turkey and Iran. On January 5, 2021, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt agreed to lift the blockade and restore ties, although the UAE although lingering resentments remain, and the UAE and Bahrain have not reopened their embassies in Doha."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Katzman, Kenneth

2022-04-11
Russia's Trade Status, Tariffs, and WTO Issues [Updated April 11, 2022]

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From the Document: "Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Senate and House passed H.R. 7108 on April 7 to revoke Russia's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status, which provides unconditional, nondiscriminatory, most-favored nation (MFN) treatment to goods and services traded with Russia. President Biden signed the bill into law on April 8. H.R. 7108 suspends PNTR with Russia and Belarus; provides the President authority to further increase non-MFN tariffs through January 1, 2024; and provides the President authority to restore normal trade relations (NTR) under certain conditions. It also directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to use its 'voice and influence' at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to encourage other WTO members to suspend trade concessions; consider further steps toward suspending Russia from the WTO; and seek to halt Belarus's accession process. Removing Russia's PNTR status increases applicable duties on U.S. imports from Russia, potentially impacting certain sectors reliant on Russian inputs and raising issues under U.S. WTO obligations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Hart, Nina M.; Murrill, Brandon J. . . .

2022-04-11

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