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China's 14th Five-Year Plan: A First Look [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Communist Party of China (CPC)'s 19th Central Committee--a body of China's 376 top Party officials-- held its 5th Plenum in late October 2020 to deliberate on China's 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for 2021-2025 and economic goals out to 2035. China's annual Central Economic Work Conference reviewed the plans in December ahead of the scheduled ratification of final versions at the annual session of China's legislature in March 2021. Initial details suggest that Chinese leaders plan to expand the state's role in the economy and advance national economic security interests; use market restrictions and its 'One Belt, One Road' global networks to foster Chinese-controlled supply chains; and sharpen the use of antitrust, intellectual property (IP), and standards tools to advance industrial policies. To develop strategic technologies prioritized in its plans, China is prioritizing efforts to obtain foreign technology through global pathways that are not yet restricted, such as partnerships in open technology and basic research, the establishment of research and development (R&D) centers overseas, and talent programs for foreign experts to work in China. Plans for new market openings are limited to trade zones and areas where China seeks foreign expertise (emerging technologies and education) and capital (financial services)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2021-01-05
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Uyghurs in China [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are a Muslim ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the far northwest of the People's Republic of China (PRC). They have garnered the attention of U.S. policymakers, particularly since 2018 following reports of the mass internment of Uyghurs in 'reeducation' centers. The detentions are part of a PRC government effort to systematically transform the thought and behavior of Uyghurs and forcefully assimilate them into Chinese society, which some observers believe may result in the destruction of Uyghur culture and identity. The U.S. government has responded by implementing targeted restrictions on trade with Xinjiang and imposing visa and economic sanctions on some PRC officials. 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 involves 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-; Weber, Michael A.
2021-01-04
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U.S.-China Military-to-Military Relations [January 4, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) established formal military-to-military (mil-mil) ties in 1979, a year after the two countries established diplomatic relations. Since then, mil-mil relations have waxed and waned, with one side or the other periodically limiting ties in response to perceived transgressions. In recent years, military ties have encompassed regularly scheduled dialogues and exchanges, a handful of military exercises, and ongoing confidence-building measures. Congress has shaped U.S.-China mil-mil relations significantly and could seek to maintain, repeal, create, or modify legislation on this issue going forward."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Caitlin
2021-01-04
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Wildfire Statistics [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. States are responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on nonfederal (state, local, and private) lands, except for lands protected by federal agencies under cooperative agreements. The federal government is responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on federal lands. The Forest Service (FS)--within the U.S. Department of Agriculture--carries out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres of the National Forest System (NFS). The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages wildfire response for more than 400 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, other public lands, and Indian reservations. Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity. Nationwide data compiled by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) indicate that the number of annual wildfires is variable but has decreased slightly over the last 30 years and that the number of acres impacted annually, while also variable, generally has increased. Since 2000, an annual average of 70,685 wildfires burned an annual average of 7.1million acres. This figure is more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s (3.3 million acres), although a greater number of fires occurred annually in the 1990s (78,600 on average)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2021-01-04
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Supreme Court Considers Statute of Limitations for Military Rape Cases [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "In the consolidated cases 'United States v. Briggs' and 'United States v. Collins', decided on December 10, 2020, the Supreme Court overturned two lower court decisions and reinstated the rape convictions of three former servicemembers. The cases turned on the applicable statute of limitations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for prosecuting rapes committed by military servicemembers between 1986 and 2006. Before 1986, the statute of limitations--the time after which an offense cannot be punished--was three years; since 2006, there is no statute of limitations under the UCMJ for rape. But between 1986 and 2006, the length of the statute of limitations depended on whether rape was interpreted as an offense 'punishable by death' under the UCMJ. In its decision, the Court held that rape was punishable by death during this period under the UCMJ's terms and, accordingly, there was no statute of limitations between 1986 and 2006. This Sidebar begins by discussing the relevant legislative history and judicial interpretations of the UCMJ's statute of limitations and punitive provisions for rape. It then summarizes the factual and procedural history in 'Briggs' and 'Collins', outlines the parties' arguments before the Supreme Court, and discusses the Court's decision. The Sidebar concludes with some considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2021-01-04
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Burma's Political Prisoners and U.S. Policy [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Summary: "Despite a campaign pledge in 2015 that they 'would not arrest anyone as political prisoners,' Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) have failed to fulfil this promise since they took control of Burma's Union Parliament and the government's executive branch in April 2016. While presidential pardons have been granted for some political prisoners, people continue to be arrested, detained, tried, and imprisoned for political reasons. According to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (Burma), or AAPP(B), a Thailand-based, nonprofit human rights organization formed in 2000 by former Burmese political prisoners, there were 590 'individuals oppressed due to political activity'--including 35 sentenced to prison--as of the end of November 2020. [...] Congress may consider if and how to integrate concerns regarding political imprisonment into overall U.S. policy in Burma. Congress may also choose to assess how other important issues in Burma should influence U.S. policy, including efforts to end the nation's ongoing low-grade civil war, the forced deportation of more than 700,000 Rohingya from Rakhine State in 2017, and prospects for constitutional and legal reform designed to establish a democratically elected civilian government that respects the human rights and civil liberties of all Burmese people."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.
2021-01-04
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Comparing DHS Component Funding, FY2021: In Brief [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "The homeland security appropriations bill includes all annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), providing resources to every departmental component. This report reviews the budget authority provided to DHS for FY2020 and requested by the Donald J. Trump administration for FY2021, as well as the congressional response. It also includes component-level information on FY2020 supplemental funding for DHS provided in the P.L. 116-136, the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act. The report provides a look at the resources available to DHS components that are described in appropriations committee documentation, and examines 'net discretionary annual appropriations' for DHS--a perspective on the net impact of legislation that funds DHS on congressionally-tracked budget totals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2021-01-04
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Army Corps of Engineers: FY2021 Appropriations [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress generally funds the civil works activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in annual Energy and Water Development appropriations acts. These activities include the planning and construction of authorized water resource projects and the operation and maintenance of infrastructure and navigation improvements managed by USACE. For USACE civil works, President Trump requested $5.97billion for FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Carter, Nicole T.
2021-01-04
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Invasive Species Efforts [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "An 'invasive species' is a nonnative species that does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species impact terrestrial and aquatic--including marine and freshwater--systems. As society has become more connected, opportunities for the spread of invasive species have increased (e.g., navigation activities can transport species and introduce them to multiple different watersheds and waterbodies).After introduction, invasive species may become established and spread;it can be costly and difficult (or impossible, in some cases) to control or eradicate them. Many federal and nonfederal agencies managing land and water undertake efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species or, upon detection of an invasive species, devote resources to control and eradication efforts. [...] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), part of the Department of Defense, develops and maintains civil works projects in the United States principally to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. USACE is the steward of approximately 12 million acres of public lands and waters at hundreds of water resources projects nationwide. Invasive species can impact USACE projects by outcompeting native species, clogging water pipes, and affecting water quality and recreation. [...] This In Focus presents information on USACE invasive species funding and selected authorities, programs, and projects, as well as related legislative action in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Crafton, R. Eliot
2021-01-04
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Russian Cyber Units [January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Russia has deployed sophisticated cyber capabilities to conduct disinformation, propaganda, espionage, and destructive cyberattacks globally. To conduct these operations, Russia maintains numerous units overseen by its various security and intelligence agencies. Russia's security agencies compete with each other and often conduct similar operations on the same targets, making specific attribution and motivation assessments difficult. Congress may be interested in the various Russian agencies, units, and their attributes to better understand why and how Russia conducts cyber operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew S.
2021-01-04
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Foreign Direct Investment: Overview and Issues [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Overview: "The growing prominence of foreign direct investment (FDI) raises questions about its costs and benefits to the U.S. economy. Traditionally, the United States has supported a rules-based and open investment environment internationally in order to promote economic growth and advance other policy objectives. U.S. investment policy includes negotiating rules, disciplines, and market access commitments concerning FDI in trade agreements and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and administering investment promotion programs. It also involves reviewing certain proposed inbound FDI transactions for U.S. national security implications. FDI is a part of U.S. trade policy, given that it is a major driver of trade and plays a role in facilitating global supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jackson, James K., 1949-
2021-01-04
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: The Business Cycle and Growth [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 8, 2020, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), an independent, nonprofit, research group, determined that economic activity in the U.S. peaked in February 2020 and that the economy subsequently entered into a recession in the same month. On a quarterly basis, economic activity peaked in the fourth quarter of 2019. This In Focus discusses the business cycle, how recessions are determined, and potential causes and effects of these fluctuations in the economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-04
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: GDP and Economic Growth [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "As a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, economic activity declined rapidly in the United States in early 2020 and remains below pre-pandemic levels, despite gross domestic product growth being positive in the third quarter of 2020. The speed of the economic recovery and projections of longer-term growth are of concern to policymakers due to the connection between the economy's performance and the overall wellbeing of Americans. This In Focus provides an introduction to the U.S. economy, including how economists measure its performance and the factors that influence its long-run trajectory."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Keightley, Mark P.; Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-04
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Taiwan: Political and Security Issues [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Taiwan, which officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), is an island democracy of 23.6 million people located across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. U.S.-Taiwan relations have been unofficial since January 1, 1979, when the Carter Administration established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and broke formal diplomatic ties with self-ruled Taiwan, over which the PRC claims sovereignty. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA, P.L. 96-8; 22 U.S.C. §3301 et seq.), enacted on April 10, 1979, provides a legal basis for this unofficial bilateral relationship. It also includes commitments related to Taiwan's security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.
2021-01-04
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Defense Primer: Legal Authorities for the Use of Military Forces [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "By the Framers' apparent design, to keep the nation's 'purse' and the 'sword' in separate hands and in other ways hinder the nation's embroilment in unnecessary wars, the Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the President. Congress is empowered to declare war, provide for and regulate the Armed Forces, and issue letters of marque and reprisal, as well as to call forth the militia to suppress an insurrection, repel an invasion, or 'execute the Laws of the Union.' The President, as the Commander in Chief, has the responsibility to direct the Armed Forces as they conduct hostilities, put down insurrections, or execute the law when constitutionally authorized to do so. The extent to which the President has independent authority under the Constitution, without explicit statutory support,to use the military for purposes other than to repel a sudden attack is the subject of long-standing debate. At the same time, efforts in Congress to exercise its constitutional war powers in some way that is perceived to constrain military operations have met with objections that the constitutional separation of powers is imperiled."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer
2021-01-04
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Exchange Rates and Currency Manipulation [Updated December 31, 2020]
From the Document: "An exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of another currency. Exchange rates are some of the most important prices in the global economy: they affect international trade and financial flows and the value of every overseas investment. Policymakers have long expressed concerns that a country may intentionally weaken the value of its currency in order to boost exports at the expense of other countries. The United States has sought to counter so-called currency manipulation through a variety of policy tools. Currency manipulation is a controversial concept; there is debate about if, and if so how, it can be effectively addressed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2020-12-31
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IRS Guidance Says No Deduction is Allowed for Business Expenses Paid with Forgiven PPP Loans [Updated December 31, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) created Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for payroll expenses and certain operating costs, which are forgiven if the borrower meets certain criteria. On April 30, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2020-32, stating that PPP recipients cannot claim a deduction for expenses funded from forgiven PPP loans. On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed H.R. 133, the COVID-[coronavirus disease 2019] related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (Subtitle B of Title II of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021), which nullifies the IRS's [Internal Revenue Service] guidance and allows borrowers to deduct expenses paid out of forgiven PPP loans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane
2020-12-31
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Defense Primer: National Security Space Launch [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) is a U.S. government program that enables acquisition of launch services, aimed at ensuring continued access to space for critical national security missions. The U.S. Air Force oversaw NSSL's predecessor program, the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), and awarded four companies contracts to design a cost-effective launch vehicle system. The Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategy was to select one company to ensure national security space (NSS) launches were affordable and reliable. The EELV effort was prompted by significant increases in launch costs, procurement concerns, and the lack of competition among U.S. companies. Today, the NSSL program's main priority is mission success. A RAND study released April 2020 identified a magnitude of risk associated with assured access to space. As Congress continues its oversight of NSSL, it may consider examining DOD's plan on the prioritization of the launch-related risks to ensure continued access to space and 100% mission success. A major concern in Congress and elsewhere over U.S. reliance on a Russian rocket engine (RD-180), used on one of the primary national security rockets for critical national security space launches, was exacerbated by the Russian backlash over the 2014 U.S. sanctions against its actions in Ukraine. Moreover, significant overall NSSL program cost increases and unresolved questions over individual launch costs, along with legal challenges to the Air Force contract awards by space launch companies, prompted legislative action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2020-12-30
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Defense Primer: Budgeting for National and Defense Intelligence [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Intelligence Community (IC) programs include the resources (money and manpower) to accomplish IC goals and responsibilities as defined by the U.S. Code and Executive Order 12333. IC programs are funded through the: (1) National Intelligence Program (NIP), which covers the programs, projects, and activities of the IC oriented toward the strategic requirements of policymakers, and (2) Military Intelligence Program (MIP), which funds defense intelligence activities intended to support tactical military requirements and operations. The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) manage the NIP and MIP, respectively, under different authorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2020-12-30
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Defense Primer: Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) is a civilian official, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who reports directly to the Secretary of Defense. The USD(I&S) is the Principal Staff Assistant and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence (CI), security, sensitive activities, and other intelligence related matters. On behalf of the Secretary, the USD(I&S) also exercises authority, direction, and control over Department of Defense (DOD) intelligence and security agencies, field activities, policy, processes, procedures, and products. To give greater emphasis to the importance and scope of the USD(I&S)'s security responsibilities, including primary federal government responsibility for conducting background investigations (consistent with Executive Order 13869), Congress redesignated the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)) as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (Section 1621 of P.L. 116- 92)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2020-12-30
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Defense Primer: National and Defense Intelligence [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The Intelligence Community (IC) is charged with providing insight into actual or potential threats to the U.S. homeland, the American people, and national interests at home and abroad. It does so through the production of timely and apolitical products and services. Intelligence products and services result from the collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation of information for its significance to national security at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Consumers of intelligence include the President, National Security Council (NSC), designated personnel in executive branch departments and agencies, the military, Congress, and the law enforcement community. The IC comprises 17 elements, two of which are independent, and 15 of which are component organizations of six separate departments of the federal government. Many IC elements and most intelligence funding reside within the Department of Defense (DOD)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2020-12-30
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Defense Primer: Military Commissaries and Exchanges [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) offers certain 'quality-of-life' benefits to military members, their families, and retirees. The general purpose of these benefits is to attract, retain, and support morale and readiness for military servicemembers. One of these benefits is worldwide access to grocery and retail stores--called 'commissaries' and 'exchanges'--typically located on military installations. Commissaries provide subsidized groceries and household goods to eligible patrons. Exchanges sell goods for profit, similar to a department or specialty store, but use some of this profit to fund various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-12-30
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "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 and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the COVID-19 pandemic might have for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world, and a bibliography of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Trump Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant and even profound implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.
2020-12-30
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Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions due to nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order is preventing the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order directing the CDC to consider such a measure, is unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024). This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby
2020-12-30
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Defense Primer: Intelligence Support to Military Operations [Updated December 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The bulk of the 'Intelligence Community' (IC), eight of 17 total elements, resides within the Department of Defense (DOD). This includes the National Security Agency (NSA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and the intelligence components of the Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force. Non-DOD IC elements, however, also provide support to the military. Integrated IC support of the military includes strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence activities, products and services that are necessary for military strategy, planning, and operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.
2020-12-30
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 29, 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). China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the Trump Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-29
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated December 29, 2020]
From the Summary: "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; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic[.] [...] One lesson learned from the actions taken to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession is the potential benefits that can be derived from providing additional funding for the SBA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO and the SBA's OIG can provide Congress information that could prove useful as Congress engages in congressional oversight of the SBA's administration of legislation to address COVID-19's adverse economic impact on small businesses, provide an early warning if unforeseen administrative problems should arise, and, through investigations and audits, serve as a deterrent to fraud."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2020-12-29
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Europe, COVID-19, and U.S. Relations [Updated December 29, 2020]
From the Document: "Like most of the rest of the world, European governments and the European Union (EU) have struggled to manage the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. European leaders have characterized the pandemic as Europe's biggest challenge since the Second World War, with potentially far-reaching political, social, and economic consequences beyond the public health impact. COVID-19 also has added tensions to a strained U.S.-European partnership. Members of Congress may be interested in COVID-19's implications for U.S. relations with Europe, including in NATO and with the EU, and in how the pandemic might alter certain U.S.-European dynamics, especially vis-à-vis China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Garding, Sarah E. . . .
2020-12-29
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Defense Primer: Ballistic Missile Defense [Updated December 29, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States has been developing and deploying ballistic missile defenses (BMD) to defend against enemy missiles continuously since the late 1940s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States deployed a limited nuclear-tipped BMD system to protect a portion of its U.S. land-based nuclear ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) force in order to preserve a strategic deterrent against a Soviet nuclear attack on the Homeland. That system became active in 1975 but shut down in 1976 because of concerns over cost and effectiveness. In the FY1975 budget, the Army began funding research into hit-to-kill or kinetic energy interceptors as an alternative--the type of interceptor technology dominates U.S. BMD systems today."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2020-12-29
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 29, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to 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. While descriptions of the traditional U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. A change in the U.S. role could have significant and even profound effects on U.S. security, freedom, and prosperity. It could significantly affect U.S. policy in areas such as relations with allies and other countries, defense plans and programs, trade and international finance, foreign assistance, and human rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-29
