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Overview of Department of Defense Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum [Updated March 31, 2021]
From the Document: "Communication using the electromagnetic spectrum ('the spectrum') enables a number of modern military capabilities. The Department of Defense (DOD) uses electromagnetic radiation to enable military communications, navigation, radar, nonintrusive inspection of aircraft, and other equipment. DOD also heavily relies on electromagnetic radiation for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications such as missile early warning and signals intelligence. Individual branches of the military (e.g., the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force) currently are allotted significant ranges of frequency bands to enable various equipment and applications that support military operations. Potential adversaries like China and Russia have observed how the United States wages war through conflicts ranging from Desert Storm to Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom over the past 30 years. These potential adversaries have identified the DOD's use of the spectrum as a critical enabler, and, as a result, have developed weapon systems, particularly electronic warfare (EW) platforms, designed to challenge the DOD's ability to effectively use the spectrum. These technologies designed to deny access to the spectrum are part of a series of systems and technologies that are commonly referred to as anti-access/area denial capabilities. Several new and emerging technologies and methods to employ existing technologies (called concepts) are being developed to counter these challenges. These new technologies include directed energy, artificial intelligence, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems. Concepts like Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Mosaic Warfare look to change the nature of how the DOD communicates and uses the spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.; Gallagher, Jill C.; Sayler, Kelley M.
2021-03-31
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Origins and Impact of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Provisions That Expired on March 15, 2020 [Updated March 31, 2021]
From the Overview: "The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) provides a statutory framework by which government agencies may, when gathering foreign intelligence for an investigation, obtain authorization to conduct electronic surveillance or physical searches, use pen registers and trap and trace devices, or access specified business records and other tangible things. Authorization for such activities is typically obtained through a court order from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), a specialized court created to hear the government's requests to use FISA authorities. Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress enacted the USA PATRIOT Act, in part, to 'provid[e] enhanced investigative tools' to 'assist in the prevention of future terrorist activities and the preliminary acts and crimes which further such activities.' The Patriot Act and subsequent measures amended FISA to enable the government to obtain information in a wider range of circumstances. At the time of enactment, these expanded authorities prompted concerns regarding the appropriate balance between national security interests and civil liberties. Perhaps in response to such concerns, Congress established sunset provisions that apply to three of the most controversial amendments to FISA[.] [...] Congress originally set these provisions to expire on December 31, 2005, but extended the expiration dates multiple times through June 1, 2015. [...] The controversy surrounding Section 215 complicated efforts to reauthorize all three of the expiring provisions, and they eventually expired on June 1, 2015. [...] In December 2019, Congress extended the three provisions, as amended by the USA FREEDOM Act, until March 15, 2020. The provisions have not been reauthorized since they expired on March 15, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2021-03-31
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Naming VA Facilities: Fact Sheet [March 31, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a large number of facilities across its three major administrations: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). VHA owns and operates approximately 5,665 buildings and operates another 1,663 leases. VBA operates approximately 217 offices nationwide. NCA operates 155 national cemeteries and 34 soldiers' lots and memorial sites. VA is restricted by law to naming facilities after the geographic region where they are located. Among Members of Congress, there is often interest in naming VA facilities, such as VA medical centers (VAMCs), hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), and cemeteries to commemorate specific individuals. Since 1998, this has solely been a congressional prerogative, accomplished through legislation with rules set by the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs (HVAC and SVAC, respectively). In the 116th Congress, for example, at least 25 bills were introduced with the purpose of renaming a VA facility; seven of those became law. (See this report's 'Recent Examples of Legislation' section). This report provides a brief overview of the legal authority for naming facilities, the current process, and recent examples of legislation to name facilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.; Davis, Carol D.
2021-03-31
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated March 31, 2021]
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 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-03-31
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Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated March 30, 2021]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions [hyperlink] for 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 [hyperlink] 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 [hyperlink] 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) [hyperlink]. 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
2021-03-30
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Searches and Seizures at the Border and the Fourth Amendment [Updated March 30, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress has broad authority to regulate persons or items entering the United States, an authority that is rooted in its power to regulate foreign commerce and to protect the integrity of the nation's borders. Exercising this authority, Congress has established a comprehensive framework that authorizes federal law enforcement officers to inspect and search persons and property at the border to ensure that their entry conforms with governing laws, including those relating to customs and immigration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.; Santamaria, Kelsey Y.
2021-03-30
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Biometric Technologies and Global Security [Updated March 30, 2021]
From the Document: "Biometric technologies use unique biological or behavioral attributes--such as DNA, fingerprints, cardiac signatures, voice or gait patterns, and facial or ocular measurements-- to authenticate an individual's identity. Although biometric technologies have been in use for decades, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics have expanded their application. As these technologies continue to mature and proliferate, largely driven by advances in the commercial sector, they will likely hold growing implications for congressional oversight, civil liberties, U.S. defense authorizations and appropriations, military and intelligence concepts of operations, and the future of war."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2021-03-30
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Housing Funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 [March 31, 2021]
From the Document: "According to Census data from late February 2021, nearly 19% of renters [hyperlink] and more than 10% of homeowners with a mortgage [hyperlink] reported having fallen behind in their housing payments during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In response, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. [public law] 117-2), enacted in mid-March 2021, included nearly $43 billion in mandatory funding for housing-related programs intended to assist people experiencing housing instability and homelessness. (In addition to funding housing programs, ARPA provided cash to individuals [e.g., individual relief payments, refundable tax credits, and enhanced unemployment benefits] that may also help families pay their housing costs.) [...] Funded programs include those developed specifically to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., the Emergency Rental Assistance program and Homeowner Assistance Fund), as well as existing programs. In some cases, ARPA directed that funding provided through existing programs be used in new ways to serve people experiencing homelessness (e.g., Emergency Housing Vouchers and HOME [Home Investment Partnerships Program] funds); in other cases, the funds are to be used to respond to the pandemic largely within existing program parameters (e.g., Native American and rural housing programs). This Insight includes a funding table followed by a list of each program funded and a brief description of how funds can be used."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Katie; Perl, Libby; McCarty, Maggie
2021-03-30
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Mergers and Acquisitions in Digital Markets [March 30, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Some Members of Congress have raised antitrust concerns about 'Big Tech'--Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft. The first four companies were the focus of an investigation on competition in digital markets conducted by the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law of the House Judiciary Committee. A staff report issued by the subcommittee in 2020 asserts that, in digital markets, the 'significant and durable market power is due to several factors, including a high volume of acquisitions by the dominant platforms.' According to the report, over the past 20 years, Facebook acquired at least 63 companies, Alphabet at least 260, Amazon at least 100, and Apple at least 120. Microsoft reports acquiring 167 companies during the same time period. This report discusses the potential effects of mergers and acquisitions on competition in digital markets. It explains how federal antitrust agencies review proposed mergers, and explores some of the complications of examining mergers in digital markets. The report concludes with potential legislative options and some considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cho, Clare Y.
2021-03-30
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COVID-19 Response: Broadband Funding for Tribes, Tribal Colleges and Universities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service [Updated March 30, 2021]
From the Document: "Three recent enacted laws that, in whole or in part, address the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided both direct and indirect broadband funding for American Indian tribes, tribal colleges and universities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service (collectively, 'tribal entities'). They are [1] the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. [public law] 116-136; [2] Division N of Title IX of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021), P.L. 116-260; and [3] the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), P.L. 117-2. This In Focus lists major broadband programs funded by these three laws as well as potential additional funding in subsequently proposed legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Casey, Alyssa R. . . .
2021-03-30
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Executive Orders: An Introduction [March 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "Executive orders are written instruments through which a President can issue directives to shape policy. Although the U.S. Constitution does not address executive orders and no statute grants the President the general power to issue them, authority to issue such orders is accepted as an inherent aspect of presidential power, though their legal effect depends on various considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Richards, Kevin T.
2021-03-29
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Interim National Security Strategic Guidance [March 29, 2021]
From the Document: "On March 3, 2021, the White House released an Interim National Security Strategic Guidance (INSSG). This is the first time an administration has issued interim guidance; previous administrations refrained from issuing formal guidance that articulated strategic intent until producing the congressionally mandated National Security Strategy (NSS) (originating in the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 P.L. [public law] 99-433, §603/50 U.S.C §3043). The full NSS is likely to be released later in 2021 or early 2022. The INSSG states the Biden Administration's conceptual approach to national security matters as well as signaling its key priorities, particularly as executive branch departments and agencies prepare their Fiscal Year(FY) 2022 budget submissions. With respect to the latter, FY2022 will be the first budget prepared after the expiration of the budget caps required under the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011. Details regarding how the Administration's conceptual approach will be implemented across different regions and functional issues are likely to be expressed in the full NSS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McInnis, Kathleen J.
2021-03-29
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Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) [March 29, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress has expressed concern regarding the growing threat to U.S. national security posed by a resurgent Russia and China. The Army contends in order to address this threat, it must be able to operate in a multi-domain ['air', 'land', 'water', 'space', 'cyber', 'information'] environment which requires new operational concepts, technologies, weapons, and units. The Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) is the Army's self-described 'organizational centerpiece' of this effort."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-03-29
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Domestic Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines: An Overview [Updated March 29, 2021]
From the Document: "To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized for emergency use [hyperlink] three Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines; additional vaccines [hyperlink] may become available within months. Federal efforts to develop, manufacture, regulate, purchase, and distribute vaccines have involved a number of agencies. Under the Trump Administration, such efforts were largely organized under Operation Warp Speed [hyperlink] (OWS) led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD). Coordinated interagency efforts continue under the Biden Administration. Many aspects of federal domestic vaccine efforts have thus far been funded by appropriations in COVID-19 relief acts, especially funding to U.S. Public Health Service [hyperlink] (PHS) agencies and accounts. The following provides an overview of appropriations for selected domestic COVID-19 vaccine related activities. (With the exception of the mandatory funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), all funding amounts discussed below are classified as discretionary [hyperlink].) The following is meant to inform a general understanding of available funding, but may not capture every federal account that can be used for vaccine-related activities. In general, many of the HHS appropriations are available for multiple years or until expended, and some of the funding is transferrable [hyperlink] between accounts by the HHS Secretary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya
2021-03-29
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Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution [March 26, 2021]
From the Background: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has led to severe health and economic consequences across the globe, as governments work to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. Officials have instituted a range of physical lockdowns and quarantine measures. In late 2020, researchers identified several new COVID-19 variants, which present challenges to pandemic control. For example, parts of Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases believed to be caused in part by variants that have emerged in those countries. Vaccines and other countermeasures are playing a growing role in COVID-19 control. Researchers continue to study the safety and effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Congress has appropriated approximately $15 billion through supplemental appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, P.L. 116-260, and P.L. 117-2) for a range of global COVID-19 responses. Congress authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to use $4 billion of those funds in support of multilateral COVID19 vaccine efforts. Actions by the Biden Administration to deepen U.S. multilateral engagement, such as joining the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX), may lead to additional U.S. government support for global COVID-19 control."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2021-03-26
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. [...] President Trump unveiled his Administration's Cuba policy in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Administration had largely abandoned engagement and, from 2019 to January 2021, significantly increased sanctions(see discussion below)--especially on travel and remittances--to pressure the Cuban government on human rights and for its support of the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro. Although many observers expect the Biden Administration to shift U.S. policy to focus again on engagement, sanctions imposed under the Trump Administration remain in place. During the U.S. election campaign, Biden said he would reverse Trump Administration policies that harmed the Cuban people without advancing democracy and human rights. The White House press secretary said on March 9 that although a Cuba policy shift was not among the President's top priorities, the Administration was 'committed to making human rights a core pillar' of policy and 'committed to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-03-26
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Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province [Updated March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Since 2009, an Islamist insurgency based in northeastern Nigeria has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin region of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Founded in the early 2000s as a Salafist Sunni Muslim reform movement, Boko Haram, which roughly translates to 'Western culture is forbidden,' has evolved into one of the world's deadliest Islamist armed groups. Since 2016, an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated splinter faction, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (IS-WA, aka ISIS-WA or ISWAP) has surpassed Boko Haram in size and capacity, and now ranks among IS's most active affiliates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Husted, Tomas F.
2021-03-26
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'Staying Nuclear'?: Legal Challenges to State Subsidies for Aging Nuclear Power Plants and Related FERC Actions [March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Nuclear power plants can produce large amounts of electricity with relatively low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, potentially assisting the United States in reducing such emissions. But the U.S. nuclear power industry faces a number of challenges [hyperlink], including high operating and maintenance costs; aging plants; competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources; and lawsuits from labor and environmental groups, among others. According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 21 nuclear power reactors are currently undergoing decommissioning [hyperlink] in the United States; two reactors [hyperlink] are currently under construction. The federal government provides some financial support [hyperlink] to the nuclear energy industry in the form of tax credits and other measures. But states have also increasingly sought to subsidize nuclear power plants that operate within their jurisdictions to preserve existing nuclear generation capacity and the jobs and tax base they provide to local communities. [...] This Legal Sidebar examines key recent circuit court decisions related to state subsidization of the nuclear power industry and litigation against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s subsequent orders expanding the Minimum Offer Price Rule (MOPR) in the PJM [Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland] Interconnection."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Murrill, Brandon J.
2021-03-26
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Supreme Court Decision Sheds Light on State Authority to Regulate Health Care Costs [March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Alongside recent federal efforts [hyperlink] to combat escalating prescription drug costs, state governments [hyperlink] have sought to address these high costs within their borders. Many state efforts involve restrictions [hyperlink] on pharmacy benefit managers [hyperlink] (PBMs), companies that facilitate [hyperlink] the purchase of drugs through the pharmaceutical distribution chain [hyperlink] and administer [hyperlink] prescription drug coverage on behalf of health insurers, employers, and others. While many states have enacted legislative measures intended to hold PBMs accountable for their role in the pharmaceutical marketplace, PBMs have challenged some of these measures on the basis that they are preempted by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act [hyperlink] (ERISA). On December 10, 2020, in 'Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Ass'n' [hyperlink], the Supreme Court weighed in on this issue, concluding that a state PBM law withstood preemption by the federal act. Why does this case warrant attention for the Biden Administration and the 117th Congress? In the past, courts have [hyperlink] concluded that ERISA restricts states from enacting certain health care regulatory measures that affect employment-based health coverage. In the wake of 'Rutledge', questions may arise about the degree to which states have leeway to regulate health care costs in the context of PBMs and beyond. This Legal Sidebar provides background on ERISA preemption; examines the 'Rutledge' decision; and concludes with selected legal considerations for Congress as it continues to address drug pricing reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Staman, Jennifer A.
2021-03-26
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Scholl v. Mnuchin and Economic Impact Payments [March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "'Scholl' is one of a few lawsuits [hyperlink] brought by groups seeking to clarify their eligibility for relief under the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security] Act. The court's rulings in 'Scholl' could impact these other pending cases and could change how Treasury and the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] issue future guidance for recently enacted legislation. This Legal Sidebar discusses how the CARES Act defined an individual who was eligible for an EIP [Economic Impact Payment], how Treasury and the IRS interpreted that definition, and the parties' main arguments in 'Scholl,' with an eye to understanding how this litigation might illuminate larger issues surrounding Treasury and IRS guidance interpreting who is eligible for tax benefits under established statutory criteria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ball, Milan N.
2021-03-26
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Recommendation for New U.S. Circuit and District Court Judgeships by the Judicial Conference of the United States (117th Congress) [March 26, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress determines, through legislative action, both the size and structure of the federal judiciary. Consequently, the creation of any new permanent or temporary U.S. circuit and district court judgeships must be authorized by Congress. Congress can authorize either permanent or temporary judgeships. A 'permanent judgeship,' as the term suggests, permanently increases the number of judgeships for a court, whereas a 'temporary judgeship' increases the number of judgeships for a specified amount of time (although Congress can later convert such a judgeship to a permanent one). [...] The number of permanent circuit court judgeships increased to 179 in 1990 [hyperlink] during the 101st Congress and has remained at that number to the present day. This represents the longest period of time since 1891 that Congress has not authorized any new permanent circuit court judgeships. The number of permanent district court judgeships increased to 663 in 2003 [hyperlink] during the 108th Congress and has remained at that number to the present day. This represents the longest period of time since district courts were established in 1789 that Congress has not authorized any new permanent district court judgeships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McMillion, Barry J.
2021-03-26
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Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in Transportation [Updated March 26, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Growing demands on the transportation system and constraints on public resources have led to calls for more private-sector involvement in the provision of transportation infrastructure through what are known as 'public-private partnerships' or 'P3s.' As defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 'public-private partnerships (P3s) are contractual agreements between a public agency and a private-sector entity that allow for greater private-sector participation in the delivery of transportation projects.' Typically, the 'public' in public-private partnerships refers to a state government, local government, or transit agency. The federal government exerts influence over the prevalence and structure of P3s through its transportation programs, funding, and regulatory oversight, but is usually not a party to a P3 agreement. This report discusses the benefits and limitations of P3s that involve long-term private financing, the experience with these types of P3s in the United States, and current federal policy. The report outlines a number of issues and policy options that Congress might consider: project evaluation and transparency, asset recycling, incentive grants, infrastructure banks, tax credits for equity and debt, Interstate highway tolling, and changes to an existing federal loan program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mallett, William
2021-03-26
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Stepping in: The FCC's Authority to Preempt State Laws Under the Communications Act [March 26, 2021]
From the Summary: "The line between federal and state authority plays a central role in modern communications law. Rather than fully displacing state law, the Communications Act of 1934 (Communications Act or Act) sets up a dual system of federal and state regulation.At the federal level, the Communications Act gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) broad authority to regulate wired and wireless telephony, radio transmissions, cable services, and matters that are ancillary to these areas. At the same time, however, the Act expressly preserves some state regulatory authority over these technologies. Consequently, the boundary between the FCC's authority and the states' has been a source of dispute. [...] Far from being an abstract debate, the FCC's ability to preempt state laws lies at the heart of many of its regulatory initiatives in recent years. [...] This Report discusses these issues in more detail. It begins with an overview of the legal framework governing the FCC's preemption actions, first discussing general federal preemption principles and then explaining the FCC's preemption authority under the Communications Act. The Report then reviews recent FCC initiatives in which FCC preemption plays a key role. Specifically, it explains how the FCC has exercised its preemption authority--and the extent to which such authority has been challenged or is uncertain--in the areas of net neutrality, VoIP [Voice over Internet Protocol], 5G [fifth-generation wireless] infrastructure deployment, community broadband, and state and local regulation of cable operators."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Linebaugh, Chris D.; Holmes, Eric N.
2021-03-26
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Third Round of 'Stimulus Checks' in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L.117-2) [Updated March 25, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress included a third round of direct payments in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) to address the continued economic fallout from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The first round [hyperlink] was included in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-136). The second round [hyperlink] was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-260). This Insight provides a brief overview of the third round of payments--often referred to as 'stimulus checks' [hyperlink]. (A similar proposal for a third round of payments passed the House on February 27, 2021. That version had different phaseouts [hyperlink] from the third round ultimately included in P.L. 117-2 and discussed in this Insight.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2021-03-25
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments: Comparison of First and Second Round of 'Stimulus Checks' to the Third Round in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) [Updated March 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) includes a third round of direct payments (often referred to as 'stimulus checks'). A first round of direct payments was included in the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-136) in March 2020. A second round [hyperlink] of direct payments was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [hyperlink] (P.L. 116-260) in December 2020. This Insight compares some of the major aspects of the third round of direct payments to the first and second rounds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2021-03-25
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy: In Brief [Updated March 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and analysis on U.S. policy in Afghanistan, with a focus on two interrelated developments: [1] The February 2020 U.S.-Taliban agreement, in which the United States committed to the full withdrawal of international forces by May 2021 in exchange for Taliban counterterrorism assurances. [2] Intra-Afghan negotiations, which began in Doha, Qatar, in September 2020, but appear to have since stalled, prompting a renewed U.S. diplomatic effort, including a planned senior-level meeting in Turkey in April 2021 aimed at reaching a political settlement to end the war and a U.S.-drafted peace proposal. The report also provides information on security dynamics related to the ongoing conflict and related questions about the future of the United States' military presence and U.S. investment in development and security aid to Afghanistan (which has totaled more than $143 billion since 2001)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2021-03-25
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Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) [Updated March 25, 2021]
From the Background: "The Department of Defense notes 'military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many future operations will center on developing capability and capacity of host nation (HN) or other FSFs [foreign security forces].' SFA [Security Force Assistance] activities have and are occurring in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. In the past, Special Forces units handled the majority of SFA missions, but the growing requirement for SFA over time has resulted in conventional forces assuming a more active role in conducting these missions. Conventional forces SFA missions were normally assigned to a Brigade Combat Team (BCT), the Army's principal warfighting organization. Because of the nature of SFA missions, BCT leadership--officers and senior and mid-grade noncommissioned officers (NCOs)--were typically deployed to conduct SFA missions, with most junior NCOs and soldiers remaining at their home station. This situation, while practical from a resource perspective, created a number of readiness concerns for the BCT soldiers remaining at home station. One such concern is with leadership stripped out of the BCTs for the SFAB mission, the remaining soldiers were limited to training at individual and squad level only, resulting in a low level of unit readiness."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-03-25
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District of Columbia Voting Representation Proposals in the 117th Congress [Updated March 25, 2021]
From the Document: "In the 117th Congress, several Members of Congress have introduced bills that would grant voting representation in Congress to residents of the District of Columbia (DC), by admitting DC to the Union as a state, or through retrocession of DC land to Maryland. In the past, some Members of Congress have opposed such proposals and recommended maintaining the status quo. This Insight provides an overview of recent DC voting representation proposals and discusses potential policy considerations. It does not provide legal or constitutional analysis [hyperlink] on DC statehood or voting representation, nor does it analyze territorial statehood issues [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaroscak, Joseph V.
2021-03-25
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EU Digital Policy and International Trade [March 25, 2021]
From the Summary: "A 'Europe fit for the digital age' is a top European Union (EU) priority and a key part of EU economic recovery efforts from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the European Commission's digital policy roadmap, 'Shaping Europe's Digital Future,' the EU aims to strengthen the EU economy and improve the region's digital competitiveness, especially with the United States and China. The EU initiative may raise several issues for Congress, such as the impact on U.S. firms doing business in the EU and U.S. leadership in setting global digital rules and standards. The initiative may also offer the potential for partnership between the United States and the EU to address areas of common concern."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2021-03-25
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Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [March 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress for three types of large unmanned vehicles (UVs) that the Navy wants to develop and procure in FY2021 and beyond: [1] Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs); [2] Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs); and [3] Extra-large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). The Navy wants to acquire these large UVs as part of an effort to shift the Navy to a new fleet architecture (i.e., a new combination of ships and other platforms) that is more widely distributed than the Navy's current fleet architecture. The Navy requested $579.9 million in FY2021 research and development funding for these large UVs and their enabling technologies. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these large UVs. The Navy's proposals for developing and procuring them pose a number of oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding and UV industrial bases. In addition to the large UVs covered in this report, the Navy also wants to develop and procure smaller USVs and UUVs, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various sizes. Other U.S. military services are developing, procuring, and operating their own types of UVs. Separate CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports address some of these efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-25
