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Climate Change, Slow-Onset Disasters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency [June 29, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States is already experiencing [hyperlink] certain effects of climate change, including high temperature extremes and heavy precipitation events [hyperlink]. The U.S. Global Change Research Program, among many other bodies, expects [hyperlink] these trends to continue and intensify, likely resulting in more severe and frequent 'slowonset' [hyperlink] events (e.g., drought; sea level rise), compound disasters [hyperlink] (e.g., extreme rainfall combined with coastal flooding), and cascading [hyperlink] events (e.g., landslides following wildfires). Such events may not have clearly defined start or end dates, and cumulative damage may not be immediately apparent. Congress may consider how these events affect the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers federal disaster relief authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [hyperlink] (Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended). Although FEMA does not have an explicit mission to address climate change, the agency is increasing its activities [hyperlink] related to nationwide adaptation to some of its effects [hyperlink], including extreme weather events. This Insight highlights issues FEMA may face when activating the Stafford Act for slow-onset events endemic to a changing climate. Slowonset disasters are not mentioned or defined in the Stafford Act, FEMA's regulations, or guidance, nor are they included in existing emergency or major disaster definitions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2021-06-29
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Increasing Numbers of Unaccompanied Alien Children at the Southwest Border [Updated June 29, 2021]
"In just the first eight months of FY2021, the number of encounters (apprehensions or expulsions) of unaccompanied alien children [hyperlink] (UAC) at the U.S.-Mexico border with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has exceeded the previous fiscal year peak [hyperlink] that occurred in FY2019. While the number of UAC encounters declined substantially from FY2019 to FY2020, in large part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have rapidly increased since February 2021 [hyperlink]. March 2021 UAC encounters (18,724) were the highest monthly total on record. Subsequent monthly figures have declined somewhat but are expected to continue at the current elevated rate [hyperlink] for the rest of FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2021-06-29
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "As of June 24, 2021, 147 women are serving in the 117th Congress. There are 123 women serving in the House (including 3 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), 90 Democrats and 33 Republicans. There are 24 women in the Senate, 16 Democrats and 8 Republicans. Initially, at the beginning of the 117th Congress, there were 148 women, and since then two House Members resigned; three House Members took their respective oaths of office in February, April, and June 2021; one Senator resigned; and one Senator's appointed term expired. These 148 women who were initially sworn in surpassed the previous number of 130 women serving at the close of the 116th Congress. During the 116th Congress, the number of women serving fluctuated: there were a record 131 women initially sworn in; one woman in the House subsequently resigned; two women were appointed to the Senate, and one of those Senate appointments expired before the end of the Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manning, Jennifer E.; Brudnick, Ida A.
2021-06-29
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. The Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA shipbuilding programs pose multiple oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base. They could also have implications for the preservation and use of Congress's power of the purse under Article 1 of the Constitution, and for maintaining Congress as a coequal branch of government relative to the executive branch."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-29
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Resources for Grantseekers [Updated June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target community needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to individuals. Most federal grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn may award funds as sub-awards to local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. Because of this, contacting federal departments and agencies, state-level grants administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant opportunities is likely to be an important step for many grantseekers. However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking government aid might need to search for funding options other than grants. For instance, individuals may be eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance. Small businesses and students may be eligible for loans. [...] This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government and private funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for information on writing grant proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2021-06-29
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Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress [June 29, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), enacted in 1972, provides cash benefits in the form of a lifetime annuity to a surviving spouse or other eligible recipient(s) of a retiree or deceased member of the uniformed services. The original intent of the SBP (and its antecedents) was to 'ensure that the surviving dependents of military personnel who die in retirement or after becoming eligible for retirement will continue to have a reasonable level of income.' Coverage was later expanded to those who die while on active service. Under the SBP, a military retiree can elect to have a portion of his or her monthly retired pay withheld in order to provide a monthly survivor benefit to a designated beneficiary. The cost of this protection is shared by the retiree (in the form of reductions from monthly military retired pay after retirement), the government, and sometimes the beneficiary (under certain types of coverage). Nearly every Congress since 1972 has, in some way, modified the SBP provisions. These modifications have affected eligibility, the size of the benefit, and the interactions of the benefit with other federal benefits, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Social Security. In nearly every instance, these changes have made the SBP more generous. The program's eligibility requirements and enrollment processes are complex, and modifications over time have added to the complexity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2021-06-29
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Global Research and Development Landscape and Implications for the Department of Defense [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Providing for the national defense is a central concern of Congress, and technological advantage has long provided U.S. forces with a battlefield overmatch, deterring potential conflicts and contributing to decisive U.S. military victories. Underpinning U.S. technological advantage are leading-edge innovations built on a foundation of insights gained from research and development (R&D) activities. Today, many analysts believe that U.S. technological overmatch--and, by extension, national security--is at risk due to a number of factors, including a rapidly evolving global landscape for innovation; changes in the composition of R&D funding; and the increasing technological prowess of potential adversaries. Many policymakers believe that new approaches and mechanisms are required to maintain U.S. technological advantage. Congress plays a central role in how the Department of Defense (DOD) creates and acquires leading-edge technologies, including establishing and refining the organizational structure of DOD research and development activities,1 providing policy direction, and appropriating funds for R&D and innovation-related activities. Congress and the Administration have undertaken actions in these areas in an effort to ensure that the United States maintains superiority over its potential adversaries. This report provides an overview of the changes that have occurred in the global R&D landscape, the Administration's policies and perspectives on how to maintain U.S. military technological leadership, actions taken by Congress, and potential issues for consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F., Jr.; Gallo, Marcy E.
2021-06-28
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Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy began procuring DDG-51s, also known as Aegis destroyers, in FY1985, and a total of 87 have been procured through FY2021, including two in FY2021. The Navy procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers in FY2007-FY2009 and plans no further procurement of DDG-1000s. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of one DDG-51 in FY2022, rather than the two DDG-51s that are called for in FY2022 under the FY2018-FY2022 DDG-51 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract, and that were projected for FY2022 under the Navy's FY2021 budget submission. Procuring a second DDG-51 in FY2022 is the number one item on the Navy's FY2022 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL)--the service's list of programs it would prefer to be funded in FY2022, if additional funding were to become available. A key issue for Congress for the DDG-51 program in FY2022 is whether to fund the procurement of one DDG-51, two DDG-51s, or some other number of DDG-51s (such as zero or three). Other issues for Congress concern the Navy's future force-level goal for large surface combatants (or LSCs, meaning cruisers and destroyers) and how the Navy proposes to transition several years from now from procurement of DDG-51s to procurement of a successor destroyer design now in development called the DDG(X)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-28
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Energy and Water Development Appropriations: Nuclear Weapons Activities [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Summary: "The annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bill funds civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. The DOE budget funds the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semiautonomous agency within DOE. NNSA operates three programs: Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, Naval Reactors, and Weapons Activities. The last is the subject of this report. The Weapons Activities account supports U.S. nuclear warheads, provides the materials and components for those weapons, and sustains the infrastructure that supports that mission. They provide for 'the maintenance and refurbishment of nuclear weapons to continue sustained confidence in their safety, reliability, and performance; continued investment in scientific, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities to enable production and certification of the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile; and manufacture of nuclear weapon components.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-06-28
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U.S.-EU Privacy Shield [June 28, 2021]
From the Document: "For decades, data privacy and protection issues have been sticking points in U.S.-European Union (EU) relations. The EU considers the privacy of communications and the protection of personal data to be fundamental rights, codified in EU law, while U.S. policy protects certain data on a sectoral basis. To address EU concerns that the United States does not sufficiently protect personal data, the United States and the EU have concluded data transfer agreements in both the commercial and law enforcement sectors. However, unauthorized disclosures in the media in 2013 of U.S. surveillance programs and the alleged involvement of some U.S. telecommunications and internet companies heightened EU concerns about U.S. government access to EU citizens' personal data. Resulting tensions have impacted confidence in U.S.-EU data transfer accords, threatening bilateral trade for U.S. and EU businesses, and elevated congressional concerns that the EU approach to data protection creates unfair trade barriers and limits U.S. firms' access to the EU market."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2021-06-28
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Supreme Court Holds Small Refineries Remain Eligible for Renewable Fuel Standard Exemptions After Lapse [Updated June 28, 2021]
From the Document: "In 'HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining v. Renewable Fuels Association' [hyperlink], the Supreme Court held that small refineries may receive small refinery exemptions (SREs) from the renewable fuel standard (RFS) even if they have not received an exemption for every year of the program. Under the RFS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires refineries and importers of non-renewable fuels to blend a certain amount of renewable fuel into transportation fuel (or to obtain credits that fulfill this requirement). Congress included exemption provisions [hyperlink] in the RFS for small refineries, allowing those refineries to petition [hyperlink] EPA 'at any time' 'for an extension of the exemption . . . for the reason of disproportionate economic hardship.' These exemptions have garnered attention from stakeholders [hyperlink] and Congress [hyperlink] as the number of exemptions sought and granted increased significantly [hyperlink] during the Trump Administration. Several renewable fuels producers [hyperlink] challenged EPA's decisions to grant petitions to exempt three small refineries. The Tenth Circuit vacated [hyperlink] all three exemptions on several grounds, one of which was appealed to the Supreme Court in 'HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining'. The Supreme Court reversed. This Sidebar provides background on the RFS, discusses the Tenth Circuit's and Supreme Court's opinions, and explores its implications for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ward, Erin H.
2021-06-28
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Independence Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Independence Day celebrations. It contains links to census and demographic information, CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports, sample speeches and remarks from the 'Congressional Record', and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also contains links to selected historical and cultural resources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Curran, Caitlin
2021-06-25
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated June 25, 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. [...] The Biden Administration maintains that it is conducting a review of policy toward Cuba; currently, sanctions imposed during 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 'to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.' On June 23, the Biden Administration opposed a U.N. General Assembly resolution (approved by vote of 184 to 2, with 3 abstentions) urging the United States to end its embargo on Cuba; the Obama Administration had abstained on the annual resolution in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-06-25
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Belarus: An Overview [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "In 2020, protests against allegedly widespread electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters led to the rise of a mass opposition movement in Belarus, on a scale unseen since the country became independent in 1991 (Belarus previously was part of the Soviet Union).The protests emerged in the wake of Belarus's August 2020 presidential election, during which opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya mounted an unexpectedly strong campaign against Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for more than 26 years. Since August 2020, about 35,000 Belarusians reportedly have been detained or imprisoned. More than 500, including 62 women, are considered political prisoners. Several individuals have been killed or have died under suspicious circumstances. The United States, the European Union (EU), and others have called for an end to the crackdown and for the government to hold free and fair presidential elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-06-25
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DHS Budget Request Analysis: Fy2022 [June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the third largest agency in the federal government in terms of personnel. The appropriations bill that funds it--providing almost $72 billion in FY2021--is the seventh largest of the 12 annual funding measures developed by the appropriations committees, and is the only appropriations bill that funds a single agency in its entirety and nothing else. This report provides an overview of the FY2022 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security. It provides a component-level overview of the appropriations sought in the FY2022 budget request, and puts the requested appropriations in context with the FY2021 requested and enacted level of appropriations, while noting some of the factors behind the larger changes from those baselines."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2021-06-25
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $2,659.5 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-25
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Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline: Continued Uncertainty [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline under construction that would increase the amount of Russian natural gas export capacity directly to Germany and on to other European countries, bypassing Ukraine, Poland, and other transit states (Figure 1). Successive U.S. Administrations and Congresses have opposed Nord Stream 2, reflecting concerns about European dependence on Russian energy and the threat of increased Russian aggression in Ukraine. Nord Stream 2 construction was initially suspended in December 2019, after the passage of U.S. legislation establishing sanctions related to the pipeline. At the time, fewer than 100 miles of the approximately 760-mile long pipeline system (consisting of two parallel lines) remained to be laid. Construction resumed in December 2020. In response, the United States has imposed sanctions on several entities and vessels, including five Russian ships identified as engaging in pipe-laying activities. Construction is ongoing, however. Reports indicate that one of two lines of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline system is complete, and construction of the second line may be finished within months. Additional steps, including certification by German authorities, would be required before the pipeline begins to transport gas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul; Ratner, Michael; Welt, Cory
2021-06-25
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Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) around FY2028. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program.The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-25
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Overview of the Universal Service Fund and Selected Federal Broadband Programs [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Efforts to deploy voice telephone service throughout the United States began almost 100 years ago. Starting in the 1990s, these efforts shifted toward the deployment of broadband internet service to homes, schools, and businesses and the provision of infrastructure to support applications such as telehealth and distance learning. These efforts have been supported through various permanent and pilot programs since that time. Further, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has become increasingly aware of the issues associated with the lack of broadband access in many places throughout the country. [...] This report summarizes broadband support programs at the following agencies: [1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC), [2] National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), [3] Department of Agriculture (USDA), [4] Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), [5] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), [6] Department of the Treasury, and [7] Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This report provides an overview of the agencies named above and summaries of the programs themselves, including new programs created or proposed in response to the pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976- . . .
2021-06-25
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U.S. Funding for International Conservation and Biodiversity [Updated June 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States supports international conservation efforts through foreign assistance programs, diplomatic engagement, and other tools. Members of Congress have supported such efforts on a bipartisan basis and have debated the level, scope, prioritization, and potential unintended consequences of U.S. international conservation activities. International conservation efforts focus on protecting species, restoring habitats, and recovering forests, among other things. Multiple federal departments and agencies administer and implement these initiatives, and Congress appropriates funding for them via several annual appropriations laws. Congress has shaped U.S. policy on international conservation through its authorization and appropriation of foreign assistance in part, as well as through its oversight activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Brown, Nick M.; Morgenstern, Emily M. . . .
2021-06-25
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Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Columbia (SSBN-826) class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and wants to procure the second boat in the class in FY2024. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $4,647.0 million (i.e., about $4.6 billion) in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on the Columbia-class program could substantially affect U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-24
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of June 22, 2021, the region had over 36million confirmed cases(20% of cases worldwide) and over 1.2 million deaths(32% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina hadthe highest numbers of deathsin the region. Looking at mortality (death) rates per 100,000 population, Peru had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2021-06-24
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States Opting Out of COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Agreements [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to the recent recession [hyperlink] caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress created several temporary Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136 [hyperlink]), and extended these programs through P.L. 116-260 [hyperlink] and P.L. 117-2 [hyperlink]. Recently, 25 states announced their intention to terminate their agreements to pay COVID-19 UI benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whittaker, Julie M.; Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-
2021-06-24
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Air Force Tanker Strategy Changes [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "As discussed in the CRS [Congressional Research Service] report 'Air Force KC-46A Pegasus Tanker' [hyperlink], the Air Force is in the process of replacing its fleet of 396 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, built in the 1950s and 60s, and 59 KC-10 Extenders, which entered service in 1981. Recent announcements indicate that the planned replacement program is changing significantly from its original form, which Congress may consider in evaluating the FY2022 defense budget requests. The Air Force originally envisaged replacing the current tanker fleet in three stages. [...] However, it now appears that tanker procurement plans have changed in at least two ways. One is that the KC-Y program is to be a full and open competition rather than a follow-on KC-46 contract. The Air Force released a 'sources sought' notice on June 16, 2021, seeking a commercial derivative tanker aircraft. This would seem to limit the field to the KC-46 and the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport. An earlier version of the A330 tanker lost to Boeing after three rounds of a protracted and controversial KC-X competition [hyperlink]. The Air Force is referring to this prospective procurement as a 'Bridge Tanker,' to fill in between the current KC-X and future KC-Z. [...] In another change, the Air Force view of KC-Z has been evolving for some time, and the Bridge Tanker sources sought announcement recast KC-Z as an 'Advanced Air Refueling Tanker,' albeit without further detail."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2021-06-24
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Federal Workforce Statistics Sources: OPM and OMB [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Summary: "This report describes online tools, reports, and data compilations created by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that contain statistics about federal employees and the federal workforce. The report also describes key characteristics of each resource and briefly discusses selected methodological differences, with the intention of facilitating the selection of appropriate data for specific purposes. This report is not intended to be a definitive list of all information on the federal workforce. It describes significant and recurring products that contain data often requested by Members of Congress or congressional staff."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Nagel, Jared C.
2021-06-24
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Insurgency in Northern Mozambique: Nature and Responses [June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "An armed Islamist insurgency in Mozambique--launched in 2017 with an attack on several police posts in Cabo Delgado province,in the country's north--has burgeoned. The insurgency and state security responses to it have resulted in many serious human rights abuses and killings, widespread social trauma and property destruction, and massive population displacements, creating a complex humanitarian crisis. Insurgent attacks also have prompted the French energy firm Total to declare force majeure and suspenda $20 billion, partially U.S. government-financed natural gas processing project, one of several major projects designed to tap large gas fields discovered offshore in 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2021-06-24
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since 2005, Congress has passed several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. [Public Law] 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110- 140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA; P.L. 110-343); and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). Each of those laws established, expanded, or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) programs. The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs. The Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) operate several programs. A few programs can also be found within the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Small Business Administration (SBA), Fannie Mae, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This report outlines current federal programs and provisions providing grants, loans, loan guarantees, tax credits, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy RDD&D. The programs are grouped by administering agency with references to applicable federal agency websites. Incentives are summarized and indexed in the appendixes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cunningham, Lynn J.; Eck, Rachel J.
2021-06-24
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U.S.-European Relations in the 117th Congress [Updated June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship,' the U.S.-European partnership encompasses the NATO alliance, relations with the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Despite periodic tensions over the past 70 years, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2021-06-24
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Nuclear Arms Control After the Biden-Putin Summit [June 24, 2021]
From the Document: "After meeting in Geneva on June 16, 2021, President Biden and Russia's President Vladimir Putin released a Joint Statement on Strategic Stability [hyperlink], which outlined their agreement on a path forward for nuclear arms control and risk reduction. In February, the two Presidents agreed [hyperlink] to extend [hyperlink] the New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaty for five years [hyperlink] beyond its planned expiration on February 5, 2021. This treaty limits deployed long-range strategic nuclear weapons but does not address all types of U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons or other factors that could affect the risk of nuclear escalation or nuclear use. The joint statement addresses future discussions on these issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-06-24
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Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [June 24, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021. Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of the 35th and 36th Virginia-class boats. A key issue for Congress concerns the SSN force-level goal and procurement rate. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-24
