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Bangladesh [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) is a Muslim-majority nation in South Asia, bordering India and Burma on the Bay of Bengal. It is the world's eighth most populous country, with approximately 163 million people living in a land area about the size of Iowa. It is a relatively poor nation suffering from high levels of corruption. In recent years, its democratic system has faced an array of challenges, including political violence, weak governance, poverty, demographic and environmental strains, and Islamist militancy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2020-06-22
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COVID-19: Resources for Tracking Federal Spending [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with various legislation providing relief to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight provides information on selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief funding provided through these bills."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2020-06-22
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion; and contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting. [...] This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs, examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009), and discusses legislation to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean; Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-06-22
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Supplemental Appropriations: SBA Disaster Loan Account [June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy, Congress made COVID-19-related economy injury an eligible expense for Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Congress also provided SBA an additional $20 million for SBA disaster assistance administrative expenses (P.L. 116- 123, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020). At that time, the SBA had about $1.1 billion in its disaster loan credit subsidy account to support about $7 billion in disaster loans. These funds are available until expended and are used to pay for disaster loan defaults and related expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Nagel, Jared Conrad; Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-
2020-06-22
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-06-22
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Uyghurs in China [Updated June 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are an ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) far northwest. Uyghurs speak a Turkic language and practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam. The XUAR, often referred to simply as Xinjiang (pronounced 'SHIN-jyahng'), is a provincial-level administrative region which comprises about one-sixth of China's total land area and borders eight countries. The region is rich in minerals, produces over 80% of China's cotton, and has China's largest coal and natural gas reserves and a fifth of its oil reserves. The XUAR is a strategic region for the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative, which includes Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and energy development in neighboring Central and South Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2020-06-22
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Women in the Middle East and North Africa: Issues for Congress [June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "The status of women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has garnered widespread interest among many Members of Congress. Many experts have found that women in this region fare worse than those in other parts of the world on a range of social, economic, legal and political measures. Some attribute this underperformance to gender roles and perspectives (including discriminatory laws and beliefs), and challenges facing the region overall (such as a preponderance of undemocratic governments, poor economic growth, civil wars, and mass displacement, which often disproportionately affect women)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Danon, Zoe; Collins, Sarah R.
2020-06-19
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2020 [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen, with summary tables providing information on various legislative proposals considered in the 114th, 115th, and 116th Congresses. These proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Collins, Sarah R.
2020-06-19
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Comparing Police Reform Bills: The Justice in Policing Act and the JUSTICE Act [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "On May 25, 2020, George Floyd died in the custody of the Minneapolis police after an officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck while restraining him. That incident, others like it, and subsequent nationwide protests have sparked heightened interest in the federal government's ability to prevent and remedy police misconduct, especially the use of excessive force against people of color. The events of May and June 2020 have prompted action by the Executive Branch and legislative proposals in both houses of Congress. On June 16, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities. On June 8, 2020, Members of the House of Representatives, led by the Congressional Black Caucus, introduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (Justice in Policing Act), and on June 17, 2020, Senate Republicans unveiled the Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 (JUSTICE Act). A previous Legal Sidebar briefly summarized the Executive Order and both bills, along with other recent reform proposals. This Legal Sidebar provides a comparison of the Justice in Policing Act and the JUSTICE Act. While this Sidebar does not purport to detail every provision of the two bills exhaustively, it analyzes key similarities and differences that are most relevant when evaluating the two proposals. The Sidebar first outlines subject matters that both bills cover, detailing similarities and differences between each bill on those subjects. It concludes by discussing provisions unique to each bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-06-19
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Diplomacy with North Korea: A Status Report [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Overview: "United States-North Korea diplomacy to curb North Korea's nuclear and missile programs has been stalled since February 2019, and observers see little chance for progress in the coming months. In June 2020, tension increased on the Korean Peninsula, when the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea's official name) turned more belligerent, blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office inside North Korea and threatening to interfere in upcoming U.S. elections, among other moves. Since President Donald Trump first agreed in March 2018 to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, the Trump Administration has emphasized the importance of developing a strong leader-to-leader relationship. The strategy appears to presume better results than the working-group negotiations employed by previous administrations. Trump and Kim have held three meetings: in Singapore (June 2018); Hanoi (February 2019); and Panmunjom (June 2019). The personal diplomacy defused the U.S.-DPRK hostility that had developed in 2017, raising alarms that war could break out on the Korean Peninsula. The diplomacy also has helped preserve North Korea's self-imposed moratoria on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile tests. Despite Kim's 2018 pledge to denuclearize, President Trump's approach to North Korea has been called into question by the absence of progress in negotiations, the DPRK's renewed hostility, allegations of sanctions-busting trade, and Pyongyang's continued enhancements to its military capabilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham . . .
2020-06-19
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Guyana currently is facing two enormous challenges--a political crisis concerning the conduct of the March 2, 2020, elections, and a public health threat due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-06-19
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Immigration Legislation and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "The House and the Senate have considered measures on a variety of immigration issues in the 116th Congress. These issues include border security, immigration enforcement, legalization of unauthorized immigrants, temporary and permanent immigration, and humanitarian admissions. Several immigration measures were enacted into law. Among them are the Northern Mariana Islands Long-Term Legal Residents Relief Act (P.L. 116-24) and the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act (P.L. 116-133). The 116th Congress also enacted immigration provisions as part of larger defense and appropriations bills. [...] This report discusses these and other immigration-related issues that have seen legislative action in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruno, Andorra; Kandel, William; Wilson, Jill, 1974-
2020-06-19
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Iran's Nuclear Program and U.N. Sanctions Reimposition [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015), which the council adopted on July 20, 2015, implements the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and contains other provisions concerning Iran's nuclear program, Tehran's development of missiles, and arms transfers to and from Iran. The United States has threatened to invoke the resolution's 'snapback' mechanism, which requires the Security Council to reimpose U.N. sanctions lifted pursuant to Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA. The JCPOA, finalized in July 2015 by Iran and China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (collectively known as the P5+1), requires Iran to implement constraints on its uranium enrichment and heavy water nuclear reactor programs, as well as allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor Tehran's compliance with the agreement. [...] In May 2018, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum stating that the United States would no longer participate in the JCPOA and would reimpose sanctions that had been suspended pursuant to the agreement. Arguing that subsequent efforts by the remaining JCPOA participants, known as the 'P4+1,' were inadequate to sustain the agreement's benefits for Iran, the government has undertaken some nuclear activities that exceed JCPOAmandated limits. Iranian officials continue to assert that Tehran will resume implementing all of its JCPOA commitments if the P4+1 does so."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2020-06-19
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International Criminal Court: U.S. Sanctions in Response to Investigation of War Crimes in Afghanistan [June 19, 2020]
From the Document; "President Trump issued an executive order on June 11, 2020, authorizing sanctions, in part, against any foreign person found to be acting in support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's investigation of U.S. personnel. The decision comes three months after the ICC Prosecutor's opening of an investigation into alleged war crimes related to the Afghanistan conflict, which has provoked condemnation and concern from the United States"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Rennack, Dianne E.
2020-06-19
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COVID-19 Impact on Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The economic turmoil resulting from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--particularly business interruptions and the decline in consumer activity--has negatively affected commercial real estate in numerous ways, leading to a sharp increase in delinquencies among commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) borrowers in the past month. This Insight provides a brief overview of the commercial real estate (CRE) market, as well as some policy issues that may be of interest to Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.
2020-06-19
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "Since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is negatively affecting global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by 3.0% to 6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery in 2021, assuming there is not a second wave of infections. The economic fallout from the pandemic raises the risks of a global economic recession with levels of unemployment not experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The human costs in terms of lives lost will permanently affect global economic growth in addition to the cost of rising levels of poverty, lives upended, careers derailed, and increased social unrest. Global trade could also fall by 13% to 32%, depending on the depth and extent of the global economic downturn, exacting an especially heavy economic toll on trade-dependent developing and emerging economies. The full impact will not be known until the effects of the pandemic peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2020-06-19
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of June 18, 2020, the region has 1.8 million confirmed cases and over 86,000 deaths, with some countries experiencing a surge in deaths. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil now has the highest number of deaths worldwide after the United States. The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Ecuador has the highest number of recorded deaths per capita, followed by Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-06-19
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Capital Markets Volatility and COVID-19: Background and Policy Responses [June 19, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Capital markets are where securities--such as stocks, bonds, and shares of investment funds--are issued and traded. They provide the largest sources of financing for U.S. nonfinancial companies. [...] This report focuses on capital markets behavior and policy responses in reaction to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] economic crisis, with particular focus on stocks, corporate bonds, and investment funds. The report aims to provide context for understanding policy decisions, their perceived outcomes, and the pros and cons of certain policy actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Su, Eva
2020-06-19
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PREP Act and COVID-19: Limiting Liability for Medical Countermeasures [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "To encourage the expeditious development and deployment of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency, the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to limit legal liability for losses relating to the administration of medical countermeasures such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. In a declaration effective February 4, 2020 (the HHS Declaration), the Secretary of HHS invoked the PREP Act and declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a public health emergency warranting liability protections for covered countermeasures. Under the HHS Declaration, covered persons are generally immune from legal liability (i.e., they cannot be sued for money damages in court) for losses relating to the administration or use of covered countermeasures against COVID-19. The sole exception to PREP Act immunity is for death or serious physical injury caused by 'willful misconduct.' However, individuals who die or suffer serious injuries directly caused by the administration of covered countermeasures may be eligible to receive compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2020-06-19
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Section 301: Tariff Exclusions on U.S. Imports from China [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "In 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determined, pursuant to an investigation under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. §§2411-2420), that China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property (IP), and innovation are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. To counter them and obtain their elimination, the Trump Administration imposed, under Section 301, four rounds of increased tariffs on approximately two-thirds of U.S. imports from China. However, to avoid harm to U.S. interests, the USTR instituted 'tariff exclusions' for certain U.S. imports that would otherwise be subject to tariffs. This is the first time that the agency has established an exclusion request process, and several Members of Congress have raised concerns about its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-06-19
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Congress and Police Reform: Current Law and Recent Proposals [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Document: "In May and June 2020, protests erupted nationwide after the publication of video footage of a Minneapolis police officer pressing his knee into the neck of George Floyd, leading to his death. That incident and its aftermath have sparked heightened interest in Congress's ability to implement reforms of state and local law enforcement. As a companion to this Sidebar outlines in greater detail, congressional power to regulate state and local law enforcement is not without limits. The Constitution grants the federal government only certain enumerated authorities, with the Tenth Amendment reserving all other powers for the states. The regulation of state and municipal law enforcement is an area that the Constitution generally entrusts to the states. However, Congress possesses some authority to legislate on that subject, primarily through statutes designed to enforce the protections of the Fourteenth Amendment and legislation requiring states to take specified action in exchange for federal funds disbursed under the Spending Clause. This Sidebar provides an overview of existing federal authorities intended to prevent and redress constitutional violations by state and local public safety officials. It then presents some recent proposals that would change federal regulation of state and local law enforcement. The Sidebar concludes with a list of additional CRS [Congressional Research Service] resources related to law enforcement reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-06-18
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2020-06-18
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Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy, gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. BMD-capable Aegis ships operate in European waters to defend Europe from potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as Iran, and in in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf to provide regional defense against potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as North Korea and Iran. Under the FY2021 budget submission, the number of BMD-capable Navy Aegis ships is projected to increase from 48 at the end of FY2021 to 65 at the end of FY2025. The Aegis BMD program is funded mostly through MDA's budget. The Navy's budget provides additional funding for BMD-related efforts. MDA's proposed FY2021 budget requests a total of $1,805.1 million (i.e., about $1.8 billion) in procurement and research and development funding for Aegis BMD efforts, including funding for two Aegis Ashore sites in Poland and Romania. MDA's budget also includes operations and maintenance (O&M) and military construction (MilCon) funding for the Aegis BMD program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-18
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North American Development Bank [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The North American Development Bank (NADB) is a binational financial institution created and funded by Mexico and the United States. The NADB provides loans and grants to public and private entities for environmental and infrastructure projects on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Modeled after the multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as the World Bank, the NADB has a unique environmental focus and is the only development bank that also finances projects in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2020-06-18
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Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a key U.S. partner in the Middle East. Although the United States and Jordan have never been linked by a formal treaty, the two countries have cooperated on a number of regional and international issues over the years. Jordan remains at peace with Israel and is a key interlocutor with the Palestinians. Jordan's strategic importance to the United States is evident given ongoing instability in neighboring Syria and Iraq.Jordan also is a longtime U.S. partner in global counterterrorism operations. U.S.-Jordanian military, intelligence, and diplomatic cooperation seeks to empower political moderates, reduce sectarian conflict, and eliminate terrorist threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2020-06-18
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Federal Disaster Assistance for Agriculture [Updated June 18, 2020]
From the Document: "A number of federal assistance programs are designed to address agricultural losses following a natural disaster, including insurance, direct payments for loss, loans, and cost share to rehabilitate damaged lands. These programs are intended to assist producers recovering from production, financial, and physical loss related to or caused by the disaster. They are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through three agencies: the Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). All programs have permanent authorization, and only one (the emergency loan program) requires a federal disaster designation. Many of the programs receive mandatory funding amounts that are 'such sums as necessary' and are not subject to annual discretionary appropriations. Other programs, however, require supplemental appropriations. Some programs are subject to payment limits, while others are not (e.g., crop insurance)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stubbs, Megan
2020-06-18
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COVID-19 and the Banking Industry: Risks and Policy Responses [June 18, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption. Millions of businesses were forced to shut down and unemployment soared. The weakened economic conditions are likely to have implications for the financial system, including for banks and the banking industry. Many bank assets are loans to households and businesses, and banks rely on the inflow of repayments on those loans to make profits and meet their obligations to depositors and creditors. If repayments suddenly decline, banks can become distressed and potentially fail. Bank failures can be especially disruptive to the economy because they remove an important credit source for communities, and the financial system can become unstable if failures are widespread."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Labonte, Marc; Gnanarajah, Raj . . .
2020-06-18
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Supreme Court: DACA Rescission Violated the APA [June 18, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 18, 2020, in the case 'Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California', the Supreme Court held in a five-to-four decision that the reasoning the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offered in support of its decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative was inadequate and therefore violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The Supreme Court's decision means that, at least for the time being, the DACA initiative will remain in place, offering the prospect of continued relief from removal and work authorization to the approximately 650,000 current DACA recipients and apparently also to eligible childhood arrivals who have not previously enrolled in the program. The decision, however, is limited in particular respects. It does not prevent the Trump Administration from taking new action to rescind DACA--indeed, the decision reaffirms that the Administration has power to do so, so long as it supplies adequate justification under the APA. The decision also does not address whether DACA itself is legal; instead, it goes no further than to hold that, in rescinding DACA, DHS failed to think through important issues about the available policy options and the interests of current DACA recipients."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Harrington, Ben
2020-06-18
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U.S. Government Procurement and International Trade [June 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has demonstrated that U.S. companies and the federal government rely heavily on global supply chains. This has prompted congressional interest in better understanding the role of international trade in U.S. government procurement. In particular, Members have sought ways to incentivize U.S. domestic production by prioritizing the procurement of domestic goods and services,while upholding U.S. commitments under various international trade agreements. Separately, the Trump Administration has issued executive orders that aim to incentivize companies to relocate to the United States by limiting waivers that would allow government purchases of foreign goods. Within this context, Members have raised questions regarding how federal agency acquisitions comply with two domestic sourcing laws: namely,the Buy American Act of 1933 (BAA, 41 U.S.C. §§8301-8305) and Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA, 19 U.S.C. §§2501-2581). Although both BAA and TAA have provisions that affect trade, there is a critical difference between their respective requirements. Whereas BAA operates as a 'price preference' for U.S. products, TAA establishes a 'prohibition' on procuring products and services from non-designated foreign countries, unless one of TAA's exceptions applies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-06-18
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Delivery of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "To mitigate the financial hardship many Americans are experiencing during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136). A critical element of the aid package is direct payments to certain individuals in 2020. The payments are referred to as 'recovery rebates' in Section 2201 of the act, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) calls them 'economic impact payments' (EIPs) in the notices it shares with the general public. To qualify for a full EIP, an individual's adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2019 cannot exceed $75,000 (or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly). The payment phases out for AGIs between $75,000 and $98,000 for single filers, and between $150,000 and $198,000 for joint filers. [...] This Insight presents a brief overview of the delivery of EIPs and identifies factors that might affect the timing and accuracy of their delivery."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2020-06-17
