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Overview of Department of Defense Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest federal user of the electromagnetic spectrum ('the spectrum'). It holds frequencies across multiple bands to support a number of technologies and uses. DOD utilizes spectrum on a day-to-day basis, for training, and for military operations. Thus, any changes to spectrum could affect DOD operations, both domestically and with allies abroad. Further, DOD has invested significantly in spectrum-dependent technologies. A summary of some of these technologies, including wireless communications, satellites, radar technologies that support situational awareness, signal intelligence and electronic warfare technologies, is provided [herein]. Changes in spectrum may affect how DOD can use, manipulate, or develop these technologies."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hoehn, John R.; Sayler, Kelley M.; Gallagher, Jill C.

2021-08-10
Lebanon [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "Lebanon, a country of 5.5 million people, faces the worst economic crisis in its history amid ongoing political unrest, the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and an August 2020 explosion that severely damaged the port of Beirut and surrounding densely populated areas. Lebanon hosts the largest number of refugees in the world per capita (over 1 million, mostly Syrians), which has raised social tensions and strained public services. U.S. policy has focused on countering the influence of Iran and Hezbollah and on bolstering the Lebanese state while calling for reforms to counter corruption and mismanagement. Lebanon's leaders have warned that the country's economic crisis could lead to a collapse of state institutions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Humud, Carla E.

2021-08-10
Security of Supply Arrangements (SOSAs): Background and Issues [August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "The U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) sources goods, services, and raw materials from the global marketplace to support national security and defense requirements. To facilitate the unhindered access to some key supplies, the Department of Defense (DOD) has entered into bilateral Security of Supply Arrangements (SOSAs) with selected foreign governments to secure the mutual timely provision of defense-related goods and services during peacetime, emergency, and armed conflict. SOSAs allow DOD to request prioritized performance of contracts from companies in SOSA-signatory nations, and for SOSA signatories to request the same from U.S. firms. This In Focus considers the background of SOSAs in the context of a globally integrated defense industrial base, as well as potential policy considerations for Congress to advance national security and homeland defense."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cecire, Michael H.; Peters, Heidi M.

2021-08-10
Federal Support for School Safety and Security [August 10, 2021]

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From the Summary: "In the United States, more than 70 million students are enrolled in public elementary and secondary (K-12) schools or degree-granting postsecondary institutions. School and campus safety and security for these students encompasses many issues, including violence prevention and response, school climate, and the physical and mental health of the school community. Students' safety and security while in school is a paramount concern of the federal government and state and local governments, as well as school districts, institutions of higher education, students' families, and Members of Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Dragoo, Kyrie E.; Reese, Shawn; James, Nathan . . .

2021-08-10
Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $1,087.9 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion) for the procurement of the third FFG-62, and $69.1 million in advance procurement (AP) funding for the fourth and fifth FFG-62s, which are programmed for procurement in one or more future fiscal years. The FFG-62 program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2021-08-10
Space as a Warfighting Domain: Issues for Congress [August 10, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The United States is in the midst of making significant changes to policy on protecting national security pertaining to outer space. Military strategists increasingly consider space to be a warfighting domain--a location where offensive and defensive military operations take place--similar to air, land, and sea. During the Cold War, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union approached space as a sanctuary and a non-warfighting domain. However, many states and international entities, including the Department of Defense and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), now declare space a warfighting domain. Many countries rely on the capabilities that civilian and military space systems provide. Many governments have agreed in principle that space should remain a domain used for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humankind. Various treaties and agreements are the mechanisms in place to promote the principle of space as a peaceful domain, but these do not prevent nations from having or conducting counterspace operations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCall, Stephen M.

2021-08-10
CDC's Federal Eviction Moratorium [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, [hyperlink] the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent. The moratorium was extended several times, until it expired on July 31, 2021. On August 3, 2021, the CDC issued a new order [hyperlink] implementing another eviction moratorium through October 3, 2021 [hyperlink]. Rather than applying nationwide, the new order is only applicable in counties with heightened rates of COVID-19 [hyperlink] community transmission. Both orders are intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The CDC's actions, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing it to consider such measures, are unprecedented, both in terms of the agency's reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority [hyperlink]. Courts have issued conflicting decisions on the initial order's legality, leaving a cloud of uncertainty [hyperlink] regarding the order's enforceability [hyperlink]."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Carpenter, David Hatcher

2021-08-10
COVID-19: Government Resources for Real-Time Economic Indicators [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents select real-time economic indicators that attempt to measure the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the U.S. economy. Created by select federal government agencies, these new or unique indicators attempt to measure the demographic, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19 in real-time, or on a weekly or monthly basis, rather than quarterly or annually."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Jennings, Julie; Weinstock, Lida R.

2021-08-10
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs [Updated August 9, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "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 [y research, development, demonstration, and deployment]. 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.

2021-08-09
Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure [Updated August 9, 2021]

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From the Background: "The executive branch has discretion to grant temporary reprieves from removal to aliens present in the United States in violation of the INA. Temporary Protected Status (TPS), codified in INA Section 244, provides temporary relief from removal and work authorization to foreign nationals--regardless of their immigration status--in the United States from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances that prevent their safe return. This report begins by situating TPS in the context of humanitarian responses to migration. Another form of blanket relief from removal--Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)-- is also described, as is the historical use of these relief mechanisms. This report then provides data on each of the countries currently designated for TPS, including the conditions that have contributed to their designation. Past legislation to provide lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to certain TPS-designated foreign nationals is also described. The report concludes with a discussion of legislative activity in the 116th and 117th Congresses related to TPS."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Wilson, Jill, 1974-

2021-08-09
Asylum Eligibility for Applicants Fleeing Gang and Domestic Violence: Recent Developments [Updated August 6, 2021]

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"Non-U.S. nationals (aliens, as the term is used in the Immigration and Nationality Act [hyperlink]) from Central America have increasingly pursued asylum and related protections in the United States because of gang and domestic violence [hyperlink] in their home countries. To qualify for protection, applicants typically must establish that the gang or domestic violence amounts to persecution because of one of five enumerated grounds, including membership in a 'particular social group.' In 'Matter of A-B-' [hyperlink] and 'Matter of L-E-A-' [hyperlink], former Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and William Barr issued rulings that made it more difficult for applicants to satisfy this requirement. Those rulings were binding upon immigration authorities [hyperlink] within both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In February 2021, President Biden directed [hyperlink] the Attorney General (AG) and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review the availability of asylum for applicants fleeing gang or domestic violence, and to issue joint regulations that clarify the meaning of a 'particular social group.' In June 2021, AG Merrick Garland vacated the prior rulings [hyperlink] in 'Matter of A-B-' and 'Matter of L-E-A-' pending issuance of these regulations. This Legal Sidebar examines the AG decisions addressing the availability of asylum for applicants fearing nongovernmental persecution based on their membership in a particular social group, President Biden's executive order, and legislative options for Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Hillel R.

2021-08-06
Federal Assistance for Wildfire Response and Recovery [Updated August 6, 2021]

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From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires. Wildfires can have some beneficial impacts on an ecosystem, but they often threaten homes and communities, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. Wildfires are sometimes caused by lightning strikes and may occur when a prescribed burn escapes control or through other human activities (deliberate or accidental). Annually from 2011 to 2020, there were an average of 62,805 wildfires and an average of 7.5 million acres impacted. In 2020, 58,950 wildfires burned 10.1million acres, the second-most acreage impacted in a year since 1960; nearly 40% of these acres were in California. In 2020, wildfires destroyed nearly 18,000 structures nationwide, 54% (9,630) of which were residences. Congress and other stakeholders have considered options for federal support and assistance to address wildfire suppression during a fire, post-wildfire recovery, and land management activities to reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hoover, Katie

2021-08-06
Defense Health Primer: Military Vaccinations [Updated August 6, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) administers a variety of force health protection (FHP) measures to 'promote, protect, improve, conserve, and restore' the health and well-being of servicemembers. These measures include health promotion and education programs, periodic health assessments, preventive therapies, medical countermeasures, and vaccinations. The U.S. military instituted its first vaccination program in 1777 when General George Washington directed the inoculation of the Continental Army to protect personnel from smallpox. Since then, DOD has implemented a variety of enduring or situational FHP measures to protect servicemembers from health threats. Certain vaccines are required for all servicemembers, while others may only be required for those deploying to particular locations. Other vaccines may be available based on public health recommendations or on a voluntary basis. Since at least the late 1990s, Congress has expressed interest in DOD vaccination policies, specifically those on compulsory vaccinations. Similar interest among certain Members of Congress has arisen as DOD administers the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine to servicemembers on a voluntary basis. This In Focus describes DOD's military vaccination policies and immunization program, and offers issues for congressional consideration."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mendez, Bryce H. P.

2021-08-06
TRICARE's Next Generation Contracts: T-5 [August 6, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) administers a Military Health System [hyperlink] (MHS) that provides health care entitlements authorized in Title 10 of the U.S. Code (Chapters 55 [hyperlink] and 56 [hyperlink]) and organized under a program called TRICARE. The TRICARE program [hyperlink] offers health care benefits and services to approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries (servicemembers, military retirees, and family members) in DOD hospitals and clinics known as 'military treatment facilities' (MTFs) and through networks of participating civilian health care providers. The Defense Health Agency [hyperlink] (DHA) administers the TRICARE program and contracts with several managed care support organizations to deliver health care entitlements. In recent years, Congress has demonstrated sustained interest in the MHS by enacting TRICARE reforms [hyperlink] (see Section 705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017; P.L. 114-328) to require increased access to care, improved health outcomes and health care quality, enhanced beneficiary experience, and lower per capita costs. Many of these reforms are, or are in the process of being, integrated into the TRICARE contracts. On April 15, 2021, DHA released a request for proposals [hyperlink] (RFP) for the 'next generation' of TRICARE contracts, called 'T-5', which incorporates congressionally mandated reforms. This Insight provides an overview of T-5, DHA's acquisition strategy, and the timeline for awarding these new contracts."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mendez, Bryce H. P.

2021-08-06
VA Begins Adjudicating Claims for New Agent Orange Presumptions Included in NDAA FY2021 [August 6, 2021]

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From the Background: "On January 1, 2021, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA FY2021) [hyperlink] became law (P.L. [Public Law] 116-283) [hyperlink] after the House and Senate voted to override then-President Donald Trump's veto of the bill on December 28, 2020, and January 1, 2021, respectively. Section 9109 of the NDAA FY2021 amended Section 1116(a)(2) of Title 38 [hyperlink] of the 'U.S. Code' by adding bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism (a term for neurological disorders that cause movement problems similar to that of Parkinson's disease) to the list of presumptive conditions for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. This brought an end to a multiyear attempt to expand the list of presumptions for this specific group of veterans. As background, during the 116th Congress, H.R. 2200, H.R. 5610, and S. 3444 were introduced. These bills sought to statutorily add the aforementioned conditions as presumptions. In addition, H.Res. 729 and S.Res. 420 would have encouraged then-President Trump to act on creating these presumptions. [...] In July 2020, Senator Jon Tester proposed S. Amdt. 1972 to the annual National Defense Authorization Act to address the issue. The amendment was included, and the legislation passed. Now bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism [hyperlink] are presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to Agent Orange."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Salazar, Heather M.

2021-08-06
Wildfire Statistics [Updated August 6, 2021]

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From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. [...] Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity. Nationwide data compiled by the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) indicate that the number of annual wildfires is variable but has decreased slightly over the last 30 years and that the number of acres impacted annually, while also variable, generally has increased. Since 2000, an annual average of 70,600 wildfires burned an annual average of 7.0 million acres. This figure is more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s (3.3 million acres), although a greater number of fires occurred annually in the 1990s (78,600 average)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.

2021-08-06
Federal Employees and COVID-19 Vaccination Attestations: Immediate Takeaways [August 6, 2021]

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From the Document: "Executive Order 13991 [hyperlink] established the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force [hyperlink] (Task Force) to provide ongoing guidance to heads of executive agencies on government operation and employee safety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On July 29, 2021, the Task Force issued revised 'model safety principles' to executive agencies and departments. Among other safety principles, this guidance [hyperlink] instructs federal agencies to determine the vaccination status of federal employees and onsite contractors, and requires employees and onsite contractors to 'sign an attestation confirming their vaccination status.' Those who decline to provide an attestation must [hyperlink] wear a mask and be subject to testing and other safety measures. This effort to promote COVID-19 vaccination, similar [hyperlink] to some state and municipal employers' requirements, follows newly reported increases in COVID-19 cases and related [hyperlink] hospitalizations attributable to the spread of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19. [...] This Sidebar begins by providing background on the Task Force and the vaccination attestation policy. It then describes the primary authorities federal agencies may employ to implement the policy and relevant constitutional considerations. Next, the Sidebar discusses key requirements under federal antidiscrimination laws that may inform the implementation of the guidance. Finally, the Sidebar briefly considers whether COVID-19 vaccines' current emergency use authorization (EUA) status affects the federal government's ability to impose requirements related to vaccination."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Anderson, April J.; Shimabukuro, Jon O.; Shen, Wen W.

2021-08-06
Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated August 6, 2021]

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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 White House press secretary said on March 9, 2021, 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 would review policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Sanctions imposed under the Trump Administration remain in place. In May, the State Department renewed Cuba's designation as a country not cooperating fully with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts. On July 1, it cited Cuba for labor abuses associated with its foreign medical missions[.] [...] After Cuba's July 11 protests, President Biden and other Administration officials expressed solidarity with the protesters and strongly criticized the Cuban government for its repressive response. As part of the Administration's policy of holding the Cuban government accountable for its repressive actions, on July 22 and 30, the Treasury Department imposed targeted sanctions on several Cuban officials and entities. [...] [T]he Administration established a working group to identify the most effective ways to get remittances directly to the Cuban people, held engagement sessions with members of the Cuban American community, and began reviewing plans to increase staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Havana to facilitate consular services and engagement with civil society."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sullivan, Mark P.

2021-08-06
Indigenous Peoples in Latin America: Statistical Information [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides statistical information on Indigenous peoples in Latin America, including populations and languages, socioeconomic data, land and natural resources, human rights, and international legal conventions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Davis-Castro, Carla Y.

2021-08-05
Increasing Numbers of Unaccompanied Alien Children at the Southwest Border [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "The number of encounters (apprehensions or expulsions) of unaccompanied alien children (UAC, unaccompanied children) [hyperlink] at the U.S.-Mexico border with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the first nine months of FY2021 (93,512) already exceeds the previous apprehensions record [hyperlink] from FY2019 (76,020). UAC encounters declined substantially from FY2019 to FY2020, largely because of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic and related public health border enforcement measures. Starting in June 2020, they increased consistently before almost doubling from January to February 2021 and again from February to March. They have since remained elevated [hyperlink]. March 2021 UAC encounters (18,723) were the highest monthly total on record. U.S. officials say figures for July may exceed the March record number [hyperlink], and the figures for the rest of FY2021 are also expected to remain elevated [hyperlink]."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kandel, William

2021-08-05
Law Enforcement Reform Provisions in H.R. 4505 [August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (JIPA, H.R. 1280) was passed by the House on March 3, 2021; the bill has not been taken up by the Senate. The FY2022 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill (H.R. 4505), reported by the House Committee on Appropriations, would implement parts of JIPA by funding some of the new grant programs and placing conditions on existing grant programs that would be authorized by JIPA."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

James, Nathan

2021-08-05
Infrastructure and the Economy [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Many economists believe that under the right economic conditions, public investment in infrastructure will contribute to long-term growth. However, if the investment is financed through government debt or made during an economic expansion, this could dampen or even negate the impact. This report discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of public infrastructure investment, the state of public infrastructure investment in the economy, and potential future plans for additional public infrastructure investment. While the report focuses on public infrastructure investment, we note there is a significant amount of private infrastructure investment in this country as well."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Weinstock, Lida R.

2021-08-05
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) [August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a trade agreement, signed in late 2020 after eight years of talks, among the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)--Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and five ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) partners--Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. RCEP is to enter into force 60 days after ratification by six ASEAN and three non-ASEAN countries. Members aim for entry into force in early 2022; to date, China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand have ratified the deal. RCEP follows the recent entry into force of 'megaregional' trade deals, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP or TPP-11), which includes seven RCEP members and four countries in the Americas. Although overall RCEP has less extensive commitments than other recent trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP or the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement), many analysts view RCEP as an achievement for the multilateral trading system, which faces myriad challenges. The collective economic weight of its membership gives RCEP the potential to deepen some trade patterns and supply chains in Asia through lower trade costs and streamlined rules. Congress may consider how RCEP affects U.S. commercial and strategic interests, and if it affects the relevance of the United States in shaping trade rules and economic integration in Asia and globally."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Sutherland, Michael D.; Dolven, Ben . . .

2021-08-05
Proposals for a National Secure Data Service, in Context [August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "On June 28, 2021, the House passed H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act [hyperlink], which would authorize appropriations and certain activities. One provision would establish a 'National Secure Data Service' (NSDS) demonstration project [hyperlink]. The proposal relates to a recommendation from an earlier Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking (CEP) [hyperlink]. Among other things, CEP was charged [hyperlink] with considering [hyperlink] whether a federal government 'clearinghouse' for program and survey data should be established. CEP interpreted 'clearinghouse' [hyperlink] to mean 'a data storage facility that permanently stores records from multiple databases from multiple agencies and, therefore, grows with each new data linkage.' CEP rejected the clearinghouse model, however, citing [hyperlink] 'well-founded concerns about the potential privacy harm such a clearinghouse could raise.' Instead, it recommended [hyperlink] establishment of an NSDS, which would 'temporarily link existing data and provide secure access to those data for exclusively statistical purposes in connection with approved projects' and 'do this without creating a data clearinghouse or warehouse.' This Insight discusses NSDS proposals, related background, and potential issues for Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Stuessy, Meghan M.; Brass, Clinton T.

2021-08-05
United Kingdom, France and the Indo-Pacific [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "Successive U.S. Administrations have sought to bring European allies into a range of strategic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Most recently, President Biden during his visit to Europe in June 2021 sought greater cohesion with European allies on how democratic nations respond to challenges posed by China. While Europe's focus on the region has increased in recent years, France and the United Kingdom (UK) stand out for their recent actions that demonstrate their assessment of growing defense and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Through their strategic relations, regional deployments, arms sales, and military-to-military relationships, France and the UK have the ability to strengthen the defense capabilities of regional states, help shape the regional balance of power, and support U.S. interests. In recent years, France and the UK have developed their strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific and are networking with like-minded Indo-Pacific nations to bolster regional stability and help preserve the norms of the international system."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Mix, Derek E.; Belkin, Paul

2021-08-05
At What Rate Do Noncitizens Appear for Their Removal Hearings? Measuring in Absentia Removal Order Rates [August 5, 2021]

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From the Document: "Noncitizens who are charged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with immigration violations may have their cases adjudicated during immigration court removal proceedings. Immigration courts operate within the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). During proceedings, immigration judges (IJs) determine whether noncitizens (i.e., 'respondents') are removable (deportable), and if so, whether they are eligible for protection or relief from removal, such as asylum. Removal proceedings may involve multiple hearings. Respondents who fail to appear for any of their hearings may be ordered removed 'in absentia' (i.e., in the respondent's absence) by an IJ. The rate at which respondents fail to appear for their hearings has been a key measure that some have cited to support policy positions and legal decisions related to mandatory detention, border security, and asylum. Yet the method for measuring the in absentia rate has been debated, and there is wide variation in the rates cited by elected officials and reported in the media. This In Focus explains the legal requirements for in absentia removal orders, how EOIR calculates in absentia rates, how to interpret those rates, and an alternative method for calculating in absentia rates that some argue measures the rate more comprehensively by accounting for a large and growing number of pending cases. It also presents data on in absentia removal orders for asylum seekers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Straut-Eppsteiner, Holly

2021-08-05
Global COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Background: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 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. In late 2020, researchers started identifying several COVID-19 variants, now driving surges in related cases and deaths across Africa and south Asia. The United States, India, and Brazil have the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, many caused by the Delta variant. Vaccines and other countermeasures play a growing role in COVID-19 control. However, insufficient access to vaccines in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) raises questions about how inequities may hinder pandemic control worldwide."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

2021-08-05
COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated August 5, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the pandemic might have for the international security environment, and appendices listing CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Biden Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.

2021-08-05
Biden Administration's Immigration Enforcement Priorities: Background and Legal Considerations [Updated August 4, 2021]

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From the Document: "Almost immediately after taking office, President Biden issued a series of directives on immigration matters. Some of these directives focused on altering the immigration enforcement priorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency primarily charged with the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Federal statute confers immigration authorities with 'broad discretion' to determine when it is appropriate to pursue the removal of a non-U.S. citizen or national (alien) who lacks a legal basis to remain in the country. Resource or humanitarian concerns have typically led authorities to prioritize enforcement actions against subsets of the removable population (e.g., those who have committed certain crimes or pose national security risks). [...] This Sidebar addresses the Biden Administration's immigration enforcement priorities and legal considerations that they raise."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Hillel R.

2021-08-04
U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 4, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. Actions by China's maritime forces at the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea (ECS) are another concern for U.S. observers. Chinese domination of China's near-seas region2 could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere. The issue for Congress is whether the Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2021-08-04

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