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COVID-19: Resources for Tracking Federal Spending [Updated June 17, 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
2020-06-17
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. On July 13, 2012, the Navy submitted to Congress a 73-page report on the Navy's policies and practices for naming ships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-06-17
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Conflict at the China-India Frontier [June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Deadly conflict broke out on June 15 on the China-India border following weeks of minor military confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) and the Indian regions of Ladakh and Sikkim. The lethal conflict occurred in the Galwan Valley--one of the sites of tension in recent weeks--as the two sides were in the process of negotiating a mutual 'disengagement' of forces. [...] The events leading up to the lethal clashes included fistfights between Chinese and Indian soldiers stationed near Pangong Lake in India's Ladakh state, territorial advances by Chinese forces in Hot Springs and the Galwan Valley (also in Ladakh), and clashes between Chinese and Indian soldiers on the border near India's Sikkim state. Authoritative information is limited, but various accounts claim PRC troops made territorial gains of 40-60 square kilometers. On May 27, President Trump tweeted that 'the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate [China and India's] now raging border dispute.' Tensions had seemed to abate in early June as military officers and diplomats from both sides held talks to try to manage the situation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Caitlin; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2020-06-17
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DOD Transfer and Reprogramming Authorities: Background, Status, and Issues for Congress [June 17, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides information and analysis on DOD transfer and reprogramming authorities, as well as reprogramming actions. This report does not cover functional transfers--that is, funding realignments to reflect a transfer of function, responsibility, or duty from one major command to another within a military department or defense agency."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.
2020-06-17
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Oman: Politics, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Sultanate of Oman has been a strategic partner of the United States since 1980, when it became the first Persian Gulf state to sign a formal accord permitting the U.S. military to use its facilities. Oman has hosted U.S. forces during every U.S. military operation in the region since then, and it is a partner in U.S. efforts to counter terrorist groups and other regional threats. In January 2020, Oman's longtime leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al Said, passed away and was succeeded by Haythim bin Tariq Al Said, a cousin selected by Oman's royal family immediately upon Qaboos's death. Sultan Haythim espouses policies similar to those of Qaboos and has not altered U.S.-Oman ties or Oman's regional policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-06-17
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COVID-19: Effect on Organ Donation and Transplantation [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. domestic response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses both short- and long-term concerns for the U.S. organ transplant system. Organs are a limited resource, and their allocation is strictly regulated to try to ensure that no donated organs go unused. A number of transplant centers have suspended their transplant programs due to COVID-19. In addition, individuals were inactivated from organ waitlists in large numbers due to COVID-19 precautions, and inactivation may occur again if states have to halt elective procedures due to COVID-19 surges. Disruptions in the system may create long-term effects for both the allocation of organs and the viability of involved organizations, which are subject to federal outcome measures. This Insight provides background information on the organ donation and transplantation system, summarizes action taken to respond to COVID-19 by the organ transplant community, and identifies potential issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.
2020-06-17
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The Bahamas: An Overview [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-06-17
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Executive Order to Accelerate Economic Recovery from COVID-19 Emergency by Expediting Infrastructure Investment [June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 4, 2020, the White House released Executive Order (E.O.) 13927, 'Accelerating the Nation's Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Emergency by Expediting Infrastructure Investments and Other Activities.' It includes directives to specific agencies responsible for funding or authorizing certain types of infrastructure projects or construction-related activities. It also includes directives to the heads of all federal agencies regarding specific environmental laws commonly applicable to construction-related projects subject to federal approval. Broadly, it directs agencies to take 'appropriate steps to use their lawful emergency authorities and other authorities to respond to the national emergency and to facilitate the Nation's economic recovery.' Additionally, it directs federal agencies to 'take all reasonable measures to speed infrastructure investments and to speed other actions … that will strengthen the economy and return Americans to work, while providing appropriate protection for public health and safety, natural resources, and the environment, as required by law.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luther, Linda
2020-06-17
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Supreme Court Rules Title VII Bars Discrimination Against Gay and Transgender Employees: Potential Implications [June 17, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a decision in a series of cases brought by gay and transgender workers alleging that their employers violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) by discriminating against them 'because of . . . sex.' The Court held 6-3 in 'Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia' that Title VII forbids employers from firing an individual for being gay or transgender. The Court's decision in Bostock was consolidated with two other cases, 'Altitude Express, Inc. v. Zarda' and 'R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc. v. EEOC'. (An earlier Sidebar addresses lower court decisions in these cases and provides further background on Title VII.) This Sidebar explains the Court's holding in 'Bostock' and highlights some potential implications of the decision for other areas of the law, including the 'bona fide occupational qualification' (BFOQ) exception in Title VII; constitutional exceptions and religious-based exemptions to Title VII; various aspects of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX); and statutes that incorporate Title IX's requirements, such as the Affordable Care Act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cole, Jared P.
2020-06-17
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Small Business Administration (SBA) Funding: Overview and Recent Trends [Updated June 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report examines the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) appropriations (new budget authority, minus rescissions and sequestration) over time, focusing on developments and trends since FY2000. It also provides total available funding (which includes carryover from the prior fiscal year, carryover into the next fiscal year, account transfers, rescissions, and sequestration) and, for entrepreneurial development noncredit programs, actual and anticipated expenditures for comparative purposes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-
2020-06-17
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Weatherization Assistance Program Formula [June 16, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was established in 1976 under Title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA, P.L. 94-385, 42 U.S.C. §6861 et seq.). The WAP enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy consumption by making their households more energy efficient. It is a formula grant program: funding flows from the Department of Energy (DOE) to state governments (including territories, beginning in 2007) and then to local governments and weatherization agencies. DOE program guidelines specify that a variety of energy efficiency measures are eligible for support under the program. The measures include insulation, space-heating equipment, energy-efficient windows, water heaters, and efficient air conditioners. [...] This report discusses the formula that is used to allocate WAP funds to state governments. The formula allocation has changed over time. The report begins with an introduction to WAP, including the program's statutory authority, current allocation procedure, and origin and evolution. Next, the report discusses the specific methods and factors for distributing WAP funds to the states, which involve a base allocation and a formula allocation. The report concludes with a discussion of issues for Congress and identifies some related legislation introduced in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Clark, Corrie E.; Cunningham, Lynn J.
2020-06-16
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters 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. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy, including productivity losses, supply chain disruptions, major labor dislocation, and significant financial pressure on both businesses and households."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2020-06-16
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Confederate Names and Military Installations [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 8, 2020, an Army spokesperson made a statement that the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and the Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy are 'open to a bi-partisan discussion' on renaming the Army's 10 installations named after Confederate leaders. This statement follows the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger's message (MARADMIN 331/20) on June 5, 2020, instructing commanders to 'identify and remove' displays of the Confederate battle flag on Marine bases. Gen. Berger's order was signed following a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on February 11 regarding the rise of white supremacy in the ranks. A 2019 'Military Times' survey found that '36 percent of troops who responded have seen evidence of white supremacist and racist ideologies in the military, a significant rise from the year before, when only 22 percent reported the same in the 2018 poll.' In addition to some Department of Defense (DOD) officials, certain Members of Congress have expressed interest in renaming military installations named after Confederate leaders. There is also interest in the DOD's selection and approval process for naming military installations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2020-06-16
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Congress's Power Over Appropriations: A Primer [June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "A number of constitutional and statutory provisions provide Congress with perhaps its most important legislative tool: the power to direct and control federal spending. This In Focus summarizes relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, and identifies recent developments related to Congress's power over appropriations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stiff, Sean M.
2020-06-16
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CO2 Underground Injection Regulations: Selected Differences for Enhanced Oil Recovery and Geologic Sequestration [June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "Underground injection and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been proposed as a solution for mitigating CO2 emissions into the atmosphere from stationary sources burning fossil fuels. In this process, CO2 is compressed into a fluid (supercritical) state and injected underground for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or for geologic sequestration (GS). Both operations use wells to place CO2 into deep subsurface geologic formations, but they are regulated differently both by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states. Recent discussions in Congress regarding underground carbon storage, including debate about tax credits for geologic sequestration and EOR CO2 injection, have raised interest in the similarities and differences between these operations and associated regulations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Angela C.
2020-06-16
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Congress's Power Over Appropriations: Constitutional and Statutory Provisions [June 16, 2020]
From the Summary: "A body of constitutional and statutory provisions provides Congress with perhaps its most important legislative tool: the power to direct and control federal spending. Congress's 'power of the purse' derives from two features of the Constitution: Congress's enumerated legislative powers, including the power to raise revenue and 'pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States,' and the Appropriations Clause. This latter provision states that 'No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.' Strictly speaking, the Appropriations Clause does not provide Congress a substantive legislative power but rather constrains government action. But because Article I vests the legislative power of the United States in Congress, and Congress is therefore the moving force in deciding when and on what terms to make public money available through an appropriation, the Appropriations Clause is perhaps the most important piece in the framework establishing Congress's supremacy over public funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stiff, Sean M.
2020-06-16
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European Deterrence Initiative: A Budgetary Overview [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Background: "The European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) is a Department of Defense (DOD) effort to 'enhance the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support the collective defense and security of NATO allies, and bolster the security and capacity of U.S. allies and partners,' according to the DOD 'European Deterrence Initiative Fact Sheet'. EDI began as the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) in June 2014. The Obama Administration launched it primarily as an effort to reassure U.S. allies in Europe of a continued U.S. commitment to their security in the wake of Russia's 2014 invasion and occupation of Ukraine's Crimea region and instigation of conflict in eastern Ukraine. As tensions with Russia mounted, the focus of the program broadened from reassuring allies to deterring Russian aggression. DOD began referring to the program as EDI in 2018. Today, EDI is a key funding source for U.S. European Command's (EUCOM) posture adjustments in response to the evolving European security environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul; Kaileh, Hibbah
2020-06-16
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Environmental Effects of Battery Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles [June 16, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Increased deployment of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and other alternative-fueled vehicles in the United States could have a variety of effects on energy security, the economy, and the environment. In an effort to address certain environmental concerns, including climate change, some Members of Congress and some stakeholder interest groups have expressed interest in the promotion of these technologies--specifically BEV technologies. Much of this interest has focused on the electrification of passenger vehicles. This focus reflects the fact that, historically, passenger vehicles have dominated emissions (of both greenhouse gases and other air pollutants) in the transportation sector and that passenger vehicles have shorter development and in-use times than other modes of transportation (e.g., aircraft, trains, and ships), and thus can be more readily and systematically addressed. [...] This report discusses and synthesizes analyses of the environmental effects of BEVs as compared to the internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and is part of a suite of CRS [Congressional Research Service] products on electric vehicles and related technology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Clark, Corrie E.
2020-06-16
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Forecasting Tropical Cyclones: Overview and Issues for Congress [June 16, 2020]
From the Summary: "Timely tropical cyclone forecasts can provide early and accurate warnings to parts of the U.S. coastline vulnerable to tropical cyclone impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the federal agency responsible for tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall forecasts. NOAA defines 'tropical cyclones' as tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes, and the agency makes tropical cyclone forecasts using data from multiple observational tools-- satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, ships, radar, and buoys, among others. Each year, NOAA releases outlooks for three ocean regions--Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and central Pacific. Although the outlooks typically cover all types of tropical cyclones, the agency uses the term 'hurricane' in the outlook title. The north Atlantic and eastern Pacific outlooks include the predicted number of named storms (typically tropical storm strength or stronger), hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The central Pacific outlook forecasts the total number of tropical cyclones expected. NOAA released its 2020 hurricane season outlooks for the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and central Pacific regions in May 2020. NOAA predicts an above-normal season in the Atlantic, with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva
2020-06-16
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Fossil Energy Petroleum Accounts: FY2021 Appropriations [June 16, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In February 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) submitted to Congress its FY2021 Budget Request, including appropriations for the Fossil Energy Petroleum Accounts. These accounts [...] consist of three energy security programs: the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR), and the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserve (NPOSR). The Office of Petroleum Reserves, within the Office of Fossil Energy, manages these accounts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Greenley, Heather L.
2020-06-16
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Federal Housing Policy Responses to COVID-19 [June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] global pandemic and resulting economic recession presents many housing challenges, ranging from public health concerns about large populations of unsheltered homeless individuals to the impact of rising unemployment on housing stability. Housing in the United States is primarily a private market function regulated at the state and local level, and states and local governments have implemented a variety of housing policy responses to the pandemic. However, there has been demand for federal action to supplement and support those efforts. In response, the federal government increased its funding for housing programs and made policy changes to protect renters and homeowners and support other housing market participants. In addition to housing-specific interventions, policies such as one-time relief payments to individuals, federal increases to Unemployment Insurance (UI), and some fiscal relief to states and localities may be used directly or indirectly for housing needs. Despite these actions, significant housing challenges remain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Jones, Katie
2020-06-16
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Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "For years, U.S. diplomats and officials have emphasized the importance of a political solution, but U.S. actions have yet to convince or compel Libyans and their various patrons to disengage from confrontation. U.S. diplomats in 2020 have called 'on all sides to lay down their arms' and for 'an immediate end to the conflict.' Officials identify counterterrorism as the top U.S. priority in Libya, and balance Libya-related concerns with other goals with foreign actors. U.S. officials have welcomed parts of an Egyptian proposal to end the conflict, but back U.N.-led dialogue as a preferred venue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-06-16
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "In May 2020, the Iraqi Council of Representatives (COR), confirmed Iraqi National Intelligence Service director Mustafa al Kadhimi as Prime Minister, and in June finished confirmation of his cabinet members, bringing months of political deadlock over government leadership to a close. Upon taking office, Al Kadhimi declared that his government would serve in a transitional capacity and would work to improve security and fight corruption while preparing for early elections.Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks to the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-06-16
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Bolivia: Elections in September? [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 10, 2020, Bolivia's legislative assembly approved a law establishing September 6 as the new date for general elections. The elections were scheduled for May 3, 2020, but suspended in March following Interim President Jeanette Añez's declaration of a national quarantine in response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Añez has refused to sign the legislation due to the pandemic, but a supermajority of legislators can promulgate the law without her support. Bolivia has been polarized since the annulled October 2019 elections alleged to be marred by fraud and the November resignation of President Evo Morales of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. The United States remains concerned about the political volatility in Bolivia. The Trump Administration and Congress have supported efforts to ensure the upcoming elections are free and fair."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-06-16
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USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Direct Payments [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Introduction: "On April 17, 2020, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would initiate the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), valued at $19 billion, to provide immediate financial relief to farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] national emergency. According to Secretary Perdue, CFAP consists of two distinct initiatives: a $16 billion direct payment program for agricultural producers that have been impacted by the decline in commodity prices and the disruption in food supply chains related to COVID-19, and a $3 billion food purchase and distribution program for affected consumers referred to as the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. [...] This report describes the details of the larger of these two CFAP initiatives--the direct payment program. It describes how this program is funded and administered, including specific details on the calculation and implementation of payments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2020-06-16
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Reforming Patterns of Unconstitutional Policing: Enforcement of 34 U.S.C. § 12601 [June 15, 2020]
From the Document: "In the early 1990s, bystander video footage of Los Angeles police beating, clubbing, and stomping on black motorist Rodney King sparked national outrage, protests, and rioting. In response, Congress passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which contained a notable provision originally codified as 42 U.S.C. § 14141 and now found at 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601). Specifically, Section 12601 serves as the primary federal law aiming to ensure that law enforcement agencies comply with the Constitution. More recently, bystander footage of Minneapolis police pinning George Floyd in a neckhold ignited protests, anger, and violence throughout the nation, prompting renewed interest among lawmakers in the role of the federal government in ensuring constitutional policing. Indeed, Floyd's death is only one in a series of similar incidents arousing public concern and protest. Some of these events, including the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore police custody and the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri, police, spurred not only public outcry but also legal action by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Section 12601. This Sidebar discusses the Section's requirements, DOJ's enforcement actions in recent years, and considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Anderson, April J.
2020-06-15
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices [Updated June 15, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State's description of each country's political system and selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy trends worldwide. Using tables and graphs to illustrate regional trends, this report provides a snapshot of democracy indicators from the following sources: (1) the U.S. Department of State's '2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices'; (2) Bertelsmann Stiftung's 2018 Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI); (3) the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU's) 'Democracy Index 2018'; (4) Freedom House's 'Freedom in the World 2019'; and (5) the Varieties of Democracy Institute's (V-DEM's) Liberal Democracy Index in its 'Democracy Report 2019'. Additional resources appear at the end of the report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2020-06-15
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Argentina's Economic Crisis and Default [Updated June 15, 2020]
From the Document: "In 2018, the Argentine government faced numerous economic challenges: the unsustainable buildup of debt, rapid depreciation of its currency (the peso), economic contraction, and inflation. The government, headed at the time by center-right President Mario Macri, reluctantly turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)for financial assistance to avoid defaulting on its debt. After securing the largest IMF loan (in dollar terms) in the institution's history, economic conditions failed to improve. In the October 2019 elections, Mario Macri lost to the center-left Peronist ticket of Alberto Fernández for president and former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for vice president. The Peronist ticket campaigned on a reorientation of Argentine economic policies. After taking office, the Fernández government implemented several economic reforms and entered debt restructuring negotiations with its bondholders, which remain ongoing. The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic and resulting economic turmoil further stressed Argentina's economy, and the government defaulted on its debt in May 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2020-06-15
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Elder Justice Act: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 15, 2020]
From the Summary: "Elder abuse is a complex issue. As such, it often leads to calls for a multifaceted policy response that combines public health interventions, social services programs, and law enforcement. To address this complexity, the Elder Justice Act was enacted on March 23, 2010, as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended). The Elder Justice Act is intended to provide a coordinated federal response to elder abuse by emphasizing various public health and social service approaches to prevent, detect, and treat abuse. The Elder Justice Act is Congress's first attempt at comprehensive legislation to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly at the federal level."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Colello, Kirsten J.
2020-06-15
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DOD Concerns About the FCC-Approved Ligado Network [Updated June 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 20, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved an application by Ligado Networks LLC (Ligado) to 'deploy a low-power [9.8 decibel watts (dBW)] terrestrial nationwide network in the 1526-1536 MHz, 1627.5-1637.5 MHz, and 1646.5-1656.5 MHz bands [of the electromagnetic spectrum] that will primarily support Internet of Things (IoT) services.' These frequency bands are traditionally used for satellite operations. The Department of Defense (DOD) opposed this decision--along with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Interior, Department of Justice, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and others. That opposition related to concerns that Ligado's proposed network could interfere with signals from satellites to Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Congress may consider federal agency concerns, including DOD concerns related to mission-critical systems and the FCC's response, as it conducts oversight of the FCC's ruling. Congress may also consider broader issues related to fifth generation (5G) mobile technologies, such as the allocation of spectrum among competing users and the impact of spectrum decisions on national security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; Hoehn, John R.
2020-06-15
