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World Trade Organization Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations [September 16, 2021]
From the Document: "World Trade Organization (WTO) members are currently negotiating a multilateral agreement to curb fisheries subsidies that lead to excess capacity, which may contribute to overfishing, as well as those that support illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Subsidies are defined as a financial contribution, made by a government or any public body that confers a benefit, and are generally considered to be trade distorting. They provide cost advantages to subsidized fisheries and disadvantage unsubsidized fisheries. Negotiations began in 2001 at the Doha Ministerial Conference and the mandate was renewed at the 11th Ministerial Conference in 2017, with a goal of concluding negotiations by 2020. WTO members missed that goal due to persistent disagreements on certain issues and delays caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Members hope to conclude negotiations before the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) is set to begin on November 30, 2021. Many observers view a successful outcome of the talks, which is the only ongoing multilateral trade negotiation, as important to preserving the WTO's credibility and relevance as a negotiating body. Members of Congress have generally supported prior U.S. negotiating efforts to ban harmful fisheries subsidies at the WTO."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wong, Liana
2021-09-16
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Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities [September 16, 2021]
From the Document: "Drought―a deficiency of moisture that results in adverse effects―occurs to some extent almost every year in areas of the United States. Droughts can simultaneously reduce available water supplies and increase demands for water. Drought has the potential to affect economic and environmental conditions on local, regional, and national scales, as well as to cause disruptions in water supplies for households and communities. Droughts are a component of climate variability and may be seasonal, multiyear, or multi-decadal in duration. According to an August 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the physical science of climate change, variable precipitation and rising temperatures are intensifying droughts in some U.S. regions. According to the report, certain types of droughts, such as those causing agricultural impacts, are expected to be more likely in the western and central regions of the United States in the future."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.; Lipiec, Eva; Benson, Lisa S. . . .
2021-09-16
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Israel: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated September 16, 2021]
From the Document: "U.S.-Israel security cooperation--a critical part of the bilateral relationship--is multifaceted. U.S. law requires the executive branch to take certain actions to preserve Israel's 'qualitative military edge,' or QME, and expedites aid and arms sales to Israel in various ways. Additionally, a 10- year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding (MOU)--signed in 2016--commits the United States to provide Israel $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and to spend $500 million annually on joint missile defense programs from FY2019 to FY2028, subject to congressional appropriations. Israel was the first foreign country to purchase and operate the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Congress also has authorized and encouraged bilateral cooperation in a number of specific security-related areas, including anti-tunnel defense and countermeasures for drone aircraft. Additional issues to be discussed below with significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations include: Challenges facing the Israeli power-sharing government that took office in June 2021, headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Israeli-Palestinian issues, including the aftermath of May 2021 Israel-Gaza Strip violence, some human rights considerations and heightened scrutiny of U.S. aid, and Israel's normalization of relations with various Arab states. Concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, including with Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Chinese investment in Israeli companies and infrastructure, and U.S. concerns about implications for U.S. national security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2021-09-16
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Federal Debt Levels on Presidential Inauguration Days [September 15, 2021]
From the Document: "This Insight presents data on federal debt on or near Inauguration Days since 1961 taken from U.S. Treasury statements. 'Table 1' presents current-dollar debt levels. 'Table 2' presents inflation-adjusted debt levels. Finally, 'Table 3' presents debt as a proportion of the U.S. economy. Levels for August 2, 2021, the first business day after the most recent reset of the debt limit, and September 14, 2021, the date of the most recent Daily Treasury Statement [hyperlink], are also included."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2021-09-15
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Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated September 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Venezuela, under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro, remains in a deep economic and humanitarian crisis worsened by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Maduro has consolidated power over all of Venezuela's democratic institutions since his narrow 2013 election following the death of President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013). His United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) took de facto control of the National Assembly, the last independent branch of government, in January 2021. Maduro has quashed dissent and resisted international pressure to step down since his reelection in a May 2018 presidential vote that was widely condemned as fraudulent. Meanwhile, international support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó, the former National Assembly president once regarded as interim president by the United States and nearly 60 other countries, has dissipated. The Biden Administration and Congress have maintained pressure on Maduro and support for Guaidó. U.S. policy could change, however, if recently restarted negotiations between the opposition and Maduro officials bring meaningful progress toward democracy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-09-15
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Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Backgroundand Issues for Congress [Updated September 15, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers), to be followed years from now by the acquisition of up to three new Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) (i.e., medium polar icebreakers). The PSC program has received a total of $1,754.6 million (i.e., about $1.8 billion) in procurement funding through FY2021, including $300 million that was provided through the Navy's shipbuilding account in FY2017 and FY2018. With the funding the program has received through FY2021, the first two PSCs are now fully funded. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2022 budget requests $170.0 million in procurement funding for the PSC program, which would be used for, among other things, procuring long leadtime materials (LLTM) for the third PSC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-15
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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 15, 2021]
From the Summary: "NSCs [National Security Cutters] are the Coast Guard's largest and most capable general-purpose cutters; they are replacing the Coast Guard's 12 Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters. NSCs have an estimated average procurement cost of about $670 million per ship. Although the Coast Guard's POR [program of record] calls for procuring 8 NSCs to replace the 12 Hamilton-class cutters, Congress through FY2021 has fully funded 11 NSCs, including the 10th and 11th in FY2018. In FY2020, Congress provided $100.5 million for procurement of long lead time materials (LLTM) for a 12th NSC, so as to preserve the option of procuring a 12th NSC while the Coast Guard evaluates its future needs. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2022 budget requests $78.0million in procurement funding for activities within the NSC program; this request does not include further funding for a 12th NSC. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2022 budget also proposes rescinding $65.0 million of the $100.5 million in FY2020 funding for LLTM for a 12th NSC, 'allowing the Coast Guard to focus investments on building, homeporting, and crewing Polar Security Cutters and Offshore Patrol Cutters.' The remaining $35.5 million appropriated in FY2020 for LLTM would be used to pay NSC program costs other than procuring LLTM for a 12th NSC. Nine NSCs have entered service; the ninth was commissioned into service on March 19, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-15
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Child Tax Credit: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Child Credit for 2021 as Expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) [Updated September 15, 2021]
From the Document: "In March of 2021, Congress passed legislation significantly expanding the child tax credit for one year as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2). ARPA expanded the eligibility for and the amount of the credit for 2021, especially for low- and middle-income taxpayers. The law also directed the Treasury Secretary to establish a program to advance up to half of the total credit amount 'before' 2021 income taxes are filed. This is a departure from most other tax benefits, which are typically delivered annually in a lump sum after federal income tax returns are filed. The 117th Congress is considering proposals to extend and/or modify the temporary child credit expansion included in APRA. In April 2021, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal released a discussion draft of the Building an Economy for Families Act that includes a provision to permanently extend the ARPA changes to the child credit. The Biden Administration has proposed making the full refundability provision included in ARPA permanent, while extending other ARPA provisions through the end of 2025. This report provides answers to selected frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the ARPA-expanded child credit for 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2021-09-15
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Provider Relief Fund: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated September 15, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) was established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. [Public Law] 116-136) to reimburse, through grants or other mechanisms, eligible health care providers for increased expenses or lost revenue attributable to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The CARES Act provided $100 billion to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus, domestically and internationally. The amounts were subsequently increased by $78 billion, with $75 billion added in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPHCEA, P.L. 116-139) and $3 billion in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). The latter was the first time the Provider Relief Fund was referred to in statute and required changes to the fund's reporting requirements and requirements for future fund allocations. The answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) in this report provide overview information on the PRF, how funds have been allocated, and the fund's requirements for provider reporting. In addition, this report describes the use of the PRF to pay providers for providing coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines to uninsured individuals and the use of the fund to pay providers for costs associated with vaccinating individuals who are underinsured (e.g., who do not have insurance that covers vaccine administration)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-
2021-09-15
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated September 14, 2021]
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. Section 370 of the FY2021 NDAA (H.R. 6395/P.L. 116-283 of January 1, 2021) establishes a commission regarding the removal and renaming of certain assets of the Department of Defense (including ships) that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-09-14
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Supreme Court's October 2020 Term: A Review of Selected Major Rulings [September 14, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Supreme Court issued the last merits decision of its 2020-2021 Term on July 1, 2021. This term was also Justice Amy Coney Barrett's first term as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The Court issued 55 merits decisions in all, addressing a wide range of issues in American public law. Many of these decisions have potential implications for federal law or litigation and thus are likely to be of general interest to Congress. Among the Court's major rulings was 'Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee,' where, for the first time, the Supreme Court issued a decision interpreting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in the context of state voting rules. While it did not establish a standard to govern all Section 2 challenges, the Court identified five specific circumstances for courts to consider. Going forward, the ruling will guide lower courts in determining if recently enacted state election laws comply with the Voting Rights Act. In another case with potential ramifications for election law, 'Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta,' the Court held that a California requirement that charities disclose their significant donors to the state violated the First Amendment freedom of association." Other rulings discussed in this document are "Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid," "TransUnion LLC v. Ramirez," "United States v. Arthrex," and "Collins v. Yellen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gunter, David; Killion, Victoria L.; Cole, Jared P. . . .
2021-09-14
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Automated Vehicles: Safety Implications of Computers on Wheels [September 14, 2021]
From the Document: "On August 13, 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an investigation [hyperlink] of crashes involving 'Autopilot' systems in Tesla electric vehicles. The investigation shows that technologies that seek to automate tasks traditionally performed by drivers are becoming an increasing part of NHTSA's safety oversight. Traditional vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel engines with human drivers have been regulated by NHTSA for over 50 years. During that time, many types of vehicle defects have been addressed and millions of vehicles have been recalled for safety-related modifications at the manufacturers' expense. In 2020 alone, nearly 900 recalls [hyperlink] of vehicles and parts were issued, affecting nearly 55 million vehicles."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canis, Bill
2021-09-14
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Clean Energy Standards: Selected Issues for the 117th Congress [Updated September 14, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress continues to study and discuss a range of policies to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the Biden Administration has made reducing GHG emissions a priority. Several legislative and executive actions could achieve such a goal. One legislative option, targeting the U.S. electricity system, is a clean energy standard. A clean energy standard (CES), sometimes called a clean electricity standard, aims to increase the share of U.S. electricity generated from qualified clean energy sources. No agreed-upon definition of 'clean energy' exists, so the exact set of energy sources supported by a CES proposal is one of its defining characteristics. Members of Congress have introduced legislation to establish a national clean energy standard in every Congress since at least the 105th (1997-1998). [...] Experts disagree about the extent to which achieving a 100% CES presents cost or feasibility challenges. Assessing the cost and feasibility of a 100% CES is beyond the scope of this report. This report provides some analysis and discussion to inform potential CES policy debate in the 117th Congress, including a summary of CES proposals to date in the 117th and 116th Congresses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Ashley J.
2021-09-14
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Potential WTO TRIPS Waiver and COVID-19 [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spurred biopharmaceutical companies to conduct costly and risky research and development (R&D) to develop vaccines and other products to respond to COVID-19. Firms have relied on intellectual property rights (IPR) to commercialize these products. Governments and nonprofits have funded and coordinated some of the underlying R&D. Some groups have voiced concerns over the impact of IPR on affordable access to these products for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). On May 5, 2021, the Biden Administration announced its support for the concept of a waiver of parts of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for COVID-19 vaccines, and pledged to 'actively participate in text-based negotiations at the [WTO] to make that happen.' Many consider this notable, given the United States' history of advancing IPR standards globally. Members of Congress are divided on the issue. An active debate is underway in the WTO on the role of IPR and trade policy in the pandemic response."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-09-13
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OSHA Jurisdiction Over Public Schools and Other State and Local Government Entities: COVID-19 Issues [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "As states and their public school systems consider how to provide education to students during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they face concerns about the safety and health of their students and the potential occupational exposure of their teachers and other employees, including support staff and transportation providers, to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19. Local educational agencies (LEAs), such as public school districts, and other state and local government entities are not subject to federal regulation, inspection, or enforcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, in 26 states and two territories, LEAs are covered by OSHA-approved state plans as discussed below. On September 9, 2021, President Joe Biden announced that OSHA is developing an emergency temporary standard (ETS) that would obligate employers with more than 100 employees to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly for COVID-19. This ETS would not apply to public schools, except in those states with OSHA-approved state plans as described later in this In Focus[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-09-13
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and COVID-19 [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Summary: "On June 21, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for the prevention of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], the virus that causes COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in health care employment settings. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) gives OSHA the ability to promulgate an ETS that would remain in effect for up to six months without going through the normal review and comment process of rulemaking. OSHA, however, has rarely used this authority in the past--not since the courts struck down its ETS on asbestos in 1983. The OSHA COVID-19 ETS requires health care employers to develop COVID-19 plans and protect employees from COVID-19 exposure through health screenings, personal protective equipment (PPE), building ventilation, and physical distancing and barriers. The ETS requires healthcare employers to remove any employees with COVID-19 from the workplace while providing them with certain benefits. Health care employers are not required to mandate that their employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine but must provide reasonable time off for employees to receive a vaccine and recover from any vaccine-related side effects. The ETS includes new COVID-19 recordkeeping and reporting requirements for health care employers and permits health care employers to forgo the medical evaluation and fit-testing requirements of OSHA's respiratory protection standard when providing respirators to employees in certain circumstances."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-09-13
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Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking in Africa: An Overview [September 13, 2021]
From the Overview: "Wildlife poaching -- the illegal hunting or capture of wild animals -- occurs in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Africa), a biodiverse region. Poaching is a component of wildlife trafficking (i.e., illegal trade in wildlife). International demand, particularly from Asia, drives poaching and trafficking of certain high-profile African wildlife products, and threatens some species' long-term viability. The role of poaching and wildlife trafficking in reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems, supporting transnational criminal and militant groups, spreading zoonotic diseases, and weakening the rule of law has prompted international concern and led some in the 117th Congress to propose legislation to address such challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Regan, Katarina C.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Husted, Tomas F. . . .
2021-09-13
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Federal Crop Insurance Program Support for Natural Disasters [September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "Natural disasters--events such as severe droughts, floods, and storms--can cause crop and animal production losses as well as other physical and financial losses for farm operations. The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) offers farmers the opportunity to purchase insurance against financial losses caused by certain adverse growing and market conditions. By insuring against adverse growing conditions, FCIP policies may also indemnify farmers for financial losses caused by certain natural disaster events. The extent to which the FCIP indemnifies farmers for losses related to natural disasters depends on the type of disaster, the type of FCIP policy purchased, and the level of coverage selected by the producer."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rosch, Stephanie
2021-09-13
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Provisions Related to Universal Paid Family and Medical Leave Developed by the House Committee on Ways and Means in Response to Reconciliation Directives [September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "The reconciliation language developed by the House Ways and Means Committee in response to reconciliation directives included in S.Con.Res. 14 includes provisions related to universal paid family and medical leave. The reconciliation language, often referred to as the Build Back Better Act, proposes a new federal cash benefit for eligible individuals engaged in certain types of family and medical caregiving (including self-care). The reconciliation language would amend the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. [United States Code] 301 et seq.) by adding Title XXII: Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Donovan, Sarah A.; Huston, Barry F.
2021-09-13
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Russia's Nuclear Weapons: Doctrine, Forces, and Modernization [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "Russia's nuclear forces consist of both long-range, strategic systems--including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs),submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers--and shorter- and medium-range delivery systems. Russia is modernizing its nuclear forces, replacing Soviet-era systems with new missiles, submarines and aircraft while developing new types of delivery systems. Although Russia's number of nuclear weapons has declined sharply since the end of Cold War, it retains a stockpile of thousands of warheads, with more than 1,500 warheads deployed on missiles and bombers capable of reaching U.S. territory."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-09-13
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Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since the early years of the automobile, petroleum-fueled combustion engines have dominated the vehicle market. Alternatives, including battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) and alcohol fueled combustion vehicles, have existed since the automobile's infancy, but their adoption was limited for a variety of reasons, including abundant, inexpensive gasoline and diesel fuel, a refueling infrastructure network dedicated to petroleum, and differences in vehicle performance and capability. Interest in alternatives to petroleum has grown over time, driven by factors such as concerns over U.S. reliance on imported petroleum, pollutant emissions and subsequent health effects, and climate change resulting from the use of fossil fuels. Congress has considered and debated the role of petroleum and other transportation energy sources for decades, and that discussion continues as the nation considers legislation to address aging infrastructure and meeting the needs of modern society."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cunningham, Lynn J.; Diaz, Melissa N.; Canis, Bill . . .
2021-09-13
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Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2022 [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The 117th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating support for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. In recent years, federal budget caps have driven executive and legislative branch decisions about the prioritization of R&D, both in the context of the entire federal budget and among competing needs within the federal R&D portfolio. The U.S. government supports a broad range of scientific and engineering R&D. Its purposes include addressing national defense, health, safety, the environment, and energy security; advancing knowledge generally; developing the scientific and engineering workforce; and strengthening U.S. innovation and competitiveness in the global economy. Most of the R&D funded by the federal government is performed in support of the unique missions of individual funding agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F., Jr.; Croft, Genevieve K.; Gallo, Marcy E. . . .
2021-09-13
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National Hispanic Heritage Month: Fact Sheet [Updated September 13, 2021]
From the Document: "This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15. It contains links to census and demographic information, a CRS [Congressional Research Service] report, sample speeches and remarks from the 'Congressional Record', and presidential proclamations. It also contains links to additional cultural and historical resources and selected educational, cultural, and advocacy organizations. [...] National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sidor, Gary
2021-09-13
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Congressional Redistricting 2021: Legal Framework [September 10, 2021]
From the Document: "In August 2021, the Census Bureau released the 2020 redistricting data [hyperlink], and based on that data, states [hyperlink] have begun [hyperlink] the process of congressional redistricting. Redistricting is the drawing of district boundaries within each state from which voters elect their representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to complying with applicable state laws [hyperlink], congressional redistricting must comport with the U.S. Constitution and federal law, as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Since the 1960s [hyperlink], the Court has issued a series of rulings that have significantly shaped how congressional districts are drawn. Integrating Court precedent, this Legal Sidebar provides an overview of the legal framework that informs congressional redistricting, focusing on the population equality standard; requirements under the Voting Rights Act (VRA); standards of equal protection; and claims of unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering. The Sidebar concludes by discussing various considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whitaker, L. Paige
2021-09-10
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Regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Background and Select Policy Issues in the 117th Congress [September 10, 2021]
From the Document: "In recent years, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have become increasingly popular. ENDS is an umbrella term for various types of electronic tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that, when heated, creates inhalable vapor. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyses, 10.9 million American adults used e-cigarettes every day or some days in 2019, and about 3.6 million American middle and high school students used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days in 2020. Members of the public health community have debated the impact of ENDS on public health. Some view ENDS as a safer alternative for adult cigarette smokers, while others are alarmed by its increased use among youth. [...] Both FDA and Congress have taken steps to address the regulation of ENDS in response to increased ENDS use among youth. FDA has prioritized enforcement of ENDS products that are more likely to be used by minors, and the agency is reviewing premarket applications for newly deemed products, including ENDS. Legislation introduced in the 116th and 117th Congresses thus far includes various provisions addressing youth ENDS use, such as banning all flavors in tobacco products (including ENDS) and setting a maximum nicotine concentration limit in e-liquids. In FY2020 appropriations, Congress enacted provisions raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Hassan Z.
2021-09-10
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COVID-19-Related Impact on the Banking Industry: Conditions in the First Quarter 2021 [September 9, 2021]
From the Document: "Although bank regulation is designed to allow banks to withstand some amount of unexpected losses, some worry that the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could result in enough borrowers missing loan payments to cause distress for banks [hyperlink]. This Insight presents certain bank industry statistics for the first quarter 2021 and examines how the pandemic might be affecting the industry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gnanarajah, Raj; Perkins, David W.
2021-09-09
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Pandemic Relief: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program [Updated September 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program was created to help cover the unmet rent and utility expenses of low-income households affected by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. [Public Law] 116-260) initially funded the ERA program with an appropriation of $25 billion. The ERA was funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 was directed only to rent and utility assistance and related housing stability services. A second appropriation--of $21.550 billion--for ERA was included in Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides information about the allocation of ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby
2021-09-08
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated September 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of September 1, 2021, the region had 43.3 million confirmed cases (almost 21% of cases worldwide) and more than 1.4 million deaths (almost 32% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina had the region's highest numbers of deaths. Looking at mortality (death) rates per 100,000 population, Peru had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay. [...] The rollout of vaccines has varied considerably, and there is concern that widespread vaccine access in some countries could be delayed until 2022 or 2023, making populations vulnerable to new waves and more transmittable variants of the virus. According to PAHO's [Pan American Health Organization's] director, as of September 1, 2021, 25% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean had been fully vaccinated. [...] As of June 2021, the U.S. Agency for International Development had obligated nearly $218 million to support the region's pandemic response. Congress is now considering the Biden Administration's FY2022 budget request, which would provide nearly $2.1 billion of aid to help the region recover from the pandemic and address other challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2021-09-03
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Canadian Railroads Competing to Acquire Major U.S. Freight Line [Updated September 2, 2021]
From the Document: "Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS), two of the seven Class I companies that handle long-distance U.S. rail traffic, announced a merger agreement in March. In April, another Class I carrier, Canadian National (CN), submitted what it termed a 'superior proposal' to acquire KCS, which was accepted in May. Either deal, if approved by shareholders and federal regulators, would be the largest consolidation of major railroads in several decades, and would create the first railroad network to serve Canada, the United States, and Mexico under a single corporate owner. While this could lead to better service for some shippers, it could also have adverse consequences for competition in freight transportation. Any transaction is likely to undergo lengthy review by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). On August 31, all five STB commissioners voted to deny [hyperlink] CN's request to create a 'voting trust' to hold shares of KCS, an arrangement that would have allowed CN to acquire shares while the merger is still pending before the Board. The decision follows President Biden's July executive order [hyperlink] encouraging federal agencies to take steps to preserve competition throughout the economy. While STB's decision may or may not reflect the merger's prospects, it signals that regulators are considering the potential implications closely."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-09-02
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Inflation in the Wake of COVID-19 [September 1, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has led to many unexpected and unprecedented economic developments. One of those developments is higher price inflation than the United States has experienced in recent decades. According to several measures, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, prices have risen more rapidly than usual on both a monthly and an annual basis for several months, most notably since March 2021. [...] Inflation is a policy concern for Congress in multiple ways. First, higher prices affect spending on government programs and the capacity of government programs at a given spending level. Second, high inflation is unpopular with the general public because it erodes purchasing power. Third, rising inflation might be a leading signal of an overheating economy. [...] This report begins by explaining what inflation is and how it is measured. It then discusses the costs of inflation, as well as the costs of inflation being too low. Next, it discusses the potential causes of inflation. Then it discusses the history of inflation in the United States since World War II. Finally, it analyzes the causes and implications of the current situation and prospects for future inflation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-09-01
