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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 15, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requested a total of $597 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requests and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. The NSC, OPC, and FRC programs have been subjects of congressional oversight for many years, and were previously covered in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports dating back to 1998 that are now archived. CRS testified on the Coast Guard's cutter acquisition programs most recently in October and November of 2018. The Coast Guard's plans for modernizing its fleet of polar icebreakers are covered in a separate CRS report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-15
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Mexico: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [March 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Mexico, a top U.S. trade partner and neighbor, could play a key role in addressing several challenges facing U.S. policymakers in 2021. Although President Andrés Manuel López Obrador initially delayed [hyperlink] congratulating President Joe Biden on his electoral victory, the leaders now have spoken twice and have held a virtual meeting. During that March 1 meeting, they committed [hyperlink] to collaborate on bilateral and regional migration issues and on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and recovery, while reaffirming the importance of security cooperation and anti-corruption efforts. Each of those issues could test U.S.-Mexican relations, with tension in one area of the relationship potentially hindering cooperation in others. Most experts maintain the best way for both countries to weather such challenges is to continue working together [hyperlink] and with Canada to ensure the best possible outcomes for North America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-03-15
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated March 15, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report begins with an overview of legislation considered during the 116th and 117th Congresses to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. It then provides an overview of SBA [Small Business Administration] disaster loans and discusses various issues related to providing disaster assistance to small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19. It then presents an overview of SBA access to capital programs (including the 7(a) loan guarantee, 504/CDC [Certified Development Companies] loan guarantee, and Microloan programs), SBA management and technical training programs (Small Business Development Centers [SBDCs], Women Business Centers [WBCs], SCORE [Service Corps of Retired Executives], and Microloan technical assistance), and SBA contracting programs. This is followed by a discussion of legislation enacted during the 111th Congress to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-03-15
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Water Resource Issues in the 117th Congress [March 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report covers broad categories of water resource topics that the 117th Congress may consider--projects and activities of USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] and Reclamation, as well as related issues such as Indian water rights settlements, international waters shared with Canada and Mexico, and water resource science at USGS [U.S. Geological Survey]. It also provides information on crosscutting topics, including support for aging and new water resource projects, protection and restoration of the environment, efforts to facilitate flood resilience and natural and nature-based infrastructure, and groundwater recharge."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T.; Sheikh, Pervaze A. . . .
2021-03-12
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Yemen: Civil War and Regional Intervention [Updated March 12, 2021]
From the Overview: "For over a decade, the Republic of Yemen has been torn apart by multiple armed conflicts to which several internal militant groups and foreign nations are parties. Collectively, these conflicts have eroded central governance in Yemen, and have fragmented the nation into various local centers of power. The gradual dissolution of Yemen's territorial integrity has alarmed the United States and others in the international community. Policymaker concerns include fears that state failure may empower Yemen-based transnational terrorist groups; destabilize vital international shipping lanes near the Bab al Mandab strait (also spelled Bab al Mandeb, Bab el Mendeb); and provide opportunities for Iran to threaten Saudi Arabia's borders. Beyond geo-strategic concerns, the collapse of Yemeni institutions during wartime has exacerbated poor living conditions in what has long been the most impoverished Arab country, leading to what is now considered the world's worst humanitarian crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2021-03-12
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Belarus: An Overview [Updated March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "Since 2020, Belarusian politics and society have undergone a transformation many observers view as both tragic and inspiring. Before Belarus's August 2020 presidential election, opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya mounted an unexpectedly strong campaign against Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for more than 26 years. Protests against allegedly widespread electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protestors led to the rise of a mass opposition movement, on a scale unseen since Belarus became independent in 1991. Human rights activists and monitors report more than 32,000 Belarusians, including journalists, have been temporarily detained or imprisoned and consider about 200 to be political prisoners. At least 10 demonstrators and others have been killed or died under suspicious circumstances. The United States, the European Union (EU), and others have called for an end to the crackdown and for the government to conduct a dialogue with the opposition and hold democratic presidential elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-03-12
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Clean Air Act: Electricity Sector and Greenhouse Gas Standards [March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress may continue to examine Clean Air Act (CAA) [hyperlink] authorities and climate change issues as it deliberates on legislation and conducts oversight [hyperlink] of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Biden Administration has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using various policy tools to achieve a 'carbon pollution-free electricity sector [hyperlink]' by 2035. Multiple factors, including economics, technology, and energy and climate policies, could play a role in future GHG emission levels. Many say both legislative and executive actions would be necessary to decarbonize the electricity sector by the Administration's target date."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shouse, Kate C.
2021-03-12
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FEMA Assistance for Vaccine Administration and Distribution: In Brief [March 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Beginning in March 2020, former President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency, and subsequently declared major disasters for all 50 states, five territories, the District of Columbia, and one tribe for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, as amended; P.L. [public law] 93- 288). Among the forms of assistance authorized under the Stafford Act declarations was Public Assistance (PA) for Emergency Protective Measures, including PA for vaccination-related costs (e.g., PPE [personal protective equipment] for vaccinators, vaccinator overtime or surge support). Upon assuming office, President Joseph R. Biden expanded the use of PA for vaccination-related costs by increasing the PA federal cost share and initiating an effort to use PA to open and expand vaccination sites. The first federally-run vaccination sites opened on February 16, 2021 (see Chronology [hyperlink]). This report provides a brief synopsis of FEMA PA for vaccination-related costs using available data to date."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Sekar, Kavya
2021-03-12
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated March 12, 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 March 9, 2021, the region had over 22 million confirmed cases (18.9% of cases worldwide) and almost 704,000 deaths (26.9% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru had the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil and Mexico had highest death tolls worldwide after the United States. The regional rankings change when examining deaths per 100,000--using this measurement, Mexico had the highest rate in the region, followed by Peru, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. [...] A University of Washington COVID-19 projection model (updated Mach 6, 2021) forecast deaths in the region could reach over 885,000 by July 1, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-03-12
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National Guard and the COVID-19 Pandemic Response [Updated March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The National Guard is a multi-role force at the disposal of governors and, when activated under federal law, at the disposal of the President. It has primary responsibility to support state and local government responses to disasters and emergencies (DODI 3025.21). Such responses are part of the National Guard Civil Support(NGCS) mission, which is analogous to the Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)mission for active duty units(DODD 3025.18)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ott, Alan
2021-03-12
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Liability Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) [March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 'et seq.') establishes a framework to remediate certain types of contaminated sites and to hold the parties connected to those sites responsible for cleanup costs. CERCLA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites subject to annual appropriations, and to compel entities that bear responsibility for all or part of the contamination at a site to perform or pay for cleanup activities. Additionally, parties that incur cleanup costs may seek to recoup those costs from other parties or from the Superfund Trust Fund. This In Focus provides an overview of the legal structures governing CERCLA liability in enforcement actions and suits by private parties."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowers, Kate R.
2021-03-12
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Saudi Arabia [Updated March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields considerable global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Saudi leaders' domestic and foreign policy decisions have been fueling calls from some U.S. leaders for a reassessment of long-standing bilateral ties. The Al Saud have sought protection, advice, technology, and armaments from the United States, along with support in developing their country's natural and human resources and in facing national security threats. U.S. leaders have praised Saudi cooperation in security and counterterrorism matters and have sought to preserve the secure, apolitical flow of the kingdom's energy resources and capital to global markets. The Trump Administration and some in Congress differed over how to approach U.S.-Saudi ties in light of differences over human rights and the war in Yemen. These issues and Iran policy remain at the top of the bilateral agenda for President Joseph Biden and the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2021-03-12
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Central America's Northern Triangle: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [Updated March 12, 2021]
From the Document: "Instability in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (the Northern Triangle of Central America) is among the most pressing challenges for U.S. policymakers in the Western Hemisphere. The United States historically has played a prominent role in the political and economic development of the region, which has long struggled with widespread insecurity, fragile democratic institutions, and high levels of poverty and inequality. Already difficult living conditions have deteriorated over the past year due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and two hurricanes. [...] Approximately 2.9 million [hyperlink] Hondurans, 1 million [hyperlink] Salvadorans, and 3.7 million [hyperlink] Guatemalans are contending with crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Although the pandemic and government lockdowns initially disrupted criminal activities, reports suggest [hyperlink] domestic violence increased and gangs and illicit trafficking groups quickly adapted to the changed circumstances. Some government officials have sought to take advantage of the disorder, allegedly engaging in corruption [hyperlink], repressing dissent [hyperlink], and undermining the rule of law [hyperlink] to advance their personal and political interests. These interrelated socioeconomic, security, and political challenges could have far-reaching implications for the United States. Although the Biden Administration has urged potential irregular migrants not to make the 'dangerous journey [hyperlink],' U.S. authorities have encountered growing numbers [hyperlink] of Guatemalans, Hondurans, and Salvadorans at the Southwest border. Many analysts expect these mixed migration flows of asylum-seekers and economic migrants to swell over the course of 2021, especially once governments ease COVID-19-related border restrictions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2021-03-12
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U.S. Public Health Service: COVID-19 Supplemental Appropriations in the 116th Congress [March 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report summarizes coronavirus supplemental funding for the public health service agencies and to the PHSSEF [ Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund] in the 116th Congress. It also includes resources for tracking spending. Funding has been provided across five supplemental appropriations measures: [1] 'First Measure:' Division A of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. [public law] 116-123), enacted on March 6, 2020. [2] 'Second Measure:' Division A of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127), enacted on March 18, 2020. [3] 'Third Measure:' Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136), enacted on March 27, 2020. [4] 'Fourth Measure:' Division B, of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPHCEA, P.L. 116-139), enacted on April 24, 2020. [5] 'Fifth Measure:' Division M of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116- 260), enacted on December 27, 2020. This report provides an overview of each of the PHS [U.S. Public Health Service] agencies, as well as the PHSSEF."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya; Bodie, Agata; Cornell, Ada S. . . .
2021-03-11
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Arms Control and Nonproliferation: A Catalog of Treaties and Agreements [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of many of the key arms control and nonproliferation agreements and endeavors of the past 40 years. It is divided into three sections. The first describes arms control efforts between the United States and the states of the former Soviet Union, covering both formal, bilateral treaties, and the cooperative threat reduction process. The second section describes multilateral nuclear nonproliferation efforts, covering both formal treaties and less formal accommodations that have been initiated in recent years. The final section reviews treaties and agreements that address chemical, biological, and conventional weapons. The report concludes with several appendices. These provide a list of treaties and agreements that the United States is a party to, a description of the treaty ratification process, and a list of the bilateral and international organizations tasked with implementation of arms control efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.; Kerr, Paul K.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2021-03-11
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Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program--the Coast Guard's program for acquiring new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers). The PSC program has received a total of $1,169.6 million (i.e., about $1.2 billion) in procurement funding through FY2020, including $135 million in FY2020, which was $100 million more than the $35 million that the Coast Guard had requested for FY2020. With the funding it has received through FY2020, the first PSC is now fully funded and the second PSC has received initial funding. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requests $555 million in procurement funding for the PSC program. It also proposes a rescission of $70 million in FY2020 funding that Congress had provided for the procurement of long lead time materials (LLTM) for a 12th National Security Cutter (NSC), with the intent of reprogramming that funding to the PSC program. The Coast Guard states that its proposed FY2021 budget, if approved by Congress, would fully fund the second PSC. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Administration's FY2021 procurement funding request for the PSC program and the proposed rescission of FY2020 NSC funding, and, more generally, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's overall plan for procuring new polar icebreakers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-11
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Defense Primer: Military Service Academies [March 11, 2021]
From the Overview: "The U.S. military service academies are tuition-free, four-year degree-granting institutions operated by the military departments. The academies are a major officer commissioning source, along with the Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Candidate School. The military service academies include the: [1] U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, New York, under the Department of the Army; [2] U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, Maryland, under the Department of the Navy (Navy and Marine Corps); and [3] U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, Colorado, under the Department of the Air Force (Air Force and Space Force). There are two other federal service academies, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Connecticut, under the Department of Homeland Security; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, under the Department of Transportation. While graduates of these service academies may also receive an officer commission upon graduation, they differ from the military service academies in many respects (e.g., statutory authorities, application and acceptance processes)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Kaileh, Hibbah
2021-03-11
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Earmark Disclosure Rules in the House: Member and Committee Requirements [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "Earmark disclosure rules in both the House and Senate establish certain administrative responsibilities that vary by chamber. Under House rules, a Member requesting that an earmark be included in legislation is responsible for providing specific written information, such as the purpose and recipient of the earmark, to the committee of jurisdiction. Further, House committees are responsible for compiling, presenting, and maintaining such requests in accord with House rules. In the House, disclosure rules apply to any congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit included in either the text of a bill or any report accompanying the measure, including a conference report and joint explanatory statement. The disclosure requirements apply to earmarks in appropriations legislation, authorizing legislation, and tax measures. Furthermore, they apply not only to measures reported by committees but also to measures not reported by committees, 'manager's amendments,' and conference reports. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lynch, Megan S.
2021-03-11
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Policing Reform Legislation: Conditions on Funding and New Grant Authorizations [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, combined with several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of the police, have generated congressional interest in legislation to reform state and local policing practices, and to require law enforcement agencies to collect more data on law enforcement actions and activities and share these data with the public. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. [House Report] 7120, 116th Congress) was introduced and passed by the House in June 2020, but it was not taken up by the Senate. The legislation has been reintroduced in the current Congress as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA, H.R. 1280). The House passed JIPA on March 3, 2021. The legislation is an omnibus measure that would address a variety of policing reform topics and approaches. These include attempting to reform state and local policing practices through two means: placing conditions on existing Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) or Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs; and authorizing new grant programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2021-03-11
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Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) and Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Programs [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides cash benefits to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers; firefighters; employees of emergency management agencies; and members of emergency medical services agencies who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as the result of personal injuries sustained in the line of duty. The Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Claimants dissatisfied with denials of benefits may pursue administrative appeals within DOJ and may seek judicial review before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-03-11
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U.S. Aluminum Manufacturing: National Security and Tariffs [March 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Aluminum--a lightweight, ductile, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal--is increasingly used in many industrial and technological applications, including in products used for national defense and lower emission vehicles. In Congress, views on the aluminum industry generally diverge between those who support policies to increase domestic production for national security and economic reasons and others who argue that such policies may raise aluminum prices and harm aluminum-consuming sectors (e.g., transportation equipment, containers and packaging, and construction)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2021-03-11
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Programs to Collect Data on Law Enforcement Activities: Overview and Issues [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in May 2020, in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, and several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of police, have generated interest in legislation to reform policing practices. Law enforcement reform legislation--the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA; H.R. 1280)--has been introduced in the 117th Congress. The House passed JIPA on March 3, 2021. Similar legislation passed the House in the 116th Congress; it was not taken up by the Senate. JIPA would establish programs for law enforcement agencies to collect data on a variety of activities, such as the use of force, racial profiling, and in-custody deaths."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan; Finklea, Kristin
2021-03-11
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Veterans Health Administration: Gender-Specific Health Care Services for Women Veterans [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "VHA [Veterans Health Administration] had predominately provided general health care and gender-specific services (e.g., prostate exams)that were geared to men, because the demographics of the veteran population had been predominately male. [...] Today, VHA offers a full suite of gender-specific health care services for women veterans. Gender-specific care is specialized care that is sensitive to the unique needs of women. It includes not only reproductive system specific care but also general care that is sensitive to gender differences. Of the total population of about 2.03 million women veterans, 755,807 were enrolled in the VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] health care system in FY2019. [...] Demand for gender-specific care may grow, as the proportion of women veterans to the total veteran population is projected to increase by 0.6% annually through 2045."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.
2021-03-11
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Kosovo: Background and U.S. Policy [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Overview: "The Republic of Kosovo is a landlocked country in the Western Balkans. Ethnic Albanians comprise about 90% of Kosovo's population, and Serbs and other minority groups comprise about 10%. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nearly a decade after the end of a brief but lethal conflict between Serbian forces and a Kosovo Albanian insurgency led by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Since 2008, Kosovo has been recognized by more than 100 countries. The United States and most European Union (EU) member states recognize Kosovo. Serbia, Russia, China, and various other countries (including some EU member states) do not. The United States has strongly supported Kosovo's state-building and development efforts, as well as an EU-led dialogue aimed at normalizing Kosovo and Serbia's relations. Kosovo generally regards the United States as a security guarantor and key ally. Congress has maintained interest in Kosovo for many decades--from concerns over Serbia's treatment of ethnic Albanians in the former Yugoslavia to the armed conflict in Kosovo in 1998- 1999 after Yugoslavia disintegrated. Many Members were active in debates over the U.S.- and NATO-led military intervention in the conflict. After Serbian forces withdrew in 1999, many Members backed Kosovo's independence. Today, many in Congress continue to support Kosovo through country- or region-specific hearings, congressional visits, and foreign assistance funding levels averaging around $50 million in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garding, Sarah E.
2021-03-11
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Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of populist President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013), began a second term in January 2019that is widely considered illegitimate. Despite U.S. and international pressure on him to leave office and a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis, Maduro remains firmly in power. His party now controls a de facto National Assembly seated on January 5, 2021. Since January 2019, the United States has recognized Juan Guaidó, president of the democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly elected in December 2015, as interim president. Guaidó, once recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 55 countries, has been losing international and Venezuelan domestic support. Although the Biden Administration and many in Congress support Guaidó, some are calling for a new strategy for Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-03-10
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Antarctica: Overview of Geopolitical and Environmental Issues [March 10, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Geopolitical and environmental developments are increasing international focus on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The interdisciplinary nature of various stakeholders concerned with Antarctica--including scientists, diplomats, defense personnel, members of the media, academics, and others in both domestic and international contexts--makes for a complex dynamic. Some of these stakeholders contend that current developments could have environmental, political, economic, and security implications for the United States and the rest of the world. [...] Geopolitical, climate, and natural resource concerns in Antarctica might stimulate Congress to explore a number of questions related to the region, including what role Antarctica may play in the changing global order and its potential to contribute to sea-level rise."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Procita, Kezee; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2021-03-10
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "In the months since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic has negatively affected global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus reduced global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery of 2.5% to 5.2% projected for 2021. [...] The full economic impact of the pandemic likely will remain unclear until the negative health effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2021-03-10
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Firearms Eligibility: Stalking- and Domestic Violence-Related Provisions in H.R. 1620 [March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "The 117th Congress is considering the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (H.R. 1620). This bill includes several provisions that seek to reduce firearms-related intimate partner violence (homicides and injury) by amending federal law to prohibit persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking crimes from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition, as well as revising related provisions governing domestic violence protection orders and amending a definition of 'intimate partner' under current law. This bill also includes other provisions related to leveraging state, local, tribal, and territorial resources to increase federal investigation and prosecution of firearms-related eligibility offenses related to domestic violence and stalking. The House passed a bill with identical provisions in the 116th Congress (H.R. 1585)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2021-03-10
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COVID-19: Selected Financial and Social Service Resources for Older Americans [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "This Insight provides links to selected financial and social service resources for older Americans who may have suffered economic distress due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Breslauer, Tamar B.; Napili, Angela; Overbay, Abigail R.
2021-03-10
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Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 280E to Marijuana Businesses: Selected Legal Issues [March 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "The marijuana industry has grown as an increasing number of states have relaxed state law prohibitions on the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that the production, distribution, and possession of marijuana remains illegal, except in the narrow context of federally approved research studies. Regardless of marijuana's status under federal or state law, marijuana businesses are subject to the federal income tax. The Schedule I status of marijuana means that marijuana businesses are treated differently from many other businesses for tax purposes. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 280E (Section 280E) denies deductions and credits for amounts paid or incurred in carrying on the trade or business of trafficking controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the CSA) in violation of federal or state law. Consistent with marijuana's classification as a Schedule I controlled substance, Section 280E disallows taxpayers from taking tax deductions and claiming tax credits attributable to marijuana businesses. [...] Recent legislative proposals aim to relax federal restrictions on marijuana or to mitigate the disparity between federal and state marijuana regulation. Many of these proposals would alter the tax treatment of marijuana businesses by re-scheduling or descheduling marijuana under the CSA or by making marijuana-specific exceptions. Under these proposals, Section 280E would no longer prohibit marijuana businesses from taking deductions and credits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ball, Milan N.
2021-03-10
