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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 28 to 30 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $30 million in research and development funding for initial industry studies and concept design work on the ship. The Navy envisions procuring the ships on an expedited schedule, with the first LAWs potentially being procured in FY2023 and a total of 28 notionally being procured by FY2026. The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2021 funding request and envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress's decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-28
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Rural Digital Opportunity Fund: Requirements and Selected Policy Issues [August 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Broadband access is an issue of sustained congressional interest. The importance of broadband availability and affordability for telework, telehealth, and remote learning has received increased attention due to effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many policymakers are concerned about the gap between those with and those without access to information and telecommunication technologies--referred to by some as the digital divide. Several factors contribute to the lack of broadband access, including difficult terrain, lack of population density, socioeconomics, and market factors. Congress continues to make addressing the digital divide a legislative priority, through avenues such as subsidies for federal broadband programs and oversight of federal agencies to monitor progress of the programs. Congress regularly conducts oversight of, and directs through legislation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seen by many as the key federal agency for addressing the digital divide. [...] A new FCC broadband program aimed at bridging the digital divide is the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). This report discusses program requirements under the RDOF, as well as policy considerations and options for the two phases of the program. The FCC's current focus is on the Phase I of RDOF; there is limited information on how the FCC plans to conduct Phase II. Therefore, the focus of this report is on the first phase."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rachfal, Colby Leigh
2020-08-28
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). [...] The issue for Congress is whether the Trump Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-28
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International Education Programs in the Higher Education Act [August 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA; P.L. 89-329) authorizes numerous federal aid programs that provide support to both individuals pursuing a postsecondary education and institutions of higher education (IHEs). Title VI of the HEA authorizes programs and funding for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to award grants in support of international and foreign language studies. ED's International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) office administers these programs. The purpose of the Title VI programs is to build the nation's cultural and foreign language capacity, particularly in 'less commonly taught languages' (LCTL), through grants to IHEs. More broadly, these programs intend to develop Americans' ability to understand and interact with people from other societies, to improve diplomacy and global cooperation, and to help U.S. companies compete in international business. [...] This report provides a brief description of each Title VI program and presents policy issues that may arise as Congress considers reauthorization of the HEA. These issues may include (1) whether Title VI program grantees present a balance of viewpoints, (2) whether current reporting requirements adequately reveal gifts grantees receive from foreign sources, and (3) whether currently authorized programs should be eliminated and/or consolidated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kuenzi, Jeffrey J., 1965-
2020-08-28
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Military Courts-Martial Under the Military Justice Act of 2016 [August 28, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of the military justice system and the reforms enacted through the MJA [Military Justice Act of 2016] and other legislation. It begins with a discussion of due process followed by a background of constitutional underpinnings for the military justice system and Congress's role in it. It follows with a discussion of military jurisdiction, military offenses set forth in the punitive articles of the UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice], and the three types of court-martial. The report continues with overviews of pretrial and trial process, sentencing and post-trial process, and appellate procedures. The report concludes with a table comparing selected constitutional protections as they apply in general courts-martial with those that operate in federal criminal court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer K.; Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2020-08-28
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Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) [August 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) are areas of the National Forest System (NFS) identified administratively by the Forest Service (FS) and managed according to regulations, known as 'roadless rules', that limit timber harvesting and road building. For decades, the FS has inventoried and administratively designated undeveloped areas of the NFS under various names, and managed these areas to preserve their undeveloped qualities. In 2001, the FS issued the first roadless rule and defined the modern-day IRAs, setting the framework for modern FS management of these areas. [...] This report provides an overview of FS roadless area management. It provides a historical overview of FS roadless area policy, including the legal challenges surrounding the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 ('2001 Rule'). The report also covers the definition of IRAs, IRA statistics, and FS management of IRAs under current FS regulations. It concludes with a discussion of issues and options that Congress may wish to consider in the context of FS roadless area management."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riddle, Anne A.; Vann, Adam
2020-08-28
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Delivery of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) [Updated August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "To mitigate the financial hardship many Americans are experiencing during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136). A critical element of the aid package is direct payments to certain individuals in 2020. The payments are referred to as 'recovery rebates' in Section 2201 of the act, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refers to them as 'economic impact payments' (EIPs) in the information about the payments it sends to the general public. [...] This Insight summarizes the delivery of EIPs so far and identifies issues that have delayed the delivery of payments to certain low-income individuals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2020-08-27
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Youth Labor Force Indicators in the Context of COVID-19 [August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the current recession that began in February 2020 and has resulted in large job losses, from which the economy has only partially recovered. This Insight discusses recent and longer-term trends in three key labor market indicators, and the potential implications for youth in the current economy. It examines the [1] labor force participation rate (LFPR)--the percentage of individuals in the population who are employed and who are unemployed (i.e., the share of the population 'in the labor force'); [2] employment-to-population ratio--the proportion of individuals 'in the population' who are employed; and [3] unemployment rate--the percentage of individuals 'in the labor force' who are unemployed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.; Carter, Jameson A.
2020-08-27
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Biometric Entry-Exit System: Legislative History and Status [August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is statutorily required to develop and implement an automated biometric (i.e., physical characteristics such as fingerprints, face, or irises) entry-exit system for foreign nationals (referred to as 'aliens' in immigration law) traveling into and out of the United States. The goals of this system are to strengthen national security and help enforce immigration law without disrupting the flow of authorized travel and commerce. The biometric entry system is said to be fully operationalized, whereas the biometric exit system is still being implemented."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kolker, Abigail F.
2020-08-27
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Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 27, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons as a part of its conventional prompt global strike (CPGS) program since the early 2000s.1 In recent years, it has focused such efforts on hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles with shorter and intermediate ranges for use in regional conflicts. Although funding for these programs has been relatively restrained in the past, both the Pentagon and Congress have shown a growing interest in pursuing the development and near-term deployment of hypersonic systems. This is due, in part, to the growing interest in these technologies in Russia and China, leading to a heightened focus in the United States on the strategic threat posed by hypersonic flight. Open-source reporting indicates that both China and Russia have conducted numerous successful tests of hypersonic glide vehicles, and both are expected to field an operational capability as early as 2020. Experts disagree on the potential impact of competitor hypersonic weapons on both strategic stability and the U.S. military's competitive advantage. [...] The following report reviews the hypersonic weapons programs in the United States, Russia, and China, providing information on the programs and infrastructure in each nation, based on unclassified sources. It also provides a brief summary of the state of global hypersonic weapons research development. It concludes with a discussion of the issues that Congress might address as it considers DOD's funding requests for U.S. hypersonic technology programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2020-08-27
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Military Spouse Employment [August 27, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides information and considerations for Congress with respect to military spouse employment policies and programs. The first section of this report provides background and data on military spouse demographics, employment indicators, and potential implications of negative employment outcomes for military spouses. The second section provides an overview of congressional and executive branch initiatives that have sought to improve employment outcomes for military spouses through (1) direct monetary or in-kind support from DOD (e.g., scholarships, license fee reimbursement, career counseling); (2) outreach and partnerships with states and private businesses; and (3) federal government hiring flexibilities. Next, the report discusses selected legislative proposals in the 116th Congress. The last section provides analysis of the perceived benefits and drawbacks of existing initiatives, and continuing considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Schwemle, Barbara L.; Plagakis, Sofia
2020-08-27
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Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 27, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, a program carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy that gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategies and proposed funding levels for the Aegis BMD program. Congress's decisions on the Aegis BMD program could significantly affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements, and the BMD-related industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-27
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Financial Inclusion: Access to Bank Accounts [August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Most U.S. consumers choose to open a bank account, such as a checking or savings account, because it is considered a safe and secure way to store money, particularly as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures up to $250,000 per depositor against an institution's failure. In addition, consumers gain access to payment services through checking accounts, such as the ability to make electronic payments online, direct deposit, and paper checks. Frequently, a checking account includes access to a debit card, which increases a consumer's ability to make payment transactions through the account. For most consumers, a bank account is less expensive than alternative ways to access these types of services. Opening a bank account is relatively easy for most people. Consumers undergo an account verification process, and they sometimes provide a small initial opening deposit of money into the account. Many consumers open their first bank accounts when they get their first jobs or start post-secondary education. Checking and savings accounts are often the first relationships that a consumer has with a financial institution, which can later progress into other types of financial products and services, such as loan products or financial investments. However, many U.S. households--often those with low incomes, lack of credit histories, or credit histories marked with missed debt payments--do not use banking services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2020-08-27
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Federal Reserve's Main Street Lending Program [August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Federal Reserve (Fed) created a series of emergency lending programs, including the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP). The MSLP supports lending to eligible businesses and nonprofits and marks the first time the Fed has lent to nonfinancial businesses since the 1930s (though it purchased commercial paper [short-term debt securities] issued by nonfinancial businesses in 2008 and 2009)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Weinstock, Lida R.
2020-08-27
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Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) System and Selected Policy Issues [August 27, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Home Loan Bank Act of 1932 (FHLB Act; P.L. 72-304, 47 Stat. 128) created the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system. The system currently consists of 11 institutions and its Office of Finance, which collectively constitute one government-sponsored enterprise (GSE). The FHLBs are federally chartered 'cooperative' financial institutions, meaning that each FHLB is privately owned and capitalized by its members. Only members and certain eligible associates may receive FHLB services. [...] This report summarizes the FHLB system and some recent policy issues. It begins with an overview of the financial challenges that prompted the creation and evolution of the FHLB system. It then describes the FHLB system's role as a financial intermediary, its prudential capitalization and liquidity requirements, and mission goals. This report then discusses policy issues concerning the extent to which current operations allow the FHLB system to achieve its public mission."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Getter, Darryl E.
2020-08-27
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Authorizations and the Appropriations Process [August 27, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the 'power of the purse' by prohibiting expenditures 'but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.' As a result, legislation to provide for government expenditures must adhere to the same requirements and conditions imposed on the lawmaking process as any other measure. [...] For discretionary spending, the exercise of this authority has resulted in the formalization of a process in which funding decisions are made in a two-step process, in which separate legislation to establish or continue federal agencies, programs, policies, projects, or activities is presumed to be enacted first, and legislation that provides funding is presumed to follow. In order for this two-step process to work, congressional rules therefore distinguish between legislation that addresses questions of policy and that which addresses questions of funding and encourage their separate consideration. In common usage, the terms used to describe these types of measures are 'authorizations' and 'appropriations', respectively. [...] This report provides an analysis of the relation of authorizations and appropriations, the impact of this distinction on the consideration of appropriations measures, and its significance for understanding how appropriations and other legislation work in conjunction to determine how agencies may spend appropriated funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Saturno, James
2020-08-27
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Alternative Data in Financial Services [August 27, 2020]
From the Document: "'Alternative data' generally refer to information used to determine a consumer's creditworthiness that the national consumer reporting agencies--Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion--do not traditionally use to calculate a credit score. These reporting agencies generally create consumer reports containing historical information about repayment on credit products such as mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and auto loans. Credit applications, bankruptcies, and debts in collection also are regularly included. In contrast, alternative data include additional consumer financial data not regularly contained in traditional credit files. New technology makes it possible for financial institutions to gather other information, including financial and nonfinanical data, from a variety of sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2020-08-27
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Summer Meals for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid [August 27, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Since the late 1960s, the federal government has provided assistance for summer meals served to children. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides funding for meals served by nonprofit organizations, school districts, and public agencies to children during the summer. Another program, the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), allows school districts to operate a modified version of the school meals programs(the National School Lunch Program [NSLP] and School Breakfast Program [SBP]) into the summer. Traditionally, summer meals must be consumed on-site with other participants (referred to as 'congregate feeding'). In recent years, USDA has tested alternative food service models,including the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program for Children (SEBTC, or Summer EBT) and the Summer Meals-to-You demonstration projects. The summer meal programs and demonstration projects are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Billings, Kara Clifford
2020-08-27
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U.S. Blood Supply and the COVID-19 Response: In Brief [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has posed significant challenges for the U.S. blood supply. Mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as closures of schools and workplaces, have led to blood drive cancellations. In addition to blood drive cancellations, individual state stay-at-home orders and general fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus might dissuade individuals from scheduling appointments to donate blood. [...] This report provides a brief background of the regulatory framework for the U.S. blood supply, explains the federal response to the current crisis, and discusses potential treatment of COVID-19 using blood-derived products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.; Dabrowska, Agata
2020-08-26
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Artificial Intelligence and National Security [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of technology that is capturing the attention of commercial investors, defense intellectuals, policymakers, and international competitors alike, as evidenced by a number of recent initiatives. On July 20, 2017, the Chinese government released a strategy detailing its plan to take the lead in AI by 2030. Less than two months later Vladimir Putin publicly announced Russia's intent to pursue AI technologies, stating, '[W]hoever becomes the leader in this field will rule the world.' Similarly, the U.S. National Defense Strategy, released in January 2018, identified artificial intelligence as one of the key technologies that will 'ensure [the United States] will be able to fight and win the wars of the future.' The U.S. military is already integrating AI systems into combat via a spearhead initiative called Project Maven, which uses AI algorithms to identify insurgent targets in Iraq and Syria. These dynamics raise several questions that Congress addressed in hearings during 2017, 2018, and 2019: What types of military AI applications are possible, and what limits, if any, should be imposed? What unique advantages and vulnerabilities come with employing AI for defense? How will AI change warfare, and what influence will it have on the military balance with U.S. competitors? Congress has a number of oversight, budgetary, and legislative tools available that it may use to influence the answers to these questions and shape the future development of AI technology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2020-08-26
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Deep Fakes and National Security [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Document: "'Deep fakes'--a term that first emerged in 2017 to describe realistic photo, audio, video, and other forgeries generated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies--could present a variety of national security challenges in the years to come. As these technologies continue to mature, they could hold significant implications for congressional oversight, U.S. defense authorizations and appropriations, and the regulation of social media platforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; Harris, Laurie A.
2020-08-26
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Health Care for Federal Prisoners [August 26, 2020]
From the Document: "This In Focus provides a brief overview of how the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides medical care to prisoners in its custody. BOP operates 122 prisons across the country, and at of the end of FY2019 there were approximately 177,000 prisoners under BOP's jurisdiction, making BOP one of the largest correctional systems in the country. Under 18 U.S.C. Section 4042(a), BOP is required to 'provide for the safekeeping, care, and subsistence of all persons charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States, or held as witnesses or otherwise.' 18 U.S.C. Section 4048 governs fees for health care services provided to prisoners. However, the manner in which BOP provides health care services to prisoners is largely dictated by regulations and policy statements rather than statutory law. The relevant regulations can be found in Title 28, Part 549 of the 'Code of Federal Regulations', and the relevant BOP policy statements are PS 6010.05, Health Services Administration, and PS 6031.04, Patient Care."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2020-08-26
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Brief Overview of FEMA's Individual Assistance Program [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Document: "This In Focus provides an overview of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance (IA) program, including brief descriptions of some types of IA and the factors considered when determining whether to authorize IA pursuant to a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-08-26
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of the overlapping political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela, followed by an overview of U.S. policy toward Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .
2020-08-26
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-08-26
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U.S. Support for International Conservation [August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The United States supports international conservation of wildlife and ecosystems through diplomatic efforts, foreign assistance, and other activities. At the diplomatic level, the United States works both multilaterally and bilaterally to set international conservation policy. The United States provides foreign assistance in the form of financial, programmatic, and technical support to address international conservation activities, such as species protection, habitat restoration, and forest recovery, among other priorities. Several federal departments and agencies administer these programs, including the U.S. Department of State (State), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (FS). Congress has shaped U.S. policy and global activities related to conservation through its authorization and appropriation of foreign assistance resources, as well as through oversight activities. Several Members of the 116th Congress have demonstrated interest in international conservation, especially with respect to biodiversity, environmental conservation, and illicit wildlife trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Brown, Nick M.; Morgenstern, Emily M. . . .
2020-08-26
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Heroes Act: Education-Related Provisions [August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The House passed the Heroes Act (H.R. 6800) on May 15, 2020. The act is intended to continue supporting the nation's response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic throughout the federal government, including its response via several education-related programs. This report provides brief summaries of key provisions in the Heroes Act that would affect elementary, secondary, and higher education students and student loan borrowers. The report begins by describing supplemental funding the act would make available to educational providers and in support of broadband educational infrastructure. This is followed by sections describing amendments that would be made to CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act education-related provisions, and sections describing Heroes Act provisions that would provide relief to private and federal student loan borrowers. The report concludes with descriptions of bill provisions that would authorize new waivers and flexibilities pertaining to existing legislative requirements in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended; the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins), as amended; and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), as amended."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dortch, Cassandria; Skinner, Rebecca; Shohfi, Kyle D. . . .
2020-08-26
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Coronavirus Relief Fund (CARES Act, Title V): Background and State and Local Data [Updated August 25, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), signed into law on March 27, 2020, created the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which provides $150 billion in direct assistance for domestic governments. The CARES Act stipulates that the $150 billion provided to the Coronavirus Relief Fund is allocated to governments in states, territories, and tribal areas as follows: (1) $139 billion is allocated to state governments in the 50 states, with allocations based on their populations and with no state receiving less than $1.25 billion; (2) $8 billion is set aside for governments in tribal areas; and (3) $3 billion is allotted to governments in territories, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance is provided to state governments. Local governments serving a population of at least 500,000, as measured in the most recent census data, may elect to receive assistance directly from Treasury. Such direct local assistance allocations reduce the allocation that is made to the state government (keeping the state allocation constant), an d are equal to the product of (1) the state or territory allocation amount,(2) the share of the state or territory population served by the local government, and (3) 45%. Treasury data indicate that roughly $36 billion in fund costs were incurred as of June 30, 2020, representing roughly 25% of the $142 billion in funds allocated to eligible state and local governments (excluding eligible tribal governments)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2020-08-25
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Export Restrictions in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated August 25, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, countries all over the world, including the United States, have imposed temporary restrictions on exports of certain medical goods and some foodstuffs in order to mitigate potential shortages of key supplies. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), for G-20 [Group of Twenty] countries, export bans accounted for more than 90% of trade restrictions related to the pandemic. Many measures are not explicit bans, but vary from licensing requirements to mandates for sales to the state. These restrictions have raised debate about the consistency of such actions with WTO rules and the potential impact on the global trading system. Some markets depend heavily on countries that have implemented restrictions. Most leading exporters are also major importers of critical supplies, with integrated supply chains at risk. The proliferation of such measures has prompted some countries to commit to limit restrictions or to abide by certain principles in their temporary application. Some Members of Congress have weighed in on the issue, both in terms of the immediate disruption from COVID-19, but also on the future of supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.
2020-08-25
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Boeing-Airbus Subsidy Dispute: Recent Developments [Updated August 25, 2020]
From the Document: "On October 18, 2019, the United States imposed additional tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of U.S. imports from the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK) (hereinafter together referred to as the EU). The action, authorized by World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement procedures, followed an investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). [...] The authorization to take countermeasures against the EU--the largest amount in the WTO's history--comes after nearly 15 years of litigation at the WTO. The litigation involves the world's two largest aerospace manufacturers, U.S.-based Boeing and EU-based Airbus, which have competed for years for dominance in the commercial airline supply market. [...] Due to the magnitude of U.S.-EU trade (of which civilian aircraft, engines, and parts are a major component) and ongoing trade frictions, some Members of Congress are closely monitoring developments in the WTO litigation and in U.S.-EU negotiations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-08-25
