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Potential WTO TRIPS Waiver and COVID-19 [June 16, 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). An active debate is unfolding in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the role of IPR in the pandemic response. On May 5, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the Biden Administration's support for the concept of a waiver of the 1995 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 stronger IPR standards globally. Members of Congress have varying views on the issue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-06-16
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Supreme Court Clarifies CERCLA Provisions for Recouping Cleanup Costs [June 16, 2021]
From the Document: "On May 24, 2021, the Supreme Court issued an opinion in 'Guam v. United States' [hyperlink] that could expand the ability to recover cleanup costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [hyperlink] (CERCLA). CERCLA, the 'Superfund' statute, provides two avenues for lawsuits to recoup costs for the cleanup of contaminated sites. The 'Guam' decision clarified the relationship between these separate CERCLA provisions. This Sidebar explains CERCLA's framework for parties to recoup cleanup costs, discusses the 'Guam' decision, and considers the implications of the decision. As discussed below, the Court's ruling allows the Territory of Guam to proceed with its cost-recovery claim against the United States for costs associated with cleaning up the Ordot Dump. More broadly, the ruling could expand parties' ability to recover cleanup costs, particularly from federal agencies that bear some responsibility for contaminating a given site. It could also alter the scope and timing of settlement negotiations to resolve liability under CERCLA and other environmental statutes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowers, Kate R.
2021-06-16
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Military Medical Malpractice and the 'Feres' Doctrine [Updated June 16, 2021]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) employs physicians and other medical personnel to administer health care to servicemembers, military retirees, and their family members. If these providers commit medical malpractice, they may cause injury or death. This In Focus discusses the standards and procedures governing medical malpractice claims that servicemembers and non-servicemembers may assert against the United States, as well as pertinent considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.; Lewis, Kevin M.
2021-06-16
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Tokyo Olympic Summer Games [June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have vowed to go ahead [hyperlink] with the 2020 Olympic Summer Games beginning on July 23, 2021; the games were postponed in 2020 due to the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Japan has curbed the pandemic to under 14,200 total deaths [hyperlink] out of a population of around 125 million. The virus has continued to spread, due in part to the emergence of more communicable variants and Japan's slow progress on vaccinating the population [hyperlink]. In April 2021, the Japanese government declared new states of emergency [hyperlink] in several cities, including Tokyo. As of mid-June 2021, Japan's daily infections averaged under 2,000 per day [hyperlink], with around 5% of Japan's population [hyperlink] fully vaccinated. Japan's national vaccination campaign started in mid-February--about two months after many other developed countries. A cautious vaccine approval process and a cumbersome bureaucratic approach to vaccination led to a slow rollout, but the pace of vaccinations increased in June. By the middle of June, around 800,000 shots were being administered daily [hyperlink] and between 8% and 10% of the population of the greater Tokyo region [hyperlink]--primarily the elderly--had received at least one dose. Japan trails behind the United States and other countries in vaccinating its population, presenting increased risk for any Japanese athletes, volunteers, and spectators that may attend the Games."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-06-15
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Unemployment Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report discusses the state of the U.S. labor market using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The three primary sources are the Current Population Survey (CPS), the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, and the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program. In addition to the usual caveats about estimates (see the 'General Data Caveats' section), there were additional data challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (see the 'COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Data Issues' section). [...] This report generally finds the following: [1] The unemployment rate peaked10 in April 2020, at a level not seen since data collection started in 1948, before declining to a level in May 2021 that still remained 2.3 percentage points above the rate observed in February 2020. [2] In April 2020, the labor force participation rate declined to levels not seen since the early 1970s. Labor force participation has improved since then to 61.6%, which remains 1.8 percentage points below its pre-recession level. [3] Nonfarm payrolls shed 22.1 million jobs between January 2020 and April 2020. In May 2021, aggregate employment remained 7.3 million jobs below its pre-recession level."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene; Romero, Paul D.; Carter, Jameson A. . . .
2021-06-15
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Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2411) grants the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a range of responsibilities and authorities to investigate and take action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices. Prior to the Trump Administration and since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in 1995, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States has used Section 301 authorities primarily to build cases and pursue dispute settlement at the WTO. However, former President Trump was more willing to act unilaterally under these authorities to promote what its Administration considered to be 'free,' 'fair,' and 'reciprocal' trade. The recent use of Section 301 has been the subject of congressional and broader international debate. The Trump Administration attributed this shift in policy to its determination to close a large and persistent gap between U.S. and foreign government practices that it said disadvantaged or discriminated against U.S. firms. In addition, it justified many of its tariff actions--particularly those against China--by pointing to alleged weaknesses in WTO dispute settlement procedures and the inadequacy or nonexistence of WTO rules to address certain Chinese trade practices. It also cited the failure of past trade negotiations and agreements to enhance reciprocal market access for U.S. firms and workers. While the Biden Administration is reportedly reviewing the previous administration's trade policies, most analysts do not expect any immediate changes to Section 301 actions or to the tariff exclusions on U.S. imports from China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-06-15
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Section 301: Tariff Exclusions on U.S. Imports from China [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "In 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determined, pursuant to an investigation under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. [United States Code] §§2411-2420), that China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property (IP), and innovation were unreasonable or discriminatory and burdened or restricted U.S. commerce. To counter them and obtain their elimination, the Trump Administration imposed, under Section 301, four rounds of increased tariffs on about two-thirds of U.S. imports from China. However, to avoid harm to U.S. interests, the USTR instituted 'tariff exclusions' for certain U.S. imports that would otherwise be subject to tariffs. This is the first time that the agency has established an exclusion request process, and several Members of Congress have raised concerns about its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-06-15
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House Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program and House Gold Star Family Fellowship Program: Background Information [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The House Wounded Warrior Program was established in 2008 by the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Committee on House Administration. According to House publications from that time, the goal of the program is to assist wounded veterans in the transition to the civilian workforce and to 'make the House a model for other federal, state and municipal agencies to employ these talented, patriotic Americans to whom we are all greatly indebted'[.] [...] The program provides two-year paid fellowships within the House of Representatives for disabled veterans. Fellows may work in House Member offices either in Washington, DC, or in district offices, with the majority located in district offices. The specific job duties may vary by office and are determined by the Member, although many fellows serve as caseworkers in district offices and focus on military and veterans' issues. The program is operated through the House of Representatives Chief Administrative Officer's (CAO's) office. Funding for fellows' salaries is separate from office budgets provided to Members through the Members' Representational Allowance (MRA). Fellows do not count against the employment ceiling for Member offices. Employment beyond the two-year fellowship is not guaranteed, although some fellows have transitioned to full time employment with the House. The program provides up to 120 two-year fellowships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2021-06-15
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Israel: New Prime Minister and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated June 15, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Israel [...] has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas; issues with significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations include the following. The June 2021 formation of a new Israeli power-sharing government, headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, after 12 years with Binyamin Netanyahu serving as prime minister. [1] Israel's security cooperation with the United States. [2] Issues relevant to Israeli-Palestinian disputes, including the aftermath of May 2021 Israel-Gaza Strip violence, human rights considerations, and Israel's normalization of relations with various Arab states. [3] Concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, including with Lebanon-based Hezbollah."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2021-06-15
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FY2022 Budget Request for the Military Health System [June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "On May 28, 2021, President Biden submitted his Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget request to Congress. The Department of Defense (DOD) budget request totals $715.0 billion, including $54.0 billion (7.6%) to fund the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS delivers certain health entitlements under Chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code to military personnel, retirees, and their families. The MHS provides health care to nearly 9.7 million beneficiaries in DOD hospitals and clinics--known as military treatment facilities (MTFs)--and through civilian health care providers participating in TRICARE, a DOD administered health insurance-like program. Congress traditionally appropriates mandatory and discretionary funding for the MHS in several accounts within the annual defense appropriations bill. These accounts include Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Military Personnel (MILPERS), and Military Construction (MILCON). DOD refers to these portions of the budget as the unified medical budget (UMB). In previous years, DOD requested and Congress appropriated MHS funding in DOD's base and overseas contingency operations (OCO) budgets. For FY2022, DOD requests MHS funding (including those for direct war costs)in the base budget only. The request does not include a proposal to modify statutory cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.
2021-06-15
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Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) Role in Criminal Justice Data Collection and Dissemination [June 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), established in 1979, is an agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Its mission is 'to collect, analyze, publish, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. These data are critical to federal, state, and local policymakers in combating crime and ensuring that justice is both efficient and evenhanded.' BJS facilitates its mission by operating statistical, grant-making, and dissemination activities. Many BJS projects involve a combination of these activities. As debates over criminal justice in the United States continue to unfold, policymakers may further examine BJS' role in data collection and dissemination to help inform these discussions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hanson, Emily J.; Finklea, Kristin
2021-06-15
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Al Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy [June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Al Qaeda (AQ) is a transnational Islamist terrorist organization and network of affiliates that the U.S. intelligence community describes as one of 'the greatest Sunni terrorist threats to U.S. interests overseas' and a potential source of inspiration to domestic violent extremists. Sustained counterterrorism (CT) pressure appears to have weakened the group since it perpetrated the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks. In April 2021, the U.S. intelligence community told Congress that Al Qaeda's senior leadership 'has suffered severe losses in the past few years' but they expect that remaining leaders will continue to plot attacks and seek to exploit conflicts in different regions. In recent years, U.S. officials have characterized the AQ threat as stemming mainly from its affiliates, which have generally focused on local issues in their respective areas of operation, where they threaten local U.S. personnel, interests, and partners. [...] The U.S. campaign against Al Qaeda, now in its third decade, spans a wide array of policy areas. The United States has conducted airstrikes on AQ targets in at least seven countries since 2012, and U.S. forces have engaged in ground combat against AQ in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen in recent years. [...] U.S. policymakers also seek to combat Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups by addressing the drivers of terrorism through counter- and de-radicalization programs, by countering the financing of Al Qaeda and its affiliates, and by prosecuting individuals in the United States for providing support to the group and its affiliates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2021-06-14
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CDC's Federal Eviction Moratorium [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions [hyperlink] for nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order was to prevent the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing the CDC to consider such a measure, was unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority [hyperlink]. Since the issuance of the order, several courts have addressed challenges to the CDC's legal authority to issue the eviction moratorium. These courts have issued conflicting decisions on the eviction moratorium's legality and, while no court has issued an order enjoining the moratorium's enforcement nationwide, the conflicting judicial rulings have left a cloud of uncertainty [hyperlink] regarding the order's enforceability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Carpenter, David Hatcher
2021-06-14
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Amtrak, North Atlantic Rail Alliance Seek Support for Passenger Rail Proposals [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Two organizations have recently released multi-year, multi-billion dollar proposals for investment in intercity passenger rail. One, the federally owned passenger railroad Amtrak, seeks roughly $75 billion to add or initiate service on dozens of routes across the country by 2035. The other, the private North Atlantic Rail Alliance, would spend an estimated $105 billion to construct a new high-speed rail alternative to the existing Northeast Corridor (NEC) line from New York to Boston, plus new or upgraded branch lines. Both organizations have requested various measures supportive of their plans to be included in federal legislation. Some of these--though not all--were included in bills advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee (H.R. 3684, the INVEST [Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation] in America Act) and introduced in the Senate (S. 2016, the Surface Transportation Investment Act)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-06-14
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Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides historical documents and other resources related to past government shutdowns, along with brief annotations that describe the contents of the documents. The report includes links to full-text documents when available. There is limited information and guidance related to shutdowns, and it is difficult to predict what might happen in the event of one, but information about past events may help inform future deliberations. The following annotated resources are meant to guide readers to relevant materials from governmental and selected nongovernmental sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nagel, Jared C.; Murray, Justin
2021-06-14
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Defense Primer: RDT&E [Updated June 14, 2021]
From the Document: "Advanced technology plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. national security. To maintain technological superiority on the battlefield, the Department of Defense (DOD) relies on scientific and technical knowledge developed in large measure through research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funded by the department and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. DOD also relies increasingly on technology developed by the private sector for commercial markets. This In Focus describes DOD's RDT&E appropriations structure and funding levels. DOD appropriations are provided annually through the defense appropriations act, one of the 12 regular appropriations acts. DOD RDT&E funding is generally provided in three of this act's titles (see box). Congress also sometimes provides DOD RDT&E funding through supplemental appropriations acts. DOD reports FY2021 total obligational authority (enacted) of $110.8 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F., Jr.
2021-06-14
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Health Care-Related Expiring Provisions of the 117th Congress, First Session [June 14, 2021]
From the Summary: "This report describes selected health care-related provisions that are scheduled to expire during the first session of the 117th Congress(i.e., during calendar year [CY] 2021). [...] This report focuses on two types of health care-related provisions[.] [...] The first, and most common, type of provision provides or controls 'mandatory spending,' meaning it provides temporary funding, temporary increases or decreases in funding (e.g., Medicare provider bonus payments), or temporary special protections that may result in changes in funding levels (e.g., Medicare funding provisions that establish a floor). The second type of provision defines 'the authority of government agencies or other entities to act,' usually by authorizing a policy, project, or activity. Such provisions also may temporarily delay the implementation of a regulation, requirement, or deadline or establish a moratorium on a particular activity. Expiring health care provisions that are predominantly associated with discretionary spending activities--such as discretionary authorizations of appropriations and authorities for discretionary user fees--are excluded from this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Keyser, Julia A.; Hahn, Jim; Voorhies, Phoenix . . .
2021-06-14
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Shipping, Ports, and the Federal Maritime Commission [June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Since summer 2020, U.S. overseas containerized trade has risen to record levels as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led households to spend less on services such as vacation trips and restaurant meals and more on imported goods. The demand surge has resulted in transport delays, higher freight rates, and increased tension between shippers and ocean carriers over ancillary fees and the availability of containers. These controversies have drawn attention to the role of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), a federal agency with jurisdiction over ports and ocean shipping. [...] Two FMC commissioners recently reminded liner carriers about their 'common carrier obligation,' under which they may not 'unreasonably refuse to deal or negotiate' (46 U.S.C. [United States Code] §41104(a)(10)). This reminder followed complaints by exporters of low-value agricultural goods that ocean carriers are not supplying them with enough empty containers to ship their goods. The exporters are seeking FMC's assistance in obtaining firmer commitments from carriers regarding container supply. Because the United States imports more containerized goods than it exports, the ocean rates for exports are much lower than for imports. In the number of days it takes for a U.S. exporter to load a container and for the purchaser of the goods in Asia to unload the container, a carrier could return the container empty to Asia and have the container start earning the much higher Asia-to-United States freight revenue. This may be a consideration when container supply becomes tight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Frittelli, John
2021-06-11
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy: In Brief [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and analysis on U.S. policy in Afghanistan, with a focus on the ongoing U.S. military withdrawal and its implications for a number of factors, including: [1] security dynamics and the ongoing conflict between the Afghan government and the Taliban; [2] the social and political gains made in Afghanistan since 2001; and [3] intra-Afghan negotiations, which began in Doha, Qatar, in September 2020, but appear to have since stalled. The report also provides information on questions about the future of U.S. development and security aid to Afghanistan (which has totaled approximately $144 billion since 2001)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2021-06-11
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Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "In late 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], was identified in Wuhan, China. The virus, which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has contributed to significant morbidity (illness) and mortality (death), as well as severe public health and economic effects, among other impacts. Several Members of Congress have made public statements and introduced legislation calling for an investigation into the origin of SARS-CoV-2. Determining the origin and pathway by which a zoonotic disease (i.e., one that originated in animals) emerges and is transmitted to humans can help scientists prevent further outbreaks, inform the public health response, and aid in the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Further, such knowledge may guide the development of policies and practices that reduce the potential for the emergence of other zoonotic diseases. Determining the origin of zoonotic diseases can take years, and in some cases, an origin may never be conclusively identified."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Sheikh, Hassan Z. . . .
2021-06-11
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Hypersonic Missile Defense: Issues for Congress [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) are currently developing elements of a hypersonic missile defense system to defend against hypersonic weapons and other emerging missile threats. These elements include the tracking and transport layers of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) and various interceptor programs. As MDA and SDA continue to develop these systems, Congress may consider implications for oversight and defense authorizations and appropriations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; McCall, Stephen M.
2021-06-11
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Precision-Guided Munitions: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report focuses on selected precision-guided munitions (PGMs) fielded by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Over the years, the U.S. military has relied on PGMs to execute ground, air, and naval military operations. PGMs have become ubiquitous in U.S. military operations; funding for these weapons has increased dramatically from FY1998 to the present as depicted in. In FY2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) requested approximately $4.1 billion for more than 41,337 weapons in 15 munitions programs. DOD projects requesting approximately $3.3 billion for 20,456 weapons in FY2022, $3.9 billion for 23,306 weapons in FY2023, $3.9 billion for 18,376 weapons in FY2024, and $3.6 billion for 16,325 weapons in FY2025. Congress, through the defense authorization and appropriations bills, has historically exercised its role in the decision to approve, reject, or modify DOD's proposals for PGMs. In addition, these programs pose a number of potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could affect future U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2021-06-11
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Supreme Court: Unlawful Entrants with Temporary Protected Status Cannot Adjust to Lawful Permanent Resident Status [June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens, as the term is used in the Immigration and Nationality Act [hyperlink] [INA]) who are physically present in the United States may adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status [hyperlink] if they meet certain requirements. Among other things, an applicant for adjustment of status generally must have been 'inspected and admitted or paroled' [hyperlink] into the United States by immigration authorities. For some time, courts disagreed [hyperlink] over whether aliens who unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, but later received Temporary Protected Status [hyperlink] (TPS), have been 'inspected and admitted' to qualify for adjustment. In 'Sanchez v. Mayorkas', the Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion [hyperlink], held that the grant of TPS does not enable an unlawful entrant to pursue adjustment of status. This Legal Sidebar examines the Supreme Court's decision and its implications for unlawful entrants who seek to pursue LPR status."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-06-11
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Supreme Court Rules on Authority of Tribal Police to Stop Non-Indians [June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 1, 2021, the Supreme Court unanimously held in 'United States v. Cooley' [hyperlink] ('Cooley') that Indian tribal law enforcement officers may stop, search, and temporarily detain a non-Indian motorist traveling on a public highway within an Indian reservation if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the motorist has violated or will violate federal or state law. The Court held that the source of this power is an Indian tribe's retained inherent authority to protect public safety. In reaching this conclusion, the opinion draws upon earlier decisions of the Court, particularly 'Montana v. United States' [hyperlink] ('Montana'). In 'Montana,' the Court noted that, although tribes generally retain no authority over the conduct of non-Indians on fee land within a reservation, they do retain some authority over 'conduct [that] threatens or has some direct effect on . . . the health or welfare of the tribe.' The Supreme Court's decision in 'Cooley' reverses a decision [hyperlink] of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit discussed in an earlier Legal Sidebar [hyperlink]. After a brief summary of background on tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians, this Sidebar discusses the Court's decision in 'Cooley' and identifies possible considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Murphy, M. Maureen
2021-06-11
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INVEST in America Act (H.R. 3684) Would Set Highway Spending 34% Above Baseline and Bring Back Earmarks [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 10, 2021, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ordered reported the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act (INVEST in America Act; H.R. 3684). The five-year bill, as reported, would authorize roughly $334 billion for federal highway construction and research programs for FY2022-FY2026. This is a roughly 48% increase, unadjusted for inflation, over the $223 billion provided for highways in the previous five-year authorization (FY2016- FY2020), the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act; P.L. 114-94). The total represents a roughly 34% increase above current spending adjusted for expected inflation. H.R. 3684 also would bring back the designation of projects by Members of Congress [hyperlink] for the first time since a moratorium on earmarking was imposed in 2011. [hyperlink]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kirk, Robert S.
2021-06-11
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Marine Corps Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Document: "According to the Marine Corps, the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) aims to be a new armored vehicle family to replace the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV): Since the 1980s, the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) has supported Marine Air-Ground Task Force missions on the battlefield. While the LAV remains operationally effective, the life cycle of this system is set to expire in the mid-2030s…. The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) [the LAV's replacement] will be highly mobile, networked, transportable, protected, and lethal. The capability will provide, sensors, communication systems and lethality options to overmatch threats that have historically been addressed with more heavily armored systems. The ARV will be an advanced combat vehicle system, capable of fighting for information that balances competing capability demands to sense, shoot, move, communicate and remain transportable as part of the naval expeditionary force."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-06-10
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Energy and Water Development Appropriations for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation: In Brief [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Department of Energy's (DOE's) nonproliferation and national security programs provide technical capabilities to support U.S. efforts to 'prevent, counter, respond' to the proliferation of nuclear weapons worldwide, including by both states and non-state actors. These programs are administered by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semiautonomous agency established within DOE in 2000. NNSA is responsible for maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, providing nuclear fuel to the Navy, nuclear and radiological emergency response, and nuclear nonproliferation activities. NNSA's Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation is funded under the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) account. This report addresses the programs in the DNN account, appropriated by the Energy and Water appropriations bill. The FY2022 request for DNN appropriations was $2.26 billion. The proposal included unobligated prior year balances. The reduction continues an earlier trend to reduce prior-year carryover balances. According to the budget justification, the increase of $4 million, or 0.2%, from the FY2021-enacted level includes increases in Nonproliferation and Arms Control and DNN R&D [research and development] programs, offset by the completion of Material Management and Minimization and Global Material Security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2021-06-10
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Defense Health Primer: U.S. Coast Guard Health Services [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Document: "Established in 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is a military service in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a branch of the armed forces of the United States. The role of USCG is to provide security, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship on the high seas and in the ports, inland waterways, and maritime economic zones of the United States. To support these tasks, 14 U.S.C. §504 authorizes USCG to administer a Health Services program to sustain the medical readiness of approximately 47,000 active duty and reserve servicemembers of the Coast Guard. The USCG program also collaborates with the Military Health System (MHS) of the Department of Defense (DOD) to offer health care services to 9.6 million beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE. [...] There are a number of perceived challenges facing the USCG Health Services program, many of which have attracted congressional attention and ongoing oversight. [1] Electronic Health Record Modernization; [...] [2] USPHS [U.S. Public Health Service] Support to USCG; [...] [and 3] Disability Evaluation System."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.
2021-06-10
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U.S. Global Health Funding: FY2017-FY2022 Request [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Background: "Congress has prioritized global health, increasing related funding, particularly for the creation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) during the George W. Bush Administration. During the Obama Administration, appropriations continued to rise, though at a slower pace and with some funding dips. Global health appropriations also increased during the Trump Administration, despite requests from that Administration to cut global health spending. Following the emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, appropriations for global health security rose and several bills for bolstering global health security were introduced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2021-06-10
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Georgia: Background and U.S. Policy [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "Georgia is one of the United States' closest partners among the post-Soviet states that gained their independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. With a history of strong economic aid and security cooperation, the United States has deepened its strategic partnership with Georgia since Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia and 2014 invasion of Ukraine. U.S. policy expressly supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and Georgia is a leading recipient of U.S. aid in Europe and Eurasia. [...] Since FY2017, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) bilateral aid allocations to Georgia have totaled $123 million a year on average ($131 million in FY2020, including $40 million in Foreign Military Financing, or FMF). For FY2021, Congress appropriated $132 million in bilateral aid to Georgia, including $35 million in FMF. For FY2022, the State Department/USAID budget request includes $120.6 million in bilateral aid to Georgia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-06-10
