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Iran's Nuclear Program: Recent Developments [Updated May 18, 2005]
"Since 2003, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of Iran's nuclear program have revealed significant undeclared activities with potential application for nuclear weapons, including uranium enrichment facilities and plutonium separation efforts. Also since 2003, Iran has been negotiating with Germany, France, and the UK (EU-3) for a wide range of assistance in exchange for a halt to such activities. Yet, most evidence indicates that Iran has never completely suspended its enrichment activities, raising the question of whether Iran is buying time to build nuclear weapons. Although the EU-3 are seeking a permanent suspension, Iran insists its suspension is temporary. Ever on the brink of being declared in violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has allowed IAEA inspectors access only when pressed. This report, which is updated as needed, analyzes the significance of the IAEA's findings for a possible Iranian nuclear weapons program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2005-05-18
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Quasi-Government: Hybrid Organizations with Both Government and Private Sector Legal Characteristics [Updated May 18, 2005]
"This report provides an overview of federally related entities that possess legal
characteristics of both the governmental and private sectors. These hybrid organizations (e.g., Fannie Mae, National Park Foundation, In-Q-Tel), collectively
referred to in this report as the 'quasi government,' have grown in number, size, and importance in recent decades."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kosar, Kevin R.; Moe, Ronald C.
2005-05-18
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China: Economic Sanctions [Updated May 18, 2005]
"The influence of Congress on U.S. policy toward China, once significant because so much hung on the annual possibility that favorable trade terms could be suspended, has more recently been diffused. Sanctions that remain in place today can all be modified, eased, or lifted altogether by the President, without congressional input (though some changes would require that the President notify Congress). Congress and the Administration each recognize the importance of China's emerging ability to consume and to produce, and China has become an increasingly important trading partner of the United States. At the same time, because of the unrelenting tension between the United States and the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea over the latter's interest in developing nuclear weapons capability, and because of China's longstanding relation with North Korea as a primary trading partner and benefactor, the United States relations with China are crucial."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.
2005-05-18
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India-U.S. Relations [Updated May 18, 2005]
"The end of the Cold War freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, but interactions continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry and nuclear weapons proliferation in the region. Recent years, however, have witnessed a sea change in bilateral relations, with more positive interactions becoming the norm. India's swift offer of full support for U.S.-led counterterrorism operations after September 2001 was widely viewed as reflective of such change. Today, the Bush Administration vows to 'help India become a major world power in the 21st century.' Continuing U.S. interest in South Asia focuses on tension and conflict between India and Pakistan, a problem rooted in unfinished business from the 1947 Partition and competing claims to the former princely state of Kashmir. The United States strongly encourages maintenance of a cease-fire in Kashmir and continued, substantive dialogue between India and Pakistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2005-05-18
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Kuwait: Post-Saddam Issues and U.S. Policy [May 18, 2005]
From the Document: "Kuwaitis are optimistic about their future now that Saddam Hussein is out of power in Iraq, but a leadership transition remains incomplete. Shaykh Jabir Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah, who is about 75 years old, has been Amir since 1978, but he suffered a stroke in September 2001. His relative, Crown Prince Shaykh Sa'ad Abdullah Al Sabah, is also seriously ill; he was running the government until 1998, when his ailments necessitated that he delegate that operational role to deputy Prime Minister Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al-Sabah (younger brother of the Amir). Following the July 5, 2003 parliamentary elections, Shaykh Sabah was appointed Prime Minister, separating that post from that of Crown Prince for the first time and giving him clear day-to-day operational leadership of Kuwait. Shaykh Sabah is perceived as reform-minded, particularly on economic issues, but also as a traditional Arab nationalist. Younger leaders, such as Foreign Minister Mohammad Al Sabah and Oil Minister Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah, are unlikely to assert themselves as long as their elders remain in office. The Al Sabah family rules over a population of about 2.4 million (900,000 are citizens)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-05-18
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Iraq: U.S. Military Operations [Updated May 18, 2005]
"Iraq's chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons programs, together with Iraqi long-range missile development and support for al-Queda terrorism, were the primary justifications put forward for military action. On March 17, 2003 President Bush issued an ultimatum demanding that Saddam Hussein and his sons depart from Iraq within 48 hours. On March 19, offensive operations began with air strikes against Iraqi leadership positions. By April 15, after 27 days of operations, coalition forces were in relative control of all major Iraqi cities and Iraqi political and military leadership had disintegrated. On May 1, President Bush declared an end to major combat operations. There was no use of chemical or biological (CB)weapons, and no CB weapons stockpiles have been found. [...] Through primarily supplemental appropriations, Congress has provided approximately $125 billion for Iraq military operations through FY2005, and has approved an additional emergency FY2005 supplemental appropriation of $75.9 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowman, Steve
2005-05-18
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Protecting Our Perimeter: 'Border Searches' under the Fourth Amendment [Updated May 17, 2005]
"Many border security initiatives were developed after the events of September 11, 2001. Because security initiatives often maintain a search and seizure component, Fourth Amendment implications may arise. The Fourth Amendment establishes that a search or seizure conducted by a governmental agent must be reasonable, and that probable cause support any judicially granted warrant. An invalid 'search' is an infringement of an expectation of privacy that society is prepared to consider reasonable. A 'seizure' of a person occurs when a government official makes an individual reasonably believe that he or she is not at liberty to ignore the government's presence in view of all the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Court has interpreted the Fourth Amendment to include a presumptive warrant requirement on all searches and seizures conducted by the government, and has ruled that any violations of this standard will result in the suppression of any information derived therefrom. The Court, however, has also recognized situations that render the obtainment of a warrant impractical or against the public's interest, and has accordingly crafted various exceptions to the warrant and probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Viña, Stephen R.
2005-05-17
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India: Chronology of Recent Events [Updated May 17, 2005]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving India and India-U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of State, 'New York Times', 'Washington Post', 'Hindu' (Madras), 'Hindustan Times'(Delhi), 'Indian Express' (Bombay), and major newswires. This report will be updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2005-05-17
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Defense: FY2006 Authorization and Appropriations [May 17, 2005]
From the Summary: "On February 7, 2005, the Administration released its FY2006 federal budget request. The request includes $441.8 billion in new budget authority for national defense, of which $421.1 billion is for military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD), $17.5 billion for atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy, and $3.2 billion for defense-related activities of other agencies. The FY2006 request does not include funding for ongoing military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. On May 5, the House, and on May 10, the Senate, approved a conference agreement on a bill (H.R. 1268, P.L. 109-13) providing FY2005 supplemental appropriations for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, of $76 billion for the Department of Defense."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Daggett, Stephen
2005-05-17
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International Government-Procurement Obligations of the United States: An Overview [Updated May 17, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report contains an overview of the major procurement agreements to which the United States is a party, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement, the procurement chapter of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and provisions from other free trade agreements. In addition, this report highlights major federal laws that relate to the government-procurement obligations of the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tatelman, Todd
2005-05-17
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Tsunamis: Monitoring, Detection, and Early Warning Systems [Updated May 16, 2005]
"Some in Congress are concerned about the possible vulnerability of U.S. coastal areas to tsunamis, and about the adequacy of early warning for coastal areas of the western Atlantic Ocean. This stems from the December 26, 2004, tsunami that devastated many coastal areas around the northern Indian Ocean, where few tsunami early warning systems currently operate. The tsunami was caused by a strong underwater earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake and tsunami together are estimated to have claimed as many as 300,000 lives. Affected nations, assisted by others, are pursuing multilateral efforts through the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to develop a regional tsunami detection and warning network that would guard coastal populations around the Indian Ocean. Those efforts would coincide with the United States goal of upgrading and expanding its tsunami detection and early warning network."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrissey, Wayne A.
2005-05-16
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U.S. International Trade: Data and Forecasts [Updated May 16, 2005]
"In 2004 the United States incurred a record merchandise trade deficit of $651 billion on a Census basis and $665 billion on a balance-of-payments basis (BoP). A surplus in services trade of $48 billion gave a deficit of $617 billion on goods and services (BoP) for the year -- up $121 billion or 24.3% from the $496.5 billion deficit in 2003. [...] Trade deficits are a concern for Congress because they may generate trade friction and pressures for the government to do more to open foreign markets, to shield U.S. producers from foreign competition, or to assist U.S. industries to become more competitive. As the deficit increases, the risk also rises of a precipitous drop in the value of the dollar and disruption in financial markets."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2005-05-16
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Sri Lanka: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated May 16, 2005]
"Sri Lanka is a constitutional democracy with relatively high educational and social standards. Under Sri Lanka's hybrid parliamentary model, an elected president appoints the cabinet in consultation with the prime minister. The country's political, social, and economic development has been seriously constrained by ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil ethnic groups. Since 1983, a separatist war costing some 64,000 lives has been waged against government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a rebel group that has been seeking to establish a separate state in the Tamil-dominated areas of the north and east."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Anderson, Severn
2005-05-16
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Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board: 109th Congress Proposed Refinements [Updated May 16, 2005]
"Among the recommendations made by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) in its final report was the creation of a board within the executive branch to oversee adherence to guidelines on, and the commitment to defend, civil liberties by the federal government. This report examines the realization of this recommendation with the creation of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, and efforts in the 109th Congress to refine the mandate and the mission of the board (H.R. 1310). This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2005-05-16
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Federal Counter-Terrorism Training: Issues for Congressional Oversight [May 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "Federal counter-terrorism training programs are varied and are provided by numerous federal agencies and departments. Some of these departments and agencies include the Departments of Defense (DOD), Energy (DOE), Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), Justice (DOJ), and Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each department and agency provides specific counter-terrorism training targeted to given categories of recipients. Training recipients include federal, state, and local government personnel, emergency responders, and private and public critical infrastructure personnel. The programs train individuals to prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks. Most of these federal departments and agencies provide training in conjunction with private and public educational institutions, federal laboratories, and federal research and development centers. [...] This report is an overview of the major training activities and facilities of the federal departments and agencies that provide counter-terrorism training. It identifies some of the issues associated with the training."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2005-05-16
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance [Updated May 16, 2005]
"Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished a long-standing U.S. objective, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but replacing his regime with a stable, moderate, democratic political structure has been complicated by a persistent Sunni Arab-led insurgency. The Bush Administration asserts that establishing democracy in Iraq will catalyze the promotion of democracy throughout the Middle East. The desired outcome would also likely prevent Iraq from becoming a sanctuary for terrorists, a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission report. The Bush Administration asserts that U.S. policy in Iraq is now showing substantial success, demonstrated by January 30, 2005 elections that chose a National Assembly, and progress in building Iraq's various security forces. The Administration says it expects that the current transition roadmap - including votes on a permanent constitution by October 31, 2005 and for a permanent government by December 15, 2005 - are being implemented. Others believe the insurgency is widespread, as shown by its recent attacks, and that the Iraqi government could not stand on its own were U.S. and allied international forces to withdraw from Iraq. Some U.S. commanders and senior intelligence officials say that some Islamic militants have entered Iraq since Saddam Hussein fell, to fight what they see as a new 'jihad' (Islamic war) against the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-05-16
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Congressional Authority Over the Federal Courts [May 16, 2005]
"This report examines Congress' legislative authority with respect to the Judicial Branch. While Congress has broad power to regulate the structure, administration and jurisdiction of the courts, its powers are limited by precepts of due process, equal protection and separation of powers. Usually congressional oversight of the judicial branch is noncontroversial, but when Congress proposes to use its oversight and regulatory powers in a manner designed to affect the outcome of pending or previously decided cases, constitutional issues can be raised. In recent years, Congress has considered using or has exercised its authority in an effort to affect the results in cases concerning a number of issues, including abortion, gay marriage, freedom of religion, 'right to die' and prisoners' rights. This report addresses the constitutional foundation of the federal courts, and the explicit and general authorities of Congress to regulate the courts. It then addresses Congress' ability to limit the jurisdiction of the courts over particular issues, sometimes referred to as 'court-stripping.' The report then analyzes Congress' authority to regulate the availability of certain judicial processes and remedies for litigants. Congressional power to legislate regarding specific judicial decisions is also discussed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.; Thomas, Kenneth R.; Killian, Johnny H.
2005-05-16
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Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference: Issues for Congress [May 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "In recent years, several developments have led many to believe that the nuclear nonproliferation regime needs to be strengthened: the discovery of the A.Q. Khan nuclear black market network, Iran's unreported nuclear activities, including secret uranium enrichment facilities, the withdrawal of North Korea from the NPT in April 2003, and the discovery of Libya's covert nuclear weapons program, renounced in December 2003. Brazilian Ambassador Sergio Duarte, who will chair the May Review Conference, suggested that the main difficulty facing the review conference will be how to balance a perceived need for greater controls with treaty provisions that ensure the right to peaceful applications of nuclear technology. While the conference is unlikely to make specific recommendations, it will likely discuss some proposals to strengthen the regime, including those from President Bush and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed ElBaradei."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Squassoni, Sharon A.
2005-05-16
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Homeland Security Department: FY2006 Appropriations [Updated May 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "The President's budget request for FY2006 was submitted to Congress on February 7, 2005. The Administration requested $41.1 billion in gross budget authority for FY2006 (including mandatory expenditures, fees, and special funds). The Administration is requesting a net appropriation of $30.6 billion in net budget authority for FY2006, of which $29.6 billion is discretionary budget authority, and $1 billion is mandatory budget authority. On May 10, 2005, the full House Appropriations Committee reported its bill (H.R. 2360) and report (H.Rept. 109-79) containing the FY2006 appropriations for DHS. The bill would provide a net appropriation of $31.9 billion for DHS. This amount includes $30.8 billion in discretionary budget authority, which represents an increase of $1.7 billion or nearly 6% compared to the FY2005 enacted level; and an increase of $1.2 billion or nearly 4% compared to the FY2006 request."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-05-16
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Republic of the Marshall Islands Changed Circumstances Petition to Congress [Updated May 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "In September 2000, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) government submitted to the United States Congress a 'Changed Circumstances Petition' related to U.S. nuclear testing on the Marshall Islands atolls of Bikini and Enewetak during the 1940s and 1950s. The Petition requests additional compensation for personal injuries and property damages and restoration costs, medical care programs, health services infrastructure and training, and radiological monitoring. According to U.S. government estimates, between 1958 and 2004, the United States spent $531 million on nuclear test compensation and assistance in the Marshall Islands."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Redhead, C. Stephen; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Thomas, Kenneth R.
2005-05-16
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Freedom of Information Act Amendments: 109th Congress [Updated May 16, 2005]
From the Summary: "Enacted in 1966 after 11 years of investigation, legislative development, and deliberation in the House and half as many years of such consideration in the Senate, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) displaced the ineffective public information section of the Administrative Procedure Act. The FOIA was designed to enable any person -- individual or corporate, regardless of citizenship -- to request, without explanation or justification, presumptive access to existing, identifiable, unpublished, executive branch agency records on any topic. The statute specified nine categories of information that may be permissibly exempted from the rule of disclosure. Disputes over the accessibility of requested records could be ultimately settled in court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2005-05-16
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Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List [Updated May 13, 2005]
"Cuba's retention on the terrorism list has received more attention in recent years in light of increased support for legislative initiatives to lift some U.S. sanctions under the current economic embargo. Should U.S. restrictions be lifted, a variety of trade and aid restrictions would remain in place because of Cuba's retention on the terrorism list. Supporters of keeping Cuba on the terrorism list argue that there is ample evidence that Cuba supports terrorism. They point to the government's history of supporting terrorist acts and armed insurgencies in Latin America and Africa. They stress the government's continued hosting of members of foreign terrorist organizations and U.S. fugitives from justice. Critics of retaining Cuba on the terrorism list maintain that the policy is a holdover from the Cold War and that Cuba no longer supports terrorism abroad. They argue that domestic political considerations are responsible for keeping Cuba on the terrorism list and question many of the allegations made in the State Department report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-05-13
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Energy Policy: Comprehensive Energy Legislation (H.R. 6) in the 109th Congress [May 13, 2005]
"The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is scheduled to begin markup of its comprehensive energy legislation on May 17, 2005. Titles to be addressed initially include Energy Efficiency, Vehicles and Fuel, and Research and Development. The drafts of these and other titles are posted to the committee's website [http://energy.senate .gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=IssueIte ms.View&IssueItem_ID=3]. Other titles may be treated the week of May 23. The House passed H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, on April 21, 2005 (249- 183). The bill includes a 'safe harbor' provision to protect methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) refiners from product liability suits. A close vote on an amendment to drop the language failed (213-219). In the 108th Congress, this provision was included in the bill that was reported from conference. However, opposition to this provision in the Senate played a significant role in the defeat of the conference bill at the end of the first session of the 108th Congress. It is unclear how its inclusion may affect Senate passage of an energy bill in the 109th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Bamberger, Robert
2005-05-13
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Homeland Security Grant Formulas: A Comparison of Formula Provisions in S. 21 and H.R. 1544, 109th Congress [Updated May 13, 2005]
From the Summary: "In the FY2005 DHS appropriations (P.L. 108-334), Congress directed DHS to allocate funding for SHSGP [State Homeland Security Grant Program], LETPP [Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program], EMPG [Emergency Management Performance Grants], and CCP [Citizen Corps Programs] in the same manner as the FY2004 allocations. The minimum allocations are based on the formula of 0.75% of total appropriations guaranteed to each state, 0.25% of total appropriations guaranteed to each U.S. territory, and the remainder of total appropriations are based on the states population percentage of the total national population. The actual FY2005 minimum allocation, including SHSGP and LETPP, was $11.25 million for each state and $3.75 million for each territory. In the absence of statutes or congressional guidance, DHS, in FY2004, decided to allocate the remaining appropriations in direct proportion to the ratio of each states population to the total national population."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2005-05-13
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Foreign Operations (House)/State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (Senate): FY2006 Appropriations [May 13, 2005]
From the Summary: "One of the major challenges for Congress in considering the Presidents Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting spending proposals is the tightening budget environment. The FY2006 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 95) sets a target for international affairs spending 7% below the Presidents request. The House Appropriations Committees spending allocation among its 10 subcommittees provides $20.27 billion for Foreign Operations, 11.2% less than the submitted proposal. Other key issues for congressional consideration of the FY2006 recommendations include foreign aid in support of the global war on terror, the Millennium Challenge Account, HIV/AIDS funding, spending allocations among the 'core' development and humanitarian aid programs, funding for the new U.S. embassy in Iraq, public diplomacy, educational and cultural exchange programs, rising demands for U.N. peacekeeping contributions, and democracy promotion activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nowels, Larry Q.
2005-05-13
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated May 12, 2005]
"The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and encourages building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, many of which remain unresolved. The FREEDOM Support Act (P.L. 102- 511) provides the major authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Sec. 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. This provision has been partly altered over the years to permit humanitarian aid and democratization aid, border security and customs support to promote non- proliferation, Trade and Development Agency aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation insurance, Eximbank financing, and Foreign Commercial Service activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2005-05-12
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FY2005 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan, Tsunami Relief, and Other Activities [Updated May 12, 2005]
From the Document: "On May 3, House-Senate conferees concluded negotiations on H.R. 1268, the emergency FY2005 supplemental appropriation, agreeing to an $82 billion total. The House passed the conference agreement on May 5 (368-58), followed by the Senate on May 10 (100-0). President Bush signed the bill (P.L. 109-13) on May 11. As approved, the $82 billion conference agreement is roughly the same as the President's overall request, but with numerous changes in funding allocations and policy provision, including the attachment of immigration legislation. On April 21, the Senate passed H.R. 1268 (S.Rept. 109-52), providing $81.3 billion, about $780 million less than the President's $82 billion request and about $80 million below the House level. The House approved its bill on March 16 (H.Rept. 109-16)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy; Nowels, Larry Q.
2005-05-12
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Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List [Updated May 12, 2005]
Cuba remains on the State Departments terrorism list with five other countries: Iran, Libya, Syria, Sudan, and North Korea. According to the State Departments Country Reports on Terrorism 2004 (issued in April 2005), Cubas actions and public statements run contrary to the spirit of the U.N. conventions on terrorism that it has signed. The report asserts that in 2004 'Cuba continued to actively oppose the U.S.-led coalition prosecuting the global war on terrorism.' The State Department report asserted that Cuba continued to provide limited support to designated foreign terrorist organizations and to provide safe haven for terrorists and for over 70 U.S. fugitives from justice who continue to live on the island.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-05-12
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HIV/AIDS International Programs: Appropriations, FY2003-FY2006 [Updated May 12, 2005]
"On February 7, 2005, the Bush Administration requested $3.16 billion for international HIV/aids, tuberculosis, and malaria programs in FY2006, a 9% increase over the estimated amount to be provided in FY2005. The request included $2.564 billion to be appropriated through the Foreign Operations appropriations and $596 million through appropriations for the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services. The contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria would be $300 million. On December 8, 2004, President Bush signed into law (P.L. 108-447) the conference version of the FY2005 Consolidated Appropriations (H.Rept. 108-792/H.R. 4818). The bill provided $2.9 billion for international AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs - somewhat more than the Administration's request of $2.8 billion - including $435 million for the Global Fund. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB10050, AIDS in Africa; and CRS Report RL31712, 'The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria: Background and Current Issues.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2005-05-12
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AIDS in Africa [Updated May 12, 2005]
"Sub-Saharan Africa has been more severely affected by AIDS than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 25.4 million adults and children are infected with the HIV virus in the region, which has about 10% of the world's population but nearly 64% of the worldwide total of infected people. The overall rate of infection among adults in sub-Saharan Africa is 7.4%, compared with 1.1% worldwide. Ten countries in southern Africa have infection rates above 10% and account for 30% of infected adults worldwide. By the end of 2004, an estimated 25.3 million Africans will have died of AIDS, including a 2004 estimate of 2.3 million deaths. AIDS has surpassed malaria as the leading cause of death in Africa, and it kills many times more Africans than war. In Africa, 57% of those infected are women. Experts relate the severity of the African AIDS epidemic to the region's poverty, the relative lack of empowerment among women, high numbers of men living as migrant workers, and other factors. Health systems are ill-equipped for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2005-05-12
