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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
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U.S.-China Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated May 12, 2005]
From the Summary: "After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States faced a
challenge in enlisting the full support of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in counter-terrorism. This effort raised short-term policy issues about how to elicit cooperation and how to address China's concerns about military action (Operation Enduring Freedom). Longer-term questions have concerned whether counter-terrorism has strategically transformed bilateral relations and whether China's support has been valuable and not obtained at the expense of other U.S. interests. Congress has oversight over the trend toward closer ties with China as well as a range of policy options. These options cover law-enforcement cooperation; designations of terrorist organizations; release of detained Uighurs; weapons nonproliferation; waivers of sanctions for the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown; the Container Security Initiative (CSI); and military-to-military contacts. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2005-05-12
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Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance [Updated May 12, 2005]
From the Summary: "Many reconstruction efforts on the ground are underway, but security concerns have slowed progress considerably. Most reconstruction funding is targeted at infrastructure projects -- roads, sanitation, electric power, oil production, etc. Aid is also used to train and equip Iraqi security forces. A range of programs are in place to offer expert advice to the Iraqi government, establish business centers, rehabilitate schools and health clinics, provide school books and vaccinations, etc. However, of the $18.4 billion appropriated by Congress in October 2003, only $11.5 billion had been obligated and $3.5 billion spent by mid-February 2005. Congress approved on September 29 an Administration-proposed re-allocation of $3.5 billion in previously appropriated reconstruction funds to give greater emphasis to security, employment generation, and debt relief."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2005-05-12
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NATO and the European Union [Updated May 12, 2005]
"This report addresses several questions central to the debate over European security and the future of the broader transatlantic relationship. These include: What are the specific security missions of NATO and the European Union, and what is the appropriate relationship between the two organizations? What types of military forces are necessary for NATOs role in collective defense, and for the EUs role in crisis management? Are NATO and EU decision-making structures and procedures appropriate and compatible to ensure that there is an adequate and timely response to emerging threats? What is the proper balance between political and military tools for defending Europe and the United States from terrorism and weapons proliferation?. Since the end of the Cold War, both NATO and the European Union (EU) have evolved along with Europes changed strategic landscape...The evolution of NATO and the EU, however, has generated some friction between the United States and several of its allies over the security responsibilities of the two organizations. U.S.-European differences center around threat assessment, defense institutions, and military capabilities...Most EU member states support close NATO-EU links, but also view ESDP as a means to give themselves more options for dealing with future crises, especially in cases in which the United States may be reluctant to become involved. A minority of EU countries, spearheaded by France, continue to favor a more autonomous EU defense identity" From Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.; Archick, Kristin
2005-05-12
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Organization of American States: A Primer [Updated May 11, 2005]
"The Organization of American States (OAS) is an international organization based in Washington, D.C., comprised of 35 Western Hemisphere states. The OAS works to promote democracy, protect human rights, preserve security, expand trade, and address cross-cutting issues of hemispheric concern. From 1994-2004, the OAS was revitalized by the leadership of Secretary General Cesar Gaviria, and the meetings of regional heads of state held as part of the 'Summit of the Americas' process. In 2001, OAS member-states adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the organization has made significant efforts to deal with threats to democracy in Bolivia, Haiti, and Venezuela. In October 2004, the new Secretary General, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, who had proposed a number of reforms to solve the OAS's chronic budget shortfalls, resigned amid allegations of corruption from his tenure as president of Costa Rica. On May 2, 2005, José Miguel Insulza, the former Chilean minister of government, was elected as Secretary General of the OAS. Insulza will be tasked with solving the organization's budget crisis and preventing further democratic breakdowns in the hemisphere. The United States is the primary contributor to the OAS. The FY2005 estimated U.S. regular contribution to the OAS is $55.7 million; the FY2006 budget request is for $65.9 million. This paper will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2005-05-11
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Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens: Current Policy and Legislation [Updated May 11, 2005]
"Concerns about the number of unauthorized (illegal) aliens residing in the United States and the recently signed totalization agreement with Mexico have fostered considerable interest in the eligibility of noncitizens for U.S. Social Security benefits. The Social Security program provides monthly cash benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and survivors. Generally, a worker must have 10 years of Social Security-covered employment to be eligible for retirement benefits (less time is required for disability and survivor benefits). Most jobs in the United States are covered under Social Security. Noncitizens (aliens) who work in Social Security-covered employment must pay Social Security payroll taxes, including those who are in the United States working temporarily and those working in the United States without authorization. There are some exceptions. Generally, the work of aliens who are citizens of a country with which the United States has a 'totalization agreement,' coordinating the payment of Social Security taxes and benefits for workers who divide their careers between two countries, is not covered if they work in the United States for less than five years. In addition, by statute, the work of aliens under certain visa categories is not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-203) requires an alien whose application for benefits is based on a Social Security Number (SSN) issued January 1, 2004, or later to have work authorization at the time an SSN is assigned, or at any later time, to gain insured status under the Social Security program. Aliens whose applications are based on SSNs issued before January 1, 2004, have all Social Security-covered earnings counted toward insured status, regardless of their work authorization status. In addition, the Social Security Act prohibits the payment of benefits to aliens in the United States who are not 'lawfully present,' but under certain circumstances, alien workers and dependents/survivors may receive benefits while residing outside the United States (including benefits based on unauthorized work). H.R. 98 would create a new system for employers to ascertain if an alien has work authorization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nuschler, Dawn; Siskin, Alison
2005-05-11
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Iraq: Elections and New Government [Updated May 11, 2005]
"Elections for a transitional National Assembly, provincial councils, and a Kurdish regional assembly were held on January 30, 2005. High turnout in Shiite and Kurdish areas led to first- and second-place finishes for slates of these two communities, and they determined the composition of a new government inaugurated in May."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-05-11
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U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress [Updated May 10, 2005]
"Since 2001, the Bush Administration has continued the policy of engagement with China, while the Pentagon has skeptically reviewed and cautiously resumed a program of military-to-military (mil-to-mil) exchanges. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, in 2002, resumed the Defense Consultative Talks (DCT) with the PLA (first held in 1997) and, in 2003, hosted General Cao Gangchuan, a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Defense Minister. General Richard Myers (USAF), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited China in January 2004, as the highest-ranking U.S. military officer to do so since November 2000. He did not announce any plan for the highest-ranking PLA officer, General Guo Boxiong, to visit the United States. The last time that the highest-ranking PLA officer visited the United States was General Zhang Wannians visit in 1998. Moreover, no Secretary of Defense has visited China since Secretary William Cohen's visit in 2000. While in Beijing on January 30, 2004, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage acknowledged that 'the military-to-military relationship had gotten off to a rocky start,' but he said that 'were getting back on track.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2005-05-10
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [May 10, 2005]
"Under the Administration's FY2006 foreign assistance request, U.S. aid to sub- Saharan Africa would continue to grow, due to sharp increases through the State Department's Global HIV/AIDS Initiative. Twelve 'focus countries'in Africa are benefitting substantially under this program. Assistance through the Child Survival and Development Assistance programs would decline, but a new Transition Initiatives program would provide $95 million to Ethiopia and Somalia. Overall, non-food aid to Africa would total about $3.6 billion under the request compared with an estimated $3.4 billion being allocated in FY2005. […] USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios has testified that in FY2005, the aid program is emphasizing peace in Sudan, ending famine in Ethiopia, and combating HIV/AIDS. He has also stressed the importance of agricultural development. In a June 26, 2003 speech, President Bush described a 'partnership' with Africa including support for security and development. In August 2002, the Administration announced initiatives on access to potable water, clean energy, reducing hunger, and development and conservation in the Congo River basin. The initiatives are to make extensive use of public-private partnerships. As part of its counterterrorism efforts, the Administration has also launched initiatives to strengthen security forces in the Sahel region and in East Africa. The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2005-05-10
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Port and Maritime Security: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 10, 2005]
"To raise port security standards, Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295) in November 2002. In the 108th Congress, the focus of debate is about whether current efforts to improve port security are adequate in addressing the threat. Significantly, one conclusion of 'The 9/11 Commission Report' is that transportation security resources are not being 'allocated to the greatest risks in a cost effective way.... Opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime or surface transportation [than in aviation]. Initiatives to secure shipping containers have just begun....' While many agree that Coast Guard and CBP programs to address the threat are sound, they contend that these programs represent only a framework for building a maritime security regime, and that significant gaps in security still remain. The 9/11 Commission concluded that deployment of scanning technologies designed to screen containers that can be transported by plane, ship, truck, or rail is still years away. H.R. 10 and S. 2845 contain provisions consistent with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission for improving transportation security. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Frittelli, John
2005-05-10
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China's Exchange Rate Peg: Economic Issues and Options for U.S. Trade Policy [Updated May 10, 2005]
If the yuan is undervalued against the dollar, there are likely to be both benefits and costs to the U.S. economy. It would mean that imported Chinese goods are cheaper than they would be if the yuan were market determined. This lowers prices for U.S. consumers and diminishes inflationary pressures. It also lowers prices for U.S. firms that use imported inputs (such as parts) in their production, making such firms more competitive. When the U.S. runs a trade deficit with the Chinese, this requires a capital inflow from China to the United States. This, in turn, lowers U.S. interest rates and increases U.S. investment spending. On the negative side, lower priced goods from China may hurt U.S. industries that compete with those products, diminishing their production and employment. In addition, an undervalued yuan makes U.S. exports to China more expensive, thus diminishing the level of U.S. exports to China and job opportunities for U.S. workers in those sectors. However, in the long run, trade can affect only the composition of employment, not its overall level. Thus, inducing China to appreciate its currency would likely benefit some U.S. economic sectors, but would harm others, including U.S. consumers.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Morrison, Wayne M.
2005-05-10
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Legislative Initiatives [Updated May 10, 2005]
"Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Major arguments made for lifting the Cuba travel ban are it hinders efforts to influence conditions in Cuba and may be aiding Castro by helping restrict the flow of information; it abridges the rights of ordinary Americans; and Americans can travel to other countries with communist or authoritarian governments. Major arguments in opposition to lifting the Cuba travel ban are American tourist travel would support Castro's rule by providing his government with millions of dollars in tourist receipts; there are legal provisions allowing travel to Cuba for humanitarian purposes that are used by thousands of Americans each year; and the President holds jurisdiction to restrict travel for foreign policy reasons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-05-10
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Middle East Peace Talks [Updated May 10, 2005]
"After the first Gulf war, in 1991, a new peace process was begun, with Israel and the Palestinians discussing a five-year period of interim self-rule leading to a final settlement. Israel and Syria discussed Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. Israel and Jordan discussed relations. Israel and Lebanon focused on Israel's withdrawal from its self-declared security zone in south Lebanon and reciprocal Lebanese actions. On September 13, 1993, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed a Declaration of Principles (DOP), providing for Palestinian empowerment and some territorial control. Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan signed a Peace Treaty on October 26, 1994. Israel and the Palestinians signed an Interim Self-Rule in the West Bank/Oslo II accord on September 28, 1995. Israel continued implementing it despite the November 4 assassination of Prime Minister Rabin. Israel suspended talks with Syria after terror attacks in February/March 1996. They resumed in December 1999, but were postponed indefinitely after January 2000. Israel withdrew from south Lebanon on May 24, 2000. The Palestinians and Israelis signed additional incremental accords in 1997, 1998, and 1999. From July 11 to 24, 2000, President Clinton held a summit with Israeli and Palestinian leaders at Camp David, but they did not succeed in producing a framework accord on final status issues. A Palestinian uprising or 'intifadah' began in September. Ariel Sharon was elected Prime Minister of Israel on February 6, 2001. He said that the results of Camp David and afterwards were null and void."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2005-05-10
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Gangs in Central America [May 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "In the past year, there has been increasing attention by the press and policymakers on the effects of crime and gang violence in Central America, and its spillover effects on the United States. The February 2005 arrest of some 103 members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang in several cities across the United States ' including a man charged in connection with a December 2004 bus massacre in Honduras that killed 28 people ' raises concerns about the transnational activities of Central American gangs. Citizens in several Central American countries have identified crime and gang violence among the top issues of popular concern, and Honduras and El Salvador have recently enacted tough anti-gang legislation. Gang violence may threaten political stability, inhibit social development, and discourage foreign investment in Central America. Many analysts predict that illicit gang activities may accelerate illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and trafficking in persons and weapons to the United States. Some analysts maintain that contact between gang members in both regions is increasing, and that this tendency may serve to increase gang-related violent crime in the United States. Others assert that unless the root causes of gang violence, which include poverty, joblessness, and the social exclusion of at-risk youth, are addressed in a holistic manner, the problem will continue to escalate. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2005-05-10
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Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and Related Funding Programs: FY2005 Assistance [Updated May 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "In 2004, Congress considered a number of issues relating to the Andean region and drug trafficking. The Administration requested $731 million for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative for FY2005, and $114 million for economic assistance programs. Congress also changed the level of U.S. military and civilian contractor personnel allowed to be deployed in Colombia, in response to an Administration request. Congress continues to express concern with the volume of drugs readily available in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The three largest producers of cocaine are Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru, with 90% of the cocaine in the United States originating in, or passing through, Colombia. Regional security issues have also come into sharper focus after the attacks of September 11, 2001.The United States has made a significant commitment of funds and material support to help Colombia and the Andean region fight drug trafficking since the development of Plan Colombia in 1999. In the first session of the 108th Congress, the House passed and the Senate considered the FY2004 Foreign Relations Authorization Act (H.R. 1950/S. 925) with provisions relating to Colombia and drug interdiction programs in the Andean region. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee reported out the FY2004 Foreign Assistance Authorization Act (S. 1161/S.Rept. 108-56) with several modifications on assistance to ACI countries. Neither of these bills received final approval. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Veillette, Connie
2005-05-10
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated May 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "During the last decade, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) has seen its budget and manpower more than triple. This expansion was the direct result of Congressional concerns about illegal immigration and the agency's adoption of "Prevention Through Deterrence" as its chief operational strategy in 1994. The strategy calls for placing USBP resources and manpower directly at the areas of greatest illegal immigration in order to detect, deter, and apprehend aliens attempting to cross the border between official points of entry. Post 9/11, the USBP has also refocused its strategy on preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. In addition to a workforce of over 10,000 agents, the USBP deploys vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and many different technologies to defend the border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-05-10
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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy [May 9, 2005]
"The United Arab Emirates (UAE), under new leadership upon the November 2, 2004 death of its president, Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan, has undergone a smooth transition, but it remains weak militarily and surrounded by several powerful and ambitious neighbors. Political reform has been minimal, but its relatively open economy and borders, particularly in the emirate of Dubai, have caused problems in proliferation, terrorism, and human trafficking. In March 2005, the United States opened negotiations with UAE on a free trade agreement (FTA). This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Motivans, Mark
2005-05-09
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated March 9, 2005]
"This report outlines the urgent developmental and social needs faced by Tajikistan since the settlement of its five-year civil war in 1997. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including economic aid and Tajikistan's contribution to the campaign against terrorism. The report also addresses foreign policy and defense of Tajikistan, the priorities of which include beneficial trade and investment to support economic growth, protecting territorial integrity, boosting security, and furthering Tajikistan's prestige in the world. It also presents a brief synopsis of the Tajik Civil War. Political and economic developments include a steady increase in authoritarian rule and serious human rights abuses. Basic facts and biographical information are also provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia's New States, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2005-05-09
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Border Security: Key Agencies and Their Missions [Updated May 9, 2005]
"After the massive reorganization of federal agencies precipitated by the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are now four main federal agencies charged with securing the United States' borders: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which patrols the border and conducts immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections at ports of entry; the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which investigates immigrations and customs violations in the interior of the country; the United States Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security; and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for securing the nation's land, rail, and air transportation networks. This report is meant to serve as a primer on the key federal agencies charged with border security; as such it will briefly describe each agency's role in securing our nation's borders. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-05-09
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Clear Air Act: A Summary of the Act and Its Major Requirements [Updated May 9, 2005]
"This report summarizes the Clean Air Act and its major regulatory requirements. It excerpts, with minor modifications, the Clean Air Act chapter of CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL30798, which summarizes a dozen environmental statutes that form the basis for the programs of the Environmental Protection Agency. The principal statute addressing air quality concerns, the Clean Air Act was first enacted in 1955, with major revisions in 1970, 1977, and 1990. The Act requires EPA to set health-based standards for ambient air quality, sets deadlines for the achievement of those standards by state and local governments, and requires EPA to set national emission standards for large or ubiquitous sources of air pollution, including motor vehicles, power plants, and other industrial sources. In addition, the Act mandates emission controls for sources of 188 hazardous air pollutants, requires the prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in areas with clean air, requires a program to restore visibility impaired by regional haze in national parks and wilderness areas, and implements the Montreal Protocol to phase out most ozone-depleting chemicals. This report describes the Act's major provisions and provides tables listing all major amendments, with the year of enactment and Public Law number, and cross-referencing sections of the Act with the major U.S. Code sections of the codified statute."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarthy, James E.
2005-05-09
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Border Security: Fences Along the U.S. International Border [Updated May 9, 2005]
"This report outlines the issues involved with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) completion of a three-tiered, 14-mile fence, along the border near San Diego, California. The state of California has delayed completion of the fence due primarily to legal and policy conflicts with its federally-approved, state-run Coastal Management Program. Current authorization for the fence only allows the waiver of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. During the 108th Congress proposals were introduced that would have allowed the department to waive a number of other environmental, conservation, and cultural laws and requirements to varying degrees. In the 109th Congress, H.R. 1268 would allow the Secretary of DHS to waive all legal requirements deemed necessary. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Viña, Stephen R.; Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-05-09
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Immigration: Analysis of the Major Provisions of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act of 2005 [Updated May 9, 2005]
"This report analyzes the major provisions of the REAL ID Act, as contained in the conference report to H.R. 1268, which would, inter alia, (1) modify the eligibility criteria for asylum and withholding of removal; (2) limit judicial review of certain immigration decisions; (3) provide additional waiver authority over laws that might impede the expeditious construction of barriers and roads along land borders, including a 14-mile wide fence near San Diego; (4) expand the scope of terror-related activity making an alien inadmissible or deportable, as well as ineligible for certain forms of relief from removal; (5) require states to meet certain minimum security standards in order for the drivers' licenses and personal identification cards they issue to be accepted for federal purposes; (6) require the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into the appropriate aviation security screening database the appropriate background information of any person convicted of using a false driver's license for the purpose of boarding an airplane; and (7) require the Department of Homeland Security to study and plan ways to improve U.S. security and improve inter-agency communications and information sharing, as well as establish a ground surveillance pilot program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John; Tatelman, Todd; Lee, Margaret Mikyung
2005-05-09
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Military Base Closures: Implementing the 2005 Round [Updated May 9, 2005]
"On November 15, 2002, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced the first steps in implementing the new 2005 base realignment and closure (BRAC) law. These included development of a force structure plan, comprehensive inventory of military installations, and establishment of criteria for selecting bases for closure and realignment. Most recently, the President has appointed nine members to serve on the 2005 BRAC Commission. In doing so, he has consulted with leading Members of Congress. He completed selection of the commissioners on March 15, 2005, the last day required by law. In addition, the President has chosen Anthony A. Principi to serve as the chairman of the BRAC Commission."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lockwood, David E.
2005-05-09
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Plan Colombia: A Progress Report [Updated May 9, 2005]
"Plan Colombia was developed by former President Pastrana (1998-2002) as a six-year plan to end the country's 40-year old armed conflict, eliminate drug trafficking, and promote economic and social development. President Uribe (2002- present) has continued the work of Plan Colombia, but with an increased emphasis on security concerns. It was envisioned that a significant portion of the costs of Plan Colombia would be provided by the international community, although to date, the United States has been the most significant contributor. [...] Because Plan Colombia is a six-year plan, due to expire at the end of 2005, Congress will likely assess its progress in light of the Administration request to continue ACI funding, the latter having no statutory end-date." This report provides in-depth information on Plan Columbia that could be used for such an assessment.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Veillette, Connie
2005-05-09
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Potential Military Use of Airships and Aerostats [Updated May 9, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) has a history of using lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms. Aerostats have recently been fielded to protect U.S. troops in the field. Contemporary interest is growing in using airships for numerous missions. This report examines the various concepts being considered and describes the issues for Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2005-05-09
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SAFE Acts of 2005: H.R. 1526 and S. 737 - A Sketch [May 9, 2005]
From the Summary: "Somewhat different SAFE [Security and Freedom Ensured] Acts have been introduced in both the House and Senate: S. 737, the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2005 (introduced by Senator Craig) and H.R. 1526, the Security and Freedom Ensured Act of 2005 (introduced by Representative Otter). Although the Senate bill is more detailed, they address many of the same issues, most of which relate to the USA PATRIOT Act--roving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) wiretaps, delayed notification of sneak and peek search warrants, library and similar exemptions from FISA tangible item orders and communications related to national security letters, the definition of domestic terrorism, and expansion of the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2005-05-09
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Security and Freedom Ensured Act (SAFE Act) (H.R. 1526) and Security and Freedom Enhancement Act (SAFE Act) (S. 737): Section By Section Analysis [May 9, 2005]
From the Summary: "Two SAFE Acts, S. 737 and H.R. 1526 address some of the issues raised by the USA PATRIOT Act. They amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to require that FISA surveillance orders particularly identify either the target or the facilities or places targeted. They limit delayed notification of sneak and peek searches to cases involving exigent circumstances (injury, flight, destruction of evidence, witness intimidation risks) and cap the extent of permissible delay. Both bills restrict FISA access orders to instances where there are specific and articulable reasons to believe that the records pertain to a foreign power or one or more of its agents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2005-05-09
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Federal Crime Control: Background, Legislation, and Issues [Updated May 6, 2005]
From the Summary: "States and localities have the primary responsibility for prevention and control of domestic crime, while the federal government's role is limited. As crime became more rampant, the federal government has increased its involvement in crime control efforts. Over a period of 20 years, Congress enacted five major anti-crime bills and increased appropriations for federal assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies. Since the terrorist attacks, however, federal law enforcement efforts have been focused more on countering terrorism and maintaining homeland security. Amid these efforts, however, Congress continues to address many crime-related issues. [...] Recently passed legislation aimed at protecting the public from sex offenders has come into question with respect to its effectiveness. Congress may want to examine more closely registration and notification laws and the sufficiency of federal funding for state registration enforcement. Other possible issues include providing oversight to the Department of Justice with respect to the development of national standards for preventing sexual assaults in prisons. Additionally, Congress may consider broadening the federal definition of hate crimes. Congress has begun to consider a measure (H.R. 1279) that would broaden the scope of the federal government's role in prosecuting violent crimes committed by members of youth gangs. With respect to gun control, Congress may consider legislation that would extend the semiautomatic assault weapons ban, which expired last year, as well as legislation that would regulate gun shows, among other things. This report will be updated as legislation warrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seghetti, Lisa M.; Hill, Cindy; Franco, Celinda
2005-05-06
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North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program [Updated May 6, 2005]
"North Korea's decisions to restart nuclear installations at Yongbyon that were shut down under the U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework of 1994 and to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty create an acute foreign policy problem for the United States. Restarting the Yongbyon facilities opens up a possible North Korean intent to stage a 'nuclear breakout' of its nuclear program and openly produce nuclear weapons. North Korea's actions follow the reported disclosure in October 2002 that North Korea is operating a secret nuclear program based on uranium enrichment and the decision by the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) in November 2002 to suspend shipments of heavy oil to North Korea. North Korea claims that it has nuclear weapons and that it has completed reprocessing of 8,000 nuclear fuel rods. U.S. officials in 2004 stated that North Korea probably had reprocessed most or all of the fuel rods and may have produced 4-6 atomic bombs from them. […] The crisis is the culmination of eight years of implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, which provides for the shutdown of North Korea's nuclear facilities in return for the annual delivery to North Korea of 500,000 tons of heavy oil and the construction in North Korea of two light water nuclear reactors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2005-05-06
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Bioterrorism Countermeasure Development: Issues in Patents and Homeland Security [May 6, 2005]
Congressional interest in the development of bioterrorism countermeasures remains strong, even after passage of legislation establishing Project BioShield. In the 109th Congress, several bills have been introduced, including S. 3, the Protecting America in the War on Terror Act, and S. 975, the Project Bioshield II Act, that would generate additional incentives for the creation of new technologies to counteract potential biological threats. These bills propose reforms to current policies and practices associated with intellectual property, particularly patents, and the marketing of pharmaceuticals and related products.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, John R.; Schacht, Wendy H.
2005-05-06
