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Egypt-United States Relations [August 20, 2003]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are tied to maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations focused on Egyptian economic development and military cooperation, developing Egypt's democracy, sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, and continuing U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation reversing Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are a shared concern about international terrorism. Egypt can claim some familiarity with the subject, having defeated domestic Islamic terrorists intent on overthrowing the Egyptian government. The two countries disagree over the speed and depth, but not the need for some of Egypt's economic reforms. Egypt and the United States agree on the importance of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, the need to continue current Arab-Israel peace talks, and the need for regional stability. The two nations agree on Egypt's determination to introduce democratic reforms to Egypt. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of over $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. The United States will reduce Economic Support Funds (ESF) to about $400 million per year by 2008 in keeping with a plan to reduce aid to Israel. The Administration requested $575 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2004 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-08-20
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Long-Range Bombers: Background and Issues for Congress [August 19, 2003]
From the Document: "The Air Force's long-range bombers were designed during the Cold War to deliver nuclear strikes against the Soviet Union. Although they can be vulnerable to enemy defenses if detected, they combine the ability to fly extended distances, much farther than most other combat aircraft, with the ability to carry weapons payloads many times larger than that of fighters. Over the past decade, the Air Force has taken advantage of these characteristics by migrating its bomber fleet from a nuclear to a conventional role. Today, the Air Force maintains three bombers: the B-1B, the B-2, and the B-52, and each has been outfitted with a variety of precision and 'dumb' weapons for conventional strikes. In recent conflicts in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003), bombers have played prominent roles. […] Decisions in Congress and the Department of Defense regarding bombers may have important long-term implications. Each of the three bombers is in need of expensive upgrades, and decisions about the funding of these upgrades may affect the continued utility of these aircraft. Second, a debate has arisen over whether to expand or contract the bomber fleet. Third, military observers and policymakers disagree about when to begin a next-generation bomber program; some push to begin a new program immediately, while others advocate waiting a decade or more before initiating development of a new bomber. This report discusses the background, status, and current issues surrounding the Air Force's long-range bomber fleet. Before addressing each of the three bombers individually, this report analyzes issues affecting the entire fleet."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Benjamin; Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2003-08-19
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Nuclear Weapons in Russia: Safety, Security, and Control Issues [Updated August 15, 2003]
"When the Soviet Union collapsed in late 1991, it reportedly possessed more than
27,000 nuclear weapons, and these weapons were deployed on the territories of several of the former Soviet republics. All of the nuclear warheads have now been moved to Russia, but Russia still has around 6,000 strategic nuclear weapons and perhaps as many as 12,000 warheads for nonstrategic nuclear weapons. Reports of Russian nuclear materials for sale on the black market, when combined with evidence of weaknesses in the security systems have raised concerns about the possible theft or diversion of nuclear materials from these facilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2003-08-15
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Recent Developments [August 15, 2003]
"Iran may be poised to clear one of the biggest technical hurdles in a nuclear weapons program -- production of fissile material (enriched uranium in this case). In June, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General ElBaradei issued a report stating that Iran did not meet all of its obligations under its nuclear safeguards agreement pursuant to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), but stopped short of reporting non-compliance. This report, which will be updated as needed, analyzes the findings of the IAEA report and their significance for a possible nuclear weapons program. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL30551, 'Iran: Arms and Weapons of Mass Destruction Suppliers'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2003-08-15
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Free Trade Area of the Americas: Major Policy Issues and Status of Negotiations and Major Policy Issues [Updated August 15, 2003]
"At the second Summit of the Americas in Santiago, Chile (April 1998), 34 Western Hemisphere nations agreed to initiate formal negotiations to create a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by 2005. The process so far has led to two draft texts, with a third draft expected to be completed for the eighth trade ministerial scheduled for November 17-21, 2003 in Miami. Currently there are serious differences between Brazil and the United States, the co-chairs of the trade negotiating committee, which will need to be resolved by then. Although implementing legislation is not anticipated until the next Congress, for an FTAA to be signed in January 2005, the 108th Congress will play a crucial role during this last phase of the negotiations given its expanded consultative and oversight authority as defined in the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) provisions of the Trade Act of 2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107-210). This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2003-08-15
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Homeland Security: Federal Assistance Funding and Business Opportunities [August 14, 2003]
"With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and increased federal spending on homeland security products and services, comes increased interest in doing business with the federal government and obtaining federal funds. Small and large businesses, universities, and research organizations throughout the country want to provide the needed products and services. State and local governments desire federal funds to assist with their homeland security needs. Generally, the larger companies or organizations and state and local governments that have regularly done business with the federal government in the past are familiar with the often complex process of selling to the government or obtaining federal funds through grants. However, smaller companies and government officials who are new to the process may have a difficult time quickly identifying the resources and information needed to pursue grant or contract monies. This report provides a selection of information gateways for businesses, state and local governments, research organizations, and others that wish to pursue homeland security related business opportunities or grants from the federal government. A selection of Web sites is provided for the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and other federal departments and agencies. The information will assist interested persons in locating information on available grants, contracts, or research and development opportunities with a homeland security focus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Riehl, James R.
2003-08-14
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Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile: Labor Issues [Updated August 13, 2003]
"Singapore and Chile are the fourth and fifth countries to sign trade agreements with the United States that include labor provisions. The first three were Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and Jordan under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. These agreements build on historical U.S. support and promotion of worker rights through the International Labor Organization and U.S. trade laws. Major issues for Congress are: (1) do these agreements balance the promotion of worker rights with trade and investment opportunities for businesses; and (2) are these agreements appropriate role models for future trade agreements? This report will be updated as events warrant. The House and Senate are expected to consider the implementing legislation for the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 2738 and S. 1416) and the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 2739 and S. 1417)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolle, Mary Jane
2003-08-13
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Omnibus Energy Legislation (H.R. 6): Side-by-side Comparison of Non-tax Provisions [August 13, 2003]
Continuing a legislative effort that began in the 107th Congress, the House and Senate in the first session of the 108th passed two distinct versions of an omnibus energy bill (H.R. 6), which would be the first comprehensive energy legislation in more than 10 years. Although Republicans are in the majority in both chambers, the conference on H.R. 6 will be complicated by deep divisions within the Senate on energy policy. Facing numerous amendments and limited floor time, the Senate set aside the energy bill it had been considering in the 108th Congress (S. 14) and passed the text of last year's Senate energy bill (H.R. 4). The House version of H.R. 6, which passed April 11, 2003, includes a key component of the Bush Administration's energy strategy: opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration and development The Senate version, approved July 31, 2003, leaves ANWR off-limits to drilling. The electricity provisions of H.R. 6 would continue to change the regulatory requirements for the wholesale electric market. In general, with some differences, both the House and Senate versions would repeal the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) and give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state utility commissions access to utility books and records. Both would also repeal the mandatory purchase requirement of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) when a competitive electric market exists. Automobile and light truck fuel efficiency was the subject of considerable debate in both houses. Several other controversial environmental provisions are contained only in the Senate-passed bill, particularly programs to address global climate change and renewable energy requirements for electricity providers.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Holt, Mark; Glover, Carol F.
2003-08-13
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Emergency Electronic Communications in Congress: Proposals and Issues [Updated August 12, 2003]
"The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent anthrax incidents have prompted some observers to suggest creating an emergency electronic communications system for Congress to ensure continuity of its operations. On July 25, 2003, Representative James R. Langevin introduced H.R. 2948. The bill would direct the Comptroller General of the United States to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Librarian of Congress for conducting a study on the feasibility and costs of implementing such a system for Congress to use during an emergency. In addition to this legislative proposal, broad suggestions have been offered involving the establishment of a Web-based application that Members of Congress could access from any location inside or outside the Capitol complex. It has been suggested that such an application could enable the establishment of an electronic Congress (e- Congress) through which Members of Congress could carry out activities normally done on the chambers' floors or in committees. These suggestions generally highlight the use of information technology (IT) to enable Congress to carry out its responsibilities remotely, as a substitute for traditional congressional functions performed in Washington. These proposals tend to focus on floor activity while not addressing other areas of congressional activities, such as committee business and Member office operations. In addition to these matters, the possibility of convening an e-Congress raises a number of procedural, technical, and resource questions that may require further study. This report provides an overview of the issues and relevant legislation and will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seifert, Jeffrey W.; Petersen, R. Eric
2003-08-12
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India-U.S. Relations [Updated August 12, 2003]
"Although the end of the cold war freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, New Delhi-Washington relations continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry. 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 anti-terrorism operations after September 2001 is widely viewed as reflective of such change. Continuing U.S. concern in South Asia focuses especially on the historic and ongoing tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, tensions rooted in unfinished business from the 1947 Partition, and competing claims to the former princely state of Kashmir. The United States also seeks to prevent the regional proliferation of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Both India and Pakistan have so far resisted U.S. and international pressure to sign the major international nonproliferation treaties."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-08-12
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Electricity: The Road Toward Restructuring [August 12, 2003]
"The Public Utility HoldingCompanyAct of 1935 (PUHCA) and the Federal Power Act (FPA) were enacted to eliminate unfair practices and other abuses by electricity and gas holding companies by requiring federal control and regulation of interstate public utility holding companies. Prior to PUHCA, electricity holding companies were characterized as having excessive consumer rates, high debt-to-equity ratios, and unreliable service. PUHCA remained virtually unchanged for 50 years until enactment of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA, P.L. 95-617). PURPA was, in part, intended to augment electric utility generation with more efficiently produced electricity and to provide equitable rates to electric consumers. Utilities are required to buy all power produced by qualifying facilities (QFs) at 'avoided cost.' QFs are exempt from regulation under PUHCA and the FPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Abel, Amy; Parker, Larry, 1954-
2003-08-12
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India: Chronology of Events [August 12, 2003]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of major events involving India and India-U.S. relations from September 2001. For a substantive review of India-U.S. relations, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB93097, 'India-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-08-12
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House Vacancies: Proposed Constitutional Amendments for Filling Them Due to National Emergencies [August 12, 2003]
From the Summary: "The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and concern about the possible use of nuclear, biological, chemical, and other weapons against the United States have led some Members to consider proposed constitutional amendments for filling House vacancies if a significant number of Members were unable to serve due to a national emergency. A privately-funded group created to focus on the continuity of government has recommended adoption of a constitutional amendment that would give Congress the authority to provide by law for temporary appointments to fill House vacancies after a catastrophic attack and to temporarily fill the seats of incapacitated House and Senate Members. During the 107th Congress, proposed constitutional amendments-H.J.Res. 67, H.J.Res. 77, and S.J.Res. 30 -would have allowed temporary appointments to the House under prescribed circumstances. The proposals were not the first of their kind. For example, from 1945 through 1962, more than 30 proposed constitutional amendments were offered to provide for filling House vacancies in the event of a national emergency. During this period, hearings were held in the House and Senate, and three measures were passed in the Senate, but none passed in the House. Supporters contend that such a constitutional amendment is necessary to ensure continuity of the legislative process and the effective representative operations of the House. Opponents argue that it would violate a basic principle of the House, whose Members have been directly elected by the people since its inception."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Richardson, Sula P.
2003-08-12
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Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated August 11, 2003]
"Cuba under Fidel Castro remains a hard-line communist state, with a poor
record on human rights that has deteriorated significantly in 2003. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989 to 1993. While there has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms, the economy remains in poor shape. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. The principal tool of policy remains sanctions, which were tightened with the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) in 1992 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act in 1996. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba -- to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island, there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2003-08-11
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Israeli-United States Relations [August 11, 2003]
"Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored the aid issue closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally, and that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-08-11
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Pakistan: Chronology of Recent Events [Updated August 9, 2004]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. relations. For a substantive review, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB94041, 'Pakistan-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated monthly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-08-09
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Innovation and Intellectual Property Issues in Homeland Security [August 8, 2003]
From the Summary: "The U.S. government and private firms alike seek high technology solutions to detect and prevent future terrorist attacks, as well as to respond to any future attacks that do occur. Some concerns exist, however, that patents, trade secrets or other intellectual rights may impede the prompt, widespread and cost-effective distribution of innovations that promote homeland security. These concerns recently arose with respect to pharmaceutical CIPRO, an antibiotic that treats inhalation anthrax. Some commentators called for the U.S. government to 'override' a privately owned patent in order to distribute CIPRO to persons who were potential anthrax victims. Although the patent holder ultimately chose to increase production of CIPRO and lower costs, this scenario remains a possibility for other technologies that bear upon homeland security. […] If an invention was developed using federal government funding, the government may possess certain rights in that invention even though the government contractor obtained a patent. Many entities of the federal government enjoy the statutory authority to purchase a patent or other intellectual property right. Several other statutes and legislative proposals also concern issues at the intersection of homeland security and intellectual property. The Invention Secrecy Act controls the disclosure of inventions that raise national security concerns. Legislative proposals would also call for patent term extensions to award technological progress in anti-terrorism technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, John R.
2003-08-08
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Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated August 8, 2003]
"Although U.S.-Syrian relations improved somewhat in the 1990s, further strains appeared after the breakdown in Syrian-Israeli negotiations in 2000 and Syria's opposition to a U.S. military campaign in Iraq. Members of Congress have periodically introduced legislation to tighten U.S. sanctions against Syria or to condition relaxation of existing restrictions on further changes in Syrian policy. Recent U.S. Administrations, though not inclined to lift sanctions on Syria at this time, tend to believe it is in U.S. interests to encourage Syria to play a positive role in the Arab-Israeli peace process and support other U.S. initiatives. The issue for U.S. policy makers is the degree to which the United States should work for better relations with Syria in an effort to enlist Syrian cooperation on regional issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2003-08-08
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Immigration: Legislative Issues on Nonimmigrant Professional Specialty (H-1B) Workers [Updated August 8, 2003]
"The economic prosperity of the 1990s fueled a drive to increase the levels of employment-based immigration. Both the Congress and the Federal Reserve Board then expressed concern that a scarcity of labor could curtail the pace of economic growth. A primary response was to increase the supply of foreign temporary professional workers through FY2003. The 108th Congress now weighs whether to extend the increases or let the levels revert to the statutory limit. Certain labor market protections aimed at firms whose workforce is more than 15% H-1B workers also sunset at the end of FY2003. The inclusion of temporary worker provisions in free trade agreements (S. 1416/H.R 2738 and S. 1417/H.R. 2739) as well as national security concerns are also sparking debate. The 106th Congress enacted the 'American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000' (S. 2045, P.L. 106-313) with bipartisan support in October 2000. That law raised the number of H-1B visas by 297,500 over 3 years. It also made changes in the use of the H-1B fees for education and training, notably earmarking a portion of training funds for skills that are in information technology shortage areas and adding a K-12 math, science and technology education grant program. P.L. 106-311 increased the H-1B fee, authorized through FY2003, from $500 to $1,000. The 107th Congress enacted provisions that allow H-1B workers to remain beyond the statutory limits if their employers petitioned for them to become legal permanent residents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2003-08-08
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Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict [Updated August 8, 2003]
"The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, a clash between the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination, is the longest interethnic dispute in the former Soviet Union. Ethnic Armenians, the majority in the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, have a different culture, religion, and language than Azeris. They seek to join Armenia or to become independent. Azerbaijan seeks to preserve its national integrity. The dispute has produced violence, mutual expulsion of rival nationals, charges and countercharges. After the December 1991 demise of the Soviet Union and subsequent dispersal of sophisticated Soviet weaponry, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict worsened, and thousands of deaths and 1.4 million refugees resulted...The United States is officially neutral in the dispute in part because it is a Minsk Group co-chair and mediator. Congress has tended to favor Armenia. Sec. 907 of P.L. 102-511, October 24, 1992, is a ban on U.S. aid to the Azerbaijan government aimed at pressuring it to lift its blockades of Armenia and Karabakh. Subsequent legislation modified the ban but retained it. P.L. 107-115, January 10, 2002, the foreign operations appropriations bill for 2002, granted the President authority to waive 907. The President did so in January 2002 and 2003.
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Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2003-08-08
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Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning in the Federal Judiciary [Updated August 8, 2003]
In the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks, subsequent anthrax incidents that briefly affected the Supreme Court, and occasional warnings of the potential for further terrorist activity, judicial branch policymakers and administrators have given renewed attention to crisis response, emergency planning, and continuity of operations (COOP) issues. In the federal judiciary, COOP planning is an extension of court emergency preparedness plans designed to safeguard lives and property during emergencies. The federal judiciary is highly decentralized, both geographically and administratively. Consequently, emergency and COOP planning is carried out locally, according to guidelines issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOUSC)...Prior to September 2001, the federal judiciary had engaged in efforts to improve security in court facilities. After the attacks, AOUSC recommended the designation of a senior court executive in every court to coordinate and be responsible for developing appropriate procedures for emergency preparedness, and COOP. AOUSC also recommended that the courts coordinate their planning activities with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local federal executive agencies. This report discusses actions taken by AOUSC following the September 11 attacks, and describes expectations for emergency preparedness and COOP plans in the judiciary. Other sections address issues and policy questions Congress might consider, including matters of the status of judicial emergency and COOP preparedness, and funding for future policy and oversight questions regarding judicial contingency planning. This report is one of several CRS products related to government emergency preparedness and contingency planning". - From Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Petersen, R. Eric
2003-08-08
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Caribbean Basin Interim Trade Program: CBI/NAFTA Parity [August 8, 2003]
"The entry into force, on January 1, 1994, of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has eliminated the advantage that the beneficiaries of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) and related provisions of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) had enjoyed in trade with the United States relative to Mexico, and gave Mexico an increasingly significant competitive edge over the CBERA countries. The scheduled further implementation of the NAFTA would have resulted in a substantial advantage to Mexico over the CBERA countries and vitiate in part the purpose of the CBERA. Beginning with the 103rd Congress, Congress considered legislation to provide, temporarily, to CBI beneficiary countries tariff and quota treatment equivalent to that accorded to Mexico under the NAFTA. The legislation also would set up mechanisms for the accession of such countries to the NAFTA or an equivalent bilateral agreements with the United States. Due to its controversial nature, based on the perceived adverse consequences for the U.S. textile industry and substantial estimated negative effect on the U.S. budget, however, the legislative process reached an impasse in mid-1995. Although favorably reported in several instances since then, the parity legislation was not enacted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Pregelj, Vladimir N.
2003-08-08
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Energy Policy: The Continuing Debate [Updated August 8, 2003]
"On July 31, 2003, the Senate, facing obstacles to passage of its comprehensive energy bill (S. 14), substituted the energy legislation the Senate had passed and sent to conference in the 107th Congress. Principals are sorting out the implications of this unanticipated development; there are identical or similar provisions in both S. 14 and the substitute measure that the Senate passed as H.R. 6, but there are also significant differences. Amendments passed on the floor to S. 14 do not figure into the legislation passed by the Senate, including the electricity amendment -- crafted over a number of months -- which was on the floor when the Senate made its startling decision. However, the Republican managers of the energy legislation noted that the bill will be rewritten in conference. Among the issues waiting to be addressed in the Senate at the time of passage of H.R. 6 were climate change, clean air, Indian energy development, and hydroelectric relicensing, among other issues. There are climate change provisions in the version of H.R. 6 adopted by the Senate. On April 11, 2003, the House passed its version of H.R. 6 (247-175). The bill includes several provisions that were part of comprehensive, but not enacted, energy legislation (H.R. 4) debated during the 107th Congress. These provisions touch upon energy efficiency and conservation, clean coal technology, and reauthorization of the Price-Anderson Act nuclear liability system. The bill passed by the House would also provide roughly $18 billion in energy tax incentives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bamberger, Robert
2003-08-08
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Middle East Peace Talks [Updated August 8, 2003]
"The end of the Cold War, the decline of the Soviet Union, and the U.S.-led victory in the Gulf war facilitated the beginning of a new peace process in 1991. Israel and the Palestinians discussed a 5-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. Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty agenda on September 14, 1993; Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein affirmed the end of the state of belligerency between Israel and Jordan on July 25; a Peace Treaty was signed 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. A January 1997 protocol produced Israeli redeployment from Hebron. An October 15-23, 1998, summit resulted in the Wye River Memorandum on implementation of earlier agreements. The Israeli cabinet froze implementation on December 20. On September 4, 1999, Israeli Prime Minister Barak and Palestinian leader Arafat signed the Sharm al-Shaykh Memorandum on implementing Wye. Israel withdrew from south Lebanon on May 24, 2000. From July 11-24, President Clinton held a summit with Israeli and Palestinian leaders at Camp David to reach a framework accord, but they did not succeed. A Palestinian uprising or 'intifadah' began in September. On December 23, President Clinton presented bridging proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2003-08-08
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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [Updated August 8, 2003]
Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the U.S. interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran, North Korea, and Libya. This CRS Report discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. As the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) has reported, China remains a "key supplier" of weapons technology - particularly missile or chemical technology. On November 21, 2000, the Clinton Administration agreed to waive missile proliferation sanctions, resume processing licenses to export satellites to China, and discuss an extension of the bilateral space launch agreement, in return for another promise from China on missile nonproliferation.
On 8 occasions, the Bush Administration has imposed sanctions on PRC entities for transfers (related to ballistic missiles, chemical weapons, and cruise missiles) to Pakistan and Iran, under the Arms Export Control Act, Export Administration Act, Iran Nonproliferation Act, Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act, and Executive Order 12938. President Bush has not waived the sanctions imposed in September 2001. Moreover, on May 23, June 26, and July 30, 2003, the Administration imposed sanctions on PRC entities for missile proliferation, signaling U.S. frustrations with China. China's cooperation is also sought towards the issue of North Korea.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2003-08-08
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Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [Updated August 7, 2003]
"The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, processes and organizations across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g. electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed). Computers and communications, themselves critical infrastructures, are increasingly tying these infrastructures together. There has been growing concern that this reliance on computers and computer networks raises the vulnerability of the nation's critical infrastructures to 'cyber' attacks. On November 22, 2002, Congress passed legislation creating a Department of Homeland Security. The Department consolidates into a single department a number of offices and agencies responsible for implementing various aspects of homeland security. One of the directorates created by the legislation is responsible for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Issues include whether to segregate cyber protection from physical protection organizationally, mechanisms for sharing information shared between the government and the private sector, costs, the need to set priorities, and whether or not the federal government will need to employ more direct incentives to achieve an adequate level of protection by the private sector and states, and privacy versus protection. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.
2003-08-07
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Homeland Security Advisory System: Possible Issues for Congressional Oversight [August 6, 2003]
"The Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS), established on Mar. 12, 2002, is a color coded terrorist threat warning system administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The system, which federal departments and agencies are required to implement and use, provides recommended protective measures for federal departments and agencies to prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, and respond to, terrorist attacks. DHS disseminates HSAS terrorist threat warnings to federal departments, state and local agencies, the public, and private sector entities. This dissemination of warnings is conducted through multiple communication systems and public announcements. HSAS has five threat levels: low; guarded; elevated; high; or severe. From March, 2002, to July, 2003, the HSAS threat level has been no lower than elevated, and has been raised to high four times. The first time it was raised to high was on September 10, 2002 due to the fear of terrorist attacks on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the most recent time it was raised to high was May 20, 2003 due to terrorist bombings in Saudi Arabia and Morocco. While the need for terrorist threat warnings seems to be widely acknowledged, there are numerous issues associated with HSAS and its effects on states, localities, the public, and the private sector."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2003-08-06
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Peacekeeping: Issues of U.S. Military Involvement [Updated August 6, 2003]
"For about a decade, Congress has expressed reservations about many complex and intertwined peacekeeping issues. The Bush Administration's desire to reduce the commitment of U.S. troops to international peacekeeping parallels the major concerns of recent Congresses: that peacekeeping duties are detrimental to military 'readiness,' i.e., the ability of U.S. troops to defend the nations. Critics, however, are concerned that withdrawals of U.S. troops from peacekeeping commitments will undermine U.S. leadership. Thousands of U.S. military personnel currently serve in or support peacekeeping operations, performing tasks ranging from providing humanitarian relief to monitoring and enforcing cease-fires or other agreements designed to separate parties in conflict. Of these, 15 were serving in five operations under U.N. control (as of May 20, 2003). About 4,300 are serving full-time in the Balkans with some 1,800 of those in the NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and some 2,500 with the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR). About 37,000 more serve in or support peacekeeping operations in South Korea. These 'peacekeeping' operations are undertaken to promote, maintain, enforce, or enhance the possibilities for peace, and can sometimes be dangerous."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2003-08-06
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China and the World Trade Organization [August 6, 2003]
"After many years of difficult negotiations, China, on December 11, 2001, become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the international agency that administers multilateral trade rules. Under the terms of its WTO membership, China agreed to significantly liberalize its trade and investment regimes, which could produce significant new commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses. A main concern for Congress is to ensure that China fully complies with its WTO commitments. According to U.S. government officials and many business representatives, China's WTO compliance record has been mixed. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2003-08-06
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China's Economic Conditions [Updated August 5, 2003]
"Since the initiation of economic reforms in 1979, China has become one of the world's fastest growing economies. From 1979-2002, China's real annual GDP [Gross Domestic Product] averaged 9.3%; it rose by 8.0% in 2002. Many economists speculate that China could become the world's largest economy at some point in the near future, provided that the government is able to continue and deepen economic reforms, particularly in regards to its efficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state banking system. Progress in reforming these sectors in recent years has been somewhat mixed. […] China's economy remained relatively healthy in 2002, despite economic slowdowns in other parts of the world. Foreign investment continued to pour into China, and the Chinese government effectively used public spending to boost the economy. However, painful economic reforms will be necessary to keep the economic strong in 2003 and beyond. The recent outbreak in early 2003 of a very contagious virus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China appears to have had a short-term negative impact on the Chinese economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2003-08-05
