Advanced search    Help

Clear all search criteria

Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).

• Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties [Updated July 28, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "The following casualty data was compiled by the Department of Defense (DOD), as tallied from the agency's press releases. 'Table 1' provides statistics on fatalities during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 19, 2003, and is ongoing, as well as on the number of fatalities since May 1, 2003, plus statistics on those wounded, but not killed, since March 19, 2003. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as all records are processed through the U.S. military's casualty system. More frequent updates are available at DOD's website at [http://www.defenselink.mil/ news/] under 'OIF/OEF [Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom] Casualty Update.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Bryant, JoAnne

  2006-07-28
• Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated August 8, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Cuba has remained a hard-line communist state under Fidel Castro for more than 47 years, but Fidel's July 31, 2006, announcement that he was ceding political power to his brother Raúl 'for several weeks' in order to recover from surgery could be the beginning of a political transition, whether Fidel returns to power or not. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, which have been significantly tightened by the Bush Administration. 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 Cuba until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions judged to be hurting the Cuban people; and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-08-08
• Is China a Threat to the U.S. Economy? [August 10, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The rise of China from a poor, stagnant country to a major economic power within a time span of only 27 years is often described by analysts as one of the greatest economic success stories in modern times. From 1979 (when economic reforms were first introduced) to 2005, China's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average annual rate of 9.7%, the size of its economy increased 11-fold, its real per capita GDP grew eightfold, and its world ranking for total trade rose from 27 to 3. By some measurements, China has become the world's second-largest economy, and it could be the largest within a decade. China's economic rise has led to a substantial growth in U.S.-China economic relations. Total trade between the two countries has surged from $4.9 billion in 1980 to $289 billion in 2005. For the United States, China is now its third-largest trading partner, its fourth-largest export market, and its second-largest source of imports. Inexpensive Chinese imports have increased the purchasing power of U.S. consumers. Many U.S. companies have extensive manufacturing operations in China in order to sell their products in the booming Chinese market and to take advantage of low-cost labor for exported goods. China's large-scale purchases of U.S. Treasury securities have funded federal deficits and helped keep U.S. interest rates relatively low. Despite the perceived threat from China, the U.S. economy has recently maintained full employment and robust economic growth. To date, the growth in Chinese exports appears to have come partly at the expense of Asian competitors."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Labonte, Marc; Morrison, Wayne M.; Elwell, Craig Kent, 1947-

  2006-08-10
• Internet: An Overview of Key Technology Policy Issues Affecting Its Use and Growth [Updated August 15, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The evolving role of the Internet in the political economy of the United States also continues to attract congressional attention. Among the issues are what changes may be needed at the Federal Communications Commission in the Internet age, federal support for information technology research and development, provision of online services by the government ('e-government'), and availability and use of 'open source' software by the government. A number of laws already have been passed on many of these issues. Congress is monitoring the effectiveness of these laws, and assessing what other legislation may be needed. Many bills are pending in the 109th Congress, particularly on broadband deployment and Internet privacy (including identity theft). This report identifies that legislation, but does not track the status of the bills."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.; Gilroy, Angele A.; Kruger, Lennard G.

  2006-08-15
• International Terrorism: Threat, Policy, and Response [August 16, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report examines international terrorist actions, threats, U.S. policies and responses. It reviews the nation's use of tools at its disposal to combat terrorism, from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to physical security enhancement, economic sanctions, covert action, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism appears to be toward loosely organized, self financed, international networks of terrorists. Increasingly, radical Islamist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose a serious threat to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. Of concern as well is the growing political participation of extremist Islamist parties in foreign nations. Also noteworthy is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is the specter of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been secretly conducting - and now openly seeks - uranium enrichment, and North Korea has both admitted to having a clandestine program for uranium enrichment and claimed to have nuclear weapons. Indications have also surfaced that Al Qaeda has attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2006-08-16
• Homeland Security Intelligence: Perceptions, Statutory Definitions, and Approaches [August 18, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Although the activities involved in homeland security intelligence (HSINT) itself are not new, the relative importance of state, local, and private sector stakeholders; the awareness of how law enforcement information might protect national security; and the importance attached to homeland security intelligence have all increased substantially since the events of September 11, 2001...This report provides a potential conceptual model of how to frame HSINT, including geographic, structural/statutory, and holistic approaches. Given that state, local, tribal, and private sector officials play such an important role in HSINT, the holistic model, one not constrained by geography or levels of government, strikes many as the most compelling. The report argues that there is, in effect, a Homeland Security Intelligence Community (HSIC). While this community may not necessarily be a useful construct from a management perspective, it is nevertheless a community as traditionally defined. Although the HSIC's members are diffused across the nation, they share a common counterterrorism interest. The proliferation of intelligence and information fusion centers across the country indicate that state and local leaders believe there is value to centralizing intelligence gathering and analysis in a manner that assists them in preventing and responding to local manifestations of terrorist threats to their people, infrastructure, and other assets. At the policy and operational levels, the communication and integration of federal HSINT efforts with these state and local fusion centers will likely remain an important priority and future challenge."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Masse, Todd

  2006-08-18
• Mexico's Importance and Multiple Relationships with the United States [January 18, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report provides information on the importance of Mexico to U.S. interests and catalogues the many ways Mexico and the United States interact. The report is a snapshot of the bilateral relationship at the beginning of 2006. It will not be updated on a regular basis...The United States and Mexico have developed a wide variety of mechanisms for consultation and cooperation on the range of issues in which the countries interact. These include (1) periodical presidential meetings; (2) annual cabinet-level Binational Commission meetings with 10 Working Groups on major issues; (3) annual meetings of congressional delegations in the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group Conferences; (4) NAFTA-related trilateral trade meetings under various groups; (5) regular meetings of the Attorneys General and the Senior Law Enforcement Plenary to deal with law enforcement and counter-narcotics matters; (6) a wide variety of bilateral border area cooperation meetings dealing with environment, health, transportation, and border crossing issues; and (7) trilateral meetings under the 'Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America' launched in Waco, Texas, in March 2005."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2006-01-18
• Mexican Drug Certification Issues: U.S. Congressional Action, 1986-2002 [Updated October 22, 2002]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report summarizes U.S. congressional action relating to Mexican drug control and drug certification issues from 1986 to 2002, with emphasis on recent actions. It explains the development and the procedures of the drug certification requirements in the mid-1980s and the steps taken in the initial years following enactment of the bill. It provides detailed information about congressional action in the more recent years, from 1996 to 2002, including the temporary modification of the requirements in 2001 and the permanent modification of the procedures in 2002."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-10-22
• Mexico and Drug Certification in 1999: Consequences of Decertification [March 4, 1999]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report summarizes the drug certification requirements mandated by Congress, and indicates the types of U.S. assistance that could be suspended if Mexico were to be decertified. It also indicates the types of assistance that could be exempted from suspension, or be provided by the President anyway, using special authorities. It also indicates how the negative votes of U.S. representatives would affect multilateral development bank lending to Mexico."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  1999-03-04
• U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation: A Side-By-Side Comparison of Current Legislation [July 20, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "In mid-March 2006, the Bush Administration proposed legislation to create an exception for India from certain provisions of the Atomic Energy Act to pave the way for a future nuclear cooperation agreement. After hearings in April and May, the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered bills in late June 2006 to provide an exception for India to certain provisions of the Atomic Energy Act related to a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement. This report provides a thematic side-by-side comparison of the provisions of the two bills, H.R. 5682 and S. 3709, with the Administration's proposed legislation, H.R. 4974/S. 2429. The report concludes with a list of CRS [Congressional Research Service] resources that provide further discussion and more detailed analysis of the issues addressed by the legislation presented in the table."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Squassoni, Sharon A.; Parillo, Jill Marie

  2006-07-20
• Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process [December 20, 2002]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President. This includes consideration of proposals to sell major defense equipment, defense articles and services, or the re-transfer to third party nations of such military items. In general, the executive branch, after complying with the terms of applicable U.S. law, principally contained in the Arms Export Control Act, is free to proceed with an arms sales proposal unless Congress passes legislation prohibiting or modifying the proposed sale. Under current law Congress must overcome two fundamental obstacles to block or modify a Presidential sale of military equipment: it must pass legislation expressing its will on the sale, and it must be capable of overriding a presumptive Presidential veto of such legislation. Congress, however, is free to pass legislation to block or modify an arms sale at any time up to the point of delivery of the items involved."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2002-12-20
• Drug Certification of Mexico in 1999: Arguments For and Against Congressional Resolutions of Disapproval [Updated March 30, 1999]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents arguments for and against congressional resolutions to disapprove President Clinton's February 26, 1999 certification of Mexico as a fully cooperative country in efforts to control illicit narcotics. These resolutions (H.J.Res. 1 35--Bachus, and H.J.Res. 43--Mica and Gilman) would disapprove the President's certification, but would permit him to avoid withholding of assistance to Mexico if he determined that vital national interests required such assistance. While the drug certification legislation requires that Congress act within 30 calendar days after the President's certification, H.J.Res. 43 contains a rule of construction providing that congressional approval would be deemed to have been enacted within the 30-day period. Supporters of the resolutions might argue that Mexico's performance does not justify certification, that Mexico has failed to take adequate action against corruption and drug traffickers, and that passage would send a message of seriousness that would encourage greater Mexican efforts. Opponents might argue that the action would be seen as a unilateral and punitive approach, that disapproval of Mexico might have negative effects within the United States and might fail to encourage greater Mexican cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, and that disapproval may negatively affect other areas of bilateral cooperation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  1999-03-30
• Drug Certification of Mexico in 1998: Arguments For and Against Congressional Resolutions of Disapproval [March 20, 1998]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents arguments for and against congressional resolutions which have been introduced to disapprove President Clinton's February 26, 1998 certification of Mexico as a fully cooperative country in efforts to control illicit narcotics. These resolutions, which must be approved within 30 calendar days of the President's certification, would disapprove the President's certification and require the withholding of assistance and support from Mexico (S.J.Res. 42), or they would disapprove the President's certification, but would permit him to avoid withholding of assistance if he determined that vital national interests required such assistance (S.J.Res. 43, H.J.Res. 114). Arguments for such resolutions include that Mexico's performance does not justify certification, that Mexico has failed to take adequate action against corruption and drug traffickers, and that such action would send a message of seriousness that would encourage greater Mexican efforts. Arguments against such resolutions include that the action would be seen as a unilateral and punitive approach, that disapproval of Mexico might have negative U.S. effects and might fail to encourage greater Mexican cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, and that disapproval may negatively affect other areas of bilateral cooperation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  1998-03-20
• Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Katrina Relief [Updated August 22, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "In response to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the 109th Congress enacted two FY2005 emergency supplemental appropriations bills (P.L. 109- 61 and P.L. 109-62), which together provided $62.3 billion for emergency response and recovery needs. The FY2006 appropriations legislation for the Department of Defense (P.L. 109-148) reallocated some of those funds primarily to pay for the restoration of damaged federal facilities, largely through a government-wide rescission and also through the reallocation of $23.4 billion from the Disaster Relief Fund administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In addition, Congress agreed to transfer $712 million from FEMA to the Small Business Administration for disaster loans (P.L. 109-174). In FY2006, Congress agreed to an administration request for further funding; $19.3 billion was appropriated in supplemental legislation (P.L. 109- 234) for recovery assistance. This CRS report summarizes federal disaster assistance funding legislation in the 109th Congress and presents some information on federal expenditures and obligations for disaster recovery activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith

  2006-08-22
• Homeland Security: Compendium of Recommendations Relevant to House Committee Organization and Analysis of Considerations for the House, and 109th and 110th Congresses Epilogue [Updated March 2, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "This report has been updated with an epilogue on the creation of a standing House Committee on Homeland Security in the 109th Congress, the election of a new chair September 15, 2005, and the committee's organization in the 110th Congress. The original report was not changed; its summary follows: The 9/11 Commission and other commissions and think tanks studying homeland security recommended congressional committee reorganization to increase Congress's policy and oversight coordination. This report analyzes selected recommendations relevant to House committee reorganization."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Koempel, Michael L.

  2007-03-02
• Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated March 12, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Operation Iraqi Freedom overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime, but Iraq remains unstable because of Sunni Arab resentment and a related insurgency, compounded by Sunni-Shiite violence that a January 2007 national intelligence estimate (NIE) says has key elements of a 'civil war.' Mounting U.S. casualties and financial costs - without clear improvements in levels of violence - have intensified a debate within the United States over whether to wind down U.S. involvement without completely accomplishing initial U.S. goals. U.S. Defense Department reports, the December 6, 2006, report of the Iraq Study Group, and the NIE express pessimism about security in Iraq. In an effort to counter these trends, President Bush addressed the nation on new initiatives in Iraq on January 10, 2007 and announced a deployment of at least an additional 21,500 U.S. forces to help stabilize Baghdad and restive Anbar Province, as well as other measures to create jobs and promote political reconciliation. He and other officials have asserted that the new security plan would build on important successes: two elections (January and December 2005) that chose an interim and then a full-term parliament and government; a referendum that adopted a permanent constitution (October 15, 2005); progress in building Iraq's security forces; and economic growth. While continuing to build, equip, and train Iraqi security units, the Administration has worked to include more Sunni Arabs in the power structure, particularly the security institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2007-03-12
• Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance [Updated February 22, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "On June 28, 2004, the entity implementing assistance programs, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), dissolved, and sovereignty was returned to Iraq. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 8, 2004, returned control of assets held in the Development Fund for Iraq to the government of Iraq. U.S. economic assistance now provided through the U.S. embassy while security aid is chiefly managed by the Pentagon. Many reconstruction efforts on the ground are completed or ongoing, but security concerns have slowed progress. Of the roughly $36 billion in appropriated funds from all accounts directed at reconstruction purposes, about 33% has been targeted at infrastructure projects - roads, sanitation, electric power, oil production, etc. About 44% is being used to train and equip Iraqi security forces. A range of programs - accounting for roughly 23% of total appropriations - are in place to offer expert advice to the Iraqi government, establish business centers, provide school books and vaccinations, etc. The report will be updated as events warrant. For discussion of the Iraq political situation, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31339, 'Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security,' by Kenneth Katzman."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tarnoff, Curt

  2007-02-22
• Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11 [Updated March 14, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "With enactment of FY2007 appropriations, Congress has approved a total of about $510 billion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans' health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) covering Afghanistan and other counter terror operations, Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) providing enhanced security at military bases, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Iraq. Based on new data, CRS [Congressional Research Service] lowered its estimates for DOD's average monthly obligations for contracts and pay to $8.8 billion per month including about $7.4 billion for OIF, $1.4 billion for OEF. DOD reports that in FY2007 so far, spending rose to $10 billion per month including $8.6 billion for Iraq and $1.4 billion for OEF. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that additional war costs for the next ten years could total about $472 billion if troop levels fall to 30,000 by 2010 or $919 billion if troop levels fall to 70,000 by about 2013. If these estimates are added to already appropriated amounts, total funding for Iraq and the GWOT could reach from about $980 billion to $1.4 trillion by 2017."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Belasco, Amy

  2007-03-14
• U.S. Nuclear Cooperation With India: Issues for Congress [Updated February 26, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "On July 18, 2005, President Bush announced he would 'work to achieve full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India' and would 'also seek agreement from Congress to adjust U.S. laws and policies,' in the context of a broader, global partnership with India to promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace. Administration officials have promoted nuclear cooperation with India as a way to reduce India's carbon dioxide emissions and its dependence on oil, bring India into the 'nonproliferation mainstream' and create jobs for U.S. industry. India, which has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and does not have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all nuclear material in peaceful nuclear activities, exploded a 'peaceful' nuclear device in 1974, convincing the world of the need for greater restrictions on nuclear trade. The United States created the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as a direct response to India's test, halted nuclear exports to India a few years later, and worked to convince other states to do the same. India tested nuclear weapons again in 1998."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Squassoni, Sharon A.

  2007-02-26
• Brazil-U.S. Relations [February 28, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "In recent years, congressional interest in Brazil has focused on the U.S.- Brazilian bilateral trade relationship, as well as Brazil's role in sub-regional, regional, and global trade talks in the Doha round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. In December 2006, Congress extended trade preferences for Brazil under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), but set thresholds that may limit trade preferences for some Brazilian exports compared to previous years. Interest in Brazil also centers on its role as a stabilizing force in Latin America, especially with respect to Venezuela and Bolivia. Brazil's role as an ethanol producer has generated growing interest in Congress. In addition, Brazil is a key U.S. ally whose cooperation is sought on issues that include counternarcotics and counterterrorism efforts; human rights concerns, such as race relations and trafficking in persons; the environment, including protection of the Amazon; and HIV/AIDS prevention. This report analyzes Brazil's political, economic, and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the region and its relationship with the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2007-02-28
• Intelligence Issues for Congress [Updated February 27, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "To address the challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community in the 21st century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108- 458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation also established a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Making cooperation effective presents substantial leadership and managerial challenges. […] The DNI has substantial statutory authorities to address these issues, but the organizational relationships will remain complex, especially for Defense Department agencies. […] International terrorism, a major threat facing the United States in the 21st century, presents a difficult analytical challenge. Techniques for acquiring and analyzing information on small groups of plotters differ significantly from those used to evaluate the military capabilities of other countries. U.S. intelligence efforts are complicated by unfilled requirements for foreign language expertise. Intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction was inaccurate and Members have criticized the performance of the Intelligence Community in regard to current conditions in Iraq and other situations. […] Better human intelligence, it is argued, is also essential. Intelligence support to military operations continues to be a major responsibility of intelligence agencies. […] Counterterrorism requires the close coordination of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, but there remain many institutional and procedural issues that complicate cooperation between the two sets of agencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2007-02-27
• Energy Policy: Conceptual Framework, and Continuing Issues [Updated March 7, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Energy policy continues to be a major legislative issue, despite passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT, P.L. 109-58). Shortly after EPACT's enactment, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita temporarily shut down production of oil and gas and refining capacity in Texas and Louisiana. World and domestic demand for oil remained strong, and other factors have placed pressure on gasoline prices and deliverability in the United States. In the face of these developments, and because the prospect that this episode of elevated prices is likely to be a long one, interest in energy policy remains high in the 110th Congress. When the United States experiences a period marked by sharp increases in the price for energy and concern about the adequacy of essential supplies, there is widespread concern that the nation has no energy policy. The nation has, in fact, adopted several distinct policy approaches over the years, and many of the debates have been about determining the appropriate extent of the federal government's role in energy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bamberger, Robert

  2007-03-07
• Intelligence Estimates: How Useful to Congress? [Updated February 5, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) are often of considerable interest to many Members of Congress. They represent the most formal assessment of a given issue by the U.S. Intelligence Community and address issues of major national security importance which may require congressional action. The intelligence process, however, is not an exact science and, on occasion, NIEs have proved unreliable because they were based on insufficient evidence or contained faulty analysis. This was demonstrated in the NIE produced in 2002 on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction, parts of which were significantly inaccurate. NIEs can provide insights into the likely effects of certain policy approaches, but they are not usually made to take into account the details of planned U.S. diplomatic, economic, military, or legislative initiatives. In the past, Congress was not a principal consumer of NIEs but now appears increasingly interested in obtaining NIEs on key security issues despite or perhaps because of the experience with the 2002 Iraq NIE. The FY2007 Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364, section 1213) specifically requested a comprehensive NIE on Iran. In February 2007 the Intelligence Community also released an NIE on 'Prospects for Iraq's Stability' in response to a congressional request. Some observers assert, however, that public discussion on specific NIEs may not adequately reflect the process by which they are prepared or their inherent limitations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2007-02-05
• China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 7, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere about China's military modernization. The topic is an increasing factor in discussions over future required U.S. Navy capabilities. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? Several elements of China's military modernization have potential implications for future required U.S. Navy capabilities. These include theater-range ballistic missiles (TBMs), land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs), anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), land-based aircraft, submarines, surface combatants, amphibious ships, naval mines, nuclear weapons, and possibly high-power microwave (HPM) devices. China's naval limitations or weaknesses include capabilities for operating in waters more distant from China, joint operations, C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), long-range surveillance and targeting systems, anti-air warfare (AAW), antisubmarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and logistics. […] Certain options are available for improving U.S. Navy capabilities by 2010; additional options, particularly in shipbuilding, can improve U.S. Navy capabilities in subsequent years. China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting of Navy ships in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW-capable platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP hardening of Navy systems."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2007-02-07
• Homeland Security Department: FY2007 Appropriations [Updated July 26, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report describes the FY2007 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate passed H.R. 5441 on July 13, 2006, which would provide $32.8 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2007. The House passed H.R. 5441, on June 6, 2006, which would provide $33.2 billion in net budget authority for DHS in FY2007. The Administration requested a net appropriation of $31.9 billion in net budget authority for FY2007, of which $31.0 billion is discretionary budget authority, and $1 billion is mandatory budget authority."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lake, Jennifer E.; Lister, Sarah A.; Nunez-Neto, Blas

  2006-07-26
• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE, or 'Mad Cow Disease'): Current and Proposed Safeguards [Updated February 13, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other officials announced measures to improve existing safeguards against the introduction and spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or 'mad cow disease'). Previously, the major safeguards were: (1) USDA restrictions on imports of ruminants and their products from countries with BSE; (2) a ban on feeding most mammalian proteins to cattle and other ruminants, issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and (3) a targeted domestic surveillance program by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the agency responsible for animal health monitoring and disease control. On January 26, 2004, FDA announced planned changes to its safeguards, including additional bovine materials banned from the human foods and cosmetics it regulates; a ban on poultry litter, restaurant waste, and ruminant blood products from ruminant feed; and stricter oversight of feed manufacturing. In lieu of these changes, FDA on October 6, 2005, proposed a ban, in all types of animal feed, of some higher-risk cattle parts. A final rule is pending."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Becker, Geoffrey S.; Lister, Sarah A.

  2007-02-13
• Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated February 22, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Operation Iraqi Freedom overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime, but Iraq remains unstable because of Sunni Arab resentment and a related insurgency, compounded by Sunni-Shiite violence that a January 2007 national intelligence estimate says has key elements of a 'civil war.' Mounting U.S. casualties and financial costs - without clear signs of security progress - have intensified a debate within the United States over whether to wind down U.S. involvement without completely accomplishing initial U.S. goals. U.S. Defense Department reports, the December 6, 2006, report of the Iraq Study Group, and the national intelligence estimate referenced above express pessimism about security in Iraq. Bush Administration officials are expressing some frustration at the unwillingness of the Iraqi government to disband sectarian militias that are committing violence against civilians of rival sects. In an effort to counter these trends, President Bush addressed the nation on new initiatives in Iraq on January 10, 2007 and announced a deployment of an additional 21,500 U.S. forces to help stabilize Baghdad and restive Anbar Province, as well as other measures to create jobs and promote political reconciliation. He and other officials have previously asserted that U.S. policy has shown some important successes: two elections (January and December 2005) that chose an interim and then a full-term parliament and government; a referendum that adopted a permanent constitution (October 15, 2005); progress in building Iraq's security forces; and economic growth. While continuing to build, equip, and train Iraqi security units, the Administration has worked to include more Sunni Arabs in the power structure, particularly the security institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2007-02-22
• Conventional Warheads for Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 9, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "The United States has deployed long-range ballistic missiles in its strategic offensive nuclear forces for more than 40 years. Recently, some have proposed that the United States deploy conventional warheads on these missiles. This would provide the United States with the ability to strike promptly anywhere in the world, regardless of the presence of overseas bases or nearby naval forces. The Air Force and Navy have both studied the possible deployment of conventional warheads on their long-range ballistic missiles. […] Many have expressed concerns about the possibility that other nations, such as Russia or China might misinterpret the launch of a conventionally-armed ballistic missile and conclude that they are under attack with nuclear weapons. The Air Force has outlined a number of measures that might reduce this risk. It plans to base these missiles along the U.S. coast, far from bases with nuclear-armed ballistic missiles. It also would use consultations, notifications, and inspections to inform others of the difference between conventional and nuclear ballistic missiles. But, although these measures could address some of the concerns, they are not likely to eliminate the risks of misunderstandings, particularly if the United States used these missiles on short notice in a crisis. The Navy would not segregate its conventional missiles, but would deploy them on submarines that also carry nuclear warheads, but it could still notify Russia or other nations to mitigate the possibility of misunderstandings."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woolf, Amy F.

  2007-02-09
• Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) [Updated January 25, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is comprised of 12 members representing major departments and agencies within the federal Executive Branch. While the group generally operates in relative obscurity, the proposed acquisition of commercial operations at six U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World in 2006 placed the group's operations under intense scrutiny by Members of Congress and the public. Prompted by this case, some Members are questioning the ability of Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities given the general view that CFIUS's operations lack transparency. Other Members are revisiting concerns about the linkage between national security and the role of foreign investment in the U.S. economy. Some Members of Congress and others argue that the nation's security and economic concerns have changed since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and that these concerns are not being reflected sufficiently in the Committee's deliberations. In addition, anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that the CFIUS process may not be market neutral, instead a CFIUS investigation of an investment transaction may be perceived by some firms and by some in the financial markets as a negative factor that adds to uncertainty and may spur firms to engage in behavior that is not optimal for the economy as a whole."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jackson, James K., 1949-

  2007-01-25
• Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction [Updated February 22, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Congress annually considers 11 or more appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities, for example, national defense, education, homeland security, and crime. These measures also fund general government operations such as the administration of federal agencies. Congress has developed certain rules and practices for the consideration of appropriations measures, referred to as the congressional appropriations process. Congress has also established an authorization-appropriation process which provides for two separate types of measures - authorization measures and appropriation measures. These measures perform different functions and are to be considered in sequence. First, the authorization measure is considered and then the appropriation measure. Authorization measures are under the jurisdiction of the legislative committees; most congressional committees are legislative committees, such as the House Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. This process is enforced, in part, by House and Senate parliamentary rules."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Streeter, Sandy

  2007-02-22