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What is an Autodialer (Part II)? The Supreme Court (Mostly) Resolves a Robocall Enforcement Question [April 28, 2021]
From the Document: "The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) makes it illegal to call any wireless phone number using an 'automatic telephone dialing system' (an autodialer) or an artificial or prerecorded voice. While the text of the TCPA defines [hyperlink] 'automatic telephone dialing system,' uncertainty has emerged over how this definition--written in 1991--applies to a technological landscape that is far different today from what existed at the time the TCPA became law. On April 1, 2021, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in 'Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid', [hyperlink] reversing the Ninth Circuit's interpretation of the term 'automatic telephone dialing system' used in the TCPA. The TCPA defines an automatic telephone dialing system as 'equipment which has the capacity (A) to store or produce telephone numbers to be called, using a random or sequential number generator; and (B) to dial such numbers.' [...] [The Supreme Court] held [hyperlink] that an automatic telephone dialing system is one that has the capacity to either store a telephone number using a random or sequential number generator or produce a telephone number using a random or sequential number generator. This Legal Sidebar briefly discusses the Supreme Court's decision and considerations for Congress relating to the TCPA's autodialer definition."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Holmes, Eric N.
2021-04-28
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Wildfire Statistics [Updated May 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. States are responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on nonfederal (state, local, and private) lands, except for lands protected by federal agencies under cooperative agreements. The federal government is responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on federal lands. The Forest Service (FS)--within the U.S. Department of Agriculture--carries out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres of the National Forest System (NFS). The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages wildfire response for more than 400 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, other public lands, and Indian reservations. Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity. Nationwide data compiled by the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) indicate that the number of annual wildfires is variable but has decreased slightly over the last 30 years and that the number of acres impacted annually, while also variable, generally has increased. Since 2000, an annual average of 70,600 wildfires burned an annual average of 7.0 million acres. This figure is more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s (3.3 million acres), although a greater number of fires occurred annually in the 1990s (78,600 average)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2021-05-04
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Army Drawdown and Restructuring: Background and Issues for Congress [May 18, 2012]
"On January 26, 2012, senior DOD leadership unveiled a new defense strategy based on a review of potential future security challenges, current defense strategy, and budgetary constraints. This new strategy envisions a smaller, leaner Army that is agile, flexible, rapidly deployable, and technologically advanced. This strategy will rebalance the Army's global posture and presence, emphasizing where potential problems are likely to arise, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. [...] The Administration's proposals to drawdown and restructure the Army have a number of strategic implications. These implications include the capability to conduct stability and counterinsurgency operations, the ability to fight two simultaneous wars, shifting strategic emphasis to the Asia-Pacific region, and how the Army will maintain presence in the Middle East. Other related concerns include reducing Army presence in Europe and the Army's role in the rest of the world. Until the Army provides detailed plans on how many units will be cut, how remaining units will be structured, and where they will be based, it is difficult to determine the impact on Army weapon systems under development and the overall budgetary implications of the Army's plan. Potential issues for Congress include the strategic risk posed by a smaller and restructured Army; the 'health' of the Army given the impending downsizing; where the force will be based; and the role of the National Guard and Reserves. This report will be updated as circumstances warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2012-05-18
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress [May 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many of the 33 countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both authorized and irregular; major factors driving migration include proximity and economic and security conditions. [...] Congress traditionally has played an active role in policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean through both legislation and oversight. In March 2021, Congress passed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. [public law] 117-2), which included $9.755 billion for foreign assistance to respond to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] globally, and the House approved H.R. 6, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for those brought to the United States as children and those from countries with temporary protected status (currently including El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). [...] To date, congressional hearings have focused on Venezuela, Haiti, the state of democracy in the region, and the root causes of Central American migration. Looking ahead, Congress will likely consider the Administration's FY2022 foreign aid budget request, which, according to the Administration's budget blueprint, will include assistance to address the root causes of migration from Central America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-05-03
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FY2022 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Budget Request [May 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "Each year, Congress typically considers 12 distinct appropriations measures to fund federal programs and activities. One of these is the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) bill, which supports a range of U.S. activities around the world. On April 9, 2021, the Biden Administration released a summary of its proposed FY2022 budget request [hyperlink] for discretionary programs. The request includes $63.50 billion for 'the State Department and other international programs,' which the Administration asserts would be a 12% increase from the FY2021- enacted level. It is unclear whether this figure reflects all components of SFOPS funding, or how it was calculated. The requested funding is about $7.3 billion (10%) below enacted FY2021 SFOPS [hyperlink] discretionary funding to date, including $10 billion in supplemental emergency funds enacted through the American Recue [sic] Plan Act (ARPA) to help combat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally. The requested funding is about 34% higher than FY2021 base funding (excluding OCO [Overseas Contingency Operations] and emergency funds and higher than any SFOPS total funding level enacted in the past decade, with the exception of FY2021, in current dollars. The April 9 budget summary provided only top-line funding levels and select program highlights. This Insight provides limited information and analysis based on the budget summary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Morgenstern, Emily M.
2021-05-05
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities-Background and Issues for Congress [September 29, 2011]
"The question of how the United States should respond to China's military modernization effort, including its naval modernization effort, has emerged as a key issue in U.S. defense planning. Admiral Michael Mullen, the then-Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, stated in June 2010 that 'I have moved from being curious to being genuinely concerned' about China's military programs. The question of how the United States should respond to China's military modernization effort is of particular importance to the U.S. Navy, because many U.S. military programs for countering improved Chinese military forces would fall within the Navy's budget. Decisions that Congress and the executive branch make regarding U.S. Navy programs for countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities could affect the likelihood or possible outcome of a potential U.S.-Chinese military conflict in the Pacific over Taiwan or some other issue. Some observers consider such a conflict to be very unlikely, in part because of significant U.S.-Chinese economic linkages and the tremendous damage that such a conflict could cause on both sides. […] Placing an increased emphasis on U.S. Navy programs for countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities in coming years could lead to one or more of the following: developing and procuring highly capable ships, aircraft, and weapons for defeating Chinese anti-access systems; assigning a larger percentage of the Navy to the Pacific Fleet; homeporting more of the Pacific Fleet's ships at forward locations such as Hawaii, Guam, and Japan; increasing training and exercises in operations relating to countering Chinese maritime anti-access forces; and increasing activities for monitoring and understanding developments in China's navy, as well as activities for measuring and better understanding operating conditions in the Western Pacific."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-09-29
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China's Economic Condition [Updated June 27, 2008]
"This report provides an overview of China's economic development, challenges
China faces to maintain growth, and the implications of China's rise as a major
economic power for the United States. [...] China's economy continues to be a concern to many U.S. policymakers. On the one hand, U.S. consumers, exporters, and investors have greatly benefitted from China's rapid economic and trade growth. On the other hand, the surge in Chinese exports to the United States has put competitive pressures on various U.S. industries. Many U.S. policymakers have argued that China often does not play by the rules when it comes to trade and they have called for greater efforts to pressure China to fully implement its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments and to change various economic policies deemed harmful to U.S. economic interests, such as its currency policy, its use of subsidies to support state-owned firms, trade and investment barriers to U.S. goods and services, and failure to ensure the safety of its exports to the United States. Concerns have also been raised over China's rising demand for energy and raw materials, its impact on world prices for such commodities, increased pollution levels, and efforts China has made to invest in energy and raw materials around the world, including countries (such as Iran and Sudan) where the United States has political and human rights concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2008-06-27
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Global Nuclear Detection Architecture: Issues for Congress [July 16, 2008]
"In 2006, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established within the Department of Homeland Security to centralize coordination of the federal response to an unconventional nuclear threat." "The U.S. government has implemented a series of programs to protect the nation against terrorist nuclear attack. Some of these programs predate September 11, 2001, while others were established since then. Most programs are within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the Departments of Defense, Energy, and State; and agencies that became part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) upon its creation, and they are focused on detecting the illicit acquisition and shipment of nuclear and radiological materials and protecting and securing nuclear weapons. These disparate programs have historically been viewed as lacking coordination and centralized oversight. […].The global nuclear detection architecture is a multi-layered system of detection technologies, programs, and guidelines designed to enhance the nation's ability to detect and prevent a radiological or nuclear attack. Among its components are existing programs in nuclear detection operated by other federal agencies and new programs put into place by DNDO. The global nuclear detection architecture is developed by DNDO in coordination with other federal agencies implementing nuclear detection efforts and this coordination is essential to the success of the architecture."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.
2008-07-16
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U.S. Secret Service: An Examination and Analysis of Its Evolving Missions [July 31, 2008]
"In March 2003, the U.S. Secret Service was transferred from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security as a distinct entity." "The U.S. Secret Service has two missions--criminal investigations and protection. Criminal investigation activities, which have expanded since its inception as a small anti-counterfeiting operation at the end of the Civil War, now encompass financial crimes, identity theft, counterfeiting, computer fraud, and computer-based attacks on the nation's financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure, among other areas. Protection activities, which have expanded and evolved since the 1890s, include the safety and security of the President, Vice President, their families, and other identified individuals and locations. […]. Prior to enactment of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296), the U.S. Secret Service had been part of the Treasury Department for over 100 years. During an April 2008 hearing on the FY2009 budget request for the U.S. Secret Service, Members of Congress raised questions related to the missions and organizational location of the Service. Are the two missions of the Service compatible and how should they be prioritized? Is the Department of Homeland Security the most appropriate organizational and administrative location for the Secret Service? […]. Some may contend that these and other questions call for renewed attention given the recent increase in demand for the Service's protection function (for example, see H.R. 5938 pending in the 110th Congress) and the advent of new technology used in financial crimes. This report will be updated when congressional or executive branch actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Corcoran, David
2008-07-31
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Federal Liability for Flood Damage Related to Army Corps of Engineers Projects [Updated July 11, 2008]
"This [CRS] report examines selected issues of the federal government's liability depending on the theory of the levee failures, and analyzes legal defenses available to the federal government. The report uses flood damage related to Hurricane Katrina as an illustration of these legal issues regarding federal liability, but the general principles in the analysis would apply to flood damage resulting from any such flood control project."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2008-07-11
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Gasoline Prices: Causes of Increases and Congressional Response [Updated July 31, 2008]
This CRS report talks about recent Congressional action in regards to sky rocketing gasoline prices. "The high price of gasoline has been and continues to be a driving factor in consideration of energy policy proposals." Despite passage of major legislation in 2005 and 2007, "numerous other proposed initiatives remain under active consideration in the 110th Congress. Measures proposed include repeal of some tax benefits to domestic oil and gas producers contained in EPACT2005, provisions on price gouging, and reform of oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. With crude oil and gasoline prices surging to record levels, tax relief proposals have been added to the list of proposals." A second area of focus of the CRS report is the variety of factors which have contributed to the sky rocketing of gasoline prices. These factors "have combined to put pressure on gasoline prices, including increased world demand for crude oil and limited U.S. refinery capacity to supply gasoline. The war and continued violence in Iraq added uncertainty, and threats of supply disruption have added pressure, particularly to the commodity futures markets. Concern that speculation has added volatility and upward pressure has frequently been cited. In recent months, a decline in the value of the dollar compared to other currencies has increased the dollar price of oil on futures markets. The gasoline price surge has stimulated much legislative activity, but until recently there has not been the sense of the extreme urgency of previous energy crises. The continuing high prices have led to a further search for legislative remedies." Finally, the report also reviews the current energy policy options being considered by the 110th Congress.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2008-07-31
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Extending NASA's Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [Updated July 30, 2008]
This CRS report provides an update on Congressional action taken in regards to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [INKSNA]. "The Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 [INA] was enacted to help stop foreign transfers to Iran of weapons of mass destruction, missile technology, and advanced conventional weapons technology, particularly from Russia. Section 6 of the INA banned U.S. payments to Russia in connection with the International Space Station [ISS] unless the U.S. President determined that Russia was taking steps to prevent such proliferation. When the President in 2004 announced that the Space Shuttle would be retired in 2010, the Russian Soyuz became the only vehicle available after that date to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. In 2005 Congress amended INA to exempt Soyuz flights to the ISS from the Section 6 ban through 2011. It also extended the provisions to Syria and North Korea, and renamed it the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [INKSNA]. NASA has now asked Congress to extend the exemption for the life of the ISS, or until U.S. crew transport vehicles become operational. As in 2005, an exemption would be needed before payments could be made to Russia since the President has not made a determination pursuant to Section 6(b) of the INKSNA regarding Russian nonproliferation policy or proliferation activities to Iran, North Korea or Syria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Niktin, Mary Beth
2008-07-30
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Islamic Finance: Overview and Policy Concerns [February 9, 2009]
"Islamic finance is based on principles of shariah, or 'Islamic law.' Major principles of shariah are a ban on interest, a ban on contractual uncertainty, adherence to risk-sharing and profitsharing, promotion of ethical investments that enhance society, and asset-backing. The international market for Islamic finance has grown between 10% to 15% annually in recent years. Islamic finance historically has been concentrated in Persian Gulf and Southeast Asian countries, but has expanded globally to both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. There is a small but growing market for Islamic finance in the United States. Through international and domestic regulatory bodies, there has been effort to standardize regulations in Islamic finance across different countries and financial institutions, although challenges remain. Critics of Islamic finance express concerns about possible ties between Islamic finance and political agendas or terrorist financing and the use of Islamic finance to circumvent U.S. economic sanctions. Supporters argue that Islamic finance presents significant new business opportunities and provides alternate methods for capital formation and economic development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2009-02-09
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Oil Development on Federal Lands and the Outer Continental Shelf [Updated August 6, 2008]
This CRS report "provides an overview of selected legislative initiatives, examines oil production and resource data, and discusses oil development concerns on federal lands, both onshore and on the OCS (Outer Continental Shelf). [...] Over the past year, crude oil prices have nearly doubled, reaching record levels. Proposals before Congress include a number of legislative initiatives to increase domestic oil production. These proposals have fallen into two broad categories: to (1) open areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) which are currently under leasing moratoria; and to (2) encourage companies holding oil and gas leases to diligently develop leases to bring them into production. Proponents of these initiatives argue that promising areas should be open for exploration to maximize domestic oil production as soon as possible."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphries, Marc
2008-08-06
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Iran's Ballistic Missile Programs: An Overview [February 4, 2009]
"Iran has an active interest in developing, acquiring, and deploying a broad range of ballistic missiles, as well as developing a space launch capability. This was spotlighted several times since 2008. In mid-July 2008, Iran launched a number of ballistic missiles during military exercises, reportedly including the medium-range Shahab-3. At the time, a Pentagon spokesman said Iran was 'not testing new technologies or capabilities, but rather firing off old equipment in an attempt to intimidate their neighbors and escalate tension in the region.' Subsequent analysis of the July 2008 missile launches shows Iran apparently digitally altered images of those launches. Iran announced other missile and space launch tests in August and November 2008. In February 2009, Iran announced it launched a satellite into orbit and 'officially achieved a presence in space.' This short report seeks to provide an overview of the reported or suspected variety of Iranian ballistic missile programs. Because there remains widespread public divergence over particulars, however, this report does not provide specificity to what Iran may or may not have, or is in the process of developing. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.
2008-07-21
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Iran: Profile of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad [Updated July 9, 2008]
"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad was elected June 24, 2005, to a four-year term, becoming the first non-cleric president in 24 years. He defeated former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in a run-off. Prior to his 2005 election to the presidency, Ahmadinejad did not hold an elected office and was a virtual unknown in the international arena. This report covers his background; his victory over the well-known former president Rafsanjani; his remarks about the West, including Israel; and recent visits to Iraq and Latin America. For further information and analysis on Ahmadinejad, Iran, and U.S. options, see CRS Report RL32048, Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses, by Kenneth Katzman. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hassan, Hussein D.
2008-07-09
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [October 21, 2011]
"This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding for the procurement of four LCSs. Current issues for Congress concerning the LCS program include the Navy's lack of economic order quantity (EOQ) authority for executing the two block-buy contracts, changes or potential changes to the composition of LCS mission modules, the combat survivability of the LCS, hull cracking on LCS-1, and corrosion on LCS-2. Congress's decisions on the LCS program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-10-21
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Germany's 'Grand Coalition' Government: Prospects and Implications [January 17, 2006]
"A 'grand coalition' government of Germany's two largest parties, the Christian Democrat Union/Christian Socialist Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) led by CDU candidate Angela Merkel took office on November 22, 2005, after the German federal election of September 18, 2005, had produced no clear winner. Some experts believe that the coalition will be fragile, short lived, and will accomplish little with each side trying to gain political advantage over the other. Such negative expectations are not shared by other analysts who believe that only such a large coalition can implement potentially painful but needed economic and social reforms, assuming that it can overcome partisan politics. The most difficult and crucial areas on which the coalition must cooperate if the government is to succeed involve social and economic policy. […] The United States, Germany, and the EU are working together to oppose Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Chancellor Merkel has indicated that she will not support a lifting of the EU arms embargo against China, which the United States also opposes. A number of differences are likely to continue even under the Merkel government, such as on the treatment of terror suspect prisoners, extra-judicial 'renditions,' environmental policy, and the International Criminal Court. Chancellor Merkel's first official visit to Washington and her talks with President Bush on January 13, 2006, were designed to demonstrate that a new positive chapter had opened in bilateral relations, although differences were discussed candidly. The two leaders agreed on most points, including the urgency of addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Miko, Francis T.
2006-01-17
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Ecuador: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [January 5, 2006]
"On April 20, 2005, President Lucio Gutierrez was removed from office by Ecuador's Congress following weeks of popular protests. Ecuadorians rejected Gutierrez's December 2004 replacement of the majority of the judges on the country's three highest courts with his political allies, a move that had been sharply criticized by the international community. Succeeding him as President was his former vice president, Alfredo Palacio, a physician and political independent. Palacio is the country's seventh president in nine years. Ecuador's economy is currently expanding because of high oil prices, but its political institutions are extremely fragile. The Palacio Administration has already been weakened by cabinet resignations, allegations of corruption, and a failure to gain congressional support for a constituent assembly. Ecuador continues to work with the United States on counter-narcotics matters and is expected to soon resume negotiations for a U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement. Despite this cooperation, investors are concerned by Palacio's lack of fiscal discipline, including his support of a congressional measure to channel oil revenue into social spending rather then debt repayment. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2006-01-05
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Iraq: Elections, Government, and Constitution [January 20, 2006]
"Elections for a transitional National Assembly and government (January 30, 2005), a permanent constitution (October 15), and a permanent (four year) Council of Representatives and government (December 15) have been concluded despite insurgent violence. U.S. officials hope that the high turnout among Sunni Arabs in the December 15 elections -- and post-election bargaining among all factions -- will produce an inclusive government that reduces insurgent violence. (See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31339, 'Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance', by Kenneth Katzman.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-01-20
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Bosnia and the European Union Military Force (EUFOR): Post-NATO Peacekeeping [January 5, 2006]
"On December 2, 2004, NATO formally concluded its Stabilization Force (SFOR) mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and handed over peace stabilization duties to a European Union force (EUFOR). The mission of the EU's Operation 'Althea' is to ensure continued compliance with the Dayton peace agreement and contribute to a secure environment and Bosnia's efforts towards European integration. The 6,300-strong operation constitutes the largest EU military mission to date. NATO retains a small headquarters presence in Sarajevo, with approximately 220 U.S. forces, to provide advice on defense reforms and to support counterterrorism efforts and the apprehension of wanted war crimes suspects believed to be hiding in or transiting through Bosnia. Ten years after Dayton, many Members of Congress remain engaged and interested in Bosnia's reforms and prospects for sustainable peace. This report may be updated as events warrant. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22324, 'Bosnia: Overview of Issues Ten Years After Dayton', by Julie Kim."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kim, Julie
2006-01-05
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Bosnia: Overview of Issues Ten Years After Dayton [January 9, 2006]
"On November 21-22, 2005, the United States hosted a meeting with Bosnia's collective leadership to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Dayton accords, an agreement brokered under U.S. leadership that ended the 1992-1995 conflict in Bosnia- Herzegovina. Since early 2005, the Bush Administration has given renewed emphasis to 'unfinished business' in the western Balkan region, such as the unresolved status of Kosovo, a U.N.-run province of Serbia. The United States also seeks to bolster Bosnia's further development as a unified, democratic, and stable state on the path toward Euro- Atlantic integration. In Washington, members of Bosnia's tri-presidency pledged to carry out major constitutional reforms that are intended to enable Bosnia to become a more functional and viable state. Bosnia will hold critical national elections in October 2006. This report provides an overview of prominent current issues concerning Bosnia and may be updated. For further background information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32392, 'Bosnia and Herzegovina: Issues for U.S. Policy', by Steven Woehrel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kim, Julie
2006-01-09
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [September 16, 2011]
"This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding for the procurement of four LCSs. Current issues for Congress concerning the LCS program include changes or potential changes to the composition of LCS mission modules announced by the Navy in January 2011, the combat survivability of the LCS, and hull cracking on LCS-1. Congress's decisions on the LCS program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-09-16
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [October 12, 2011]
"U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has aimed at facilitating their cooperation with U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and their efforts to combat terrorism, proliferation, and trafficking in arms, drugs, and persons. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of East-West and Central Asia-South Asia trade links. Such policies aim to help the states become what various U.S. administrations have considered to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that contribute to wider regional conflict and instability. […] Congress has been at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for the region for the transit of equipment and supplies for U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress has pursued these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian, economic, and democratization assistance, security issues, and human rights. During the 112th Congress, the Members may review assistance for bolstering regional border and customs controls and other safeguards to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), combating trafficking in persons and drugs, encouraging regional integration with South Asia and Europe, advancing energy security, and countering terrorism. Support for these goals also has been viewed as contributing to stabilization and reconstruction operations by the United States and NATO in Afghanistan. For several years, Congress has placed conditions on assistance to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan--because of concerns about human rights abuses and lagging democratization--which have affected some U.S. diplomatic and security ties. Congress will continue to consider how to balance these varied U.S. interests in the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2011-10-12
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Immigration: Terrorist Grounds for Exclusion and Removal of Aliens [December 20, 2005]
"The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) spells out a strict set of admissions criteria and exclusion rules for all foreign nationals, whether coming permanently as immigrants (i.e., legal permanent residents) or temporarily as nonimmigrants. Notably, any alien who has engaged in or incited terrorist activity, is reasonably believed to be carrying out a terrorist activity, or is a representative or member of a designated foreign terrorist organization is inadmissible. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the INA was broadened to deny entry to representatives of groups that endorse terrorism, prominent individuals who endorse terrorism, and spouses and children of aliens who are removable on terrorism grounds (on the basis of activities occurring within the previous five years). The INA also contains grounds for inadmissibility based on foreign policy concerns. […] This report opens with an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility and summarizes key legislation enacted in recent years. The section on current law explains the legal definitions of 'terrorist activity,' 'engage in terrorist activity,' and 'terrorist organization,' and describes the terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal. Where relevant, the report discusses how recently enacted legislation, including the REAL ID Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), affects these matters. This report also briefly discusses the effects that H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which was introduced by Representative James Sensenbrenner on December 6, 2005 and passed the House as amended on December 16, 2005 by a vote of 239-to-182, would have upon the terrorism-related provisions of the INA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John; Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2005-12-20
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Gasoline Prices: New Legislation and Proposals [January 10, 2006]
"The high price of gasoline was an important consideration during the debate on major energy legislation, which ended August 8 as the President signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, H.R. 6 (P.L. 109-58). However, prices continued to surge, spiking at the end of August when Hurricane Katrina shut down refining operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The continuing crisis renewed attention to some issues that were dropped or compromised in the debate over P.L. 109-58. A large number of factors combined to put pressure on gasoline prices, including increased world demand for crude oil and U.S. refinery capacity inadequate to supply gasoline to a recovering national economy. The war and continued violence in Iraq added uncertainty and a threat of supply disruption that added pressure particularly to the commodity futures markets. […] The gasoline price surge influenced the debate over P.L. 109-58, but the urgency of previous energy crises was lacking. In part, this may be due to the fact that there has been no physical shortage of gasoline or lines at the pump. In addition, the expectation of former crises -- that prices were destined to grow ever higher -- has not been prevalent. However, the persistence of high gasoline and oil prices into a second summer has raised alarms over the economic consequences of the situation, heightened following the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina. Another post-Katrina issue is the widespread suggestion that price gouging occurred in the surge in gasoline prices following the disaster."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2006-01-10
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Homeland Security: Coast Guard Operations - Background and Issues for Congress [January 9, 2006]
"The Coast Guard is the lead federal agency for maritime homeland security. The Coast Guard's homeland security operations pose several potential issues for Congress, including adequacy of Coast Guard resources for performing both homeland security and non-homeland security missions, and Coast Guard coordination with other agencies involved in maritime homeland security. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2006-01-09
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China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [Updated July 23, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the current issues and implications of China-U.S. relations on U.S. policy. "U.S.-China relations were remarkably smooth for much of the George W. Bush Administration, although there are signs that U.S. China policy now is subject to competing reassessments. State Department officials in 2005 unveiled what they said was a new framework for the relationship--with the United States willing to work cooperatively with China while encouraging Beijing to become a 'responsible stakeholder' in the global system. [...] But other U.S. policymakers have adopted tougher stances on issues involving China and U.S.-China relations. They are concerned about the impact of the PRC's strong economic growth and a more assertive PRC diplomacy in the international arena; about procedures to assure the quality of Chinese pharmaceuticals, food, and other products being imported into the United States; and about trade practices and policies in China that contribute to a strong U.S.-China trade imbalance in the latter's favor. [...] Taiwan, which China considers a 'renegade province,' remains the most sensitive issue the two countries face and the one many observers fear could lead to Sino-U.S. conflict. [...] Other concerns about China appear driven by security calculations in Congress and at the Pentagon, where officials question the motivations behind China's expanding military budget. [...] Bilateral economic and trade issues also are growing matters of concern. U.S. officials and lawmakers particularly criticize China's massive bilateral trade surplus, its failure to halt piracy of U.S. intellectual property rights (IPR), and its continued constraints on currency valuation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2008-07-23
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Performance of Inherently Governmental and Critical Functions: The Obama Administration's Final Policy Letter [October 5, 2011]
"On September 12, 2011, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued its final policy letter on Performance of Inherently Governmental and Critical Functions. The policy letter is to guide executive branch agencies in (1) identifying inherently governmental and critical functions; (2) ensuring that only federal employees perform inherently governmental functions or work that 'otherwise needs to be reserved to the public sector;' and (3) managing functions that are closely associated with inherently governmental functions and critical functions. The policy letter defines an 'inherently governmental function,' in accordance with the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act (P.L. 105-270), as 'one that is so intimately related to the public interest as to require performance by Federal Government employees.' […] In support of this policy, the letter directs agencies to (1) ensure that work which should be performed by federal employees is properly reserved for government performance; (2) take steps to employ and train an adequate number of government personnel to administer contracts when work is contracted out; and (3) as part of strategic human capital planning, dedicate a sufficient amount of work to performance by federal employees in order to build competencies, provide for continuity of operations, and retain institutional knowledge of operations. The policy letter establishes two tests for identifying inherently governmental functions, the 'nature of the function' test and the 'exercise of discretion' test, as well as lists examples of inherently governmental functions. These include certain security functions, but not routine building security. The policy letter also directs that, when agencies review outsourced work for potential insourcing, they should place a lower priority on reviewing certain work performed by small businesses, as well as give small businesses preference when determining who performs work that will remain in the private sector after related functions are insourced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manuel, Kate; Halchin, L. Elaine; Lunder, Erika
2011-10-05
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Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive [October 13, 2011]
"Attempts to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunify the island have undergone various levels of negotiation for over 45 years. Throughout 2011, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu have continued the negotiation process but have thus far failed to reach a mutually agreed settlement. This stalemate has resulted in a solution for unification still far from being achieved and, coupled with other events, has raised the unfortunate specter of a possible permanent separation. Although both sides have intimated that some convergence of views has been reached in the areas of governance, economy, and EU issues, Christofias and Eroglu have not found common ground on the difficult issues of property rights, security, settlers, and citizenship, areas where both sides have long-held and very different positions and where neither side seems willing or able to make necessary concessions. […] The United States Congress continues to maintain its interest in a resolution of the Cyprus issue. Language expressing continued support for the negotiation process has been included in the House FY2012 Foreign Assistance Authorization bill. The Chairman of the House Europe Subcommittee also led a delegation to Cyprus during a Fall recess to assess the peace process. This report provides a brief overview of the early history of the negotiations, a more detailed review of the negotiations since 2008, and a description of some of the issues involved in the talks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.
2011-10-13
