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HIV/AIDS International Programs: Appropriations, FY2002-FY2005 [Updated July 15, 2004]
"The Administration's FY2005 request for international HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs totals about $2.8 billion, as compared with $2.4 billion appropriated for FY2004. The FY2005 request includes a large increase for the Global AIDS Initiative, headquartered at the Department of State, while the request for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund) is $200 million, as compared with $546.7 million appropriated in FY2004. The Foreign Operations Appropriations bill reported in the House (H.R. 4818/H.Rept. 108-599) would provide slightly more than the Administration's request overall, as well as $400 million as the Foreign Operations component of the Global Fund contribution. An additional portion of the contribution is provided through the Labor/Health and Human Services Appropriation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2004-07-15
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Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards [Updated March 31, 2004]
"This report is designed to help congressional offices obtain information about major awards given by Congress and the President. It lists details about the establishment, criteria, selection process, and presentation of each of the major presidential and congressional awards: Congressional Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal of Honor, Presidential Citizens Medal, and Presidential Medal of Freedom. Brief entries are provided for additional awards made by the President including two new military medals for service in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT): the GWOT Expeditionary Medal and the GWOT Service Medal. Contact information is provided for the organization responsible for making the award and for more data about an award. References to CRS [Congressional Research Service] products on awards are also given. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2004-03-31
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HIV/AIDS International Programs: Appropriations, FY2003-FY2005 [Updated August 13, 2004]
"The Administration's FY2005 request for international HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs totals about $2.8 billion, as compared with $2.4 billion appropriated for FY2004. The FY2005 request includes a large increase for the Global AIDS Initiative, headquartered at the Department of State, while the request for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund) is $200 million, as compared with $546.7 million appropriated in FY2004. The Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that passed the House on July 15, 2004, would provide slightly more than the Administration's request overall and includes $400 million as the Foreign Operations component of the Global Fund contribution. An additional portion of the contribution is provided through the Labor/Health and Human Services Appropriation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2004-08-13
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Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy [June 9, 2009]
"After the first Gulf war, in 1991, a new peace process consisting of bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon achieved mixed results. Milestones included the Israeli-Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Declaration of Principles (DOP) of September 13, 1993, providing for Palestinian empowerment and some territorial control, the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty of October 26, 1994, and the Interim Self-Rule in the West Bank or Oslo II accord of September 28, 1995, which led to the formation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Israeli-Syrian negotiations were intermittent and difficult, and postponed indefinitely in 2000. Negotiations with Lebanon also were unsuccessful, leading Israel to withdraw unilaterally from south Lebanon on May 24, 2000. President Clinton held a summit with Israeli and Palestinian leaders at Camp David on final status issues that July, but they did not produce an accord. A Palestinian uprising or intifadah began in September. On February 6, 2001, Ariel Sharon was elected Prime Minister of Israel, and rejected steps taken at Camp David and afterwards [...] Congress is interested in issues related to Middle East peace because of its oversight role in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, its support for Israel, and keen constituent interest. It is especially concerned about U.S. financial and other commitments to the parties, and the 111th Congress is engaged in these matters. Congress also has endorsed Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, although U.S. Administrations have consistently maintained that the fate of the city is the subject of final status negotiations. This CRS report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2009-06-09
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Congressional Oversight and Related Issues Concerning International Security Agreements Concluded by the United States [June 2, 2009]
"The United States is a party to numerous security agreements with other nations. The topics covered, along with the significance of the obligations imposed upon agreement parties, may vary. Some international security agreements entered by the United States, such as those obliging parties to come to the defense of another in the event of an attack, involve substantial commitments and have traditionally been entered as treaties, ratified with the advice and consent of the Senate. Other agreements dealing with more technical matters, such as military basing rights or the application of a host country's laws to U.S. forces stationed within, are entered more routinely and usually take a form other than treaty (i.e., as an executive agreement or a nonlegal political commitment). […]. This report begins by providing a general background on the types of international agreements that are binding upon the United States, as well as considerations affecting whether they take the form of a treaty or an executive agreement. Next, the report discusses historical precedents as to the role that security agreements have taken, with specific attention paid to past agreements entered with Afghanistan, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Iraq. The report discusses the oversight role that Congress exercises with respect to entering and implementing international agreements involving the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John; Mason, R. Chuck
2009-06-02
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Brazil-U.S. Relations [Updated June 3, 2009]
"This report, which will be updated periodically, 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
Meyer, Peter J.; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-06-03
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Global Financial Crisis: Increasing IMF Resources and the Role of Congress [June 5, 2009]
"The current global financial crisis is testing the ability of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other international financial institutions (IFIs) to provide sufficient assistance to affected countries. It has also enhanced the IMF's role in crisis management and given it a key place in current efforts to reform the world financial system. During the past half-year, many countries have come to the IMF for assistance and more are likely to apply. Several steps have been taken to expand the IMF's financial resources and to otherwise augment the funds available to help vulnerable countries weather the present crisis. At their meeting in London on April 2, 2009, the leaders of the 20 systemically important industrialized and developing countries (G-20) agreed on several initiatives affecting the IMF and other international organizations. […]. Some elements of the above require congressional approval and some do not. U.S. participation in the new IMF quota increase and a U.S. subscription of $100 billion for the NAB would require congressional approval. Likewise, amendments to the IMF Articles--including the prospective Fourth Amendment for a new SDR allocation--would require congressional approval. On the other hand, the proposed $250 billion allocation of SDRs (which is being made under a different provision of the IMF Articles) is too small to trigger the legal requirement that Congress give its assent. Any contributions to the IMF, to fund increases in the U.S. quota or to subscribe new resources to the NAB, must be authorized by Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sanford, Jonathan E.; Weiss, Martin A.
2009-06-05
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Geospatial Information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Current Issues and Future Challenges [June 8, 2009]
"The federal government has recognized the need to organize and coordinate the collection and management of geospatial data since at least 1990, when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised Circular A-16 to establish the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and to promote the coordinated use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data nationwide. OMB Circular A-16 also called for development of a national digital spatial information resource to enable the sharing and transfer of spatial data between users and producers, linked by criteria and standards. Executive Order 12906, issued in 1994, strengthened and enhanced Circular A-16, and specified that FGDC shall coordinate development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)
2009-06-08
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [June 3, 2009]
This CRS Report "which will be updated as events warrant--provides a brief historical background of Chile, summarizes recent political and economic developments, and addresses issues in U.S.- Chilean relations. [...] Chile has enjoyed close relations with the United States since its transition back to democracy. Both countries have emphasized similar priorities in the region, designed to strengthen democracy, improve human rights, and advance free trade. Chile and the United States have maintained strong commercial ties, which have become more extensive since the bilateral free trade agreement between them entered into force in 2004. U.S. officials have also expressed appreciation for Chile's leadership and moderating influence in a region increasingly characterized by political unrest and anti-American populism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2009-06-03
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Iran's Activities and Influence in Iraq [June 4, 2009]
"This updated CRS Report provides insight into the extent of Iran's activities in Iraq. "With a conventional military and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat from Saddam Hussein's regime removed, Iran seeks to ensure that Iraq can never again become a threat to Iran, either with or without U.S. forces present in Iraq. Some believe that Iran's intentions go well beyond achieving Iraq's 'neutrality'--that Iran wants to try to harness Iraq to Iran's broader regional policy goals and to help Iran defend against international criticism of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has sought to achieve its goals in Iraq through several strategies: supporting pro-Iranian factions and militias; attempting to influence Iraqi political leaders and faction leaders; and building economic ties throughout Iraq that might build goodwill for Iran. It is Iran's support for armed Shiite factions that most concern U.S. officials. That Iranian activity has hindered--and continues to pose a threat to--U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq, and has heightened the U.S. threat perception of Iran generally. However, Iran has suffered some set backs over the past year because its protege Shiite factions, formerly united, are increasingly competing and often fighting each other. This competition contributed to the relatively poor showing of the most pro-Iranian factions in the January 31, 2009 provincial elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-06-04
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Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [September 23, 2009]
From the Summary: "The term Deepwater refers to a collection of more than a dozen Coast Guard acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft. Until April 2007, the Coast Guard pursued these programs as a single, integrated acquisition program that was known as the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program or Deepwater program for short. The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new cutters, 124 new small boats, and 247 new or modernized airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). [...] The Government Accountability Office (GAO) provided new assessments of Deepwater acquisition programs in a July 2009 report and April 2009 testimony. The Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requested $1,051.5 million in FY2010 acquisition funding for Deepwater programs, including $305.5 million for aircraft, $591.4 million for surface ships and boats, and $154.6 million for other items. The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 111-157 of June 16, 2009) on the FY2010 DHS appropriations bill (H.R. 2892), recommends $1,015.0 million in FY2010 acquisition funding for Deepwater programs, including $269.0 million for aircraft, $591.4 million for surface ships and boats, and $154.6 million for other items. [...]. The Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 1665), the FY2010 Coast Guard authorization bill (H.R. 3619), and the FY2010 and FY2011 Coast Guard authorization bill (S. 1194) contain provisions that would reform Coast Guard acquisition, including Deepwater acquisition programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2009-09-23
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International Drug Control Policy [August 24, 2009]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of U.S. international drug control policy. It describes major international counternarcotics initiatives and evaluates the broad array of U.S. drug control policy tools currently in use. The report also considers alternative counterdrug policy approaches to current initiatives and raises several counterdrug policy issues and considerations for policy makers. [...]. Congress is involved in all aspects of U.S. international drug control policy, regularly appropriating funds for counterdrug initiatives, conducting oversight activities on federal counterdrug programs, and legislating changes to agency authorities and other counterdrug policies. Major U.S. programs to combat drug production and trafficking exist in the Andean region of South America, Afghanistan, and Mexico. Through its appropriations and federal oversight responsibilities, the 111th Congress may chose to continue tackling several emerging policy issues concerning U.S. international drug control policy, including whether to appropriate more funding for the Mérida Initiative, how to address the growing use of West Africa as a drug transit point to Europe and other destinations, and the role of the Department of Defense in counterdrug foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wyler, Liana Sun
2009-08-24
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U.S. Security Assistance to the Palestinian Authority [June 24, 2009]
"Since shortly after the establishment of limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the mid-1990s, the United States has periodically provided assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) for civil security and counterterrorism purposes. Following the death of Yasser Arafat in late 2004 and the election of Mahmoud Abbas as his successor as PA President in early 2005, then-U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice created the office of U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to help reform, train, and equip PA security forces which had been personally beholden to Arafat and his political allies. Previous Israeli-Palestinian efforts at security cooperation collapsed during the second Palestinian intifada that took place earlier this decade. Since Hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007, Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, head of the USSC since November 2005, has helped with the 'gendarmerie-style' training of West Bank-based PA security personnel. As of June 2009, 400 Presidential Guardsmen and 1,700 National Security Forces troops have been trained at the Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) near Amman. All troops, new or already serving, are vetted for terrorist links, human rights violations, and/or criminal records by the State Department, Israel, Jordan, and the PA before they are admitted to U.S.-sponsored training courses at JIPTC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2009-06-24
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Indonesia: Domestic Politics, Strategic Dynamics, and American Interests [June 17, 2009]
"This report surveys key aspects of Indonesia's domestic politics and strategic dynamics in addition to provide general background information on Indonesia. It also provides an overview of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Indonesia. The report examines issues of ongoing congressional interest, including Indonesia's role in the struggle against violent Islamist extremists, security assistance, human rights, religious freedom, promotion of democracy and good governance, trade, foreign assistance, and regional geopolitical and strategic interests. The report seeks to provide a broader context for understanding the complex interrelated nature of many of these issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2009-06-17
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Emergency Communications: The Future of 911 [June 16, 2009]
This updated CRS Report provides information about modernizing the current 911 emergency system. More specifically, "the balance of this report describes the development of Congressional policy in support of 911, technology and infrastructure, federal programs, the transition to IP-enabled emergency communications, costs, and other elements of change before returning to a discussion of goals for the future. [...] Consumer expectations for accurate and timely response to 911 calls are based on the advanced features available on most communications devices, not on the reality of a faltering legacy system. The analog system cannot carry text messages, for example. Calls are delayed or dropped when analog and digital systems do not mesh. Information on the location of the call is lost because the digital details cannot be transmitted by the underlying telecommunications infrastructure or understood by the computers at Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). PSAPs are the call centers that receive and relay 911 calls. As summarized in a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) report, 'Simply put, the 9-1-1 system has not kept up with technology and is badly in need of modernization.' Modernizing the system to provide the quality of service that approaches the expectations of its users will require investments in new technologies. The general consensus is that present and future digital communications would be best supported by Next Generation 911 technology (NG9-1-1). The term NG9-1-1 is widely used to refer to the modernization of all parts of the 911 system, including hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures, all supported by multi-purpose emergency service networks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2009-06-16
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Global Peace Operations Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress [June 11, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses the Global Peace Operations Initiative. "The 111th Congress may consider extending funding for the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the centerpiece of the Bush Administrations efforts to prepare foreign security forces to participate in international peacekeeping operations. GPOI was established in mid-2004 as a five-year program with intended annual funding to total $660 million from FY2005 through FY2009. The primary purpose of the five-year program was to train and equip 75,000 military troops, a majority of them African, for peacekeeping operations by 2010. In October 2008, the National Security Council's Deputies Committee approved a five-year renewal of GPOI's mandate, which the Obama Administration affirmed once it took office, according to the State Department. [...]. Congress has tended to view the concept of the GPOI program favorably, albeit sometimes with reservations. Over the years, the State Department has addressed various congressional concerns. A June 2008 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report (GAO-08-754) responded to a congressional request to investigate several points. Among them were (1) the extent to which contributing and participating countries maintain records and databases; (2) the quality and sustainability of the training of individuals and units; (3) the extent to which those trained are equipped and remain equipped to deploy in peace operations; (4) participating countries capacity to mobilize those trained; (5) the extent to which trained individuals are deployed; and (6) the extent to which contractors are used and the quality of their results. The committee also requested an assessment of whether GPOI was achieving its goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2009-06-11
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Haiti: Current Conditions and Congressional Concerns [June 17, 2009]
"Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment. While some progress has been made in developing democratic institutions, they remain weak. Economic and social stability have improved considerably. But poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity is wide. [...]. Haiti remains the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Over half the population of 8.2 million people live in extreme poverty. Since Haiti's developmental needs and priorities are many, and deeply intertwined, the Haitian government and the international donor community are implementing an assistance strategy to address these many needs simultaneously. [...]. The main priorities for U.S. policy regarding Haiti are to strengthen fragile democratic processes, continue to improve security, and promote economic development. Other concerns include the cost and effectiveness of U.S. aid; protecting human rights; combating narcotics, arms, and human trafficking; addressing Haitian migration; and alleviating poverty. The FY2009 aid request for Haiti was $246 million. The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-8) provided for an additional $41 million in bilateral economic and international security assistance for Haiti. The FY2010 aid request for Haiti is $293 million. The 111th Congress may consider the balance and scope of assistance to Haiti. Members have already requested that the Obama Administration grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians living in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2009-06-17
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [June 8, 2009]
"The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 60%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. Current President Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party won a four-year term in the November 2005 elections. The country has enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The economy, which grew 6.3% in 2007 and is expected to have grown 4% in 2008, has benefitted from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. However, the U.S. recession and global financial crisis will likely slow Honduran economic growth sharply in 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2009-06-08
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Iran's 2009 Presidential Elections [June 22, 2009]
"On June 12, 2009, following a heated campaign between reformist candidate Mir Hussein Musavi and incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranians turned out in record numbers to vote in the presidential election. Shortly after the polls closed, the Interior Minister announced that President Ahmadinejad had been reelected by a 62% margin. The announcement was followed by allegations of vote rigging and election fraud and prompted supporters of leading reformist candidate Mir Hussein Musavi and others to hold public demonstrations in several major cities of a size and intensity unprecedented since the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Despite a government ban on unauthorized public gatherings, protests have reportedly continued every day since the election. Restrictions on foreign and domestic journalists, reported disruptions of mobile phone networks, limited accessibility of some internet sites, mass arrests, and clashes between civilian protestors and Basij forces have garnered international attention and increased concerns about the Iranian government's apparent disregard for human rights and basic civil liberties. Regardless of the actual election results, the current stand-off between the government and opponents of the election outcome has caused observers to speculate about how this stalemate will be resolved, and what the outcome might mean for U.S. efforts to resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear weapons program, its support for terrorism, and other national security concerns. This report will be updated to reflect recent events. For more information and background on Iran, see CRS Report RL32048, Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses, by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Addis, Casey L.
2009-06-22
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Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding [June 18, 2009]
This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, also known as fire grants or the FIRE Act grant program, was established by Title XVII of the FY2001 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 106-398). Currently administered by the Grant Programs Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program provides federal grants directly to local fire departments and unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. A related program is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program, which provides grants for hiring, recruiting, and retaining firefighters. […]. For FY2010, the Obama Administration is proposing $170 million for fire grants, a 70% decrease from the FY2009 level, and $420 million for SAFER, double the amount appropriated in FY2009. The total amount requested for firefighter assistance (AFG and SAFER) is $590 million, a 24% decrease from FY2009. The Obama Administration's FY2010 budget proposal for firefighter assistance is likely to receive heightened scrutiny from the fire community, given what was viewed as inadequate past budget proposals by the Bush Administration, and given the national economic downturn and local budgetary cutbacks that many fire departments are now facing. Concerns over local fire departments' budgetary problems may also frame debate of the assistance to firefighters grant program reauthorization bill, which is expected to be considered during the first session of the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.
2009-06-18
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Homeland Security Department: FY2010 Appropriations [June 23, 2009]
"This report describes the FY2010 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Administration requested a net appropriation of $44.1 billion in budget authority for FY2010. This amounts to a $2.8 billion, or a 6.7% increase over the $41.2 billion enacted for FY2009 (not including supplemental funding). Total budget authority requested by the Administration for DHS for FY2010 amounts to $55.1 billion. […]. This report contains a detailed discussion of the President's budget request for DHS, but due to time constraints, the text does not include a detailed discussion of the House- or Senate-reported versions of the FY2010 bill. The tables reflect the House- and Senate-reported numbers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Haddal, Chad C.
2009-06-23
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Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [May 29, 2009]
This CRS report discusses the Coast Guard's management of Deepwater acquisition. "The term Deepwater refers to a collection of more than a dozen Coast Guard acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft. Until April 2007, the Coast Guard had pursued these programs as a single, integrated acquisition program that was known as the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program or Deepwater program for short. The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new cutters, 124 new small boats, and 247 new or modernized airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)." This report incorporates new information released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in April 2009.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2009-05-29
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Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Updated 'Safeguards' and Net Assessments [June 3, 2009]
"In 1996, [the United States] signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which would ban all nuclear explosions. The Senate rejected the CTBT in 1999. [...] [One] aspect to past debates was 'Safeguards,' measures that this nation can take unilaterally within the treaty to protect its nuclear security. To compensate for 'disadvantages and risk' they saw in the treaty regime, the Joint Chiefs of Staff conditioned their support for the 1963 treaty on four Safeguards: an aggressive nuclear test program, maintaining nuclear weapon laboratories, maintaining the ability to resume atmospheric tests promptly, and improving intelligence and nuclear explosion monitoring capabilities. Safeguards were key to securing Senate ratification of the 1963 treaty. Updated Safeguards have been part of subsequent treaty ratification efforts. In April 2009, President Obama pledged to pursue U.S. CTBT ratification 'immediately and aggressively.' [...] Safeguards could affect Senators' net assessment of the treaty [and] are amenable to legislative bargaining and compromise. As such, they may play a key role in a CTBT debate. To that end, Safeguards could be updated, such as by adding Safeguards for the nuclear weapon production plants and strategic forces, and could be augmented with implementation measures. While Safeguards may be part of a future CTBT debate, both supporters and opponents of the treaty could criticize them." This report examines potential arguments.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.
2009-06-03
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Identity Theft: Trends and Issues [May 27, 2009]
"In the wake of the economic downturn, policymakers are increasingly concerned with securing the economic health of the United States--including combating those crimes that threaten to further undermine the nation's financial stability. Identity theft is one such crime. It is the fastest growing type of fraud in the United States; in 2008 about 9.9 million Americans were reportedly victims of identity theft, an increase of 22% from the number of cases in 2007. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that it costs consumers about $50 billion annually. Identity theft is often committed to facilitate other crimes such as credit card fraud, document fraud, or employment fraud, which in turn can affect not only the nation's economy but its security. Consequently, in securing the nation and its economic health, policymakers are also tasked with reducing identity theft and its impact. There have already been several legislative and administrative actions aimed at curtailing identity theft. Congress enacted legislation naming identity theft as a federal crime in 1998 (P.L. 105-318) and later provided for enhanced penalties for aggravated identity theft (P.L. 108-275). In April 2007, the President's Identity Theft Task Force issued recommendations to combat identity theft, including specific legislative recommendations to close identity theft-related gaps in the federal criminal statutes. In a further attempt to curb identity theft, Congress directed the FTC to issue an Identity Theft Red Flags Rule (effective November 1, 2009), requiring that creditors and financial institutions with specified account types develop and institute written identity theft prevention programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2009-05-27
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North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy [May 27, 2009]
This report discusses the negotiations over North Korea's nuclear weapons program and the challenges facing the current Obama Administration. "On May 25, 2009, North Korea announced that it had conducted a second nuclear test. On April 14, 2009, North Korea terminated its participation in six party talks and said it would not be bound by agreements between it and the Bush Administration, ratified by the six parties, which would have disabled the Yongbyon facilities. North Korea also announced that it would reverse the ongoing disablement process under these agreements and restart the Yongbyon nuclear facilities. […] North Korea's announcement presents the Obama Administration with two apparent challenges. One is how to restore a negotiating track with North Korea. The Administration appears to face a choice between seeking to bring North Korea back into the six party framework or offering North Korea strictly bilateral U.S.-North Korean negotiations. Responding to North Korea's tough negotiating positions would be a second challenge. Would the Administration's goal in the next stage of negotiations be the complete dismantlement of Yongbyon, or would it focus on the elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and plutonium? North Korea's assertion of diplomatic normalization prior to denuclearization contradicts the longstanding U.S. position that the two would be reciprocal. […]. Finally, any attempt by the Obama Administration to bring North Korea's highly enriched uranium and proliferation activities with Iran and Syria into negotiations would reverse the decision of the Bush Administration that North Korea did not have to admit to these activities in the Bush Administration-North Korean agreements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2009-05-27
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North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy [May 4, 2009]
This report discusses the negotiations over North Korea's nuclear weapons program and the challenges facing the current Obama Administration. "On April 14, 2009, North Korea announced that it was terminating its participation in six party talks and would not be bound by agreements between it and the Bush Administration, ratified by the six parties, which would have disabled the Yongbyon facilities. North Korea also announced that it would reverse the ongoing disablement process under these agreements and restart the Yongbyon nuclear facilities. […]. North Korea's announcement presents the Obama Administration with two apparent challenges. One is how to restore a negotiating track with North Korea. The Administration appears to face a choice between seeking to bring North Korea back into the six party framework or offering North Korea strictly bilateral U.S.-North Korean negotiations. Responding to North Korea's tough negotiating positions would be a second challenge. Would the Administration's goal in the next stage of negotiations be the complete dismantlement of Yongbyon, or would it focus on the elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and plutonium? North Korea's assertion of diplomatic normalization prior to denuclearization contradicts the longstanding U.S. position that the two would be reciprocal. […]. Finally, any attempt by the Obama Administration to bring North Korea's highly enriched uranium and proliferation activities with Iran and Syria into negotiations would reverse the decision of the Bush Administration that North Korea did not have to admit to these activities in the Bush Administration-North Korean agreements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2009-05-04
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Mexico's Drug-Related Violence [May 27, 2009]
"Drug-related violence in Mexico has spiked in recent years as drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) have competed for control of smuggling routes into the United States. [...] President Felipe Calderón... [has] made battling the Mexican drug trafficking organizations a top priority. [...] In response to the government's crackdown, the DTOs have responded with escalating violence. [...] The government's intensified campaign against the DTOs resulted in changes in the structure of these criminal organizations. The seven major DTOs in Mexico have reconfigured. The fracturing of some of the most powerful drug trafficking syndicates and the reemergence of once powerful DTOs have led to bloody conflict within and among the DTOs. [...] In October 2007, [the U.S. and Mexico] announced the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs and organized crime... To date, the U.S. Congress has appropriated a total of $700 million for Mexico under the Mérida Initiative. The program, which combines counternarcotics equipment and training with rule of law and justice reform efforts, is still in its initial stages of implementation. [...] This report examines the causes for the escalation of the violence in Mexico. It provides a brief overview of Mexico's counterdrug efforts, a description of the major DTOs, the causes and trends in the violence, the Calderón government's efforts to crackdown on the DTOs, and the objectives and implementation of the Mérida Initiative as a response to the violence in Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2009-05-27
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Drought in the United States: Causes and Issues for Congress [March 2, 2009]
"This report focuses on the physical causes of drought, its history in the United States, and what may be expected in the near future. Although currently drought can be predicted for a particular region for at best a few months in advance, past history suggests that severe and extended droughts are inevitable and part of natural climate cycles, particularly in the West. […]. The prospect of extended droughts and more arid baseline conditions in parts of the United States could suggest new challenges to federal water projects, the construction of which was based largely on 20th century climate conditions. In responding to competing demands for water, such as deliveries to serve agricultural demands, municipal needs, endangered species, and others, federal water delivery systems may have to be re-tuned to match a drier average climate in the West. As a further complication, federal, state, and local authorities make water resource decisions within the context of multiple and often conflicting laws and objectives, competing legal decisions, and entrenched institutional mechanisms. The evolving nature of drought, split federal and non-federal responsibilities, and a patchwork of federal programs and congressional committee jurisdictions make development of a comprehensive national drought policy difficult. Although Congress has considered some of the recommendations issued by the National Drought Policy Commission in 2000, comprehensive drought legislation has not been enacted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cody, Betsy A.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)
2009-03-02
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Iraq: U.S. Casualties [October 30, 2009]
"The following casualty data were 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 'Casualty Update.' A detailed casualty summary that includes data on deaths by cause, as well as statistics on soldiers wounded in action, is available at DOD's website at http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/ personnel/CASUALTY/castop.htm."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chesser, Susan G.
2009-10-30
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Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [September 21, 2009]
From the Summary: "U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.
2009-09-21
