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H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004): A Comparative Analysis [Updated October 20, 2004]
"This comparative analysis of H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004) is an assessment of major similarities and differences between the two bills as passed by the House (October 8, 2004) and Senate (October 6, 2004) and under conference consideration. References to the two bills are to engrossed versions. The presentation is organized to follow the basic construct of the House bill, because its coverage remained more stable through the legislative process to date. For purposes of clarity, we refer to the House-passed bill as H.R. 10. This assessment was prepared under a stringent time-frame. Analysis of this complex and far-reaching legislation was complicated by the absence of clean final bills as passed by either chamber during much of the preparation of this product. This report now reflects the substance and the structure of the engrossed bills. CRS experts are available to follow up on any additional needs, including clarification of content or of legislative references; each section of the analysis includes contact information for the CRS analyst or attorney who prepared it. CRS also provides online access to research products that directly address a number of issues that are the focus of or are raised by H.R. 10 and S. 2845. These products are available under the CRS homepage heading Terrorism & the 9/11 Commission (see [http://www.crs.gov])."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2004-10-20
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Critical Infrastructure Protections: The 9/11 Commission Report and Congressional Response [Updated October 20, 2004]
"Many of the recommendations made in the 9/11 Commission's report deal indirectly with critical infrastructure protection, especially as the goals of critical infrastructure protection have evolved to include countering the type of attack that occurred on September 11. However, relatively few recommendations in the Commission's report address critical infrastructure protection specifically. These call for using a systematic risk management approach for setting priorities and allocating resources for critical infrastructure protection. The Commission discussed in more detail issues related to transportation security. However, none of these recommendations advocate a change in the direction of, or the organizational structures that have evolved to implement, existing infrastructure protection policies. Nevertheless, the Commission's recommendations could speed up implementation in some areas, given the attention and renewed urgency expressed by the Commission. This report will be updated as appropriate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.
2004-10-20
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FY2003 and FY2004 State Allocations for Selected Homeland Security Assistance Programs [Updated October 20, 2004]
"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide assistance programs to state and local first responders and public health officials to prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents. Most of the programs provide assistance funding to states, which in turn allocate funding to localities. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress has shown great interest in these assistance programs' allocations to states and localities. This report shows the state allocations for DHS and HHS homeland security assistance programs, as reported by their department documents or press releases. Additionally, this report shows per capita amounts for each program, as calculated by CRS, using 2002 census estimates. This report will be updated as congressional or departmental actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2004-10-20
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Trade and the Americas [Updated October 19, 2004]
At the Summit of the Americas held in December 1994, 34 hemispheric democracies agreed to create a "Free Trade Area of the Americas" (FTAA) no later than 2005. If created, the FTAA would be a $13 trillion market of 34 countries (Cuba is not included) and nearly 800 million people. The population alone would make it the largest free trade area in the world with more than twice the 375 million population of the now 15-nation European Union. In the 8 years following the 1994 summit, Western Hemisphere trade ministers have met seven times to advance the negotiating process. At the sixth meeting in Buenos Aires in April 2001, ministers made public a draft FTAA agreement that included preliminary chapters on all nine negotiating groups: market access, agriculture, intellectual property rights, services, investment, government procurement, competition policy, dispute settlement, and subsidies. Since the seventh Ministerial held in Quito, Ecuador in November 2002, the United States and Brazil have assumed co-chairmanship of the negotiations. This CRS report discusses how the way these two countries resolve their outstanding differences will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the FTAA process.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ahearn, Raymond J.
2004-10-19
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H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004): A Comparative Analysis [October 19, 2004]
"This comparative analysis of H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004) is an assessment of major similarities and differences between the two bills as passed by the House (October 8, 2004) and Senate (October 6, 2004) and under conference consideration. References to the two bills are to engrossed versions. The presentation is organized to follow the basic construct of the House bill, because its coverage remained more stable through the legislative process to date. For purposes of clarity, we refer to the House-passed bill as H.R. 10. This assessment was prepared under a stringent time-frame. Analysis of this complex and far-reaching legislation was complicated by the absence of clean final bills as passed by either chamber during much of the preparation of this product. This report now reflects the substance and the structure of the engrossed bills."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2004-10-19
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9/11 Commission Recommendations: Changes to the Presidential Appointment and Presidential Transition Processes [Updated October 19, 2004]
"In its July 22, 2004, report, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) identified what it perceived as shortcomings in the appointment process during presidential transitions that could compromise national security policymaking in the early months of a new Administration. The commission reported, among other findings, that 'the new [George W. Bush] administration did not have its deputy cabinet officers in place until the spring of 2001, and the critical subcabinet officials were not confirmed until the summer - if then. In other words, the new administration - like others before it - did not have its team on the job until at least six months after it took office.' Other observers of the presidential appointment process in recent years have similarly asserted that, in general, appointments during presidential transitions take too long. This report provides background information on, and analysis of, the changes proposed by the 9/11 Commission, and it will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hogue, Henry B.
2004-10-19
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Argentina's Sovereign Debt Restructuring [Updated October 19, 2004]
"In December 2001, after four years of deepening recession and mounting social unrest, Argentina's government collapsed and ceased all debt payments. Argentina has failed to pay before, but this time it registered the largest sovereign default in history. Argentina must restructure over $100 billion owed to domestic and foreign bondholders, including $10 billion held by U.S. investors. A final offer made in June 2004 amounted to a 75% reduction in the net present value of this debt, and although an improved offer is expected by year-end, it is still the largest proposed write-down in the history of sovereign restructurings, which foreign bondholders have rejected. Regardless of how Argentina's debt is finally resolved, it will likely represent an unprecedented loss for bondholders. This will have widespread repercussions not only for creditors, but for Argentina's long-term financial sustainability, developing country debt markets, guidelines for future sovereign debt restructurings, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). All of these issues have been the subject of congressional hearings focused on evaluating the causes and ongoing repercussions of Argentina's financial crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2004-10-19
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Drug Control: International Policy and Approaches [October 19, 2004]
"Efforts to significantly reduce the flow of illicit drugs from abroad into the United States have so far not succeeded. Moreover, over the past decade, worldwide production of illicit drugs has risen dramatically: opium and marijuana production has roughly doubled and coca production tripled. Street prices of cocaine and heroin have fallen significantly in the past 20 years, reflecting increased availability. The effectiveness of international narcotics control programs in reducing consumption is a matter of ongoing concern. Despite apparent national political resolve to deal with the drug problem, inherent contradictions regularly appear between U.S. anti-drug policy and other national policy goals and concerns. Pursuit of drug control policies can sometimes affect foreign policy interests and bring political instability and economic dislocation to countries where narcotics production has become entrenched economically and socially. […] The Bush Administration's FY2004 budget request continues a policy, begun in FY2002, to request authority for the State and Defense Departments to supply assistance to Colombia for counter-terrorism purposes. For instance, U.S.-supplied helicopters and intelligence could be used to support military operations against guerrillas financed by drugs as well as against drug traffickers themselves. Drug control approaches addressed in this issue brief include: 1) Expansion of efforts to reduce foreign production at the source. 2) Expansion of interdiction and enforcement activities to disrupt supply lines. 3) Expansion of efforts to reduce worldwide demand. 4) Expansion of economic disincentives for international drug trafficking. Current trends in U.S. counternarcotics policy also are discussed in the brief. For analysis of the Andean drug issues, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31383, 'Andean Regional Initiative( ARI): FY2002 Supplemental and FY2003 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2004-10-19
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Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act: H.R. 5011, 108th Congress [October 19, 2004]
"H.R. 5011, the Military Personnel Financial Protection Act, was passed by the House on October 5, and is pending in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The bill utilizes both Congress' constitutional Commerce Power authority to enact insurance legislation, and the states' traditional regulation of the insurance industry to create a scheme for regulating the sale of certain life insurance products to military personnel that supporters argue is fairer and more transparent than is currently the case. It amends three primary securities laws -- the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Investment Advisers Act of 1940; invests the states with regulatory authority over 'insurance activities conducted on Federal land or facilities in the United States and abroad'; requires sellers of life insurance products on federal facilities to make certain written disclosures to, for example, clarify that the products being offered are not recommended by the government or may be alternatively available through the government; and mandates that the Secretary of Defense maintain an easily accessible list of insurance and securities producers barred from military installations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seitzinger, Michael V.; Rubin, Janice E.
2004-10-19
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Federal Funding for Unauthorized Aliens' Emergency Medical Expenses [Updated October 18, 2004]
"There has been interest in the amount of money spent, as well as the amount of federal funds available to provide emergency medical care to unauthorized (illegal) aliens in the United States. It is extremely difficult to ascertain the amount of money spent for emergency medical care for unauthorized aliens since most hospitals do not ask patients their immigration status. Additionally, prior to the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173) on December 8, 2003 there were no federal funds available for the specific purpose of reimbursing hospitals or states for emergency medical care provided to unauthorized aliens (undocumented immigrants). Although the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) barred unauthorized aliens from receiving most Medicaid benefits, they are eligible for emergency Medicaid services. Unauthorized aliens are also eligible for emergency medical services provided by the states. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173) signed into law on December 8, 2003 includes a provision, §1011, to provide reimbursement to states for emergency care afforded to unauthorized aliens. For each fiscal year FY2005-FY2008 the provision appropriates $250 million to states to be distributed based on estimates of the number of undocumented aliens residing in the state and on the number of apprehensions for the six states with the highest number of apprehensions. This program is similar to one created in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA97) which had expired."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Siskin, Alison
2004-10-18
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9/11 Commission: Current Legislative Proposals for U.S. Immigration Law and Policy [Updated October 18, 2004]
"Reforming the enforcement of immigration law is a core component of the recommendations made by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission). The 19 hijackers responsible for the 9/11 attacks were foreign nationals, many of whom were able to obtain visas to enter the United States through the use of forged documents. Incomplete intelligence and screening enabled many of the hijackers to enter the United States despite flaws in their entry documents or suspicions regarding their past associations. According to the Commission, up to 15 of the hijackers could have been intercepted or deported through more diligent enforcement of immigration laws. This report briefly discusses some of the major immigration areas under consideration in comprehensive reform proposals, including asylum, biometric tracking systems, border security, document security, exclusion, immigration enforcement, and visa issuances. It refers to other CRS reports that discuss these issues in depth and will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Garcia, Michael John
2004-10-18
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Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses [Updated October 18, 2004]
"The Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential strategic threat posed by Iran, at times pursuing limited engagement with Iran and at other times leaning toward attempting to change its regime. Some experts believe a crisis is looming over Iran's nuclear program, and the Bush Administration is working with several allies and other countries to try to design new options to head off a nuclear breakout by Iran. U.S. sanctions currently in effect ban or strictly limit U.S. trade, aid, and investment in Iran and penalize foreign firms that invest in Iran's energy sector, but unilateral U.S. sanctions do not appear to have significantly slowed Iran's WMD programs to date. Iran's human rights practices and strict limits on democracy have been consistently and harshly criticized by official U.S. reports, particularly for Iran's suppression of religious and ethnic minorities. However, Iran does hold elections for some positions, including that of president, suggesting that there might be benefits to engaging Iranian officials. According to this view, new sanctions or military action could harden Iran's positions without necessarily easing the potential threat posed by Iran. For further information, see CRS Report RS21592, 'Iran's Nuclear Program: Recent Developments', and CRS Report RS21548, 'Iran's Ballistic Missile Capabilities'. This report will be updated as warranted by developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2004-10-18
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Iraq: Summary of U.S. Forces [Updated October 18, 2004]
"This report provides a summary estimate of military forces that have reportedly been deployed to and subsequently withdrawn from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), popularly called the Persian Gulf region, to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. For background information on the AOR, see [http://www.centcom.mil/aboutus/aor.htm]. Geographically, the USCENTCOM AOR stretches from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia. The information about military units that have been deployed and withdrawn is based on both official government public statements and estimates identified in selected news accounts. The statistics have been assembled from both Department of Defense (DOD) sources and open-source press reports. However, due to concerns about operational security, DOD is not routinely reporting the composition, size, nor destination of units and military forces being deployed to the Persian Gulf. Consequently, not all has been officially confirmed. For further reading, see CRS Report RL31701, 'Iraq: U.S. Military Operations'. This report will be updated as the situation continues to develop."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Linwood B.
2004-10-18
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Military Base Closures: A Historical Review from 1988 to 1995 [Updated October 18, 2004]
From the Summary: "This report discusses a concerted effort to close unneeded military bases as part wide-ranging efforts during the 1980s and 1990s to balance the budget. This effort had been supported by a broad consensus that, among the approximately 3,800 military bases (1990 est.) in the United States, many could be closed without significant detrimental effect to national security. This view became more pronounced in the wake of the Soviet Union's breakup and collapse of the Warsaw Pact military threat. While most analysts agreed that the Department of Defense's DOD's) base structure was larger than necessary to meet the department's needs, there were differences concerning which, if any, additional bases should be closed, what speed, and what criteria should be used for making those decisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lockwood, David E.; Siehl, George H.
2004-10-18
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Visa Waiver Program [Updated October 18, 2004]
From the Summary: "The USA PATRIOT Act enacted a requirement that by October 1, 2003, all aliens applying for admission under the VWP [visa waiver program] must have machine-readable passports; however, the act allows the Secretary of State to waive the requirement until September 30, 2007, and the requirement was waived for 22 of the 27 countries participating in the VWP. In addition, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 requires that by October 26, 2004, all countries participating in the VWP must issue their nationals machine-readable passports that incorporate 'biometric identifiers'; however, the deadline was extended until October 26, 2004 by P.L. [Public Law] 108-299. Notably, 'The 9/11 Commission Report' recommends that DHS complete as quickly as possible a biometric entry-exit screening system. S. 2845 as passed by the Senate, would require that each VWP country, as a condition of being in the VWP, have a program to issue tamper-resident, machine-readable visa documents that incorporate biometric identifiers which are compatible with the biometric identifiers used in the US-VISIT [ United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology] program. There is no comparable provision in the House-passed version of S. 2845. Additional legislation, H.R. 4550, would require those entering under the VWP to undergo an electronic verification of admissibility before embarkation. Other bills would suspend the VWP (H.R. 2235, H.R. 3522, and H.R. 3534). H.R. 3956/S. 2844 would add Poland to the program. This report will be updated if legislative action occurs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Siskin, Alison
2004-10-18
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Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated October 17, 2005]
"This report examines faltering reforms and other challenges to Kyrgyzstan's independence that have raised U.S. concerns. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance for democratization and other programs. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia's New States, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2004-10-17
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Air Cargo Security [Updated October 15, 2004]
"The air cargo system is a complex, multi-faceted network that handles a vast amount of freight, packages, and mail carried aboard passenger and all-cargo aircraft. The air cargo system is vulnerable to several security threats including potential plots to place explosives aboard aircraft; illegal shipments of hazardous materials; criminal activities such as smuggling and theft; and potential hijackings and sabotage by persons with access to aircraft. While it is generally agreed that full screening of all cargo placed on aircraft is not currently feasible, several procedural and technology initiatives have been proposed to enhance air cargo security and deter terrorist and criminal threats. Procedural initiatives include proposals to: expand the 'known shipper' program; increase cargo inspections; increase physical security of air cargo facilities; increase oversight of air cargo operations; provide security training for cargo workers; and tighten controls over access to aircraft during cargo operations. Technology being considered to improve air cargo security includes tamper-resistant and tamper-evident packaging and containers; explosive detection systems and other cargo screening technologies; blast-resistant cargo containers; and biometric systems for worker identification and access control. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew
2004-10-15
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S.Res. 445: Senate Committee Reorganization for Homeland Security and Intelligence Matters [October 15, 2004]
"Early in October 2004, a bipartisan Senate working group headed by Senators Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid issued a series of recommended reforms in Senate committee operation and jurisdiction with regard to homeland security and intelligence. The working group recommendations came in the wake of the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission), which urged Congress to reorganize its committee structures to oversee these issues more effectively. Following four days of debate and amendment, on October 9, 2004, the Senate passed S.Res. 445, a resolution that implemented a number of the working group's suggestions regarding Senate Committee reorganization. These changes, which take effect on the convening of the 109th Congress, include lifting term limits on service on the Senate Intelligence Committee; raising the Intelligence Committee to category 'A' status; giving the majority and minority leaders power to select the Intelligence Committee chair and vice chair; reducing the size of the panel from 17 to 15 members; and changing certain staffing processes of the Intelligence Committee. S.Res. 445 also renames the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and transfers to the new panel jurisdiction over matters relating to the Department of Homeland Security, with certain limitations. The resolution establishes a new Intelligence Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and a new Subcommittee on Oversight on the Intelligence Committee. It also makes changes to the confirmation process and the sequential referral of matters reported from the Intelligence Committee. This report will be updated in the event of further changes to these provisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis, Christopher M., 1966-; Rundquist, Paul S.
2004-10-15
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Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [Updated October 15, 2004]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other crossborder crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe changed this status quo as it became increasingly evident that the EU's open borders and different legal systems allowed terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU has also sought to enhance ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-10-15
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Port and Maritime Security: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 14, 2004]
"To raise port security standards, Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295) in November 2002. In the 108th Congress, the focus of debate is about whether current efforts to improve port security are adequate in addressing the threat. Significantly, one conclusion of 'The 9/11 Commission Report' is that transportation security resources are not being 'allocated to the greatest risks in a cost effective way.... Opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime or surface transportation [than in aviation]. Initiatives to secure shipping containers have just begun....' While many agree that Coast Guard and CBP programs to address the threat are sound, they contend that these programs represent only a framework for building a maritime security regime, and that significant gaps in security still remain. The 9/11 Commission concluded that deployment of scanning technologies designed to screen containers that can be transported by plane, ship, truck, or rail is still years away. H.R. 10 and S. 2845 contain provisions consistent with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission for improving transportation security. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Frittelli, John
2004-10-14
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DNA Testing for Law Enforcement: Legislative Issues for Congress [Updated October 14, 2004]
"The analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence has been an important tool in law enforcement. DNA analysis has significantly changed the way crime scenes are investigated and how prosecutions are conducted. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) started its DNA database in 1988. Since then, the FBI has led law enforcement agencies throughout the United States to standardize DNA analyses to be submitted into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The collection of DNA for use in criminal investigations has grown much faster than the resources to analyze it. As a result, many publicly funded laboratories across the country have been experiencing difficulty in meeting the demand and reducing the backlog of requests. Meanwhile, state and federal statutory regulations have been enacted to require DNA samples to be taken from those convicted of certain criminal offenses. During the 1990s and more recently, Congressional concern over the need for federal assistance to crime labs led to the enactment of several measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hill, Cindy
2004-10-14
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Summary of State Laws on the Issuance of Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Aliens [Updated October 14, 2004]
"Recent events have prompted a series of questions and debate concerning states' issuance of driver's licenses to illegal aliens. Proponents contend that allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses is a matter of public safety. Licensed drivers know the rules of the road and can buy insurance, thus making streets safer for everyone. Conversely, opponents argue that allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses compromises national security. Moreover, opponents contend that permitting illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses encourages such individuals to remain in the United States illegally. Thus, opponents contend that illegal immigrants should not be rewarded with such privileges. This report will briefly summarize the policy arguments related to states' issuance of driver's licenses to undocumented or illegal aliens. In addition, this report includes a state-by-state summary of the state laws on issuing licenses to immigrants. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Alison M., 1962-
2004-10-14
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated October 14, 2004]
"The United States Border Patrol (USBP) has a long and storied history as our nation's first line of defense against unauthorized migration. Today, the USBP's primary mission is to detect and prevent the entry of illegal aliens into the country, assist in the detection of possible terrorists, and interdict drug smugglers and other criminals. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 dissolved the Immigration and Naturalization Service and placed the USBP within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS, the USBP forms a part of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection under the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. In the course of discharging its duties, the USBP patrols 8,000 miles of American international borders with Mexico and Canada and the coastal waters around Florida and Puerto Rico. However, there are significant geographic, political, and immigration-related differences between the Northern border with Canada and the Southwest border with Mexico. Accordingly, the USBP deploys a different mix of personnel and resources along the two borders. Due to the fact that over 97% of unauthorized migrant apprehensions occur along the Southwest border, the USBP deploys over 90% of its agents there to deter illegal immigration. The Border Safety initiative and the Arizona Border Control initiative are both focused on the Southwest border. This report will be updated as circumstances warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2004-10-14
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Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance [Updated October 14, 2004]
"Large-scale reconstruction assistance programs are being undertaken by the United States following the war with Iraq. To fund such programs, Congress approved on April 12, 2003, a $2.48 billion Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund in the FY2003 Supplemental Appropriation. On November 6, 2003, the President signed into law P.L. 108-106, the FY2004 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, providing $18.4 billion for Iraq reconstruction. Contributions pledged at the October 24, 2003, Madrid donor conference by other donors amounted to roughly $3.6 billion in grant aid and as much as $13.3 billion in possible loans. Many reconstruction efforts on the ground are underway, but security concerns have slowed progress considerably. Most reconstruction funding is targeted at infrastructure projects - roads, sanitation, electric power, oil production, etc. Aid is also used to train and equip Iraqi security forces. A range of programs are in place to offer expert advice to the Iraqi government, establish business centers, rehabilitate schools and health clinics, provide school books and vaccinations, etc. However, of the $18. 4 billion appropriated by Congress in October 2003, only $7.9 billion had been obligated and $1.5 billion spent by mid-October 2004. Congress approved on September 29 an Administration-proposed re-allocation of $3.5 billion in previously appropriated reconstruction funds to give greater emphasis to security, employment generation, and debt relief. The report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2004-10-14
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Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: Term Limits and Assignment Limitations [Updated October 14, 2004]
"The 2005 Intelligence Authorization bill (S. 2386) as reported by the Senate
Intelligence Committee contains a provision repealing term limits for committee members. The 9/11 Commission Report recommended that the eight year term limit for members serving on the Intelligence Committee be abolished. The commission also recommended that the committee be smaller, seven or nine members (it currently has 17 voting members), and four of the members who serve on the Intelligence Committee should also serve on the Committees on Armed Services, Judiciary, or Foreign Relations, or the Defense Appropriations subcommittee. This report addresses issues related to the impact on the Intelligence Committee if term limits are abolished. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schneider, Judy
2004-10-14
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Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation [Updated October 13, 2004]
"Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, considerable concern has been raised because the 19 terrorists were aliens who apparently entered the United States with temporary visas despite provisions in immigration laws that bar the admission of terrorists. Foreign nationals not already legally residing in the United States who wish to come to the United States generally must obtain a visa to be admitted, with certain exceptions noted in law. The report of the 9/11 Commission maintained that border security was not considered a national security matter prior to September 11, and as a result the State Department's consular officers were not treated as full partners in counterterrorism efforts. The 9/11 Commission has made several recommendations that underscore the urgency of implementing legislative provisions on visa policy and immigration control that Congress enacted several years ago. Bills implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations (S. 2845, H.R. 10, S. 2774/H.R. 5040, and H.R. 5024) have various provisions that would affect visa issuances. House-passed H.R. 10 would further broaden the security and terrorism grounds of inadmissibility to exclude aliens who have participated in the commission of acts of torture or extrajudicial killings abroad or who are members of political, social or other groups that endorse or espouse terrorist activity. House-passed H.R. 10 also would deploy technologies (e.g., biometrics) to detect potential terrorist indicators on travel documents; establish an Office of Visa and Passport Security; and train consular officers in the detection of terrorist travel patterns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2004-10-13
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Aviation Security-Related Findings and Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission [Updated October 13, 2004]
"The 9/11 Commission found that al Qaeda operatives exploited known weaknesses in U.S. aviation security to carry out the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. While legislation and administration actions after September 11, 2001 were implemented to strengthen aviation security, the 9/11 Commission concluded that several weaknesses continue to exist. These include perceived vulnerabilities in cargo and general aviation security as well as inadequate screening and access controls at airports. In response to the 9/11 Commission's aviation security-related recommendations, two bills - H.R. 5121 and H.R. 10 - introduced in the House contain several provisions to enhance aviation security. Additionally, floor amendments to S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, contain numerous aviation security provisions, many of which address 9/11 Commission recommendations related to aviation safety. S. 2845 was passed (96-2) by the Senate on October 6, 2004. The House passed H.R. 10 on October 8 by a vote of 282-134. A conference has been requested to resolve numerous differences between H.R. 10 and and S. 2845. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew
2004-10-13
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9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act: An Abridged Comparison of the Criminal Law and Procedure Provisions in H.R. 10 and S. 2845 as Passed by Their Respective Houses [October 13, 2004]
"This is a brief description of the substantive criminal law and procedures provisions of the House-passed version of H.R. 10. They have no equal in Senate-passed S. 2845. The provisions are largely devoted to increasing the penalties for various existing terrorist crimes and increasing the jurisdictional circumstances under which they may be prosecuted under federal law. The provisions include 'lone wolf' FISA and grand jury information sharing amendments; increased penalties for hoaxes and obstructions of justice in terrorism cases, for identification offenses, and for smuggling aliens; clarification and expansion of terrorist support offenses, crimes involving weapons of mass destruction, and counterfeiting offenses. They merge the train wrecking and mass transit attacks proscriptions of existing law. They establish capital punishment as a permissible sanction for those existing federal terrorist crimes resulting in death that do not already carry the death penalty, deny federal benefits to terrorists, and make the 1994 death penalty procedures retroactively applicable to certain air piracy offenses committed after enactment of the 1974 capital punishment procedures. They establish a no-bail presumption for terrorists and subjects terrorists to post-imprisonment supervision for life. This report will be revised as appropriate and is an abridged version of CRS Report RL32632, 'The 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act: Comparison of the Criminal Law and Procedure Provisions in H.R. 10 and S. 2845 as Passed by Their Respective Houses'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2004-10-13
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9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act (H.R. 10) and the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 (S. 2845): National Standards for Drivers' Licenses, Social Security Cards and Birth Certificates [October 13, 2004]
"In its comprehensive report to the nation, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) recommended that the federal government set national standards for the issuance of identification documents including drivers' licenses, social security cards and birth certificates. The Commission noted that identification fraud is no longer simply a matter of theft, but now complicates the government's ability to adequately ensure public safety at vulnerable facilities including airport terminals, train stations, bus stations, and other entry points. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have included provisions intended to address this specific recommendation (H.R. 10, S. 2845). However, the approaches taken by the two chambers varies both in their respective scope as well as with respect to the methods used to bring the states into conformity with a new national standard. In general, the House of Representatives opted to detail specific statutory requirements, while the Senate has chosen to mandate regulation, but has given broad discretionary authority to the relevant federal agencies. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tatelman, Todd
2004-10-13
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Border Security: Inspections Practices, Policies, and Issues [Updated October 13, 2004]
"The United States now has a unified inspections operation at the borders; a single inspector is charged with examining people, animals, plants, goods, and cargo upon entry to the country. The transfer of these functions to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marks a significant policy shift for all of these functions, clarifying that -- although there are important commercial, economic, health, humanitarian, and immigration responsibilities -- ensuring the security of our borders is the top priority. The decision by DHS officials to further integrate the inspection duties so that there is 'one face at the border' now means that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors are essentially interchangeable and responsible for all primary inspections. A range of legal, administrative, and policy issues have emerged with unified border inspections. The bills implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations (S. 2845, H.R. 10, S. 2774/H.R. 5040 and H.R. 5024) have various provisions affecting border inspections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Monke, James; Viña, Stephen R.
2004-10-13
