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• Commemorative Observances: A Chronological List [Updated November 17, 2004]

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  "Historically, national commemorative observances were often recommended by Congress through the legislative process. This practice was for the most part discontinued by the House of Representatives in January 1995, although the Senate continues to issue sense of the Senate resolutions recommending the establishment of commemoratives. It has now become standard practice for special observances to be designated by a proclamation issued by the President. A recent noteworthy departure from current congressional policy is P.L. 107-89, which designates September 11 as Patriot Day and calls upon the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the American people to commemorate Patriot Day. This report is a chronological list of these proclamations for 2003 and 2004, indicating the proclamation number and its 'Federal Register' citation. This report will be updated periodically during the year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fischer, Hannah

  2004-11-17
• U.S. Military Overseas Basing: Background and Oversight Issues for Congress [November 17, 2004]

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  "On August 16, 2004, the Bush Administration announced a proposal to significantly alter the U.S. overseas military basing posture. The proposal would, if implemented, establish new overseas operating sites, and transfer up to 70,000 U.S. troops, plus 100,000 family members and civilians, from Europe and Asia back to the United States. The Administration argues that current U.S. global basing arrangements are a product of World War II and the Korean War. With the end of the Cold War, these basing arrangements need to be updated to ensure that U.S. forces are optimally positioned to respond to potential 21st-Century military threats. The Administration's proposal has received mixed reactions from non-DOD observers. A May 2004 Congressional Budget Office report raises questions concerning the potential cost effectiveness of changing the current Army overseas basing posture. The Administration's proposal raises several potential oversight issues for Congress. This report will be updated as necessary."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Klaus, Jon D.

  2004-11-17
• War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance [Updated November 15, 2004]

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  "Two separate but closely related issues confront Congress each time the President introduces armed forces into a situation abroad that conceivably could lead to their involvement in hostilities. One issue concerns the division of war powers between the President and Congress, whether the use of armed forces falls within the purview of the congressional power to declare war and the War Powers Resolution. The other issue is whether Congress concurs in the wisdom of the action. This issue brief does not deal with the substantive merits of using armed forces in specific cases, but rather with the congressional authorization for the action and the application and effectiveness of the War Powers Resolution."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2004-11-15
• Current Economic Conditions and Selected Forecasts [Updated November 15, 2004]

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  "U.S. real GDP has been positive for 12 consecutive quarters, and the economy is considered to be in an 'expansion' phase. As of the third quarter 2004, real or inflation-adjusted growth was nearly 10% above its previous high near the end of the 1991-2001 expansion. Real growth at 3.7% in the third quarter of 2004 was somewhat above the 3.3% rate achieved in the second quarter, but below the 4.5% rate achieved in the first quarter (all at annualized quarterly rates). All are down from the 7.4% rate achieved in 2003:3Q. Even during the 1990s expansion, the pace of growth was rarely over 7%. Yet the rebound in growth has not translated into higher payroll employment, and many call this a 'jobless recovery.' Payroll employment, despite recent gains, is only 1,146,000 above the level prevailing at the end of the recession (November 2001). The unemployment rate rose to a high of 6.3% in June 2003; it has since declined and now (October) stands at 5.5%. During the first 10 months of 2004 it has varied between 5.4% and 5.7%. These are well above rates in the second half of the 1990s. […] While most economists did not expect the sizzling 2003:3Q pace to be sustained, they anticipate that growth will settle down to around 4% over the next year, still above what is considered to be the long-run potential rate of growth. However, the unemployment rate is expected to show only a modest change as long as businesses are able to improve profitability through increased productivity. Inflation is expected to remain low while considerable slack remains in the economy. Fiscal and monetary policies have both been eased since 2001 and the easing has continued into this year. They are having a positive effect on spending. However, on June 30, August 10, September 21, and November 10, the Federal Reserve made a modest shift to tighten monetary policy. The external deficit is large and expected to remain so. This report will be updated monthly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Makinen, Gail E.

  2004-11-15
• Energy: Useful Facts and Numbers [Updated November 15, 2004]

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  "Energy supplies and prices are a major economic factor in the United States, and energy markets are volatile and unpredictable. For both these reasons, energy policy is of frequent interest to the Congress. This report presents a statistical view of the supply and consumption of various forms of energy. After an introductory overview of aggregate energy consumption, the report presents detailed analysis of trends and statistics regarding specific energy sources: oil, electricity, natural gas, and coal. A section on trends in energy efficiency is also presented."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.

  2004-11-15
• Homeland Security Financial Accountability Act: History and Recent Developments [November 15, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "Prior to the enactment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Financial Accountability Act (P.L. 108-330), the DHS was the only federal cabinet department not included under the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990. DHS had a CFO, but the position was not subject to Senate confirmation. [...] As enacted, H.R. 4259 brings the CFO in DHS directly under the CFO Act, as amended. The new law also serves to bring DHS under the Government Management Reform Act of 1994 and the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996, and makes the CFO in DHS a statutory member of the Chief Financial Officers Council. There is a dual reporting framework for the CFO in DHS--to the head of the department (as in all the other CFO Act agencies) and, concurrently, to the Under Secretary for Management (the prior arrangement for the CFO in DHS)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McMurtry, Virginia A.

  2004-11-15
• Metropolitan Area Designations by OMB: History, Current Definitions, and Uses [November 15, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "On December 27, 2000, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced its uniform criteria, or 'standards,' for defining metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas in the current decade. These areas together are termed 'core based statistical areas' (CBSAs). Also announced were the standards for defining New England city and town areas (NECTAs), which are conceptually similar to CBSAs. The 2000 standards superseded those for defining metropolitan statistical areas in the 1990s. CBSAs consist of counties and county-equivalents in the United States and Puerto Rico. Each CBSA must contain at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more persons (metropolitan statistical area) or at least one urban cluster of 10,000 to 49,999 persons (micropolitan statistical area). CBSAs have one or more principal cities and central counties. Outlying counties are included in CBSAs on the basis of commuting data. Counties that do not meet the criteria for inclusion in CBSAs are classified as 'outside core based statistical areas.' NECTAs are classified similarly to CBSAs and designated as either 'metropolitan' or 'micropolitan' NECTAs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Riehl, James R.; Williams, Jennifer Dingledine, 1945-

  2004-11-15
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [November 12, 2004]

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  "After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union, and approved the Freedom Support Act and other legislation for this purpose. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Uzbekistan endorsed coalition military action in Iraq and Kazakhstan provided about two dozen troops for rebuilding. After September 11, 2001, U.S. policy emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic interests include internal reforms (democratization, free market economies, and human rights) and energy development."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2004-11-12
• Homeland Security Advisory System: Possible Issues for Congressional Oversight [Updated November 12, 2004]

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  "The Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS), established on Mar. 12, 2002, is a color coded terrorist threat warning system administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The system, which federal departments and agencies are required to implement and use, provides recommended protective measures for federal departments and agencies to prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, and respond to, terrorist attacks. DHS disseminates HSAS terrorist threat warnings to federal departments, state and local agencies, the public, and private sector entities. This dissemination of warnings is conducted through multiple communication systems and public announcements. From March 2002 to the present, the HSAS threat level has been no lower than elevated, and has been raised to high six times. The first time it was raised to high was on September 10, 2002, due to the fear of terrorist attacks on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The most recent time it was raised to high was on August 1, 2004, due to intelligence regarding possible terrorist attacks on financial institutions in New York City, Washington, DC, and Newark, New Jersey. While the need for terrorist threat warnings seems to be widely acknowledged, there are numerous issues associated with HSAS and its effects on states, localities, the public, and the private sector. These issues include the following: vagueness of warnings; lack of specific protective measures for state and local governments, the public, and the private sector; dissemination of warnings to states, localities, the public, and the private sector; coordination of HSAS with other federal warning systems; and, cost of threat level changes."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn

  2004-11-12
• Emergency Communications: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings [Updated November 12, 2004]

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  The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is one of several federally managed warning systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administers EAS with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), an organization within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA/NWS weather radio system has been upgraded to an all-hazard warning capability. In June 2004, NOAA and the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed an agreement that will allow DHS to use the NOAA/NWS network for its alerts and warnings. This report summarizes the technology and administration of EAS and the NOAA/NWS all-hazard network, and some of the key proposals for change. It will be updated.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)

  2004-11-12
• Guarding America: Security Guards and U.S. Critical Infrastructure Protection [November 12, 2004]

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  "The Bush Administration's 2003 'National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets' indicates that security guards are 'an important source of protection for critical facilities.' In 2003, approximately one million security guards (including airport screeners) were employed in the United States. Of these guards, analysis indicates that up to 5% protected what have been defined as 'critical' infrastructure and assets. The effectiveness of critical infrastructure guards in countering a terrorist attack depends on the number of guards on duty, their qualifications, pay and training. Security guard employment may have increased in certain critical infrastructure sectors since September 11, 2001, although overall employment of U.S. security guards has declined in the last five years. Contract guard salaries averaged $19,400 per year in 2003, less than half of the average salary for police and well below the average U.S. salary for all occupations. There are no U.S. federal requirements for training of critical infrastructure guards other than airport screeners and nuclear guards. Twenty-two states do require basic training for licensed security guards, but few specifically require counter-terrorism training. State regulations regarding criminal background checks for security guards vary. Sixteen states have no background check regulations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.

  2004-11-12
• Mexico's Counter-Narcotics Efforts under Fox, December 2000 to October 2004 [November 10, 2004]

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  "President Bush and President Fox have met many times and have made the bilateral relationship a top priority, although disagreements over Iraq created some tension. In these meetings, the presidents agreed to enhance law enforcement and counter-narcotics cooperation between the two countries, and this cooperation was facilitated by the modification of the U.S. drug certification process. Top officials say that the countries have achieved unprecedented levels of cooperation, including the sharing of sensitive intelligence and expanded training for Mexican anti-drug forces. In the post 9/11/01 period, the countries have expanded cooperation into overlapping counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism programs. This report provides information on Mexico's counter-narcotics efforts during the first four years of the presidency of Vicente Fox. Special emphasis is placed on calendar year 2003, covered by the State Department's March 2004 report on international narcotics control, and the first six months of 2004, covered in President Fox's September 2004 ' State of the Nation' report. This report will be updated when warranted by events."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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

  2004-11-10
• Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs [Updated November 10, 2004]

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  "The 'digital divide' is a term that has been used to characterize a gap between 'information haves and have-nots,' or in other words, between those Americans who use or have access to telecommunications technologies (e.g., telephones, computers, the Internet) and those who do not. One important subset of the digital divide debate concerns high-speed Internet access, also known as broadband. Broadband is provided by a series of technologies (e.g. cable, telephone wire, satellite, wireless) that give users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than current 'dial-up' Internet access over traditional telephone lines. Broadband technologies are currently being deployed by the private sector throughout the United States. While the numbers of new broadband subscribers continue to grow, studies conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Commerce (DOC), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggest that the rate of broadband deployment in urban and high income areas may be outpacing deployment in rural and low-income areas. Some policymakers, believing that disparities in broadband access across American society could have adverse economic and social consequences on those left behind, assert that the federal government should play a more active role to avoid a 'digital divide' in broadband access. One approach is for the federal government to provide financial assistance to support broadband deployment in underserved areas. Others, however, believe that federal assistance for broadband deployment is not appropriate. Some opponents question the reality of the 'digital divide,' and argue that federal intervention in the broadband marketplace would be premature and, in some cases, counterproductive."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2004-11-10
• Nuclear Testing and Comprehensive Test Ban: Chronology Starting September 1992 [Updated November 9, 2004]

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  "The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans 'any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion.' It was opened for signature in September 1996. In September 1997, President Clinton submitted it to the Senate, which rejected it in October 1999. The Bush Administration has not requested Senate consideration of the treaty. This report details actions on nuclear testing and the treaty starting with the most recent U.S. test in September 1992. It complements CRS Issue Brief IB92099, Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and Nuclear Testing, which discusses earlier history, issues, and current developments, and CRS Report RS20351, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: Pro and Con, which presents arguments for and against the treaty."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Medalia, Jonathan E.

  2004-11-09
• Israeli-United States Relations [November 9, 2004]

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  "Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable emphasis on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored aid closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally; they further argue that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mark, Clyde R.

  2004-11-09
• Authorization and Appropriations for FY2005: Defense [Updated November 9, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "Early on the morning on October 7, 2004, a conference agreement on the FY2005 defense authorization bill (H.R. 4200) was announced. The House approved the conference agreement by a vote of 359-14 on October 8, and the Senate approved it by unanimous consent on October 9. The President signed the bill into law (P.L. [Public Law] 108-375) on October 23. On the key issues, conferees rejected a House provision to delay military base closures; authorized purchases, but not leasing, of Boeing KC- 767 or other refueling aircraft; increased statutory caps on Army and Marine Corps active duty end-strength in FY2005 by 23,000; rejected a House provision that would limit purchases of defense goods from nations that require offsets for purchases of U.S. weapons; and increased benefits for 62-and-older survivors of military retirees. […] The appropriations conference report also resolves a number of major weapons issues. It makes substantial cuts in a few high-profile weapons programs, including the Transformational Communications Satellite and the Space-Based Radar. It also provides funding to begin construction of the Navy DD(X) destroyer and Littoral Combat Ship. One other major defense policy issue remains to be resolved in action on the energy and water appropriations bill. In floor votes on the defense authorization bill, both the House and the Senate rejected amendments to eliminate funds for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator nuclear warhead and new low-yield nuclear weapons development. The House version of the energy and water appropriations bill (H.R. 4614), however, eliminates funds for the programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Daggett, Stephen; Belasco, Amy

  2004-11-09
• Continuity of Operations (COOP) in the Executive Branch: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 8, 2004]

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  "This report discusses the background of COOP planning, discusses elements of an effective COOP plan, and reviews the current policies governing COOP planning in the executive branch. The final two sections address issues and policy questions, including, among other matters, the status of agency preparedness, maintaining COOP preparedness, congressional committee oversight of COOP activity, and funding for contingency planning."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Petersen, R. Eric

  2004-11-08
• Border and Transportation Security: Appropriations for FY2005 [Updated November 5, 2004]

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  "A well-managed border is central to maintaining and improving the security of the homeland against terrorist threats. Border security entails regulating the flow of goods and people across the nations borders so that dangerous and unwanted goods or people are denied entry. Transportation security entails inspecting and securing people and goods as they move among different locations within the country to reduce the possibility of terrorist attacks or the incursion of unwanted people or goods. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been given primary responsibility for securing the nations borders and for increasing the security of transportation, among other responsibilities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lake, Jennifer E.; Nunez-Neto, Blas

  2004-11-05
• Arafat's Succession [November 5, 2004]

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  "Reports from Paris on November 4, 2004, that Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat was near death reopened questions about who would succeed him as President of the Palestinian Authority, Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), head of al-Fatah, and President of the unilaterally declared Palestinian state. It is unlikely that one person would succeed Arafat in all four positions. Late October 2004 reports of Yasir Arafat's failing health opened speculation that the Palestinian leader had influenza, cancer of the digestive tract, leukemia, gall stones, intestinal infection, or some unnamed stomach affliction. Tunisian, Egyptian, Jordanian, and Palestinian doctors reportedly conferred and agreed that Arafat should go to Paris for treatment of his undisclosed or undetermined malady. On October 29, Arafat was flown from his Ramallah headquarters, where he had been confined under virtual house arrest by Israeli armed forces since 2002, to a French military hospital for treatment for a blood disorder. On November 4, various reports said that Arafat had lapsed into a coma, had died, or that he was brain dead but surviving on life support systems. The rumors led to a reexamination of the question - who will succeed Arafat? This report describes the mechanisms for replacing Arafat in his four positions and lists a few of the many possible successors. The report may be updated as necessary."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mark, Clyde R.

  2004-11-05
• Electoral College: An Overview and Analysis of Reform Proposals [Updated November 5, 2004]

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  "American voters elect the President and Vice President of the United States indirectly, through an arrangement known as the electoral college system. The electoral college system comprises a complex mosaic of constitutional provisions, state and federal laws, and political party rules and practices. Although the electoral college system has delivered uncontested results in 46 out of 50 presidential elections since it assumed its present constitutional form in 1804, it has been the subject of persistent criticism and frequent proposals for reform. Reform advocates cite several problems with the current system, including a close or multi-candidate election can result in no electoral college majority, leading to a contingent election in Congress; the current system can result in the election of a President and Vice President who received a majority of electoral votes, but fewer popular votes, than their opponents; the formula for assignment of electoral votes is claimed to provide an unfair advantage for less populous states and does not account for population changes between censuses; and the winner-take-all system used by most states does not recognize the proportional strength of the losing major party, minor party, and independent candidates. On the other hand, defenders assert that the electoral college system is an integral and vital component of federalism, that it has a 92% record of non-controversial results, and that it promotes an ideologically and geographically broad two-party system. They maintain that repair of the electoral college system, rather than abolition, would eliminate any perceived defects while retaining its overall strengths."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Whitaker, L. Paige; Neale, Thomas H.

  2004-11-05
• Post-War Iraq: A Table and Chronology of Foreign Contributions [Updated November 5, 2004]

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  "Securing foreign contributions to the reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq has been a major issue for U.S. policymakers since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. This report tracks important changes in financial and personnel pledges from foreign governments since the August 19, 2003 bombing of the U.N. Headquarters in Baghdad and major events since the fall of Baghdad on April 9, 2003. According to the latest estimates, foreign donors have pledged $13 billion in grants and loans for Iraq reconstruction, but have only disbursed around $1 billion to the United Nations and World Bank trust funds for Iraq. The largest non- American pledges of grants have come from Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have pledged the most loans and export credits. Although other coalition members have reaffirmed their commitment to providing security in Iraq since the Madrid bombings, continued violence and terrorist attacks both inside and outside Iraq may affect political will in troop-contributing countries to sustain their force presence. This report will be updated as needed to reflect the latest international developments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2004-11-05
• Temporary Protected Status: Current Immigration Policy and Issues [Updated November 4, 2004]

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  "When civil unrest, violence, or natural disasters erupt in spots around the world, concerns arise over the safety of nationals from these troubled places who are in the United States. Provisions exist in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to offer temporary relief from removal under certain circumstances. The United States currently provides some type of blanket relief from deportation or forced departure to nationals from eight countries: Burundi, El Salvador, Honduras, Liberia, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Sudan. All currently have Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Under INA, the Executive Branch grants TPS. Congress, however, has also granted TPS legislatively, and legislation that would grant TPS to nationals of specified countries has been introduced in the last several Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Ester, Karma

  2004-11-04
• India-U.S. Relations [Updated November 4, 2004]

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  "The end of the Cold War freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, but New Delhi-Washington relations continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry. Recent years, however, have witnessed a sea change in bilateral relations, with more positive interactions becoming the norm. India's swift offer of full support for U.S.-led counterterrorism operations after September 2001 was widely viewed as reflective of such change. Continuing U.S. interest in South Asia focuses especially on the historic and ongoing tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, tensions rooted in unfinished business from the 1947 Partition, and competing claims to the former princely state of Kashmir. The United States strongly encourages maintenance of a cease-fire along the Kashmiri Line of Control and continued, substantive dialogue between India and Pakistan."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kronstadt, K. Alan

  2004-11-04
• House Committees: A Framework for Considering Jurisdictional Realignment [November 4, 2004]

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  "The House has chosen to handle committee jurisdiction in a number of ways. It has chosen to concentrate jurisdiction over an issue in new, existing, and temporary committees. It has chosen to keep jurisdiction over components of an issue distributed among several committees. And, it has chosen to vest in one committee jurisdiction over a narrow subject matter that could just as readily have been considered a component of subject matter within another committee's jurisdiction. Rules relating to referral and the Speaker's referral authority have also been changed to deal with jurisdictional issues. The House is once again studying its committee organization, this time in relation to the policy area of homeland security. This report will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Koempel, Michael L.

  2004-11-04
• China-U.S. Trade Issues [Updated November 3, 2004]

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  "The continued rise in the U.S.-China trade imbalance, complaints from several U.S. manufacturing firms over the competitive challenges posed by cheap Chinese imports, and concerns that U.S. manufacturing jobs are being lost to Chinese competitors have led several Members to call on the Bush Administration to take a more aggressive stance against certain Chinese trade policies. For example, some Members argue that China's policy of pegging its currency (the yuan) to the U.S. dollar makes U.S. exports to China more expensive, and U.S. imports from China cheaper, than they would be if the yuan were fully convertible. Several bills have been introduced in Congress to address China's 'currency manipulation.' In addition, some industry representatives have called on the Administration to utilize special safeguard provisions to restrict imports from China that threaten to harm U.S. firms."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morrison, Wayne M.

  2004-11-03
• Campaign Finance: Constitutional and Legal Issues of Soft Money [November 3, 2004]

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  "Prior to enactment of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), P.L. [Public Law] 107-155, the term 'soft money' generally referred to unregulated funds, perceived as resulting from loopholes in the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 2 U.S.C. §§ 431 'et seq.' The general intent of BCRA, (effective November 6, 2002), which amends FECA, is to restrict the raising and spending of soft money. This Issue Brief discusses constitutional and legal issues surrounding two major types of soft money that BCRA regulates: political party soft money and soft money used for issue advocacy communications. Corporate and labor union soft money, which FECA exempts from regulation and is not addressed by BCRA, is also discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Whitaker, L. Paige

  2004-11-03
• India: Chronology of Recent Events [Updated November 1, 2004]

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  "This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving India and India-U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of State Washington File, 'New York Times', 'Washington Post', 'Hindu' (Madras), 'Hindustan Times' (Delhi), 'Indian Express' (Bombay), and major newswires. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB93097, India-U.S. Relations. This report will be updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kronstadt, K. Alan

  2004-11-01
• Global Climate Change [Updated October 29, 2004]

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  "There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative, depending on regional or national variations. A warmer climate would probably have far-reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and unmanaged ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level, depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question remains: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decision makers? Fossil-fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions, and also emits other 'greenhouse' gases. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. energy is derived from fossil fuels, reducing these emissions poses major challenges and controversy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fletcher, Susan R.; Justus, John R.

  2004-10-29
• Consolidating Intelligence Appropriation and Authorization in a Single Committee: 9/11 Commission Recommendation and Alternatives [October 29, 2004]

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  "On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission) issued its final report on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Among other findings and recommendations, the commission stated that existing congressional oversight was 'dysfunctional' and recommended two alternative proposals to change the existing intelligence committee structure: (1) replace the existing Senate and House Select Intelligence Committees with a joint committee on intelligence; or (2) consolidate intelligence appropriation and authorization functions in existing intelligence authorization committees. This report discusses the second of these two proposals. Under existing Senate and House rules, intelligence appropriations are under the jurisdiction of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. Each committee distributes these appropriations among five appropriations subcommittees, predominantly the Defense Appropriations Subcommittees. This action was based on a proposal by the Senate Majority and Minority Whips, the leaders of a bipartisan working group appointed by the Majority and Minority Leaders. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Streeter, Sandy

  2004-10-29
• Liberia: Transition to Peace [Updated October 28, 2004]

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  From the Document: "This report, which is updated periodically, covers recent events in Liberia and related U.S. policy. In 2003, Liberia began a post-conflict transition process to achieve enduring peace, socio-economic reconstruction and democratic governance. This process resulted from the signing of a peace accord and the resignation of then-president Charles Taylor in August 2003, after months of international mediation. The accord ended a civil war that burgeoned in 2000 which pitted the forces of Taylor against two armed anti-Taylor rebel groups. The war led to an extreme deterioration in political, economic, humanitarian, and human rights conditions in Liberia. It also affected neighboring states, from which anti-Taylor forces operated; against which the Taylor regime sponsored acts of armed aggression; and in which large numbers of Liberians sought refuge."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cook, Nicolas

  2004-10-28