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Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding [August 29, 2005]
"The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) authorizes the President to issue a major disaster declaration to speed a wide range of federal aid to states determined to be overwhelmed by hurricanes or other catastrophes. Financing for the aid is appropriated to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Funds appropriated to the DRF remain available until expended (a no-year account). The Stafford Act authorizes temporary housing, grants for immediate needs of families and individuals, the repair of public infrastructure, emergency communications systems, and other forms of assistance. Because the Stafford Act provides the President with permanent authority to direct federal aid to stricken states, Congress need not enact new legislation to meet immediate needs. Congress appropriated over $10 billion to the DRF in FY2005, largely in response to the four hurricanes that struck Florida in the fall of 2004. The appropriations legislation for FY2006 includes roughly $2 billion for the DRF in both the House and Senate versions of H.R. 2360 in conference at the time Hurricane Katrina struck. Congress can elect to consider supplemental appropriations should additional money be required to meet the requests for assistance. This report will be updated as warranted by events."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2005-08-29
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Continuity of Government: Current Federal Arrangements and the Future [Updated August 5, 2005]
"Continuity of government refers to the continued functioning of constitutional government under all circumstances. Arrangements for the continued operation of the federal government in the event of a national emergency or catastrophe are specified in law, policy, and plans, some of which are not public information, given their sensitive, contingent status. This report reviews the public record concerning federal continuity of government arrangements. It will be updated to reflect significant developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2005-08-05
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USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Proposals and Related Matters in Brief [Updated August 1,2005]
"Both Houses have passed proposals to reauthorize USA PATRIOT Act sections scheduled to expire at the end of the year. The House passed H.R. 3199, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005 on July 15, 2005, 151 Cong. Rec. H6307. The Senate passed the Judiciary Committee reported S. 1389, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005, without amendment. S. 1389 makes permanent all of the expiring USA PATRIOT Act provisions except for sections 206 (roving FISA wiretaps) and 215 (FISA tangible item orders) whose expiration along with that of the lone wolf amendment it postpones until December 31, 2009. H.R. 3199 takes much the same approach but postpones expiration of sections 206 and 215 until December 31, 2015, makes the lone wolf amendment and the 'material support' amendments permanent. Each of the bills amends section 215, the so-called FISA library or business record section, as well as some of the sections they make permanent. Each addresses concerns relating to the use of national security letters. H.R. 3199 alone deals with a wide array of proposals ranging from first responder grants through port security and terrorist penalty enhancements to confiscation expansions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2005-08-01
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Freedom of Information Act Amendments: 109th Congress [February 25, 2005]
From the Summary: "Enacted in 1966 after 11 years of investigation, legislative development, and deliberation in the House and half as many years of such consideration in the Senate, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) displaced the ineffective public information section of the Administrative Procedure Act. The FOIA was designed to enable any person -- individual or corporate, regardless of citizenship -- to request, without explanation or justification, presumptive access to existing, identifiable, unpublished, executive branch agency records on any topic. The statute specified nine categories of information that may be permissibly exempted from the rule of disclosure. Disputes over the accessibility of requested records could be ultimately settled in court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2005-02-25
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Cost of Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Enhanced Security [Updated March 14, 2005]
From the Summary: "While the Defense Department has provided various data to the Congress, it has not given Congress a full allocation of funding for Iraq, Afghanistan, and enhanced security. Based on data from DOD, CRS [Congressional Research Service] estimates that DOD expected to spend about $100 billion for Iraq, $50 billion for Afghanistan, and $23 billion for enhanced security through the end of FY2004. Between FY2002 and FY2005, Congress appropriated about $27 billion to other agencies for reconstruction and embassy operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. With those costs, total funding would be about $148 billion for Iraq and $58 billion for Afghanistan as of the end of the 108th Congress. If Congress approves the $75 billion requested and if the cost for Afghanistan remains steady, CRS estimates that DOD's contractual costs could total about $192 billion for Iraq, about $58 billion for Afghanistan, and about $20 billion for enhanced security by the end of FY2005."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy
2005-03-14
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Navy Force Architecture and Ship Acquisition: Selected FY2006 Issues for Congress [March 15, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report is based on CRS [Congressional Research Service] testimony at a March 10, 2005, hearing on Navy force structure and ship acquisition before the Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. Since February 2003, if not earlier, there has been no current, officially approved, unambiguous plan for the future size and structure of the Navy. Ambiguity concerning required numbers of Navy ships may cause business-planning uncertainty for industry and may make it difficult, if not impossible, for Congress to conduct effective oversight by reconciling desired Navy capabilities with planned Navy force structure, and planned Navy force structure with supporting Navy programs and budgets. The undefined aspects of the new sea basing concept for conducting expeditionary operations may be contributing to uncertainty in Navy ship force-structure planning for amphibious ships, maritime prepositioning ships, and naval surface fire support requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2005-03-15
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Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance [Updated March 23, 2005]
From the Summary: "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 (IRRF) 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 $11.8 billion had been obligated and $4.0 billion spent by mid-March 2005. 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2005-03-23
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Metropolitan Area Designations by OMB: History, Current Definitions, and Uses [November 15, 2004]
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
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U.S. Defense Articles and Services Supplied to Foreign Recipients: Restrictions on Their Use [Updated March 14, 2005]
From the Summary: "In accordance with United States law, the U.S. Government places conditions on the use of defense articles and defense services transferred by it to foreign recipients. Violation of these conditions can lead to the suspension of deliveries or termination of the contracts for such defense items, among other things. On occasion, the President has indicated that such violations by foreign countries 'may' have occurred, raising the prospect that termination of deliveries to or imposition of other penalties on such nations might take place. Section 3(a) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) sets the general standards for countries or international organizations to be eligible to receive United States defense articles and defense services provided under this act. It also sets express conditions on the uses to which these defense items may be put. Section 4 of the Arms Export Control Act states that U.S. defense articles and defense services shall be sold to friendly countries 'solely' for use in 'internal security,' for use in 'legitimate self-defense,' to enable the recipient to participate in 'regional or collective arrangements or measures consistent with the Charter of the United Nations,' to enable the recipient to participate in 'collective measures requested by the United Nations for the purpose of maintaining or restoring international peace and security,' and to enable the foreign military forces 'in less developed countries to construct public works and to engage in other activities helpful to the economic and social development of such friendly countries.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.
2005-03-14
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated June 26, 2008]
From the Summary: "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through economic sanctions, which the Bush Administration has tightened significantly. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress has been how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's departure from heading the government because of poor health. Raúl Castro, who had served as provision head of government since July 2006, was selected on February 24, 2008 by Cuba's legislature to continue in that role officially. […] Two initiatives, H.R. 1306 and S. 749, would amend a provision of law restricting the registration or enforcement of certain Cuban trademarks; five initiatives -- H.R. 217, H.R. 624, H.R. 2819, S. 1673, and S. 1806 -- would repeal the trademark sanction. H.R. 5627 and S. 2777 would award the congressional gold medal to Cuban political prisoner Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet. H.Res. 935 would commemorate the anniversary of the 1996 shootdown of two U.S. civilian planes by Cuba. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22742, 'Cuba's Political Succession: From Fidel to Raúl Castro' and CRS Report RL31139, 'Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-06-26
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Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated July 14, 2008]
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 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). […] Coast Guard and industry officials acknowledged certain problems in the program's management and execution and defended the program's management and execution in other respects. The Coast Guard announced a number of reform actions that significantly altered the service's approach to Deepwater acquisition (and to Coast Guard acquisition in general). A June 2008 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Deepwater acquisition found that 'Coast Guard leadership is making positive changes to its management and acquisition approach to the Deepwater Program that should put it in a position to realize better outcomes, although challenges to its efforts remain.' Potential oversight issues for Congress in 2008 include but are not necessarily limited to the Coast Guard's overall management of Deepwater acquisition, the status of certain Deepwater acquisition programs, and the so-called revolving door issue. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-07-14
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Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2007 [Updated July 5, 2007]
From the Summary: "Senators and Representatives are frequently asked to support or sponsor proposals recognizing historic events and outstanding achievements by individuals or institutions. Among the various forms of recognition that Congress bestows, the Congressional Gold Medal is often considered the most distinguished. Through this venerable tradition, the occasional commissioning of individually struck gold medals in its name, Congress has expressed public gratitude on behalf of the nation for distinguished contributions for more than two centuries. Since 1776, this award, which initially was bestowed on military leaders, has also been given to such diverse individuals as Sir Winston Churchill and Bob Hope, George Washington and Robert Frost, Joe Louis and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Most recently, a Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen. The presentation ceremony was held at the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 29, 2007. Members of Congress and their staff frequently ask questions concerning the nature, history, and contemporary application of the process for awarding Gold Medals. This report responds to congressional inquiries concerning this process, and includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards. It is intended to assist Members of Congress and staff in their consideration of future Gold Medal proposals, and will be updated as Gold Medals are approved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stathis, Stephen W.
2007-07-05
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Cruise Ship Pollution: Background, Laws and Regulations, and Key Issues [Updated June 14, 2007]
From the Summary: "The cruise industry is a significant and growing contributor to the U.S. economy, providing more than $32 billion in benefits annually and generating more than 330,000 U.S. jobs, but also making the environmental impacts of its activities an issue to many. Although cruise ships represent a small fraction of the entire shipping industry worldwide, public attention to their environmental impacts comes in part from the fact that cruise ships are highly visible and in part because of the industry's desire to promote a positive image. […] California, Alaska, and Maine have enacted state-specific laws concerning cruise ship pollution, and a few other states have entered into voluntary agreements with industry to address management of cruise ship discharges. Meanwhile, the cruise industry has voluntarily undertaken initiatives to improve pollution prevention, by adopting waste management guidelines and procedures and researching new technologies. Concerns about cruise ship pollution raise issues for Congress in three broad areas: adequacy of laws and regulations, research needs, and oversight and enforcement of existing requirements. Legislation to regulate cruise ship discharges of sewage, graywater, and bilge water nationally was introduced in the 109th Congress, but there was no further congressional action. This report describes the several types of waste streams that cruise ships may discharge and emit. It identifies the complex body of international and domestic laws that address pollution from cruise ships. It then describes federal and state legislative activity concerning cruise ships in Alaskan waters and recent activities in a few other states, as well as current industry initiatives to manage cruise ship pollution. Issues for Congress are discussed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copeland, Claudia
2007-06-14
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Elections in France, 2007 [Updated June 20, 2007]
From the Summary: "On May 6, 2007, the Gaullist Nicolas Sarkozy defeated the Socialist candidate Ségolène Royal in the second round of the French elections to become President of France. He will serve a five-year term. His party lost seats but maintained a solid majority in subsequent legislative elections. Since 1981, France has had only two presidents. There is a sense of malaise in the country, in part due to high unemployment and slow economic growth. Sarkozy represents a younger generation of leaders. Sarkozy casts himself as a tough-minded former Interior Minister. His campaign built on his reputation as hard on illegal immigration and insistent on greater efforts by the country's large Muslim community to better integrate itself into French life. […] Sarkozy presents himself as a friend of the United States and an admirer of American culture but added that France under his leadership would assert its usual independence. Royal was sharply critical of the Bush Administration and contended that U.S. 'unilateralism' in recent years has damaged bilateral relations and increased instability in the Middle East. It is possible that Sarkozy will pursue a practical and non-ideological posture towards the United States. He is unlikely to alter the U.S.-French relationship in a stark manner. Cooperation over counterterrorism measures, multinational operations in Lebanon, the Balkans, and Afghanistan, and good trade relations are likely to continue. This report will be updated to reflect the outcome of the presidential and legislative elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.
2007-06-20
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Congressional Staff: Duties and Functions of Selected Positions [June 25, 2008]
From the Summary: "The United States Congress conducts several types of activities for which it employs staff. These activities include assisting Members in official responsibilities in personal, committee, leadership, or administrative office settings. Congressional career tracks generally mirror common stages of other professional careers, but with adaptations to the congressional workplace. These adaptations include relatively short career ladders on which staff may acquire substantial responsibilities in a relatively short period of time, and close support of a Member's legislative and representational responsibilities. This report focuses on positions in House and Senate personal offices (Member staff), and provides sample position descriptions for 14 positions with similar job titles in each chamber. As with all congressional entities with employing authority, individual Members of Congress have wide discretion in setting many workplace policies, including procedures for establishing the duties and functions of staff positions. Staffing decisions may be determined by the priorities and goals of a congressional office, and the preferences and needs of a Member's constituents. This report, which will be updated as warranted, is one of several CRS products focusing on various aspects of congressional operations and administration. Others include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33220, 'Support Offices in the House of Representatives: Roles and Authorities', by Ida A. Brudnick; CRS Report RL34188, 'Congressional Official Mail Costs', by Matthew Eric Glassman; CRS Report RL34495, 'Continuation of Employment Benefits for Senate Restaurant Employees', by Jacob R. Straus; and CRS Report RL33686, 'Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress', by R. Eric Petersen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Petersen, R. Eric
2008-06-25
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Border and Transportation Security: Selected Programs and Policies [March 29, 2005]
From the Summary: "Border and Transportation Security (BTS) is a pivotal function in protecting the American people from terrorists and their instruments of destruction. This report addresses selected programs and policies now in place that seek to attain higher levels of BTS. It is the second in a three-part series of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports that make use of analytical frameworks to better understand complex phenomena and cast them in terms that facilitate consideration of alternative policies and practices. (The first report in the series, CRS Report RL32839, Border and Transportation Security: The Complexity of the Challenge, analyzes the reasons why BTS is so difficult to attain. This report is the second in the series. The final report is CRS Report RL32841, Border and Transportation Security: Possible New Directions and Policy Options.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Seghetti, Lisa M.; Robinson, William H.
2005-03-29
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Border and Transportation Security: Possible New Directions and Policy Options [March 29, 2005]
From the Summary: "There is consensus that Border and Transportation Security (BTS) is a pivotal function in protecting the American people from terrorists and their instruments of destruction. The issue for Congress is how to achieve desired levels of security, while not compromising other important values in the process. This report addresses possible new approaches and policy options that might be explored by Congress to attain these goals. It is one of three CRS reports in a series that make use of analytical frameworks to better understand complex problems in BTS and to facilitate consideration of alternative policies and practices. (The first report in the series, CRS Report RL32839, 'Border and Transportation Security: The Complexity of the Challenge,' analyzes the reasons why BTS is so difficult to achieve. The second report CRS Report RL32840, 'Border and Transportation Security: Selected Programs and Policies,' discusses programs now in place. This report is the last in the series)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Seghetti, Lisa M.; Robinson, William H.
2005-03-29
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Border and Transportation Security: The Complexity of the Challenge [March 29, 2005]
From the Summary: "The search for border and transportation security is a complex task. For example, internationally shipped cargoes travel in various conveyances on a variety of infrastructures, through a number of places, are held in the custody of numerous people and organizations, and can involve up to 40 separate documents to complete the journey from the source zone to the distribution zone. This report suggests that if the border can be envisioned not merely as a physical boundary but rather as a flexible concept that allows for the possibility that the border begins at the point where goods or people commence their U.S.-bound journey, a significantly wider array of options for border management policies becomes available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Seghetti, Lisa M.; Robinson, William H.
2005-03-29
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Ukraine's Orange Revolution and U.S. Policy [April 1, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Bush Administration has hailed the 'Orange Revolution' as a part of a wave of democratization sweeping the region and the world, and has proposed a modest increase in U.S. aid to Ukraine. Experts believe that prompt U.S. and international assistance may be needed to help the new government to boost public support before crucial March 2006 parliamentary elections. The United States has also expressed hopes that the United States and Ukraine will work together more effectively on such issues as weapons proliferation and trafficking in persons. The Administration has downplayed Yushchenko's decision to honor a campaign pledge to pull Ukraine's troops out of Iraq by the end of this year. The first stage of the withdrawal was implemented in March 2005. President Yushchenko visited the United States on April 4-7."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.
2005-04-01
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Selected Federal Crime Control Assistance to State and Local Governments [March 22, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) administers a broad spectrum of programs that help prevent crime and assist state and local law enforcement efforts around the nation. In FY2004, three programs accounted for nearly 70% of the direct funding provided under OJP's State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance account. They included the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBGs), the Byrne Formula grants and the Byrne Discretionary grants programs. For FY2005, the LLEBG and the Byrne Formula grant programs were consolidated into one Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. This newly-created JAG program and the Byrne Discretionary grant program account for 62% of the direct funding within the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance account for FY2005. This report summarizes selected grant programs and funding histories that support federal crime control assistance to state and local governments. These programs include the Weed and Seed grant program; the Byrne Discretionary grant program; the Byrne Formula grant program; the LLEBG program; and the new Byrne JAG program. In addition, three congressional set-asides are also discussed, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the National Institute of Justice technology initiative, and the USA Freedom Corps. For FY2005, Congress provided nearly $859 million in funding for these crime control assistance programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hill, Cindy
2005-03-22
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Defense Program Issue: Global Information Grid, Bandwidth Expansion (GIG-BE) [Updated March 11, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Global Information Grid (GIG) is the enabling infrastructure for Network
Centric Warfare (NCW), a concept that relies on communications technology to link together U.S. military personnel, ground vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels through integrated wide and local area networks to provide improved battle space awareness for joint military forces. The GIG Bandwidth Expansion program (GIG-BE) is a component of the overall GIG, that involves upgrading the capacity of the busiest equipment and transmission pathways composing the central portion of the GIG. Some question whether the GIG-BE design will support military requirements for transmitting the expected future high volume of encrypted network traffic. Also, because each service is developing a separate network architecture that will tie into the GIG, some observers question whether these differences will limit interoperability of the overall GIG, and thus reduce its usefulness to warfighters. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Clay
2005-03-11
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Network Centric Warfare: Background and Oversight Issues for Congress [March 18, 2005]
From the Summary: "Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is a key component of DoD planning for transformation of the military. NCW relies on computer processing power and networked communications technology to provide a shared awareness of the battle space for U.S. forces. Proponents say that a shared awareness increases synergy for command and control, resulting in superior decision-making, and the ability to coordinate complex military operations over long distances for an overwhelming war-fighting advantage...The background section of this report describes technologies that support NCW, and includes (1) questions about possible vulnerabilities associated with NCW; (2) a description of directed energy weapons, and other technologies that could be used as asymmetric countermeasures against NCW systems; (3) descriptions of some key military programs for implementing NCW; (4) a list of other nations with NCW capabilities; and, (5) a description of experiences using NCW systems in recent operations involving joint and coalition forces. The final section raises policy issues for NCW that involve planning, budget, network, interoperability, acquisition strategies, offshore outsourcing, technology transfer, asymmetric threats, coalition operations, and U.S. military doctrine."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Clay
2004-06-02
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Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: An Overview of the Statutory Framework and Recent Judicial Decisions [Updated April 21, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1801 'et seq.,' (FISA) as passed in 1978, provided a statutory framework for the use of electronic surveillance in the context of foreign intelligence gathering. In so doing, the Congress sought to strike a delicate balance between national security interests and personal privacy rights. Subsequent legislation expanded federal laws dealing with foreign intelligence gathering to address physical searches, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and access to certain business records. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, P.L. 107-56, made significant changes to some of these provisions. Further amendments were included in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, P.L. 107-108, and the Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296. In addressing international terrorism or espionage, the same factual situation may be the focus of both criminal investigations and foreign intelligence collection efforts. The changes in FISA under these public laws facilitate information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence elements. In its Final Report , the 9/11 Commission noted that the removal of the pre-9/11 'wall' between intelligence and law enforcement 'has opened up new opportunities for cooperative action within the FBI.'... This report will examine the detailed statutory structure provided by FISA and related provisions of E.O. 12333. In addition, it will discuss the decisions of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. Bills from the 108th Congress relating to FISA are addressed in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32608, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: Selected Legislation from the 108th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.
2005-04-21
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 21, 2005]
From the Summary: "Afghanistan is a fragile state that appears to be gradually stabilizing after more than 22 years of warfare, including a U.S.-led war that brought the current government to power. Successful presidential elections held on October 9, 2004 are likely to accelerate stabilization and reconstruction. The report of the 9/11 Commission, as well as legislation passed in December 2004 that implements those recommendations (S. 2845, P.L. 108-458), recommends a long-term commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan; most of these recommendations already form a major part of the U.S. policy framework for Afghanistan. Remaining obstacles to stability include the continued local authority of militias controlled by regional leaders and growing narcotics trafficking. U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government, which has been widely viewed as weak and unable to control the many regional and factional leaders. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; running regional enclaves to create secure conditions for reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs); and disarming militia fighters. U.S.-led forces continue to combat a low level Taliban-led insurgency, and the insurgency appears to have lost traction over the past year. To build security institutions and foster reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan a total of about $1.9 billion for FY2004, most of which was provided in a supplemental appropriation (P.L. 108-106). Almost all U.S. and international sanctions imposed on Afghanistan prior to and during Taliban rule have now been removed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-04-21
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Homeland Security Department: FY2006 Appropriations [April 14, 2005]
From he Summary: "The President's budget request for FY2006 was submitted to Congress on February 7, 2005. The Administration requested $41.1 billion in gross budget authority for FY2006 (including mandatory expenditures, fees, and special funds). The Administration is requesting a net appropriation of $30.6 billion in net budget authority for FY2006, of which $29.6 billion is discretionary budget authority, and $1 billion is mandatory budget authority. The FY2005 enacted net appropriated budget authority for DHS was $33.1 billion, including an advance appropriation of $2.058 billion for Bioshield; without Bioshield, the FY2005 net appropriated budget authority for DHS was $30.1 billion. Not including Bioshield, the FY2006 request for an appropriation of $30.6 in net budget authority represents an increase of 1.7% over the FY2005 enacted amount of $30.1 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-04-14
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Foreign Operations (House)/State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (Senate): FY2006 Appropriations [May 13, 2005]
From the Summary: "One of the major challenges for Congress in considering the Presidents Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting spending proposals is the tightening budget environment. The FY2006 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 95) sets a target for international affairs spending 7% below the Presidents request. The House Appropriations Committees spending allocation among its 10 subcommittees provides $20.27 billion for Foreign Operations, 11.2% less than the submitted proposal. Other key issues for congressional consideration of the FY2006 recommendations include foreign aid in support of the global war on terror, the Millennium Challenge Account, HIV/AIDS funding, spending allocations among the 'core' development and humanitarian aid programs, funding for the new U.S. embassy in Iraq, public diplomacy, educational and cultural exchange programs, rising demands for U.N. peacekeeping contributions, and democracy promotion activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nowels, Larry Q.
2005-05-13
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High Performance Computers and Export Control Policy: Issues for Congress [Updated May 5, 2005]
"Congress has a strong interest in export control policy and technologies that may have both commercial and military applications outside of the United States. Through its constitutionally delegated authority to regulate foreign commerce, it has the authority to control exports for national security or foreign policy purposes. The 107th Congress is closely examining issues of national export control policy, including reauthorization of the Export Administration Act (EAA), and control policies concerning key technologies...Congressional interest in HPCs has primarily, but not exclusively, been focused on the dual-use applications of HPCs...The 108th Congress likely will again consider the the reauthorization of the EAA...There are several issues that congressional policymakers are addressing concerning reauthorization of the Export Administration Act. One is proliferation-- who obtains this technology and how they use it. In response to concerns about proliferation, Congress legislated licensing, post-shipment verification and Congressional notification of exports and changes in licensing thresholds for HPCs. However, some contend that these safeguards and restrictions have not been effective. Another issue is the notification process, in which the executive branch not only notifies the legislative branch of HPC export control changes, but describes the national security implications as well...The U.S. computer industry has raised concerns about another issue-that restrictions only hurt U.S. commercial interests...Yet, there is no consensus as to what should replace MTOPS, if anything. Among the issues facing the 108th Congress are whether to maintain HPC export controls by using MTOPS, revise them by using a benchmark other than MTOPS, or completely eliminate controls in recognition of the worldwide availability of certain technology and rapid technological innovation." - From Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; McLoughlin, Glenn J.
2005-05-05
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Berry Amendment: Requiring Defense Procurement to Come from Domestic Sources [Updated April 21, 2005]
From the Summary: "In the spring of 2001, Congress revisited the Berry Amendment largely in response to a controversy involving the Army's procurement of black berets. DOD had granted the Defense Logistics Agency authority to waive the Berry Amendment in order to purchase berets from foreign sources. However, it was reported that DOD had known for 25 years that no U.S. firm produced a solely domestic beret; this suggested that other violations of the Berry Amendment may have been overlooked or under-reported. This procurement event raised important questions: (1) If the U.S. does not produce a solely domestic item, should DOD procurement be restricted from access to foreign sources? (2) Do procurement policies under the Berry Amendment adequately provide the best value to DOD and the federal government? (3) To what extent do U.S. national security interests justify waivers of the Berry Amendment?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2005-04-21
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Gangs in Central America [May 10, 2005]
From the Summary: "In the past year, there has been increasing attention by the press and policymakers on the effects of crime and gang violence in Central America, and its spillover effects on the United States. The February 2005 arrest of some 103 members of the violent Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang in several cities across the United States ' including a man charged in connection with a December 2004 bus massacre in Honduras that killed 28 people ' raises concerns about the transnational activities of Central American gangs. Citizens in several Central American countries have identified crime and gang violence among the top issues of popular concern, and Honduras and El Salvador have recently enacted tough anti-gang legislation. Gang violence may threaten political stability, inhibit social development, and discourage foreign investment in Central America. Many analysts predict that illicit gang activities may accelerate illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and trafficking in persons and weapons to the United States. Some analysts maintain that contact between gang members in both regions is increasing, and that this tendency may serve to increase gang-related violent crime in the United States. Others assert that unless the root causes of gang violence, which include poverty, joblessness, and the social exclusion of at-risk youth, are addressed in a holistic manner, the problem will continue to escalate. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2005-05-10
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Free Trade Area of the Americas: Major Policy Issues and Status of Negotiations [Updated July 15, 2008]
This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report covers policy issues concerning a free trade area of the Americas. From the Summary: "In 1994, 34 Western Hemisphere nations met at the first Summit of the Americas, envisioning a plan to complete a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by January 1, 2005. Nine years later, at the November 2003 Miami trade ministerial, the United States and Brazil, the FTAA co-chairs, brokered a compromise. It moved the FTAA away from the comprehensive, single undertaking principle, toward a two-tier framework comprising a set of 'common rights and obligations' for all countries, combined with voluntary plurilateral arrangements with country benefits related to commitments. So far, defining this concept has proven elusive, causing the FTAA talks to stall and the January 1, 2005 deadline to be missed. At the fourth Summit of the Americas held in November 2005, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Venezuela blocked an effort to restart negotiations, and should Venezuela become a full member of Mercosur, resistence to resuming FTAA negotiations may harden. This report follows the FTAA process and will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2008-07-15
