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New Jersey Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 31, 2004]
"The Emergency Services Act of 1972 sets out policy and procedures for the use of the state's emergency services to respond to natural and other catastrophes. The governor's Advisory Council for Emergency Services provides oversight of the state emergency management plan, approves funding for disaster response, and recommends changes to compacts to the legislature. The Municipal Natural Disaster Relief program provides assistance to property owners who have no other means to repair property following a disaster and return the property to tax rolls. The statute includes radiological emergency preparedness statutory requirements. The continuity of government provisions provide for interim successors for governor and the relocation of the capital if needed. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-03-31
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Ohio Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [April 1, 2004]
"Ohio's primary emergency management statute, Chapter 55, authorizes the state emergency management agency and countywide emergency management agencies to undertake specified activities and provides for mutual aid agreements, as well as temporary seats of government for state and local governments. Assistance and funding come primarily from appropriations, federal aid and certain tax exemptions. Ohio's emergency interim government code provides lines of succession for all levels of government. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-04-01
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Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [April 2, 2004]
"The governor has broad emergency management powers under the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981 (Ga. Code §38-3-1 et seq.). Local governments must develop emergency management capabilities. The governor is authorized to declare a state of emergency at his or her discretion, but in the event of a public health emergency, the governor must issue a call for a special session of the General Assembly. A state of emergency remains in force until the governor determines that the threat or emergency has passed, or for a period of 30 days maximum. The state of emergency may be renewed by the governor and may be terminated by the General Assembly through enactment of a concurrent resolution. The continuity of government provisions require elected officials to submit the names of designated successors to the secretary of state, and also authorize the relocation of the seat of government to a site within or outside the state. This report is one of a series that profiles the emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and three territories (American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-04-02
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North Carolina Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [April 1, 2004]
"The governor of North Carolina exercises emergency management powers; the Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety has lead responsibility for emergency management administration. The secretary prepares preliminary damage assessments the that governor uses to issue disaster declarations, and determines the appropriate level of response by the state and whether federal assistance is required. Emergency plans are not subject to freedom of information act requests. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Richardson, Sula P.
2004-04-01
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New Mexico Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 31, 2004]
"New Mexico statutes provide for the continuity of government through the designation of state and local government lines of succession and the relocation of the state capital should the need arise. The statutes also provide for hazardous material incident management. The governor, through the Emergency Planning and Coordination Bureau, plans and prepares for emergencies and is authorized to coordinate activities with the federal government and with other states. Appropriations for disaster relief occur each time the governor issues an emergency declaration. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-03-31
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Delaware Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [April 2, 2004]
"Title 20 of the Delaware code addresses emergency management issues. The governor and the director of the Emergency Management Agency are the key entities with responsibility during an emergency. Financial aid is given primarily with federal funds along with state emergency accounts. The 'Emergency Interim Executive Succession Act' provides for the succession of powers in emergencies. Delaware statutes include both an Interstate Civil Defense and Disaster Compact and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This report is one of a series that profiles the emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Richardson, Sula P.
2004-04-02
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated June 5, 2008]
From the Summary: "This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 110th Congress. Most action in the second session is focused on the FY2009 budget request, the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419), and three bills (H.R. 6049, H.R. 5984/H.R. 3221 [S. 2821], and S. 2886) that would extend or modify selected renewable energy and energy efficiency tax incentives. The Climate Security Act (S. 3036) would establish a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Eight of the bill's 17 titles contain provisions for energy efficiency or renewable energy. […] Neither H.R. 3221 nor S. 2886 contains revenue offsets. DOE's [Department of Energy] FY2009 budget request seeks $1,256.1 million for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs, compared to $1,722.4 million for FY2008. The enacted '2008 Farm Bill' extends, expands, and adds to several energy efficiency and renewable energy provisions of the Farm Security Act of 2002. More than 360 bills on energy efficiency and renewable energy have been introduced. About one-third of these bills are focused on renewable fuels and about one-third would provide a tax incentive for investment, energy production, fuel use, or fuel reduction. For each bill listed in this report, a brief description and a summary of action are given, including references to committee hearings and reports. Also, a selected list of congressional hearings, CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports, and Government Accountability Office (GAO) documents on energy efficiency and renewable energy are included. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.; Cunningham, Lynn J.; Gurevitz, Mark
2008-06-05
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Federal Flood Insurance: The Repetitive Loss Problem [June 30, 2005]
"Historically, flooding has been the most common natural disaster in the United States, costing more in property damages than any other natural disaster. In response to the trend of building homes and businesses in flood-prone areas and the increasing cost of damages caused by floods, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. The object was to reduce future flood losses through flood hazard identification, floodplain management (i.e., land use controls and building codes), and insurance protection. NFIP coverage is available to all owners and occupants of insurable property in a participating community."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.
2005-06-30
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United Nations Reform: U.S. Policy and International Perspectives [Updated May 28, 2008]
From the Summary: "Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has been in a constant state of transition as various international stakeholders seek ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.N. system. Recent controversies, such as corruption of the Iraq Oil-For-Food Program, allegations of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers, and instances of waste, fraud and abuse by U.N. staff, have focused renewed attention on the need for change and improvement of the United Nations. Many in the international community, including the United States, have increased pressure on U.N. member states to implement substantive reforms. The 110th Congress will most likely continue to focus on U.N. reform as it considers appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the United Nations and monitors the progress and implementation of ongoing and previously-approved reform measures. […] Congress has maintained a significant interest in the overall effectiveness of the United Nations. Some Members are particularly interested in U.N. Secretariat and management reform, with a focus on enhanced accountability and internal oversight. In the past, Congress has enacted legislation that links U.S. funding of the United Nations to specific U.N. reform benchmarks. Opponents of this strategy argue that tying U.S. funding to U.N. reform may negatively impact diplomatic relations and could hinder the United States' ability to conduct foreign policy. Supporters contend that the United Nations has been slow to implement reforms and that linking payment of U.S. assessments to progress on U.N. reform is the most effective way to motivate member states to efficiently pursue comprehensive reform. This report will be updated as policy changes or congressional actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-05-28
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Oversight Issues and Options for Congress [Updated May 23, 2008]
From the Summary: "The Navy is procuring a new type of surface combatant called the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Navy substantially restructured the LCS program in 2007 in response to significant cost growth and schedule delays in the program. The Navy's proposed FY2009 budget requests $920 million in procurement funding for the procurement of two LCSs, which would be the fourth and fifth ships in the restructured LCS program. The LCS is a small, fast, relatively inexpensive combat ship that is to be equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages, including unmanned vehicles (UVs). The basic version of the LCS, without any mission packages, is referred to as the LCS sea frame. The Navy wants to procure a total of 55 LCSs. […] The House and Senate Armed Services Committees, in their reports (H.Rept. 110-652 of May 16, 2008 and S.Rept. 110-335 of May 12, 2008, respectively) on the FY2009 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5658/S. 3001), approved the procurement of two LCSs in FY2009 but reduced the Navy's FY2009 ship procurement funding request for the LCS program by $80 million and $123 million, respectively. The issue for Congress for FY2009 is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's restructured LCS program. The LCS program raises potential oversight issues for Congress relating to cost growth, total program acquisition cost, the procurement cost cap, technical risk, operational evaluation and competition for production, a proposed common combat system, and coordination of sea frames and mission packages. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-05-23
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Navy Nuclear-Powered Surface Ships: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated May 22, 2008]
From the Summary: "Some Members of Congress, particularly on the House Armed Services Committee, have expressed interest in expanding the use of nuclear power to a wider array of Navy surface ships, starting with the Navy's planned CG(X) cruiser, the first of which the Navy wants to procure in FY2011. Section 1012 of the FY2008 Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4986/P.L. 110-181 of January 28, 2008) makes it U.S. policy to construct the major combatant ships of the Navy, including the CG(X), with integrated nuclear power systems, unless the Secretary of Defense submits a notification to Congress that the inclusion of an integrated nuclear power system in a given class of ship is not in the national interest. The Navy has studied nuclear power as a design option for the CG(X), but has not yet announced whether it would prefer to build the CG(X) as a nuclear-powered ship. Procurement of a nuclear-powered CG(X) in FY2011 would, under normal budgeting practices, involve funding the ship's long-leadtime nuclear-propulsion components in FY2009. […] In assessing whether the CG(X) or other future Navy surface ships should be nuclear-powered, Congress may consider a number of issues, including cost, operational effectiveness, ship construction, ship maintenance and repair, crew training, ports calls and forward home-porting, and environmental impact. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-05-22
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Emergency Communications Safety Net: Integrating 911 and Other Services [Updated September 1, 2005]
"The present capability and future effectiveness of America's network of emergency telecommunications services are among the homeland security issues under review by Congress and other entities. Emergency calls (911) on both wireline (landline) and wireless networks are considered by many to be part of this network. The 9/11 Commission recommended that 911 call centers be included in planning for emergency responses. As technologies that can support 911 improve, many are seeing the possibility of integrating 911 into a wider safety net of emergency communications and alerts. Without robust support and back-up, 911 systems can be overwhelmed or rendered useless, as occurred in many locations after Hurricane Katrina struck Gulf Coast communities on August 29, 2005. [...] This report reviews key points about the implementation of 911 and reviews some of the ways in which it might be integrated with existing or envisioned networks or services. It will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2005-09-01
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America COMPETES Act and the FY2009 Budget [Updated May 22, 2008]
From the Summary: "The America COMPETES Act (P.L. [Public Law] 110-69) responds to concerns that the United States may not be able to compete economically with other nations in the future due to insufficient investment today in science and technology research and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. A similar concern led President Bush to announce the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) in January 2006. In March 2008, both the House and Senate included in their budget resolutions support for the America COMPETES Act. […] In STEM education, the act authorizes ED [Department of Education] and NSF [National Science Foundation] programs to encourage STEM degree majors and professionals to become K-12 [kindergarten through twelfth grade] STEM teachers. At ED, an issue for Congress is that although the Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow program is appropriated for FY2008, the Administration proposes to eliminate it for FY2009. At NSF, the FY2009 budget justification provides a FY2008 budget estimate less than Congress appropriated for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program and requests FY2009 funding at approximately 10% of that authorized in the act. At DOE, an issue is the degree to which DOE has taken actions to establish the new DOE [Department of Energy] STEM education initiatives authorized in the act. The DOE FY2009 budget justification notes the America COMPETES Act and mentions many DOE STEM education programs, but it does not identify any specific America COMPETES Act initiatives. As a result, the status of these programs is unclear."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stine, Deborah D.
2008-05-22
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International Space Station and the Space Shuttle [Updated May 29, 2008]
From the Summary: "The International Space Station (ISS) program began in 1993, with Russia joining the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Crews have occupied ISS on a 4-6 month rotating basis since November 2000. The U.S. Space Shuttle, which first flew in April 1981, has been the major vehicle taking crews and cargo back and forth to ISS, but the shuttle system has encountered difficulties since the 'Columbia' disaster in 2003. Russian Soyuz spacecraft are also used to take crews to and from ISS, and Russian Progress spacecraft deliver cargo, but cannot return anything to Earth, since they are not designed to survive reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. A Soyuz is always attached to the station as a lifeboat in case of an emergency. […] NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] programs were funded for FY2008 in Division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161). The Space Operations program, which includes the space shuttle and the ISS, was funded at $6.734 billion. For FY2009 NASA requested $5.775 billion for these programs, but in the process revised its budgeting to move its overhead costs to a new account called Cross-Agency Support. Under the new system, the FY2008 Space Operations program would have received $5.526 billion, about $250 million less than the FY2009 request. A FY2009 NASA authorization bill (H.R. 6063) was introduced May 15, 2008. Among the provisions in the one-year authorization bill is a 'Sense of the Congress' urging cooperation in the Moon/Mars activities with other nations pursuing human space flight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.
2008-05-29
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Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding [Updated September 5, 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 has appropriated over $20 billion to the DRF in FY2005 in response to the four hurricanes that struck Florida in the fall of 2004, Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005), and other disasters. Congress can elect to consider supplemental appropriations should additional money be required to meet requests for assistance. This report will be updated as warranted by events."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2005-09-05
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated March 31, 2005]
From the Summary: "Since the defeat of the Taliban, Afghanistan no longer serves as a safe base of operations for Al Qaeda. Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban, and women are participating in economic and political life, a point highlighted during First Lady Laura Bush's visit to Afghanistan on March 29, 2005. Political reconstruction is slowly following the route laid out by major Afghan factions and the international community during the U.S.-led war. A loya jirga (traditional Afghan assembly) adopted a new constitution on January 4, 2004. Presidential and parliamentary elections were to be held by June 2004, but security concerns and factional infighting caused the presidential elections to be postponed until October 9, 2004. Parliamentary and provincial elections are postponed until September 18, 2005, with district elections put off until 2006. The presidential elections were held amid high turnout and minimal violence; interim president Karzai was declared first-round winner on November 3, 2004. A new cabinet was sworn in December 27, 2004."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-03-31
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Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated March 22, 2005]
From the Summary: "As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 109th Congress will be how to best support political and economic change in one of world's remaining communist nations. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. The Bush Administration has further tightened restrictions on travel for family visits, other categories of travel, and on sending private humanitarian assistance to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba -- to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island -- there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-03-22
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Defense: FY2006 Authorization and Appropriations [Updated July 15, 2005]
"Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. It summarizes the status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity, and is updated as events warrant. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Daggett, Stephen
2005-07-15
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Defense Transformation: Background and Oversight Issues for Congress [Updated April 4, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Administration argues that new technologies make defense transformation possible and that new threats to U.S. security make defense transformation necessary. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for placing increased emphasis in U.S. defense planning on irregular warfare including terrorism, insurgencies, and civil war; potential catastrophic security threats, such as the possession and possible use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and rogue states; and potential disruptive events, such as the emergence of new technologies that could undermine current U.S. military advantages. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for shifting U.S. military forces toward a greater reliance on joint operations, network-centric warfare, effects-based operations, speed and agility, and precision application of firepower. Transformation could affect the defense industrial base by transferring funding from 'legacy' systems to transformational systems, and from traditional DOD contractors to firms that previously have not done much defense work."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2005-04-04
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Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [Updated July 12, 2005]
"The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, processes and organizations across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g. electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed). [...] Issues in critical infrastructure protection include how to integrate cyber and physical protection; mechanisms for sharing information between the government, the private sector, and the public; the need to set priorities; and, whether or not the federal government will need to employ more direct incentives to achieve an adequate level of protection by the private sector and states. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.
2005-07-12
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Iraq: Oil-For-Food Program, International Sanctions, and Illicit Trade [Updated April 6, 2005]
From the Summary: "The 'oil-for-food' program (OFFP) was the centerpiece of a long-standing U.N. Security Council effort to alleviate human suffering in Iraq while maintaining key elements of the Gulf war-related sanctions regime. In order to ensure that Iraq remained contained and that only humanitarian needs are served by the program, the program mandated substantial controls on Iraqi oil exports and humanitarian imports. All Iraqi oil revenues earned under the program were held in a U.N.-controlled escrow account and were not accessible to the regime of Saddam Hussein. The program has terminated now that Saddam Hussein's regime has fallen, an Iraqi government assumed sovereignty on June 28, 2004, and Saddam-era United Nations sanctions have been lifted. However, since the fall of the regime, there have been new allegations of misuses of the program, including allegations that politicians and businessmen in numerous countries received illicit proceeds from the program. Several investigations, including one by the United Nations, have been spawned by these allegations. This product will be updated as warranted by major developments. See also CRS Report RL31339, 'Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2005-04-06
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Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy [Updated April 1, 2005]
From the Summary: "The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, but there has been friction in relations with the Chávez government. The Bush Administration expressed strong support for the work of the OAS in resolving the crisis, welcomed the May 2003 political accord, and supported its implementation. After the recall referendum, the Administration congratulated the Venezuelan people for their commitment to democracy and commended the work of the OAS and Carter Center. At the same time, U.S. officials stressed the importance of reconciliation on the part of the government and the opposition in order to resolve their political differences peacefully. A dilemma for U.S. policymakers has been how to press the Chávez government to adhere to democratic principles without taking sides in Venezuela's polarized political conflict. Since Venezuela is a major supplier of foreign oil to the United States, a key U.S. interest has been ensuring the continued flow of oil exports at a reasonable and stable price. Despite friction in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and despite past threats by President Chávez to stop selling oil to the United States, Venezuela has remained a steady supplier of oil to the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-04-01
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Defense Authroization and Appropriations Bills: A Chronology, FY1970-FY2006 [Updated June 23, 2005]
"This report is a research aid, which lists the DOD authorization bills (Table 1) and appropriations bills (Table 2). This includes all the pertinent information on the passage of these bills through the legislative process: bill numbers, report numbers, dates reported and passed, recorded vote numbers and vote tallies, dates of passage of the conference reports with their numbers and votes, vetoes, substitutions, dates of final passage, and public law numbers. Table 3 shows real growth or decline in national defense funding for FY1940-FY2009. Table 4 gives a more detailed picture of both regular and supplemental defense appropriations from the 103rd Congress to the present (FY1993-FY2005). Table 5 shows the Presidents DOD appropriations budget requests for FY1950-FY2005 vs. final amount enacted. Finally, key definitions are included. This report will be updated as legislative activity warrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom; Carter, Linwood B.
2005-06-23
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Washington Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [September 22, 2004]
"The governor and the director of the state of Washington's Emergency Management Division are authorized to carry out state programs, coordinate with local governments and serve as liaison with federal and other state governments. The emergency management council conducts an annual state emergency preparedness assessment. Special accounts have been established in the state treasury for natural disasters; in addition, funds in these accounts may be used for national security preparedness. The statutory code contains provisions related to search and rescue and pipeline safety. If the governor is unable to fulfill the duties of the office, legislative leaders are to assume the role, or legislators may elect an acting governor. The location of the capital may be moved if necessary. This report is one of a series that profiles emergency management and homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith; Runyon, L. Cheryl; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-09-22
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Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated May 23, 2008]
From the Summary: "Some Members of Congress this year have expressed interest in the option of procuring a 10th San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ship in FY2009, so as to help meet the Marine Corps' goal for amphibious lift capability. The Navy's proposed FY2009 budget does not request funding for a 10th LPD-17 and instead proposes ending LPD-17 procurement with the ninth ship, which was procured in FY2008. The Navy's planned 313-ship fleet calls for a 31-ship amphibious force that includes 10 LPD-17s, and the Marine Corps states that a 33-ship amphibious force that includes 11 LPD-17s would be required to fully meet the Marine Corps' amphibious lift goal. […] The House Armed Services Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 110-652 of May 16, 2008) on the FY2009 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5658), recommended a total of $1,800 million in FY2009 procurement funding for the procurement of a 10th LPD-17. This total includes the conversion of the Navy's requested $103.2 million in program closeout costs into procurement funding, and the addition of another $1,696.8 million in procurement funding. The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its report (S.Rept. 110-335 of May 12, 2008) on the FY2009 defense authorization bill (S. 3001), recommends a total of $273.2 million in advance procurement funding for the procurement of a 10th LPD- 17 in FY2010. This total includes the conversion of the Navy's requested $103.2 million in program closeout costs into advance procurement funding, and the addition of another $170.0 million in advance procurement funding. This report will be updated when events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-05-23
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Global Peace Operations Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 11, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Bush Administration has requested $95.2 million in FY2008 funds for the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), a multilateral, five-year program with planned U.S. contributions of some $660 million from FY2005 through FY2009. Its primary purpose is to train and equip 75,000 military troops, a majority of them African, for peacekeeping operations by 2010. GPOI also provides support for the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU), an Italian training center for gendarme (constabulary police) forces in Vicenza, Italy. In addition, GPOI is promoting the development of an international transportation and logistics support system for peacekeepers, and is encouraging an information exchange to improve international coordination of peace operations training and exercises in Africa. In June 2004, G8 leaders pledged to support the goals of the initiative. […] Congress has tended to view the concept of the GPOI program favorably, but the 109th Congress balked at providing funding for a number of reasons: a lack of a strategic plan and evaluation program, perceived laxness in management, and a sense of a less than full commitment to the program by State Department, among others. The State Department has taken some steps to remedy these perceived shortcomings. Other issues may prove most salient in the 110th Congress (particularly whether GPOI funds should be provided for future support for CoESPU, whether the GPOI program is meeting its goals, and whether GPOI is too Africa-centric)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2007-06-11
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How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal [Updated May 25, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report is intended for Members and staff assisting grant seekers in districts and states, and it includes writing proposals for both government and private foundations grants. In preparation for writing a proposal, the report first discusses preliminary information gathering and preparation, developing ideas for the proposal, gathering community support, identifying funding resources, and seeking preliminary review of the proposal and support of relevant administrative officials. The second section of the report covers the actual writing of the proposal, from outlining of project goals, stating the purpose and objectives of the proposal, explaining the program methods to solve the stated problem, and how the results of the project will be evaluated, to long-term project planning, and, finally, developing the proposal budget. The last section of the report includes a listing of free grants-writing websites, some in Spanish as well as English, including the Foundation Center's 'Proposal Writing Short Course.' Related CRS [Congressional Research Report] reports are CRS Report 97-220, 'Grants Work in a Congressional Office'; CRS Report RL34012, 'Grants Information for Constituents'; and CRS Report RS21117, 'Ethical Considerations in Assisting Constituents With Grant Requests Before Federal Agencies'. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gerli, Merete F.
2007-05-25
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Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program: Funding Issues and Activities [Updated June 4, 2007]
From the Summary: "In the early 1990s, Congress recognized that several federal agencies had ongoing high-performance computing programs, but no central coordinating body existed to ensure long-term coordination and planning. To provide such a framework, Congress passed the High-Performance Computing and Communications Program Act of 1991 (P.L. [Public Law] 102-194) to enhance the effectiveness of the various programs. In conjunction with the passage of the act, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released 'Grand Challenges: High-Performance Computing and Communications'. That document outlined a research and development (R&D) strategy for high-performance computing and a framework for a multiagency program, the High-Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program. The HPCC Program has evolved over time and is now called the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program, to better reflect its expanded mission. […] Finally, proponents of government support believe that the outcomes achieved through the various funding programs create a synergistic environment in which both fundamental and application-driven research are conducted, benefitting government, industry, academia, and the public. Supporters also believe that such outcomes justify government's role in funding IT R&D, as well as the growing budget for the NITRD Program. Critics assert that the government, through its funding mechanisms, may be picking 'winners and losers' in technological development, a role more properly residing with the private sector. For example, the size of the NITRD Program may encourage industry to follow the government's lead on research directions rather than selecting those directions itself. The FY2008 budget calls for $3.056 billion for the NITRD Program, a decrease from the FY2007 budget request of $3.062 billion. Because the NITRD Program budget consists of the budgets allocated to the 13 participating agencies, final budget figures are not available for FY2007."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2007-06-04
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Afghanistan: Government Formation and Performance [Updated May 13, 2008]
From the Summary: "Post-Taliban Afghanistan has adopted a constitution and elected a president and a parliament; that body is emerging as a significant force and sometimes challenger to President Hamid Karzai. The central government's limited writ, which many Afghans believe should remain limited, and its perceived corruption, are helping sustain a Taliban insurgency. See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL30588, 'Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-05-13
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Ecuador: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [Updated May 21, 2008]
From the Summary: "Ecuador, a small, oil-producing country in the Andean region of South America, has experienced ten years of political and economic instability. On January 15, 2007, Rafael Correa, a left-leaning, U.S.-trained economist, was inaugurated to a four-year presidential term, becoming the country's eighth president in ten years. President Correa has fulfilled his campaign pledge to call a constituent assembly to reform the country's constitution. The assembly, which is controlled by representatives from Correa's party, has until the end of July 2008 to draft a new constitution. Many Ecuadorians approved of Correa's condemnation of Colombia's unauthorized March 2008 raid of a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) camp in Ecuador. They also support his decision not to renew the current U.S. lease on the air force base at Manta when it expires in 2009, a decision which has strained U.S.-Ecuadorian relations. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about President Correa's ties with Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and his stated polices on trade and energy matters. Despite those concerns, Congress enacted legislation in February 2008 to extend U.S. trade preferences for Ecuador through December 2008. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22548, 'ATPA [Andean Trade Preference Act] Renewal: Background and Issues'. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2008-05-21
