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Counterintelligence Reform at the Department of Energy: Policy Issues and Organizational Alternatives [Updated March 8, 2005]
From the Summary: "Troubled by reported lapses in security and counterintelligence (CI) at the Department of Energy (DOE), the Congress in 1999 established a semi-autonomous agency -- the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) -- to oversee DOE's national security-related programs (P.L. 106-65). Within NNSA, Congress created the Office of Defense Nuclear Counterintelligence to 'implement' CI policy at NNSA facilities. DOE retained a separate Office of Counterintelligence, which 'develops' CI policy for DOE and NNSA, but, implements it only at non-NNSA facilities. Though representing separate organizations, the two CI offices share resources and personnel for some programs. Although DOE has taken steps to strengthen CI practices, some observers have questioned whether the Department's bifurcated CI structure is the most effective in countering continuing efforts by foreign intelligence services, friendly and hostile, to target DOE and NNSA facilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cumming, Alfred
2005-03-08
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Iraq: Summary of U.S. Forces [Updated March 14, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report provides a summary estimate of military forces that have reportedly been deployed to and subsequently withdrawn from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), popularly called the Persian Gulf region, to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. For background information on the AOR, see [http://www.centcom.mil/aboutus/aor.htm]. Geographically, the USCENTCOM AOR stretches from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia. The information about military units that have been deployed and withdrawn is based on both official government public statements and estimates identified in selected news accounts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Linwood B.
2005-03-14
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Terrorist Financing: The 9/11 Commission Recommendation [Updated February 25, 2005]
From the Summary: "Although efforts to seize terrorist funds have met with some success, in July 2004, the 9/11 Commission asserted that the likelihood of being able to continue freezing funds may diminish as terrorists seek increasingly more informal methods of earning and moving money. The financial support of terrorism involves both earning funds, through legal and illegal means, and the illicit movement of money to terrorist groups. The Commission recommended that the U.S. government shift the focus of its efforts to counter terrorist financing from a strategy based on seizing terrorist assets to a strategy based on exploiting intelligence gathered from financial investigations. This report will be updated as events require."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2005-02-25
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World Bank: Changing Leadership and Issues for the United States and Congress [Updated March 17, 2005]
From the Summary: "The decision of World Bank President James Wolfensohn to resign in May 2005 has triggered the search for a successor. Although any member of the World Bank Executive Board can propose a candidate for election by a majority vote of members, tradition dictates that the United States selects the President at the World Bank and Europe chooses the International Fund Managing Director. Although there is repeated criticism of this arrangement, and actual proposals to change the system have been considered, it is unlikely that this tradition will be abandoned during the current selection process. The focus of the next World Bank President likely will be on many development issues including global humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and debt relief for the poorest countries, among others. Congress has a significant role in shaping U.S. policy at the World Bank through funding arrangements and oversight responsibility. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2005-03-17
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Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations [Updated March 2, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report provides an annotated list of U.N. agencies that are involved in Iraq, key U.S. government agencies, and a sample list of major international and U.S. - based aid organizations that are providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet links to the U.N. agencies and humanitarian aid organizations are also provided. For detailed discussion on humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Iraq, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31833, Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom
2005-03-02
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Democratic Republic of Congo: Transitional Process and U.N. Mission [March 22, 2005]
From the Summary: "The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to hold local and national elections in mid-2005, as called for in the 2002 South African-sponsored Pretoria Agreement. The Transitional Government faces daunting challenges. The eastern part of the country is marred by insecurity and instability due to factional fighting and the presence of the Interhamwe, the group responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. For background information on the DRC and the Great Lakes region, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32128, 'Africa's Great Lakes Region: Current Conditions in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.' This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2005-03-22
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South Carolina Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities [June 18, 2004]
"South Carolina's primary emergency management statute, Title 25 of the South Carolina Code, sets out the roles of the governor and the state Emergency Management Agency. The statute also creates a public health emergency plan committee and provides for the negotiation of mutual aid agreements. State emergency management activities are funded by federal allocations, state matching grants, and a state disaster trust fund. The Emergency Interim Legislative Succession Act provides for the succession of powers in emergencies. Other provisions allow the state and local seats of government to be relocated in an emergency. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 modified many portions of state statutes concerning emergency management, emergency health powers, and freedom of information. 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.
2004-06-18
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Tennessee Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [May 27, 2004]
"Tennessee's emergency management statutes are codified in the Disasters, Emergencies and Civil Defense chapter of the state code. The General Assembly has found that the population of the state is vulnerable to a range of disasters, including natural, technological, and terrorist events. The governor, General Assembly, and local officials share responsibilities such as developing disaster plans, providing aid, issuing emergency declarations, and ensuring the continuity of the government. Funds are provided through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, with some funds earmarked from sale of special license plates. Mutual aid is provided through three compacts. The statute prohibits price gouging after disasters occur. 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.
2004-05-27
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New York Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 23, 2004]
"New York state statutes provide that local government and emergency organizations serve as the 'first line of defense in times of disaster' and that the state provides support as needed. The governor's powers include declaring a disaster, coordinating the response of state agencies after a disaster, issuing a declaration of significant economic distress for a municipality after a disaster, and allowing it to apply for state funding. The state disaster preparedness commission is responsible for developing a state disaster preparedness plan. Should a natural disaster significantly affect voter turnout, elections can be rescheduled to allow all voters an opportunity to participate. 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.
2004-03-23
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Pennsylvania Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [March 23, 2004]
"The Emergency Management Services Code (35 Pa. C.S.A. 7101 et seq.) for Pennsylvania outlines emergency management roles and responsibilities for the commonwealth and local governments. Provisions include the authority of the governor to take emergency action, the mission of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and mandates to be taken to reduce the risk of future disasters. The Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act (71 P.S. 779.1 et seq.) provides for the continuity of government operations. The Temporary War Legislation (35 P.S. 2001 et seq.) authorizes civil defense actions to be taken by state officials. 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.
2004-03-23
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Indiana Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [March 26, 2004]
"Three Indiana statutes address aspects of terrorism and emergency management: the 'Emergency Management and Disaster Law;' a second concerning the State Emergency Management Agency, and a third pertaining to the Emergency Management, Fire and Building Services, and Public Safety Training Foundation. Financial aid is provided through state disaster funds, federal grants or loans, and state emergency management funds. The governor may declare a disaster and delegate command authority. Statutes authorize the establishment of mutual aid agreements 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; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-03-26
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Nebraska Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 30, 2004]
"The Nebraska Emergency Management Act delegates powers to the governor, creates the emergency management agency and local emergency management agencies, outlines disaster mitigation and provides for mutual aid agreements. Assistance and funding emanate primarily from federal aid and the Governor's Emergency Cash Fund. State and political subdivisions may enter into mutual aid agreements. The statute provides for participation in the Interstate Civil Defense and Disaster Compact. Constitutional authority gives the legislature power to provide for succession to public offices and to convene with or without a call by the governor. The legislature may select temporary seats of government for state and local governments. 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.
2004-03-30
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Iowa Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized [March 26, 2004]
"The primary Iowa emergency management statute (Iowa Code Title I, §29C) delegates emergency powers and authorities to the governor, the state Emergency Management Division, and local emergency management commissions. The General Assembly, or the Legislative Council if the former is not in session, may rescind a gubernatorial declaration of a disaster. Assistance and funding are accomplished through a combination of federal aid, fees, a state emergency response fund, and a state contingent fund. If the state emergency management administrator determines that localities have not prepared adequate plans or hired qualified coordinators, local governments may be prohibited from appropriating funds for such purposes. Iowa participates in interstate compacts for mutual aid, and provides for mutual assistance and training between local governments. 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.
2004-03-26
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Florida Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [March 26, 2004]
"The 'State Emergency Management Act' sets out emergency powers and provides for mutual aid agreements. Seven entities are vested with specific statutory responsibilities in relation to emergency management. One notable agency is the Florida Domestic Security and Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Center, the role of which is to gather terrorism related data. The governor may assume full control of emergency management functions in an emergency. State financial assistance for the administration of state and local emergency management activities is derived from an emergency management fund. Continuity of government laws cover elected officials and the judiciary, and are geared toward effectively filling vacant positions, following lines of succession and relocating government during an emergency. Emergency management plans and emergency medical capabilities are exempt from standard public information provisions. 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; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-03-26
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Idaho Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [March 26, 2004]
"Four Idaho statutes address aspects of terrorism and emergency management--the Terrorist Control Act, the Post-Attack Resource Management Act, the Emergency Relocation Act, and the Idaho Disaster Preparedness Act. The Bureau of Disaster Services is the lead emergency management agency for the state. After a disaster occurs, financial aid is given in the form of claims to the military division, tax relief, federal funds and state emergency accounts. The legislature provides for succession to state offices in emergencies. State and local seats of government may be relocated in an emergency. Idaho is a member of both the Interstate Mutual Aid Compact and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. 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.
2004-03-26
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Internet: An Overview of Key Technology Policy Issues Affecting Its Use and Growth [Updated July 20, 2005]
"The continued growth of the Internet for personal, government, and business purposes may be affected by a number of technology policy issues being debated by Congress. Among them are access to broadband (high-speed) Internet services, computer and Internet security, Internet privacy, the impact of 'spam,' concerns about what children may encounter (such as pornography) when using the Internet, management of the Internet Domain Name System, and government information technology management. This report provides overviews of those issues, plus appendices providing a list of pending legislation, a list of acronyms, a discussion of legislation passed in earlier Congresses, and a list of other CRS reports that provide more detail on these and related topics. Other issues that are not directly related to technology could also affect the use and growth of the Internet, such as intellectual property rights. They are not addressed in this report, but the list of CRS products in Appendix D includes reports on related topics. Because this report is updated only quarterly, it does not attempt to track legislation. For more timely information, see the other CRS reports identified in the following sections and in Appendix D."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Marcia S.
2005-07-20
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Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized [April 2, 2004]
"Connecticut's primary emergency management statute is chapter 517, Civil Preparedness, which delegates powers to the governor, emergency management office and local civil preparedness organizations, and provides for mutual aid agreements. Assistance and funding come primarily from federal aid with some aid to municipalities coming from a local emergency relief account within the state's general fund. Connecticut is a member of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and may participate in interstate compacts for mutual military aid or reciprocal mutual aid. 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; Warnock, Kae M.
2004-04-02
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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
