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Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance [Updated May 22, 2008]

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From the Summary: "A large-scale assistance program has been undertaken by the United States in Iraq since mid-2003. To date, nearly $45 billion has been appropriated for Iraq reconstruction. On December 26, 2007, H.R. 2764, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was signed into law (P.L. [Public Law] 110-161). Although it specifically rejects most regular or supplemental economic assistance to Iraq under the State/Foreign Operations appropriations, it provides about $2.1 billion in reconstruction assistance, mostly for the training of Iraqi security forces. Congress is currently considering a $6.2 billion FY2008 and FY2009 supplemental request for Iraq economic and security reconstruction aid. […] Reconstruction priorities have changed over time. Allocations within the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), the main U.S. assistance account in the first few years, mirrored shifting events on the ground. However, funds shifted to security and democratization in the period from 2004 to 2006 meant fewer funds available for electric power and water projects. At this time, most large-scale infrastructure programs are no longer funded; however, many small-scale, targeted community-level infrastructure efforts are funded under the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP) and the Economic Support Fund (ESF). The key emphases of the aid program are the training of Iraqi forces and programs assisting the development of Iraqi governing capacities and supporting the work of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). The report will be updated as events warrant."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Tarnoff, Curt

2008-05-22
Open Skies Treaty: Background and Issues [Updated June 7, 2021]

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From the Document: "The United States announced [hyperlink] its withdrawal [hyperlink] from the Treaty on Open Skies [hyperlink] on May 22, 2020; this withdrawal took effect [hyperlink] on November 22, 2020. Russia announced [hyperlink] its plans [hyperlink] to withdraw, while beginning the domestic procedures for withdrawal on January 15, 2021. The Russian Duma approved the law [hyperlink] authorizing Russia's withdrawal in May 2021, with the Federation Council following in early June. President Putin signed the law [hyperlink] on June 7, 2021; Russia's withdrawal will be complete in early December 2021. When it withdrew from the Treaty on Open Skies, the Trump Administration cited U.S. concerns about Russian compliance. [...] While President Biden had disagreed during the campaign with the prior Administration's decision to withdraw from Open Skies, his Administration informed Russia [hyperlink] on May 27, 2021 that the United States would not rejoin the Treaty."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Woolf, Amy F.

2021-06-07
Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated June 17, 2021]

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From the Overview: "The World Health Organization (WHO) first declared COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] a world health emergency in January 2020; on March 11 it announced the viral outbreak was officially a pandemic, the highest level of health emergency. Since then, the emergency evolved into a global public health and economic crisis that affected the $90 trillion global economy beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. [...] By early March 2020, the focal point of infections shifted from China to Europe, especially Italy, but by April, the focus had shifted to the United States, where the number of infections had been accelerating. By April 2021, India and Brazil emerged as viral hot spots with the number of infections and deaths reaching daily record levels in those countries. [...] The infection has sickened over 174 million people globally with over 3.7 million fatalities. The United States reported that by mid-June 2021, over 33 million Americans had been diagnosed and nearly 600,000 had died from the virus. [...] During the G-7 (Group of Seven) summit in England on June 11, 2021, the United States and the other G-7 leaders announced they would provide a combined total of 1 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in addition to lifesaving medical supplies, oxygen, diagnostics, therapeutics, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to low and middle income developing countries."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .

2021-06-17
Israel: New Prime Minister and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated June 15, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Israel [...] has forged close bilateral cooperation with the United States in many areas; issues with significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations include the following.  The June 2021 formation of a new Israeli power-sharing government, headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, after 12 years with Binyamin Netanyahu serving as prime minister. [1] Israel's security cooperation with the United States. [2] Issues relevant to Israeli-Palestinian disputes, including the aftermath of May 2021 Israel-Gaza Strip violence, human rights considerations, and Israel's normalization of relations with various Arab states. [3] Concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, including with Lebanon-based Hezbollah."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Zanotti, Jim

2021-06-15
'Flexible Federal Funding: Examining the Community Development Block Grant Program and Its Impact on Addressing Local Challenges': Testimony of Joseph V. Jaroscak, Before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, June 16, 2021

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This is the June 16, 2021 testimony of Joseph V. Jaroscak on "Flexible Federal Funding: Examining the Community Development Block Grant Program and Its Impact on Addressing Local Challenges" before the House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance. From the Introduction: The CDBG [Community Development Block Grant] program is a primary source of flexible federal funding to states, localities, and insular areas for economic and community development, and other related purposes. The program was originally authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, P.L. [Public Law] 93-383, with the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining viable urban communities through the implementation of activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons. CDBG is one of approximately 23 authorized federal block grant programs. [...] Congress plays a primary role in determining the scope and nature of the federal grant-in-aid system. As a deliberative and legislative body, Congress selects objectives, decides which grant mechanism is best suited to achieve those objectives, and creates legislation to achieve these objectives, which incorporates its chosen grant mechanism."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Jaroscak, Joseph V.

2021-06-16
FY2022 Budget Request for the Military Health System [June 15, 2021]

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From the Document: "On May 28, 2021, President Biden submitted his Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget request to Congress. The Department of Defense (DOD) budget request totals $715.0 billion, including $54.0 billion (7.6%) to fund the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS delivers certain health entitlements under Chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code to military personnel, retirees, and their families. The MHS provides health care to nearly 9.7 million beneficiaries in DOD hospitals and clinics--known as military treatment facilities (MTFs)--and through civilian health care providers participating in TRICARE, a DOD administered health insurance-like program. Congress traditionally appropriates mandatory and discretionary funding for the MHS in several accounts within the annual defense appropriations bill. These accounts include Operation and Maintenance (O&M), Military Personnel (MILPERS), and Military Construction (MILCON). DOD refers to these portions of the budget as the unified medical budget (UMB). In previous years, DOD requested and Congress appropriated MHS funding in DOD's base and overseas contingency operations (OCO) budgets. For FY2022, DOD requests MHS funding (including those for direct war costs)in the base budget only. The request does not include a proposal to modify statutory cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mendez, Bryce H. P.

2021-06-15
Funding for Carbon Capture and Carbon Removal at DOE [June 16, 2021]

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From the Document: "Federally funded research and development (R&D) on carbon capture and carbon removal is supported primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In the Energy Act of 2020 (Division Z of P.L. 116-260), Congress authorized an expanded scope for DOE carbon capture and carbon removal research programs. The President's budget request for fiscal year 2022 (FY2022) likewise proposed expanding DOE's activities in these areas compared to previous years. This analysis summarizes these proposed changes and provides information on FY2021 and FY2022 appropriations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lawson, Ashley J.

2021-06-16
Defense Primer: RDT&E [Updated June 14, 2021]

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From the Document: "Advanced technology plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. national security. To maintain technological superiority on the battlefield, the Department of Defense (DOD) relies on scientific and technical knowledge developed in large measure through research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funded by the department and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. DOD also relies increasingly on technology developed by the private sector for commercial markets. This In Focus describes DOD's RDT&E appropriations structure and funding levels. DOD appropriations are provided annually through the defense appropriations act, one of the 12 regular appropriations acts. DOD RDT&E funding is generally provided in three of this act's titles (see box). Congress also sometimes provides DOD RDT&E funding through supplemental appropriations acts. DOD reports FY2021 total obligational authority (enacted) of $110.8 billion."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sargent, John F., Jr.

2021-06-14
Medicare Primer [Updated August 13, 2019]

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From the Summary: "This report provides a general overview of the Medicare program including descriptions of the program's history, eligibility criteria, covered services, provider payment systems, and program administration and financing. A list of commonly used acronyms, as well as information on beneficiary cost sharing, may be found in the appendixes."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Davis, Patricia A.; Binder, Cliff; Hahn, Jim . . .

2019-08-13
Health Care-Related Expiring Provisions of the 116th Congress, First Session [June 21, 2019]

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From the Document: "This report describes selected health care-related provisions that are scheduled to expire during the first session of the 116th Congress (i.e., during calendar year [CY] 2019). For purposes of this report, 'expiring provisions' are defined as portions of law that are time-limited and will lapse once a statutory deadline is reached absent further legislative action. The expiring provisions included in this report are those related to Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private health insurance programs and activities. The report also includes health care-related provisions that were enacted in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148) or last extended under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 2018; P.L. 115-123). In addition, this report describes health care-related provisions within the same scope that expired during the 115th Congress (i.e., during CY2017 or CY2018). Although the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has attempted to be comprehensive, it cannot guarantee that every relevant provision is included here."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Voorhies, Phoenix; Colello, Kirsten J.; Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L. . . .

2019-06-21
Health Care-Related Expiring Provisions of the 116th Congress, Second Session [April 28, 2020]

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From the Summary: "This report describes selected health care-related provisions that are scheduled to expire during the second session of the 116th Congress (i.e., during calendar year [CY] 2020). For purposes of this report, 'expiring provisions' are defined as portions of law that are time-limited and will lapse once a statutory deadline is reached, absent further legislative action. The expiring provisions included in this report are those related to Medicare, Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private health insurance programs and activities. The report also includes health care-related provisions enacted in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148) or extended under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136). In addition, this report describes health care-related provisions within the same scope that expired during the first session of the 116th Congress (i.e., during CY2019). Although the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has attempted to be comprehensive, it cannot guarantee that every relevant provision is included here."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Voorhies, Phoenix; Colello, Kirsten J.; Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L. . . .

2020-04-28
East Timor: Potential Issues for Congress [May 4, 2005]

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From the Summary: "With the help of a transitional United Nations administration, East Timor emerged in 2002 as an independent state after a long history of Portuguese colonialism and more recently, Indonesian rule. This followed a U.N.- organized 1999 referendum in which the East Timorese overwhelmingly voted for independence and after which Indonesian backed pro-integrationist militias went on a rampage. Under several different mandates, the United Nations has provided peacekeeping, humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and capacity building to establish a functioning government. On April 28, 2005, the Security Council established a special one-year political mission to last until May 2006. Many challenges remain, including the need for economic development and sustained support by the international community. Congressional concerns focus on security and the role of the U.N., human rights, and East Timors boundary disputes with Australia and Indonesia. Over time, East Timor could potentially gain significant wealth from energy resources beneath the Timor Sea."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-

2005-05-04
Interagency Security Committee and Security Standards for Federal Buildings [November 23, 2007]

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From the Summary: "The federal government owns or leases 3.7 billion square feet of office space, which may be vulnerable to acts of terrorism and other forms of violence. The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) was created by E.O. 12977 in 1995, following the domestic terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK, to address the quality and effectiveness of physical security requirements for federal facilities. The September 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center renewed concerns about the vulnerability of federal buildings to bombing or other forms of attack. On February 28, 2003, the chairmanship of the ISC was transferred to the Secretary of Homeland Security from the Administrator of General Services by E.O. 13286. In July 2004, based on Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-7, the ISC began reviewing federal agencies' physical security plans to better protect the nation's critical infrastructure and key resources. On December 13, 2006, the ISC issued its 2007-2008 Action Plan, which sets forth revised policy recommendations for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of security in federal facilities. This report will be updated to reflect any policy changes in security standards for federal facilities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Stephanie

2007-11-23
Judge Amy Coney Barrett: Her Jurisprudence and Potential Impact on the Supreme Court [October 6, 2020]

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From the Summary: "On September 26, 2020, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to the Supreme Court of the United States to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on September 18, 2020. [...] This report provides an overview of Judge Barrett's jurisprudence and scholarship and discusses how the Supreme Court might be affected by her confirmation. It first explores the nominee's views on three cross-cutting issues--the role of the judiciary, constitutional construction, and statutory interpretation. The report then addresses the nominee's jurisprudence in six areas of law where the Supreme Court has been closely divided or where the nominee has issued significant opinions, particularly in cases where she disagreed with other jurists. These areas of the law were identified primarily by reviewing Judge Barrett's written judicial opinions and academic scholarship. The report concludes with a number of tables that catalog and briefly describe each of the roughly 90 majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions authored by Judge Barrett during her 35-month tenure on the federal bench."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brannon, Valerie C.; Garcia, Michael John; Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux . . .

2020-10-06
Agency Rescissions of Legislative Rules [February 8, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Federal administrative agencies may carry out their statutory obligations in many ways, including by adjudicating claims or disputes involving private parties, or by issuing oral or written guidance explaining how they understand or interpret their statutory authority or obligations. In addition to these and other actions and activities, federal administrative agencies may, pursuant to congressionally delegated authority, carry out their responsibilities through the promulgation of 'legislative rules'--that is, rules that carry the force of law. [...] This report provides an overview of agency rescissions and alterations of rules. First, it briefly examines the APA's [Administrative Procedure Act] notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements and exceptions to such requirements. It then discusses selected topics central to agency rescissions and alterations. After considering the general requirements agencies must follow when rescinding or altering a rule, the report explains how courts have treated agencies' withdrawal of rules from OFR [Office of the Federal Register], suspension and postponement of rules, and stay of rules pending judicial review under the APA. Following a brief explanation of how new presidential administrations typically respond to the late-term rulemaking activities of prior administrations, the report then discusses the general review standards and principles courts apply when reviewing an agency rescission or change of a rule. Lastly, the report concludes with a summary of selected options available to Congress pertaining to the rescission or alteration of rules and how Congress can use its power of the purse to prohibit agencies from developing, finalizing, or implementing rules."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowers, Kate R.; Sheffner, Daniel J.

2021-02-08
Responses to Midnight Rulemaking: Legal Issues [January 21, 2021]

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From the Document: "Hours after President Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021, the White House issued a memorandum directing agencies to take action with respect to regulations that the Trump Administration issued shortly before the transition. It is common for federal agencies to increase rulemaking activity during the final months of a presidential administration--a phenomenon commonly known as 'midnight rulemaking.' Since Election Day, November 3, 2020, agencies in the Trump Administration issued final rules governing immigration adjudication proceedings; the construction, operation, and maintenance of gas pipelines; rebates under Medicare Part D; and a host of other subjects. Federal agencies also published a number of proposed rules that have not yet been finalized. Since President Reagan took office in 1981, incoming presidential administrations have routinely taken measures to respond to a prior administration's midnight rulemaking activities. This Sidebar explains how the Biden Administration may confront the bevy of rules recently finalized or proposed by the Trump Administration--including rescinding rules that have already taken effect, and suspending the effective dates of rules that were finalized by the prior Administration but which had not yet become legally effective--and how courts generally have responded to challenges to an agency's rescission or postponement of a final rule. This Sidebar also addresses actions Congress could take to rescind or prevent the implementation or enforcement of midnight rules with which it disagrees."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sheffner, Daniel J.; Bowers, Kate R.

2021-01-21
When One Door Closes, Another One Opens: Supreme Court Ruling Restricts Challenges to CERCLA Cleanup but Could Expand State Law Claims [July 9, 2020]

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From the Document: "The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, places limits on how parties may challenge the scope of a plan to remediate hazardous waste contamination. On April 20, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled in 'Atlantic Richfield v. Christian' that owners of property located within a Superfund site may not pursue restoration of their property in a manner that conflicts with a plan approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) without EPA's approval. The 'Atlantic Richfield' decision also addressed complicated questions regarding the jurisdiction of federal and state courts, holding that litigants can, subject to certain limitations, assert state-law claims that challenge an EPA-approved CERCLA cleanup plan in state courts. This Sidebar explains CERCLA's framework for developing and seeking review of cleanup plans, discusses the Atlantic Richfield decision, and considers the implications of the decision. As discussed below, the majority's decision may result in an increase in state-court litigation regarding Superfund sites, particularly in the early stages of the cleanup planning process. It may also complicate the settlement negotiation process for EPA and parties that are liable for response costs at Superfund sites."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowers, Kate R.

2020-07-09
Potential WTO TRIPS Waiver and COVID-19 [June 16, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spurred biopharmaceutical companies to conduct costly and risky research and development (R&D) to develop vaccines and other products to respond to COVID-19. Firms have relied on intellectual property rights (IPR)to commercialize these products. Governments and nonprofits have funded and coordinated some of the underlying R&D. Some groups have voiced concerns over the impact of IPR on affordable access to these products for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). An active debate is unfolding in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the role of IPR in the pandemic response. On May 5, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the Biden Administration's support for the concept of a waiver of the 1995 WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS ) for COVID-19 vaccines, and pledged to 'actively participate in text-based negotiations at the [WTO] to make that happen.' Many consider this notable, given the United States' history of advancing stronger IPR standards globally. Members of Congress have varying views on the issue."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.

2021-06-16
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) Role in Criminal Justice Data Collection and Dissemination [June 15, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), established in 1979, is an agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Its mission is 'to collect, analyze, publish, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. These data are critical to federal, state, and local policymakers in combating crime and ensuring that justice is both efficient and evenhanded.' BJS facilitates its mission by operating statistical, grant-making, and dissemination activities. Many BJS projects involve a combination of these activities. As debates over criminal justice in the United States continue to unfold, policymakers may further examine BJS' role in data collection and dissemination to help inform these discussions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hanson, Emily J.; Finklea, Kristin

2021-06-15
Health Care-Related Expiring Provisions of the 117th Congress, First Session [June 14, 2021]

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From the Summary: "This report describes selected health care-related provisions that are scheduled to expire during the first session of the 117th Congress(i.e., during calendar year [CY] 2021). [...] This report focuses on two types of health care-related provisions[.] [...] The first, and most common, type of provision provides or controls 'mandatory spending,' meaning it provides temporary funding, temporary increases or decreases in funding (e.g., Medicare provider bonus payments), or temporary special protections that may result in changes in funding levels (e.g., Medicare funding provisions that establish a floor). The second type of provision defines 'the authority of government agencies or other entities to act,' usually by authorizing a policy, project, or activity. Such provisions also may temporarily delay the implementation of a regulation, requirement, or deadline or establish a moratorium on a particular activity. Expiring health care provisions that are predominantly associated with discretionary spending activities--such as discretionary authorizations of appropriations and authorities for discretionary user fees--are excluded from this report."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Keyser, Julia A.; Hahn, Jim; Voorhies, Phoenix . . .

2021-06-14
Supreme Court Clarifies CERCLA Provisions for Recouping Cleanup Costs [June 16, 2021]

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From the Document: "On May 24, 2021, the Supreme Court issued an opinion in 'Guam v. United States' [hyperlink] that could expand the ability to recover cleanup costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [hyperlink] (CERCLA). CERCLA, the 'Superfund' statute, provides two avenues for lawsuits to recoup costs for the cleanup of contaminated sites. The 'Guam' decision clarified the relationship between these separate CERCLA provisions. This Sidebar explains CERCLA's framework for parties to recoup cleanup costs, discusses the 'Guam' decision, and considers the implications of the decision. As discussed below, the Court's ruling allows the Territory of Guam to proceed with its cost-recovery claim against the United States for costs associated with cleaning up the Ordot Dump. More broadly, the ruling could expand parties' ability to recover cleanup costs, particularly from federal agencies that bear some responsibility for contaminating a given site. It could also alter the scope and timing of settlement negotiations to resolve liability under CERCLA and other environmental statutes."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowers, Kate R.

2021-06-16
Judicial Review of Mercury and Air Toxics Regulations [August 17, 2020]

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From the Document: "Since 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) efforts to regulate mercury and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs or air toxics) emitted by power plants have faced numerous legal challenges. The Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990, Pub.L. 101-549, established a multistep process for EPA to regulate HAP emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units (i.e., power plants). One of those steps requires EPA to regulate HAP emissions from power plants if the agency determines that it is 'appropriate and necessary' to do so."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowers, Kate R.; Tsang, Linda

2020-08-17
Liability Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) [March 12, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 'et seq.') establishes a framework to remediate certain types of contaminated sites and to hold the parties connected to those sites responsible for cleanup costs. CERCLA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites subject to annual appropriations, and to compel entities that bear responsibility for all or part of the contamination at a site to perform or pay for cleanup activities. Additionally, parties that incur cleanup costs may seek to recoup those costs from other parties or from the Superfund Trust Fund. This In Focus provides an overview of the legal structures governing CERCLA liability in enforcement actions and suits by private parties."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bowers, Kate R.

2021-03-12
Military Medical Malpractice and the 'Feres' Doctrine [Updated June 16, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) employs physicians and other medical personnel to administer health care to servicemembers, military retirees, and their family members. If these providers commit medical malpractice, they may cause injury or death. This In Focus discusses the standards and procedures governing medical malpractice claims that servicemembers and non-servicemembers may assert against the United States, as well as pertinent considerations for Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mendez, Bryce H. P.; Lewis, Kevin M.

2021-06-16
Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 21, 2021]

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From the Summary: "Members of Congress and Pentagon officials are increasingly focused on developing emerging military technologies to enhance U.S. national security and keep pace with U.S. competitors. The U.S. military has long relied upon technological superiority to ensure its dominance in conflict and to underwrite U.S. national security. In recent years, however, technology has both rapidly evolved and rapidly proliferated--largely as a result of advances in the commercial sector. [...] This report provides an overview of selected emerging military technologies in the United States, China, and Russia: [1] artificial intelligence, [2] lethal autonomous weapons, [3] hypersonic weapons, [4] directed energy weapons, [5] biotechnology, and [6] quantum technology. It also discusses relevant initiatives within international institutions to monitor or regulate these technologies, considers the potential implications of emerging military technologies for warfighting, and outlines associated issues for Congress. These issues include the level and stability of funding for emerging technologies, the management structure for emerging technologies, the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining technology workers, the acquisitions process for rapidly evolving and dual-use technologies, the protection of emerging technologies from theft and expropriation, and the governance and regulation of emerging technologies. Such issues could hold implications for congressional authorization, appropriation, oversight, and treaty-making."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sayler, Kelley M.

2021-10-21
Mexican Drug Trafficking and Cartel Operations Amid COVID-19 [Updated October 14, 2021]

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From the Document: "Mexico is a primary producer and transit country for illicit drugs destined [hyperlink] for the United States. Policymakers, including many in Congress, have closely watched how the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting illicit drug flow patterns out of Mexico, including the flow of potent opioids. Any changes could affect the extent to which Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), popularly described as cartels, pose a law enforcement and national security threat to the United States. Despite early supply chain disruptions, U.S.-bound illicit drug supplies appear to have returned to pre-pandemic levels; illicit fentanyl flows in particular appear to be thriving."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Beittel, June S.; Rosen, Liana W.

2021-10-14
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated October 15, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of October 14, 2021, the region had 45.4 million confirmed cases (almost 19% of cases worldwide) and more than 1.5 million deaths (almost 31% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina had the region's highest numbers of deaths. Looking at mortality (death) rates per 100,000 population, Peru had the highest recorded COVID-19 mortality rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay[.] In its weekly press briefing on the pandemic on October 13, 2021, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that COVID-19 infections were declining in Central America, although cases remained high in Belize. In South America, PAHO reported that new infections were dropping across the continent but noted some spikes within countries, including the greater Caracas area of Venezuela and Chile's southernmost regions. In the Caribbean, PAHO reported that Barbados was experiencing the highest number of cases since the pandemic began, as well as increased cases in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and some smaller islands, including Antigua and Barbuda. [...] The rollout of vaccines has varied considerably, and there is concern that widespread vaccine access in some countries could be delayed until late 2022 or 2023, making populations vulnerable to new waves and more transmittable variants of the virus."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meyer, Peter J.; Sullivan, Mark P.

2021-10-15
Social Security Financial Status: How the 2021 Annual Report Addressed the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic [October 15, 2021]

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From the Document: "Social Security is a self-financing program that in 2021 covers approximately 176 million workers and provides monthly cash benefits to over 65 million beneficiaries. It is the federal government's largest program in terms of both the number of people affected (i.e., covered workers and beneficiaries) and its finances. Social Security is composed of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI), referred to collectively as OASDI. The financial status of Social Security helps to determine the program's ability to pay fully scheduled benefits on time--that is, the ability to provide monthly payments to current and future beneficiaries. At a basic level, the financial status of Social Security is simply the relationship among revenues, cost, and the holdings in trust funds. [...] News articles during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and the ensuing recession highlighted potential ways that Social Security and its beneficiaries could be adversely affected."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Huston, Barry F.

2021-10-15
COVID-19-Related Impact on the Banking Industry: Conditions in the Second Quarter 2021 [October 13, 2021]

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From the Document: "Bank regulation is designed to allow banks to withstand some amount of unexpected losses. Some observers have worried that the economic ramifications of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could result in enough borrowers missing loan payments to cause distress for banks [hyperlink]. This Insight presents bank industry statistics through the second quarter 2021 and examines how the pandemic might be affecting the industry."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Gnanarajah, Raj; Scott, Andrew P.

2021-10-13
Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 19, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Columbia (SSBN-826) class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and wants to procure the second boat in the class in FY2024. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $4,647.0 million (i.e., about $4.6 billion) in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on the Columbia-class program could substantially affect U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2021-10-19

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