Advanced search Help
Resource Type or Special Collection is CRS Reports
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Iraq: U.S. Efforts to Change the Regime [Updated December 10, 2002]
"The United States has been attempting to change Iraq's regime since the 1991 Persian Gulf war, although achieving this goal was not declared policy until 1998. In November 1998, amid a crisis with Iraq over U.N. weapons of mass destruction (WMD) inspections, the Clinton Administration stated that the United States would seek to go beyond containment to promoting a change of regime. A regime change policy was endorsed by the Iraq Liberation Act (P.L. [Public Law] 105-338, October 31, 1998). Bush Administration officials have emphasized regime change as the cornerstone of U.S. policy toward Iraq. This paper discusses past and current U.S. efforts to oust Saddam Hussein and the current debate over the implementation of that policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-12-10
-
Terrorism Insurance: Comparison of H.R. 3210, S. 2600, and Conference Report [Updated December 9, 2002]
"The terrorist attacks of September 11 resulted in the largest insured catastrophic loss in history, estimated to total $40 billion. Even though the insurance industry committed to pay losses resulting from the attacks, industry spokesmen asserted that insurers might not be able to cover major future terrorism losses without a federal backstop. The 107th Congress considered how to provide such a backstop. On November 29, 2001, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3210, the Terrorism Risk Protection Act, providing for a temporary federal backstop. In the Senate, four similar measures were introduced in 2001, but no action was taken during the first session of the 107th Congress. On June 7, 2002, Senators Dodd, Sarbanes, Schumer, and Reid introduced a compromise proposal, S. 2600, which was passed by the Senate on June 18, 2002. On October 17, 2002, leaders of the House-Senate conference committee and the White House tentatively agreed in principle upon a proposed compromise version of the legislation, which was circulated to all conferees for signatures. The conferees approved the conference report, which was filed November 13. The House agreed to the report by voice vote on November 14, and the Senate by vote of 86-11, on November 19. The President signed the bill, which became P.L. 107-297, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, on November 26, 2002. This report records the legislative development of H.R. 3210, S. 2600, and the conference report language enacted as P.L. 107-297."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2002-12-09
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated December 6, 2002]
"This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .
2002-12-06
-
Authorization and Appropriations for FY2003: Defense [December 6, 2002]
"Congress has completed action on the FY2003 defense authorization (H.R. 4546) and defense appropriations (H.R. 5010) bills. The President signed the FY2003 defense appropriations act into law on October 23 (P.L. 107-248), and he signed the FY2003 defense authorization act into law on December 2 (P.L. 107-314). In addition, Congress has approved, and the President has signed, the military construction appropriations bill (H.R. 5011, P.L. 107-249). The House and Senate Appropriations Committees did not, however, take up bills to provide $10 billion that the Administration requested as a contingency fund for costs of counter-terrorism operations in FY2003. The conference agreement on the defense appropriations bill establishes final funding levels for key defense programs, and it resolves a number of matters that were at issue during the year. As the Administration requested, the bill eliminates funds for development of the Crusader artillery system and instead provides increased funding for other Army indirect fire programs. Conferees added funds to develop an alternative tube artillery system to be deployed by 2008. Earlier, the conference report on the FY2002 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 4775, P.L. 107-206) directed the Army to enter into a follow-on contract to use Crusader technology in developing such a system."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy; Daggett, Stephen
2002-12-06
-
Korea: U.S.-Korean Relations - Issues for Congress [Updated December 6, 2002]
"The United States maintains a strong, multifaceted alliance relationship with South Korea that has for decades served vital interests of both sides. Against the background of continuing difficulties in dealing with North Korea and the dramatic consequences of the Asian economic crisis, the two governments face a range of security, economic, and political issues that involve the Congress in its oversight and appropriations capacities, and in frequent exchanges between congressional offices and the South Korean government. Heading the list of issues is how to deal with the North Korean regime. The Bush Administration seeks policy changes from North Korea regarding weapons of mass destruction, conventional forces, and international inspections of its nuclear facilities. Tensions arose after North Korea revealed a secret nuclear program in October 2002. The Bush Administration also faces policy decisions on food aid to North Korea, North Korea's inclusion on the U.S. terrorism list, and U.S. responses to South Korea's 'sunshine policy' toward North Korea. President Kim Dae-jung seeks reconciliation with North Korea following the historical North-South summit meeting of June 2000. He has urged the United States to engage North Korea and make concessions to Pyongyang as a support for his policy. The Bush Administration's position on the sunshine policy is mixed, supporting some elements but having reservations about others."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2002-12-06
-
Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance [December 6, 2002]
"Israel is not economically self-sufficient, and relies on foreign assistance and borrowing to maintain its economy. Since 1985, the United States has provided $3 billion in grants annually to Israel. Since 1976, Israel has been the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, and is the largest cumulative recipient since World War II. In addition to U.S. assistance, it is estimated that Israel receives about $1 billion annually through philanthropy, an equal amount through short- and long- term commercial loans, and around $1 billion in Israel Bonds proceeds. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told a joint session of Congress on July 10, 1996, that Israel would reduce its need for U.S. aid over the next four years. In January 1998, Finance Minister Neeman proposed eliminating the $1.2 billion economic aid and increasing the $1.8 billion in military aid by $60 million per year during a 10-year period beginning in the year 2000. The FY1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 appropriations bills included cuts of $120 million in economic aid and an increases of $60 million in military aid for each year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-12-06
-
Terrorist Financing: The U.S. and International Response [Updated December 6, 2002]
From the Summary: "The U.S.-led international campaign to deprive terrorists of funding has so far produced mixed results. Though more than $120 million in terrorists' accounts reportedly has been blocked since September 11, 2001, less than 20 percent of this total has been frozen in the past 11 months. The al Qaeda network increasingly is shifting to non-bank methods of moving and storing value and is relying on a decentralized structure of largely self-financing cells; moreover, Middle Eastern donors apparently continue to provide funds to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. In addition, the campaign has aroused controversy on various political, religious and humanitarian grounds and is viewed in some quarters as broadly anti-Islamic. How the crackdown on terror finance should be prioritized and integrated with a comprehensive global struggle against terrorism thus becomes an issue of considerable significance for U.S. policymakers and for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-
2002-12-06
-
Congressional Action on Iraq 1990-2002: A Compilation of Legislation [Updated December 5, 2002]
"This report is a compilation of legislation on Iraq from 1990 to the present. The list is composed of resolutions and public laws relating to military action or diplomatic pressure to be taken against Iraq. The list does not include foreign aid appropriations bills passed since FY1994 that deny U.S. funds to any nation in violation of the United Nations sanctions regime against Iraq. Also, measures that were not passed only in either the House or the Senate are not included (with the exception of the proposals in the 107th Congress). For a more in-depth analysis of U.S. action against Iraq, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB92117, 'Iraq, Compliance, Sanctions and U.S. Policy'. This report will be updated as developments unfold."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2002-12-05
-
Elections in Kashmir [December 5, 2002]
"The United States welcomed the successful October conclusion of 2002 elections in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where nearly half of the electorate cast ballots. The elections resulted in the ousting of the long-dominant National Conference party, allies of the national coalition-leading Bharatiya Janata Party, thus bolstering the credibility of the process and dampening criticism from some quarters that the elections were flawed or 'farcical.' The opposition Indian National Congress and the regional People's Democratic Party (PDP) won a combined 36 seats in the state assembly, and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi agreed to a first-ever power-sharing coalition. PDP leader Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has assumed the office of Chief Minister vowing to bring a 'healing touch' to state politics. His 'common minimum program' includes controversial policies -- including the freeing of jailed political prisoners -- that have been lauded by some and criticized by others. The new government's seeming moderation has brought renewed hopes for peace in the troubled region. The United States had urged the holding of free and fair elections to be followed by renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve their long-running dispute. India has made clear that it will not engage such dialogue until Islamabad has put an end to cross-border infiltration of Islamic militants into Indian-held Kashmir. Following the elections, New Delhi announced a major troop redeployment after a tense ten-month standoff at the India-Pakistan frontier. Militant separatist groups in both Pakistan and Kashmir have stated that the ground realities are unchanged and so their violent campaign will continue. In apparent confirmation of these statements, numerous coordinated attacks in November 2002 killed dozens. This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2002-12-05
-
Israeli-United States Relations [December 5, 2002]
"Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored the aid issue closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally, and that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-12-05
-
China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [December 4, 2002]
"Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the U.S. interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran, North Korea, and Libya. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, added an urgent U.S. interest in weapons nonproliferation. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report (superseding CRS Issue Brief IB92056) discusses the national security problem of the PRC's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. The table at the end of this report summarizes the U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities for weapons proliferation. This CRS Report is updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2002-12-04
-
Russia [Updated December 4, 2002]
"Vladimir Putin, catapulted into the Kremlin by Boris Yeltsin's resignation, was elected President on March 26, 2000 by a solid majority that embraced his military campaign in Chechnya. Parties backing Putin did well in the December 1999 Duma election, giving Putin a stable parliamentary majority as well. Putin's top priority is to revive the economy and integrate Russia into the global marketplace. He has also strengthened the central government vis-a-vis the regions and brought TV and radio under tighter state control. Federal forces have suppressed large-scale military resistance in Chechnya but face the prospect of prolonged guerilla warfare. The economic upturn that began in 1999 is continuing. The GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and domestic investment are growing after a decade-long decline, inflation is contained, the budget is balanced, and the ruble is stable. Major problems remain: one fourth of the population live below the official poverty line, foreign investment is very low, crime, corruption, capital flight, and unemployment remain high. Putin appears to seek simultaneously to tighten political control and introduce economic reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Stuart D. (Stuart Douglas), 1943-
2002-12-04
-
Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [December 3, 2002]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. Terrorist activities supported by sophisticated planning and logistics as well as possible access to unconventional weaponry raise a host of new issues. Some analysts' long-held belief that a comprehensive review of U.S. counterterrorism policy, organizational structure, and intelligence capabilities is needed has now become a mainstream view."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-; Perl, Raphael
2002-12-03
-
Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated December 3, 2002]
"As U.S.-led combat against remaining Al Qaeda and Taliban elements winds down, the United States is shifting its military focus toward stabilizing the interim government, including training a new Afghan national army, and supporting the international security force (ISAF) that is helping the new government provide security. To help foster development, the United Nations and the Bush Administration have lifted most sanctions imposed on Afghanistan since the Soviet occupation. The United States gave Afghanistan a total of over $530 million in humanitarian and reconstruction aid during FY2002. There are some indications that ethnic tensions that have been so closely associated with Afghan politics is fading. Although the minority coalition Northern Alliance emerged from the war as the dominant force in the country, the United States and United Nations mediators persuaded the Alliance to share power with Pashtun representatives in a broad-based interim government. On December 5, 2001, major Afghan factions, meeting under U.N. auspices in Bonn, signed an agreement to form an interim government that ran Afghanistan until a traditional national assembly ('loya jirga') was held June 11-19, 2002. The 'loya jirga' delegates selected a new government to run Afghanistan for the next 18 months and approved Hamid Karzai, a Pashtun, to continue as leader for that time, but the assembly adjourned without establishing a new parliament. Karzai is said to be highly popular throughout Afghanistan, including among non-Pashtuns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-12-03
-
Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated December 3, 2002]
"The Bush Administration is requesting just over $1 billion in Development Assistance (DA) for sub-Saharan Africa for FY2003, as compared with an estimated $887 million going to the region in FY2002. The request for aid through the Economic Support Fund (ESF), however, has dropped to $77 million from estimated ESF assistance of $100 million in FY2002. […] The level of funding and other aspects of these initiatives have become subjects of debate. Other issues in 2002 may include the eligibility of African countries to participate in the Administration's proposed Millennium Challenge Account, and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development, an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform. […] Press reports appearing on November 27, 2002, indicated that the Administration had clarified eligibility criteria for the Millennium Challenge Account, a foreign assistance program that would be established as an independent corporation. Under the proposal, the Millennium Challenge Corporation would be launched in FY2004 and funded at $5 billion annually by FY2006. Development grants would go to countries committed to good governance, transparency, and open markets. Press accounts mentioned Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Senegal as possible recipients in Africa. On November 25, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a $20 million public-private partnership with Chevron Texaco for enterprise development in Angola; USAID and the oil company would each contribute $10 million over 5 years. In a November 15 report on the food security crisis in southern Africa, USAID reported that the United States has responded to date by providing $276 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, primarily food aid."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-12-03
-
Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 [December 2, 2002]
"This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report discusses U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress. It also lists sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the Administration, proposed in Letters of Offer and Acceptance, and notified to Congress since 1990. Based on unclassified notices and news reports, this list includes the date of notification, major item proposed for sale, and estimated value of the defense package."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2002-12-02
-
Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated December 2, 2002]
"The United States has long worked closely with Japan to build a strong, multifaceted relationship based on shared democratic values and mutual interest in Asian and global stability and development. Although the Bush Administration came into office with an avowed determination to promote closer alliance relations, the failure of the government headed by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's inability to overcome economic stagnation that has lasted more than a decade has started to lower U.S. regard for a country which still remains an important military ally. U.S.-Japan relations concern Members and Committees with responsibilities or interests in trade and international finance and economics, U.S. foreign policy, ballistic missile defense (BMD), and regional security. The latter include North Korea's nuclear and missile proliferation, China's potential emergence as the dominant regional military power, and U.S. military bases in Japan, whose importance has been underscored once again by their role in facilitating the operations of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and will likely also be important if war with Iraq ensues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cronin, Richard P.
2002-12-02
-
AIDS in Africa [Updated December 2, 2002]
"Sub-Saharan Africa has been far more severely affected by AIDS than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 29.4 million adults and children are infected with the HIV virus in the region, which has about 10% of the world's population but more than 70% of the worldwide total of infected people. The overall rate of infection among adults in sub-Saharan Africa is 8.8%; compared with 1.2% worldwide. Twelve countries, mostly in east and southern Africa, have HIV infection rates of more than 10%, and the rate has reached 38.8% in Botswana. As of 2001, an estimated 21.5 million Africans had died of AIDS, including 2.2 million who died in that year. AIDS has surpassed malaria as the leading cause of death in Africa, and it kills many times more Africans than war. In Africa, HIV is spread primarily by heterosexual contact, and 58% of those infected are women."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-12-02
-
Cuba: Issues for Congress [Updated November 29, 2002]
"Cuba remains a hard-line Communist state, with a poor record on human rights. Fidel Castro has ruled since he led the Cuban Revolution, ousting the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959. With the cutoff of assistance from the former Soviet Union, Cuba experienced severe economic deterioration from 1989-1993. There has been some improvement since 1994 as Cuba has implemented limited reforms. […] Legislative initiatives introduced in the 107th Congress reflect these divergent views on the direction of U.S. policy toward Cuba and also cover a range of issues including human rights, food and medical exports, travel restrictions, drug interdiction cooperation, and broadcasting to Cuba. In the second session, the Senate version of the 'Farm Bill,' H.R. 2646, included a provision that would strike language from U.S. law that prohibits private financing of agricultural sales to Cuba; the House version had no such provision, and ultimately the provision was not included in the conference report. The House version of the FY2003 Treasury Department appropriations bill, H.R. 5120, included three Cuba provisions that would prohibit funds from being used to enforce regulations on travel, remittances, and U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba; the Senate version of the bill, S. 2740, as reported out of committee, would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Cuba travel regulations. Final action on FY2003 Treasury Department appropriations was not completed before the end of the 107th Congress. This report will be updated regularly to track legislative initiatives and developments in U.S. relations with Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2002-11-29
-
Homeland Security Act of 2002: Tort Liability Provisions [November 27, 2002]
The Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296 (H.R. 5005), contains the following provisions that limit tort liability, and this report examines each of them. [1] Section 304 immunizes manufacturers and administrators of smallpox vaccines from tort liability. [2] Section 863 limits the tort liability of sellers of anti-terrorism technologies. [3] Section 890 limits the tort liability of air transportation security companies and their affiliates for claims arising from the September 11, 2001 air crashes. [4] Section 1201 limits the tort liability of air carriers for acts of terrorism committed on or to an air carrier. [5] Section 1402 immunizes air carriers from liability arising out of a Federal flight deck officer's use or failure to use a firearm, and immunizes Federal flight deck officers from liability, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, for acts or omissions in defending the flight deck of an aircraft. [6] Sections 1714-1717 limit the tort liability of manufacturers and administrators of the components and ingredients of various vaccines.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cohen, Henry, 1949-
2002-11-27
-
First Responder Initiative: Policy Issues and Options [Updated November 27, 2002]
"In February 2002, the Administration proposed a new block grant program called the First Responder Initiative, to help state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. Under the Administration proposal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would administer the program, which, if approved, would provide $3.5 billion to states and localities. The Administrations primary goal for the program is to improve the ability of first responders (police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to respond to terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The proposed program would fund a broad range of activities in the areas of planning, training, exercises, and equipment. The 107th Congress considered a number of bills similar to the Administration proposal. On October 1, 2002, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committed approved S. 2664, the First Responder Terrorism Preparedness Act of 2002. The bill contained several features proposed by the Administration, including a 25% matching requirement, a wide range of eligible activities, and a requirement that states distribute 75% of funds to sub-state regions. S. 2664 also contained some provisions not specified in the Administration proposal, such as establishing standards for training and equipment and prohibiting the use of funds for overtime expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2002-11-27
-
Homeland Security Act of 2002: Legislative History and Pagination Key [Updated November 26, 2002]
From the Summary: "This report presents an abbreviated legislative history of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, providing information on the sequence of events leading up to passage and references to related legislative proposals. [...] The version used is the text of H.R. 5005, as enacted, (Enrolled version)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gressle, Sharon S.
2002-11-26
-
Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy [November 26, 2002]
"Even before Iran's tacit cooperation with post-September 11 U.S. efforts to defeat Afghanistan's Taliban regime, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to try to engage Iran in official talks. Iran, still split between conservatives and reformers loyal to President Mohammad Khatemi did not accept. By early 2002, reports of Iran's continued support to anti- Middle East peace process groups such as Hizballah had reversed the warming trend. Iran was grouped with North Korea and Iraq as part of the 'axis of evil' identified in President Bush's January 29, 2002 State of the Union message. The United States said subsequently it supports reform-minded Iranians who want democracy, an apparent shift from the stance of attempting to engage Khatemi's government. President Bush has identified Iran's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, as key U.S. concerns. Iran's ballistic missile program has made major strides over the past few years, with the help of several foreign suppliers, and the strides in its civilian nuclear power program could further a nuclear weapons effort."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-11-26
-
Intelligence Issues for Congress [Updated November 25, 2002]
"The U.S. Intelligence Community continues to adjust to the post-Cold War environment. Congressional and executive branch initiatives have emphasized enhancing cooperation among the different agencies that comprise the Community by giving greater managerial authority to the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Priority continues to be placed on intelligence support to military operations and on involvement in efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and, especially since September 11, 2001, international terrorism. Growing concerns about transnational threats are leading to increasingly close cooperation between intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This relationship is complicated, however, by differing roles and missions as well as statutory charters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2002-11-25
-
Invasive Non-Native Species: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 25, 2002]
From the Summary: "For the first few centuries after the arrival of Europeans in North America, plants and animals of many species were sent between the two land masses. The transfer of non-natives consisted not only of intentional westbound species ranging from pigs to dandelions, but also intentional eastbound grey squirrels and tomatoes. And for those centuries the remaining non-native species crossing the Atlantic uninvited and often unwelcome, were ignored if they were noticed at all. National focus on non-native species arose in the 19th Century, primarily over losses in agriculture (due to weeds or plant diseases), the leading industry of the time. A few newly-arrived non-natives, and new estimates of adverse economic impacts exceeding $100 billion annually, have sharpened that focus. Very broadly, the unanswered question regarding non-native species is whose responsibility is it to ensure economic integrity and ecological stability in response to the actual or potential impacts of non-native species? As this report shows, the current answer is not simple, and may be 'no one.' It may depend on answers to many other questions: Is the introduction deliberate or accidental? Does it affect agriculture? By what pathway does it arrive? Is the potential harm from the species already known? Is the species already established in one area of the country? Finally, if the answers to any of these questions are unsatisfactory, what changes should be made?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rawson, Jean M.; Buck, Eugene H.; Corn, M. Lynne (Mary Lynne), 1946-
2002-11-25
-
China's Economic Conditions [Updated November 22, 2002]
"Since the initiation of economic reforms in 1979, China has become one of the world's fastest growing economies. From 1979-2001, China's real GDP [Gross Domestic Product] rose at an average annual rate of 9.4%; it rose by 7.3% in 2001. Many economists speculate that China could become the world's largest economy at some point in the near future, provided that the government is able to continue and deepen economic reforms, particularly in regards to its efficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state banking system. Progress in reforming these sectors in recent years has been somewhat mixed. […] Although Chinese government leaders have stated that WTO [World Trade Organization] accession will force Chinese firms to become more productive and competitive (and hence boost China's long-term economic growth), they have also expressed concern that required reforms will cause employment disruptions in several sectors, which could result in social unrest. A major challenge for the government is to develop an adequate social safety net to assist laid-off workers. China's economy has remained relatively healthy in 2002, despite economic slowdowns in other parts of the world. Foreign investment continues to pour into China, and the Chinese government has effectively used public spending to boost the economy. However, painful economic reforms will be necessary to keep the economic strong over the long run."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2002-11-22
-
China-U.S. Trade Issues [Updated November 22, 2002]
"U.S.-China economic ties have expanded substantially over the past several years; total U.S.-China trade rose from $5 billion in 1980 to $122 billion in 2001; China is now the fourth-largest U.S. trading partner. Yet, U.S.-China commercial relations have been strained by a number of issues, including a surging U.S. trade deficit with China (which totaled $83 billion in 2001), China's restrictive trade and investment practices, and its failure to provide adequate protection for U.S. intellectual property rights (IPR). […] Many Members of Congress have called on the Bush Administration to closely monitor China's compliance with its WTO [World Trade Organization] commitments. A number of issues regarding China's compliance have already arisen. The required annual report by the USTR [U.S. Trade Representative] on China's WTO implementation (due in December 2002) will likely become a focal point of potential congressional concerns over China's WTO compliance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2002-11-22
-
U.S.-India Security Relations [November 22, 2002]
From the Document: "This report discusses the reasons behind the U.S.-India relationship, how the United States benefits from this new relationship, and the potential problems that may emerge, both as a result of India's domestic constraints as well as its perceived foreign policy objectives. In the past two years, the United States and India have moved away from the misperceptions of the Cold War that prevented a strong relationship between the world's strongest democracy and its largest one. Instead, there has been an emphasis on common security interests that are both short term as well as those encompassing future concerns. These interests include joint operations and patrolling, transfers of weapons technologies to ensure interoperability, sharing information on and countering international terrorism, and India playing a role in multilateral peacekeeping and peace enforcement efforts. Ethnic tensions and conflicts with Pakistan over Kashmir have also forced the Indian government to divert resources from international issues to the maintenance of internal security. At the external level, doubts remain in India about the value of a full-fledged security relationship with the United States because it would mean moving away from the country's traditional policy of non-alignment. From the United States' perspective, U.S. relations with India need to be balanced by relations with Pakistan, the needs of the war on terror, and China's behavior."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gupta, Amit Kumar
2002-11-22
-
Homeland Security: A Topical Comparison of H.R. 5710 with H.R. 5005 [Updated November 21, 2002]
From the Summary: "H.R. 5710 was introduced as a new vehicle for consideration of the proposal to establish a Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. H.R. 5005, a smaller bill, was previously passed by the House. On November 19, 2002, the Senate amended H.R. 5005, incorporating the provisions virtually identical to H.R. 5710. The House, on November 22, will consider H.R. 5005, as passed by the Senate, and is expected to adopt that language. The differences in the two versions are relatively few and are technical in nature. [...] The original purpose of this report was to provide an alignment of the sections H.R. 5005, as passed by the House and H.R. 5710, as passed by the House to show where the major similarities and differences were in terms of subjects addressed. Since the Senate has now passed H.R. 5005 and it is virtually identical to H.R. 5710, the report serves to demonstrate the expansion of the legislation which will prevail with that sent by the House to the Senate earlier this year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gressle, Sharon S.
2002-11-21
-
Saudi Arabia: Current Issues and U.S. Relations [Updated November 21, 2002]
"Saudi Arabia, a monarchy ruled by the Saudi dynasty, enjoys special importance in the international community because of its unique association with the Islamic religion and its oil wealth. Since the establishment of the modern Saudi kingdom in 1932, it has benefitted from a stable political system based on a smooth process of succession to the throne and an increasingly prosperous economy dominated by the oil sector. Decrees by King Fahd in March 1992 establishing an appointive consultative council and provincial councils and promulgating a basic law providing for certain citizens' rights could signal a gradual trend toward a more open political system. […] The United States and Saudi Arabia have long-standing economic and defense ties. Between World War II and 1975, the United States provided a total of $328.4 million in economic and military aid to Saudi Arabia, reducing and ultimately terminating these programs as Saudi oil derived income burgeoned in the 1960s and 1970s. A series of informal agreements, statements by successive U.S. administrations, and military deployments have demonstrated a strong U.S. security commitment to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was a key member of the allied coalition that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991, and approximately 5,000 U.S. troops remain in the country. […] Principal issues of bilateral interest include the Saudi position on the Arab-Israeli conflict, security in the post-war Gulf region, arms transfers to Saudi Arabia, Saudi external aid programs, bilateral trade relationships, and Saudi policies involving human rights and democracy. In early 2002, Crown Prince Abdullah proposed a peace initiative based on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories in return for normal relations between Arab states and Israel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2002-11-21
