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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 11, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requests a total of $597 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requests and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
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United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions [January 24, 2011]
"This report presents, verbatim, the United States 'Flag Code' as found in Title 4 of the United States Code and the section of Title 36 which designates the Star- Spangled Banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. The 'Flag Code' includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and occasions for display, position and manner of display, and how to show respect for the flag. The 'Code' also grants to the President the authority to modify the rules governing the flag. The report also addresses several of the frequently asked questions concerning the flag. The subject matter of these questions includes the pledge of allegiance and the court decisions concerning it, the nature of the codifications of customs concerning the flag in the 'Flag Code,' display of the flag 24 hours a day, flying the flag in bad weather, flying the flag at half-staff, ornaments on the flag, destruction of worn flags, display of the U.S. flag with flags of other nations or of States, commercial use of the flag, size and proportion of the flag, and restrictions upon display of the flag by real estate associations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luckey, John R.
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Efforts to Address Seasonal Agricultural Import Competition in the NAFTA Renegotiation [ December 7, 2017]
"The United States has initiated renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. Among the Administration's agriculture-related objectives in the renegotiation is a proposal to establish new rules for seasonal and perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, which would establish a separate domestic industry provision for perishable and seasonal products in anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) proceedings. This could protect certain U.S. seasonal fruit and vegetable products by making it easier to initiate trade remedy cases against (mostly Mexican) exports to the United States and responds to complaints by some fruit and vegetable producers, mostly in Southeastern U.S. states, who claim to be adversely affected by import competition from Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Johnson, Renée
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Department of Defense Contractor and Troop Levels in Afghanistan and Iraq: 2007-2018 [Updated May 10, 2019]
From the Document: "Throughout its history, the Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on contractors to support a wide range of military operations. Operations over the last thirty years have highlighted the critical role that contractors play in supporting U.S. troops--both in terms of the number of contractors and the type of work being performed. During recent U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors often accounted for 50% or more of the total DOD presence in-country. For the fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2018, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported 49,451 contractor personnel working for DOD within its area of responsibility, which included 28,189 individuals located in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. From FY2009 to FY2018, obligations for all DOD-funded contracts performed within the Iraq and Afghanistan areas of operation totaled approximately $208 billion in FY2019 dollars. In late 2017, the DOD stopped reporting the number of U.S. military personnel deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria as part of its quarterly manpower reports and in other official releases. These data remain withheld."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.; Plagakis, Sofia
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Gun Crime Penalty Tossed [June 20, 2019]
From the Summary: "The full United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (Sixth Circuit) (sitting en banc), in 'United States v. Havis,' recently held that prior attempt convictions do not warrant a felon-in-possession-of-a-firearm sentencing enhancement. Ordinarily binding commentary included in the U.S. Sentencing Commission's sentencing guidelines would require enhancement for prior attempt convictions. A number of other federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in 2017, have deferred to the Sentencing Commission's interpretation. The Sixth Circuit, however, concluded that the commentary is not entitled to deference because it conflicts with the text of the guideline."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
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International Trade and Finance: Key Policy Issues for the 113th Congress [April 15, 2013]
"The U.S. Constitution grants authority over the regulation of foreign commerce to Congress, which it exercises in a variety of ways. These include the oversight of trade policy generally, and more particularly, the consideration of legislation to approve trade agreements and authorize trade programs. Policy issues cover such areas as: U.S. trade negotiations; tariffs; nontariff barriers; worker dislocation from trade liberalization, trade remedy laws; import and export policies; international investment, economic sanctions; and the trade policy functions of the federal government. Congress also has an important role in international finance. It has the authority over U.S. financial commitments to international financial institutions and oversight responsibilities for trade- and finance-related agencies of the U.S. Government. The 112th Congress approved U.S. bilateral free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, extended the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs through December 31, 2013, and reauthorized the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) through July 31, 2013. In addition, Congress authorized permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Russia and Moldova, reauthorized the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and approved full U.S. participation in general capital increases for the World Bank and four regional development banks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Irace, Mary A.
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U.S. Diplomatic Missions: Background and Issues on Chief of Mission (COM) Authority [March 10, 2014]
"'Chief of Mission,' or COM, is the title conferred on the principal officer in charge of each U.S. diplomatic mission to a foreign country, foreign territory, or international organization. Usually the term refers to the U.S. ambassadors who lead U.S. embassies abroad, but the term also is used for ambassadors who head other official U.S. missions and to other diplomatic personnel who may step in when no ambassador is present. Appointed by the President, each COM serves as the President's personal representative, leading diplomatic efforts for a particular mission or in the country of assignment. U.S. ambassadors and others exercising COM authority are by law the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy coordination in their respective countries. Their jobs are highly complex, demanding a broad knowledge of the U.S. foreign policy toolkit and the ability to oversee the activities and manage the representatives of many U.S. government entities, with some exceptions for those under military command. Congress plays an important role in setting standards for the exercise of COM authority and providing COMs with the resources--training, personnel, monetary--to promote its effective exercise. A number of recent developments have increased congressional attention to issues associated with the roles and responsibilities of COMs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Serafino, Nina M.
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Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Ebola in the United States: Frequently Asked Questions [December 5, 2014]
"Members of Congress and the public have considered ways to prevent the entry and spread of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the United States. Official recommendations have seemed to conflict at times. In part this reflects the evolution of officials' understanding of this new threat and the scientific and technical aspects of its control. In addition, under the nation's federalist governance structure, the federal and state governments are empowered to take measures to control communicable diseases, and have addressed some aspects of the Ebola threat in varied ways. In the United States and abroad, public concern about the spread of Ebola also may have shaped policymakers' decisions as well. This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report answers common legal and policy questions about the potential introduction and spread of EVD in the United States. Questions and answers are presented in the following topical order: barring travelers from Ebola-stricken countries from coming to the United States, exit procedures upon departure from affected countries in Africa, U.S. laws and procedures involving airlines and other conveyances, identification and screening of passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, domestic quarantine and isolation: legal authority and policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.
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Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA): Overview of Workers' Compensation for Certain Private-Sector Maritime Workers [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal workers' compensation program that covers certain private-sector maritime workers. Firms that employ these workers are required to purchase workers' compensation or self-insure and are responsible for providing medical and disability benefits to covered workers who are injured or become ill on the job and survivors' benefits to the families of covered workers who die on the job. The LHWCA is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), and all benefit costs are paid by employers and their insurance carriers. In 2017, more than $2 billion in LHWCA benefits were paid to beneficiaries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
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Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) [Updated August 3, 2020]
From the Summary: "Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available only to those individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a declared major disaster and are not eligible for regular Unemployment Compensation (UC). First created in 1970 through P.L. 91-606, DUA benefits are authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Relief Act (the Stafford Act), which authorizes the President to issue a major disaster declaration after state and local government resources have been overwhelmed by a natural catastrophe or, 'regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion in any part of the United States' (42 U.S.C. §5122(2))."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whittaker, Julie M.
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Berry Amendment: Requiring Defense Procurement to Come from Domestic Sources [November 26, 2013]
"This report examines the original intent and purpose of the Berry Amendment and legislative proposals to amend the application of domestic source restrictions, as well as potential options for Congress. In order to protect the U.S. industrial base during periods of adversity and war, Congress passed domestic source restrictions as part of the 1941 Fifth Supplemental Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act. These provisions later became known as the Berry Amendment. The Berry Amendment (Title 10 United States Code [U.S.C.] §2533a, Requirement to Buy Certain Articles from American Sources; Exceptions) contains a number of domestic source restrictions that prohibit DOD from acquiring food, clothing (including military uniforms), fabrics (including ballistic fibers), stainless steel, and hand or measuring tools that are not grown or produced in the United States. The Berry Amendment applies to DOD purchases only. […] Some policy makers believe that policies like the Berry Amendment contradict free trade policies, and that the presence and degree of such competition is the most effective tool for promoting efficiencies and improving quality. On the other hand, some other policy makers believe that key domestic sectors (like manufacturing) need the protections afforded by the Berry Amendment. The debate over the Berry Amendment raises several questions, among them (1) If the United States does not produce a solely domestic item, or if U.S. manufacturers are at maximum production capability, should DOD restrict procurement from foreign sources; and (2) to what extent do U.S. national security interests and industrial base concerns justify waiver of the Berry Amendment?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
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PREP Act and COVID-19: Limiting Liability for Medical Countermeasures [Updated January 13, 2022]
From the Document: "To encourage the expeditious development and deployment of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency, the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act [hyperlink]) authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to limit legal liability for losses relating to the administration of medical countermeasures such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. In a declaration effective February 4, 2020 (the HHS Declaration [hyperlink]), the Secretary of HHS (the Secretary) invoked the PREP Act and declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a public health emergency warranting liability protections for covered countermeasures. Under the HHS Declaration and its amendments, covered persons are generally immune [hyperlink] from legal liability (i.e., they cannot be sued for money damages in court) for losses relating to the administration or use of covered countermeasures against COVID-19. The sole exception to PREP Act immunity is for death or serious physical injury caused by 'willful misconduct [hyperlink].' However, individuals who die or suffer serious injuries directly caused by the administration of covered countermeasures may be eligible [hyperlink] to receive compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program [hyperlink]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
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Taliban Government in Afghanistan: Background and Issues for Congress [November 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced a 'caretaker government' to rule Afghanistan. The announcement came weeks after the Taliban, a Sunni Islamist extremist movement that ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001, retook effective control of the country with the collapse of the U.S.-backed former Afghan government and its security forces amid the U.S. military departure. The Taliban's return to power comes almost 20 years after a U.S.-led military campaign deposed the group in response to its harboring of the international Islamist terrorist group Al Qaeda, which carried out the September 11, 2001, attacks. [...] As the Biden Administration and the 117th Congress consider the new situation in Afghanistan, a range of U.S. policy tools is potentially available. The prospect of U.S. recognition of, and establishment of diplomatic relations with, the Taliban government could provide some leverage over a Taliban that claims to want international legitimacy. Only the President may extend formal recognition to another government, but Congress can restrain, condition, or otherwise influence the implementation of recognition decisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 19, 2021]
From the Summary: "This report discusses two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD [Landing Platform Docks]-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA [Landing Helicopter Assault]-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. Section 124 of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 6395/P.L. 116-283 of January 1, 2021) provides authority for the Navy to use a block buy contract for the procurement of three LPD-17 class ships and one LHA-type amphibious assault ship. One issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 procurement funding requests for the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $60.6 million in procurement funding to complete the procurement cost of the second LPD-17 Flight II class ship, LPD-31, and $68.6 million in procurement funding to help fund the procurement cost of the amphibious assault ship LHA-9."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
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Airport Privatization: Issues and Options for Congress [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "In 1996, Congress established the Airport Privatization Pilot Program (APPP; Section 149 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996, P.L. [Public Law] 104-264) to increase access to sources of private capital for airport development and to make airports more efficient, competitive, and financially viable. The FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-95) increased the number of airports than can participate from five to 10. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254) renamed the program the Airport Investment Partnership Program (AIPP; 49 U.S.C. §47134) and removed the restriction on the number and type of public airports that may participate in the program. However, participation in the program has remained very limited, in good part because major stakeholders have different, if not contradictory, objectives and interests. Only two U.S. commercial service airports have completed the privatization process established under the AIPP. One of those, Stewart International Airport in New York State, subsequently reverted to public ownership. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is now the only airport with a private operator under the provisions of the AIPP. As of March 2021, there is one other AIPP participant--Hendry County Airglades Airport, a general aviation airport in Clewiston, FL. The airport is to complete its privatization process after receiving FAA approval in September 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tang, Rachel Y.
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Digital Surveillance--CALEA [HSDL Holdings]
This Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) holdings list contains Congressional Research Service Reports focused on digital surveillance and the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
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Amendments to FISA [HSDL Holdings]
This Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) holdings list contains Congressional Research Service Reports focusing on amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The reports provide information on expiring FISA amendments, the effects of sunset provisions, and legislative proposals in Congress.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
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Gun Control Legislation [HSDL Holdings]
This Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) holdings list offers Congressional Research Service Reports dealing with gun control legislation in the United States. Reports include gun-related statistics, federal regulation of firearms, and issues for Congress.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
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Privacy: Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping & Electronic Eavesdropping [HSDL Holdings]
This Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) holdings list contains Congressional Research Service Reports on privacy and the federal statutes governing wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
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Congressional Oversight Provisions in P.L. 116-127, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act [March 24, 2020]
From the Document: "President Donald Trump signed P.L. 116-127 (H.R. 6201), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, on March 18, 2020. The act provides supplemental appropriations for nutrition assistance programs and public health services and authorizes the Internal Revenue Service to implement tax credits for paid emergency sick leave and expanded family medical leave that the act requires certain employers to provide. In addition, the law adjusts the unemployment insurance program to waive temporarily certain eligibility requirements and provide more federal financial support to the states."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
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FY2022 NDAA: Strategic Context [November 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The Biden Administration stated [hyperlink] efforts to align spending priorities with the President's Interim National Security Strategic Guidance [hyperlink] (INSSG) helped shape its FY2022 defense budget request. By law, the President is required to submit to Congress a National Security Strategy (NSS; 50 U.S.C. §3043 [hyperlink]) and the Secretary of Defense a National Defense Strategy (NDS; 10 U.S.C. §113 [hyperlink]). Officials said [hyperlink] Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III may submit the NDS in early 2022. In March, the President released the INSSG, which stated the United States faces 'growing rivalry' with China, Russia, and other authoritarian states, and would 'responsibly end America's longest war in Afghanistan.' Elements of the INSSG [hyperlink] appear to build upon [hyperlink] aspects of the Trump Administration's strategic guidance documents, including the 2017 NSS [hyperlink] and 2018 NDS. The 2018 NDS unclassified summary [hyperlink] emphasized retaining a U.S. strategic competitive edge relative to China and Russia over countering violent extremist organizations. This and the call for 'increased and sustained investment' to counter evolving threats from China and Russia marked a change in emphasis from previous strategy documents. The two approaches appear to differ in that the 2018 NDS did not address the question of pandemics or climate change as national security threats. The INSSG referenced 'pandemics and other biological risks, the escalating climate crisis, cyber and digital threats, international economic disruptions, protracted humanitarian crises,' among other threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.; McInnis, Kathleen J.
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated July 6, 2022]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are three tables, organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was compiled from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) 'World Fact Book,' International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
