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Removal of Inspectors General: Rules, Practice, and Considerations for Congress [Updated May 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In 1978, Congress passed the Inspector General Act (IG Act; P.L. 95-452) with the intent to improve oversight within certain executive branch agencies. During the floor debate on the legislation, Senator Thomas Eagleton described independence as the 'most important' characteristic of the inspectors general. [...] The removal procedures for inspectors general, which fall between removal without limitations and removal only for cause, have been considered an integral element of that independence since 1978. Nonetheless, there have been some instances in which Presidents have removed inspectors general, and those actions have raised concerns in Congress. In addition, Congress has considered and enacted additional removal requirements since 1978. This In Focus provides an overview of the current removal procedure for inspectors general, identifies some notable removals, and discusses potential issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
2020-05-26
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Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Recent Developments [Updated May 26, 2020]
From the Document: "Established through enacted legislation in 1975 (P.L. 94-163), the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR, 42 U.S.C. §6231 et seq.) was created to reduce the impact of petroleum supply disruptions and to carry out obligations under the International Energy Program (IEP, a multilateral treaty--25 UST 1685--that requires signatories to maintain emergency petroleum reserves). The SPR is authorized to hold up to 1 billion barrels of petroleum products. Physical storage capacity is currently 714 million barrels of crude oil and SPR inventories were 635 million barrels as of April 17, 2020. As U.S. net petroleum imports started declining in the mid-2000s, IEP reserve volume requirements declined as well. As a result, Congress began selling SPR crude oil to pay for other legislative priorities. Since 2015, Congress has enacted seven laws that mandate the sale of 271 million barrels of SPR crude during the period of fiscal year (FY) 2017 through FY2028. Additionally, Congress has authorized SPR oil sales up to $2 billion to pay for SPR facility modernization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy)
2020-05-26
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report to Congress: COVID-19 Strategic Testing Plan
From the Executive Summary: "This report to Congress is in response to the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, P.L. 116-139. [...] This report details the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] strategic testing plan for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as executed by the Secretary among the Department's agencies and offices, and in coordination with other departments and agencies, as appropriate."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services
2020-05-24
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Offshore Royalty Relief: Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated May 22, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. oil and gas producers face financial challenges stemming from demand reduction, oversupply, and commodity price drops during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Some Members of Congress have asked the Department of the Interior (DOI) to offer 'royalty relief' on federal oil and gas leases--a temporary reduction or waiver of the royalties that companies pay the federal government on production from these leases. Some other Members have opposed a comprehensive royalty relief program for federal oil and gas producers. DOI has stated that affected producers may apply for royalty relief individually using existing options, clarifying that the Department does not plan to pursue a new program of blanket royalty relief at this time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2020-05-22
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Army Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) [Updated May 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Security Force Assistance (SFA) is defined as 'unified action to generate, employ, and sustain local, host nation or regional security forces in support of a legitimate authority.' By definition 'security forces include not only military forces, but also police, border forces, and other paramilitary organizations, as well as other local and regional forces.' SFA involves organizing, training, equipping, rebuilding, and advising foreign security forces (FSF)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-05-18
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Legal Issues Related to the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview [Updated May 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak has rapidly shifted the congressional agenda in recent weeks, while altering the daily lives of millions of American residents. Alongside the many medical, economic, social, and public policy questions raised by the pandemic are a range of legal issues. [...] Among the most immediate questions are those related to the scope of state and federal authorities concerning quarantine measures, travel and entry restrictions, the movement of medical goods, health care coverage, and the like. Of more ongoing concern may be legal issues ranging from those related to the development of vaccines, testing, treatments, and other medical countermeasures, to postponing national elections, to civil liability for COVID-19 exposure, to criminal actions related to hoarding and price gouging, to providing economic assistance to individuals and businesses, to foreclosure, eviction, and debt collection moratoria. This Legal Sidebar provides a list of legal resources discussing these and other legal topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be updated intermittently as additional legal issues emerge."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux
2020-05-18
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COVID-19 and Private Health Insurance Coverage: Frequently Asked Questions [May 15, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report addresses frequently asked questions about covered benefits and consumer cost sharing related to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] testing, treatment, and a potential vaccine. It discusses recent legislation, references relevant existing federal requirements and recent administrative interpretations of them in relation to COVID-19, and notes state and private-sector actions. It begins with background information on types and regulation of private health insurance plans. [...] This report discusses most U.S. private health insurance plans' coverage of health care items and services related to COVID-19, but it generally does not discuss the delivery of those services, insurers' payments to health care providers, or private health insurance coverage of other benefits. The Appendix lists Congressional Research Service (CRS) analysts who can discuss with congressional clients other topics of interest related to private health insurance and COVID-19, including types of plans and coverage of benefits not addressed in this report. Also beyond the scope of this report are public health coverage programs (e.g., Medicare); the domestic and international public health responses to COVID-19; and economic, human services, and other nonhealth issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Forsberg, Vanessa C.
2020-05-15
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Foreign Sovereign Immunity and COVID-19 Lawsuits Against China [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "Putative classes of plaintiffs have launched at least five class action lawsuits against the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) for losses in the United States associated with the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Two states--Missouri and Mississippi--have also lodged claims in federal court against China and Chinese entities for COVID-19 associated losses in those states. The lawsuits essentially allege that the PRC government's early failure to accurately inform the World Health Organization and the world community about the contagiousness and scope of outbreak of the disease in China, along with other actions to conceal vital information, prevented containment of the coronavirus and directly led to its reaching global pandemic proportions. Each of these lawsuits faces a common initial hurdle: jurisdiction under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). This Legal Sidebar analyzes two possible exceptions under the FSIA that these lawsuits have asserted as a jurisdictional basis and describes some legislative efforts to overcome foreign sovereign immunity. Because the complaints are similar but the Missouri complaint seems to be the most detailed in its foreign sovereign immunity claims, this Legal Sidebar focuses on the lawsuit by the State of Missouri."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer
2020-05-15
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COVID-19: Defense Production Act (DPA) Developments and Issues for Congress [Updated May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "The White House is employing the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to facilitate the production and availability of essential goods, supplies, and services. This Insight considers recent DPA actions and associated policy considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael; Peters, Heidi M.
2020-05-15
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 190 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is having a noticeable impact on global economic growth. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by as much as 2.0% per month if current conditions persist and raise the risks of a global economic recession similar in magnitude to that experienced during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Global trade could also fall by 13% to 32%, depending on the depth and extent of the global economic downturn. The full impact will not be known until the effects of the pandemic peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2020-05-15
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COVID-19 Alternate Care Sites (ACSs): Role and Activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [May 15, 2020]
From the Document:"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides engineering services and capabilities in support of national interests. As part of its overall mission, USACE prepares for and responds to national emergencies in support of the Department of Defense and other federal agencies and efforts. In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emergency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had assigned USACE missions totaling $1.8 billion as of mid-May 2020, which have led to USACE [1] assessing over 1,000 sites for potential use as 'alternate care sites' (ACSs, also called 'alternate care facilities') that can function as temporary health care facilities; [2] developing standardized designs for ACSs (with other federal agencies' input); and [3] contracting to convert structures into ACSs. Congressional oversight of the COVID-19 response may include ACSs. Some USACE-converted ACSs reportedly are expected to close shortly after their conversions or are to be put on standby (referred to as warm sites). Others have served fewer patients than the facilities' capacity, but there is some reporting that health care professionals have found that ACSs provided relief for hospitals and their staff."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Nicole T.; Fischer, Hannah
2020-05-15
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Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act: Division B--Revenue Provisions [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress continues to consider proposals intended to alleviate the economic effects associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19, pandemic. One such proposal, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R. 6800), was introduced in the House on May 12, 2020. Division B of the HEROES Act, or the COVID-19 Tax Relief Act of 2020, contains a number of individual and business tax provisions, including [1] a one-time direct payment for eligible individuals, and an expansion of eligibility for the direct payments provided in the CARES Act; [2] enhanced benefits and/or expanded eligibility for the earned income tax credit (EITC), child tax credit, and child and dependent care tax credit, and suspension of the limitation on the deduction for state and local taxes paid; [3] expansions of tax credits for paid sick leave and paid family leave; [4] tax credits for employers and employees in businesses susceptible to COVID-19- related interruptions; [5] expanded utilization options for certain employee health and dependent care benefits; and [6] a permanent limitation on using noncorporate business losses to offset nonbusiness income, and reduced ability to carry back recent net operating losses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.; Sherlock, Molly F.; Driessen, Grant A. . . .
2020-05-15
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Export Restrictions in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, countries all over the world, including the United States, have imposed temporary restrictions on exports of certain medical goods and some foodstuffs in order to mitigate potential shortages of key supplies. Many measures are not explicit bans, but vary from licensing requirements to mandates for sales to the state. These restrictions have raised debate about the consistency of such actions with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the potential impact on the global trading system. Some markets depend heavily on countries that have implemented restrictions. Most leading exporters are also major importers of critical supplies, with integrated supply chains at risk. The proliferation of such measures has prompted some countries to commit to limit restrictions or to abide by certain principles in their temporary application. Members of Congress have weighed in on both sides of the issue, both in terms of the immediate disruption from COVID-19, but also on the future of supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.
2020-05-15
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Election 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal Issues in Absentee and All-Mail Voting [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been concerns about the potential impact on the 2020 federal election cycle. Some states have delayed primary elections, and, in other jurisdictions, officials have moved polling places away from high-risk populations. As the public health crisis continues, new questions are emerging about the safety and accessibility of voting in the remaining federal primaries and the November 3 general election. These concerns are coupled with questions about how to maintain election integrity. [...] In this Sidebar, absentee voting generally refers to state laws that permit eligible voters to request and cast ballots by mail without physically going to the polls on Election Day. All-mail voting generally refers to state laws that provide for automatic mailing of ballots to all eligible voters. This Sidebar outlines the legal landscape for state and federal election laws, examines recent challenges to state laws in response to the pandemic, and briefly discusses select legislation introduced in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whitaker, L. Paige
2020-05-15
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Federal Authority to Lift or Modify State and Local COVID-19 'Stay-At-Home' Orders: Frequently Asked Questions [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "To contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), roughly 20 states and the District of Columbia continue to operate under so-called 'stay-at-home' orders closing nonessential businesses and limiting the circumstances in which individuals can leave their residences. In other states, some counties and cities remain subject to similar orders. These directives fall within the traditional police powers of state and local governments to protect the health and safety of their citizens. But stay-at-home orders also implicate federal interests, raising questions about the balance between federal and state power if federal authorities disagree with the content or duration of specific state or local mandates. Besides these federalism issues, disputes over the proper response to COVID-19 raise separation-of-powers questions about the President's authority to override stay-at-home orders. This Legal Sidebar responds to certain frequently asked questions concerning the federal government's power to lift or modify such orders."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sykes, Jay B.
2020-05-15
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USDA Rural Development and COVID-19: Supplemental Funding and Agency Actions [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development agency (RD) administers loan, grant, and technical assistance programs that support infrastructure, housing, and business development in rural areas. In response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, Congress provided supplemental funding to certain RD programs. In addition, RD has taken a number of actions to provide relief for current program participants and assist potential applicants in applying for program funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Alyssa R.
2020-05-15
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Copyright and State Sovereign Immunity: The 'Allen v. Cooper' Decision [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 23, 2020, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in 'Allen v. Cooper,' concluding that Congress lacked the authority to enact the Copyright Remedy Clarification Act of 1990 (CRCA), which purported to abrogate state sovereign immunity in copyright infringement actions. The CRCA, which sought to remedy alleged state copyright infringement, provides that any 'State, and any [State] instrumentality, officer, or employee' shall be liable for copyright infringement 'in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity.' In 'Allen,' the Supreme Court held that the CRCA was not a valid exercise of Congress's constitutional powers under Article I or Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, although the opinion leaves open the possibility that a narrower congressional abrogation of state sovereign immunity for copyright suits might be constitutional. The immediate practical effect of the decision is that copyright holders cannot sue state governments for copyright infringement without their consent. The decision's broader significance lies in clarifying the limitations on Congress's power to provide remedies for state constitutional violations. This Sidebar will review the law of state sovereign immunity, the dispute in 'Allen v. Cooper,' the Court's opinion, and the implications for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2020-05-15
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Agency Discretion to Manage Appropriated Funds: The WHO Funding Announcement [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 14, 2020, President Donald J. Trump announced that his Administration would 'halt' funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) while it investigates the WHO's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response effort. [...] It is too early to tell how the Trump Administration's announcement might affect agency action, if at all. It is possible to construe the Administration's statements as signaling that agencies might proceed with obligating funds by working with 'different partners' instead of the WHO. But some observers have questioned whether agencies might temporarily delay obligating funds pending the Administration's investigation. Conceptually, these two general possibilities--obligating funds or temporarily delaying obligation--raise questions about agency discretion to manage appropriated funds. This Sidebar provides a general discussion of an agency's authority to obligate its appropriations or, alternatively, temporarily delay the obligation of budget authority, noting, along the way, potentially relevant considerations in the case of the WHO funding announcement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stiff, Sean M.
2020-05-15
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Future of the Second Amendment: 'New York State Rifle & Pistol Association' at the Supreme Court [May 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 27, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a two-page 'per curiam' (unsigned) opinion in 'New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. City of New York,' effectively dismissing a case that had been poised to clarify the Court's Second Amendment jurisprudence. As described in previous Legal Sidebars, the case involved a portion of New York City's (NYC's or the City's) firearms licensing scheme that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Second Circuit) upheld as valid. [...] This Legal Sidebar provides an overview of Second Amendment doctrine; summarizes the facts and history of the 'New York State Rifle & Pistol Association' case; discusses the Supreme Court's 'per curiam,' concurring, and dissenting opinions in the case; and briefly addresses implications of the decision going forward."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-05-15
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Community Development Block Grants and the CARES Act [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) can be employed by states and local units of government to support economic and community development efforts in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) includes $5 billion for the Community Development Fund, enabling additional HUD support for CDBG grantees. This Insight provides an overview of the conventional CDBG program, considers how CDBG funds may be used to support community and economic development efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses provisions in the CARES Act pertaining to CDBG."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaroscak, Joseph V.
2020-05-14
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COVID 19: Consumer Loan Forbearance and Other Relief Options [May 14, 2020]
From the Introduction: "A growing number of reported Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been identified in the United States, significantly impacting many communities. As this situation rapidly evolves, the economic impact due to illnesses, quarantines, social distancing, local stay-at-home orders, and other business disruptions will be large. Consequently, many Americans will lose income and face financial hardship due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] This report focuses on policy responses relating to the financial services industry for consumers who may have trouble paying their loan obligations, such as mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards. 5 First, it provides an overview of loan forbearance and other possible relief options for consumers. Then, the report discusses relevant CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act provisions and federal financial regulatory responses. Lastly, the report describes the impact this pandemic and the proceeding policy responses have had on financial institutions and consumers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.; Getter, Darryl E.; Gnanarajah, Raj . . .
2020-05-14
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Office of the Attending Physician, U.S. Congress: Background Information and Response to Public Health Emergencies [May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The Office of the Attending Physician (OAP) was established in 1928, after the House agreed to a resolution on December 5, 1928, requesting the Secretary of the Navy detail a medical officer to the House (H.Res. 253, 70th Congress). On April 7, 1930, the Senate agreed to a concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14, 71st Congress) extending the services of the Attending Physician to both chambers. Although the House never considered the concurrent resolution, the OAP began serving both the House and the Senate at that time. Since the initial appointment in 1928, the Attending Physician, and other medical assistants in the office, have continued to be assigned from the Department of the Navy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2020-05-14
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Tax Treatment of Net Operating Losses (NOLs) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "Increased benefits from net operating losses (NOLs) had been discussed as part of the response to the economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) included a provision increasing tax benefits for NOLs. This revision temporarily suspends current rules that were last revised in the 2017 tax revision, popularly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) (P.L. 115-97)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-05-14
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 116th Congress [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "Political and economic developments in Cuba, a one-party authoritarian state with a poor human rights record, frequently have been the subject of intense congressional concern since the 1959 Cuban revolution. Current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel succeeded Raúl Castro in April 2018, but Castro continues to head Cuba's Communist Party. A new constitution took effect in 2019 that introduced some political and economic reforms but maintained the state sector's dominance over the economy and the Communist Party's predominant role. Over the past decade, Cuba has implemented gradual market-oriented economic policy changes, but it has not taken enough action to foster sustainable economic growth. The Cuban economy is being hard-hit by Venezuela's economic crisis, which has reduced Venezuela's support for Cuba and increased U.S. economic sanctions, and by the economic shutdown in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Cuba's economy faces a contraction of more than 8% in 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-05-14
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Congressionally Mandated Reports: Overview and Considerations for Congress [May 14, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Congressional oversight of the executive branch is a topic of perennial interest to many Members of Congress, their staff, and the public. Statutory reporting requirements can be useful in facilitating congressional oversight by enhancing congressional access to information about the implementation of public policy. [...] This report provides an overview of statutory reporting requirements used by Congress to obtain information from the executive branch; describes the goals that various types of reporting requirements may help achieve; and analyzes statutory requirements enacted during the 115th Congress to identify common features of legislative language used to establish such requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Egar, William T.
2020-05-14
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "In May 2020, the Iraqi Council of Representatives (COR), confirmed Iraqi National Intelligence Service director Mustafa al Kadhimi as Prime Minister and approved 15 of his 22 cabinet nominees, bringing months of political deadlock over government leadership to a close. Upon taking office, Al Kadhimi declared that his government would serve in a transitional capacity and would work to improve security and fight corruption while preparing for early elections.Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks to the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-05-14
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Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA): Overview of Workers' Compensation for Certain Private-Sector Maritime Workers [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) requires that private-sector firms provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees engaged in longshore, harbor, or other maritime occupations on or adjacent to the navigable waters of the United States. Although the LHWCA program is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), most benefits are paid either through private insurers or self-insured firms. The LHWCA is a workers' compensation system and not a federal benefits program. Like other workers' compensation systems in the United States, the LHWCA ensures that all covered workers are provided medical and disability benefits in the event they are injured or become ill in the course of their employment, and it provides benefits to the survivors of covered workers who die on the job. In 2017, the LHWCA paid approximately $2.06 billion in cash and medical benefits to injured workers and the families of deceased workers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2020-05-14
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Legal Framework of the National Environmental Policy Act [May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., declared a national policy 'to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans.' To implement this policy, NEPA requires federal agencies to identify and evaluate impacts of 'major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.' 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C). Although an agency must consider these impacts, it need not elevate these environmental concerns above others. Instead, NEPA requires agencies to 'take a hard look at environmental consequences' of their proposed actions, consider alternatives, and publicly disseminate such information before taking final action"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.; Tsang, Linda
2020-05-14
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Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC), which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by a few or several percent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-05-14
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Protecting Against Rogue Drones [May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "As of March 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had registered more than 1.5 million unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as drones. More than 70% are operated by recreational users. FAA estimates that by 2024, about 2.3 million UAS, including 1.5 million recreational drones and model aircraft and about 800,000 commercial UAS, will be registered to fly in U.S. airspace. As the UAS market expands, there may be an increasing risk that rogue drones that either fail to obey safety rules or are operated for nefarious purposes could threaten manned aircraft operations, airports, critical infrastructure facilities, and high-profile events. These concerns have prompted Congress to examine options for detecting and interdicting drones."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew
2020-05-14
