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National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard: Overview and Select Considerations [Updated February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "In July 2016, Congress enacted P.L. 114-216 (2016 Act), comprehensive legislation to govern the labeling of bioengineered foods. The 2016 Act required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The Standard regulates labeling of bioengineered foods, a term defined in the 2016 Act. The act does not address or define other terms that some members of the public might associate with bioengineered foods, such as 'genetically engineered' (GE), 'genetically modified', and 'genetically modified organism' (GMO). The Standard guides the mandatory labeling of foods to indicate the presence of GE ingredients. As such, foods meeting requirements identified in the Standard must bear a bioengineered disclosure. Implementation began on January 1, 2020, and mandatory compliance begins on January 1, 2022."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Croft, Genevieve K.
2020-02-07
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African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) [February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "On May 30, 2019, the framework agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) entered into force. Trading under the agreement, however, is not expected to occur until mid-2020 at the earliest, as negotiations continue on critical commitments, including tariff liberalization schedules. If fully realized, the AfCFTA would cover 54 countries (the largest of any regional trade bloc), creating a market encompassing 1.2 billion people with combined economic output in 2018 of $2.5 trillion. Through the AfCFTA, the African Union (AU) seeks to create a pan-African free trade area liberalizing the flow of goods and services, thereby increasing intra-African trade and enhancing regional development prospects. All but one (Eritrea) of the AU's 55 members have signed the agreement, and 29 had ratified it as of January 2020. Many observers hailed the AfCFTA agreement's entry into force as a milestone in African economic integration. Its impact, however, will depend on future negotiations and on its successful implementation in a region in which some past trade integration efforts have fallen short of their ambitions. The United States, partly as directed by Congress, has provided assistance to expand Africa's intra-regional and global trade through various initiatives. The Trump Administration broadly supports the AfCFTA and has pledged U.S. assistance for its implementation--but has also stated interest in negotiating one or more bilateral trade agreements in the region, which could potentially complicate AfCFTA negotiations and implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Cook, Nicolas
2020-02-07
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Army's Modernization Strategy: Congressional Oversight Considerations [February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "In October 2019, the Army published a new modernization strategy aimed at transforming the Army in order to conduct Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) which are intended to address the current and future actions of near-peer competitors Russia and China. The Army's Modernization Strategy is part of a hierarchy of strategies designed, among other things, to inform the Service's respective modernization plans. These strategies include the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy (NDS), the National Military Strategy (NMS), and the Army Strategy. The Army's Modernization Strategy establishes six material modernization priorities: [1] Long Range Precision Fires; [2] Next Generation of Combat Vehicles; [3] Future Vertical Lift; [4] Army Network; [5] Air and Missile Defense; [6] Soldier Lethality. [...] This report provides a number of possible questions and observations related to a potential Army modernization oversight architecture which could serve to provide both an element of continuity for hearings and a standard by which Congress might evaluate the efficacy of Army Modernization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; McGarry, Brendan W.
2020-02-07
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Defense Primer: Procurement [Updated February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "While the common use of the word 'procurement' implies the process of obtaining goods or services, uses of the word 'procurement' by national security experts and practitioners generally refers to a specific title within the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and defense appropriations legislation. [...] Procurement funding authorized in a given fiscal year can usually be obligated over a period of three years. The most prominent exception is Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion funding, which is available for five years. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2020 (Division A of P.L. 116-93) provided $133.9 billion in procurement funding for DOD in the regular, or 'base', budget, [...] in addition to $11.8 billion in procurement funding designated for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.; McGarry, Brendan W.
2020-02-07
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Illicit Drug Smuggling Between Ports of Entry and Border Barriers [February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Policy discussions around border security often involve questions about how illicit drugs flow into the United States. These include questions about the smugglers, types and quantities of illicit drugs crossing U.S. borders, primary entry points, and methods by which drugs are smuggled. Further, these discussions often center on the shared U.S.-Mexico border, as it is a major conduit through which illicit drugs flow. There are no comprehensive data on the total quantity of foreign-produced illicit drugs smuggled into the United States at or between official ports of entry (POEs) because these are drugs that have generally evaded seizure by border officials. In lieu of these data, officials, policymakers, and analysts sometimes rely on certain drug seizure data to help understand how and where illicit drugs are crossing U.S. borders. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicate that, by weight, more marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl were seized at POEs than between them in FY2019. While available indicators suggest that drug seizures are more concentrated at POEs, it is the flow of drugs 'between' them that have been a primary topic of recent policy discussions around border security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2020-02-07
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Emoluments Clauses of the U.S. Constitution [Updated February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Recent litigation involving President Trump has raised a number of legal issues concerning formerly obscure constitutional provisions that prohibit the acceptance or receipt of 'emoluments' in certain circumstances. This In Focus provides an overview of these constitutional provisions, highlighting several unsettled legal areas concerning their meaning and scope, and reviewing the status of ongoing litigation against President Trump based on alleged violations of the Emoluments Clauses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.; Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-02-07
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Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues: The New Legal Landscape [February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "In the most recent change to federal law in response to the opioid crisis, on February 6, 2020, the President signed the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act (the Act). The Act temporarily extended a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrative order that placed certain 'fentanyl analogues--i.e.', compounds related to the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl--under control pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This Sidebar provides an overview of key legal issues related to the scheduling of fentanyl analogues and recent changes to the law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-02-07
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U.S.-China Phase I Deal: Agriculture [Updated February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 15, 2020, President Trump signed a 'Phase I' executive agreement (that does not require congressional approval) with the Chinese government on trade and investment issues, including agriculture. This marks at least the temporary resolution of a dispute that began when the United States imposed tariffs on a wide range of Chinese exports in 2018, and China retaliated with tariffs on almost all U.S. agricultural products and certain other goods. Under the agreement, China will not repeal any tariffs. It is possible that China will grant tariff exclusions for various agricultural products, lowering their prices to domestic buyers in order to reach a target level of U.S. imports. The agreement is expected to improve market access for U.S. agricultural products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2020-02-07
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Monetary Policy and the Federal Reserve: Current Policy and Conditions [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Reserve's (the Fed's) responsibilities as the nation's central bank fall into four main categories: monetary policy, provision of emergency liquidity through the lender of last resort function, supervision of certain types of banks and other financial firms for safety and soundness, and provision of payment system services to financial firms and the government. Congress has delegated responsibility for monetary policy to the Fed, but retains oversight responsibilities to ensure that the Fed is adhering to its statutory mandate of 'maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.' The Fed has defined stable prices as a longer-run goal of 2% inflation--the change in overall prices, as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index. [...] This report provides an overview of how monetary policy works and recent developments, a summary of the Fed's actions following the financial crisis, and ends with a brief overview of the Fed's regulatory responsibilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-02-06
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Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Developments in China and International Response [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 31, 2019, China's government notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, China. On January 7, 2020, Chinese scientists isolated a previously unknown coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the patients, and on January 12 the scientists made its genetic sequence available to WHO and international partners. By February 5, the virus had spread to every province in China and to 24 other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Lawrence, Susan V.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2020-02-06
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Defense Primer: U.S. Defense Industrial Base [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on a wide-ranging and complex industrial base for the products and services that enable the Department's warfighting capabilities. Definitions of what this industrial base encompasses vary in scope and emphasis. Some analysts and experts distinguish between a domestic 'defense industrial base' (DIB) and a global DIB. The domestic DIB includes public-sector (government-owned, government-operated) facilities and private-sector (commercial) companies located in the United States. Congress has taken some interest and action to support and sustain the domestic DIB. [...] The commercial companies that contract with DOD are diverse, ranging in size from small businesses to some of the world's largest corporate enterprises. These commercial companies provide a wide variety of products to DOD, encompassing everything from complex military-unique platforms (such as aircraft carriers) to common items sold commercially (such as laptop computers, clothing, and food). These companies also provide a wide variety of services, including everything from routine services (e.g., information technology (IT) support) to highly specialized services (e.g., launching space vehicles)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2020-02-06
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Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Document: "Before and since the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions in May 2019, President Trump has indicated a willingness to meet with Iranian leaders without preconditions. Iranian leaders say there will be no direct high level U.S.-Iran meetings until the United States reenters the 2015 JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] and lifts U.S. sanctions as provided for in that agreement. Administration statements and reports detail a long litany of objectionable behaviors that Iran must change for there to be a normalization of relations. Some experts assert that the threat posed by Iran stems from the nature and ideology of Iran's regime, and that the underlying, if unstated, goal of Trump Administration policy is to bring about regime collapse. In the context of escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, President Trump has specifically denied that this is his Administration's goal. Any U.S. regime change strategy presumably would take advantage of divisions and fissures within Iran, as well as evident popular unrest resulting from political and economic frustration. Unrest in recent years has not appeared to threaten the regime's grip on power. However, significant protests and riots, including burning of some government installations and private establishments, broke out on November 15 in response to a government announcement of a reduction in fuel subsidies, as well as in January 2020 in response to the regime's concealment of responsibility for accidentally downing a Ukraine passenger aircraft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-02-06
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Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Document: "As the number of refugees worldwide reached unprecedented levels in recent years, Congress has demonstrated a continued interest in refugee 'resettlement', although such opportunities are available to only a small percentage of the global refugee population. This report does not discuss the refugee 'admissions' process to the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda
2020-02-06
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Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to increasing numbers of people on the move, the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Plenary Summit on Refugees and Migrants in September 2016 adopted the 'New York Declaration,' which aims to save lives, protect rights, and share responsibility for refugees and migrants on a global scale. Building on this initiative, U.N. member states developed two global compacts--a Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and a Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). In December 2017, the Trump Administration withdrew the United States from the GCM negotiations. (In November 2018, it also withdrew U.S. participation in the GCR.) Refugees are distinct from migrants because of their specific status and protections under international law. In July 2018, U.N. member states finalized the text of the GCM. Governments signed the compact at the U.N. Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 10-11, 2018, with 152 votes in favor, 5 against (Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Poland, United States), and 12 abstentions. The U.N. General Assembly adopted the GCM on December 19, 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda
2020-02-06
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). [...] The issue for Congress is whether the Trump Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-02-06
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Veterans Health Administration: Gender-Specific Health Care Services for Women Veterans [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Traditionally, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had predominantly provided gender-specific health care services to male veterans. The U.S. Census Bureau began asking women about their military service in 1980 and found that women veterans accounted for less than 3% of the U.S. veteran population, according to a VA report (VA, 'Women Veterans Report', https://go.usa.gov/xPzNC). Congress, in response to this revelation, requested investigative reports from the Government Accountability Office on women veterans' access to VA benefits (https://go.usa.gov/xEBkM). Congress also passed a number of laws such as the Women Veterans Health Program Act of 1992, which is Title I of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-585, as amended) to specifically increase women veterans' access to gender-specific health care services through the VHA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elliott, Victoria L.
2020-02-06
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Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense-Issues for Congress [Updated February 6, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides a brief overview of implications for U.S. defense of the shift in the international environment to a situation of renewed great power competition with China and Russia. The issue for Congress is how U.S. defense planning should respond to this shift, and whether to approve, reject, or modify the Trump Administration's proposed defense funding levels, strategy, plans, and programs for responding to this shift. Congress's decisions on these issues could have significant or even profound implications for U.S. defense capabilities and funding requirements. This report focuses on defense-related issues and does not discuss potential implications of the shift to renewed great power competition for other policy areas, such as foreign policy and diplomacy, trade and finance, energy, and foreign assistance. A separate CRS [Congressional Research Service] report discusses the current debate over the future U.S. role in the world and the implications of this debate for both defense and other policy areas, particularly in light of the shift to renewed great power competition."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-02-06
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U.S. Bilateral International Family Planning and Reproductive Health Programs: Background and Selected Issues [February 6, 2020]
From the Summary: "U.S. international family planning activities stem from a provision of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (Section 104, P.L. 87-195; as amended), which authorized research on family planning issues, among many other things. In 1965, Congress authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to create contraceptive distribution programs. Originally, international family planning programs focused on distributing contraceptives and related commodities. Over time, such programs evolved to also address reproductive health issues, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and obstetric fistula prevention and care. The United States is the largest donor of international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) assistance, supporting programs in 40 countries and providing, in recent years, $575 million annually in bilateral aid for this purpose. USAID administers the majority of this funding, which Congress appropriates primarily through the Global Health Programs account in the annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriation. [...] This report does not cover family planning assistance channeled through multilateral organizations, such as the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA). It provides only limited discussion of legislative restrictions and executive branch policies related to international abortion, which are detailed in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.
2020-02-06
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Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers), to be followed years from now by the acquisition of up to three new medium polar icebreakers. The PSC program has received a total of $1,169.6 million (i.e., about $1.2 billion) in procurement funding through FY2020. In FY2020, Congress provided $135 million for the program, which was $100 million more than the $35 million that the Coast Guard had requested. [...] Issues for Congress for the PSC program include, inter alia, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's FY2021 procurement funding request for the program; whether to use a contract with options or a block buy contract to procure at least some of the ships; whether to continue providing at least some of the procurement funding for the PSC program through the Navy's shipbuilding account; technical, schedule, and cost risk in the PSC program; and whether to procure heavy and medium polar icebreakers to a common basic design."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-02-05
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Buying American: The Berry and Kissell Amendments [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Two U.S. laws require the Department of Defense (DOD) and some agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to purchase only domestic products for certain military and nonmilitary purposes. These laws are known as the Berry Amendment and the Kissell Amendment. Congress typically debates the Berry Amendment in the context of the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The laws are controversial. Supporters argue they help preserve the U.S. industrial base and create domestic manufacturing jobs. Some lawmakers also assert that production of government uniforms outside the United States raises national security concerns. Opponents believe the laws give monopolies to certain companies and raise the government's procurement costs. They also claim these laws are inconsistent with modern supply chains that source components and raw materials from multiple countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Platzer, Michaela D.
2020-02-05
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Federal Securities Laws: An Overview [February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "The Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) governs the process by which companies issue securities. The Act prohibits any person from offering or selling a security to the public unless the offering has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or falls under an exemption. The Act's exemptions include private placements, certain small issues, and offerings involving certain classes of securities (e.g., government securities and bank securities). If an exemption does not apply, an issuer must file a registration statement with the SEC that includes detailed information about the issuer's business operations, financial condition, and the nature of the offering. If a company issues securities in violation of the Act's registration requirements, individuals who purchased the securities may sue the company to rescind their purchases or for damages. The Act also allows purchasers to sue issuers and other specified individuals--such as directors, underwriters, and persons who signed the registration statement--for damages for certain material misrepresentations or omissions in connection with the offering. The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 supplemented the Securities Act by adding more requirements for public offerings of debt securities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Linebaugh, Chris D.; Sykes, Jay B.; Vanatko, Nicole
2020-02-05
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Oil Market Effects from U.S. Economic Sanctions: Iran, Russia, Venezuela [February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Economic sanctions imposed by the United States--through enacted legislation and executive action--on Iran, Russia, and Venezuela aim to pressure the ruling governments to change their behavior and policies. Currently, these sanctions aim to either eliminate (Iran) or restrict (Venezuela) crude oil trade of as much as 3.3 million to 4.0 million barrels per day (bpd), roughly 3%-4% of global petroleum supply. Estimated oil production volumes affected to date have been approximately 1.7 million bpd from Iran. Venezuela oil production has also likely been affected, although accurately quantifying volumes is difficult due to monthly oil production declines over a period of years prior to U.S. sanctions affecting oil trade in January 2019. Sanctions imposed on Russia's oil sector generally target longer-term oil production and to date have not reduced Russian oil supply or trade. Oil production in Russia has increased since oil-sector sanctions began in 2014, although the country has arguably incurred economic costs in order to incentivize and support oil output levels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy)
2020-02-05
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses NATO, the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Over the past 70 years, political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in the security landscape have tested U.S.-European relations. Despite periodic difficulties, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests. President Trump and some officials in his Administration have questioned the tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and key European countries have prompted significant concerns in Europe. The Administration contends that it is committed to NATO and supports close U.S.-European ties, but some Europeans question whether the United States will remain a reliable, credible partner. Policy divergences on a wide range of regional and global issues also pose challenges to U.S.-European relations. The second session of the 116th Congress may wish to consider the implications of Trump Administration policies for U.S. interests in Europe and U.S.-European cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2020-02-05
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TurkStream: Russia's Newest Gas Pipeline to Europe [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Russia's state-owned natural gas company Gazprom has long sought to protect its share of Europe's natural gas market. Along with the controversial Nord Stream 2 project (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus IF11138, 'Nord Stream 2: A Fait Accompli?'), Gazprom's TurkStream project could strengthen Russia's foothold in the European energy market, especially southern Europe. It also could cement Turkey's status as a lead recipient of Russian gas, at a time of relatively strong Turkish-Russian relations. Opponents of the TurkStream project, including the Trump Administration and some Members of Congress, have expressed concern that the project could also help erode Ukraine's transit role for natural gas. In 2018, Gazprom supplied more than 40% of the EU's natural gas imports and about 50% of Turkey's. Many analysts maintain that Moscow could use its energy exports as leverage in countries that are dependent upon Russian natural gas. The United States, in turn, has long supported projects to diversify natural gas supplies to Europe and undercut Russia's market dominance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garding, Sarah E.; Ratner, Michael; Welt, Cory . . .
2020-02-05
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. While descriptions of the U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world is changing, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. A change in the U.S. role could have significant and even profound effects on U.S. security, freedom, and prosperity. It could significantly affect U.S. policy in areas such as relations with allies and other countries, defense plans and programs, trade and international finance, foreign assistance, and human rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-02-05
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [February 4, 2020]
From the Document: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the rate of Navy ship procurement, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The Navy's proposed FY2020 budget requests funding for the procurement of 12 new ships. [...] The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2020 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-02-04
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Defense Primer: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering [Updated February 4, 2020]
From the Document: "Advances in science and technology have long played a critical role in ensuring the technological preeminence of the United States military. For this reason, the Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest funder of federal research and development. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD (R&E)) is a civilian official reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense. The USD (R&E) serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for DOD research, engineering, and technology development activities and programs. Over the last several years, policymakers and others have expressed concern that the long-held technological edge of the U.S. military is eroding due, in part, to the proliferation of technologies outside the defense sector, organizational and cultural barriers to DOD effectively incorporating and exploiting commercial innovations, and insufficient engagement with leading-edge companies that have not historically been a part of the DOD innovation system. The establishment of the USD (R&E) as the fourth highest ranking DOD official--behind the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Chief Management Officer--was intended to promote faster innovation and to reduce risk-intolerance in the pursuit of new technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallo, Marcy E.
2020-02-04
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Legal Basis for the U.S.-China 'Phase One' Agreement and Implications for Implementation [February 4, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 15, 2020, the United States and China signed and released the text of a 'phase one' agreement to address some of the trade and investment issues between the Parties, including the issues that the Administration investigated pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has testified that the Agreement, formally titled the 'Economic and Trade Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China' (U.S.-China Agreement), does not require congressional approval. This is because the Executive relied on authority Congress delegated to it in Section 301 and on its constitutional authority to enter into executive agreements. This Sidebar provides a brief overview of the possible legal bases for the United States' entry into the U.S.-China Agreement without congressional involvement, and the implications for its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2020-02-04
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Egypt: Death of American Citizen and Congressional Response [February 4, 2020]
From the Overview: "On January 13, 2020, Mustafa Kassem, a dual U.S.-Egyptian citizen who had been detained in Egypt since 2013, died of heart failure in an Egyptian prison after a two-year hunger strike. The Egyptian government has defended its treatment of Kassem, claiming that he received adequate medical care and legal rights. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo called Kassem's death 'pointless and tragic.' Some Members of Congress had long been concerned for Kassem, arguing that Egyptian authorities unlawfully detained and wrongfully convicted him. Kassem's death has upset some in Congress, sparking condemnations of the Egyptian government and calls for sanctions on Egyptian officials. Other lawmakers may be hesitant to advocate punitive action against the Egyptian government based, at least in part, on concern for preserving long-standing U.S.-Egyptian security cooperation. Nevertheless, the Kassem case presents an example of how the treatment of U.S. residents and/or citizens by authoritarian regimes can create challenges for U.S. policymakers seeking to preserve security cooperation while upholding human rights principles and legal responsibilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2020-02-04
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National Security Space Launch [February 3, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States is making significant efforts to pursue a strategy that ensures continued access to space for national security missions. The current strategy is embodied in the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The NSSL supersedes the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, which started in 1995 to ensure that National Security Space (NSS) launches were affordable and reliable. For the same reasons, policymakers provide oversight for the current NSSL program and encourage competition, as there was only one provider for launch services from 2006 to 2013. Moreover, Congress now requires DOD to consider both reusable and expendable launch vehicles for solicitations after March 1, 2019. To date, only expendable, or single-use, launch vehicles have been used for NSSL missions. The NSSL program is the primary provider for NSS launches. Factors that prompted the initial EELV effort in 1995 are still manifest--significant increases in launch costs and concerns over procurement and competition."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2020-02-03
