Advanced search    Help

Clear all search criteria

Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).

• Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated May 16, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities. [...] In 2017, the State Department released a U.S. strategy for engagement in the Caribbean (required by P.L. 114-291, the United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016). Among the priorities for engagement is security, with the objectives of strengthening mutual national security and advancing citizens' safety through programs to dismantle criminal and terrorist organizations, curb the trafficking of illicit goods and people, strengthen the rule of law, and counter vulnerability to terrorist threats--all efforts central to the CBSI. Congress has supported funding for the CBSI. From FY2010 through FY2022, Congress appropriated $831 million for the CBSI, benefiting 13 Caribbean countries-- Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago[.] For FY2021, Congress appropriated not less than $74.8 million for the CBSI in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260, Explanatory Statement, Division K)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2022-05-16
• 'Hacktivists' and the Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Legal Considerations [May 13, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Since Russia's February 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine, a growing number of nongovernmental hackers motivated by social or political objectives--so-called 'hacktivists' [hyperlink]--have [hyperlink] conducted offensive cyberspace operations against Russia. Some of these groups and individuals may be responding to a February 26 tweet [hyperlink] by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, who called for the creation of a volunteer 'IT [information technology] Army.' One scholar has cited [hyperlink] this invitation as 'the first time that states have openly called for citizens and volunteers to cyberattack another state.' Ukraine's volunteer IT Army--which may include [hyperlink] 'hundreds of thousands of hackers' from within and outside Ukraine--may be working on 'operational tasks [hyperlink]' identified by the Ukrainian government. This volunteer organization joins the International Legion of Ukraine [hyperlink] as a way for foreign volunteers to participate in the conflict. However, just as participation in the International Legion might result in adverse legal consequences [hyperlink] for volunteers who are U.S. nationals, various federal statutes might be implicated should U.S. persons join the IT Army or otherwise conduct cyberspace operations against Russian assets. This Sidebar considers potential civil and criminal liability under federal law for individuals within the United States who hack foreign governmental or nongovernmental computers. It first discusses the potential applicability of two federal statutes to alleged hostile or malicious cyber activities targeting Russia by hacktivists residing in the United States: the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the Neutrality Act. It then presents several considerations for Congress as this situation evolves. Although this Sidebar generally discusses volunteers acting on Ukraine's behalf, the analysis below would also likely apply to U.S. persons acting on Russia's behalf against Ukraine."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gaffney, Jonathan M.

  2022-05-13
• Iran and Nuclear Weapons Production [May 13, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Background: "Iran's nuclear program has generated widespread concern that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Tehran has the capacity to produce nuclear weapons at some point, but has halted its nuclear weapons program and has not mastered all of the necessary technologies for building such weapons. [...] Since the early 2000s, Tehran's construction of gas centrifuge uranium enrichment facilities has been the main source of proliferation concern. Gas centrifuges enrich uranium by spinning uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas at high speeds to increase the concentration of the uranium235 (u-235) isotope. Such centrifuges can produce both low-enriched uranium (LEU), which can be used in nuclear power reactors, and highly enriched uranium (HEU), which is one of the two types of fissile material used in nuclear weapons. Tehran asserts that its enrichment program is meant to produce fuel for peaceful nuclear reactors. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) requires Iran to implement various restrictions on its nuclear program, as well as to accept specific monitoring and reporting requirements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kerr, Paul K.

  2022-05-13
• Executive Privilege and Presidential Communications: Judicial Principles [May 12, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "Presidents have claimed a right to withhold their communications from Congress since the start of the Republic. Congress's resistance to such claims, however, is just as grounded in history. The resulting, recurring, and often prominent disagreements over what has come to be known broadly as 'executive privilege' tend to place in opposition two implied and often competing constitutional principles: Congress's right to obtain information necessary to carry out its legislative functions and the President's interest in protecting the confidentiality of his (and sometimes his subordinates') communications. Unlike more traditional legal disagreements between parties, resolution of these inter-branch executive privilege disputes has not historically come from the courts. Instead, when conflict has been avoided, it has typically been because of a process of compromise and accommodation in which absolute claims--for either access or confidentiality--are relinquished and replaced by a negotiated resolution acceptable to both Congress and the Executive. [...] This report addresses the judicial treatment of a core component of 'executive privilege': the presidential communications privilege. The report begins by identifying the various executive privileges in order to distinguish the presidential communications privilege from other executive branch confidentiality protections. It then discusses--in historical context--notable judicial opinions to help elucidate the legal standards applicable to disputes between Congress and the President over presidential communications. The report concludes by addressing the presidential communications privilege's application to former Presidents."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garvey, Todd

  2022-05-12
• Statutory Inspectors General in the Federal Government: A Primer [Updated May 12, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of statutory inspectors general (IGs) in the federal government, including their structure, functions, and related issues for Congress. [...] As the federal government continues to evolve, so too does the role of IGs in government oversight. Agency programs and operations have increased in terms of breadth, complexity, and interconnectedness. Consequently, IGs may face increasing demand to complete statutorily mandated reviews of programs and operations that require (1) a broader focus on program performance and effectiveness in addition to waste, fraud, and abuse; (2) analysis of specialty or technical programs, possibly in emerging policy areas; and (3) use of more complex analytical methods and tools. Congress may wish to consider several options regarding IG structures, functions, and coordination as the role of IGs in government oversight evolves."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Francis, Kathryn A.; Wilhelm, Ben

  2022-05-12
• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [Updated May 12, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "This report opens with an examination of the economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses. It then provides a brief overview of veterans' employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and nonveterans. The report also describes employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's efforts to assist veterans' access to capital, and the SBA's service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) federal procurement program. It also discusses the SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and P.L. 114-38, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015, which authorized and made permanent, under specified circumstances, the SBA's recent practice of waiving the SBAExpress loan program's one time, up-front loan guarantee fee for veterans (and their spouses)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Cilluffo, Anthony A.

  2022-05-12
• Federal Role in Voter Registration: The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and Subsequent Developments [Updated May 11, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Historically, most aspects of election administration have been left to state and local governments, resulting in a variety of practices across jurisdictions with respect to voter registration. States can vary on a number of elements of the voter registration process, including whether or not to require voter registration; where or when voter registration occurs; and how voters may be removed from registration lists. The right of citizens to vote, however, is presented in the U.S. Constitution in the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-sixth Amendments. Beginning with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in 1965, Congress has sometimes passed legislation requiring certain uniform practices for federal elections, intended to prevent any state policies that may result in the disenfranchisement of eligible voters. The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) was enacted in 1993 and set forth a number of voter registration requirements for states to follow regarding voter registration processes for federal elections. NVRA is commonly referred to as the motor-voter bill, as it required states to provide voter registration opportunities alongside services provided by departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), although NVRA required other state and local offices providing public services to provide voter registration opportunities as well. [...] NVRA remains a fundamental component of federal voter registration policy and has not undergone many significant revisions since its enactment, though voter registration remains a subject of interest to Congress. [...] More than 60 bills have been introduced in the 117th Congress to date related to federal voter registration or NVRA, and similar numbers and types of voter registration proposals have been commonly introduced in other recent Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Eckman, Sarah J.

  2022-05-11
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks in U.S. Agriculture [Updated May 11, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Agriculture and land-use activities continue to play a central role in the broader debate about energy and climate policy options in the United States and abroad. Such activities offer opportunities to remove greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere, potentially reducing the nation's 'net emissions': the metric of emissions targets for the Paris Agreement (PA), the binding international climate change treaty. Pursuant to the PA, the Biden Administration released a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021 specifying a new U.S. target of reducing net GHG emissions by 50%-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Most federal legislative proposals to reduce U.S. GHG emissions would not require reductions in agriculture, but some would incentivize voluntary actions to do so. [...] Agriculture is both a 'source' and a 'sink' of GHGs ('Figure 1'). Sources generate GHG emissions that are released into the atmosphere and contribute to global climate change. Sinks remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store carbon through physical or biological processes. Agricultural emissions include many GHGs of interest to policymakers: CO2 [carbon dioxide], methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Agricultural sinks remove CO2 through photosynthesis and store carbon in plants and soil. Despite these sinks, U.S. agriculture is a net GHG source. This In Focus discusses emissions from the agriculture sector, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the most recent data available (from 2020)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Croft, Genevieve K.

  2022-05-11
• Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 11, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress for three types of large unmanned vehicles (UVs) that the Navy wants to develop and procure in FY2023 and beyond: [1] Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs); [2] Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs); and [3] Extra-large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). The Navy wants to acquire these large UVs as part of an effort to shift the Navy to a more distributed fleet architecture, meaning a mix of ships that spreads the Navy's capabilities over an increased number of platforms and avoids concentrating a large portion of the fleet's overall capability into a relatively small number of high-value ships (i.e., a mix of ships that avoids 'putting too many eggs into one basket'). The Navy's proposed FY2023 budget requests $549.3 million in research and development funding for these large UVs and LUSV/MUSV-enabling technologies, and $60.7 million in additional funding for core technologies for XLUUV and other Navy UUVs [Unmanned Undersea Vehicles]. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these large UVs. The Navy's proposals for developing and procuring them pose a number of oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding and UV industrial bases."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2022-05-11
• Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 11, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy's proposed FY2023 budget requests the procurement of the fourth ship in the program. The FFG-62 program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2022-05-11
• Is Unauthorized Dissemination of a Draft Supreme Court Opinion a Federal Crime? [May 10, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On May 2, 2022, it was first reported that a news organization had obtained a draft Supreme Court majority opinion in 'Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization' and received confirmation from [hyperlink] 'a person familiar with the court's proceedings' in the case. The Court subsequently authenticated [hyperlink] the draft opinion, and Chief Justice Roberts ordered an internal investigation. Beyond discussion of the substance of the draft opinion and its implications for the constitutional right recognized in 'Roe v. Wade'--and setting aside potential [hyperlink] employment or professional consequences for the person or persons who shared the draft--a number [hyperlink] of commentators [hyperlink] have questioned [hyperlink] whether the act of providing [hyperlink] the draft opinion to a media organization was a federal crime. Several Members of the House Oversight Committee wrote a letter [hyperlink] to the Attorney General on May 3, 2022, calling for, among other things, a Department of Justice investigation and a briefing on 'whether criminal charges are being considered against the individual or individuals responsible for this breach.' Although federal law does prohibit the dissemination of certain kinds of government information [hyperlink]--such as 'classified' information related to national security--there does not appear to be a federal criminal statute expressly prohibiting unauthorized sharing of Supreme Court documents like draft opinions. [...] The provenance of the disclosure is unknown, so the laws addressed in this Legal Sidebar may or may not apply depending on the facts. [...] As relevant to the disclosure itself, this Legal Sidebar will briefly describe three federal criminal provisions that have been cited by commentators in the context of apparently unauthorized Supreme Court information dissemination and identify some of the potential issues that application of each of those laws could raise."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)

  2022-05-10
• Brazil: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated May 10, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "As the 6th -most populous country and the 12th -largest economy in the world, Brazil plays an important role in global governance[.] Over the past 20 years, Brazil has forged coalitions with other large, developing countries to push for changes to multilateral institutions and to ensure that global agreements on issues ranging from trade to climate change adequately protect their interests. Brazil also has taken on a greater role in promoting peace and stability, contributing to U.N. peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts in South America and further afield. Although recent domestic challenges have led Brazil to turn inward and weakened its appeal globally, the country continues to exert considerable influence on international policy issues that affect the United States. U.S. policymakers have often viewed Brazil as a natural partner in regional and global affairs, given its status as a fellow multicultural democracy. Repeated efforts to forge a close partnership have left both countries frustrated, however, as their occasionally divergent interests and policy approaches have inhibited cooperation. [...] Congress has expressed considerable interest in Brazil in recent years, recognizing Brazil's potential to affect U.S. foreign policy initiatives and interests."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meyer, Peter J.

  2022-05-10
• Islamic State [Updated May 10, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL, ISIS, or the Arabic acronym 'Da'esh') is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group. At its 2015 height, the group controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria, including some cities, from which it launched attacks in the region and beyond. While the group no longer controls territory outright in Syria and Iraq, U.S. military officials warn that it maintains a low-level insurgency and has worked to expand its global presence via a burgeoning number of affiliate groups. The 2022 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) stated that 'ISIS leaders remain committed to their vision of building a self-styled global caliphate headquartered in Iraq and Syria and are working to rebuild capabilities and wear down opponents until conditions are ripe for seizing and holding territory.' [...] The Islamic State continues to wage a low-level insurgency across Syria and Iraq. In 2021, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) assessed that, 'ISIS likely has sufficient manpower and resources to operate indefinitely at its present level in the Syrian desert.' [...] The 2022 IC Annual Threat Assessment reported that the threat posed by the Islamic State to U.S. persons and interests 'probably will remain greatest in regions where the group has an operational presence; ISIS's ideology and propaganda, however, almost certainly will continue to inspire attacks in the West, including in the United States.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Humud, Carla E.

  2022-05-10
• Farm Bill Primer: Disaster Assistance [May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "A number of federal programs help agricultural producers recover from the effects of natural disasters, including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), livestock and fruit tree disaster programs, and ad hoc assistance. With the exception of ad hoc assistance, all programs are permanently authorized and receive 'such sums as necessary' from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). As such, these programs require neither reauthorization in a future farm bill nor annual appropriations. Since 2018, Congress has authorized ad hoc assistance through supplemental appropriations to assist with natural disaster losses that generally were not covered under the permanent programs. As Congress works on another farm bill, it could consider whether to amend the permanent disaster assistance programs or create new programs to address emerging situations that are being addressed with ad hoc assistance. This In Focus provides a summary of existing permanent and ad hoc disaster assistance programs that help farmers recover financially from natural disasters."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stubbs, Megan

  2022-05-09
• Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Air Pollution, and Climate Change [Updated May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On August 5, 2021, the Biden Administration announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines through a series of rulemakings over three years (Executive Order 14037, 'Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks,' 86 'Federal Register' 43583). The first rule, to be promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and slated to be finalized in 2022, applies to heavy-duty vehicles starting in model year (MY) 2027. The rule would set new standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions for the sector as well as targeted updates to the current GHG emission standards. A second rule, to be promulgated by EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would set more stringent GHG emission and fuel efficiency standards for new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines beginning with MY2030."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lattanzio, Richard K.

  2022-05-09
• Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): Compensation Related to Exposure to Radiation from Atomic Weapons Testing and Uranium Mining [Updated May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was enacted in 1990 and provides one-time cash benefits to certain persons who participated in atomic weapons testing or lived near the Nevada Test Site during periods of atmospheric (above-ground) atomic weapons testing. Benefits under RECA are also available to certain uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who worked in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971, when the federal government stopped its procurement of uranium for the atomic weapons program. All RECA claimants must have contracted one of the medical conditions specified in the statute after possible exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of an atomic weapon or after working in the uranium industry. The RECA program is administered by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). To date, DOJ has approved more than 36,000 RECA claims for more than $2.3 billion in benefits. The majority of RECA claims are related to atomic weapons testing rather than the uranium industry. Complete RECA program data are provided in [this document]. Benefits under RECA are paid out of general revenue and are considered mandatory spending."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Szymendera, Scott

  2022-05-09
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. [In this document] 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.

  2022-05-09
• Navy Shipboard Lasers: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on shipboard solid state lasers (SSLs) that the Navy is developing for surface-ship self-defense. The Navy's proposed FY2023 budget requests continued research and development funding for these efforts. The issue for Congress is whether to modify, reject, or approve the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for shipboard laser development programs. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the defense technology and industrial base."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2022-05-09
• Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources [Updated May 9, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "This guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Torreon, Barbara Salazar

  2022-05-09
• Defense Primer: Quantum Technology [Updated May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Quantum technology translates the principles of quantum physics into technological applications. In general, quantum technology has not yet reached maturity; however, it could hold significant implications for the future of military sensing, encryption, and communications, as well as for congressional oversight, authorizations, and appropriations. [...] Congress has considered the management and implications of quantum technology. For example, Section 234 of the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 115-232) directs the Secretary of Defense--acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering--to execute a quantum technology research and development program in coordination with the private sector and other government agencies. Furthermore, Section 220 of the FY2020 NDAA (P.L. 116- 92) requires DOD to develop ethics guidelines for the use of quantum technologies, as well as plans for supporting the quantum workforce and reducing the cybersecurity risks associated with quantum technologies. It additionally authorizes the Secretary of each military department to establish Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers that may 'engage with appropriate public and private sector organizations' to advance quantum research. To date, the Navy has designated the Naval Research Laboratory as its QIS Research Center, while the Air Force has designated the Air Force Research Laboratory as a QIS Research Center for both the Air Force and Space Force. The Army says it does not plan to establish a QIS Research Center at this time."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sayler, Kelley M.

  2022-05-06
• European Parliament and U.S. Interests [Updated May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the 27-country European Union (EU). The EP's 705 members represent the EU's roughly 445 million citizens. The most recent EP elections were in May 2019. The EP has accumulated more power over time as part of EU efforts to improve democratic accountability and transparency in EU policymaking. Enhanced powers since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty have made the EP a more important actor on several issues of U.S. concern, including trade, data privacy, and counterterrorism. Congress-EP ties are long-standing, and Congress may be interested in EP activities given the EP's potential to influence key aspects of U.S.-EU relations. [...] Interparliamentary exchanges between Congress and the EP date back to the 1970s. The Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD) has been the formal mechanism for engagement between the U.S. House of Representatives and the EP since 1999. TLD meetings are intended to take place twice a year to discuss various political and economic issues. Many MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] have long argued for further enhancing cooperation with Congress, and some U.S. analysts suggest it might be in U.S. interests for Congress to forge closer ties with the EP to help strengthen U.S.-EU relations and reduce frictions. Others assess that structural and procedural differences between Congress and the EP likely would impede more extensive legislative cooperation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Archick, Kristin

  2022-05-06
• Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Professionals [May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Human trafficking occurs throughout the United States, and traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals for commercial sex and forced labor in a variety of legal and illegal industries. U.S. efforts to counter trafficking in persons broadly involve prevention and awareness training, investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offenses, and protection for victims. With respect to identifying victims and protecting them from further exploitation, certain industries--such as the health care industry--are uniquely positioned to recognize potential signs of trafficking. Some studies have indicated that many trafficking victims come in contact with medical professionals at some point during their exploitation, and health care professionals may be well situated to recognize indicators of human trafficking. [...] Various federal departments and agencies have developed efforts to enhance awareness of human trafficking. [...] One program is specifically focused on the health care industry. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program. [...] Health provider training to recognize human trafficking could occur at multiple points in time: during formal education (e.g., medical or nursing school), during clinical training (e.g., as part of medical residency training or nurse clinical training), and while in active practice (e.g., as part of the requirements to obtain or maintain a license). Generally, the federal role at each of these points may be limited because schools and clinical training programs set training content, and states license health professionals. However, policymakers may consider several options for influencing this training."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Finklea, Kristin M.; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-

  2022-05-06
• Al Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy [Updated May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Al Qaeda (AQ) is a transnational Sunni Islamist terrorist organization and network of affiliates that the U.S. intelligence community described as of early 2022 as one of the groups that 'probably pose the greatest threat to U.S. persons and interests abroad' and a potential source of inspiration to domestic violent extremists. Sustained counterterrorism (CT) pressure has weakened the group since it perpetrated the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks. In its March 2022 annual public threat assessment, the U.S. intelligence community stated that Al Qaeda 'is constrained in its efforts to lead a unified global movement' but will try to 'capitalize on permissive operating environments.' U.S. officials characterize the AQ threat as stemming mainly from its affiliates, which have generally focused on local issues in their respective areas of operation, where they threaten local U.S. personnel, interests, and partners."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)

  2022-05-06
• Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program: Status and Issues in Brief [Updated May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior (DOI) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans--referred to by BOEM as national programs or five-year programs--to schedule proposed oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). Currently, offshore leasing is taking place under a program for mid-2017 through mid-2022 developed by the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration published the first draft of a new program in 2018. No further versions have been released to date. Given timing requirements specified in law and regulations, it appears the remaining steps to finalize a new program could not be completed before the current program expires on June 30, 2022, and thus the federal government faces a gap between programs. The OCSLA does not establish a federal authority for offshore oil and gas lease sales outside of a five-year program. [...] The leasing decisions in BOEM's five-year programs may affect the economy and environment of individual coastal states and of the nation as a whole. Accordingly, Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the planning and implementation of the five-year programs. The following discussion summarizes developments regarding the next leasing program and analyzes selected issues for congressional consideration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Comay, Laura B.

  2022-05-06
• Fact Sheet: Joint Resolutions of Disapproval Under the Arms Export Control Act [May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "Under the Foreign Military Sales Act (FMSA) of 1968, Congress delegated authority to the President to sell and transfer defense articles, defense services and related training to foreign governments. Due to increased concern over arms sales in the 1970s, however, Congress amended the FMSA in 1974 to include procedures for Congress to block proposed arms sales by passing concurrent resolutions of disapproval, at Section 36 (22 U.S.C. [United States Code] §2776). These procedures were later expanded under the renamed Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976 and in subsequent amendments. In 1986, Congress amended the AECA to require enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval to block an arms sale. This Fact Sheet lists the concurrent and joint resolutions of disapproval that have been introduced under the AECA. This Fact Sheet is a research aid that lists, in chronological order, the concurrent resolutions ('Table 1') and joint resolutions ('Table 2') of disapproval under the AECA related to foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), commercial technical assistance, or manufacturing licensing agreements. It includes pertinent information on the concurrent and joint resolutions as they progressed through the legislative process, including bill number, title, date introduced, and final status. Each bill number includes a hyperlink to the bill's record in Congress.gov. This Fact Sheet will be updated as legislative activity warrants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Plagakis, Sofia

  2022-05-06
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Highway Bridges [May 6, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The United States has approximately 620,000 bridges on public roads subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) mandated by Congress (23 U.S.C. [United States Code] §144). About 48% of these bridges are owned by state governments and 50% by local governments. State governments generally own the larger and more heavily traveled bridges, such as those on the Interstate Highway system. Less than 2% of highway bridges are owned by the federal government, primarily those on federal land. The number of bridges classified as poor has declined gradually for many years. However, about 44,000 bridges remain in poor condition and this has led to recent changes in federal bridge policy intended to speed up the rate of bridge improvement. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. [Public Law] 117-58), enacted on November 15, 2021, authorized and appropriated funding for surface transportation programs for FY2022-FY2026. The IIJA created new bridge funding programs and increased federal funding for highway programs that also can fund bridges."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kirk, Robert S.; Mallett, William

  2022-05-06
• Defense Primer: Hypersonic Boost-Glide Weapons [Updated May 5, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is pursuing two types of hypersonic weapons technologies: boost-glide systems that place a maneuverable glide vehicle atop a ballistic missile or rocket booster, and cruise missiles that would use high-speed, air-breathing engines known as scramjets to travel to hypersonic speeds. This In Focus addresses only the first of these technologies. The Pentagon's FY2023 budget request for hypersonic-related research is $4.7 billion--up from $3.8 billion in the FY2022 request. This increased funding and statements from Pentagon officials demonstrate growing support for weapons that could attack priority targets promptly and with improved accuracy without facing defeat by an adversary's air or missile defense systems. Pentagon officials have also expressed concerns about advances in hypersonic weapons technologies in Russia and China, and on the potential threats to U.S. forces, allies, and territory."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sayler, Kelley M.; Woolf, Amy F.

  2022-05-05
• Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 5, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons as a part of its conventional prompt global strike (CPGS) program since the early 2000s. In recent years, it has focused such efforts on hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles with shorter and intermediate ranges for use in regional conflicts. Although funding for these programs has been relatively restrained in the past, both the Pentagon and Congress have shown a growing interest in pursuing the development and near-term deployment of hypersonic systems. This is due, in part, to advances in these technologies in Russia and China, leading to a heightened focus in the United States on the strategic threat posed by hypersonic flight. Open-source reporting indicates that both China and Russia have conducted numerous successful tests of hypersonic glide vehicles and likely fielded an operational capability. Experts disagree on the potential impact of competitor hypersonic weapons on both strategic stability and the U.S. military's competitive advantage. [...] The following report reviews the hypersonic weapons programs in the United States, Russia, and China, providing information on the programs and infrastructure in each nation, based on unclassified sources. It also provides a brief summary of the state of global hypersonic weapons research development. It concludes with a discussion of the issues that Congress might address as it considers DOD's funding requests for U.S. hypersonic technology programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sayler, Kelley M.

  2022-05-05
• Army Corps of Engineers: Section 7001 Report on Future Studies and Projects [Updated May 5, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resource development studies and projects and other assistance activities that are specifically authorized by Congress, typically biennially in Water Resources Development Acts [hyperlink] (WRDAs). In Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA; P.L. 113-121, 33 U.S.C. §2282d), the 113th Congress established an annual process for identifying proposals for site-specific studies and projects within USACE's water resource mission and authorities. The Section 7001 process includes a call for nonfederal proposals and concludes with a report by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW) to USACE's congressional authorizing committees. In turn, these reports inform WRDA consideration. Congress last enacted a WRDA referencing prior Section 7001 reports in December 2020. Since then, USACE has published new Section 7001 reports for 2021 [hyperlink] (November 2021) and 2022 [hyperlink] (April 2022). The nonfederal proposal submission period for the 2023 report opened [hyperlink] on April 29, 2022, with an August 29, 2022, deadline. Congress established the Section 7001 process amidst congressional earmark moratorium policies [hyperlink] that applied to authorizations and appropriations during the 112th -116th Congresses. Although these policies have changed in the 117th Congress, the Section 7001 process remains active. In addition to the Section 7001 process, the House Transportation and Infrastructure [T&I] Committee website [hyperlink] and the Senate Environment and Public Works [EPW] Committee website [hyperlink] have indicated that they are considering requests by Members of Congress as part of their WRDA development."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Normand, Anna E.

  2022-05-05
• Executive Agency Justification of the President's Budget: In Brief [May 5, 2022]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "The federal budget sustains government functions and plays an important role in shaping policy decisions. In practice, the process for developing and executing the federal budget is multifaceted. The Constitution vests Congress with the power of the purse, with provisions that refer to congressional authority to levy taxes, authorize the issuance of debt, and make appropriations to fund the federal government. The Constitution does not provide an explicit role for the President in the budget process. Rather, the executive budget process exists primarily due to statutes enacted by Congress, and it specifies roles for the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and executive agencies. The executive budget process is a complex set of activities that includes (1) development of the President's budget proposal, (2) submission and justification of the President's budget proposal, and (3) execution of enacted appropriations and other budgetary legislation. While some of the activities must be completed by specific dates, many follow a more flexible schedule established by formal and informal rules and procedures. After the submission of the President's budget request, each executive agency bears the responsibility for justifying its budget request to gain approval from Congress. [...] This report focuses on the justification of requests for spending provided through the annual appropriations process (i.e., discretionary spending)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fiorentino, Dominick A.

  2022-05-05