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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [March 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "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 annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the capacity of the naval shipbuilding industry, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. [...] The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 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
2020-03-24
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act--Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses [Updated March 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress is considering a number of proposals that seek to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One such proposal, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S. 3548), was introduced in the Senate on March 19, 2020. On March 22, 2020, the Senate released an updated version of the CARES Act. A cloture vote on the motion to proceed on the amended version was rejected on March 22. Tax relief for individuals and businesses in the CARES Act includes [1] a one-time rebate to taxpayers; [2] modification of the tax treatment of certain retirement fund withdrawals and charitable contributions; [3] a delay of employer payroll taxes and taxes paid by certain corporations; and [4] a variety of changes to the tax treatment of business income and net operating losses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.; Driessen, Grant A. . . .
2020-03-24
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Federal Reserve: Recent Actions in Response to COVID-19 [Updated March 23, 2020]
From the Document: "Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created significant economic disruption. In response, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken a number of steps to promote economic and financial stability involving the Fed's monetary policy and 'lender of last resort' roles. Some of these actions are intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates and others are intended to provide liquidity to financial markets so that firms have access to needed funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-03-23
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 22, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report discusses two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. The first LPD-17 Flight II class ship, LPD-30, was procured in FY2018; the Navy's FY2021 budget submission estimates its cost at $1,819.6 million (i.e., about $1.8 billion). LHA-type amphibious assault ships are procured once every few years. LHA-8 was procured in FY2017; the Navy's FY2021 budget submission estimates its cost at $3,832.0 million (i.e., about $3.8 billion)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-03-22
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 22, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Navy began procuring John Lewis (TAO-205) class oilers in FY2016, and a total of six have been procured through FY2020, including two in FY2020. The first six TAO-205s are being procured under a block buy contract that was authorized by Section 127 of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1356/P.L. 114-92 of November 25, 2015). The Navy's FY2021 budget submission estimates that TAO-205s cost about $530 million each when they are procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy wants to procure a total of 20 TAO-205s. The ships are being built by General Dynamics/National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (GD/NASSCO) of San Diego, CA. The Navy's FY2020 budget submission projected a request for one TAO-205 class ship in FY2021 and programmed a total of six over the period FY2021-FY2025. Under the Navy's FY2021 budget submission, however, no TAO-205 class ship is requested for procurement in FY2021, and a total of four are programmed for the period FY2021-FY2025. The Navy's FY2021 budget requests $59.9 million in FY2021 cost-to-complete procurement funding to cover cost growth on TAO-205s procured in prior fiscal years, but it does not request any FY2021 funding for the procurement of additional TAO-205s."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-03-22
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Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Columbia-class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. The Navy has identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy wants to procure the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $2,891.5 million in procurement funding, $1,123.2 million in advance procurement (AP) funding, and $397.3 million in research and development funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on the Columbia-class program could substantially affect U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-03-22
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COVID-19 Economic Stimulus: Business Payroll Tax Cuts [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The economic fallout from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has accelerated rapidly. Policymakers continue to evaluate tax policy economic relief options. Payroll tax cuts for businesses are one option that would provide economic assistance to business activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Marples, Donald J.
2020-03-20
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Targeted Tax Relief for Industries Impacted by the Coronavirus: Selected Policy Issues [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "One of the policy options being considered to minimize the damage to the U.S. economy from the domestic spread of the coronavirus is tax relief targeted at industries that have experienced substantial drops in revenue. To date, growing numbers of cruise lines, airlines, hotels, restaurants, retailers, and energy producers seem to have been hit the hardest by the economic impact of the virus. Depending on what happens to the spread of the coronavirus within the United States in coming weeks, other industries could be similarly affected. The prospect of a prolonged domestic coronavirus outbreak raises concerns about the solvency of severely affected companies and the job security of their employees. This is a particular concern for smaller firms. Without lines of credit, many of them may find it difficult to stay in business."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2020-03-20
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State and Local Fiscal Conditions and Economic Shocks [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Policymaker attention to the COVID [coronavirus disease]-19 economic shock has included its potential effect on state and local governments. This Insight summarizes the underlying forces affecting state and local finances following a negative economic shock, examines tools available to them in response to such forces, and briefly discusses federal assistance offered in recent recessions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2020-03-20
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USDA Domestic Food Assistance Programs' Response to COVID-19: P.l. 116-127 and Related Efforts [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs are often part of emergency response efforts, providing program flexibilities, foods for distribution, and benefits for redemption. Emergencies generate different FNS responses and vary with states' requests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to food--particularly in light of school closures--has been a concern for many. Some also view the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a force for economic stimulus. This Insight discusses P.L. 116-127's food assistance provisions, which supplement FNS's existing COVID-19 response with new funds and authorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Billings, Kara Clifford
2020-03-20
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Department of Veterans Affairs' Potential Role in Addressing the COVID-19 Outbreak [March 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents. [...] Based on limited information from VA, this report provides an overview of VA's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that is affecting communities throughout the United States. It also discusses recent congressional action as it pertains to the veterans' benefits and services, as well as the supplemental appropriations for the department."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga; Sussman, Jared S.; Dortch, Cassandria . . .
2020-03-20
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Postponing Federal Elections and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal Considerations [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 13, 2020, Louisiana's Governor invoked emergency powers to announce that the state's presidential primary election, previously scheduled for April 4, would be postponed for more than two months as part of the state's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Other states soon began exploring similar changes, prompting election officials, candidates, and voters to prepare for disruptions that could persist through November's general election. This Sidebar reviews the legal provisions that would constrain any efforts to delay or cancel federal elections during a public health crisis or other national emergency. The first part reviews laws pertaining to presidential elections, and the second part reviews laws relevant to congressional elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shelly, Jacob D.
2020-03-20
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COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Potential Impacts of Direct Payments on Family Incomes [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Several Members of Congress and the Trump Administration have proposed direct cash payments as part of a fiscal response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct cash payments have previously been part of the federal government's response to economic downturns, most recently in 2001 and 2008. In general, the purpose of direct payments is twofold: (1) they allow families to spend more, and through a multiplier effect help to stimulate the economy; and (2) they provide resources to help meet basic needs for those whose income has decreased due to COVID-19 infection or potential job loss. This Insight discusses several current direct payment proposals and their impact on family incomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Boyle, Conor F.; Carter, Jameson A.
2020-03-20
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Grand Jury Secrecy and Impeachment: Implications of D.C. Circuit Ruling on the Special Counsel's Report [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Following the conclusion of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and related matters, the Attorney General released a public version of the Special Counsel's report concerning the investigation, with redactions. Many of the redactions related to matters occurring before the grand jury that had been convened in the investigation, as Rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (Rule 6(e)) provides for the secrecy of grand jury proceedings unless an exception applies. Certain Members of Congress were offered the opportunity to review a less redacted version of the report, but the Attorney General has maintained that Rule 6(e) prohibited the disclosure of grand jury information even to Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-03-20
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COVID-19: An Overview of Trade-Related Measures to Address Access to Medical Goods [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, government officials around the world have raised questions and concerns about how to ensure that their countries have adequate access to, and supplies of, medical goods, including personal protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves, garments), medical equipment (e.g., ventilators), and pharmaceuticals. This Sidebar presents an overview of some of the trade-related measures taken by the United States and its trading partners in their efforts to address these concerns, including: (1) introducing export restrictions; (2) reducing or eliminating tariffs; (3) revising import procedures; and (4) prioritizing domestic production. It then discusses possible legal challenges to each of these measures, as well as avenues for congressional action or oversight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2020-03-20
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H.R. 6201: Paid Leave and Unemployment Insurance Responses to COVID-19 [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides summary information on the paid leave and unemployment insurance (UI) provisions in the House-passed version of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, including the technical corrections made by H.Res. 904."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Donovan, Sarah A.; Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-; Whittaker, Julie M.
2020-03-20
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Low Oil Prices and U.S. Oil Producers: Policy Considerations [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Global oil prices have declined nearly 60% since January 2020 (see Figure 1). Following a brief period of geopolitically-driven upward price pressure resulting from events in Iraq and Libya, world oil supply/demand balances were projected to be oversupplied by the second quarter of 2020. Reduced travel and other economic impacts related to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak are suppressing near-term oil demand. Oversupply expectations were amplified when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a group of non-OPEC countries (OPEC+), including Russia, failed to agree on an OPEC recommendation to reduce oil production by 1.5 million barrels per day until the end of 2020. Oil prices immediately and significantly declined. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia announced regional price discounts and plans to increase oil supplies in April. Other countries have also indicated intent to increase oil production. This combination of demand suppression and supply expansion increases short-term oversupply expectations and exerts downward pressure on oil prices. Prolonged periods of depressed prices could affect U.S. oil production (approximately 12.2 million bpd in 2019, the world's largest), exports, employment, and industry consolidation. Due to recent developments, a plan to sell crude oil-- required in FY2020 by P.L. 116-94--from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) was suspended."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Ratner, Michael
2020-03-20
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID [coronavirus disease]-19 pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks for the country. Public health measures to slow the spread of the disease have diminished participation in the protest movement that has swept central and southern Iraq since October 2019. Security forces and militia members killed hundreds of protestors and wounded thousands in Baghdad and several southern Iraqi cities, fueling calls for the ouster of the ruling elite. While crowds have dispersed, protestors' demands for systemic change and an end to corruption and foreign interference remain unmet. Meanwhile, intense U.S.-Iranian confrontation has reinvigorated some Iraqis' efforts to drive U.S. and other foreign forces out of Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-03-20
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Financial Innovation: Central Bank Digital Currencies [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Certain observers assert that private digital currencies-- such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the Facebook-proposed Libra--could become widely accepted forms of payment. In response, some analysts suggest central banks should issue 'central bank digital currencies' (CBDCs) to maintain government-issued money's central economic role. Although no major central bank has issued a CBDC to date, this In Focus describes how foreign central banks and the Federal Reserve (Fed) are approaching the issue. It also examines policy issues raised by a CBDC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Perkins, David W.
2020-03-20
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Who Pays for Long-Term Services and Supports? [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Long-term services and supports (LTSS) refers to a broad range of health and health-related services and other types of assistance that are needed by individuals over an extended period of time. The need for LTSS affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities such as eating, bathing, or dressing. The probability of needing LTSS increases with age. As the nation's population aged 65 and older continues to increase in size, and individuals continue to live longer post-retirement, the demand for LTSS is also expected to increase. In addition, advances in medical and supportive care may allow younger persons with disabilities to live longer."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Colello, Kirsten J.
2020-03-20
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Cyberspace Solarium Commission: Illuminating Options for Layered Deterrence [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "In August 2018, Congress authorized the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (Commission), a blue-ribbon panel tasked with examining and developing a strategic approach to defending the United States in cyberspace and protecting its advantages there. The Commission released its report on March 11, 2020. This In Focus provides an overview of the Commission and its report's findings and recommendations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2020-03-20
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COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the CARES Act (S. 3548) [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S. 3548) proposes direct payments of up to $1,200 per person ($2,400 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return) and $500 per child--'2020 recovery rebates.' Similar to the 2008 recovery rebates, these payments are structured as tax credits advanced to households that file an income tax return. Taxpayers that filed a 2018 income tax return would have this credit advanced to them in 2020, generally in the form of a direct deposit or check by mail. Thus, these taxpayers do not need to wait until 2020 tax returns are filed in 2021 to claim the credit. If they did not file a 2018 return, information from a 2019 return can be used for the advanced credit. These payments are intended to broadly stimulate the economy in response to concerns about an economic slowdown stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This Insight provides a brief overview of the proposed 2020 recovery rebates, with several simplified examples to illustrate payment amounts for different families."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-03-20
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Military Child Development Program: Background and Issues [Updated March 19, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Child care quality, accessibility, and cost are frequent concerns for military families. This report traces the development of DOD-sponsored child care services and discusses these issues in greater depth in order to support Members of Congress in their oversight role. The next section gives an overview of DOD's justification for the CDP [child development program] and demand for services. Next is a discussion of current CDP components, policies, and funding. This is followed by the legislative history of DOD-sponsored child care in the military including a discussion of recent initiatives. The final section puts forth some issues and options for Congress related to oversight and funding of military child care programs. Other military family or youth recreation and enrichment programs are beyond the scope of this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-03-19
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Federal Assistance to Troubled Industries: Selected Examples [March 19, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Serious disruptions for certain industries caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic have led to calls for federal government assistance to affected industries. Although out of the ordinary, this would not be the first occasion on which the federal government has provided aid to troubled or financially distressed industries. To help inform congressional debate, this report examines selected past instances in which the government has aided troubled industries, providing information about the way in which such assistance was structured, the role of Congress, and the eventual cost."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Labonte, Marc; Canis, Bill . . .
2020-03-19
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Federal Executive Agencies: Hiring Flexibilities for Emergency Situations [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 31, 2020, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar declared a public health emergency for the United States in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To assist the federal government in responding to the emergency, Congress passed legislation that provides Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has also reiterated long-standing guidance on flexibilities for hiring in executive agencies that are codified in Title 5 of the 'United States Code' and Title 5 of the 'Code of Federal Regulations.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2020-03-19
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Immigration: Public Charge [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Immigration law in the United States has long contained exclusion and removal provisions designed to limit government spending on indigent non-U.S. nationals ('aliens'). Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an alien may be denied admission into the United States or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status if he or she is 'likely at any time to become a public charge' (8 U.S.C. §1182(a)(4)). An admitted alien may also be subject to removal from the United States based on a separate public charge ground of deportability, but this is rarely employed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) have primary responsibility for implementing the public charge ground of inadmissibility. DHS makes public charge inadmissibility determinations for aliens seeking admission or 'adjustment' from a temporary status to LPR status. DOS consular officers make public charge inadmissibility determinations for aliens abroad applying for U.S. visas, based on guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). While this applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant (i.e., temporary) visas, in practice it is rarely employed for nonimmigrant visas. Certain categories of aliens, such as refugees and asylees, are exempted from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. Moreover, it is not applicable to aliens who are applying for citizenship (i.e., naturalization)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kolker, Abigail F.
2020-03-19
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Historical Precedents [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Members of Congress and the Trump Administration have signaled their support for making direct payments to individuals to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak. In current discussions, these payments are sometimes framed in terms of 'universal basic income' or UBI proposals. In the past when these proposals were made--and sometimes enacted--they were framed in terms of providing economic stimulus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene
2020-03-19
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COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses [Updated March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "As of March 18, 2020, the novel coronavirus that began sickening patients in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 had spread across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 countries, including the United States, have reported more than 1,000 infections. Europe is the current epicenter for cases and deaths related to the virus. WHO has named the new virus 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2' (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease that it causes 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19). WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, raised its global risk assessment to 'Very High' on February 28, and labeled the outbreak a 'pandemic' on March 11. In using the term pandemic, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cited COVID-19's 'alarming levels of spread and severity' and governments' 'alarming levels of inaction.' President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency in the United States on March 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Gottron, Frank; Lawrence, Susan V. . . .
2020-03-19
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COVID-19: Cybercrime Opportunities and Law Enforcement Response [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Opportunistic criminals and other malicious actors exploit the internet and rapidly evolving technology to their advantage. Criminals can compromise financial assets; hacktivists can flood websites with traffic, effectively shutting them down; and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. And, they capitalize on ever changing world events. Federal officials have cautioned about scams relating to the outbreak of disease caused by a previously unidentified strain of coronavirus, designated Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. They have noted that '[c]yber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.' Indeed, analysts and officials have reported criminals using public interest in COVID-19 to their advantage. For instance, the Department of Justice (DOJ) cites 'reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus.' In one scheme reported by security experts, hackers sold a malware infection kit that used an interactive map of coronavirus infections produced by Johns Hopkins University. The kit was designed to spread malware to steal passwords."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin
2020-03-19
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COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: How Did the 2008 Recovery Rebates Work? [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to concerns about an economic slowdown stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers have been considering a broad array of policy options. Some are targeted directly toward individuals and industries that may be most affected. Others would more broadly seek to stimulate the economy. Among this latter category of policies, some have proposed direct cash payments sent to virtually all U.S. households. In 2008 Congress enacted direct cash payments--the 2008 recovery rebates--that were tax credits advanced to households that had filed an income tax return. A portion of these credits were refundable and hence available to taxpayers with little to no income tax liability, including many low-income filers. (For answers to some common questions about advanced refundable tax credits, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight IN11247). This Insight provides a brief overview of how those 2008 recovery rebates worked."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-03-19
