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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning 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. Some observers perceive that after remaining generally stable for a period of more than 70 years (i.e., since the end of World War II in 1945), the U.S. role in the world under the Trump Administration has undergone a substantial change. A change in the U.S. role in the world 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. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moodie, Michael, 1948-; O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-11-24
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COVID-19: Tax Policy Options to Address Medical Supply Chain Concerns [November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States has drawn attention to the ways in which the U.S. economy depends on global manufacturing and supply chains. Many Members of Congress have expressed a strong interest in responding to U.S. shortages of medical supplies-- particularly personal protective equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals--as the United States steps up efforts to contain and counter COVID-19. This Insight summarizes the current state of U.S. reliance on foreign medical supplies and identifies potential tax policy options Congress may consider to encourage domestic production of certain medical goods. Changes to tax policies in combination with other economic policies and market forces could encourage domestic production, particularly for companies that are already looking to reshore manufacturing or diversify existing supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Marples, Donald J.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2020-11-20
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-11-20
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Agricultural Provisions of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a comprehensive trade agreement among the three countries, entered into force on July 1, 2020. USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which had been in effect since 1994 (P.L. 103-182). USMCA continues the liberalization of agricultural trade within North America, which has been under way for more than three decades. It also addresses a number of trade-related issues that NAFTA did not consider. This report provides a brief history of agricultural trade agreements within North America, explores the changes made in the USMCA, and considers how the new agreement is likely to affect the flow of trade in agricultural commodities and food products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2020-11-20
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Air Force Tanker Strategy Changes [November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "[T]he Air Force is in the process of replacing its fleet of 396 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, built in the 1950s and 60s, and 59 KC-10 Extenders, which entered service in 1981. Recent announcements indicate that the planned replacement program is changing significantly from its original form, which Congress may consider in evaluating the FY2022 defense budget requests. The Air Force originally envisaged replacing the current tanker fleet in three stages. [1] An initial acquisition of 179 new aircraft procured through the KC-X competition (won by the Boeing KC-46A) would replace roughly one-third of the KC-135 fleet. [2] A further 179 tankers were projected to be procured in a second solicitation called KC-Y; initially projected as a new competition based on what aircraft were available at the time, it was subsequently recast as a continuation of KC-46A procurement. [3] A third program, KC-Z, was to be a replacement for the KC-10 fleet, a larger tanker than the KC-46. Subsequently, the Air Force dropped plans for the KC-Z, envisioning it instead as a third tranche of KC-46s."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2020-11-20
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-11-20
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Defense Primer: Military Retirement [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The military retirement system is a government-funded system that provides a defined benefit to all retirees and matching government contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for eligible servicemembers. It has historically been viewed as a significant retention incentive for military personnel. The system includes monthly compensation for qualified active and reserve retirees, disability benefits for those deemed medically unfit to serve, and a survivor annuity program for the eligible survivors of deceased retirees. The amount of compensation depends on years of service (YOS), basic pay at retirement, and annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLAs)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-11-20
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Palestinians: Overview and Key Issues for U.S. Policy [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "The Palestinians and their ongoing disputes and interactions with Israel raise significant issues for U.S. policy (see 'Key U.S. Policy Issues' below). During the Trump Administration, U.S.-Palestinian tensions have risen in connection with U.S. actions generally seen as favoring Israel. In 2020, Palestinian leaders lamented some Arab states' normalization of relations with Israel because it could undermine past Arab efforts to link such improvements with addressing Palestinian negotiating demands. Within a complicated legal and political context, U.S. aid to the Palestinians was reduced in 2018 and suspended in early 2019; its future is unclear."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2020-11-20
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Iran ratified the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970. Article III of the treaty requires nonnuclear-weapon states-parties to accept comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards; Tehran concluded a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA in 1974. In 2002, the agency began investigating allegations that Iran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the IAEA ultimately reported that some of these activities had violated Tehran's safeguards agreement. Following more than three years of investigation, the IAEA Board of Governors reported the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, the council adopted six resolutions requiring Iran to take steps to alleviate international concerns about its nuclear program. This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2020-11-20
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Federal Scientific Integrity Policies: A Primer [November 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "The results of research and development (R&D) help inform the decisions that policymakers and the public reach on a wide range of issues, including human health and safety, the environment, agriculture, energy, and transportation. For example, scientific information is essential to the review and approval of drugs and medical devices and the setting of air quality standards. There is broad agreement among policymakers and the scientific and engineering community about ensuring the integrity of the conduct, communication, and management of R&D, and its use in policy development and decisionmaking. However, recently, some policymakers and others have alleged that presidential administrations of both parties have violated the principles of scientific integrity. Assertions of such violations include weighting the membership of federal advisory committees toward a particular viewpoint or constituency, targeting individual scientists for harassment or adverse actions, appointing agency officials with significant conflicts of interest or antagonistic views toward an agency's mission or neutrality to science, improperly editing scientific documents, and using the budget process to impede the implementation or formulation of science-based policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallo, Marcy E.
2020-11-20
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Selected Authorities to Obtain DOD Personal Property [November 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Recent controversy in the United States over policing methods has focused attention on transfers of military equipment to police forces nationwide. Under certain circumstances, eligible federal, state, and local agencies may obtain Department of Defense (DOD) 'personal property' (e.g., equipment, clothing, vehicles, aircraft, weapons, ammunition) for use in law enforcement, counterdrug, counterterrorism, border security, and/or humanitarian activities. This In Focus describes statutory authorities that give these agencies the ability to obtain, either temporarily or permanently, DOD personal property."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Plagakis, Sofia; Blum, David A.; Mann, Christopher T.
2020-11-20
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COVID-19: Government Resources for Real-Time Economic Indicators [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents select real-time economic indicators that attempt to measure the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the U.S. economy. Created by select federal government agencies, these new or unique indicators attempt to measure the demographic, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19 in real-time, or on a weekly or monthly basis, rather than quarterly or annually."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Weinstock, Lida R.
2020-11-19
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USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: Round One (CFAP-1) [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 17, 2020, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would initiate what would be the first round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-1), valued at $19 billion, to provide immediate financial relief to farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] national emergency. [...] This report describes the details of the direct payment component of the CFAP-1 initiative. It describes how this program is funded and administered, including specific details on the calculation and implementation of payments. It includes the program changes made by USDA through a series eight subsequent amendments and corrections to CFAP-1 that expanded program eligibility to additional commodities, updated payment rates, and added clarity to program definitions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2020-11-19
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "In the months since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic has negatively affected global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could reduce global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020. [...] The economic fallout from the pandemic could also risk continued labor dislocations as a result of lingering high levels of unemployment not experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s and high levels of debt among developing economies. The human costs in terms of lives lost will permanently affect global economic growth in addition to the cost of rising levels of poverty, lives upended, careers derailed, and increased social unrest. Some estimates indicate that 100 million to 110 million people globally could enter extreme poverty as a result of the contraction in the global economy. Global trade could fall by an annual amount of 9.2%, depending on the depth and extent of the global economic downturn, exacting an especially heavy economic toll on trade-dependent developing and emerging economies. The full impact will not be known until the effects of the pandemic peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2020-11-19
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Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: Status and Recent Developments [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a regional trade agreement between the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and five of their individual FTA [free trade agreement] partners--Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. After eight years of challenging talks, the agreement was signed on November 15, 2020, at the 4th RCEP Summit, hosted by Vietnam. Many viewed RCEP's signing as an achievement for the multilateral trading system, which faces myriad challenges, including a global economic slowdown and rising protectionism and trade disputes. It also follows the recent entry into force of 'mega-regional' trade deals, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP or TPP-11), which includes seven RCEP members [...]. Although RCEP is generally less comprehensive than other agreements, including TPP-11, its members constitute approximately 30% of global trade and GDP, giving it the potential to restructure some trade patterns and supply chains in Asia through lower trade costs and streamlined rules. As RCEP enters into force, Congress might consider how U.S. commercial interests could be affected by an agreement that allows firms from other developed economies to make supply chains more efficient, as well as the impact of the perceived diminishing U.S. role in shaping trade rules and economic integration in the region and globally."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2020-11-19
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Are Temporary Protected Status Recipients Eligible to Adjust Status? [November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who lack a permanent foothold in the United States may pursue adjustment of status and become lawful permanent residents (LPRs). To qualify, an alien must satisfy certain requirements, generally including having been 'inspected and admitted or paroled' into the United States by immigration authorities. In recent years, some federal courts have addressed whether aliens who unlawfully entered the United States but later received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are considered to be 'inspected and admitted' into the United States. Reviewing courts have split on this issue. That said, even if an alien's acquisition of TPS is treated as being 'inspected and admitted' into the country, that alone does not provide a pathway to adjustment of status. An alien who was unlawfully present in the United States before receiving TPS would have to meet other requirements, such as being the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed by a U.S. citizen spouse. This Legal Sidebar provides a brief overview of the adjustment of status framework and TPS, before examining the conflicting jurisprudence on TPS recipients' eligibility for adjustment, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) guidance regarding the adjudication of adjustment applications filed by TPS recipients, and recent legislative proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2020-11-19
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated November 19, 2020]
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. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-11-19
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Defense Primer: Naval Forces [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. naval forces give the United States the ability to convert the world's oceans--a global commons that covers more than two-thirds of the planet's surface--into a medium of maneuver and operations for projecting U.S. power ashore and otherwise defending U.S. interests around the world. The ability to use the world's oceans in this manner--and to deny other countries the use of the world's oceans for taking actions against U.S. interests--constitutes an immense asymmetric advantage for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-11-19
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Mexican Drug Trafficking and Cartel Operations Amid COVID-19 [November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Mexico is a primary foreign producer and transit country for illicit drugs destined for the United States. Policymakers, including many in Congress, have been closely watching how the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected drug flow patterns out of Mexico, including the flow of potent opioids and other illicit drugs. Any changes could affect the extent to which Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations, popularly described as 'cartels', pose a threat to U.S. national security. To date, U.S.-bound illicit drug supplies have persisted, despite early supply chain disruptions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.; Rosen, Liana W.
2020-11-19
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress Updated [November 19, 2020]
From the Overview: "Special operations are military operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment, and training. These operations are often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and are characterized by one or more of the following elements: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are those active and reserve component forces of the services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, is a functional combatant command responsible for training, doctrine, and equipping for all U.S. SOF units."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-11-19
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Artemis: NASA's Program to Return Humans to the Moon [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed 12 American men on the Moon and returned them safely to Earth [...]. Since then, no human has been farther from Earth than low-Earth orbit, a few hundred miles up; the distance to the Moon is about 240,000 miles. Artemis, named for Apollo's twin sister in ancient Greek mythology, is NASA's program for a return to the Moon by American astronauts--one of them a woman--in 2024."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)
2020-11-18
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Overview of Recent Anti-Lynching Proposals [Updated November 18, 2020]
"Following the death of George Floyd in police custody in May and the fatal February shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, interest has heightened in legislation that would criminalize lynching--often described as death or bodily injury caused by two or more individuals acting without legal authority. A number of states have enacted anti-lynching laws, as localized crimes like murder tend to be a subject of state, rather than federal law. Although the conduct criminalized under those state laws can implicate various federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242, there is no federal law expressly governing lynching notwithstanding decades of legislative proposals on that front. In June, Members introduced two police reform bills--the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (Justice in Policing Act) and the Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 (JUSTICE Act)--both of which originally included 'substantively identical' sections described as anti-lynching provisions. The anti-lynching provision was later removed from the version of the Justice in Policing Act that passed the House."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Berris, Peter G.
2020-11-18
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Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, a program carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy that gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategies and proposed funding levels for the Aegis BMD program. Congress's decisions on the Aegis BMD program could significantly affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements, and the BMD-related industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-11-18
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Defense Primer: Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Background: "The Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SROTC)-- more commonly referred to as the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)--is an officer training and scholarship program for postsecondary students authorized under Chapter 103 of Title 10 of the United States Code. By enrolling in ROTC, students can pursue an undergraduate degree while also training to become U.S. military officers. The military departments -- Army, Air Force, and Navy -- manage their own ROTC programs, which are hosted at civilian universities and colleges. The Navy ROTC program includes a Marine Corps option and the Air Force program allows for commissions to the Space Force. The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, does not have an ROTC program, but does offer a College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) that awards scholarships to students at minority-serving institutions and placement in the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. The military departments provide scholarships and other forms of financial assistance to participating students. In return, students commit to accept an appointment as an officer in the U.S. military upon graduation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-11-18
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Iran Sanctions [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "Sanctions have been a significant component of U.S. Iran policy since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah of Iran, a U.S. ally. In the 1980s and 1990s, U.S. sanctions were intended to try to compel Iran to cease supporting acts of terrorism and to limit Iran's strategic power in the Middle East more generally. After the mid-2000s, U.S. and international sanctions focused largely on trying to persuade Iran to agree to limits to its nuclear program. Still, sanctions have had multiple objectives and sought to address multiple threats from Iran simultaneously. This report analyzes U.S. and international sanctions against Iran. CRS cannot independently corroborate whether any individual or other entity might be in violation of U.S. or international sanctions against Iran. The report tracks implementation of the various U.S. laws and executive orders, some of which require the blocking of U.S.-based property of sanctioned entities. No information has been released from the executive branch indicating the extent, if any, to which any such property is currently blocked."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-11-18
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Inaugural Tickets: Past Practices and Considerations for Congress [November 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years on January 20. The next presidential inauguration is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2020-11-17
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Trump Administration's Prosper Africa Initiative [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The Trump Administration's Prosper Africa initiative aims to substantially increase U.S.-African trade and investment ties, spur joint U.S. and African economic growth, and--as U.S. officials have stated--demonstrate 'the superior value proposition of transparent markets and private enterprise.' Past Administrations have similarly sought to expand U.S.-Africa trade and investment ties, but gains to date have been modest. In 2019, Africa accounted for 1.4% of U.S. global trade and received 0.7% of U.S. foreign direct investment. Such shares have declined relative to their historical highs a decade or so ago, suggesting that quickly achieving sizable growth in such metrics may not be easy. As such, Congress may seek to determine whether Prosper Africa is adequately funded, effectively configured, and an appropriate vehicle to attain such goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Cook, Nicolas
2020-11-17
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U.S. Challenges to China's Farm Policies [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Document: "In early 2019, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States in two cases that the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) filed against China, alleging that China's agricultural policies were inconsistent with its WTO obligations. While China agreed to conform to the WTO rulings, USTR contends that Beijing failed to act on one of the cases by the agreed-upon deadline of June 30, 2020. On July 16, 2020, USTR submitted a notification to the WTO requesting authorization to take countermeasures against imports from China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2020-11-17
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Changes to Behavioral Health Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Physical distancing measures and temporary stay-at-home orders associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have required changes in service delivery for mental health and substance use (collectively known as 'behavioral health') treatment. Changes have surrounded relaxing privacy requirements required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Rules and increasing use of telehealth to deliver behavioral health treatment and services. Some states have also employed other methods of service delivery--such as mobile units--for treatments that cannot be administered via telehealth, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Duff, Johnathan H.; Sarata, Amanda K.
2020-11-17
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Closure of Institutions of Higher Education: Student Options, Borrower Relief, and Other Implications [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an explanation of the options a postsecondary student may pursue in the event the IHE [institutions of higher education] he or she attends permanently closes, any financial relief that may be available to such students, and other practical implications for students following a school's closure. First, this report describes the academic options available to such students, such as participating in a teach-out or transferring to a new IHE. Next, it discusses issues related to financing a postsecondary education, including the extent to which borrowers may have any loans borrowed to finance educational expenses discharged due to a school closure and whether future financial assistance, including federal student loans, Pell Grants, and GI Bill educational benefits, may be available to students should they decide to continue their postsecondary education at another IHE. This report then describes additional relief that may be available to students who attended IHEs that closed, such as the potential to have tuition that has been paid reimbursed through a state tuition recovery fund. Finally, this report describes some potential income tax implications for students when their IHE has closed, including the extent to which they may incur a federal income tax liability for loans discharged and whether higher education tax credits remain available to them in future years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hegji, Alexandra
2020-11-17
