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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated July 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of July 10, 2020, the region had almost 3.2 million confirmed cases and over 138,000 deaths, with deaths surging in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest number worldwide after the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-07-10
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COVID-19: Resources for Tracking Federal Spending [Updated July 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with various legislation providing relief to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. This Insight provides selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief funding provided through these bills."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2020-07-07
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Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated July 2, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected resources and CRS products potentially relevant to medium and large businesses directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seeking economic relief and assistance. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, contains provisions to assist businesses. This Insight focuses on potential sources of assistance designated for medium and large businesses that do not qualify for Small Business Administration programs or other assistance programs for small businesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Murray, Justin
2020-07-02
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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated July 2, 2020]
From the Background: "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. For most of the 19th century, U.S. law included language explicitly assigning the Secretary of the Navy the task of naming new Navy ships. The reference to the Secretary of the Navy disappeared from the U.S. Code in 1925. The code today (10 U.S.C. §8662) is silent on the issue of who has the authority to name new Navy ships, but the Secretary of the Navy arguably retains implicit authority, given the location of Section 8662 in subtitle C of Title 10, which covers the Navy and Marine Corps."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-07-02
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Diversity in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service: Background and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2020]
From the Document: "Members of Congress, U.S. Department of State (DOS) officials, and other stakeholders have maintained a longstanding interest in ensuring that the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service workforce (hereinafter, the Foreign Service) is representative of the American people, as called for in the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465, hereinafter, the Foreign Service Act). Beyond adherence to statutory requirements, some DOS officials and other observers have asserted that a diverse Foreign Service workforce adds more perspectives to the development of U.S. foreign policy and contributes to better policy making. While many observers note that the State Department has made substantial gains in bringing about a more diverse Foreign Service workforce, high-ranking DOS officials have said that more work is needed to build on existing progress, including with respect to fostering greater diversity in senior positions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.
2020-07-02
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Supreme Court Rules That Excluding Religious Schools from Aid Program Violates Constitution: Implications for Congress [July 2, 2020]
From the Document: "Based on concerns about impermissibly supporting religion, many state constitutions bar state governments from providing funds to churches and other types of religious institutions--even in circumstances where that support would 'not' violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, in recent years, some have questioned whether these state provisions are unconstitutional under Supreme Court precedent that has interpreted the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause to prevent governments from discriminating against religious organizations when they distribute public benefits. In 'Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue,' issued June 30, 2020, the Supreme Court weighed in on this question, ruling that Montana's state constitution could not be applied to bar religious schools from participating in a tax credit program benefiting parents of private school students. This Legal Sidebar discusses the legal principles that governed this dispute, explains the Court's 'Espinoza' opinion, and explores implications of the decision for Congress. In particular, 'Espinoza' could call into question any federal laws that exclude religious entities from receiving federal aid based solely on their religious character."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.
2020-07-02
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COVID-19: Resources for Tracking Federal Spending [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with various legislation providing relief to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight provides information on selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief funding provided through these bills. For general information on resources for tracking federal funds, see CRS Report R44027, 'Tracking Federal Awards: USAspending.gov and Other Data Sources,' by Jennifer Teefy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2020-07-01
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report examines political, economic, security, and human rights conditions in El Salvador. It then analyzes selected issues in U.S.-Salvadoran relations that have been of particular interest to Congress, including foreign assistance, migration, security cooperation in addressing gangs and counternarcotics issues, human rights, and trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-07-01
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COVID-19 and Liability Limitations for the Health Care Sector [July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required health care professionals and facilities to care for a surge of patients with COVID-19 symptoms. This is occurring in a health care environment where the treatment guidelines specific to COVID-19 are still evolving and where some health care facilities are experiencing various resource shortages related to their pandemic response, including shortages in staffing as well as certain protective and treatment equipment. For some health care facilities, these shortages have also caused the delay or cancelation of non-COVID-19 treatments or procedures. Various commentators and policymakers have recognized that these conditions may generate certain liability risks for the health care sector, including risks resulting from unsuccessful COVID-19 treatments, potential COVID-19 transmission, and canceled or delayed non-COVID-19 treatments. These risks have prompted a debate over whether the government should grant certain liability limitations to the health care sector, and if so, what the appropriate scope of those limitations should be. [...] To facilitate Congress's review of this issue, this Sidebar provides an overview of the existing federal and state limitations on liability for the health care sector that are relevant to the current pandemic before identifying several legal considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shen, Wen S.
2020-07-01
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COVID-19: Selected Federal Resources for Businesses Seeking to Assist with Research and Manufacturing Efforts [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Some U.S. businesses have been engaging in research or retooling their manufacturing operations, supply chains, or products to assist with fighting the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected federal resources potentially relevant to businesses that seek to support COVID-19 mobilization efforts. At the subfederal level, state and local economic development or commerce agencies may be valuable general resources for new and established enterprises. A few local and state governments have created their own COVID-19 grants for businesses to ramp up production of critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment. These kinds of state or local government initiatives may vary widely; in many jurisdictions, they may not exist at all. For other overviews of resources available to businesses, such as those seeking economic relief from adverse COVID-19 impacts, see CRS Insight IN11301, 'Small Businesses and COVID-19: Relief and Assistance Resources,' and CRS Insight IN11368, 'Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2020-07-01
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; with proximity and economic and security conditions the major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-07-01
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U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Overview: "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA revises and modernizes the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in place since 1994. USMCA replaces NAFTA as of July 1, 2020. Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration provided the required consultations and notifications to Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles
2020-07-01
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Wildfire Statistics [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. States are responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on nonfederal (state, local, and private) lands, except for lands protected by federal agencies under cooperative agreements. The federal government is responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on federal lands. The Forest Service (FS)--within the U.S. Department of Agriculture--carries out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres of the National Forest System. The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages wildfire response for more than 400 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, other public lands, and Indian reservations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2020-07-01
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Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths Since 2006 [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Between 2006 and 2020, a total of 17,645 active-duty personnel have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. (Throughout this In Focus, the designation 'active duty' refers to all active duty troops, including mobilized Reserve and Guard components.) Of those that died, 26% were killed while serving in OCO [Overseas Contingency Operations] operations--primarily within the territory of Iraq and Afghanistan. The remaining 74% died during operations classified in this In Focus as 'Non-Overseas Contingency Operations', or 'Non-OCO'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mann, Christopher T.; Fischer, Hannah
2020-07-01
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U.S. Food and Agricultural Imports: Safeguards and Selected Issues [July 1, 2020]
From the Document: "High-profile foodborne outbreaks and incidents involving imported foods have generated growing concerns about whether current federal programs sufficiently ensure the safety of these imports. Safety concerns have been associated with imported products from China, Mexico, and nations in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. Imports of fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, and pet foods are among those that have been associated with foodborne outbreaks and incidents. It is unclear whether imported foods pose a greater safety risk than domestically produced foods. Available data on foodborne illness outbreak investigations do not readily identify whether the food is domestic or foreign sourced. A steady increase in the volume of food imports--a result of globalization and consumer desire for a wider variety of foods year-round--complicates efforts to secure the safety of imported foods and strains already challenged U.S. food inspection and oversight services. Overall, imported foods account for about one-fifth of all foods consumed in the United States, but an even larger share for some foods, such as fish and seafood, and fruit and vegetable products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Johnson, Renée
2020-07-01
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Older Americans Act: 2020 Reauthorization [July 1, 2020]
From the Summary: "First enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was created in response to concern by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older individuals. Since then, the OAA has been reauthorized and amended numerous times. Before 2020, the last OAA reauthorization occurred in 2016, when the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-144) was enacted, which extended the act's authorizations of appropriations through FY2019 (authorizations of appropriations for most OAA programs had expired after September 30, 2019). OAA-authorized activities continued to receive annual discretionary appropriations for FY2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Colello, Kirsten J.; Sussman, Jared S.
2020-07-01
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Department of Homeland Security's Nationwide Expansion of Expedited Removal [Updated June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals (aliens) apprehended by immigration authorities when attempting to unlawfully enter the United States are generally subject to a streamlined, expedited removal process, in which there is no hearing or further review of an administrative determination that the alien should be removed. Since the enactment of the expedited removal statute in 1996, expedited removal has been used primarily with respect to aliens who have either arrived at a designated port of entry or were apprehended near the border shortly after surreptitiously entering the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), however, authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to apply expedited removal more broadly to aliens in 'any part' of the United States who have not been admitted or paroled by immigration authorities, if those aliens have been physically present in the country for less than two years and either did not obtain valid entry documents or procured their admission through fraud or misrepresentation. In 2019, DHS issued notice that it was expanding the use of expedited removal to the full extent permitted under the INA. The expansion prompts significant questions concerning the relationship between the federal government's broad power over the entry and removal of aliens and the due process rights of aliens located within the United States. Recently, a federal appellate court upheld the expansion against a legal challenge seeking to stop its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2020-06-30
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Foxes, Henhouses, and Pension Plans: Supreme Court Concludes Pensioners Receiving Promised Benefits Can't Sue for Retirement Plan Mismanagement [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "In early June 2020, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in 'Thole v. U.S. Bank' concerning the ability of pension plan participants to sue plan fiduciaries who engage in alleged misconduct. In 'Thole,' the Court's majority held, in a 5-4 decision, that pensioners receiving the full amount of their retirement benefits lacked standing to sue plan fiduciaries for self-dealing and mismanagement of pension plan investments. This Legal Sidebar provides background on federal pension plan regulation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and standing to sue in federal courts; discusses the Court's decision in 'Thole'; and concludes with selected legal considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Staman, Jennifer A.
2020-06-30
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Election Security: States' Spending of FY2018 and FY2020 HAVA Payments [Updated June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "State and local systems have been targeted as part of efforts to interfere with U.S. elections, and Congress has responded in part with funding. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141) provided $380 million for payments to the 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands authorized under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA; 52 U.S.C. §§20901-21145), and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-93) included $425 million for HAVA payments to those jurisdictions and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This In Focus offers an overview of spending of the FY2018 and FY2020 HAVA payments to date."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shanton, Karen L.
2020-06-30
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Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA): Background and Issues for Congress [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "This report traces the history of the Foreign Agents Registration Act [FARA]. It begins with a legislative history of FARA, including its enactment in 1938 and major amendments in 1942, 1966, and 1995. It next includes a section-by-section analysis of the current law. Then, issues for Congress are considered. These issues include recent legislative proposals to amend aspects of FARA and other administrative considerations. This report does not include issues related to foreign interference in elections or campaign finance, which are not directly covered by FARA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2020-06-30
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Hydrogen in Electricity's Future [June 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report is focused on the current and potential sources of hydrogen, and several of the various technologies and processes for its economic production and use. Replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen for the generation of electricity may provide one potential avenue for reducing GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions. However, hydrogen production and technologies to use hydrogen as a fuel for power generation currently present higher cost options, if the potential negative externalities of carbon dioxide emissions are not considered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Richard J.
2020-06-30
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Can the International Criminal Court Investigate U.S. Personnel? [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 11, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13928, authorizing sanctions against certain individuals involved in the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's investigation of whether U.S. military and intelligence personnel committed war crimes during the conflict in Afghanistan. The ICC is an international tribunal created by the Rome Statute to serve as the first permanent tribunal to try individuals for 'the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.' Currently, 123 countries are parties to the Rome Statute, but the United States is not, having first signed the Rome Statute but later withdrawing its intent to join. This Sidebar outlines the basis upon which the ICC Prosecutor may initiate investigations; discusses the disagreement between the United States and the Prosecutor about the legality of the request to investigate the actions of U.S. personnel; and assesses whether the United States may attempt to stop the investigation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2020-06-30
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DARPA's Pandemic-Related Programs [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has contributed to the development of important military and commercial technologies, including stealth and personal electronics. DARPA's role and investments in defense-related research and development (R&D), including biological defense, has potential significance for the science and technology available to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and any future biological threats. Advances in genome sequencing and editing, along with the application of engineering principles and computing and information sciences to the field of biology, have created opportunities to accelerate and expand the development of biotechnology products and processes. Although DARPA has invested in biological research since its establishment in 1958, in 2014 the agency created the Biological Technologies Office, which focuses specifically on the biological sciences and biotechnology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallo, Marcy E.
2020-06-30
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Guidance for Coronavirus-Related Distributions, Plan Loans, and Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rollovers [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 19, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2020-50. Among other guidance, the notice outlines additional factors that qualify an individual for the retirement account distribution and loan relief provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116- 136). On June 23, 2020, IRS released Notice 2020-51, which extends the 60-day rollover period to August 31, 2020, for distributions that otherwise would have been required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2020--had the CARES Act not suspended them."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Myers, Elizabeth A.
2020-06-30
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Israel and the Palestinians: Chronology of a Two-State Solution [Updated June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict developed gradually in the years after Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. This product highlights the evolution of this idea. In 2002, U.S. policy became explicitly supportive of creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Since then, unsuccessful negotiating efforts and other developments have led many observers to doubt the viability of a twostate solution. Analysts debate whether the Trump Administration's 2020 release of the Administration's 'Vision for Peace' will help or hinder the parties in resolving core issues of dispute (security, borders, settlements, Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees). The plan sets some arguably difficult preconditions for a future Palestinian state, and could permit Israeli annexation of some West Bank areas--primarily Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim
2020-06-30
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: An Overview [Updated June 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Instability in Central America is a pressing challenge for U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere. Several nations-- particularly El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in the 'Northern Triangle' of Central America--are struggling with widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. The inability of Central American governments to address those challenges effectively has had far-reaching implications for the United States. Criminal organizations have used the Central American corridor for a range of illicit activities, including the trafficking of approximately 53% of South American cocaine bound for the United States in 2018. Central America also has surpassed Mexico as the largest source of irregular migration to the United States in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2020-06-30
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Russian Armed Forces: Capabilities [June 30, 2020]
From the Document: "Since 2008, Russia has sought to modernize its military and engaged in several armed interventions outside its borders. The 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy prioritizes 'long-term strategic competition' with Russia (and China). To help guide policymaking in response to challenges posed by Russia, Members of Congress may have an interest in assessing the capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces. This report briefly describes Russia's current military capabilities, including strengths and weaknesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew
2020-06-30
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Supreme Court Rules CFBP Structure Unconstitutional: Implications for Congress [June 30, 2020]
"On June 29, 2020, in the case 'Seila Law v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB),' the Supreme Court held in a five-to-four decision that the statutory provision limiting the President's authority to remove the director of the CFPB violated the Constitution by infringing on the President's powers to execute the laws. The opinion provides guidance on Congress's authority to insulate agencies from presidential influence by explaining that, under current precedent, Congress may shield executive branch officials from removal by the President only in two limited circumstances: (1) when so-called inferior officers have limited duties and no policymaking or administrative authority, and (2) when a multimember body of experts does not wield substantial executive power [...] This Sidebar explains the Court's holding in 'Seila Law,' summarizes two partially concurring and dissenting opinions, and previews considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shelly, Jacob D.
2020-06-30
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COVID-19-Related Suspension of Nonimmigrant Entry [Updated June 29, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 22, President Trump issued a proclamation (amended on June 29) suspending the entry of foreign nationals (aliens) in certain nonimmigrant (temporary) visa categories that allow foreign nationals to work in the United States. Citing the high unemployment rate resulting from public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the proclamation suspends the entry of foreign nationals--and their accompanying family members--on H-1B, H-2B, J, and L visas, with some exceptions. [...] The proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals in certain nonimmigrant visa categories remains in effect from June 24, 2020, through December 31, 2020, with the possibility of continuation thereafter. Beginning 30 days after the effective date, and every 60 days thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and State, may recommend changes to it."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Jill, 1974-
2020-06-29
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District of Columbia Statehood and Voting Representation [Updated June 29, 2020]
From the Document: "On June 26, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives considered and passed the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, H.R. 51. This marked the first time in 27 years a District of Columbia (DC) statehood bill was considered on the floor of the House of Representatives, and the first time in the history of Congress a DC statehood bill was passed by either the House or the Senate. This In Focus discusses the political status of DC, identifies concerns regarding DC representation, describes selected issues in the statehood process, and outlines some recent DC statehood or voting representation bills. It does not provide legal or constitutional analysis on DC statehood or voting representation. It does not address territorial statehood issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaroscak, Joseph V.
2020-06-29
