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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on 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 Navy's FY2021 budget submission poses multiple issues for Congress concerning these two types of ships, including potentially significant institutional issues regarding the preservation and use of Congress's power of the purse under Article 1 of the Constitution, and for maintaining Congress as a coequal branch of government relative to the executive branch. Congress's decisions on the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs could also affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 28 to 30 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $30 million in research and development funding for initial industry studies and concept design work on the ship. The Navy envisions procuring the ships on an expedited schedule, with the first LAWs potentially being procured in FY2023 and a total of 28 notionally being procured by FY2026. The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2021 funding request and envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress's decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO-205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget does not request any funding for the procurement of additional TAO-205s. Issues for Congress regarding the TAO-205 program include the number of TAO-205s to procure in FY2021, the number of oilers the Navy will require in coming years to support its operations, and whether to encourage or direct the Navy to build TAO-205s with more ship self-defense equipment than currently planned by the Navy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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SolarWinds Attack--No Easy Fix [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 13, 2020, the cybersecurity firm FireEye published research that a malicious actor was exploiting a supply chain vulnerability in SolarWinds products to hack into government and private sector information technology (IT) networks. SolarWinds confirmed the security incident. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive requiring federal agencies to remove certain SolarWinds products from agency networks. Media initially reported that the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments were susceptible to this attack; subsequent reports added additional agencies. The list of compromised agencies and companies is expected to expand. As private sector and government researchers continue investigating this incident, the cybersecurity community expects to learn more about the attack, the adversary, their targets, compromised data and systems, and ways to recover from the incident. This Insight provides an overview of the incident, federal actions, and policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaikaran, Chris
2020-12-22
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Navy Large Surface Combatant (LSC) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's Large Surface Combatant (LSC) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation cruisers or destroyers to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first LSC around FY2028, although that date could change. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $46.5 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the LSC program in one R&D line item and some additional funding for the program in another R&D line item. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2021 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect future Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring a new class of medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $30.0 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the NGLS program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC), which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by a few or several percent. Potential issues for Congress concerning MYP and BBC include whether to use MYP and BBC in the future more frequently, less frequently, or about as frequently as they are currently used; whether to create a permanent statute to govern the use of BBC, analogous to the permanent statute that governs the use of MYP; and whether the Coast Guard should begin making use of MYP and BBC. Congress's decisions on these issues could affect defense acquisition practices, defense funding requirements, and the defense industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
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Science & Tech Spotlight: Tracing the Source of Chemical Weapons
From the Document: "According to the Global Public Policy Institute, there have been more than 330 chemical weapons attacks since 2012. Such attacks are prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention. A set of methods called forensic chemical attribution has the potential to trace the chemical agent used in such attacks to a source. For example, investigators could use these methods to identify the geographic sources of raw materials used to make the agent, or to identify the manufacturing process. Such information can aid leaders in deciding on whether or how to respond to a chemical weapons attack. Forensic chemical attribution is a three-step process, though the third step is being developed. First, a sample is taken from a victim or the site of an attack. Second, the sample's chemical components are analyzed and identified either at a mobile lab or at one of 18 authorized biomedical labs worldwide. [...] In the third step--still under development--investigators use the data from the forensic chemical identification and analysis methods from step two to develop a 'chemical fingerprint.' The fingerprint can be matched to a database of information on existing methods or known source to identify chemical agents. However, a comprehensive database containing complete, reliable data for known agents does not exist."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-21
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Election Administration: Federal Grant Funding for States and Localities [December 21, 2020]
From the Summary: "States, territories, and localities have primary responsibility for administering elections in the United States, but Congress has tools it can use to support or shape their efforts if it chooses to do so. One of those tools is funding. Congress can use its power to provide--and set conditions on--funding to encourage or help states and localities to adopt, reject, implement, or maintain election administration policies and practices. Congress has used or proposed using funding to engage with election administration issues in various ways, including by directing federal agencies to use some of their funding to support state and local election administration work and by considering conditioning eligibility for certain federal funds on adopting or rejecting election administration policies. Perhaps the most direct way in which Congress has used funding is by establishing and funding state and local grant programs specifically for election administration-related purposes. Congress first authorized major election administration-related grant programs for states and localities in response to issues with the conduct of the 2000 elections. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA; 52 U.S.C. §§20901-21145) set new requirements for the administration of federal elections and created the election administration-focused U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also authorized election administration-related grant programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shanton, Karen L.
2020-12-21
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USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: Round Two (CFAP-2) [December 21, 2020]
From the Introduction: "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 direct payments under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-1), valued at $16 billion, to provide immediate financial relief to farmers, ranchers, and consumers affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On September 18, 2020, USDA announced a second round of CFAP direct payments (CFAP-2), valued at up to an additional $14 billion. [...] This report describes the details of CFAP-2 direct payments to the U.S. agricultural sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the program's funding source and authority; how the program is administered, including specific details on the calculation and implementation of payments; and the status of program outlays by commodity and by state."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2020-12-21
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PREP Act and COVID-19: Limiting Liability for Medical Countermeasures [Updated December 21, 2020]
From the Document: "To encourage the expeditious development and deployment of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency, the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to limit legal liability for losses relating to the administration of medical countermeasures such as diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. In a declaration effective February 4, 2020 (the HHS Declaration), the Secretary of HHS invoked the PREP Act and declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a public health emergency warranting liability protections for covered countermeasures. Under the HHS Declaration, covered persons are generally immune from legal liability (i.e., they cannot be sued for money damages in court) for losses relating to the administration or use of covered countermeasures against COVID-19. [...] This Sidebar reviews the structure of the PREP Act and the HHS Declaration to explain the scope of this liability immunity as it applies to COVID-19 countermeasures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2020-12-21
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From Clickwrap to Rap Sheet: Criminal Liability Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for Terms of Service Violations [Updated December 21, 2020]
From the Document: "'Update: On November 30, 2020, the Supreme Court held oral arguments in Van Buren v. United States--a case that could resolve the judicial disagreement over whether the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) authorizes criminal liability for the violation of a terms of service agreement. Specifically, the issue before the court is whether an individual may be held criminally liable under the CFAA if he is 'authorized to access information on a computer for certain purposes,' but accesses that information for unauthorized purposes. At oral argument, questioning by the Justices focused on the policy implications of interpreting the CFAA broadly or narrowly. Justices asked whether a broad interpretation would criminalize routine conduct like lying on a dating website in violation of its terms of service. Other questions focused on whether a narrow interpretation, on the other hand, could jeopardize personal privacy if, for instance, an employee might not be criminally liable under the CFAA for using highly sensitive customer information in ways that are outside the scope of his employment duties. At oral argument, the attorney for the government argued that the CFAA unambiguously prohibits accessing information for unauthorized purposes--a view adopted by some federal appellate courts, but rejected by others[.] [...] A decision in Van Buren v. United States is expected before the Court's summer recess.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Berris, Peter G.
2020-12-21
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Defense Primer: Defense Appropriations Process [Updated December 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse in Article I, Section 9, which provides that 'No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.' To fulfill this duty, Congress annually considers appropriations measures, which provide funding for numerous activities--such as national defense, education, and homeland security-- consistent with policies and priorities established through legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act. The congressional appropriations process includes various rules and practices that Congress has adopted to distinguish appropriations measures and facilitate their consideration. These measures generally provide funding authority in response to the President's budget request for a fiscal year (October 1 throughSeptember 30)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.; Saturno, James
2020-12-21
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 20, 2020: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine - United States, December 2020
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Moderna COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Vaccine - United States, December 2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2020.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2020-12-20
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COVIDView: A Weekly Surveillance Summary of U.S COVID-19 Activity, Week 51 [December 19, 2020]
From the Key Updates: "Nationally, surveillance indicators tracking levels of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] circulation and associated illnesses declined or remained stable during the week ending December 19, 2020. The percentage of deaths due to pneumonia, influenza and COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] (PIC) has been increasing since early October. Both COVID-19- associated hospitalizations and PIC mortality for the most recent weeks are expected to increase as more data are received."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2020-12-19
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Drinking Water: EPA Could Use Available Data to Better Identify Neighborhoods at Risk of Lead Exposure, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Lead in drinking water comes primarily from corrosion of service lines connecting the water main to a house or building, pipes inside a building, or plumbing fixtures. As GAO reported in September 2018, the total number of lead service lines in drinking water systems is unknown, and less than 20 of the 100 largest water systems have such data publicly available. GAO was asked to examine the actions EPA and water systems are taking to educate the public on the risks of lead in drinking water. This report examines, among other things: (1) the extent to which neighborhood data on cities served by lead service lines can be used to focus lead reduction efforts; and (2) actions EPA has taken to address WIIN [Water Infrastructure Improvements
for the Nation] Act requirements, and EPA's risk communication documents. GAO conducted a statistical analysis combining geospatial lead service line and ACS [U.S. Census Bureau's American Community
Survey] data to identify characteristics of selected communities; reviewed legal requirements and EPA documents; and interviewed EPA officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-18
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Automated Technologies: DOT Should Take Steps to Ensure Its Workforce Has Skills Needed to Oversee Safety, Report to the Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Automated technologies in planes, trains, and passenger vehicles are in use today and likely to become increasingly widespread. While these technologies hold promise, accidents involving them demonstrate potential safety challenges. DOT [U.S. Department of Transportation] is responsible for overseeing the safety of all modes of transportation. This report addresses: (1) stakeholders' perspectives on the skills required to oversee automated technologies; (2) the extent to which DOT has identified and assessed the skills it needs to oversee these technologies; and (3) the extent to which DOT has developed strategies to address any gaps in skills. GAO reviewed relevant literature and DOT workforce planning documents, and interviewed DOT human capital officials, selected modal administrations, and stakeholders, including transportation associations and technology developers. GAO selected modal administrations based in part on the prevalence of automated technologies."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-18
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Recycling: Building on Existing Federal Efforts Could Help Address Cross-Cutting Challenges, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "In 1976, Congress sought to reduce solid waste and encourage recycling as part of RCRA [Resource Conservation and Recovery Act], which gave primary responsibility for recycling to states and municipalities but requires EPA and Commerce to take specific actions. The United States generated almost 1,800 pounds of waste per capita in 2018. Recycling rates for common recyclables, such as paper, plastics, glass, and some metals, remain low. Furthermore, recent international import restrictions have reduced demand for U.S. exports of recyclables. GAO [United States Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal efforts that advance recycling in the United States. This report examines (1) cross-cutting challenges affecting recycling in the United States, (2) actions that selected federal agencies have taken that advance recycling, and (3) actions EPA has taken to plan and coordinate national efforts to advance recycling. GAO reviewed laws and agency documents; and interviewed federal officials and nonfederal stakeholders, such as states, municipalities, and industry representatives, selected for their expertise and efforts to advance recycling."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-18
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 18, 2020
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students -- United States, 2020"; "Surveillance for Harmful Algal Bloom Events and Associated Human and Animal Illnesses -- One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System, United States, 2016-2018"; "Health Center Testing for SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] During the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic -- United States, June 5- October 2, 2020"; "Telehealth Practice Among Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic -- United States, July 11-17, 2020"; "Factors That Might Affect SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Poultry Facility Workers -- Maryland, May 2020"; "Update to CDC's Treatment Guidelines for Gonococcal Infection, 2020"; "Estimated Resource Costs for Implementation of CDC's Recommended COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 Public Schools -- United States, 2020-21 School Year"; "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 2020"; "Factors Associated with Positive SARS-CoV-2 Test Results in Outpatient Health Facilities and Emergency Departments Among Children and Adolescents Aged
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2020-12-18
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveillance Summaries, December 18, 2020
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR Surveillance Summaries contains the following: "Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance -United States, 2017." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2020.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2020-12-18
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Roles of Mobility and Masks in the Spread of COVID-19
From the Document: "This policy brief analyzes the effects of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] mitigation policies, those that restrict movement and activity and those that advocate public health best practices. The analysis uses US state-level data to estimate the effects of mobility, mask mandates, and compliance with these mandates on the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths. A one-standard-deviation increase in mobility is associated with an 11 to 20 basis points greater rate of growth in case counts; a mask mandate can offset about half of this increase. Slower growth in case counts ultimately translates into slower growth in death counts. Mask mandates are more effective in states where compliance with those mandates is higher. Our estimates imply that total infections in the United States would have been 46.5 to 66.2 percent lower than they were on November 15 if mobility had remained fixed at its May 15 level. Given the actual mobility level, if a national mask mandate had been enacted on May 15, the case count would have been 26.4 to 34.3 percent lower than it was on November 15. This means that a national mask mandate potentially could have offset as many as 74 percent of the additional COVID-19 cases associated with increases in mobility"
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Cooper, Daniel H.; Garga, Vaishali; Luengo-Prado, Maria José, 1972- . . .
2020-12-18
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Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Conformance Framework
From the Executive Summary: "The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have enabled widespread adoption of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in many applications across modern society. [...] This Resilient PNT Conformance Framework was sponsored by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and developed in coordination with industry and federal agency partners. It provides guidance for defining expected behaviors in resilient PNT user equipment (UE), with the goal of facilitating development and adoption of those behaviors through a common framework that enables improved risk management, determination of appropriate mitigations, and decision making by PNT end-users. To encourage industry innovation, this framework is PNT source agnostic and outcome based. It also contains four levels of resilience so that end-users can select a level that is appropriate based on their risk tolerance, budget, and application criticality. Therefore, a lower level receiver is not necessarily better or worse; instead, it simply reflects a level that meets the user's particular needs. This framework focuses on resilience and applies to UE that outputs PNT solutions, including PNT systems of systems, integrated PNT receivers, and PNT source components (such as GNSS chipsets)."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate
2020-12-18?
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Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Framework [December 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In recent years, cybersecurity threats and attacks have become a key issue for the Department of Defense (DOD). At present an estimated 300,000 companies supply products and services to the nation's defense industrial base (DIB). Concerns have been raised that some of these U.S. military contractors may pose a substantial cybersecurity risk because they currently operate with limited oversight of their internal cybersecurity controls. One effort to address cybersecurity attacks and the associated economic and national security costs to the DOD supply chain is the department's ongoing work to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. This initiative is designed to provide a scalable cybersecurity standard for the full spectrum of defense acquisitions. Once fully implemented, with a current target date of fiscal year (FY) 2026, the framework would require all DOD prime contractors and subcontractors to receive verification through accredited third-party certification organizations that an individual organization's internal cybersecurity practices and processes meet certain standards. This report offers an overview and analysis of issues for Congress associated with the CMMC framework. This report also discusses congressional considerations related to the Defense Department's efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities within the DIB in the performance of DOD's government contract work."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2020-12-18
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Justice Department's Role in Cyber Incident Response [Updated December 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Criminals and other malicious actors rely on the internet and evolving technology to further their operations. They exploit cyberspace, where they can mask their identities and motivations. In this domain, criminals can compromise financial assets, hacktivists can flood websites with traffic--effectively shutting them down, and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. When such cyber incidents occur, a number of questions arise, including how the federal government will react and which agencies will respond. These questions have been raised following a number of high-profile breaches such as those against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Democratic National Committee, as well as intrusions into a number of federal agencies and other organizations via network management software produced by SolarWinds. Federal law enforcement has taken the lead in investigating cyber incidents, attributing certain malicious activities to specific perpetrators, and prosecuting cyber threat actors. This report outlines the federal framework for cyber incident response, highlighting the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) role in this response. It also discusses challenges for federal law enforcement and potential policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2020-12-18
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U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Negotiations [Updated December 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "On October 7, 2019, after six months of formal negotiations, the United States and Japan signed two agreements to liberalize bilateral trade. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) provides for limited tariff reductions and quota expansions to improve market access. The U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement covers rules on digital aspects of international commerce. The agreements, which took effect on January 1, 2020, without formal action by Congress, constitute what the Trump and Abe Administrations described as 'stage one' of a broader U.S.- Japan trade agreement, but further talks have yet to materialize. The Trump Administration used delegated tariff authorities in Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to proclaim the USJTA provisions, while the digital trade agreement, which did not require changes to U.S. law, was treated as an Executive Agreement. The status of the pending second stage bilateral talks remains of interest to Congress but is uncertain under both Japan's new Suga Administration and the incoming Biden Administration. As the fourth-largest U.S. trade partner, Japan has been a high priority for U.S. trade negotiations, especially as recent Japanese free trade agreements (FTAs), including with the European Union (EU) and the TPP-11 (successor to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) following U.S. withdrawal), lower Japan's tariffs on imports from several countries, placing U.S. exporters at a disadvantage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Williams, Brock R.
2020-12-18
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U.S. Dollar as the World's Dominant Reserve Currency [December 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. dollar is the world's dominant reserve currency, among other such currencies including the euro, the yen, the pound, the renminbi (RMB), the Canadian dollar, the Swiss franc, and the Australian dollar. A reserve currency is a currency held by central banks in significant quantities. It is widely used to conduct international trade and financial transactions, eliminating the costs of settling transactions involving different currencies. The dollar has functioned as the world's dominant reserve currency since World War II. Today, central banks hold about 60% of their foreign exchange reserves in dollars. About half of international trade is invoiced in dollars, and about half of all international loans and global debt securities are denominated in dollars. In foreign exchange markets, where currencies are traded, dollars are involved in nearly 90% of all transactions. The dollar is the preferred currency for investors during major economic crises, as a 'safe haven' currency. During the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, for example, and amidst the economic turmoil associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic in 2020, investors sought U.S. dollars, expecting the dollar to retain its value. In both crises, the U.S. Federal Reserve adopted extraordinary monetary authorities and currency swap lines with other central banks to provide liquidity and dollars."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.; Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.
2020-12-18
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Emergency Responder Safety: States and DOT Are Implementing Actions to Reduce Roadside Crashes, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "Police, fire, medical, towing, and other responders risk being killed or injured by passing vehicles when responding to a roadside emergency. To protect these vulnerable workers and improve highway safety, all states and the District of Columbia have enacted Move Over laws. GAO was asked to review issues related to Move Over laws and emergency responder roadside safety. This report: (1) examines data NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] collects on crashes involving violations of Move Over laws, (2) describes selected states' actions and challenges related to Move Over laws, and (3) describes DOT [U.S. Department of Transportation] efforts to improve emergency responder roadside safety. GAO analyzed NHTSA's 2018 crash data, which were the latest data available; reviewed federal and state laws and regulations, and DOT initiatives to improve emergency responder roadside safety; reviewed state reports to DOT; and interviewed NHTSA and FHWA [Federal Highway Administration] officials, traffic safely and law enforcement officials in seven selected states, and stakeholders from traffic safety organizations and occupational groups, such as the Emergency Responder Safety Institute and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. GAO selected states based on a variety of factors, including traffic fatality rates per vehicle mile traveled and recommendations from stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-17
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Center for Homeland Defense and Security Commencement Remarks as Prepared by Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf [December 17, 2020]
From the Commencement Speech: "Good morning, graduates. It is an honor to join you virtually to celebrate this momentous occasion and to congratulate each of you for your dedication and hard work. Today's event is a celebration of your commitment and tenacity, and each of you should take pride in this achievement. It's important to remember that no one reaches this type of accomplishment alone, so it is only proper that we also recognize your family members, loved ones, mentors, and colleagues who have made up your support system. Let me give a special thanks to the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security for inviting me to speak to you all today. I'll state the obvious and say that 2020 has been a challenging year, but it's important that we have all come together today for this important milestone in your careers. CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] has existed in parallel with the Department since its very inception. For 17 years, CHDS has provided leaders like yourselves the opportunity to obtain an advanced degree in the field of homeland security. Having been around the Department since its inception in 2003, I can tell you firsthand that the Department is one of the most complex organizations within the federal government. Our diverse mission set alone covers a wide variety of homeland security challenges."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
Wolf, Chad Fredrick, 1976-
2020-12-17
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Intelligence Community: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Workforce Diversity Planning and Oversight, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The '2019 National Intelligence Strategy' states that the IC [Intelligence Community] will recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, inclusive, and expert workforce to enable mission success. ODNI [Office of the Director of National Intelligence] reports that the IC is taking steps to increase the representation of diverse groups, such as issuing new strategies to enhance workforce planning. However, barriers to establishing a diverse workforce exist across the IC, according to an ODNI 2017 analysis. GAO was asked to review the IC's progress in enhancing workforce diversity. This report (1) summarizes ODNI annual demographic reports on the proportion of women, racial or ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities; and assesses the extent to which (2) IC elements report taking steps to address leading practices for managing workforce diversity and to identify potential barriers to maintaining a diverse workforce; and (3) ODNI is addressing leading practices for coordinating IC workforce diversity initiatives. GAO reviewed IC-wide and IC element specific policies and guidance; interviewed ODNI, and other IC officials; and administered a questionnaire to all 17 IC elements to obtain information on diversity strategies and challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-17
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Federal Research: Agencies Need to Enhance Policies to Address Foreign Influence, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "The federal government reportedly expended about $42 billion on science and engineering research at universities in fiscal year 2018. Safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise from threats of foreign influence is of critical importance. Recent reports by GAO and others have noted challenges faced by the research community to combat undue foreign influence, while maintaining an open research environment that fosters collaboration, transparency, and the free exchange of ideas. GAO was asked to review federal agency and university COI [conflict of interest] policies and disclosure requirements. In this report, GAO examines (1) COI policies and disclosure requirements at selected agencies and universities that address potential foreign threats, (2) mechanisms to monitor and enforce policies and requirements, and (3) the views of selected stakeholders on how to better address foreign threats to federally funded research. GAO reviewed laws, regulations, federal guidance, and agency and university COI policies and requirements. GAO also interviewed agency officials, university officials, and researchers."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2020-12-17
