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Pandemic-Related Provisions Expiring in the 117th Congress [Updated May 25, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Since March 2020, a number of laws have been enacted to provide relief to people and businesses affected by the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. These include the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. 116-127) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), both enacted in March 2020; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), enacted in December 2020; and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2), enacted in March 2021. The laws enacted in response to the pandemic include a wide array of provisions, some of which are amendments to existing programs, benefits, and authorities, and others that are newly established. Many of these provisions were enacted on a temporary basis, where Congress specified an expiration date or a limited period during which they would remain in effect. Some provisions had been set to expire in 2020 or 2021 and were extended with the enactment of P.L. 116-260 or P.L. 117-2, both of which also established a number of additional pandemic relief provisions. For certain other provisions, Congress specified that availability would be tied to the duration of a declared emergency or disaster. This report identifies provisions enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that are set to expire during the 117th Congress (i.e., before January 3, 2023). These provisions are presented in a series of tables organized by subject matter. The expiring provisions that are within the scope of this report are primarily those that define the authority of government agencies or other entities to act, usually by authorizing a policy, project, or activity."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Scott, Andrew P.; Smole, David P.; Aussenberg, Randy Alison . . .

2021-05-25
Immigration Court Proceedings: Process and Data [infographic] [May 25, 2021]

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From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals ('aliens' under law) may be removed from the United States for immigration violations. While an expedited removal process is often applied to aliens encountered at the border, those apprehended in the interior are usually placed in formal proceedings before and immigration judge (IJ) in the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). Aliens in these proceedings have the right to counsel at their own expense; to seek asylum or other relief from removal; to present testimony and evidence; to appeal an adverse decision to EOIR's Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); and, in many cases, to seek judicial review of a final order of removal."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Hillel R.; Straut-Eppsteiner, Holly

2021-05-25
Sexual Assault, the Military Justice System and Commanders' Authority: Recent Developments [May 25, 2021]

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From the Document: "Over the past two decades, Congress has taken legislative action to address sexual misconduct in the military and to improve prevention, response, and accountability through the military justice system. Despite legislative changes and Department of Defense (DOD) initiatives, sexual assault reporting and prevalence data [hyperlink] indicate continued risk factors and room for improvement across several metrics [hyperlink]. A recent independent review [hyperlink] at Fort Hood which found 'ineffective implementation' of the Army's sexual harassment and assault prevention program, has raised additional congressional concerns. [...] In a February 26, 2021, memorandum [hyperlink], Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III ordered the creation of a 90-day Independent Review Commission (IRC) to address sexual assault in the military. According to DOD reporting [hyperlink], the IRC has four lines of effort: (1) accountability, (2) prevention, (3) climate and culture, and (4) victim care and support. The commission began work on March 24, 2021, and has provided some initial recommendations [hyperlink] to Secretary Austin, including those related to the commander's authority. While some officials have argued against transferring authority from commanders to career prosecutors, a few senior military leaders recently expressed openness [hyperlink] to changing military justice processes."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kamarck, Kristy N.

2021-05-25
Army Corps of Engineers: Section 7001 Annual Report on Future Studies and Projects [Updated May 25, 2021]

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From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), through its civil works mission, undertakes water resource development studies and projects and other assistance activities that are specifically authorized by Congress. In Section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA; P.L. 113-121, 33 U.S.C. §2282d), Congress established an annual process for identifying proposals for sitespecific studies and projects within USACE's water resource mission and authorities. The process includes a call for nonfederal proposals and concludes with a report by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW) to USACE's congressional authorizing committees. Congress established the Section 7001 process while congressional earmark moratorium policies were in place for both authorization and appropriations. Although the 117th Congress is pursuing incorporating community project funding (see House [hyperlink] and Senate [hyperlink] websites) into the development of legislation, the Section 7001 process remains active. USACE opened [hyperlink] the nonfederal proposal submission period for the 2022 report on April 30, 2021, with an August 30, 2021, submission deadline. USACE anticipates hosting public information sessions about the process in July and August 2021."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Normand, Anna E.

2021-05-25
Budget Reconciliation Process and the Statutory Limit on the Debt [May 25, 2021]

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From the Document: "The budget reconciliation process [hyperlink] is an optional, expedited legislative process provided under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-344; the Budget Act). It consists of several different stages, beginning with the adoption of the budget resolution. The purpose of the reconciliation process is to allow Congress to use special procedures when considering legislation that would bring existing budgetary laws into compliance with the fiscal policies that Congress establishes in the annual budget resolution. If Congress intends to use this process, reconciliation directives (also referred to as reconciliation instructions) must be included in the annual budget resolution. These directives trigger the second stage of the process by instructing individual committees to develop and report legislation that would change laws within their respective jurisdictions related to direct spending, revenue, or the debt limit. Once a specified committee develops legislation in response to a reconciliation directive, that legislation is eligible to be considered under expedited procedures in both the House and the Senate. These procedures are especially important in the Senate, as they include a 20-hour limit on debate time and therefore mean that reconciliation legislation does not require the support of three-fifths of all Senators to bring debate to a close."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lynch, Megan Suzanne; Saturno, James

2021-05-25
Drug Enforcement Administration Set to Increase Registered Marijuana Manufacturers for Research Purposes [May 25, 2021]

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From the Document: "On May 14, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it would soon register additional manufacturers [hyperlink] to cultivate marijuana for research purposes. For over 50 years, the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi [hyperlink] has been the only DEA-registered manufacturer of marijuana for research purposes, operating under a contract administered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse [hyperlink] (NIDA). While marijuana is also cultivated in states that allow for its recreational and medical use [hyperlink], the federal government considers the University of Mississippi to be the only lawful source, as Schedule I [hyperlink] controlled substances may 'only' be manufactured for research purposes under the Controlled Substances Act [hyperlink] (CSA), and manufacturers must register with the DEA."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sacco, Lisa N.

2021-05-25
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 1277, Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act of 2021

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This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on April 21, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 1277 would require public companies to disclose annually information on the racial, ethnic, gender, and veteran composition of its board of directors (including nominees) and executive officers to the extent that information is voluntarily provided. The bill also would require public companies to disclose if their boards of directors have adopted plans to promote diversity. Under the bill, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would issue three recurring reports, including one on the best practices for complying with the new disclosure requirements. Finally, the SEC would be required to establish an advisory group on diversity to study and report to the Congress on the diversity of boards of directors of public companies."

United States. Congressional Budget Office

2021-05-25
Domestic Abuse: DOD Needs to Enhance Its Prevention, Response, and Oversight, Statement of Brenda S. Farrell, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives

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From the Document: "My testimony today summarizes our May 2021 report on domestic abuse in the military, which included 32 recommendations to DOD and the military services to improve their domestic abuse prevention and response, as well as their oversight activities. DOD concurred with each of the recommendations. This testimony will focus on some of the key findings from the report, including the extent to which 1) DOD has met statutory requirements to collect and report complete data on reports of domestic abuse and 2) DOD and the military services have implemented and overseen domestic abuse prevention and response activities, including commanders' disposition of incidents, in accordance with DOD policy."

United States. Government Accountability Office

Farrell, Brenda S.

2021-05-25
Cybersecurity: Federal Agencies Need to Implement Recommendations to Manage Supply Chain Risks, Statement of Vijay A. D'Souza, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Testimony Before the Subcommittees on Investigations and Oversight and Research and Technology, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, House of Representatives

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From the Highlights: "Federal agencies rely extensively on ICT [information and communication technology] products and services (e.g., computing systems, software, and networks) to carry out their operations. However, agencies face numerous ICT supply chain risks, including threats posed by malicious actors who may exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain and, thus, compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an organization's systems and the information they contain. Recent events involving a software supply chain compromise of SolarWinds Orion, a network management software suite, and the shutdown of a major U.S. fuel pipeline due to a cyberattack highlight the significance of these threats. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to testify on federal agencies' efforts to manage ICT supply chain risks. Specifically, GAO (1) describes the federal government's actions in response to the compromise of SolarWinds and (2) summarizes its prior report on the extent to which federal agencies implemented foundational ICT supply chain risk management practices. To do so, GAO reviewed its previously published reports and related information. GAO has ongoing work examining federal agencies' responses to SolarWinds and plans to issue a report on this in fall 2021."

United States. Government Accountability Office

D'Souza, Vijay A.

2021-05-25
Summary Report: Persistent Data Issues Hinder DHS Mission, Programs, and Operations

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From the Highlights: "Federal agencies create and collect large amounts of data as they carry out their missions. Improving the quality, security, and transparency of Federal data has been a priority of the President, Congress, and Department of Homeland Security in recent years. We conducted this review of DHS Office of Inspector General reports issued from fiscal years 2017 to 2019 to identify frequently reported findings and quantify persistent and systemic data issues that hinder DHS' ability to accomplish its mission operations."

United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

Thai, Tuyet-Quan; Joseph, Johnson; Schwemin, Scott D. . . .

2021-05-24
Overview for America's Counties: U.S. Treasury Interim Final Rule & Guidance for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

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From the Document: "On May 10, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released an Interim Final Rule [hyperlink], FAQs [frequently asked questions] [hyperlink] and a fact sheet [hyperlink] for a significant portion of the $362 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act [hyperlink] (ARP) signed into law on March 11 by President Biden. This specific Interim Rule and related guidance covers the $65.1 billion in direct federal aid to America's counties [hyperlink]. Later this year, Treasury will release separate guidance for the $1.5 billion in additional federal aid for public lands counties under Sec. 605 of ARP. This analysis provides an in-depth overview of the key provisions within the Interim Final Rule, with a specific focus on how each of these items may impact county governments. The analysis covers eligibility criteria for the use of funds, compliance and financial reporting, and key dates for county actions. This report also highlights several key differences between the ARP county aid and the previous county aid under the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act's Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), 'especially related to payroll support for public health, public safety and other related staff.'"

National Association of Counties

2021-05-24
Public Law 117-14: Alaska Tourism Restoration Act

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From the Document: "An Act [t]o restrict the imposition by the Secretary of Homeland Security of fines, penalties, duties, or tariffs applicable only to coastwise voyages, or prohibit otherwise qualified non-United States citizens from serving as crew, on specified vessels transporting passengers between the State of Washington and the State of Alaska, to address a Canadian cruise ship ban and the extraordinary impacts of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic on Alaskan communities, and for other purposes."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2021-05-24
COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report 8 (April 27-May 10, 2021)

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From the Summary: "CDC's [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recent announcements of expanded guidance for fully vaccinated people was met with confusion in the news media and among consumers online. Unanswered questions about the implications of new guidance may undermine trust in COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccines and the U.S. vaccination system. To confront lagging vaccination rates, states and jurisdictions are employing novel tactics to reduce remaining access barriers and add incentives to reward vaccination. The overall effect of these novel tactics on vaccine uptake for unvaccinated adolescents and adults is still unknown. Online discussion of incentives is polarized, with some people welcoming the developments and others feeling suspicious of them which could be a threat to vaccine confidence for some. Lastly, consumers are receiving bills for COVID-19 vaccination, even though COVID-19 vaccines are free and are offered regardless of insurance or immigration status."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

2021-05-24
Will FEMA Recommend Public Assistance Following a Disaster? Proposed Rulemaking [Updated May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "This Insight reviews the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) proposed rulemaking on assessing requests for Public Assistance (PA) for major disaster declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act [hyperlink], P.L. 93-288, as amended). FEMA estimates that the rulemaking, if finalized, will significantly reduce PA obligations. The public comment period has closed; FEMA is considering [hyperlink] final rulemaking."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lee, Erica A.

2021-05-24
Critical Infrastructure Policy: Information Sharing and Disclosure Requirements After the Colonial Pipeline Attack [May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "The ransomware [hyperlink] attack against the Colonial Pipeline Company spurred panic buying and fuel shortages along the Eastern Seaboard. Although the attack [hyperlink] did not target pipeline control systems, it forced the temporary suspension of fuel shipments via a major pipeline network, according to a company statement [hyperlink]. The Biden Administration announced Executive Order (E.O.) 14028 (the EO), 'Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity' [hyperlink] on May 12, 2021, framing it as a response to the pipeline incident and other recent cyberattacks. While the EO creates requirements that apply to federal agencies and government contractors, the Administration hopes that these actions will have a secondary effect [hyperlink] of improving cybersecurity among critical infrastructure companies."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Humphreys, Brian E.

2021-05-24
Intelligence Community Presidentially Appointed Senate Confirmed Officials (PAS) During the Administrations of Presidents George W. Bush, Barack H. Obama, and Donald J. Trump: In Brief [May 24, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides three tables that list the names of those who have served in presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed (PAS) positions in the Intelligence Community (IC) during the last twenty years. It provides a comparative perspective of both those holding IC PAS positions who have been confirmed by the Senate and those serving in in these positions in an acting capacity during the Administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

DeVine, Michael E.; Plagakis, Sofia

2021-05-24
Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program [May 24, 2021]

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From the Summary: "On March 11, 2021, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its first F-15EX Eagle II fighter. The Eagle II program is intended to deliver 144 aircraft to replace aging F-15Cs, most of which are in the Air National Guard. The Trump Administration's FY2020 budget proposal included a request for $1.1 billion to buy 8 F-15EX aircraft, the first procurement toward a planned initial buy of 144. This proposal represented a change from previous Air Force plans to procure only stealthy 'fifth-generation' fighter aircraft. The subsequentFY2021 defense budget proposal requested about $1.27billion in procurement funding for 12Eagle IIs and $133.5 million in advance procurement for future aircraft. The proposed budget also requested about $159.8million for F15EX research and development."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Gertler, Jeremiah

2021-05-24
Joint All-Domain Command and Control: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 24, 2021]

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From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) is in the process of a once-in-a-generation modernization of its approach to commanding military forces. Senior DOD leaders have stated that the department's existing command and control architecture is insufficient to meet the demands of the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is DOD's concept to connect sensors from all of the military services--Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force--into a single network. DOD points to ride-sharing service Uber as an analogy to describe its desired end state for JADC2. Uber combines two different apps--one for riders and a second for drivers. Using the respective users' positions, the Uber algorithm determines the optimal match based on distance, travel time, and passengers (among other variables). In the case of JADC2, that logic would find the optimal platform to attack a given target, or the unit best able to address an emerging threat. For JADC2 to work effectively, DOD is pursuing two emerging technologies: automation and artificial intelligence, and new communications methods."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Hoehn, John R.

2021-05-24
Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated May 24, 2021]

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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. Section 370 of the FY2021 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (H.R. 6395/P.L. 116-283 of January 1, 2021) establishes a commission regarding the removal and renaming of certain assets of the Department of Defense (including ships) that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald

2021-05-24
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices [Updated May 24, 2021]

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From the Summary: "This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State's description of each country's political system and selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy trends worldwide."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Davis-Castro, Carla Y.

2021-05-24
Supreme Court Declines Request to Revisit Precedent Barring Military Cadet's Sexual Assault Claim Against United States [May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "With various exceptions, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) [hyperlink] enables plaintiffs to sue the United States when a federal employee commits a wrongful or negligent act that causes personal injury or death. However, in 'Feres v. United States' [hyperlink], the Supreme Court held [hyperlink] that the FTCA generally does not authorize [hyperlink] military personnel to sue the United States for injuries arising out of military service. Although some Members of Congress, judges [hyperlink], and scholars have criticized 'Feres', the Court has consistently declined [hyperlink] to reconsider the decision. Most recently, the Court denied certiorari in 'Doe v. United States' [hyperlink], in which a West Point cadet asked the Court to narrow or overrule 'Feres' [hyperlink] to let her sue the United States for allegedly failing to implement adequate policies to prevent, investigate, and punish sexual assault at West Point. This Sidebar analyzes 'Feres', 'Doe', and their potential significance to Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lewis, Kevin M.

2021-05-24
Defense Primer: Quantum Technology [May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "Quantum technology translates the principles of quantum physics into technological applications. In general, quantum technology has not yet reached maturity; however, it could hold significant implications for the future of military sensing, encryption, and communications, as well as for congressional oversight, authorizations, and appropriations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sayler, Kelley M.

2021-05-24
Implementation of Economic Impact Payments

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From the Highlights: "This audit was initiated to assess the IRS's [Internal Revenue Service] Economic Impact Payment (EIP) outreach and assistance to individuals, accuracy of the computation, and adequacy of controls to prevent ineligible individuals from receiving a payment. This is a part of a series of audits to evaluate the IRS's implementation of the EIP and the Recovery Rebate Credit. TIGTA [Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration] is conducting a separate review of the IRS's processing of Recovery Rebate Credit claims."

United States. Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration

2021-05-24
Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process [Updated May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President. This includes consideration of proposals to sell major defense equipment, defense articles and services, or the retransfer to other states of such military items. In general, the executive branch, after complying with the terms of applicable U.S. law, principally contained in the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) (P.L. [Public Law] 90-629, 82 Stat. 1320), is free to proceed with an arms sales proposal unless Congress passes legislation prohibiting or modifying the proposed sale. The President has the obligation under the law to submit the arms sale proposal to Congress, but only after he has determined that he is prepared to proceed with any such notifiable arms sales transaction. The AECA also contains the statutory authority for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, under which the U.S. government sells U.S. defense equipment, services, and training on a government-to-government basis. In addition, the law specifies criteria for Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) of U.S.-government licensed defense articles and services directly from U.S. firms to eligible foreign governments and international organizations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kerr, Paul K.

2021-05-24
States Opting Out of COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Agreements [May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "In response to the recent recession [hyperlink] caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress created several temporary Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. [Public Law] 116-136 [hyperlink]), and extended these programs through P.L. 116-260 [hyperlink] and P.L. 117-2 [hyperlink]. Recently, 23 states have announced their intention to terminate their agreements to pay COVID-19 UI benefits."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Whittaker, Julie M.; Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-

2021-05-24
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated May 24, 2021]

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From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and LAC, with the United States a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many regional countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. LAC also is a large sourceof U.S. immigration, both authorized and unauthorized; economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sullivan, Mark P.

2021-05-24
Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Challenges and Opportunities with Acquiring Space Systems in a Changing Environment, Statement of Jon Ludwigson, Director, Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives

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From the Highlights: "DOD space systems provide critical capabilities that support military and other government operations. Space systems can be expensive to acquire and field, costing billions of dollars each year. The U.S. Space Force was recently established as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. As planned, the Space Force will consolidate leadership, planning, and management for some DOD space programs, as appropriate and authorized. This statement discusses the challenges and opportunities DOD faces as it acquires space systems amid changes to the acquisition environment. This statement is based on GAO [Government Accountability Office] reports issued over the past 10 years on DOD space programs. It also draws on recent work supporting GAO's 2021 annual report on the progress of major defense acquisition programs."

United States. Government Accountability Office

Ludwigson, Jon

2021-05-24
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 443, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act

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This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on May 5, 2021. From the Document: "H.R. 443 would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convey a parcel of land in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). The conveyance would be made by a warranty deed, which is a type of deed that guarantees a clear title to the new owner of the property. The Indian Self-Determination and Education Act (ISDEAA) allows tribal entities to assume responsibility for providing health care services funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The ANTHC is a nonprofit health care and social services corporation that operates facilities under the ISDEAA in communities throughout Alaska. According to IHS, the ANTHC currently does not pay rent or any other remuneration to IHS for the use of the land to be transferred. Consequently, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that enacting H.R. 443 would not affect direct spending or revenues and would have an insignificant effect on spending subject to appropriation for IHS staff to facilitate the land transfer."

United States. Congressional Budget Office

2021-05-24
Polarisation and the Pandemic: The Alternative Für Deutschland's Narration of COVID-19 on Twitter

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From the Webpage: "The impact of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] has been felt globally by societies in their entirety; from hospitalisations, deaths, the economic downturn and job losses, to the daily impact on people's lives where they have been distanced from their friends and family. As the effects of the pandemic were felt immediately, so was the far-right's response to it. From the very first days of the pandemic, extreme right groups took to social media to spread misinformation and conspiracies about both the virus itself and governments' responses to it [hyperlink]. Although there are strong and widespread concerns about the pandemic leading to increased engagement with extremism, we are yet to experience the full velocity of the situation. This includes a diversification of engagement and overlaps between different fringe organisations and ideas. As one particular example, this has manifested in the spread of coronavirus-related conspiracy theories concerning lockdown measures, vaccines, masks, and other pandemic restrictions, and wider far-right conspiracies around immigration, asylum, anti-government and establishment positions, and anti-globalist and capitalist agendas. On the ground, these conspiracies have contributed to a rise in antisemitic hate speech and hate crimes (both on- and offline) as well as vandalism. Europe has been at the centre of much of this messaging."

Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET)

Herath, Chamin; Lakhani, Suraj; Nouri, Lella . . .

2021-05-24
COVID States Project: A 50-State COVID-19 Survey, Report #54: Mental Health in the US

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From the Document: "With rapid progress toward vaccination in the United States along with falling COVID-19 case rates and a reopening economy, federal and state leaders speak optimistically [hyperlink] about a return to normalcy this summer. But as cases diminish, have the unprecedented rates of depression and anxiety documented in our reports, and in other US surveys [hyperlink], also begun to normalize? On the one hand, as a recent 'New York Times' op-ed notes [hyperlink], people in general are remarkably resilient. And in our prior work we showed that depression and anxiety were tied closely to economic stress [hyperlink]; as the economy improves, we might expect mental health to improve as well. On the other hand, the impact of a year of COVID-19 quarantine and fear of illness - perhaps compounded by political and societal turmoil - might not resolve so readily. In this report, we characterize rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, as we have done on a regular basis since May 2020. We used a standard screening measure drawn from primary care, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 [hyperlink]), which asks about the symptoms of major depression, as well as 2 items that ask about anxiety (the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, or GAD-2 [hyperlink]). We define major depression as a score on the PHQ-9 of 10 or greater, or moderate depression, often the point at which an individual would be referred for treatment. Sleep disruption and thoughts of suicide are defined based on items on the PHQ-9. We examine whether depression and anxiety symptoms are becoming less prevalent overall, and then focus on whether rates of depression among particular groups of people have changed. We also consider the relationship between depression and vaccination status."

Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.); Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy; Harvard Medical School . . .

Perlis, Roy H.; Green, Jon; Simonson, Matthew . . .

2021-05-21

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