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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 30, 2019]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2019-09-30
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 24, 2019]
From the Summary: "In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). China's actions in the SCS in recent years--including extensive island-building and base-construction activities at sites that it occupies in the Spratly Islands, as well as actions by its maritime forces to assert China's claims against competing claims by regional neighbors such as the Philippines and Vietnam--have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-09-24
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U.S.-India Trade Relations [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States and India view one another as important strategic partners to advance common interests regionally and globally. [...] The Trump Administration, which views bilateral trade balances as an indicator of the health of a trading relationship, takes issue with the U.S. trade deficit with India, and has criticized India for a range of 'unfair' trading practices that restrict U.S. exports to and investment in India. Indian Prime Minister Modi's first term fell short of many observers' expectations, as India did not move forward with anticipated market-opening reforms, and instead increased tariffs and trade restrictions. Modi's strong electoral mandate may embolden the Indian government to press ahead with its reform agenda with greater vigor. Recent slowing economic growth in India raises concerns about India's business environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2019-10-02
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Defense Primer: Defense Support of Civil Authorities [October 2, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. military has a long history of providing support to civil authorities, particularly in response to disasters, but for other purposes as well. The Defense Department currently defines 'defense support of civil authorities' as 'Support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DOD civilians, DOD contract personnel, DOD Component assets, and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Governors of the affected States, elects and requests to use those forces in title 32, U.S.C., status) in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or from qualifying entities for special event.' (DOD Directive 3025.18)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence; Litynski, Amelia
2019-10-02
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Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History [October 2, 2019]
From the Summary: "Title IX, the energy title, of the 2018 farm bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; P.L. 115-334) contains authority for the energy programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA energy programs incentivize research, development, and adoption of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and anaerobic digesters. [...] At issue for Congress is oversight of the energy programs and the future of annual funding for these programs. This report provides an overview and funding summary of the various energy titles contained in the farm bills from 2002 to the present, and provides a description of the 2018 farm bill energy programs including their funding levels, program implementation status, and any changes made to the programs by the 2018 farm bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bracmort, Kelsi
2019-10-02
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G-20 and International Economic Cooperation: Background and Implications for Congress [Updated October 4, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Group of Twenty (G-20) is a forum for advancing international cooperation and coordination among 20 major advanced and emerging-market economies. The G-20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union (EU). G-20 countries account for about 85% of global economic output, 75% of global exports, and two-thirds of the world's population. [...] G-20 meetings primarily focus on international economic and financial issues, although related topics are also discussed, including development, food security, and the environment, among others. Congress exercises oversight over the Administration's participation in the G-20, including the policy commitments that the Administration is making in the G-20 and the policies it is encouraging other G-20 countries to pursue. Additionally, legislative action may be required to implement certain commitments made by the Administration in the G-20 process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2019-10-04
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Emoluments Clauses of the U.S. Constitution [Updated September 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Recent litigation involving President Trump has raised a number of legal issues concerning formerly obscure constitutional provisions that prohibit the acceptance or receipt of 'emoluments' in certain circumstances. This In Focus provides an overview of these constitutional provisions, highlighting several unsettled legal areas concerning their meaning and scope, and reviewing the status of ongoing litigation against President Trump based on alleged violations of the Emoluments Clauses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.; Foster, Michael A.
2019-09-24
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Federal Regulation of Tobacco: Legal Framework and Issues for the 116th Congress [September 30, 2019]
From the Document: "The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA), P.L. 111-31, establishes the central federal regulatory regime for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. The statute aims to balance competing interests in protecting the public's health against the harmful effects of smoking and youth tobacco use, while preserving access to lawfully marketed tobacco products for adult consumers. The TCA largely amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 'primary Federal authority' over tobacco product regulation. This In Focus summarizes the TCA's legal framework and discusses key TCA-related issues in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Staman, Jennifer A.
2019-09-30
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Legal Authority to Repurpose Funds for Border Barrier Construction [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Document: "President Trump has prioritized the construction of border barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the course of negotiations for FY2019 appropriations, the Administration asked Congress to appropriate $5.7 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for that purpose. When Congress appropriated $1.375 billion to DHS for border fencing, the President announced that his Administration would fund the construction of border barriers by repurposing funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) and transferring funds from the Department of the Treasury."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer K.; Liu, Edward C.; Hayes, Benjamin
2019-10-02
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that administers the trade rules and agreements negotiated by its 164 members to eliminate trade barriers and create nondiscriminatory rules to govern trade. It also serves as an important forum for resolving trade disputes. [...] With growing debate over the role and future direction of the WTO, a number of issues may be of interest to Congress, including the value of U.S. membership and leadership in the WTO, whether new U.S. negotiating objectives or oversight hearings are needed to address prospects for new WTO reforms and rulemaking, and the relevant authorities and the impact of potential WTO withdrawal on U.S. economic and foreign policy interests. This report provides background history of the WTO, its organization, and current status of negotiations. The report also explores concerns some have regarding the WTO's future direction and key policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-10-02
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U.S. Payment System Policy Issues: Faster Payments and Innovation [September 23, 2019]
From the Document: "This report examines technological innovation in payment systems generally and particular policy issues as a result of retail (i.e., point of sale) payment innovation. The report also discusses wholesale payment, clearing, and settlement systems that send payment messages between banks and transfer funds, including the 'real-time payments' service being introduced by the Federal Reserve. This report includes an Appendix that describes interbank payment, clearing, and settlement systems related to U.S. payments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.; Perkins, David W.; Labonte, Marc
2019-09-23
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U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Negotiations [Updated October 3, 2019]
From the Overview: "On September 25, 2019, President Trump and Prime Minister Abe announced they had finalized a limited bilateral trade agreement consisting of tariff cuts on agricultural and industrial goods and commitments on digital trade. The two sides stated their intent to begin negotiations on a more comprehensive deal after this initial agreement enters into force. [...] Notably, the limited agreement does not include trade commitments on motor vehicles, a long-standing area of bilateral tension. On May 17, 2019, following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, President Trump proclaimed motor vehicle and parts imports, particularly from Japan and the EU, a threat to U.S. national security. [...] Alleviating the auto tariff threat was a key objective of Japan in the recent talks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Williams, Brock R.
2019-10-03
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World Trade Organization [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements and today includes 164 members. [...] The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administers existing agreements; (2) serves as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization; and (3) provides a mechanism to settle trade disputes among the parties. The multiple WTO Agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade, customs valuation, intellectual property rights, and government procurement. The Agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries, national treatment, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, however, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral free trade agreements, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-10-01
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Wildfire Statistics [Updated October 3, 2019]
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. Wildfire statistics help to illustrate past U.S. wildfire activity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2019-10-03
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Military Funding for Southwest Border Barriers [Updated September 27, 2019]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD, or the Department) has played a prominent role in the Trump Administration's border security strategy because of controversies related to $13.3 billion in defense funding it has sought to use for border barrier construction projects not otherwise authorized by Congress. These defense funds would comprise a complex mix of DOD program savings and unobligated military construction funds from past years ($6.1 billion), as well as a request for new appropriations in FY2020 ($7.2 billion). An additional $2 billion in non-DOD appropriations are often cited as part of the Administration's overall border funding plan. These include $1.375 billion in previously enacted FY2019 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations, and $601 million in contributions from a Treasury Forfeiture Fund (TFF) that manages seized assets. Altogether, these defense and non-defense funds would total $15.3 billion, of which 87% would be DOD funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mann, Christopher T.
2019-09-27
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [October 4, 2019]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, however, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU without supporting any alternative. In April 2019, the EU granted the UK an extension until October 31, 2019. [...] The dynamics of Brexit are likely to evolve in relation to pivotal events and deadlines in October 2019. Possible scenarios include a new withdrawal agreement, another extension, a no-deal Brexit, and an early general election in the UK."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-10-04
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Hurricane Dorian: FEMA and Additional Storm-Related Resources [Updated September 3, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major declarations and federal assistance programs potentially available to those affected by Hurricane Dorian. It also lists resources for forecast information, hurricane and flooding information, and selected CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on federal emergency management policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Horn, Diane P.; Lipiec, Eva
2019-09-03
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International Food Assistance: Food for Peace Nonemergency Programs [August 21, 2019]
From the Summary: "The U.S. government provides international food assistance to promote global food security, alleviate hunger, and address food crises among the world's most vulnerable populations. Congress authorizes this assistance through regular agriculture and international affairs legislation, and provides funding through annual appropriations legislation. The primary channel for this assistance is the Food for Peace program (FFP), administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Established in 1954, FFP has historically focused primarily on meeting the emergency food needs of the world's most vulnerable populations; however, it also manages a number of nonemergency programs. These lesser-known programs employ food to foster development aims, such as addressing the root causes of hunger and making communities more resilient to shocks, both natural and human-induced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgenstern, Emily M.
2019-08-21
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International Joint Commission (IJC) [Updated August 30, 2019]
From the Document: "The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the United States and Canada. The treaty directs the IJC to aid in the resolution and prevention of disputes concerning the waters that cross (transboundary) or form (boundary) the international border between the two countries, known collectively as 'boundary waters'. The watersheds of these boundary waters are illustrated in Figure 1. The IJC may be asked to consider issues related to drinking water, commercial shipping, hydroelectric power generation, agriculture, industry, recreational boating, and shoreline property, among others. Congressional interest in the IJC often has focused on the IJC's scope of authority, its role in specific disputes, and funding for the U.S. portion of IJC activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva; Sheikh, Pervaze A.
2019-08-30
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities--Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Navy in recent years has taken a number of actions to counter China's naval modernization effort. Among other things, the U.S. Navy has shifted a greater percentage of its fleet to the Pacific; assigned its most-capable new ships and aircraft and its best personnel to the Pacific; maintained or increased general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the Pacific; increased the planned future size of the Navy; initiated, increased, or accelerated numerous programs for developing new military technologies and acquiring new ships, aircraft, unmanned vehicles, and weapons; begun development of new operational concepts (i.e., new ways to employ Navy and Marine Corps forces) for countering Chinese maritime A2/AD [anti-access/area-denial] forces; and signaled that the Navy in coming years will shift to a more-distributed fleet architecture that will feature a smaller portion of larger ships, a larger portion of smaller ships, and a substantially greater use of unmanned vehicles. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. Navy is responding appropriately to China's naval modernization effort."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-10-02
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Department of Homeland Security's Nationwide Expansion of Expedited Removal [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Document: "'Following the initial publication of this Legal Sidebar, several immigration advocacy groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) nationwide expansion of expedited removal. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because the agency failed to comply with notice-and-comment procedures before announcing the expedited removal expansion, and the agency did not offer a 'reasoned explanation' for its decision. The plaintiffs also argued that the expedited removal expansion violated the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause because it deprives individuals who have lived in the United States for lengthier periods of time an opportunity to contest their removal at a hearing. [...] In reviewing the expedited removal expansion, the court concluded that DHS likely violated the APA by not complying with notice-and-comment procedures before announcing the expansion, and failing to consider the 'potential negative impacts' of expanding expedited removal into the interior of the United States.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2019-10-02
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Obstruction of Justice As a Sidecar [October 8, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Second Circuit) recently vacated the sentence of an Air Force veteran convicted of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and of obstruction of justice. The Second Circuit concluded that the district court judge had not sufficiently explained his sentencing rationale and sent the case back for resentencing. A concurring member of the panel expressed concern over the expanded use of obstruction of justice charges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2019-10-08
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Unaccompanied Alien Children: An Overview [Updated October 9, 2019]
From the Summary: "The number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC, unaccompanied children) apprehended at the Southwest border between U.S. ports of entry while attempting to enter the United States without authorization has increased substantially in recent years: from 16,067 in FY2011 to 24,481 in FY2012 to 38,759 in FY2013. In FY2014, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended 68,541 UAC, a record at that time. Since FY2014, UAC apprehensions have fluctuated considerably, declining to 39,970 in FY2015, increasing to 59,692 in FY2016, declining to 41,435 in FY2017, and increasing to 50,036 in FY2018. In the first 11 months of FY2019, they reached 72,873, a level that now exceeds the FY2014 peak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2019-10-09
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What Happens If the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Lapses? [Updated October 8, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a short overview of what would happen if the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were not to be reauthorized by November 21, 2019, and allowed to lapse."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2019-10-08
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U.S. Offshore Aquaculture Regulation and Development [October 10, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report examines issues and challenges related to the development of offshore aquaculture in federal waters. It introduces the topic with background information that covers aquaculture production and methods, federal agencies involved in aquaculture, and potential congressional interest in the topic. It then focuses on three of the main challenges faced by the industry, including the current regulatory framework, environmental concerns, and economic viability. The report concludes with issues related to regulatory and institutional development that have been identified by researchers and stakeholders, potential issues for Congress, and a summary of legislation that has been introduced in recent Congresses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Upton, Harold F. (Harold Frank)
2019-10-10
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American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics [Updated September 24, 2019]
From the Summary: "This report provides U.S. war casualty statistics. It includes data tables containing the number of casualties among American military personnel who served in principal wars and combat operations from 1775 to the present. It also includes data on those wounded in action and information such as race and ethnicity, gender, branch of service, and cause of death. [...] Wars covered include the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Persian Gulf War. Military operations covered include the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission; Lebanon Peacekeeping; Urgent Fury in Grenada; Just Cause in Panama; Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Restore Hope in Somalia; Uphold Democracy in Haiti; Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF); Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF); Operation New Dawn (OND); Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR); and Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeBruyne, Nese F.
2019-09-24
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China's Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Agriculture: In Brief [September 24, 2019]
From the Overview: "The U.S.-China trade dispute started in March 2018, when President Trump announced tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports (with some flexibility on the application of tariffs by country) using presidential powers granted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. [...] China has retaliated with tariffs on a wide range of U.S. imports, including agricultural products. [...] During 2018 and 2019, the United States and China have taken a number of actions to escalate the trade dispute. This report provides a timeline of U.S. action and Chinese retaliation on U.S. agricultural products. It also provides a broad overview of Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products as of September 2019 and the proposed additional Chinese tariffs that may be in effect by December 2019. It concludes with key issues for Congress to consider."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2019-09-24
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Bolivia: An Overview [October 2, 2019]
From the Document: "Bolivia is a landlocked South American nation of 11.2 million people. Since 2006, under populist President Evo Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, the country has become more stable and prosperous. Governance standards have weakened, however, especially those involving accountability, transparency, and separation of powers. Relations with the United States have been strained for more than a decade, particularly since President Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador in 2008."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2019-10-02
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Bahamas: Response to Hurricane Dorian [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 1-2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm with winds of 180 miles per hour and storm surges of up to 23 feet, caused widespread damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwestern Bahamas, a country of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States. [...] According to the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), 60% of the structures on Grand Bahama and Abaco were completely or severely damaged and 27% were moderately damaged. Among the areas suffering the most severe damage was Abaco's town of Marsh Harbour. Thousands of people from the two islands have relocated to other parts of the Bahamas, especially New Providence Island, where Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located; about 1,600 were residing in shelters as of September 23. According to press reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintained that about 3,900 Bahamian evacuees had arrived in Florida as of September 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-01
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Attacks Against Saudi Oil Rattle Markets [Updated September 26, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw a successful attack against major oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia (the largest oil exporter), which temporarily disrupted 5.7 million barrels of daily production (mb/d), over half of Saudi oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. Global oil markets have responded with an initial price increase and subsequent pullback. The magnitude and duration of the price rise will depend on many factors, such as repair time, additional supplies, the potential confirmation of the perpetrator, and any related security responses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael; Greenley, Heather L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-09-26
