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Defense Surplus Equipment Disposal: Background Information [Updated May 27, 2008]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense (DOD) through a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) component called the Defense Utilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered surplus or deemed unnecessary to the agency's currently designated mission. DRMS is charged with responsibility for property reuse (including resale), precious metal recovery, recycling, hazardous property disposal, and the demilitarization of military equipment. The effort to dispose of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II when the Federal government sought to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment available to civilians. DRMS was established in 1972. Twila Gonzales was appointed DRMS Director on March 17, 2008. Formerly she served as the Deputy Commander of the Defense Distribution Center in New Cumberland, PA. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2008-05-27
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Export Control Reform Act of 2018; Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2018; Global Electoral Exchange Act; and Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018, Markup Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, H.R. 5040, H.R. 5129, H.R. 5274, and H.R. 5480, April 17, 2018
This document is the April 17, 2018 markup on the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2018, Global Electoral Exchange Act, and Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Edward Royce: "[T]he following items previously provided will be considered en bloc and are considered as read: H.R. 5040, the Export Control Reform Act, Royce Amendment 101 in the nature of a substitute, Sherman Amendment 45. These are also all in your packets, by the way: H.R. 5129, the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act with Smith Amendment 85; H.R. 5274, the Global Electoral Exchange Act with the Castro amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5274 and the Titus Amendment 38; and I have H.R. 5480, this is the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act and Royce Amendment 103." This document does not contain statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress [Updated January 18, 2008]
"The federal role in supporting fusion centers consists largely of providing financial assistance, the majority of which has flowed through the Homeland Security Grant Program; sponsoring security clearances; providing human resources; producing some fusion center guidance and training; and providing congressional authorization and appropriation of national foreign intelligence program resources, as well as oversight hearings. This report includes over 30 options for congressional consideration to clarify and potentially enhance the federal government's relationship with fusion centers. One of the central options is the potential drafting of a formal national fusion center strategy that would outline, among other elements, the federal government's clear expectations of fusion centers, its position on sustainment funding, metrics for assessing fusion center performance, and definition of what constitutes a 'mature' fusion center. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rollins, John
2008-01-18
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Electronic Rulemaking in the Federal Government [Updated May 16, 2008]
From the Summary: "Electronic rulemaking, or 'e-rulemaking,' began in the federal government within individual agencies in the mid- to late 1990s, but current government-wide initiatives can be traced to both congressional and presidential sources. For example, the E-Government Act of 2002 requires federal agencies, 'to the extent practicable,' to accept public comments on their rules electronically and to ensure that one or more federal websites contains those comments and other materials normally maintained in rulemaking dockets. E-rulemaking is also one of about two dozen e-government initiatives launched as part of the George W. Bush Administration's President's Management Agenda. In the first phase of the initiative, the Administration established a website through which the public can identify all federal rules that are open for comment and provide comments on those rules. The second phase involves the creation of a government-wide docket system that can allow the public to review rulemaking materials (e.g., agencies' legal and cost-benefit analyses for their rules) and the comments of others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead agency for the e-rulemaking initiative. […] Although some have suggested that better communication is needed between Congress and the executive branch, the recent conflicts may reflect basic differences of opinion between the two branches regarding control of federal operations and how the branches should interact. A long-term issue is whether e-rulemaking should continue to be housed in EPA. This report will be updated as appropriate to reflect changes in the e-rulemaking initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copeland, Curtis W.
2008-05-16
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Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking: An Update and Assessment of The Congressional Review Act after a Decade [Updated May 8, 2008]
From the Summary: "On March 29, 1996, the President signed into law the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), P.L. [Public Law] 104-121, 110 Stat. 857-874, Subtitle E of which for the first time established a mechanism by which Congress can review and disapprove, by means of an expedited legislative process, virtually all federal agency rules. However, critics have questioned the efficacy of the review scheme as a vehicle to control agency rulemaking through the exercise of legislative oversight. These questions have been raised despite the use of the CRA [Congressional Review Act] to nullify OSHA's [Occupational Safety and Health Administration's] controversial ergonomics standards in March 2001. In the view of some observers, the OSHA action was the result of a unique confluence of circumstances not likely to soon recur: the White House and both Houses of Congress in the hands of the same political party, a contentious rule promulgated in the waning days of an outgoing Administration; longstanding opposition to the rule by some in Congress and by a broad coalition of business interests; and encouragement of repeal by the President. On the other hand, some maintain that a number of major rules have been affected by the Agency recognition of the existence of the review mechanism, and argue that the review scheme has had a significant influence. […]This report will provide a brief explanation of how the structure of the review scheme was expected to operate and describes how it has in fact been utilized. The possible reasons for the relatively limited use of the formal mechanism thus far are assessed. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rosenberg, Morton, 1935-
2008-05-08
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Iran's Economy [Updated June 12, 2008]
From the Summary: "The Islamic Republic of Iran, a resource-rich and labor-rich country in the Middle East, is a central focus of the U.S. national security policy. The United States asserts that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and that Iran's uranium enrichment activities are for the development of nuclear weapons. To the extent that U.S. sanctions and other efforts to change Iranian state policy target aspects of Iran's economy as a means of influence, it is important to evaluate Iran's economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities. […] While some analysts maintain that Iran's economy is performing robustly, others suggest that the economy is underperforming, given the country's vast resources. Despite the challenges faced by Iran, most analysts believe that the economy is not in immediate crisis, given the continued highs in oil prices. Members of Congress are divided about the proper course of action respect to Iran. Some advocate a hard line, while others contend that sanctions are ineffective at promoting policy change in Iran and hurt the U.S. economy. In the 110th Congress, several bills have been introduced that reflect both perspectives. This report will be updated as warranted by events."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2008-06-12
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Transition to Digital Television: Is America Ready? [Updated June 20, 2008]
From the Summary: "The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. [Public Law] 109-171) directs that on February 18, 2009, over-the-air full-power television broadcasts -- which are currently provided by television stations in both analog and digital formats -- will become digital only. Digital television (DTV) technology allows a broadcaster to offer a single program stream of high definition television (HDTV), or alternatively, multiple video program streams (multicasts). Households with over-the-air analog-only televisions will no longer be able to receive full-power television service unless they either: (1) buy a digital-to-analog converter box to hook up to their analog television set; (2) acquire a digital television or an analog television equipped with a digital tuner; or (3) subscribe to cable, satellite, or telephone company television services, which will likely provide for the conversion of digital signals to their analog customers. […] At issue is whether the federal government's current programs and reliance on private sector stakeholders will lead to a successful digital transition with a minimum amount of disruption to American TV households or, alternatively, whether additional legislative measures are warranted. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.
2008-06-20
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U.S.-South Korea Beef Dispute: Negotiations and Status [Updated June 20, 2008]
From the Summary: "On April 18, 2008, U.S. and South Korean negotiators reached agreement on the sanitary rules that Korea would apply to all beef imports from the United States. This would allow for imports of all cuts of U.S. boneless and bone-in beef and other beef products from cattle, irrespective of age, as long as specified risk materials known to transmit mad cow disease are removed and other conditions are met. These rules significantly expand upon a January 2006 U.S.-South Korean protocol, which only permitted imports of U.S. boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months old. The revised rules were expected to take effect in mid-May when Korea published implementing regulations. However, continued strong Korean public opposition to the agreement led to the government's decision to request that the United States put on hold exports of beef from cattle older than 30 months, and to indefinitely postpone publication of the rules until there is a U.S. response. On June 19, negotiators reportedly reached an accomodation [sic], with details expected to be released shortly. […] U.S. trade officials maintain that the beef agreement will not be renegotiated. Their position is that U.S. beef is safe and is consumed by millions of Americans. They maintain that the U.S. measures in place to prevent the introduction of BSE [bovine spongiform encephalopathy] in U.S. cattle herds meet international scientific standards. With Korea requesting to modify the agreement's terms without formally renegotiating it, both governments have little choice but to again explore options to reach some accommodation. This report will be updated to reflect developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jurenas, Remy
2008-06-20
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Proposals to Ensure the Availability of Federal Student Loans During an Economic Downturn: A Brief Overview of H.R. 5715 and S. 2815 [Updated May 29, 2008]
From the Summary: "Federal student loans are made available under two major loan programs authorized under the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended: the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, authorized by Title IV, Part B, of the HEA; and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (DL) program, authorized by Title IV, Part D, of the HEA. Under the FFEL program, private lenders make loans and the federal government guarantees lenders against loss due to borrower default, death, permanent disability, or, in limited instances, bankruptcy. Under the DL program, the federal government lends directly to students and their families, using federal capital (i.e., funds from the U.S. Treasury). The FFEL program is the successor program to the guaranteed student loan (GSL) program, originally enacted under Title IV, Part B, of the HEA. It is the older and larger of the two major federal student loan programs. Approximately four-fifths of non-Consolidation loans are made under the FFEL program, while approximately one-fifth are made under the DL program. […] Ultimately, the House and the Senate amended and passed H.R. 5715 to amend the HEA to address concerns about the availability of federal student loans. On May 6, 2008, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 was enacted as P.L. [Public Law] 110-227. This report examines amendments to the federal student loan programs made under P.L. 110-227. It will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smole, David P.
2008-05-28
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Pay for Performance: Linking Employee Pay to Performance Appraisal [June 9, 2008]
From the Summary: "In many occupations today, employee pay is intended to reflect employee performance -- or how effectively, efficiently, or thoroughly one performs his or her job. The federal government is no different from the private sector in this regard. Nearly 300,000 federal employees are currently in pay systems that attempt to make pay increases contingent upon job performance -- such a system is often referred to as either a merit-based pay system or a performance-based pay system. A basic challenge with such an arrangement is arriving at credible and objective performance measures. In addition, while the private sector is ultimately concerned that employee performance be of such effectiveness that it contributes to the profits of a business, the federal government has other objectives to which employee performance is expected to contribute -- such as the efficient, economical, and effective provision of services to those who qualify for, and are otherwise entitled to, them. This report discusses issues related to measuring performance across the federal government, and analyzes a variety of methods utilized by the government to measure employee performance and its linkage to pay. As developments warrant, this report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ginsberg, Wendy R.
2008-06-09
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Government Spending on Health Care Benefits and Programs: A Data Brief [June 16, 2008]
From the Summary: "In a country where health spending accounts for more than 16% of gross domestic product (GDP), health care costs and spending are often described as a problem for consumers and their families; for employers that provide (or seek to provide) health benefits; and for government, which finances a mix of health care services, health research and training, and health safety programs. To describe government spending on health care benefits and programs, this report presents data from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Spending estimates vary slightly across these sources, but differences in the data do not change the overall story. [1] Health spending accounts for a large and growing share of federal spending. [2] Medicare and Medicaid account for the bulk of federal health spending, but other programs and tax expenditures for health insurance also account for billions of dollars in spending and forgone revenue. [3] Public spending accounts for a growing share of national health expenditures, and private spending for a shrinking share."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jensen, Eva
2008-06-16
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Veterans Affairs: Historical Budget Authority, Fiscal Years 1940 through 2007 [June 13, 2008]
From the Summary: "Budget authority -- the amount of money a federal department or agency can spend or obligate to spend by law -- for veterans' benefits and services has increased significantly since FY1940. In FY1940, the budget authority for veterans' benefits and services was $561.1 million, and in FY2007 the budget authority was $82. 0 billion, or '146 times' the FY1940 budget authority. In constant 2007 dollars (i.e., inflation-adjusted), the FY2007 budget authority is '9.9 times' the FY1940 budget authority. The increases over time have reflected the impact of increases in the number of veterans as the result of wars and other conflicts, the aging of the veteran population, and changes in benefits and services provided for veterans. This report provides information on the historical budget authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the Veterans Administration) for FY1940 through FY2007. Budget authority is presented in both current dollars and constant 2007 dollars (i.e., inflation-adjusted). This report will be updated as additional information becomes available."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Christine A.
2008-06-13
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Role of Subtropical Intrusion in the Development of Typhoon Usagi (5W) 2007
"During July 2007, fields from both the NCEP GFS final analyses and ECMWF model of OW and SF analyses suggests the development of two distinct areas with sub-tropical intrusion from remnants of a decaying baroclinic system in the WNP.
This analysis of the formation of Usagi points to sub-tropical intrusion of a strong lower-tropospheric baroclinic system undergoing decay as potential seedlings for typhoon formation in areas of high sea surface temperatures, weak
low-level vertical wind shear, and persistent convection. As the PV anomalies is stretched and detached from the baroclinic source region, it is wrapped around a strong tropospheric anticyclone in the subtropics. This constitutes a
different type of baroclinic initiation process than has been previously identified in Atlantic cyclone formation events associated with TT, which are induced by upper-level troughs. The area of high values of OW at the tip of a PV streamer favors sustained deep convection, which will enhance the low-level vorticity and moisten the mid-level thereby producing high values of SF. The area of strong vorticity at the tip of the second PV streamer possessed both high OW and SF, favoring deep convection and cyclonic vortex tube stretching that appeared to culminate in an enhancement of lower tropospheric cyclonic vorticity. Although this analysis was originally motivated by initial analyses suggesting that ex-hurricane Cosme underwent a direct vorticity interaction with the second PV streamer, our revised hypothesis on the role of Cosme is
that it may have enlarged the wave pouch and helped preserve the mid-tropospheric circulation from hostile outside influences. In this sense, the Cosme wave may have played an important indirect role in the formation of Usagi. This hypothesis requires further investigation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
DeLeon, Rudy
2008-03
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Historical Review of the Influence of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS): from 1951 to Present: A 70-Year Review
From the Document: "As the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) prepares to celebrate seven decades of service to the Department of Defense (DoD) next year, we are proud to present this retrospective on the influence of this important Committee during the past 70 years. [...] The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of DACOWITS' impact through a detailed review of the more than 1,000 recommendations made by the Committee. These recommendations have addressed dozens of issues and challenges facing women in the U.S. military, some of which have been resolved over time and others that persist today. To provide context for this analysis, the chapter also includes a brief overview of women's service and a review of the history of the Committee. Chapter 2 presents a history of women's service in the U.S. military. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the history of DACOWITS from 1951 to present day. Chapter 4 describes the research team's methodology for analysis, and presents the results of the analysis of DACOWITS' recommendations over time. Chapter 5 presents the conclusion."
United States. Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services
Gaddes, Rachel; Montgomery, Sidra; Jacobson, Zoe . . .
2020-12
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Critical Steps in Preventing Future Pandemics: Early Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis for Addressing Natural and Deliberate Biological Threats
From the Executive Summary: "This report summarizes a virtual workshop on early lessons from the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic as they pertain to proactively addressing future biological threats. Co-hosted by Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) in August 2020, the discussion involved experts who at that time were leading innovative efforts in various U.S. government agencies, industry, and academia sharing observations from their ongoing pandemic response efforts. Based on the input by these expert participants, it is clear that even though the pandemic response is ongoing, the following recommendations will be important to consider for more successfully addressing biological threats in the future."
Council on Strategic Risks; Sandia National Laboratories
Parthemore, Christine; Singh, Anup; Weber, Andrew
2021-02-22
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Rural Older Volunteers & the COVID-19 Pandemic: Report for Community Participants
From the Executive Summary: "During large-scale global crises, such as the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, there is an urgent need to understand the experiences of those living and working within it. A study from Trent University's Rural Aging Research Program, 'Rural Older Volunteers and the COVID-19 Pandemic' examined the experiences of older volunteers from three volunteer-based programs in Selwyn Township, representing a diverse set of rural services (Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, Selwyn Fire Department and Selwyn Public Library). Between June and September 2020, the study conducted telephone and/or Zoom interviews with 34 volunteers and administrators across the three programs to determine what it was like to volunteer during the first wave of the pandemic. Our key findings revealed 1) the vulnerability and resiliency of older volunteers, and 2) the adaptability and uncertainty of volunteer programs. Insights from this project provided a way to understand how to establish personal, program and community dimensions of sustainable rural aging during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Trent University
Colibaba, Amber; Russell, Elizabeth; Skinner, Mark
2021-06
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USG Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Congressional Report
From the Executive Summary: "The United States is a steadfast supporter of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Long before the passage of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in 2000 and the enactment and implementation of the first comprehensive law on WPS in 2017, the United States government (USG) has been implementing the WPS agenda through diplomacy, development, defense, and international cooperation, through its specific missions and its relevant Departments and Agencies. The WPS Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-68) (WPS Act) required the President to submit to Congress the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS Strategy), which launched in 2019. The Strategy called for the Departments of Defense (DoD), Homeland Security (DHS), and State, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to submit agency-specific Implementation Plans to measure and report on progress. The following public report to Congress evaluates the USG's progress in advancing the WPS Strategy's four Lines of Effort (LOEs): 1) Participation; 2) Protection; 3) Internal Capabilities; and 4) Partnerships. As each of the four departments and agencies have unique and tailored missions, the data and timeframes presented in their reports differ."
United States. White House Office
2021-07-01?
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What Search Data Shows About Americans and Guns During the COVID-19 Crisis
From the Introduction: "With millions of Americans staying at home across the country during a crisis of intense emotional and economic stress, gun safety advocates have raised concerns about increased risks of unintentional shootings, domestic violence shootings, gun suicides, and city gun violence. Unprecedented spikes in background checks, meanwhile, reflect a dramatic increase in gun purchasing that compounds these risks. Federal background check data, however, fails to capture the full spectrum of ways that people acquire guns, as well as the number of people who are removing guns from gun lockers or other storage. In an effort to cast additional light on issues of firearm access during this stage of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] crisis, we used real-time Google search data to gauge interest in buying and cleaning guns across the country."
Everytown for Gun Safety
Caputi, Theodore L.; Burd-Sharps, Sarah; Ayers, John W. . . .
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Overview of the MATH+, I-MASK+ and I-RECOVER Protocols: A Guide to the Management of COVID-19
From the Document: "This is our recommended approach to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] based on the best (and most recent) literature. This is a highly dynamic topic; therefore, we will be updating the guideline as new information emerges. Please check on the FLCCC [Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care] Alliance website for updated versions of this protocol."
Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance
Marik, Paul Ellis
2021-06-21
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Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations [Updated August 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "The President's FY2008 federal budget request, released February 5, 2007, included $647.2 billion in new budget authority for national defense. In addition to $483.2 billion for the regular operations of the Department of Defense (DOD), the request included $141.7 billion for continued military operations, primarily to fund the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, $17.4 billion for the nuclear weapons and other defense-related programs of the Department of Energy, and $5.2 billion for defense-related activities of other agencies. On July 31, 2007, the President requested an additional $5.3 billion for war-fighting costs, increasing the total request for ongoing military operations to $147 billion. The $483.2 billion requested for DOD's 'base' budget-that is, the request for regular operations excluding the cost of ongoing combat activity-is $46.8 billion higher than the agency's base budget for FY2007, an increase of 11% in nominal terms and, by DOD's reckoning, an increase in real purchasing power of 8.0%, taking into account the cost of inflation. Congress now is in the process of acting on the FY2008 defense authorization and appropriations bills. The House passed on May 17 its version of the authorization bill, H.R. 1585, approving $1.2 billion more than the President's request. The bill would cut hundreds of millions of dollars from several technologically advanced weapons programs while increasing funds for improvements in U.S. forces' near-term combat capabilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy; Daggett, Stephen; Towell, Pat
2007-08-10
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U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress [Updated August 20, 2007]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report discusses policy issues regarding military-to-military contacts with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and provides a record of major contacts since 1993. The United States suspended military contacts with China and imposed sanctions on arms sales in response to the Tiananmen Crackdown in 1989. In 1993, the Clinton Administration began to re-engage the PRC leadership up to the highest level and including China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Renewed military exchanges with the PLA have not regained the closeness reached in the 1980s, when U.S.-PRC strategic cooperation against the Soviet Union included U.S. arms sales to China. Improvements and deteriorations in overall bilateral relations have affected military contacts, which were close in 1997-1998 and 2000, but marred by the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, mistaken NATO bombing of a PRC embassy in 1999, and the EP-3 aircraft collision crisis in 2001. Since 2001, the Bush Administration has continued the policy of engagement with China, while the Pentagon has skeptically reviewed and cautiously resumed a program of military-to-military (mil-to-mil) exchanges. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, in 2002, resumed the Defense Consultative Talks (DCT) with the PLA (first held in 1997) and, in 2003, hosted General Cao Gangchuan, a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Defense Minister. General Richard Myers (USAF), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited China in January 2004, as the highest-ranking U.S. military officer to do so since November 2000."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2007-08-20
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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [Updated August 23, 2007]
From the Summary: "Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the national interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology reportedly include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran and North Korea. This CRS Report, updated as warranted, discusses the security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response since the mid-1990s. China has taken some steps to mollify U.S. concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Nonetheless, supplies from China have aggravated trends that result in ambiguous technical aid, more indigenous capabilities, longer-range missiles, and secondary (retransferred) proliferation. According to unclassified reports to Congress by the intelligence community, China has been a 'key supplier' of weapons technology, particularly missile or chemical technology. Policy issues in seeking PRC cooperation have concerned summits, sanctions, and satellite exports. On November 21, 2000, the Clinton Administration agreed to waive missile proliferation sanctions, resume processing licenses to export satellites to China, and discuss an extension of the bilateral space launch agreement, in return for another promise from China on missile nonproliferation. However, PRC proliferation activities again raised questions about sanctions. On 19 occasions, the Bush Administration has imposed sanctions on 32 different PRC 'entities' (not the government) for transfers (related to missiles and chemical weapons) to Pakistan, Iran, or another country, including repeated sanctions on some serial proliferators."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2007-08-23
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State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2008 Appropriations [Updated October 3, 2007]
From the Summary: "The annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in general. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs has been steadily rising since FY2002, and amounts approved for FY2004 in regular and supplemental bills reached an unprecedented level compared with the past 40 years. Emergency supplementals enacted since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to assist the front-line states in the war on terrorism, fund Afghanistan and Iraq reconstruction, and upgrade State Department operations and security upgrades, also have pushed spending upward. […] Prior to the 109th Congress, the State Department was funded in both the House and Senate Commerce, State, and Justice bills, and Foreign Operations was funded in its own measure. This report analyzes the FY2008 budget request and funding trends, including major issues Congress may consider, and tracks congressional action. Major issues confronting the 110th Congress include: [1] The overall size of the budget request that represents an 11% increase over FY2007 enacted levels; [2] A foreign aid reform plan that seeks to align assistance with U.S. strategic objectives; [3] Significant increases for Presidential initiatives; [4] Continued costs relating to Iraq and Afghanistan; and [5] Secretary Rice's Transformational Diplomacy initiative for the State Department."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Veillette, Connie
2007-10-03
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DNA Databanking: Selected Fourth Amendment Issues and Analysis [June 6, 2011]
"Over the past few decades, state and federal lawmakers have promoted the development of databases containing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profiles for individuals who are under the supervision of the criminal justice system due to their known or suspected involvement in a felony or other qualifying crime. Congress has demonstrated concern toward some aspects of DNA databanking by requiring expungement of a DNA profile in certain circumstances, prohibiting most non-forensic uses of DNA profiles and databases, and restricting familial searching. However, in general, Congress has taken a supportive attitude toward DNA databanking and has incentivized the development, expansion, and integration of DNA databases. […] As these issues percolate up to the courts, new advances and revelations in the science of forensic analysis and databanking may have potentially significant legal implications. Several courts have suggested that new forensic techniques and scientific findings would require them to reevaluate their legal conclusions and analysis. In particular, research into the scope and nature of the information revealed by the 'junk' DNA used in forensic analysis may alter how courts measure the intrusiveness of DNA profiling if it suggests that 'junk' DNA reveals more sensitive information about its source than scientists previously thought."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Barbour, Emily C.
2011-06-06
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U.S. Foreign Aid to East and South Asia: Selected Recipients [Updated August 22, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report analyzes annual budget justifications and legislation for foreign operations and discusses U.S. foreign aid trends, programs, and restrictions in 16 East Asian and South Asian countries. This report does not cover aid to Pacific Island nations, North Korea, and Afghanistan. Since the war on terrorism began in 2001 and the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and Global HIV/AIDS Initiative (GHAI) were launched in 2004, the United States has increased foreign aid spending dramatically in some regions. The United States has raised military, economic, and development assistance primarily for counterterrorism objectives in the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) and South Asia regions, with Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia receiving the bulk of the increases. Average annual funding for the EAP region (excluding North Korea) during 2002-2006 was $494 million compared to $368 million in 2001. Annual foreign aid spending for South Asia (excluding Afghanistan) during 2002-2006 averaged $953 million compared to $201 million in 2001. The new Strategic Framework for U.S. Foreign Assistance groups foreign aid objectives into five categories as part of the Bush Administration's overarching goal of 'transformational diplomacy': peace and security; governing justly and democratically; investing in people; economic growth; and humanitarian assistance. Counterterrorism efforts, democracy building, and the MCA are major, complimentary components of the Administration's foreign aid policy, which promotes good governance as a crucial condition for both development and global security. The United States has restricted foreign assistance to many countries in East and South Asia in order to encourage democracy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2007-08-22
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Diplomacy for the 21st Century: Transformational Diplomacy [August 23, 2007]
From the Summary: "Many foreign affairs experts believe that the international system is undergoing a momentous transition affecting its very nature. Some, such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, compare the changes in the international system to those of a century ago. Secretary of State Rice relates the changes to the period following the Second World War and the start of the Cold War. At the same time, concerns are being raised about the need for major reform of the institutions and tools of American diplomacy to meet the coming challenges. At issue is how the United States adjusts its diplomacy to address foreign policy demands in the 21st Century. On January 18, 2006, in a speech at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Secretary Rice outlined her vision for diplomacy changes that she referred to as 'transformational diplomacy' to meet this 21st Century world. The new diplomacy elevates democracy-promotion activities inside countries. According to Secretary Rice in her February 14, 2006 testimony before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the objective of transformational diplomacy is: 'to work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system.' Secretary Rice's announcement included moving people and positions from Washington, D.C., and Europe to 'strategic' countries; it also created a new position of Director of Foreign Assistance, modified the tools of diplomacy, and changed U.S. foreign policy emphasis away from relations among governments to one of supporting changes within countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Nakamura, Kennon H.
2007-08-23
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Intelligence Issues for Congress [Updated December 3, 2007]
From the Summary: "To address the challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community in the 21st century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. [Public Law] 108- 458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation also established a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. […] Intelligence collection systems are expensive and some critics suggest there have been elements of waste and unneeded duplication of effort while some intelligence 'targets' have been neglected. The DNI has substantial statutory authorities to address these issues, but the organizational relationships will remain complex, especially for Defense Department agencies. […] International terrorism, a major threat facing the United States in the 21st century, presents a difficult analytical challenge. […] Whether all terrorist surveillance efforts have been consistent with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) has been a matter of controversy. […] Intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction was inaccurate and Members have criticized the performance of the Intelligence Community in regard to current conditions in Iraq and other situations. Improved analysis, while difficult to mandate, remains a key goal. […] Counterterrorism requires the close coordination of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, but there remain many institutional and procedural issues that complicate cooperation between the two sets of agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2007-12-03
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Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations [Updated August 17, 2007]
From the Summary: "Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 and a permanent (four-year) Iraqi government is now running the day-to-day operations of the country. However, coalition forces continue to combat insurgents and are currently attempting to stabilize the security situation in Iraq. Elections were held in Iraq for a transitional National Assembly on January 30, 2005, and a permanent constitution was adopted on October 15, 2005. On December 15, 2005, elections were held for a permanent (four-year) national assembly, and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was named and won approval of a 39-member cabinet on May 20, 2006. This report provides an annotated list of U.N. agencies, key U.S. government agencies, and a sample list of major international and U.S.-based aid organizations that are providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet links to the U.N. agencies and humanitarian aid organizations are also provided. Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 and a permanent (4 year) Iraqi government is now running the day-to-day operations of the country. On January 30, 2005, elections were held in Iraq for a transitional National Assembly and a permanent constitution was adopted on October 15, 2005. On December 15, 2005, elections were held for a permanent (4 year) national assembly, and on May 20, 2006, Prime Minister designate Nouri al-Maliki was named and won approval of a 39-member cabinet."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom
2007-08-17
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Direct Overt U.S. Assistance to Pakistan, FY2001-FY2008 [December 4, 2007]
This chart shows the quantity of direct overt U.S. financial assistance to Pakistan for each year from 2001 to 2008.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2007-12-04
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities-Background and Issues for Congress [July 22, 2011]
From the Summary: "The question of how the United States should respond to China's military modernization effort, including its naval modernization effort, has emerged as a key issue in U.S. defense planning. Admiral Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, stated in June 2010 that 'I have moved from being curious to being genuinely concerned' about China's military programs. The question of how the United States should respond to China's military modernization effort is of particular importance to the U.S. Navy, because many U.S. military programs for countering improved Chinese military forces would fall within the Navy's budget. Decisions that Congress and the executive branch make regarding U.S. Navy programs for countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities could affect the likelihood or possible outcome of a potential U.S.-Chinese military conflict in the Pacific over Taiwan or some other issue. Some observers consider such a conflict to be very unlikely, in part because of significant U.S.-Chinese economic linkages and the tremendous damage that such a conflict could cause on both sides. In the absence of such a conflict, however, the U.S.-Chinese military balance in the Pacific could nevertheless influence day-to-day choices made by other Pacific countries, including choices on whether to align their policies more closely with China or the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-07-22
