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Multilateral Development Banks: Overview and Issues for Congress [July 6, 2018]
"Multilateral development banks (MDBs) are international institutions that provide financial assistance, typically in the form of loans and grants, to developing countries in order to promote economic and social development. The United States is a member and significant donor to five major MDBs. These include the World Bank and four smaller regional development banks: the African Development Bank (AfDB); the Asian Development Bank (AsDB); the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Congress plays a critical role in shaping U.S. policy at the MDBs through funding and oversight of U.S. participation in the institutions. This report provides an overview of the MDBs and highlights major issues for Congress. The first section discusses how the MDBs operate, including the history of the MDBs, their operations and organizational structure, and the effectiveness of MDB financial assistance. The second section discusses the role of Congress in the MDBs, including congressional legislation authorizing and appropriating U.S. contributions to the MDBs and congressional oversight of U.S. participation in the MDBs. The third section discusses broad policy debates about the MDBs, including their effectiveness, the trade-offs between providing aid on a multilateral or bilateral basis, the changing landscape of multilateral aid, and U.S. commercial interests in the MDBs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.
2018-07-06
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [July 6, 2018]
"This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the rate of Navy ship procurement, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The Navy's FY2019 budget submission includes proposed increases in shipbuilding rates that are intended as initial steps for increasing the size of the Navy toward a goal of a fleet with 355 ships of certain types and numbers. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests funding for the procurement of 10 new ships, including two Virginia-class attack submarines, three DDG-51 class Aegis destroyers, one Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), two John Lewis (TAO-205) class oilers, one Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB), and one TATS towing, salvage, and rescue ship. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2019 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-06
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China-U.S. Trade Issues [July 6, 2018]
"Economic and trade reforms begun in 1979 have helped transform China into one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing economies. China's economic growth and trade liberalization, including comprehensive trade commitments made upon its entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, have led to a sharp expansion in U.S.-China commercial ties. Yet, bilateral trade relations have become increasingly strained in recent years over a number of issues, including China's mixed record on implementing its WTO obligations; infringement of U.S. intellectual property (such as through cyber-theft of U.S. trade secrets and forced technology requirements placed on foreign firms); increased use of industrial policies to promote and protect domestic Chinese firms; extensive trade and foreign investment restrictions; lack of transparency in trade rules and regulations; distortionary economic policies that have led to overcapacity in several industries; and its large merchandise trade surplus with the United States. China's economic and trade conditions, policies, and acts have a significant impact on the U.S. economy as whole as well as specific U.S. sectors and thus are of concern to Congress. This report provides an overview of U.S.-China commercial ties, identifies major issues of contention, describes the Trump Administration's trade policies toward China, and reviews possible outcomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2018-07-06
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New START Treaty Aggregate Numbers of Strategic Offensive Arms
"Data in this Fact Sheet comes from the biannual exchange of data required by the Treaty [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty]. It contains data declared current as of February 5, 2018."
United States. Department of State; United States. Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance
2018-07-06
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 6, 2018
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Evaluation of Occupational Exposure Limits for Heat Stress in Outdoor Workers -- United States, 2011-2016"; "Chagas Disease Surveillance Activities -- Seven States, 2017"; "Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity Readiness Assessment -- India, 2017-2018"; "Notes from the Field: Adverse Event Associated with Unintentional Exposure to the Brucella abortus RB51 Vaccine -- Oregon, December 2017"; "Notes from the Field: HIV Testing in Health Care Facilities -- Lesotho, 2017"; and "QuickStats: Percentage of Injury Deaths that Occurred in the Decedent's Home for the Five Most Common Causes of Injury Death -- United States, 2016."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2018-07-06
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Supreme Court Nominations, 1789 to 2017: Actions by the Senate, the Judiciary Committee, and the President [July 6, 2018]
"The procedure for appointing a Justice to the Supreme Court of the United States is provided for by the Constitution in only a few words. The 'Appointments Clause' (Article II, Section 2, clause 2) states that the President 'shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint ... Judges of the supreme Court.' The process of appointing Justices has undergone changes over two centuries, but its most basic feature--the sharing of power between the President and Senate--has remained unchanged. To receive a lifetime appointment to the Court, a candidate must first be nominated by the President and then confirmed by the Senate. An important role also has come to be played midway in the process (after the President selects, but before the Senate considers) by the Senate Judiciary Committee. On rare occasions, Presidents also have made Supreme Court appointments without the Senate's consent, when the Senate was in recess. Such 'recess appointments,' however, were temporary, with their terms expiring at the end of the Senate's next session. The last recess appointments to the Court were made in the 1950s."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McMillion, Barry J.; Rutkus, Denis Steven
2018-07-06
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Roundtable Policy Discussion on 'Counter UAS Issues'
"Unmanned aircraft systems ('UAS' or 'drones') have been used in the United States for nearly a century. In recent years, the number of UAS has grown dramatically due to rapid advances in technology and resulting reductions in price. The FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] estimates that the number of model 'small' UAS, those weighing 55 pounds or less, may double from 1.1 million to more than 2.4 million between 2017 and 2022. Similarly, the FAA estimates the number of commercial UAS may grow from 110,604 in 2017 to more than 700,000 by 2022. Interest in UAS operations continues to expand as the number of potential applications grows and technology improves. The economic potential of drones is valued in the billions of dollars across various sectors including agriculture, construction, defense, energy, entertainment, and transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates all civil aircraft, including UAS. Applicable laws include the 'FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012' (P.L. 112-95) and the 'FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016' (P.L. 114-190). Together, these laws comprise a substantial part of statutory framework applicable to the operation of UAS. In addition, the FAA promulgated 14 C.F.R. Part 107 in 2016, which applies to the operation of small UAS. Part 107 includes a waiver process to enable more advanced UAS operations. Finally, the House passed 'FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018' (H.R. 4) includes several provisions intended to further advance the safe integration and operation of UAS."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
2018-07-06
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Department of Homeland Security: Procurement, Construction, and Improvements FY 2019 Unfunded Priorities List (Report to Congress)
"The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. No. 112-213, codified at 14 U.S.C. § 2902) includes the following requirement: § 2902. Capital Investment Plan '(a) In General.-On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate( 2) a list of each unfunded priority for the Coast Guard.' '(c) Definitions.-In this section- (1) the term 'unfunded priority' means a program or mission requirement that- (A) has not been selected for funding in the applicable proposed budget; (B) is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated with an operational need; and (C) the Commandant would have recommended for inclusion in the applicable proposed budget had additional resources been available or had the requirement emerged before the budget was submitted;' This report also responds to the language set forth in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-141), which states: 'The Commandant is directed to provide to the Committees, at the time of each budget submission, a list of approved but unfunded Coast Guard priorities and the funds needed for each."
United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Coast Guard
2018-07-06
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Questions Remain, Litigation Continues, over Military Service by Transgender Individuals [July 5, 2018]
"At present, the ability of openly transgender individuals to enlist and serve in the military, and receive certain military-funded medical care, remains unclear. Four lawsuits challenging the President's August 25, 2017, memorandum concerning transgender individuals in the military continue to work their way through federal courts in the District of Columbia (Doe v. Trump), Maryland (Stone v. Trump), California (Stockman v. Trump), and Washington (Karnoski v. Trump). While this litigation was underway, the President issued a second memorandum on March 23, 2018, revoking the first memorandum, and providing for further policies with respect to transgender persons. The effect of this second memorandum on these four cases and the legal arguments they raise--including a constitutional challenge to the President's first memorandum on Fifth Amendment equal protection grounds--has yet to be definitively resolved by the courts. This sidebar discusses the procedural background of these lawsuits, the President's first and second memoranda, and the issues that may come before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit), which could be the first federal appellate court to determine the constitutionality of the President's latest policies on military service by transgender persons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Back, Christine J.
2018-07-05
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Congressional Review Act: Determining Which 'Rules' Must Be Submitted to Congress [July 5, 2018]
"The Congressional Review Act (CRA) allows Congress to review certain types of federal agency actions that fall under the statutory category of 'rules.' The CRA requires that agencies report their rules to Congress and provides special procedures under which Congress can consider legislation to overturn those rules. A joint resolution of disapproval will become effective once both houses of Congress pass a joint resolution and it is signed by the President, or if Congress overrides the President's veto. The CRA generally adopts a broad definition of the word 'rule' from the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), defining a rule as 'the whole or a part of an agency statement of general or particular applicability and future effect designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or describing the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of an agency.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.; Carey, Maeve P.
2018-07-05
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NATO's 2018 Brussels Summit [July 5, 2018]
"Leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) 29 member states are scheduled to hold a summit at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on July 11-12, 2018. The summit comes at a time of heightened U.S.European tensions. Despite stated Trump Administration commitments to NATO and European security, some European allies are increasingly expressing concerns about President Trump's criticisms of NATO and individual allies. Various European leaders appear to be growing doubtful about whether the United States will remain a reliable security partner, especially amid recent news reports that the Administration could be reconsidering U.S. troop deployments in Germany. Significant divisions on other issues, including trade, Iran, and Russia, also exist. Observers caution that these tensions could negatively influence summit outcomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul
2018-07-05
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Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Gun-Launched Guided Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress [July 5, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on three new ship-based weapons the Navy is developing that could improve the ability of Navy surface ships to defend themselves against missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surface craft: the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gunlaunched guided projectile (GLGP), previously known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP). The Navy refers to the initial (i.e., Increment 1) version of SNLWS as HELIOS, an acronym meaning high-energy laser with integrated optical dazzler and surveillance. Any one of these three new weapons, if successfully developed and deployed, might be regarded as a 'game changer' for defending Navy surface ships against enemy missiles and UAVs. If two or three of them are successfully developed and deployed, the result might be considered not just a game changer, but a revolution. Rarely has the Navy had so many potential new types of surface-ship air-defense weapons simultaneously available for development and potential deployment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-05
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Section 232 Investigations: Overview and Issues for Congress [July 5, 2018]
"On March 8, 2018, President Trump issued two proclamations imposing duties on U.S. imports of certain steel and aluminum products, using presidential powers granted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Section 232 authorizes the President to impose restrictions on certain imports based on an affirmative determination by the Department of Commerce (Commerce) that the targeted products are being imported into the United States 'in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.' Section 232 investigations and actions are important for Congress as the Constitution gives it primary authority over international trade matters. In the case of Section 232, Congress has delegated the President broad authority to impose limits on imports in the interest of U.S. national security. The statute does not require congressional approval of any presidential actions that fall within its scope. In the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980, however, Congress amended Section 232 by creating a joint disapproval resolution provision under which Congress could override presidential actions in the case of adjustments to petroleum or petroleum product imports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Jones, Vivian Catherine; Hammond, Keigh E. . . .
2018-07-05
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Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 5, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy, and gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategies and proposed funding levels for the Aegis BMD program. Congress's decisions on the Aegis BMD program could significantly affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements, and the BMD-related industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-05
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 18 Issue 27, July 5, 2018
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Watchtower app tracks first responders' vital signs, location"; "Faulty drug field test concerning for officer safety, evidence collection"; "IMAAC coordinating federal response to HazMat, CBRNE incidents"; and "Webinar: Combating Human Trafficking - The Role of Fire and EMS".
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2018-07-05
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After Action Report / Improvement Plan: Beaver Valley Power Station, State of Pennsylvania (June 12, 2018)
From the Executive Summary: "On 12 June, 2018, a full-scale Plume Exposure Pathway exercise was conducted and evaluated for the 10 Mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Beaver Valley Power Station (BVPS) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region III. [...] The purpose of the Exercise and Out-of-Sequence demonstrations was to assess the capabilities of State, counties, and local jurisdictions to implement Radiological Emergency Plans and Procedures (RERP) to protect the property and lives of residents and transients in the event of an emergency at BVPS. The findings in this report are based on the evaluations of the Federal evaluation team, with final determinations made by the FEMA, Region III Regional Assistance Committee (RAC) Chairperson, and approved by FEMA Headquarters. These reports are provided to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and participating States. State and local governments utilize the findings contained in these reports for the purposes of planning, training, and improving emergency preparedness. The evaluation of this Exercise determined that there were no Level 1 Findings, one Level 2 Finding, and one Plan Issue (PI). All prior Performance and Planning Issues were resolved during the previous exercise."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018-07-05
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After Action Report / Improvement Plan: Beaver Valley Power Station, State of West Virginia (June 12, 2018)
From the Executive Summary: "On 12 June, 2018, a full-scale Plume Exposure Pathway exercise was conducted and evaluated for the 10 Mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Beaver Valley Power Station (BVPS) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region III. [...] The purpose of the Exercise and Out-of-Sequence demonstrations was to assess the capabilities of State, counties, and local jurisdictions to implement Radiological Emergency Plans and Procedures (RERP) to protect the property and lives of residents and transients in the event of an emergency at BVPS. The findings in this report are based on the evaluations of the Federal evaluation team, with final determinations made by the FEMA, Region III Regional Assistance Committee (RAC) Chairperson, and approved by FEMA Headquarters. These reports are provided to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and participating States. State and local governments utilize the findings contained in these reports for the purposes of planning, training, and improving emergency preparedness. The evaluation of this Exercise determined that there were No Level 1 Findings, No Level 2 Finding, and ONE Plan Issue (PI). All prior Performance and Planning Issues were resolved during the previous exercise."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018-07-05
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Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) [July 3 2018]
"Some Members of Congress, the Trump Administration, and some U.S. businesses have raised concerns over continued U.S. technological leadership to support national defense and economic security due to growing foreign, primarily Chinese, investments in U.S. high-tech companies. These and other concerns motivated the House and the Senate to adopt measures, both known as the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA). The bills would amend the current process for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) (under P.L. 110-49) to review, on behalf of the President, the national security implications of foreign direct investments in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2018-07-03
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Broadband Data and Mapping [July 3, 2018]
"Improving the quality of broadband deployment data has become an issue of congressional interest, as policymakers recognize that more accurate broadband availability maps could help ensure that federal broadband programs target unserved areas of the country that are most in need of assistance. Since the initial deployment of broadband in the late 1990s, two federal agencies have implemented broadband availability data collection and mapping initiatives: the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2018-07-03
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II (LX[R]) Amphibious Ship Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ship program, previously known as the LX(R) program. The Navy had planned to procure the first LPD-17 Flight II ship in FY2020. Congress, as part of its action on the Navy's proposed FY2018 budget, accelerated the procurement of the first LPD17 Flight II ship to FY2018. The Navy's FY2019 budget submission programs the procurement of the second LPD17 Flight II ship for FY2020. Decisions Congress makes on the LPD-17 FLIGHT II program will affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2018]
"This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The TAO-205 program was previously known as the TAO(X) program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests the procurement of the third and fourth ships in the program. Issues for Congress for FY2019 regarding the TAO-205 program include the following: whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2019 procurement funding request for the program; the number of oilers the Navy will require in coming years to support its operations; and whether to encourage or direct the Navy to build TAO-205s with more ship self-defense equipment than currently planned by the Navy. Decisions that Congress makes regarding the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
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Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests funding for the procurement of three DDG-51s. Decisions that Congress makes concerning destroyer procurement could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
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Navy Frigate (FFG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 3, 2018]
"This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's FFG(X) program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy wants to procure the first FFG(X) in FY2020. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests $134.8 million in research and development funding for the program. The FFG(X) program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base. This report focuses on the FFG(X) program. A related Navy shipbuilding program, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, is covered in a separate CRS report. Other CRS reports discuss the strategic context within which the FFG(X) program and other Navy acquisition programs may be considered."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-03
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Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) [July 3, 2018]
"The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is an interagency body comprised of nine Cabinet members, two ex officio members, and other members as appointed by the President, that assists the President in overseeing the national security aspects of foreign direct investment in the U.S. economy. While the group often operated in relative obscurity, the perceived change in the nation's national security and economic concerns following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the proposed acquisition of commercial operations at six U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World in 2006 placed CFIUS's review procedures under intense scrutiny by Members of Congress and the public. Prompted by this case, some Members of Congress questioned the ability of Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities given the general view that CFIUS's operations lacked transparency. The current CFIUS process reflects changes Congress initiated in the first session of the 110th Congress, when the House and Senate adopted S. 1610, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007 (FINSA). In the 115th Congress, the House and Senate adopted measures that would mark the most comprehensive reform of CFIUS since FINSA in 2007 (S. 2987/H.R. 5515), the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2018-07-03
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Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [Unclassified Findings on Russian Interference with Elections]
"The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) is conducting a bipartisan investigation into a wide range of Russian activities relating to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. While elements of the investigation are ongoing, the Committee is releasing initial, unclassified findings on a rolling basis as distinct pieces of the investigation conclude. The Committee has concluded an in-depth review of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) produced by CIA, NSA [National Security Agency], and FBI in January of 2017 on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election (Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections; declassified version released January 6, 2017) and have initial findings to share with the American people."
United States. Congress. Senate. Select Committee on Intelligence
2018-07-03
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Mexico: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Organizations [July 3, 2018]
"Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) pose the greatest crime threat to the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) National Drug Threat Assessment published in October 2017. These organizations have for years been identified for their strong links to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other violent crimes. These criminal groups have trafficked heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and, increasingly, the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. U.S. overdoses due to opioid consumption sharply increased to a record level in 2016, following the Mexican criminal syndicates expanded control of the heroin and synthetic opioids market. The major DTOs and new crime groups have furthered their expansion into such illicit activity as extortion, kidnapping, and oil theft that costs the government's oil company more than a billion dollars a year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2018-07-03
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [July 2, 2018]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-07-02
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FY2019 Funding for CCS and Other DOE Fossil Energy R&D [July 2, 2018]
"Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS, sometimes called carbon capture and storage) is a process that aims to capture man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) at its source and store it to prevent its release to the atmosphere. CCS could reduce the amount of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants and other large, industrial facilities. An integrated CCS system would include three main steps: (1) separating CO2 from other gases and capturing it; (2) purifying, compressing, and transporting the CO2 to the sequestration site; and (3) injecting the CO2 into subsurface geological reservoirs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has supported research and development (R&D) of aspects of the three main steps leading to an integrated CCS system since 1997. From FY2012 to FY2018, Congress has provided more than $4 billion in appropriations for CCS activities at DOE. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act(P.L. 111-5)provided an additional $3.4 billion to that total."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)
2018-07-02
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 2, 2018]
"This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests a total of $1,598.2 million in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2018-07-02
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Supreme Court Nomination: CRS Products [July 2, 2018]
"On June 27, 2018, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy announced his retirement from the Supreme Court, effective July 31, 2018, ending a thirty-year tenure on the Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nolan, Andrew
2018-07-02
