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FEMA Daily Operations Briefings, June 11 - June 17, 2017
This document is a compilation of all the FEMA Daily Operations Briefings from June 11 - June 17, 2017. The FEMA Daily Operations Briefing provides an overview of the current emergency management situation nationwide and includes a summary of current significant events, weather activity, recent emergency declarations and projections for the coming week.
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2017-06-11?
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Military Readiness: DOD Has Not Incorporated Leading Practices of a Strategic Management Planning Framework in Retrograde and Reset Guidance
"For this report on DOD's second annual update, we evaluated the extent to which DOD has addressed our May 2016 recommendations. Specifically, we assessed the extent to which (1) DOD has established a strategic policy consistent with leading practices on sound strategic management planning for the retrograde and reset of operating forces that support overseas contingency operations, (2) DOD has developed and required the use of consistent information and descriptions of key terms regarding retrograde and reset in relevant policy and other guidance, and (3) each of the services has developed and implemented a service-specific plan consistent with leading practices on sound strategic management planning for the retrograde and reset of operating forces that support overseas contingency operations. [...] DOD has not established a strategic policy for retrograde and reset consistent with leading practices on sound strategic management planning. In addition, DOD has not yet determined which DOD organization will lead its effort to establish a strategic policy consistent with leading practices. Furthermore, we found that there was no consensus among the officials we spoke with regarding which organization should lead the effort. We continue to believe that our May 2016 recommendation for DOD to develop a strategic policy for retrograde and reset that incorporates key elements of strategic management planning remains valid."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-06-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 849: Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act
"S. 849 would authorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide grants to states and U.S. territories to prevent and control emerging mosquito-borne diseases. The bill would authorize the appropriation of a total of $290 million for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 to carry out those activities: $100 million a year for the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health program and $190 million a year for Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grants. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing S. 849 would cost $1.2 billion over the 2018-2022 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. Enacting S. 849 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. S. 849 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2017-06-09
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IED Campaign in the U.S. Homeland: Are U.S. Military EOD Units Prepared to Respond?
From the thesis abstract: "The United States faces an increasing threat from a variety of terror groups. These groups have shown intent to utilize improvised explosive devices (IED) in their attacks. Advancements in information technology give terrorists access to encrypted communications and information on IED device construction and methods. The threat of an organized IED campaign in the Continental United States is credible. U.S. military explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units regularly support civil authorities for isolated incidents in the United States as part of a defense support to civil authorities mission. However, EOD units have not had to integrate into a civil authority task force for a widespread, protracted response like an IED campaign. This study examines threat analysis, law, doctrine, policy and strategy, and common practice through an analytical framework of DOTMLPF (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities) to assess the readiness of military EOD units to integrate into a civil task force to command and control military EOD teams. Research showed units are mostly prepared for this scenario. Minor improvements in the doctrine, training, and leadership and education could improve readiness."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Vaughan, Jon B.
2017-06-09
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Millennial Warfare
From the thesis abstract: "The Global Millennial Generation has changed Irregular Warfare through their digital nativity, opportunity for mobilization, and global networking capacity. Millennials across the globe are being mobilized in support of the global ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] cause. The millennials within ISILs global insurgency are the drivers of these changes. The current Irregular Warfare literature does not account for these adaptations. Although the fundamentals are not changed, the global Millennial Generation has expanded them. They are traveling to Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Africa in support, as well as remaining a significant threat in their home nation. They are acting in roles from fighters to technical experts in social media and cyber warfare. Millennials are the first 'Global Generation', the internet and social media have removed barriers that separate the world and have given them access to the world, as well as all the good and bad that comes with that access."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Gilstrap, Samuel S.
2017-06-09
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Employment of Personnel at the Tucson Border Patrol Station
From the thesis abstract: "The Tucson Border Patrol Station runs its daily operations on the U.S. and Mexico border over a span of 20 miles between Nogales, Arizona and Sells, Arizona. Tucson Station Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) drive to the border to perform their duties each day and night in different forms of personnel employment once arriving at the border. There are small teams at the Tucson Station that have been successful at performing the duties of the Border Patrol. Examples of small teams are the Tucson Station Horse Patrol Unit (HPU), all-terrain vehicle (ATV) unit, disrupt unit, and a Tucson Station mountain team. Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs), and Alien Smuggling Organizations (ASOs) have made the border more complex providing guides with deterrence equipment, like carpet booties and camouflage gear. Combatting the DTO/ASO complexity, while working within both a rural environment and an urban one with the heightened scrutiny of small teams is an effective method of personnel employment in the Tucson Station's area of responsibility (AOR)."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Edwards, Robert W.
2017-06-09
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Refugee Status Required for Resettlement in the United States
"Immigration is a predominant topic in the United States (US) today. There are more refugees in need of humanitarian assistance than at any other time in history. The US has been admitting thousands of refugees in numbers equivalent to mass migrations. Many of the refugees originate from the nations with terrorist extremist known for making terrorist threats against Western nations, and many Americans believe this increases the probability of a terrorist attack. The US has experienced mass migrations throughout history. The most overwhelming was the 1980 Cuban-Haitian mass migration. This thesis evaluates the criteria from the Cuban Haitian migration that is applicable or no longer applicable today, with criteria applicable today for the approval of refugee status. This thesis will determine what can be learned from the criteria applied in 1980 and the changes enacted for the approval of refugee status today. US refugee laws mandate the procedures for Customs and Immigrations on the criteria for refugee status and entry into the US. Recommendations are based on refugee criteria"
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Cunningham, Linda C.
2017-06-09
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Special Warfare in and Through Cyberspace: Shaping the Operational Environment in the Human Domain
"United States Special Operations Command's contribution to unified land operations is through United States Army Special Operations Command's critical capabilities of special warfare and surgical strike. Special warfare is unique in its reliance on indigenous war fighting capacity to stabilize or destabilize operational environments. Special warfare, as a critical capability, and the conceptual application of special warfare in and through cyberspace must address special warfare's contribution to operational art in the human domain. This study uses a qualitative content analysis to explore the linkages between special warfare operations and cyberspace operations to support joint force commanders and U.S. embassy country teams in shaping the human domain. Further, cyber-enabled special warfare is explored through a typology of human action as a framework of analysis to develop methods of integrating cyberspace operations and special warfare. A thesis presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF MILITARY ART AND SCIENCE General Studies"
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Barnes, Chad A.
2017-06-09
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Forging the 10th Mountain Division for War, 1940-1945: How Innovation Created a Highly Adaptive Formation
From the thesis abstract: "As the U.S. Army faces new and uncertain challenges across the globe, the need to create new capabilities in organizations, doctrine, and equipment is critical. As new threats in the sea, air, land and cyber domains appear, it is vital for the Army to produce capable and well-equipped formations that are prepared to adapt and meet any challenges. This thesis examines the relationship between how peace-time innovation influences combat adaptation. It uses the history of the 10th Mountain Division as a historical example of how the Army faced threats in multiple areas of the world. In response, it innovated to create a new capability to fight in the mountains. Using new techniques, it recruited highly experienced volunteers, developed new training and equipment to build a new capability for the U.S. Army. As a result of this innovation, the 10th Mountain exemplified a highly adaptive and successful formation in combat. The War Department's ability to leverage innovation to create an adaptive organization is relevant to the contemporary Army and how it looks at the challenges of multi-domain battle and the Army War Fighting Challenges."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Chabalko, Justin J.
2017-06-09
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How the Success of the CSS 'Hunley' Inspired the Development of the United States Naval Submarine Force
From the thesis abstract: "The entire nation took notice the moment the news broke of the CSS Hunley's historic sinking of the slope of war Housatonic. More to the point, the hearts and minds of inventors and engineers the world over were captured, and an era of development and innovation had begun. The evening of February 17, 1864, shaped the naval policies and government viewpoints regarding submarine warfare over the course of the next three decades. Extraordinary individuals such as Simon Lake, John Holland, and Thorsten Nordenfeldt were inspired by the events of the American Civil War and developed some of the most technologically advanced machines of the time. These innovators, along with many others, sought to motivate the naval powers of the time to implement this new and unique form of warfare. However, misguided engineers and tragic accidents led to skepticism and delays to innovation. Undaunted, these engineers continued to gain momentum and notoriety for their designs, resulting in the United States Naval Department commissioning the nation's first submarine, the USS Holland."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Petty, Jesse P.
2017-06-09
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Achilles' Heel of Daesh Propaganda
From the Thesis Abstract: "In this master's thesis, the researcher, representing the Kazakhstan Armed Forces at CGSC [Command and General Staff College], offers a set of recommendations to the military decision makers with possible solutions to counter the radical religious propaganda of Daesh. By exploring the relevance and importance of propaganda for this terrorist group strategy. This research states the problem and analyzes solutions using the Applied Professional Case Study Model with embedded Army Design Methodology, SCAME [source, content, audience, media, and effects] (Propaganda Analysis) Technique by determining the Operational Approach, the Stakeholder Analysis as well as Short and Middle-Term Plan. Additionally, the research analyzes Daesh's information campaign as a case study built on information collected from unclassified documents and interviews of a subject matter expert. This research also pursues an understanding about Daesh propaganda apparatus, mastered platforms, and examines Daesh propaganda products using the SCAME Technique, an analytical tool widely practiced in the U.S. Army. Finally, this research used primarily CARL [Combined Arms Research Library] resources as well as available open-source data. Unclassified collected data includes recent studies conducted in the Institute for the Study of War, the NATO Strategic Communication Center of Excellence, and other think tank organizations providing in-depth multidisciplinary analysis of Daesh propaganda. This operational approach is based on newly developed Theory of the Maneuver in the Narrative Space."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Tainov, Aidar
2017-06-09
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Romania and The New Cold War Security Challenges
From the abstract: "The 'New Cold War' refers to a revival of the political and military unrest, magnified by the modern era domains such as informational, cyber and social media with deep economic repercussions. The continuous changes in the Eastern Europe have a great influence on the Romanian security environment, raising many challenges for the decision makers. This study tried to decipher this security paradigm, unfolding the Russian economic, political and military capabilities, analyzing the Russian objectives, methods and resources allocated to implement its strategies and describing the Kremlin foreign affairs policies, reveling, in the end, the challenges answered by the most recent Romanian National Security Strategy. Whatever history will decide to name it, this emerging 'New Cold War' will definitely affect the entire international community. Therefore, young and vulnerable democracies must acknowledge the fact they represent significant opportunities for the Russian leadership to create unrest and instability, challenging both the nation and the organization that is part of."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Oancea, Lucian
2017-06-09
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Covert Use of the Global Special Operations Network and the Militarization of Covert Action in Political Warfare and the Gray Zone
From the abstract: "The current state of world affairs is a complex and uncertain environment. Unlike during the Cold War, the world is not bi-polar, but unlike the last 16 years, counter-terrorism and the rise of non-state actors cannot be the sole focus of the U.S. security apparatus. The Gray Zone that face the U.S. government and its interests are as varied as they are numerous, however two major security challenges are the ongoing political warfare between the U.S. and its major state competitors and the GWOT [Global War on Terrorism]. These security challenges are taxing resources and capacity for operations. Considering this resource constrained strategic environment, should the U.S. Government use the Global SOF [Special Operations Forces] Network under USSOCOM [United States Special Operations Command] to conduct covert-like activities or would this be duplicative of the current capabilities and mandate of the CIA."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Nephew, Jeffrey M.
2017-06-09
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Effects of Growing Indian Military Potential on South Asian Stability
From the thesis abstract: "India is emerging as an economic powerhouse and its national power is on the rise. India's regional and global ambitions are also growing correspondingly. It is enhancing its military potential constantly to cater for its ambitions. India justifies this enhancement as being necessary to act as a counterweight to China. A detailed examination of the capabilities and strategy formulation points towards a Pakistan focused intent. South Asia is already unstable due to territorial disputes, terrorism, and political shifts. India's growing military potential-linked to its strategic thought-is likely to exacerbate the existing instability in South Asia caused by a multitude of political, ideological, and security factors."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Bajwa, Hashim Iqbal
2017-06-09
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Psychological Operations Changes That the Peruvian Army Should Implement During Counterinsurgency Operations Against the Informational Campaigns of Sendero Luminoso Political Branch Since 2000
From the abstract: "The Peruvian Government was involved against terrorist groups from 1980 to 2000. Currently, terrorist military actions have decreased. The Sendero Luminoso (SL) have changed their tactics and procedures, and nowadays SL provides security to the drug cartels. Nonetheless, the political branch of SL continues performing ideological and indoctrination activities in cities and towns. The research question is: what are the Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) changes that the Peruvian Army should implement during counterinsurgency operations against the informational campaigns of the SL political branch since 2000? This is a qualitative research to attempt to understand the doctrine, modalities, techniques, support activities, means and types of communication used by the SL insurgency and the Peruvian Army PSYOPS since 2000. The conclusions address that the Peruvian Army must reformulate its PSYOPS doctrinal framework in terms of Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF-P)."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Carpio, Luis Ricardo
2017-06-09
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U.S. Armored Brigade Combat Team versus Current Hybrid Threat: How Should the U.S. ABCT Be Organized and Equipped to Address the Current Hybrid Threat
"Recent conflicts and military operations in the world have shown that hybrid threat (HT) is increasingly common. U.S. combat forces can expect to encounter HTs throughout the entire range of military operations. In recent decades, the United States have prepared for and fought mainly in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, defeating opponents who did not have the sophisticated capabilities that a current HT would employ. That is why objectively assessing the readiness of the U.S. Army's ABCT [armored brigade combat team] to wage war against a hybrid adversary is important. The problem is insufficient assessment of the U.S. Army's ABCT organization and equipment in order to answer the question of whether the U.S. Army can successfully counter the HT or whether the U.S. Army still needs to learn more, adapt, and change. The research plan used is a qualitative approach that included analysis of available documents and studying the separate but similar cases of Israel fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 and Ukraine fighting pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Sobko, Serhii
2017-06-09
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Gyges Effect: An Ethical Critique of Lethal Remotely Piloted Aircraft
From the thesis abstract: "The U.S. Army pledges to defend the country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in a manner that upholds national values. One such way recent presidential administrations make good on their pledge to protect the American people is by authorizing military strikes using the Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA). If RPA do act as a political deposit on the sacred oath sworn by our leaders to protect and defend the constitution, does the policy likewise uphold the traditional norms associated with justice in war ('jus in bello')? In other words, does the U.S. Government violate 'jus in bello' in its use of RPA to conduct military strikes? To examine this question further, it is necessary to explore three broad areas. The first, and most substantial, is the moral basis for justifiable military action. The second area is legal precedence for RPA strikes. The final area deals in the consequences of such action within today's operational environment (OE) and the effects it has on the future of warfare. This thesis critiques the
morality, legality, and military ethics of the United States' RPA Policy."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Pride, Matthew D.
2017-06-09
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Online Radicalization: Bangladesh Perspective
From the thesis abstract: "The internet has significantly increased terrorists' reach, and person to person contact is no more essential to radicalize people. Some terrorist organizations in Bangladesh are also maneuvering in the cyber domain to spread their ideologies and radicalize people. To prevent radicalization through cyberspace, Bangladesh mostly implements hard powers such as removing contents and restricting access to the internet. However, freedom of speech and access to information are prime requirements for a prosperous and democratic society. Therefore, Bangladesh should develop an effective strategy to counter radicalization without impinging citizens' freedom of speech. The country, nonetheless, faces challenges due to lack of coordination among the counter-terrorism agencies, and lack of positive initiatives to grow enduring social resilience against radicalization. Bangladesh may harness benefits by adopting key elements of seemingly successful programs of other countries. It should also create a strategy for appealing positive messaging to foster inter-faith respect and communal harmony where counter-narratives will be embedded. Besides, developing ethics and responsibility of the Internet users will create a self-monitoring system in the cyber domain. Finally, constructive measures will enable Bangladesh to develop a sustainable counter radicalization mechanism without impinging citizens' democratic rights."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Rashid, Mohammad Istiaque
2017-06-09
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Shortcomings in Information Sharing Facilitates Transnational Organized Crime
From the thesis abstract: "This study asks what shortcoming exists hindering information sharing across the U.S. Government to combat transnational organized crime (TOC). A comprehensive review of national strategies, law, and scholarly works establish the immediate security and economic threat posed by criminal organizations worldwide. The confluent business models shared by terrorist and TOC organizations requires an equally unified effort to combat these threats. By employing a levels of analysis approach to disaggregate national level, organizational level and individual level factors, four gaps emerge to combat TOC. First, divergent strategies to combat terrorist and TOC organizations are revealed. Second, the current process for information sharing relies on gate keepers access to stove piped information. Third, the absence of a lead agency to combat TOC. Finally, bureaucratic boundaries to sharing information persist. To address these shortcomings, five recommendations are provided. First, a single national strategy clearly representing the convergence between terrorist and TOC organizations. Second, the Director of National Intelligence must have the authorities necessary to unify the intelligence community (IC). Third, reorganization of the IC is urgently needed. Fourth, designate the National Counter Terrorism Center as the lead agency to combat TOC. Finally, a directive to migrate all government networks to cloud technology."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Tucker, Daniel J.
2017-06-09
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Globalization vs. National Sovereignty
From the thesis abstract: "Does the continuing increase in globalization particularly in the areas of economic, technological, travel, immigration, and multiple citizenships decrease national sovereignty and
our ability to secure the homeland? This increase in globalization may cause unintended interdependencies. This thesis investigates the relationship between globalization, national sovereignty, and homeland security. If this increase continues without a balance will the government not be able to respond to an incident or will this impact the nation's willingness to unite to secure the homeland? Since the end of the Cold War (1991) the change of scale in international business exchange is unlike any other phase in history. Since the 1990s countries allowing or offering dual citizenship have also been increasing in number. This citizenship may cause confusion of allegiances to those that have more than one."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Petro, Cory J.
2017-06-09
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Utility of Army Design Methodology in U.S. Coast Guard Counter Narcotic Interdiction Strategy
"This study investigates the utility of using Army Design Methodology (ADM) to help frame U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) counternarcotic strategy. The USCG published the Western Hemisphere Strategy in 2014, outlining the strategic and operational framework for USCG operations in the Western Hemisphere, addressing a ten-year plan to combat networks, secure borders, and safeguard commerce. This study focuses on the following questions: has the Western Hemisphere Strategy been effective, so far, in combating networks and securing our borders; and is there utility in adding ADM as a tool in developing future USCG/whole of government counternarcotics operations strategy? This study uses an applied professional case study research approach as the basis, which takes into account personal experience in USCG operations in conjunction with relevant sources in order to persuade policy makers about the rich and deep context of a setting associated with complex human issues where the goal is to take informed action to improve the situation. Drug trafficking organization operations and USCG interdiction tactics are dynamic and humanly complex, with multiple key players, stakeholders, and influencers. Ultimately, this research and analysis goal, is to validate/non-validate USCG current tactics and provide key decision makers with additional, increased interdiction options . . . or maybe more importantly, provide a recommendation for a better approach in defining the problem."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
McWhite, John B.
2017-06-09
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Psychodynamic Systems Perspective on Command Relationship During Combat Operations
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this research thesis is to provide new insight to one of the Danish Army´s warfighting challenges pertaining to the breakdown of the command relationship between two levels of command in a military organization deployed in hostile environments. The thesis focuses on how subconscious processes influence the command relationship, and ultimately, how those processes contribute to the spectra of conflicts between the company level and battlegroup level To that end, this thesis utilizes three different theories within psychodynamic system theory to analyzing interviews and questionnaires to identify perceived problem areas within the subconscious domain and their effects on the command relationship. The analysis of the empirical data has given an understanding of how subconscious processes influence command relations and as shown how the leadership roles of boundary regulation, problem solving and pathological process have influenced the command relationship in a variety of ways. It has also shown how splitting and projection have led to conflicts and subsequent breakdown of the command relationship. Overall this thesis has unmistakably shown that subconscious processes do play a role in the breakdown of command relationship, and thus have provided new insight to one the Danish Army´s warfighting challenges."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Hejlesen, Dennis W.
2017-06-09
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Enhancing the Army Operations Process Through the Incorportation of Holography
From the thesis abstract: "In order to dominate our opponents on the battlefield, the Army must have an agnostic technology that can quickly grow. Mission command information systems must be able to extend across multiple environments regardless of a commonality in hardware. The human dimension must be met at each domain (human, land, maritime, air, space, cyber)by an information system that augments the process. The focus needs to be on data delivery at the process in need over an approved secure based hardware. Holography is the future of mission command for the commanders, staff and soldiers allowing a distributed environment for all operations. Cognitive load is greatly reduced allowing for commanders, staff and soldiers to focus on the process and not on a computer screen. The process is no longer split between trying to take data and mentally overlaying it onto the process. Data now augments reality and is a noninvasive process to decision making."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Burns, Samuel M.
2017-06-09
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From Serpent to CEO: Improving First-Term Security Forces Airman Performance Through Neuroscience Education
From the thesis abstract: "United States Air Force Security Forces relies heavily on young adults and their ability to apply judgment while under threat. Security Forces assumes inherently greater risks than its civilian counterparts; it relies on a core population of young adults between 17 and 25 years old as primary first-contact sentries, patrolmen, and combat operators. Current research indicates the human brain requires at least 26 years to reach full maturation. The implementation of Defender's Edge, a mental health performance program specifically designed for Air Force Security Forces personnel, is significant to introducing neuroscience concepts into operations to mitigate resultant risks. However, a deeper understanding of neuroanatomical and physiological considerations affecting young adults would improve reflexive performance in judgment-dependent situations. Neuroscience education offers novel enhancements to training, operations, and Defender's Edge to reduce risk and increase cognitive performance abilities in young adults."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Cheatham, Michael L.
2017-06-09
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President Trump's Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Raises Legal Questions: Part 1 and 2
"On June 1, President Trump announced his long-anticipated decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement--an international agreement intended to reduce the effects of climate change by maintaining global temperatures 'well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels[.]' As analyzed in this earlier report and live CRS seminar, historical practice suggests it is within the President's constitutional authority to withdraw from the Paris Agreement without first receiving congressional or senatorial approval. However, legal questions remain as to how the Trump Administration will implement the withdrawal and what role the United States will play in future international climate meetings. This two-part Sidebar series analyzes legal questions arising from the President's announcement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-06-09
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What is the Proposed U.S.-EU Insurance Covered Agreement? [June 9, 2017]
"Recent growth of domestic crude oil production has resulted in an unprecedented expansion of the United States' oil pipeline network. One major oil pipeline recently constructed is the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 30-inch diameter, 1,172-mile project that carries crude oil produced in northwest North Dakota to southern Illinois (Figure 1). The Dakota Access Pipeline's maximum capacity is 570,000 barrels per day. […] The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the siting of domestic oil pipelines. Instead, authorization for the overall route must be granted by individual states. The Dakota Access Pipeline developer, Energy Transfer Partners, was granted siting approval from state utility regulators in South Dakota and Illinois in 2015, and from North Dakota and Iowa early in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-06-09
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ACA Prevention and Public Health Fund: In Brief [June 9, 2017]
"Section 4002 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended) established the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF, or 'the Fund') and funded it with a permanent annual appropriation to be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The PPHF authority directs the HHS Secretary to transfer amounts from the Fund to HHS agencies for prevention, wellness, and public health activities. [...] The Trump Administration budget proposal for FY2018 would transfer $841 million of the $900 million available to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. The remaining $60 million reflects sequestration. No additional HHS agencies are proposed to receive PPHF funds for FY2018. If PPHF funds were to become unavailable, additional appropriations would be needed to sustain programmatic activities at the levels provided in recent Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations acts. [...] The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the budgetary effects of PPHF repeal as proposed by House-passed H.R. 1628.14 CBO estimated budget authority over the 10-year period of FY2017-FY2026 at $12.0 billion, the sum of annual appropriations to the Fund for those years. It estimated outlays (i.e., the amount that would potentially be saved by the repeal) of $8.8 billion for the same period."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.
2017-06-09
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FY2018 Defense Budget Request: The Basics [June 9, 2017]
"On May 23, 2017 the Trump Administration released its federal budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2018. The Administration proposed a total budget of $677.1 billion for national defense-related activities of the federal government (budget function 050). Of the national defense total, $667.6 billion is discretionary spending provided, for the most part, by the annual appropriations bill drafted by the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate. The remaining $9.6 billion is mandatory spending, that is, spending for entitlement programs and certain other payments. Mandatory spending is generally governed by statutory criteria and it is not provided by annual appropriation acts. As has been typical in recent years, about 95% of that total ($646.9 billion) is for military activities of the Department of Defense (DOD)--referred to as subfunction 051. The balance of the function 050 request comprises $21.8 billion for defense-related atomic energy-defense activities of the Department of Energy (designated subfunction 053) and $8.4 billion for defense-related activities of other agencies (designated subfunction 054) of which about two-thirds is allocated to the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Lynn M.; Towell, Pat
2017-06-09
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet [June 9, 2017]
"Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the civil war and the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, and many slave owners continued to hold their slaves captive after the announcement, Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American freedom. Juneteenth is not a federal holiday. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia celebrate Juneteenth as a state holiday. This fact sheet assists congressional offices with work related to Juneteenth."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Higgins, Molly
2017-06-09
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Israel and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement [June 9, 2017]
"This report provides information and analysis on a boycott, divestment, and sanctions ('BDS') movement against Israel. The BDS movement is generally seen as a loose grouping of actors from various countries who advocate or engage in economic measures against Israel or Israel-related individuals or organizations, though defining precisely what may or may not constitute BDS activity is subject to debate. The report also analyzes economic measures that 'differentiate' or might be seen as differentiating between (1) Israel in general and (2) entities linked with Israeli-developed areas and settlements (whose legality is questioned under international law). Such settlements are found in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights- areas that Israel has controlled and administered since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Debate is ongoing in the United States and elsewhere about whether economic differentiation (such as with regard to product labeling policies) between Israel proper and Israeli settlements constitutes a form of BDS. The report also discusses [1] Anti-BDS or anti-differentiation efforts to date, including U.S. legislative action and proposals at the federal and state level […] [and] [2] Legislative considerations arising from existing antiboycott law, First Amendment issues, and issues regarding congressional powers over commerce and foreign affairs. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim; Weiss, Martin A.; Ruane, Kathleen Ann . . .
2017-06-09
