Advanced search    Help

Clear all search criteria

Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).

• Healthcare Challenges After Radiological Incidents Q&A

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On July 11, 2018, ASPR TRACIE [Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange] held a webinar discussing the impact of radiological incidents on health and healthcare, and planning strategies related to different incidents. The speakers also shared guidance and lessons learned from recent exercises and research in assessing, triaging, treating, and following-up on casualties of radiological and nuclear emergencies. The presentation and recording from this webinar are now available. The link to the recording is on the title page of the presentation; you will need to enter you email address prior to viewing. Due to time constraints, speakers were not able to respond to all of the questions received during the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion of the webinar. ASPR TRACIE sent remaining questions to panelists and their answers are provided below."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

  DeAtley, Craig A.; Buddemeier, Brooke R.; Case, Cullen

  2018-07-11
• [July 11, 2018 Letter to the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the U.S. House of Representatives Bob Goodlatte]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Letter: "We write to request that the Judiciary Committee immediately schedule an oversight hearing with Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen. The Committee has thus far failed to exercise its oversight responsibilities with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the 115th Congress. This failure has grown even more indefensible as the Nation has watched the horrors caused by the Department's implementation of President Donald Trump's "zero tolerance" policy. [...] The need for a DHS oversight hearing is made even more urgent by the fact that thousands of children remain separated from their parents. [...] The unfortunate reality is that under the present system migrant children are not accounted for with the same efficiency and accuracy as 'property'."

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary

  Nadler, Jerrold; Lofgren, Zoe, 1947-

  2018-07-11
• National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is one of several mission centers operating within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. NCTC was established in August 2004 as the primary U.S. government organization responsible for analyzing and integrating all intelligence - except intelligence solely related to domestic terrorism - pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism (CT)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  DeVine, Michael E.; Peters, Heidi M.

  2018-07-11
• Justice Anthony Kennedy: His Jurisprudence and the Future of the Court [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "On June 27, 2018, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy announced that, effective July 31, 2018, he would retire from active service as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. His decisive role on the Court, particularly since the Roberts Court era began in 2005, cannot be overstated. The Roberts Court era has witnessed the Court issue a number of landmark rulings, many of which have involved matters where the sitting Justices were closely divided. Justice Kennedy typically voted with the majority of the Court in such cases. Since the October 2005 term that marked the beginning of the Roberts Court, Justice Kennedy voted for the winning side in a case more often than any of his colleagues in 9 out of 12 terms."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nolan, Andrew; Lewis, Kevin M.; Brannon, Valerie C.

  2018-07-11
• Tit-for-Tat Tariff Measures and U.S. Trade Policy [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "U.S. trade policy under President Trump has involved greater use of trade laws to address imports that threaten to impair U.S. national security (Section 232), and trade practices that may violate trade agreements or are 'unjustifiable' or 'unreasonable' (Section 301). Congress has held several hearings on controversial presidential actions under these laws, raising questions about their economic and broader policy implications. As a result of Section 232 investigations launched by the Administration, the United States has unilaterally applied new tariffs on steel (25%), aluminum (10%), and potentially auto imports from the EU, Canada, Mexico, China, and other countries. Some countries were exempted, generally based on quota agreements to limit the amount of steel and/or aluminum exports to the United States. The last time a president had taken restrictive trade action under this law was based on a 1983 petition submitted by the U.S. machine tool industry."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Irace, Mary A.

  2018-07-11
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 2680, Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on May 7, 2018. From the Summary: "S. 2680 would authorize appropriations totaling an estimated $7.9 billion, for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, and other agencies within HHS for programs to address the opioid epidemic in the United States. The bill also would make related changes to those agencies' programs. In addition, S. 2680 contains provisions that would: [1] Authorize appropriations totaling $500 million over the 2019-2023 period for the Department of Labor to establish a grant program to alleviate the economic and workforce effects of opioid abuse, [2] Authorize appropriations totaling $1.5 billion over the 2019-2021 period for grants to states and Indian tribes to respond to the opioid abuse crisis, and [3] Direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modify and strengthen its oversight of opioids and other controlled substances and medications that are used to manage pain."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-11
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 3776, Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on June 28, 2018. From the Document: "H.R. 3776 would codify the role and responsibilities of an existing office within the Department of State that works to advance U.S. interests in cyberspace and coordinates U.S. efforts to promote open, reliable, and secure communications technology. In addition, the act would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess and report to the Congress on the extent to which international actors threaten the personal information of U.S. citizens and the department's efforts to protect such personal information. Finally, H.R. 3776 would require the department to brief or report to the Congress on: [1] Executive agreements on cyberspace policy made with other countries; [2] Updates to an existing international policy on cyberspace; and [3] Freedom of expression through electronic means in foreign countries. The department indicated that implementing H.R. 3776 would not change the current policies and practices of the office nor would it impose any additional costs. Using information about the costs of similar reports, CBO estimates that implementing the reporting requirements under H.R. 3776 would cost less than $500,000 each year and total $1 million over the 2019-2023 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-11
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 1158, Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on June 27, 2018. From the Document: "S. 1158 would require the Department of State to train Foreign Service officers (FSOs) on preventing and responding to genocide and other atrocities. It also would require annual reports to the Congress on that training, on which countries and regions are most at risk of atrocities, on the federal government's current efforts and funding to prevent and respond to atrocities, and on recommendations to enhance that capacity. On the basis of information from the department about current training for FSOs, CBO expects that the department would add material on genocide prevention to its ongoing training on human rights. In addition, CBO expects that implementing the reporting requirements under the bill would have insignificant costs; that estimate is based on information from the department about similar reports. In total, CBO estimates that implementing S. 1158 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2019-2023 period. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting S. 1158 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-11
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 2645, Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act of 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "S. 2645 would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to five states to increase participation in programs to collect and dispose of unused prescription drugs. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing S. 2645 would cost $19 million over the 2019-2023 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary funds. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting S. 2645 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. S. 2645 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-11
• Privacy Impact Assessment for HRM 5000

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Human Resources Management (HRM) has selected contract support to improve and streamline the recruiting, hiring, and personnel security processes for CBP 'Frontline' positions, including U.S. Border Patrol Agents, CBP Officers, and Air and Marine Interdiction Agents. HRM 5000 is CBP's contract with Accenture Federal Services (AFS) LLC. This contract addresses surge hiring to support the President's Executive Order for an additional 5,000 Border Patrol Agents (BPA). It will also be used to support the hiring of additional law enforcement positions within the Office of Air and Marine and the Office of Field Operations. CBP is publishing this Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) because HRM 5000 requires AFS to collect, use, and retain personally identifiable information (PII) belonging to members of the public on behalf of CBP, as well as to identify and mitigate privacy concerns associated with the program as a whole."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2018-07-11
• Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018) as of July 11, 2018. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age, occupation, education, length of congressional service, religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, foreign births, and military service. In the House of Representatives, there are 238 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 197 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), and 6 vacant seats. The Senate has 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who both caucus with the Democrats. The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 115th Congress was 57.8 years; of Senators, 61.8 years, among the oldest in U.S. history. The overwhelming majority of Members of Congress have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public service/politics, business, and law. Most Members identify as Christians, and Protestants collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation. Roman Catholics account for the largest single religious denomination, and numerous other affiliations are represented, including Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal Christian, Unitarian Universalist, and Christian Science."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2018-07-11
• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The United States has an abundance of natural resources. For much of the nation's history, energy availability was not a concern as commerce and industry needs could be met by domestic supplies. However, industrialization and population growth, and the continuing development of a consumer-oriented society, led to growing dependence on foreign sources of energy during the 20th century to supplement the demands of a growing economy. Recognition of the implications of dependence on foreign sources of energy, coupled with concerns over the volatility of prices driven by fluctuations in supply spurred by world events, prompted federal efforts to increase U.S. energy independence and reduce domestic consumption. A major result has been the establishment of a number of programs focused on energy efficiency and conservation of domestic resources and on research programs that target the development of renewable sources of energy. Many of these programs have roots going back almost 40 years and have been redesigned many times over that period."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cunningham, Lynn J.

  2018-07-11
• Mongolia [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Mongolia is a landlocked nation of 3 million people between Russia and China. It is often viewed as a democratic success story both among former Soviet satellite states and in Asia. In 1989, democratic activists staged protests against communist rule and formed the Mongolian Democratic Union. The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), which had ruled the country since 1921, allowed multiparty elections in 1990 and relinquished power in 1996, when a Democratic Party (DP)-led coalition of opposition forces won nationwide elections. Since then, the Mongolian legislature and presidency have peacefully exchanged power several times. Mongolia's foreign relations are driven by a desire to preserve the nation's autonomy by balancing relations between major partners, including the United States, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Russia, and also Japan and South Korea. Its economy is supported by extensive mineral resources, but growth remains uneven, driven by fluctuations in mineral and petroleum prices."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Dolven, Ben

  2018-07-10
• President Trump Nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh: Initial Observations [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On July 9, 2019, President Trump announced the nomination of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) to fill the impending vacancy on the Supreme Court caused by Justice Kennedy's scheduled retirement on July 31, 2018. As noted in this earlier Sidebar, Justice Kennedy's retirement is likely to have significant implications for the Court, Congress, and the nation as a whole. Justice Kennedy, as the Roberts Court's median vote, was often at the epicenter of legal debates on the High Court, casting decisive votes on issues ranging from the powers of the federal government vis-à-vis the states, to separation-of-powers disputes, to key civil liberties issues. A critical question now before the Senate as it considers providing its advice and consent to the President's nomination to the High Court is how Judge Kavanaugh may view the many legal issues in which Justice Kennedy's vote was often determinative. This Sidebar provides some initial observations on Judge Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, noting his background and some initial clues as to how the nominee may impact the future of the Court. CRS is preparing products that discuss Judge Kavanaugh's views on the law in greater detail. Existing CRS products discuss Justice Kennedy's jurisprudence and other aspects of the Court vacancy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nolan, Andrew

  2018-07-10
• Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) FY2018 Appropriations: Independent Agencies and General Provisions [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill includes funding for more than two dozen independent agencies primarily in Title V. These agencies perform a wide range of functions, including the management of federal real property, the regulation of financial institutions and markets, and mail delivery. This report focuses on funding for those independent agencies in Title V of the FSGG appropriations bill. It also addresses general provisions that apply government-wide, which appear in Title VII, and provisions on Cuba sanctions, which appear in Title I. In addition, the FSGG bill funds the Department of the Treasury (Title I), the Executive Office of the President (EOP; Title II), the judiciary (Title III), the District of Columbia (Title IV), and it typically funds mandatory retirement accounts in Title VI, which also contains general provisions applying to the FSGG agencies. The FSGG bills also occasionally address other issues, particularly those involving financial regulation, in additional titles. Although financial services are a major focus of the bills, FSGG appropriations bills do not fund many financial regulatory agencies, which are instead funded outside of the appropriations process."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Webel, Baird

  2018-07-10
• Risk and Needs Assessment in the Federal Prison System [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The number of people incarcerated in federal prisons increased dramatically over the past three decades. While the number of inmates in the federal prison system has decreased since FY2013, the federal prison population remains substantially larger than it was three decades ago. Concerns about both the economic and social consequences of the country's reliance on incarceration have led to calls for reforms to the nation's criminal justice system, including improving the federal prison system's ability to rehabilitate incarcerated offenders by better assessing their risk for recidivism and addressing their criminogenic needs. 'Criminogenic needs,' are factors that contribute to criminal behavior that can be changed and/or addressed through interventions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  James, Nathan

  2018-07-10
• Pardons Granted by President George W. Bush (2001-2009)

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This document provides a record of pardons granted by President George W. Bush (2001-2009). A web version of the document is available at the following link: [https://www.justice.gov/pardon/gwbush-pardons].

  United States. Department of Justice

  2018-07-10
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 4467, Strengthening Aviation Security Act of 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), promotes the safety of the U.S. aviation system, particularly by protecting airline passengers and crew members against the risk of criminal and terrorist violence. H.R. 4467 would require FAMS to use a risk-based strategy when allocating resources between international and domestic flights, and to report to the Congress on its compliance with that requirement. Using information from TSA, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing H.R. 4467 would not significantly affect the federal budget. Because the act's requirements are consistent with existing administrative policy, CBO expects that any change in federal costs to meet them would be negligible. Such spending would be subject to appropriation. Enacting H.R 4467 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-10
• Letter from CBO Director Keith Hall to Honorable John Barrasso Regarding [Direct Spending and Revenue Effects of H.R. 8, the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018] [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Letter: "CBO [Congressional Budget Office] has prepared an estimate of the direct spending and revenue effects of H.R. 8, the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, as posted on the website of the Committee on Environment and Public Works on July 9, 2018, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 8 would decrease direct spending by $1 million over the 2019-2028 period. The legislation would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to construct projects to improve navigation and flood management, to mitigate storm and hurricane damage, and to restore aquatic ecosystems. The bill also would authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants and loans to state and local governments, public water systems, and other entities to support a wide range of water infrastructure projects and programs to improve water quality. The legislation would increase offsetting receipts (which are treated as reductions in direct spending) in 2020 by authorizing the Corps to convey nine acres of federal land to the city of Nashville, Tennessee, in exchange for the fair market value of the property. Using information from the Corps, CBO estimates sale proceeds would total about $1 million. Because the legislation would affect direct spending pay-as-you-go procedures apply. Enacting the legislation would not affect revenues."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2018-07-10
• Executive Order 13842: Establishing an Exception to Competitive Examining Rules for Appointment to Certain Positions in the United States Marshals Service, Department of Justice

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Good administration of the executive branch necessitates that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), a component of the Department of Justice, have a hiring authority that is currently available to other Federal law enforcement agencies and that would, among other things, enable the USMS to be competitive in recruiting high-quality Deputy U.S. Marshals and Criminal Investigators, to better hire and retain qualified individuals in certain duty locations, and to more expeditiously fill vacant positions consistent with law enforcement needs. Accordingly, it is appropriate to place Deputy U.S. Marshals and Criminal Investigators of the USMS in Schedule B of the excepted service, as it is impracticable to hold open competition or to apply usual competitive examining procedures for those positions related to Federal law enforcement."

  United States. Office of the Federal Register

  Trump, Donald, 1946-

  2018-07-10
• Executive Order 13843: Excepting Administrative Law Judges from the Competitive Service

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Federal Government benefits from a professional cadre of administrative law judges (ALJs) appointed under section 3105 of title 5, United States Code, who are impartial and committed to the rule of law. As illustrated by the Supreme Court's recent decision in Lucia v. Securities and Exchange Commission, No. 17-130 (June 21, 2018), ALJs are often called upon to discharge significant duties and exercise significant discretion in conducting proceedings under the laws of the United States. As part of their adjudications, ALJs interact with the public on issues of significance. Especially given the importance of the functions they dis-charge--which may range from taking testimony and conducting trials to ruling on the admissibility of evidence and enforcing compliance with their orders--ALJs must display appropriate temperament, legal acumen, impartiality, and sound judgment. They must also clearly communicate their decisions to the parties who appear before them, the agencies that oversee them, and the public that entrusts them with authority."

  United States. Office of the Federal Register

  Trump, Donald, 1946-

  2018-07-10
• S. Rept. 115-294: America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, Report to Accompany S. 2800, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, July 10, 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Committee on Environment and Public Works, to which was referred the bill (S. 2800) to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and recommends that the bill, as amended, do pass."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018-07-10
• S. Rept. 115-293: National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act, Report of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on S. 2202, July 10, 2018

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Purpose of the Bill: "The purpose of S. 2202 is to do the following: authorize the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) at sufficient funding levels; increase the transparency of the NTSB's safety recommendations and Most Wanted List; enhance certain NTSB investigation authorities; and improve the NTSB's operations."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018-07-10
• Puerto Rico - Status of Electric Power Recovery [Updated July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Background: "On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm with sustained wind speeds of over 155 miles per hour. At that time, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the Commonwealth) was already in recovery mode following the glancing blow struck by Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017, which left 70% of electricity customers without power. [...] Congress continues to follow the recovery of Puerto Rico from the 2017 hurricanes, and the restoration of power. The electric power infrastructure for transmission and delivery of power was largely destroyed by the hurricanes, and PREPA's [Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority's] aging power generation facilities have been struggling to provide electricity. Whether, and how, Puerto Rico rebuilds its system into a reliable, efficient, and resilient electricity system will be of key interest to Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Campbell, Richard J.

  2018-07-10
• First Responder's Toolbox: Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED): Preparedness, Recognition, and Response

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Terrorists may pursue efforts to use VBIEDs [Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device] to conduct mass-casualty attacks in the Homeland. We base this assessment on interest communicated via online platforms and in terrorist publications, as well as on previous VBIED-related incidents and attacks. VBIEDs are typically constructed using common vehicles found locally, making them inconspicuous and potentially difficult to detect just by observation. VBIEDs have been used effectively overseas, and previous attacks serve as examples of how they might be employed in the West. This product seeks to increase VBIED awareness among first responders to aid in preparedness, recognition, and response."

  National Counterterrorism Center (U.S.)

  Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team

  2018-07-10
• Energy Credit: An Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy [July 10, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 48 provides an investment tax credit (ITC) for certain energy-related investments. The incentive was enacted in 1978 and has been substantially modified over time. Under current law, the ITC for most non-solar technologies will expire at the end of 2021. There is a permanent 10% ITC for solar and geothermal technologies. Increased credit rates for solar are available through 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sherlock, Molly F.

  2018-07-10
• U.S. Global Health Assistance: FY2001-FY2019 Request [July 9, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Congressional interest in and support for global health programs has remained strong for several years. In FY2018, Congress provided $8.7 billion for global health programs through State, Foreign Operations appropriations and $488.6 million through Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) appropriations. These funds are managed by several U.S. agencies and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund)--a multilateral organization aimed at combating the three diseases worldwide. Concern about infectious diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (HTAM), continues to drive budget growth. In FY2001, roughly 47% of the U.S. global health budget was aimed at these three diseases. By FY2018, almost 75% of U.S. global health funding was provided for fighting HTAM."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji

  2018-07-09
• Next Generation 911 Technologies: Select Issues for Congress [July 9, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Since 1968, state and local 911 systems have provided assistance to people in need. 911 systems are fast, reliable, and effective, and are credited with saving many lives. However, many 911 centers (also known as Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs) continue to use legacy telephone technologies that can receive 911 voice calls, but cannot accept data (e.g., text, photos). Recent advancements in technology have enabled the creation of a more advanced 911 system that can interact more easily with modern communication devices. Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies offer callers the ability to either call 911 or send data (e.g., text, photos, or video) to PSAPs. NG911 technologies offer PSAPs the ability to accept data, share data with first responders, provide accurate location information, interconnect with other centers, and re-route calls during emergencies. There is general consensus that PSAPs should migrate to NG911; however, the migration will be costly and complex, and will require coordination between state and local 911 agencies and telecommunication providers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gallagher, Jill C.

  2018-07-09
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [July 9, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2018-07-09
• Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Program: Background and Issues for Congress [July 9, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's program for acquiring new polar icebreakers. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2019 budget requests $750 million in acquisition funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Administration's FY2019 acquisition funding request for the polar icebreaker program, and, more generally, whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's overall plan for procuring new polar icebreakers. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Coast Guard funding requirements, the Coast Guard's ability to perform its polar missions, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. This report does not cover the icebreakers that the Coast Guard operates on the Great Lakes. A separate CRS report covers acquisition of general-purpose cutters for the Coast Guard. Another CRS report provides an overview of various issues relating to the Arctic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2018-07-09