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Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Gun-Launched Guided Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Summary: "Three new ship-based weapons being developed by the Navy--solid state lasers (SSLs), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gun-launched guided projectile (GLGP), also known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP)--could substantially improve the ability of Navy surface ships to defend themselves against surface craft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and eventually anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). The Navy has been developing SSLs for several years, and in 2014 installed on a Navy ship its first prototype SSL capable of countering surface craft and UAVs. The Navy since then has been developing and installing additional SSL prototypes with improved capability for countering surface craft and UAVs. Higher-power SSLs being developed by the Navy are to have a capability for countering ASCMs. [...] In addition to the question of whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2021 funding requests for SSLs, EMRG, and HVP/GLGP, issues for Congress include the following: [1] whether the Navy is moving too quickly, too slowly, or at about the right speed in its efforts to develop these weapons; [2] the Navy's plans for transitioning these weapons from development to procurement and fielding of production models aboard Navy ships; and [3] whether Navy the Navy's shipbuilding plans include ships with appropriate amounts of space, weight, electrical power, and cooling capacity to accommodate these weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-01-12
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Overview of the Federal Procurement Process and Resources [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Summary: "In the basic federal procurement process, acquisition personnel, after determining their agencies' requirements (that is, the goods and services the agencies need), post solicitations on the federal government's beta.SAM.gov website. Interested companies prepare their offers in response to the solicitations, and, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency personnel evaluate the offers. Another type of procurement opportunity for a company is to serve as a subcontractor for a government contractor. To be eligible to compete for government contracts, a company must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register with the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM). Several agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), provide assistance and services to existing and potential government contractors. Research and development (R&D) procurement opportunities may involve traditional contracting methods, such as solicitations and contracts, as well as nontraditional methods, which include agency-sponsored contests and venture capital funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-01-12
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Overview: "The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a new U.S. government agency that aims to promote private investment in developing countries to support U.S. global development, foreign policy, and economic interests. DFC emerged from a general congressional consensus, supported by the Trump Administration, to elevate U.S. efforts to respond to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China's growing economic influence in developing countries, modernize U.S. development finance tools for private capital mobilization, and streamline bureaucracy. Authorized by the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act, Div. F of P.L. 115-254, 22 U.S.C §9612 et seq.) for seven years through October 2025, DFC assumed the development finance functions of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC, now terminated) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Development Credit Authority (DCA). The BUILD Act also expanded its authorities and increased its exposure cap to $60 billion, compared to OPIC's former $29 billion exposure cap. DFC launched operations in December 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Brown, Nick M.
2021-01-12
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Stafford Act Emergency Declarations for Attacks on Federal Property [January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to an attack (or other exigency) on federal property, the President may issue a declaration of an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288, Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). This Insight describes the types of federal assistance that may be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under an emergency declaration to support response and recovery efforts following an attack on federal property and includes historical examples of such declarations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2021-01-12
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Revoking Hong Kong's Preferential Trade Status: Legal Framework and Implications [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "On July 14, 2020, the President issued an executive order finding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong) 'no longer sufficiently autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to the People's Republic of China' (China) with regard to specific laws listed in the order, and suspending differential application of those laws to Hong Kong. One of the relevant laws, 19 U.S.C. § 1304, sets out how products from other territories must be marked to indicate their country of origin. In response to the executive order, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice requiring all goods previously marked with 'Hong Kong' to indicate 'China' as their country of origin. Since this action, Hong Kong has initiated a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute by requesting consultations with the United States, arguing the new marking requirements violate several WTO agreements. This Sidebar presents the legal framework that applies to Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory from China, and analyzes the implications of the U.S. actions as well as Hong Kong's decision to initiate WTO proceedings. Although the President's executive order suspended a number of statutory provisions that gave preferential treatment to Hong Kong and invoked authority to declare a national emergency with respect to the situation in Hong Kong, these actions are beyond this Sidebar's scope."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2021-01-12
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U.S. Capitol Police: Brief Background [January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Capitol Police [USCP] is a department within the legislative branch with security, protection, and administrative responsibilities. The USCP is responsible for law enforcement and security within the Capitol Complex, including the U.S. Capitol building, the Capitol Visitor Center, Capitol grounds, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, Capitol Police buildings, Library of Congress buildings, and adjacent grounds. The USCP performs these roles in coordination with the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. The House and Senate Sergeants at Arms are charged with maintaining order in their chambers, and they each perform a number of law enforcement, security-related, decorum, and protocol duties. The House and Senate have each had an elected Sergeant at Arms since 1789."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2021-01-12
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Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 116th Congresses [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. Market-based approaches that would address GHG emissions typically involve either a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or emissions fee program. Both approaches would place a price--directly or indirectly--on GHG emissions or their inputs, namely fossil fuels. Both would increase the price of fossil fuels, and both would reduce GHG emissions to some degree. Both would allow covered entities to choose the best way to meet their emission requirements or reduce costs, potentially by using market forces to minimize national costs of emission reductions. Preference between the two approaches ultimately depends on which variable policymakers prefer to precisely control--emission levels or emission prices. A primary policy concern with either approach is the economic impacts that may result. Expected energy price increases could have both economy-wide impacts (e.g., on the U.S. gross domestic product) and disproportionate effects on specific industries and particular demographic groups. The degree of these potential effects would depend on a number of factors, including the magnitude, design, and scope of the program and the use of tax or fee revenues or emission allowance values."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2021-01-12
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Ninth Circuit Decision Allows Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan, Nicaragua, and El Salvador to Go Forward [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "Certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who otherwise might be subject to removal from the United States may stay and work here when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates their countries for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because of unstable or dangerous conditions in those countries. In 2017 and 2018, DHS announced the termination of TPS designations for Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, Nepal, and Honduras. The agency's decisions affect more than 400,000 TPS beneficiaries from those six countries who may no longer be authorized to remain in the United States upon the effective termination date of the countries' TPS designations. Several lawsuits have challenged DHS's decisions on various constitutional and statutory grounds. Recently, in 'Ramos v. Wolf', the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed a lower court's preliminary injunction enjoining DHS from ending the TPS designations for four of those countries--Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, and El Salvador. A separate challenge to the termination of the TPS designations for Honduras and Nepal remains pending in federal district court. The Ninth Circuit decision does not affect a separate injunction by a court outside the Ninth Circuit barring the termination of the TPS designation for Haiti. This Legal Sidebar examines the Ninth Circuit's decision and the implications that decision may have for TPS recipients."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-01-12
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Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines: An Overview [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized for emergency use Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines sponsored by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Several other COVID-19 vaccines are currently in clinical trials; additional vaccines may become available within months. Operation Warp Speed (OWS)--the COVID-19 medical countermeasure initiative led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD)--has contracted with manufacturers to purchase hundreds of millions of doses (including Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna's vaccines) and related supplies. OWS is also planning and implementing a nationwide vaccine program. OWS has thus far been financed largely by emergency funding provided in the coronavirus supplemental appropriations acts. [...] This Insight provides overviews of supplemental appropriations for selected vaccine-related activities and available information on allocations and obligations. It does not address health care financing issues related to vaccine administration or regular appropriations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya
2021-01-11
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CARES Act (P.L. 116-136): Provisions Designed to Help Banks and Credit Unions [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause numerous borrowers to miss loan repayments, potentially leading to distress at banks and credit unions. Because of the importance of those institutions to the economy, regulators have implemented 'safety and soundness' regulations, including lending, capital, and liquidity rules. Regulators also require the institutions to report financial information. As part of Congress's response to COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) includes four sections--4011, 4012, 4013, and 4014--that temporarily relax some of the regulations banks face. Section 4016 expands access to the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF), which is a liquidity facility for credit unions that is administered by at the National Credit Union Administration. This Insight examines those sections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Gnanarajah, Raj; Getter, Darryl E.
2021-01-11
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CARES Act Bank and Credit Union Relief: Expirations and Extensions Under P.L. 116-260 [January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause numerous borrowers to miss loan repayments, potentially leading to distress at banks and credit unions. As part of Congress's response, Division A of the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136) included six sections--4008, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, and 4016--that either temporarily relaxed regulations facing banks and credit unions or provided regulators additional temporary authorities to support those institutions and their lending. [...] This Insight identifies which provisions were extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260); which provisions expired; and the possible implications of those extensions and expirations. As enacted, the CARES Act provisions would have expired on the earlier of (1) the termination date of the COVID-19 national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act (P.L. 94-412) or (2) the end of 2020. P.L. 116-260, Division N, Sections 540 and 541, extended the expiration date of CARES Act Sections 4013, 4014, and 4016 until the earlier of the emergency termination date or the end of 2021. The act did not extend Sections 4008, 4011, and 4012, and they expired on December 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Getter, Darryl E.; Gnanarajah, Raj
2021-01-11
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COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources for Renters [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "This Insight highlights resources from selected federal agencies and other organizations that may aid renters at risk of eviction due to circumstances related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Minter, Alyse N.
2021-01-11
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Aviation and Climate Change [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the document: "Some Members of Congress have expressed an interest in addressing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change effects from aviation. Proposed legislation in the 116th Congress would provide for sustainable fuel mandates, incentives for airport efficiency improvements, and GHG emission targets, among other requirements. In some instances, these provisions would be conditioned on economic stimulus and other forms of public funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattannzio, Richard K.
2021-01-11
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Bill Presentment and the Pocket Veto at the Conclusion of a Congress
From the document: "After the sine die adjournment of a Congress, Members and staff may inquire about the status of legislation passed and sent to the President in the days immediately prior to adjournment. This Insight provides information on the constitutional bill presentment period, options for presidential action and the pocket veto, and the resolution of a bill's status during this circumstance. It does not discuss the controversy over inter- or intra-session recesses and asserted pocket vetoes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stuessy, Meghan M.
2021-01-11
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Department of Defense Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly called drones, have proliferated rapidly and are available to nation states and to nonstate actors and individuals. These systems could provide U.S. adversaries with a low-cost means of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions against--or attacking--U.S. forces. Furthermore, many smaller UASs cannot be detected by traditional air defense systems due to their size, construction material, and flight altitude. As a result, in FY2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to spend at least $404 million on counter-UAS (C-UAS) research and development and at least $83 million on C-UAS procurement. As DOD continues to develop, procure, and deploy these systems, congressional oversight of their use may increase, and Congress may have to make decisions about future authorizations, appropriations, and other legislative actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.; Sayler, Kelley M.
2021-01-11
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Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Successive U.S. Administrations have identified Iran as a significant national security challenge. The Trump Administration has articulated its assessment of the threat posed by Iran in testimony by U.S. officials, statements, and reports such as an annual Defense Department report on Iran's military power required by successive National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and a State Department report (2018 and 2020) entitled 'Outlaw Regime: A Chronicle of Iran's Destructive Activities.' This report analyzes Iran's foreign and defense policies and capabilities to implement its policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2021-01-11
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries to support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets, as well as countering illicit narcotics, since the 1990s. The Trump Administration sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. assistance efforts in some parts of the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular migration. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the Administration's proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Martin, Rachel L.
2021-01-11
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Trade Remedies: Antidumping and Countervailing Duties [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Overview: "What are they? Antidumping (AD) and Countervailing Duties (CVD) address unfair trade practices by providing relief to U.S. industries and workers that are 'materially injured,' or threatened with injury, due to imports of like products sold in the U.S. market at less than fair value (AD), or subsidized by a foreign government or public entity (CVD). What is the relief provided? At the end of an investigative process, in AD cases, the remedy is an additional duty placed on the imported merchandise to offset the difference between the price (or cost) in the foreign market and the price in the U.S. market. In CVD cases, a duty equivalent to the amount of subsidy is placed on the imports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Vivian Catherine; Casey, Christopher A.
2021-01-11
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Senate Powersharing Agreement of the 107th Congress (2001-2003): Key Features [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The 2000 elections resulted in a Senate composed of 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats. A historic agreement, worked out by the party floor leaders, in consultation with their party colleagues, was presented to the Senate (S.Res. 8) on January 5, 2001, and agreed to the same day. The agreement was expanded by a leadership colloquy on January 8, 2001. It remained in effect until June of 2001, when Senators reached a new agreement to account for the fact that a Senator had left the Republican Party to become an Independent who would caucus with the Democratic Party. This report describes the principal features of this and related agreements which provided for Republican chairs of all Senate committees after January 20, 2001; equal party representation on all Senate committees; equal division of committee staffs between the parties; procedures for discharging measures blocked by tie votes in committee; a restriction on the offering of cloture motions on amendable matters; restrictions on floor amendments offered by party leaders; eligibility of Senators from both parties to preside over the Senate; and general provisions seeking to reiterate the equal interest of both parties in the scheduling of Senate chamber business. Also noted is that not all aspects of Senate practice were affected by the powersharing agreement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rybicki, Elizabeth
2021-01-11
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U.S. Tariff Policy: Overview [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Document: "A tariff is a customs duty levied on imported and exported goods and services. Historically, countries used tariffs as a primary means of collecting revenue. Today, other taxes account for most government revenue in developed countries. Tariffs are now typically used to protect domestic industries or as leverage in trade negotiations and disputes. The U.S. Constitution empowers Congress to set tariffs, a power that Congress has partially delegated to the President. The United States is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a party to a number of trade agreements, which include specific tariff-related commitments. Congress and the President thus create U.S. tariff policy within the context of a rules-based global trading system. [...] For more than 80 years, Congress has delegated extensive tariff-setting authority to the President. This delegation insulated Congress from domestic pressures and led to an overall decline in global tariff rates. However, it has meant that the U.S. pursuit of a low-tariff, rules-based global trading system has been the product of executive discretion. While Congress has set negotiating goals, it has relied on Presidential leadership to achieve those goals. The Trump Administration was openly critical of low-tariff policies and made extensive use of the authorities delegated to the President to increase tariffs on certain goods imported from key U.S. trading partners with little congressional input. Congress may want to consider whether the current restrictions on such delegated authorities adequately protect congressional interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.
2021-01-11
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National Special Security Events: Fact Sheet [Updated January 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Major federal government or public events that are considered to be nationally significant may be designated by the President--or his representative, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)--as National Special Security Events (NSSE). P.L. 106-544 designated the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs. The January 20, 2021, inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris has been designated an NSSE. The joint session of Congress that met at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to open, certify, and count the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes was not designated an NSSE."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2021-01-11
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Artemis: NASA's Program to Return Humans to the Moon [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the document: "Between 1969 and 1972, the Apollo program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed 12 American men on the Moon and returned them safely to Earth. Since then, no human has been farther from Earth than low-Earth orbit, a few hundred miles up; the distance to the Moon is about 240,000 miles. Artemis, named for Apollo's twin sister in ancient Greek mythology, is NASA's program for a return to the Moon by American astronauts--one of them a woman--in 2024."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)
2021-01-08
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007- 2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-01-08
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USMCA: Labor Provisions [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). USMCA establishes new and updated provisions on the protection of worker rights and enforcement of labor commitments. Congress approved implementing legislation for USMCA (H.R. 5430) on December 19, 2019. President Trump signed the legislation into law on January 29, 2020 (P.L. 116-113). The protection of worker rights and the enforceability of labor provisions were a major congressional concern throughout the USMCA negotiations and remained an issue after the three countries concluded the agreement in September 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Villarreal, M. Angeles; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.
2021-01-08
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Regulating Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Detections of unregulated contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS] and 1,4-dioxane) in public water supplies have raised questions about the quality of drinking water and increased congressional interest in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) efforts to regulate contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Congress enacted SDWA in 1974 to address the quality of public drinking water supplies and protect public health. A key part of the act is the authority for EPA to regulate contaminants in public water supplies. [...] This report discusses the SDWA provisions relevant to how EPA evaluates contaminants to determine whether a contaminant warrants a 'national primary drinking water regulation' (NPDWR), provides an overview of the regulatory development process, and analyzes certain issues that may affect implementation of this section. In addition to the agency's work related to contaminant regulation, EPA has issued other SDWA regulations applicable to public water systems. These include regulations to reduce lead content in drinking water pipes and plumbing and to increase consumer information and public notification about drinking water quality and compliance. The report is primarily limited to EPA's implementation of the process outlined in SDWA Section 1412 'National Drinking Water Regulations' for evaluating contaminants for regulation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-01-08
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Protection of Federal Government Officials [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Overview: "In the aftermath of the breach of the U.S. Capitol security on January 6, 2021--while a joint session of Congress was counting and certifying the 2020 presidential election electoral votes--and in response to increased political tension across the nation, there is renewed congressional interest in protective details for government officials. Attacks against political leaders and other public figures have been an ongoing security issue in the United States. Since the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) started protecting Presidents in 1906, seven assaults or assassination attempts have occurred, with one resulting in a death (President John F. Kennedy). Prior to USSS protection, three sitting Presidents had been assassinated (Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley). In addition, official records and news accounts show that there have been at least 20 attacks against Members of Congress since 1789."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Nagel, Jared C.
2021-01-08
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Defense Primer: The United States Space Force [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "On December 20, 2019, the United States Space Force (USSF) became the sixth branch of the Armed Forces. The Space Force was established within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) with the enactment of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Secretary of the Air Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the Space Force and the United States Air Force (USAF), two separate and distinct military uniformed services. The current Chief of Space Operations (CSO) is General John W. 'Jay' Raymond, who serves as the principal uniformed advisor for all space activities to the Secretary of the Air Force."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2021-01-08
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CARES Act Title IV Financial Assistance Ends [January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Under Title IV of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136), the U.S. Department of the Treasury made loans to specified industries and investments in Federal Reserve programs, authorized until the end of 2020. While Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases and deaths continue to reach new highs, financial conditions stabilized shortly after enactment of the CARES Act. This raised the question of whether assistance should be extended at least until the pandemic ended or allowed to expire because financial stability had been restored. The December COVID-19-related relief package (specifically, Division N, Title X, of P.L. 116-260) did not change the year-end expiration date and permanently closed down all but one of the Fed programs backed by CARES funding. In effect, those programs may be revived only by a future act of Congress and not at the Federal Reserve and Treasury Secretary's discretion. This Insight provides some preliminary observations on Title IV assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Scott, Andrew P.
2021-01-08
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "In the months since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic has negatively affected global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could reduce global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery of a rate of 2.5% to 5.2% in 2021. [...] The full economic impact of the pandemic likely will remain unclear until the negative health effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2021-01-08
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Inauguration Security and Operations [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years at noon on January 20. In 2021, the President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris are to be officially sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 20. Planning for the 2021 inauguration is being challenged by the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic and the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during Congress's counting and certification of the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes. Inauguration security and operations adjustments to traditional ceremonies, customs, and practices are being made. This In Focus presents information related to 2021 inauguration security and operations based on past inaugural activities and announced activities to date. Additional security details are expected to be implemented due to the Capitol security breach. This document will be updated if they are publicly announced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Finch, Christina Miracle
2021-01-08
