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Terrorism in Europe [Updated February 10, 2021]
From the Document: "European governments and the European Union (EU) have grappled with domestic and foreign terrorist groups for decades, but numerous attacks since 2014 have renewed concerns about terrorism and violent extremism in Europe. Despite variances in how terrorist events are defined and tracked, studies indicate that terrorism poses a security threat in many European countries. [...] European countries and the EU are key U.S. partners in the fight against terrorism, and Members of Congress may be interested in European counterterrorism efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Martin, Rachel L.
2021-02-10
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Transportation Security: Background and Issues for the 117th Congress [February 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The enduring challenge facing Congress is how best to implement and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of terrorist attacks without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. Transportation security has been a major policy focus since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of those attacks, Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71), creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandating that security screeners employed by the federal government inspect airline passengers, their baggage, and air cargo. Despite attention to aviation and transportation security over the past two decades, a number of challenges remain[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew; Frittelli, John; Peterman, David Randall
2021-02-09
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World Trade Organization [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements, and today includes 164 members. It succeeded the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created as part of the post-WWII [World War II] effort to build a stable, open international trading system. The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administering existing agreements; (2) serving as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization and rules; and (3) providing a mechanism to settle disputes. The multiple WTO agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade (TBT), intellectual property rights (IPR), and government procurement. The agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries--most-favored nation (MFN) treatment, national treatment, fair competition, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral trade agreements outside the WTO, are allowed. The GATT/WTO system over time has led to a significant reduction of trade barriers, supported trade expansion and economic growth, and helped manage trade frictions. At the same time, the WTO faces serious challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-02-09
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Size of Federal Reserve COVID-19 Programs [February 9, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to the financial and economic disruption caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Federal Reserve (Fed) acted as lender of last resort to broad swaths of the financial system. This Insight presents data on the size of the Fed's response, which peaked at $793 billion in April 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2021-02-09
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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Section-By-Section Summary [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA) provided civil protections and rights to individuals based on their service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Congress enacted the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in 2003 in response to the increased deployment of Reserve and National Guard military and as a modernization and restatement of the protections and rights previously available to servicemembers under the SSCRA. The SCRA has been amended since its initial passage, and Congress continues to consider amendments from time to time. Most recently, Congress has enacted amendments to extend certain benefits to the spouses of servicemembers, and to provide relief from rental agreements made superfluous due to the stop movement orders issued by the Secretary of Defense to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer K.
2021-02-09
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House Conferees: Restrictions on Their Authority [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Document: "To resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a measure, Congress can establish a conference committee, composed of a House and a Senate delegation (often referred to as conferees). Its task is to propose a final version of the measure, referred to as a conference report, for the approval of both houses. This report discusses House rules that restrict the substance of what that chamber's conferees may agree to include in a conference report and how those rules are often waived in modern practice."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Greene, Michael
2021-02-09
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's annual ship authorization and funding requests for the program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-02-09
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WTO: Ministerial Delay, COVID-19, and Ongoing Issues [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Overview: "Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the World Trade Organization (WTO) postponed its 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) planned for June 2020. The biennial meeting, which usually involves active U.S. participation, was widely anticipated as an action-forcing event for the WTO amid serious challenges facing the multilateral trading system. Some members had hoped key results for ongoing negotiations could help bolster the WTO's relevance. In addition, a dispute settlement crisis continues, with the Appellate Body ceasing to operate in December 2019, and no consensus on solutions. Broader reforms of the institution also remain under active discussion, including some U.S. proposals. While MC12 and other meetings were suspended, members are attempting to continue some WTO operations virtually. Members also face final selection of a new WTO Director-General (DG). The post has been vacant since fall 2020, after the Trump Administration objected to Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the candidate who had received the majority of WTO member support. In early February, the Biden Administration announced support for her candidacy, removing a major obstacle to her appointment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-02-09
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Russia: Opposition Crackdown and U.S. Policy [February 9, 2021]
From the Document: "A crackdown on anti-corruption activist Alexey Navalny and protesters supporting him has drawn increased attention to human rights abuses in Russia under President Vladimir Putin. U.S. officials and Members of Congress have condemned an August 2020 nerve agent attack on Navalny, his January 2021 imprisonment, and the suppression of pro-Navalny demonstrations. The Biden Administration and international partners are expected to respond further to Russian human rights abuses and the apparent use of a chemical weapon."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-02-09
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Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act: Eligibility and Funding [Updated February 9, 2021]
From the Document: "Since 1996, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) has authorized U.S. courts to order state sponsors of terrorism--namely, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria, and previously Libya, Iraq, and Sudan--to pay monetary damages to terrorism victims. Courts have since awarded an estimated $150 billion against these states. Although these states have largely not participated in this litigation at the merits phase, some of these states have appeared in court to attempt to prevent plaintiffs from collecting their assets."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer
2021-02-09
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U.S. Farm Income Outlook: December 2020 Forecast [February 9, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report discusses the results of the third of three official USDA national farm income outlook forecasts released for 2020 (see box 'ERS's Annual Farm Income Forecasts' in the 'Appendix') by USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS). This release of December 2, 2020, provided the most comprehensive view of annual net farm income for the year because harvests were close to completion for most crops, and a substantial share of the harvested crops already had been sold. However, USDA will continue to fine-tune farm income estimates for 2020 as more and better data become available through 2021. This report's 'Appendix' has a discussion of how the December forecast aligns with prior forecasts from earlier in 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-; Rosch, Stephanie
2021-02-09
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Federal Student Loan Debt Relief in the Context of COVID-19 [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA; P.L. 89-329, as amended) authorizes the operation of three federal student loan programs: the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, and the Federal Perkins Loan program. While new loans are currently authorized to be made only through the Direct Loan program, previously made FFEL and Perkins Loan program loans remain outstanding and borrowers of such loans remain responsible for repaying them. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $1.6 trillion in these loans, borrowed by or on behalf of 42.9 million individuals, remained outstanding. [...] This report provides an overview of student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief provisions that may be available to borrowers facing financial difficulties resulting from the pandemic. It first lists some preexisting loan terms and conditions (authorized through statute and regulations) that may be available to individuals. It then discusses specific administrative and congressional actions taken to address student loan debt in the context of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. The report concludes with a brief description of additional existing authorities that could be utilized to address other aspects of student loan relief."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hegji, Alexandra
2021-02-08
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General State and Local Fiscal Assistance and COVID-19: Background and Available Data [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The sudden decline in economic output following the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly altered the fiscal outlook for state and local governments. This report briefly summarizes the background, purpose, and allocation of general fiscal assistance provided to state and local governments during the COVID-19 crisis. Information on more targeted, policy-specific assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak can be found in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] products. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), signed into law on March 27, 2020, created the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), which provided $150 billion in direct assistance for state and local governments. Table 1 provides total CRF allocations for the 50 states, and Table 2 provides allocations for the territories. A total of $149.5 billion was allocated to eligible governments as of February 4, 2021. As of September 30, 2020, $78.4 billion in CRF payments had been awarded to projects by state, territorial, tribal, and local governments. CRF award data by state and government type are provided in Table 3."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2021-02-08
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Mask Mandate: Does the Federal Aviation Administration Have Authority to Require Masks on Flights? [February 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that although air circulation and filtration systems in passenger aircraft help reduce the spread of most viruses, sitting within six feet of others on flights may still increase the risk of contracting Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all major U.S. airlines voluntarily implemented policies requiring passengers and crew to wear face masks during flights. However, some commentators raised concerns that the lack of a federal mask mandate has hindered the airline industry's voluntary enforcement of these requirements. [...] This Legal Sidebar provides a brief overview of the FAA's [Federal Aviation Administration] statutory authority to regulate safety in civil aviation. It then examines whether that FAA authority covers health issues on commercial flights and whether that authority provides a basis for the FAA to mandate the use of masks. This Legal Sidebar focuses specifically on FAA authority over commercial aircraft safety, and does not address FAA authority to mandate masks on non-commercial aircraft or within airports, which may implicate different authorities and considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Adkins, Bryan L.
2021-02-08
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Federal Reserve's Response to COVID-19: Policy Issues [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to the economy. The Federal Reserve (Fed) took multiple policy actions in response to the crisis, and Congress took the unprecedented step of providing up to $500 billion to the Treasury to support Fed programs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136). The Fed acted to promote economic and financial stability in both its monetary policy and its lender of last resort roles. Some of these actions were intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates, and others were intended to provide liquidity so firms have access to needed funding. The Fed acted as a lender of last resort for banks by making short-term loans through the discount window, which it encouraged banks to access and made the borrowing terms more attractive when the pandemic began. Because foreign banks are reliant on U.S. dollar funding but cannot borrow from the discount window, the Fed has also allowed foreign central banks to swap their currencies for U.S. dollars so that the central banks can lend those dollars to banks in their jurisdictions.Swaps outstanding peaked at nearly $450 billion in May 2020 but have been below $100 billion since August 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2021-02-08
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Saudi Arabia [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields considerable global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Saudi leaders' domestic and foreign policy decisions have been fueling calls from some U.S. leaders for a reassessment of long-standing bilateral ties. The Al Saud have sought protection, advice, technology, and armaments from the United States, along with support in developing their country's natural and human resources and in facing national security threats. U.S. leaders have praised Saudi cooperation in security and counterterrorism matters and have sought to preserve the secure, apolitical flow of the kingdom's energy resources and capital to global markets. The Trump Administration and some in Congress differed over how to approach U.S.-Saudi ties in light of differences over human rights and the war in Yemen. These issues and Iran policy remain at the top of the bilateral agenda for President Joseph Biden and the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2021-02-08
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Women in National Governments Around the Globe: Fact Sheet [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Women and girls make up half of the world's population; however, in most countries, women are underrepresented in the political process at the national level. As this report shows, women currently hold 25.4% of legislative seats around the world, an increase from 12.7% of legislative seats in 1998. As of December 1, 2020, women held 50% or more of the legislative seats in three countries: Rwanda, Cuba, and the United Arab Emirates. At the executive level, at least 29 countries currently have an elected female head of state or government. Since 1960, about 110 women have been elected or appointed as head of the national government in approximately 70 countries. [...] This report provides a global snapshot of women's political participation worldwide by compiling statistics and other information from a variety of sources, including the annual 'Global Gender Gap Report' issued by the World Economic Forum, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the 'CIA World Factbook', news reports, and other sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chesser, Susan G.
2021-02-08
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Agency Rescissions of Legislative Rules [February 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Federal administrative agencies may carry out their statutory obligations in many ways, including by adjudicating claims or disputes involving private parties, or by issuing oral or written guidance explaining how they understand or interpret their statutory authority or obligations. In addition to these and other actions and activities, federal administrative agencies may, pursuant to congressionally delegated authority, carry out their responsibilities through the promulgation of 'legislative rules'--that is, rules that carry the force of law. [...] This report provides an overview of agency rescissions and alterations of rules. First, it briefly examines the APA's [Administrative Procedure Act] notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements and exceptions to such requirements. It then discusses selected topics central to agency rescissions and alterations. After considering the general requirements agencies must follow when rescinding or altering a rule, the report explains how courts have treated agencies' withdrawal of rules from OFR [Office of the Federal Register], suspension and postponement of rules, and stay of rules pending judicial review under the APA. Following a brief explanation of how new presidential administrations typically respond to the late-term rulemaking activities of prior administrations, the report then discusses the general review standards and principles courts apply when reviewing an agency rescission or change of a rule. Lastly, the report concludes with a summary of selected options available to Congress pertaining to the rescission or alteration of rules and how Congress can use its power of the purse to prohibit agencies from developing, finalizing, or implementing rules."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowers, Kate R.; Sheffner, Daniel J.
2021-02-08
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Appropriations Subcommittee Structure: History of Changes from 1920 to 2021 [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Article I, Section 9, of the U.S. Constitution provides, 'No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.' The Constitution does not, however, prescribe any specific structure or process for making appropriations. The committee structure established by Congress during the 20th century assigns a prominent role to the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate for both the development of appropriations legislation and oversight over budget execution. The Appropriations Committees, in turn, have created a system of subcommittees designed to facilitate their ability to carry out these tasks. House Rule X, clause 5(b)(2)(B), limits the House Appropriations Committee to no more than 13 subcommittees, but the organization of appropriations subcommittees is determined by the committee. This report details the evolution of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees' subcommittee structure from the 1920s to the present."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Saturno, James
2021-02-08
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S.Con.Res. 5: The Budget Resolution for FY2021 [February 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "On February 5, 2021, the House and Senate adopted S.Con.Res. 5, a budget resolution for FY2021. While a budget resolution generally represents an agreement between the House and Senate on a budgetary plan for the upcoming fiscal year, the House Budget Committee stated that this budget resolution was adopted solely to allow Congress the ability to employ the budget reconciliation process. For Congress to use the reconciliation process, it must first adopt a budget resolution that includes reconciliation directives. Title II of S.Con.Res. 5 includes reconciliation directives to 23 House and Senate committees, instructing each to develop and report legislation within their jurisdictions increasing the deficit by a specified amount by February 16, 2021. This report provides a summary of the provisions of S.Con.Res. 5, including the reconciliation directives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lynch, Megan Suzanne; Saturno, James
2021-02-08
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Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline: Continued Uncertainty [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of Nord Stream 2, an unfinished natural gas pipeline that would increase the amount of Russian natural gas exported directly to Germany and on to other European countries, bypassing Ukraine and other transit states. Successive U.S. Administrations and Congresses have opposed Nord Stream 2, reflecting concerns about European dependence on Russian energy and the threat Russia poses to Ukraine. In January 2021, the Trump Administration imposed congressionally authorized sanctions on the Russian vessel 'Fortuna' and its owner for supporting Nord Stream 2's construction. The Biden Administration has expressed opposition to the pipeline and has stated it intends to review existing sanctions in consultation with European partners. Nord Stream 2 construction was initially suspended in December 2019, after the passage of U.S. legislation establishing sanctions related to the pipeline. At the time, fewer than 100 miles of the approximately 760-mile long pipeline system (consisting of two parallel lines) remained to be laid. Construction of a small section resumed in December 2020. Although the United States has imposed sanctions on the 'Fortuna', reports indicate that the vessel is continuing its work on the pipeline. The German government continues to support Nord Stream 2. German and EU officials, including some opponents of the pipeline, have condemned U.S. sanctions as an infringement on national sovereignty that could have negative repercussions for broader transatlantic cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul; Ratner, Michael; Welt, Cory
2021-02-08
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS formed an element of the Trump Administration's confrontational overall approach toward China and its efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). China's actions in the SCS in recent years--including extensive island-building and base-construction activities at sites that it occupies in the Spratly Islands, as well as actions by its maritime forces to assert China's claims against competing claims by regional neighbors such as the Philippines and Vietnam--have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. [...] The issue for Congress is whether and how the Biden Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS [East China Sea] will differ from the Trump Administration's strategy, whether the Biden Administration's strategy is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-02-08
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Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program [Updated February 5, 2021]
From the Background: "Under the initial authorization for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program (Title I of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, P.L. 103-322, 'the 1994 Crime Act'), grants could be awarded for (1) hiring new police officers or rehiring police officers who have been laid off to engage in community policing, (2) hiring former members of the armed services to serve as career law enforcement officers engaged in community policing, and (3) supporting nonhiring initiatives, such as training law enforcement officers in crime prevention and community policing techniques or developing technologies that support crime prevention strategies. The COPS program was reauthorized by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162). The act reauthorized appropriations for the COPS program from FY2006 to FY2009. Under that authorization, the COPS program changed from a multi-grant program to a single-grant program under which DOJ [Department of Justice] can make grants to state, local, and tribal governments, and other public and private entities for a variety of enumerated purposes, including hiring or rehiring community policing officers; procuring law enforcement equipment, technology, or support systems; or establishing school-based partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school systems (see 34 U.S.C. §10381(b)). Congress has continued to appropriate funding for the COPS program even though authorized appropriations for the program expired in FY2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2021-02-05
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Overview of Funding Mechanisms in the Federal Budget Process, and Selected Examples [Updated February 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "Every year, Congress considers numerous pieces of legislation that would create or modify federal government programs and activities. The variety of approaches used across the federal budget to fund these programs and activities involve different timelines for budgetary decisionmaking, and different processes within Congress to make those decisions. How a particular funding mechanism is structured requires tradeoffs between the frequency of congressional review and the predictability of funding for the program. The purpose of this report is to explain these approaches, illustrating them with examples."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tollestrup, Jessica
2021-02-05
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New Presidential Directives on the Defense Production Act (DPA) and the COVID-19 Pandemic [February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 21, 2021, the Biden Administration issued several executive orders invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to address the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The DPA authorizes the President to mobilize domestic industry in service of the national defense, including emergency preparedness. DPA authorities include (1) provisions under Title I to prioritize contracts and allocate scarce goods, materials, and services; (2) financial incentives under Title III to expand productive capacity for critical materials and goods; and (3) coordination, information-gathering, and other supporting provisions under Title VII. This Insight examines the new Administration's recent DPA actions and related congressional policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.; Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-05
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Unrest at the Capitol: Potential Violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "After the unrest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, sources reported that current and former military servicemembers were among the participants in the unrest. These reports prompted several Members of Congress to ask the Department of Defense to investigate servicemembers' participation and take disciplinary action. The military is investigating whether any active-duty servicemembers participated in the unrest, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a memorandum condemning the 'violent riot' and actions 'that were inconsistent with the rule of law.' This Legal Sidebar examines potential violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), codified in Title 10 of the U.S. Code, those servicemembers may have committed. The Sidebar begins by discussing which current and former servicemembers are subject to the UCMJ. It then examines offenses under the UCMJ that current or former servicemembers may have committed on January 6, 2021, including potential sentences for each offense. It concludes with several considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2021-02-05
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Twenty-Fifth Amendment: Sections 3 and 4--Presidential Disability [February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Twenty-Fifth Amendment, proposed by Congress in 1965 and ratified by the states in 1967, provides for presidential succession, vice presidential vacancies, and presidential disability. Presidential inability or disability is specifically covered in Section 3, whereby the President may declare a disability, and Section 4, whereby a disability is declared by the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet or such other body as may be established by law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Neale, Thomas H.
2021-02-05
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Temporary Enhancements to Charitable Contributions Deductions in the CARES Act [Updated February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Individuals and corporations are allowed a deduction for charitable contributions on their tax returns. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) provided temporary increased benefits for 2020 for some of these deductions. These provisions were extended through 2021 by Division EE of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2021-02-05
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DOD Concerns About the FCC-Approved Ligado Network [Updated February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "On April 20, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved an application by Ligado Networks LLC (Ligado) to 'deploy a low-power [9.8 decibel watts (dBW)] terrestrial nationwide network in the 1526-1536 MHz, 1627.5-1637.5 MHz, and 1646.5-1656.5 MHz bands [of the electromagnetic spectrum] that will primarily support Internet of Things (IoT) services.' These frequency bands are traditionally used for satellite operations. The Department of Defense (DOD) opposed this decision--along with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Interior, Department of Justice, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and others. That opposition related to concerns that Ligado's proposed network could interfere with signals from satellites to Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Congress may consider federal agency concerns, including DOD concerns related to mission-critical systems and the FCC's response, as it conducts oversight of the FCC's ruling. Congress may also consider broader issues related to fifth generation (5G) mobile technologies, such as the allocation of spectrum among competing users and the impact of spectrum decisions on national security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; Hoehn, John R.
2021-02-05
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Veteran Involvement in the U.S. Capitol Breach: Possible Effects on VA Benefits [February 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "On January 6, 2021, a crowd gathered on the U.S. Capitol grounds, breached security, entered and occupied portions of the Capitol building, and damaged federal property. The breach resulted in injuries to nearly 140 District of Columbia Metropolitan and U.S. Capitol Police officers. In addition, the breach led to at least five deaths. According to some media reports' analysis of the Department of Justice's list of individuals charged, approximately 20% of those involved in the disturbances at the U.S. Capitol have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. This In Focus discusses how a veteran's involvement in the events of January 6 could affect, terminate, or ultimately bar a veteran from access to benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Department of Defense (DOD)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salazar, Heather M.; Gaffney, Jonathan M.; Kamarck, Kristy N.
2021-02-05
