Advanced search Help
Resource Type or Special Collection is CRS Reports
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).
-
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
-
Federal Support for Law Enforcement: Selected Department of Justice Programs [February 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Historically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has provided financial assistance to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to assist them with addressing crime, purchasing equipment, providing training, and supporting community policing efforts. The major offices within DOJ that administer grants are the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW). This report focuses on those grants administered by OJP and COPS that provide direct assistance to law enforcement agencies. These include grants that support police hiring, equipment procurement, officer safety and wellness, drug task forces, community policing, school violence response, and crisis intervention. This report does not include information on grants targeting other DOJ priorities, such as assistance for victims of crime, drug courts, improvements to the juvenile justice system, or research on justice-related issues. This report includes brief descriptions of each grant program, summary information on eligibility, purpose areas, matching requirements, links to agency information and the grant program solicitation, and related CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ester, Karma
2021-02-05
-
Controlled Substances Act (CSA): A Legal Overview for the 117th Congress [Updated February 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) establishes a unified legal framework to regulate certain drugs that are deemed to pose a risk of abuse and dependence. The CSA may apply to drugs that are medical or recreational, legally or illicitly distributed, but the statute does not apply to all drugs. Rather, it applies to specific substances and categories of substances that have been designated for control by Congress or through administrative proceedings. The CSA also applies to 'controlled substance analogues' that are intended to mimic the effects of controlled substances and to certain 'precursor chemicals' commonly used in the manufacturing of controlled substances."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2021-02-05
-
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
-
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
-
Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) [Updated February 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Ex-Im Bank [Export-Import Bank of the United States], the official U.S. export credit agency (ECA), provides financing and insurance to facilitate the export of U.S. goods and services to support U.S. jobs, pursuant to a renewable, general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; 12 U.S.C. §§635 'et seq.'). It aims to provide support for U.S. exports when the private sector is unwilling or unable to do so and/or to counter foreign ECA financing. The Bank is demand-driven, fee-based, and backed by the U.S. government's full faith and credit."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2021-02-04
-
Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated February 4, 2021]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. Section 370 of the FY2021 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (H.R. 6395/P.L. 116-283 of January 1, 2021) establishes a commission regarding the removal and renaming of certain assets of the Department of Defense (including ships) that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-02-04
-
U.S. Trade Policy Primer: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated February 4, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress plays a major role in U.S. trade policy through its legislative and oversight authority. Since the end of World War II, U.S. trade policy has focused on fostering an open, rules-based global trading system, liberalizing markets by reducing trade and investment barriers through negotiations and agreements, and enforcing trade commitments and related laws. International trade and investment issues can affect the overall health of the U.S. economy and specific sectors, the success of U.S. businesses, U.S. employment opportunities, and the overall standard of living of Americans. The benefits and costs of international trade and the future direction of trade policy are active areas of interest for many in Congress. This report addresses frequently asked questions regarding U.S. trade policy and is intended to assist Members and staff who may be new to trade issues. The report provides context for basic trade concepts and data on key U.S. trade and investment trends. It also addresses how U.S. trade policy is formulated and describes the trade and investment policy tools used to advance U.S. objectives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Casey, Christopher A. . . .
2021-02-04
-
U.S. Military Drawdown in Afghanistan: Frequently Asked Questions [February 4, 2021]
From the Summary: "In 2021, a year that will mark the twentieth anniversary of the entry of U.S. troops into Afghanistan, U.S. forces there are at the lowest level since 2001 due to the Trump Administration's reduction of U.S. forces to 2,500 and its conditional commitment to the Taliban to withdraw fully by April 2021. [...] U.S. commanders state that the reduction of U.S. troops to 2,500 will not result in any major changes to the two complementary U.S. missions in Afghanistan, namely counterterrorism and training, advising, and assisting Afghan forces. However, some have implied that the troop level might result in adjustments to U.S. operations and limits to U.S. options. [...] The February 2020 U.S.-Taliban agreement also commits the United States to withdrawing from Afghanistan all 'private security contractors,' which have played an important role in U.S. operations. The drawdown also has implications for U.S. physical assets in the country and the considerable U.S. diplomatic presence at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. [...] Experts have laid out a number of approaches that the Biden Administration, which is reportedly conducting a review of the U.S.-Taliban agreement and broader U.S. Afghanistan policy, might take in light of the U.S. troop drawdown. These include withdrawing all U.S. forces by April 2021 as scheduled, pausing or reversing the withdrawal pending certain Taliban actions, and indefinitely supporting Afghan forces. This report will be updated to reflect related developments or new considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Gill, Cory R.; Hacker, Tyler F. . . .
2021-02-04
-
EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program [February 4, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) requires certain facilities to report their emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In addition, the GHGRP requires suppliers of specific products, such as natural gas and petroleum, to report the GHG emissions that would ultimately result from the use of their products. Since 2011, the GHGRP has collected annual emissions data from nearly 8,000 large industrial facilities and other sources in the United States. According to EPA, 85%-90% of annual man-made U.S. GHG emissions have been reported under the program. [...] Congress may consider several policy issues related to GHGRP statutory authority and regulatory oversight. Congress may consider how the application and scope of GHGRP regulations align with EPA's stated goal of enhanced understanding of GHG emissions in the United States now and in the future. [...] Congress may consider whether EPA resources are adequate and being used efficiently to carry out the GHGRP under the CAA [Clean Air Act]. [...] Congress may also consider how GHGRP data might inform future legislative efforts. EPA has now collected 10 years of data on direct GHG emissions, fuel and GHG suppliers, and industry-specific emissions trends. Policymakers may consider how this information, as well as future GHGRP data, could be used in potential future legislation relating to GHG mitigation or climate change policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Angela C.
2021-02-04
-
Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) [February 4, 2021]
From the Background: "According to the Marine Corps: The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is the Corps' next-generation vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore [...]. Designed to replace the Corps' aging Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV - in service since 1972), the ACV will be the primary means of tactical mobility for the Marine infantry battalion at sea and ashore [...]. The ACV will possess ground mobility and speed similar to the M1A1 tank during sustained operations ashore and have the capability to provide organic, direct fire support to dismounted infantry in the attack. The ACV will support expeditionary mobility capability and capacity with balanced levels of performance, protection and payload. There are currently four ACV variants planned: (1) a Personnel Variant, which can carry three crew members with 13 Marines and two days of combat equipment and supplies; (2) a Command and Control Variant; (3) a Recovery Variant; and (4) a 30-mm Gun Variant. The Marines intend for the ACV to provide effective land and tactical water mobility (ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore), precise supporting fires, and high levels of force protection intended to protect against blasts, fragmentation, and kinetic energy threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-02-04
-
Status of U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control Talks [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The New START Treaty [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] would have expired on February 5, 2021, unless the United States and Russia agreed to extend it for up to five years. On January 21, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it would seek a five-year extension of New START, leading to an exchange of diplomatic notes and the formal extension of the treaty on February 3, 2021. The State Department noted that the extension was a first step that would provide 'the stability and predictability [needed] to enhance and expand discussions with Russia and China.' The United States and Russia held several meetings during 2020 to discuss New START extension and a framework for a future agreement, but did not reach an agreement. In April 2019, President Trump had called for expanded arms control efforts with Russia and China, both to capture all types of Russian weapons and to bring China into the process. In December 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin had indicated that he would extend New START for five years, without preconditions; Russian officials also noted that the countries could address other weapons systems in separate talks after extending New START."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-02-03
-
New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States and Russia signed the New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaty on April 8, 2010. After more than 20 hearings, the U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to ratification on December 22, 2010, by a vote of 71-26. Both houses of the Russian parliament--the Duma and Federation Council-- approved the treaty in late January 2011 and it entered into force on February 5, 2011. Both parties met the treaty's requirement to complete the reductions by February 5, 2018. On February 3, 2021, the two parties agreed to extend the treaty for five years, as permitted in the treaty text. [...] The Obama Administration and outside analysts argued that New START strengthens strategic stability and enhances U.S. national security. Critics, however, questioned whether the treaty would serve U.S. national security interests[.] [...] The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review confirmed that the United States would continue to implement the treaty, at least through 2021. The Trump Administration raised questions about the value of the treaty and suggested that the United States might allow it to lapse while negotiating a new treaty that would include Russia and China, and capture all types of Russian nuclear weapons. It eventually sought, but failed, to negotiate a short-term extension in the latter half of 2020. The incoming Biden Administration announced that it would seek a five-year extension of the treaty, and Russia accepted this proposal."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-02-03
-
GameStop-Related Market Volatility: Policy Issues [February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Video game chain GameStop triggered a market frenzy in early 2021 when its stock price rapidly increased from around $18 to well over $400 in intraday trading. The developments soon spread to some other stocks and markets. The episode raises several policy issues, including social media's influence over investment decisions, zero-commission trading, short selling, investor protection, market functionality, and financial stability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Su, Eva
2021-02-03
-
Biden Administration's Initial Presidential Directives in Context [February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The beginning of the Biden Administration has brought a steady stream of presidential directives that have drawn significant public attention for their speed and range of purposes. A review of the pace with which recent presidential Administrations issued executive orders shows the Biden Administration issued more executive orders than its predecessors during the first week of a first term. This Insight provides a brief overview of activity in the first week of President Joe Biden's term and what it might mean for the rest of his Administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
2021-02-03
-
International Trade and Finance: Overview and Key Issues for the 117th Congress [February 3, 2021]
From the Introduction: "International trade and finance shape the everyday material life of people in the United States. How goods, services, and money crisscross the globe can determine the success of U.S. industry and agriculture, the financial security of U.S. households, the goods and services available to U.S. consumers, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and the health of the global environment. International trade and finance are also tools for securing U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. Since World War II, the United States has used trade policy to promote overall global economic growth and strengthen links to its allies, sanctions to isolate its adversaries, and participation in international institutions to establish an open rules-based global economy intended to encourage peaceful, stable, and expanding economic engagement in the world. Congress is in a unique position to set U.S. trade policy given its constitutional authority for legislating and overseeing international commerce."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Casey, Christopher A.
2021-02-03
-
CFPB Finalizes Two New Debt Collection Regulations [February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently finalized two new regulations to implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA; 15 U.S.C. §§1692-1692f), which seeks to 'eliminate abusive debt collection practices by debt collectors.' On November 30, 2020, the CFPB issued a final rule on how debt collectors may communicate with consumers. On January 19, 2020, the CFPB published a second rule clarifying what information debt collectors must disclose to consumers. This Insight provides an overview of the debt collection market and its regulation and analyzes major parts of the CFPB's two new rules."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2021-02-03
-
Defense Primer: The National Technology and Industrial Base [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) consists of the people and organizations engaged in national security and dual-use research and development (R&D), production, maintenance, and related activities within the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The NTIB, as established by 10 U.S.C. §2500, is intended to support national security objectives of the United States, including supplying military operations; conducting advanced R&D and systems development to ensure technological superiority of the U.S. Armed Forces; securing reliable sources of critical materials; and developing industrial preparedness to support operations in wartime or during a national emergency. [...] Officials from the United States and other NTIB member countries have stated that, while coordination is moving in the right direction, the industrial bases are not meaningfully integrated. Furthermore, some contend that the NTIB currently falls short of the aspiration of a seamless integration of the 'transfer of knowledge, goods, and services' called for in the FY2017 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act]. Potential related considerations for Congress include the following options. [1] Establish a governing body of NTIB members; [...] [2] Amend laws affecting integration of the NTIB; [...] [and 3] Increase international cooperation[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
-
Defense Primer: Department of Defense Contractors [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Throughout its history, the Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on contractors to support a wide range of military operations. A 'defense contractor', as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations, is 'any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal non-Federal entity that enters into a contract directly with the DOD to furnish services, supplies, or construction' (see 32 C.F.R. 158.3, 'Definitions'). Within the defense policy community, the term 'contractor' is commonly used in two different contexts. The word can describe the private companies with which DOD contracts to provide goods and services. It can also describe individuals hired by DOD--usually through private companies, which are also considered contractors in the previous context--to perform specific tasks. The term 'contractor' does not refer to military servicemembers, civilian DOD career employees, or civilian political appointees. Operations over the past 30 years have highlighted the central role that contractors play in supporting U.S. troops, both in terms of the number of contractors and the type of work being performed. During recent U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors frequently accounted for 50% or more of the total DOD presence in-country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
-
Defense Primer: Acquiring Specialty Metals and Sensitive Materials [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Some metals (such as titanium and tungsten) and metal alloys, as well as strong permanent magnets known as rare earth magnets, are critical to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) operations. These materials are frequently integrated into components (e.g., integrated circuits, electrical wiring, or optoelectronic devices) or structures (e.g., aircraft fuselages or ship hulls) of the military platforms and weapon systems that enable warfighting capabilities. There are few, and, in some cases, no known alternatives for many of these materials, which often have unique physical properties, such as high material strength coupled with low density, or resistance to various forms of corrosion. Many of these materials are subject to 'sourcing restrictions or prohibitions' in DOD acquisitions. Congress established these restrictions or prohibitions to protect the domestic materials industry and ensure the United States maintains critical production capabilities and capacity within the defense industrial base. Statutory restrictions establish that some items that incorporate certain metals and metal alloys known as specialty metals generally must be produced or manufactured in the United States. Other statutory prohibitions establish that some items that incorporate certain sensitive materials may not be acquired from specified sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
-
COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources for Renters [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an order (2020-19654) in the 'Federal Register', temporarily halting residential evictions nationwide through December 31, 2020, for covered renters. The CDC published an FAQs [frequently asked questions] document related to this order. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) was enacted. Division N of the act extends the CDC eviction moratorium order through January 31, 2021 (§502) and provides $25 billion for emergency rental assistance to be administered by state and local governments (§501). On January 29, 2021, the CDC issued an order extending the eviction moratorium through March 31, 2021. This order also extends application to American Samoa, which was not covered by the previous order. These actions follow the expiration of a previous federal eviction moratorium. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided a temporary federal moratorium on eviction filings for nonpayment of rent against renters residing in federally assisted properties or properties with federally backed mortgages. This moratorium went into effect upon enactment of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, and lasted for 120 days (through July 24, 2020). Landlords were required to provide at least 30 days' notice before renters must vacate the property (not before August 23, 2020)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Minter, Alyse N.
2021-02-03
-
Environmental Provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Overview: "Linkages between trade and environmental protection have long been a concern to some U.S. policymakers and stakeholders. The central question is whether trade liberalization (i.e., the removal of barriers on the free exchange of goods and services between nations) advances shared economic and environmental goals. Some observers argue that economic expansion brought on by trade liberalization adversely affects the environment. Among other concerns, they contend that for developing countries, international competition may lead them to adopt less stringent environmental standards or to engage in more polluting activities. Thus, they claim that environmental provisions are necessary in trade agreements to help raise or maintain international standards and protect U.S. businesses and workers from perceived unfair competition. Other policymakers and stakeholders believe that trade liberalization and environmental protection can be mutually supportive. They argue that while economic growth may adversely affect the environment during the initial stages of industrialization, it can also provide resources to mitigate such effects as countries develop. They also argue that trade liberalization can support U.S. environmental goals through the elimination of tariffs on environmental goods, and the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2021-02-03
-
Fiscal Policy in the COVID-19 Economic Recovery [February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress is currently considering a new stimulus package to address the economic recovery. As of December 2020, the unemployment rate for private nonagricultural workers was 6.7%, down from 13.3% in May and 14.7% in April, but significantly above the 4.4% rate in March before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to affect the economy. COVID-19 infections and deaths, while slowing in the late spring of 2020, began to rise steeply in the fall and winter."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2021-02-03
-
U.S.-China Relations [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Overview: "The Joseph R. Biden Administration has signaled significant continuity with the Donald J. Trump Administration in its view of the challenge the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) poses to U.S. interests. In written responses to questions from Senators, thenSecretary of State-nominee Antony J. Blinken described China as 'engaged in conduct that blunts our technological edge, threatens our alliances and our influence in international organizations, and is designed to make America and its allies more dependent on China, and China less dependent on America and our allies.' Blinken has also stated that he believes China's treatment of its Uyghur ethnic minority constitutes genocide. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, at his own confirmation hearing, called China 'the most significant threat going forward.' China is 'already a regional hegemon,' he said, and seeks to become 'the preeminent power in the world in the not-too-distant future.' Biden did not immediately schedule a call with China's top leader, Xi Jinping, instead prioritizing calls to allies and partners and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Biden Administration is reviewing the Trump Administration's China actions. It has pledged to work closely with U.S. allies and partners; re-engage with the United Nations; ensure the U.S. military's competitive edge over China's; put democratic values at the center of foreign policy; and make investments at home in American workers, infrastructure, education, and innovation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.; Sutter, Karen M.
2021-02-03
-
U.S.-Japan Relations [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Overview: "Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1951, is a significant partner of the United States in several foreign policy areas, particularly security and trade. Shared security goals range from meeting the challenge of an increasingly powerful China to countering threats from North Korea. The U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty grants the United States the right to base U.S. troops--currently numbering around 50,000--and other military assets on Japanese territory in return for a U.S. pledge to protect Japan's security. The two countries collaborate through multiple bilateral and multilateral institutions on issues such as science and technology, global health, energy, and agriculture. Japan is the fourth largest U.S. trading partner and largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States, and its investors are the largest foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities. The U.S.-Japan relationship remains strong, and recent leadership transitions in both capitals could smooth relations and deepen cooperation across a greater set of issues. Whereas alliance relations under former President Trump and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe relied heavily on personal rapport between leaders, President Biden and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga may revert to a more traditional partnership that relies more on institutionalized ties. [...] In the short term, the countries will confront the expiration of their existing cost-sharing agreement for hosting the U.S. military in Japan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Williams, Brock R. . . .
2021-02-02
-
South Korea: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Overview: "South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, or ROK) is one of the United States' most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. The U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1953 at the end of the Korean War, commits the United States to help South Korea defend itself, particularly from North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK). The alliance also helps the United States promote its interests in East Asia and around the globe, including by deploying ROK troops to U.S.-led military conflicts in the Middle East. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in the ROK. [...] Policy cooperation between the United States and South Korea was inconsistent under the administrations of Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in. President Moon, a progressive, was elected in May 2017 after a decade of conservative rule. President Biden has called for reinvigorating the alliance, suggesting he would abandon President Trump's repeated use of punitive tariffs against allies like Seoul and his demand for a five-fold increase in South Korea's payments for the costs of hosting U.S. troops. Unlike Trump, Biden has not signaled an interest in demanding new concessions in the KORUS FTA [U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement] or withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea. Bilateral difficulties could surface, however, over North Korea policy. Moon's government favors easing sanctions against Pyongyang, a stance that could create tensions with Washington."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Williams, Brock R.
2021-02-02
-
Trump Administration's 'Zero Tolerance' Immigration Enforcement Policy [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Introduction: "In recent years, Central American migrant families have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in relatively large numbers, many seeking asylum. While some request asylum at U.S. ports of entry, others do so after attempting to enter the United States illegally between U.S. ports of entry. On May 7, 2018, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy toward illegal border crossing, both to discourage illegal migration into the United States and to reduce the burden of processing asylum claims that Trump Administration officials contended are often fraudulent. Under the zero tolerance policy, DOJ prosecuted 100% of adult aliens apprehended crossing the border illegally, making no exceptions for whether they were asylum seekers or accompanied by minor children. [...] This report briefly reviews the statutory authority for prosecuting persons who enter the United States illegally and the policies and procedures for processing apprehended illegal border entrants and any accompanying children. It explains enforcement policies under past administrations and then discusses the Trump Administration's zero tolerance policy on illegal border crossers and the attendant family separations. The report concludes by presenting varied policy perspectives on the zero tolerance policy and briefly reviews recent related congressional activity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2021-02-02
-
Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 2, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Coast Guard's program of record (POR), which dates to 2004, calls for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) as replacements for 90 aging Coast Guard high-endurance cutters, medium-endurance cutters, and patrol craft. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requested a total of $597 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs; Congress provided a total of $837 million for FY2021, with the additional $240 million being for the FRC program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-02-02
-
Introduction to U.S. Economy: Monetary Policy [February 2, 2021]
From the Document: "The Federal Reserve (Fed), the nation's central bank, is responsible for monetary policy. This In Focus explains how monetary policy works. Typically, when the Fed wants to stimulate the economy, it makes policy more expansionary by reducing interest rates. When it wants to make policy more contractionary or tighter, it raises rates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2021-02-02
-
Federal Economic Development and COVID-19 Recovery: Issues and Policy Options [February 2, 2021]
From the Document: "States and local governments traditionally lead U.S. economic development efforts, with the federal government selectively intervening to address significant need. However, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused pervasive social and economic dislocation and extreme subnational fiscal stress, straining existing federal economic development structures. This Insight examines current federal economic development policy and outlines various options for addressing a potentially lengthy pandemic recovery, or future such long-term challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.
2021-02-02
