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Policing Reform Legislation: Conditions on Funding and New Grant Authorizations [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, combined with several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of the police, have generated congressional interest in legislation to reform state and local policing practices, and to require law enforcement agencies to collect more data on law enforcement actions and activities and share these data with the public. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. [House Report] 7120, 116th Congress) was introduced and passed by the House in June 2020, but it was not taken up by the Senate. The legislation has been reintroduced in the current Congress as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA, H.R. 1280). The House passed JIPA on March 3, 2021. The legislation is an omnibus measure that would address a variety of policing reform topics and approaches. These include attempting to reform state and local policing practices through two means: placing conditions on existing Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs, such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) or Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs; and authorizing new grant programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2021-03-11
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Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) and Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Programs [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides cash benefits to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers; firefighters; employees of emergency management agencies; and members of emergency medical services agencies who are killed or permanently and totally disabled as the result of personal injuries sustained in the line of duty. The Public Safety Officers' Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The PSOB and PSOEA programs are administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Claimants dissatisfied with denials of benefits may pursue administrative appeals within DOJ and may seek judicial review before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-03-11
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U.S. Aluminum Manufacturing: National Security and Tariffs [March 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Aluminum--a lightweight, ductile, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal--is increasingly used in many industrial and technological applications, including in products used for national defense and lower emission vehicles. In Congress, views on the aluminum industry generally diverge between those who support policies to increase domestic production for national security and economic reasons and others who argue that such policies may raise aluminum prices and harm aluminum-consuming sectors (e.g., transportation equipment, containers and packaging, and construction)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2021-03-11
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Programs to Collect Data on Law Enforcement Activities: Overview and Issues [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Summary: "The death of George Floyd in May 2020, in Minneapolis, MN, while he was in the custody of law enforcement, and several other recent high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of police, have generated interest in legislation to reform policing practices. Law enforcement reform legislation--the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act of 2021 (JIPA; H.R. 1280)--has been introduced in the 117th Congress. The House passed JIPA on March 3, 2021. Similar legislation passed the House in the 116th Congress; it was not taken up by the Senate. JIPA would establish programs for law enforcement agencies to collect data on a variety of activities, such as the use of force, racial profiling, and in-custody deaths."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan; Finklea, Kristin
2021-03-11
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Veterans Health Administration: Gender-Specific Health Care Services for Women Veterans [Updated March 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "VHA [Veterans Health Administration] had predominately provided general health care and gender-specific services (e.g., prostate exams)that were geared to men, because the demographics of the veteran population had been predominately male. [...] Today, VHA offers a full suite of gender-specific health care services for women veterans. Gender-specific care is specialized care that is sensitive to the unique needs of women. It includes not only reproductive system specific care but also general care that is sensitive to gender differences. Of the total population of about 2.03 million women veterans, 755,807 were enrolled in the VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] health care system in FY2019. [...] Demand for gender-specific care may grow, as the proportion of women veterans to the total veteran population is projected to increase by 0.6% annually through 2045."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.
2021-03-11
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Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of populist President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013), began a second term in January 2019that is widely considered illegitimate. Despite U.S. and international pressure on him to leave office and a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis, Maduro remains firmly in power. His party now controls a de facto National Assembly seated on January 5, 2021. Since January 2019, the United States has recognized Juan Guaidó, president of the democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly elected in December 2015, as interim president. Guaidó, once recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 55 countries, has been losing international and Venezuelan domestic support. Although the Biden Administration and many in Congress support Guaidó, some are calling for a new strategy for Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-03-10
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Antarctica: Overview of Geopolitical and Environmental Issues [March 10, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Geopolitical and environmental developments are increasing international focus on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The interdisciplinary nature of various stakeholders concerned with Antarctica--including scientists, diplomats, defense personnel, members of the media, academics, and others in both domestic and international contexts--makes for a complex dynamic. Some of these stakeholders contend that current developments could have environmental, political, economic, and security implications for the United States and the rest of the world. [...] Geopolitical, climate, and natural resource concerns in Antarctica might stimulate Congress to explore a number of questions related to the region, including what role Antarctica may play in the changing global order and its potential to contribute to sea-level rise."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Procita, Kezee; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2021-03-10
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "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 reduced global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery of 2.5% to 5.2% projected for 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-; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2021-03-10
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Firearms Eligibility: Stalking- and Domestic Violence-Related Provisions in H.R. 1620 [March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "The 117th Congress is considering the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (H.R. 1620). This bill includes several provisions that seek to reduce firearms-related intimate partner violence (homicides and injury) by amending federal law to prohibit persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking crimes from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition, as well as revising related provisions governing domestic violence protection orders and amending a definition of 'intimate partner' under current law. This bill also includes other provisions related to leveraging state, local, tribal, and territorial resources to increase federal investigation and prosecution of firearms-related eligibility offenses related to domestic violence and stalking. The House passed a bill with identical provisions in the 116th Congress (H.R. 1585)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2021-03-10
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COVID-19: Selected Financial and Social Service Resources for Older Americans [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "This Insight provides links to selected financial and social service resources for older Americans who may have suffered economic distress due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Breslauer, Tamar B.; Napili, Angela; Overbay, Abigail R.
2021-03-10
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Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 280E to Marijuana Businesses: Selected Legal Issues [March 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "The marijuana industry has grown as an increasing number of states have relaxed state law prohibitions on the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that the production, distribution, and possession of marijuana remains illegal, except in the narrow context of federally approved research studies. Regardless of marijuana's status under federal or state law, marijuana businesses are subject to the federal income tax. The Schedule I status of marijuana means that marijuana businesses are treated differently from many other businesses for tax purposes. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 280E (Section 280E) denies deductions and credits for amounts paid or incurred in carrying on the trade or business of trafficking controlled substances (within the meaning of Schedules I and II of the CSA) in violation of federal or state law. Consistent with marijuana's classification as a Schedule I controlled substance, Section 280E disallows taxpayers from taking tax deductions and claiming tax credits attributable to marijuana businesses. [...] Recent legislative proposals aim to relax federal restrictions on marijuana or to mitigate the disparity between federal and state marijuana regulation. Many of these proposals would alter the tax treatment of marijuana businesses by re-scheduling or descheduling marijuana under the CSA or by making marijuana-specific exceptions. Under these proposals, Section 280E would no longer prohibit marijuana businesses from taking deductions and credits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ball, Milan N.
2021-03-10
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Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "Ten years after a 2011 uprising toppled longtime authoritarian leader Muammar al Qadhafi, Libya has yet to make a transition to stable governing arrangements. Militias, local leaders, and coalitions of national figures backed by competing foreign patrons have remained the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. [...] The U.N. Security Council has authorized financial and travel sanctions on those responsible for threatening 'the peace, stability or security of Libya,' obstructing or undermining 'the successful completion of its political transition,' or supporting others who do so. In parallel to these U.N. measures, U.S. executive orders provide for U.S. sanctions on those threatening peace in Libya. Congress has conditionally appropriated funding for transition support, stabilization, security assistance, and humanitarian programs for Libya since 2011. In the 117th Congress, companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate (H.R. 1228 and S. 379), would authorize future U.S. assistance, provide a legislative basis for U.S. sanctions, and establish new reporting requirements. Congress allocated not less than $30 million in FY2021 aid for 'stabilization assistance for Libya, including support for a United Nations-facilitated political process and border security' under P.L. [Public Law] 116-260."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2021-03-10
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Potential State Impacts of a Pause on Federal Onshore Oil and Natural Gas Leases [March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order (E.O.) 14008, 'Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad'. Among other actions, this E.O. instructs the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) to 'pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of Federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices.' This E.O. was preceded by Secretarial Order (S.O.) 3395, issued by the Department of the Interior on January 20, 2021. The S.O. suspends certain delegated authorities to bureaus and offices for 60 days, including the authority to issue an authorization, including 'a lease, amendment to a lease, affirmative extension of a lease, contract, or other agreement, or permit to drill'; the authority to authorize such actions is retained in a number of indicated positions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tracy, Brandon S., 1973-
2021-03-10
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Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA): Workers' Compensation for Federal Employees [Updated March 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) is the workers' compensation program for federal employees. Like all workers' compensation programs, FECA pays disability, survivors, and medical benefits, without regard to who was at fault, to employees who are injured or become ill in the course of their federal employment and to the survivors of employees killed on the job. The FECA program is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the costs of benefits are paid by each employee's host agency. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees currently comprise the largest group of FECA beneficiaries and are responsible for the largest share of FECA benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2021-03-10
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Pandemics, Payments, and (Digital) Property [March 10, 2021]
From the Document: "Many people have heard the phrase 'cash is king,' but is that still true [hyperlink]? Even in today's digital world, cash is still an important tool for retail transactions among many consumers, and some still rely on it. But today, electronic payments are the primary mechanism for consumers to use money. Electronic payments are an old concept. For 60 years, Americans have been using cards that, when swiped, send a signal electronically to financial institutions to make a transfer of funds from the purchaser to the seller. Congress first passed the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (P.L. [Public Law] 95-630) in 1978 to regulate debit card transactions. Today, debit cards are the most common tool for consumer retail payments. But new forms of electronic payment have emerged for consumers ranging from prepaid cards to digital wallets to cryptocurrencies [hyperlink] and other forms of digital assets [hyperlink]. One of the byproducts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic is an economic environment that encourages electronic payments. Perhaps not coincidentally, the universe of electronic payment options has increased substantially, with a few new types of tools gaining prominence in the past year. This Insight looks at how the pandemic has impacted consumer payments and how some of these trends are altering the way consumers pay for goods and services. Additionally, it considers how a prolonged pandemic economy may contribute to a new level of comfort among consumers seeking to use innovative payment options and how this may impact the future payments landscape."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.
2021-03-10
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Venezuela: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [Updated March 9, 2021]
From the Document: "The crisis in Venezuela is a primary challenge facing U.S. policymakers in the Western Hemisphere. Two years after the United States ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela, Maduro has taken de facto control of the National Assembly, the last independent branch of government. Maduro has consolidated power [hyperlink] despite a dire economic and humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), U.S. and international pressure for him to cede power, and an opposition led by Juan Guaidó, the National Assembly president elected in 2015 once regarded as interim president by nearly 60 countries. Although the Biden Administration [hyperlink] still recognizes Guaidó as interim president, many U.S. allies, including the European Union (EU) [hyperlink], do not. [...] Congress may examine policy approaches by the Biden Administration and further legislative options, such as additional sanctions against the Maduro government and its foreign enablers or humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-03-09
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Biden Administration's Immigration Enforcement Priorities: Background and Legal Considerations [March 9, 2021]
From the Document: "Almost immediately after taking office, President Biden issued a series of directives [hyperlink] on immigration matters. Some of these directives focused on altering the immigration enforcement priorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency primarily charged with the enforcement of federal immigration laws [hyperlink]. Federal statute confers immigration authorities with 'broad discretion' [hyperlink] to determine when it is appropriate to pursue the removal of a non-U.S. citizen or national (alien) who lacks a legal basis to remain in the country. [...] The Trump Administration made enforcement a touchstone of its immigration policy, and generally sought to enforce [hyperlink] federal immigration laws against a broader range of aliens who had committed immigration violations than the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration also sought to rescind [hyperlink] the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [hyperlink] (DACA) program, which allows certain unlawfully present aliens who came to the United States as children to remain and work in this country for a certain period of time. President Biden has rescinded [hyperlink] some of the Trump Administration's immigration measures, and also has directed DHS to reexamine its immigration enforcement policies and priorities. DHS has sought, during the pendency of that review, to temporarily restrict [hyperlink] immigration enforcement actions to cover only certain aliens, and to suspend [hyperlink] the execution of most removal orders for a period of 100 days. [...] This Sidebar addresses the Biden Administration's immigration enforcement priorities and legal considerations that they raise."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-03-09
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Army's New Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Model [Updated March 9, 2021]
From the Document: "The Army defines readiness as the capability of its forces to conduct the full range of military operations, including the defeat of all enemies regardless of the threats they pose. Readiness, then, is a function of how well units are manned, equipped, trained, and led. Congress, in its lawmaking, oversight, and authorization and appropriations roles, plays a vital role in ensuring the Army is capable of conducting its full range of military operations. [...] While the Army has publicly stated its expectations for and perceived benefits of its Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Model, little has been discussed about how the model actually functions. Furthermore, a change of this magnitude for the Total Army [RA (Regular Army), ARNG (Army National Guard), and USAR (United States Army Reserve)] raises a number of potential issues for congressional oversight[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-03-09
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Digital Divide: What is it, Where is it, and Federal Assistance Programs [Updated March 9, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The internet became publicly available in the 1990s and has become essential for accessing and carrying an increasing volume of digital information critical to everyday life (e.g., job applications and government forms). Broadband is high-speed internet access that is faster than traditional dial-up access, always on, and relies on high-speed transmission technologies[.] [...] While the number of new broadband subscribers continues to grow, studies and data indicate that the rate of broadband deployment in urban/suburban and high-income areas is outpacing deployment in rural and low-income areas. The term 'digital divide' is used to describe the gap between those who have adequate broadband internet access and those who do not. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. [Public Law] 104-104) acknowledged the digital divide, with Section 706(a) directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications services to all Americans. Additionally, Section 254 of the act provided for universal service support to further improve access to these services. This report discusses the concept of the digital divide, the status of broadband availability in the United States, and the federal programs that provide funding to support broadband infrastructure deployment and adoption--the Universal Service Fund (USF) programs under the FCC, the broadband and telecommunications programs at the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within the Department of Commerce (DOC)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rachfal, Colby Leigh
2021-03-09
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Colombia: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [March 9, 2021]
From the Document: "Colombia's close alliance with the United States has been forged over 20 years from an enduring security and counter narcotics partnership [hyperlink] initiated under Plan Colombia and Peace Colombia. These strategies helped end a five-decade internal armed conflict that killed some 260,000 Colombians and displaced millions. Targeted violence still grips the country, complicated by a steep economic contraction of 6.8% [hyperlink] due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many Members of Congress continue to focus on priority aspects of the U.S.-Colombia relationship: close collaboration on security and countering illicit drugs that are destined mainly for the U.S. market [hyperlink]; trade, energy, and other forms of cooperation; and Colombia's human rights record and social investment policies to foster post-conflict stability. Illicit cultivation of coca peaked in 2019 but remains at historically high levels, and Colombian cocaine is one driver of an overdose crisis [hyperlink] in the United States. Colombia presents a paradox for some observers. On the one hand, Colombia's reckoning with its long, drug-fueled conflict continues to divide the country. On the other hand, Colombia's innovation in addressing its security challenges, such as receiving nearly 2 million Venezuelans fleeing their crises-ridden country, points to Colombia's continued capacity for regional leadership."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2021-03-09
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities--Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 9, 2021]
From the Summary: "In an era of renewed great power competition, China's military modernization effort, including its naval modernization effort, has become the top focus of U.S. defense planning and budgeting. China's navy, which China has been steadily modernizing for more than 25 years, since the early to mid-1990s, has become a formidable military force within China's near-seas region, and it is conducting a growing number of operations in more-distant waters, including the broader waters of the Western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and waters around Europe. [...] The U.S. Navy in recent years has taken a number of actions to counter China's naval modernization effort. Among other things, the U.S. Navy has shifted a greater percentage of its fleet to the Pacific; assigned its most-capable new ships and aircraft and its best personnel to the Pacific; maintained or increased general presence operations, training and developmental exercises, and engagement and cooperation with allied and other navies in the Indo-Pacific; increased the planned future size of the Navy; initiated, increased, or accelerated numerous programs for developing new military technologies and acquiring new ships, aircraft, unmanned vehicles, and weapons; begun development of new operational concepts [...] for countering Chinese maritime A2/AD forces; and signaled that the Navy in coming years will shift to a more-distributed fleet architecture[.] [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. Navy is responding appropriately to China's naval modernization effort."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-03-09
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COVID-19: Selected Medicare Resources for Beneficiaries and Health Care Providers [March 9, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected Medicare beneficiaries, who are generally considered high risk, and health care providers, who serve Medicare populations. This Insight provides COVID-19-related resources relevant to both of these groups."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Malloy, Michele L.
2021-03-09
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Wind Energy: Offshore Permitting [Updated March 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Wind energy is a fast-growing source of new electric power generation, and U.S. wind energy production capacity has been increasing consistently over the past several years. [...] The focus of this report is the current law applicable to siting offshore wind facilities, including the relationship between state and federal jurisdictional authorities. This report also discusses court challenges to early federal offshore wind energy permitting decisions; regulatory activity following the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that clarified jurisdiction over permitting of offshore wind facilities; and recent developments with respect to the existing statutory and regulatory framework for offshore wind energy production."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vann, Adam
2021-03-08
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FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act: Context and Selected Issues for Congress [March 8, 2021]
From the Summary: "Public Law (P.L.) 116-283, the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacted by Congress over the veto of President Donald J. Trump, is the 61st consecutive annual NDAA. It mirrors the broad thrusts of the Trump Administration's defense budget request for that fiscal year. The total discretionary budget authority authorized by the bill comes within 1% of the $731.7 billion requested for programs that fall within the scope of the annual NDAA. Of the funds for which authorization was requested, $662.7 billion--nominally 'base budget' funds--would cover the routine, recurring costs to man, train, equip, and operate U.S. forces and to fund other defense-related activities. The request would authorize an additional $69.0 billion designated as funding for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) to cover the cost of U.S. military operations arising from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and certain other activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Towell, Pat
2021-03-08
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated March 8, 2021]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are three tables organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was gathered from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2021-03-08
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Biometric Technologies and Global Security [March 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Biometric technologies use unique biological or behavioral attributes--such as DNA, fingerprints, cardiac signatures, voice or gait patterns, and facial or ocular measurements-- to authenticate an individual's identity. Although biometric technologies have been in use for decades, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics have expanded their application. As these technologies continue to mature and proliferate, largely driven by advances in the commercial sector, they will likely hold growing implications for congressional oversight, civil liberties, U.S. defense authorizations and appropriations, military and intelligence concepts of operations, and the future of war. [...] Congress has considered the implications of biometric-- specifically facial recognition--technologies in a number of recent legislative provisions. For example, Section 5104 of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. [Public Law] 116-283) tasks the National AI Advisory Committee with advising the President on 'whether the use of facial recognition by government authorities ... is taking into account ethical considerations and ... whether such use should be subject to additional oversight, controls, and limitations.' In addition, Section 5708 of the FY2020 NDAA (P.L. 116-92) expresses the sense of Congress that the discriminatory use of facial recognition technologies 'is contrary to the values of the United States' and tasks the Director of National Intelligence with submitting to the congressional intelligence committees a report on the intelligence community's use of facial recognition technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2021-03-08
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Brief Overview of FEMA's Public Assistance Program [Updated March 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) program provides financial assistance to states, tribes, and territories when authorized as part of a presidential declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, P.L. [Public Law] 93-288, as amended). PA's broad scope includes assistance for urgent response undertaken immediately before or after a hazard strikes, as well as long-term recovery assistance completed years later. PA was authorized in every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia over the past decade. After PA is authorized, a state, tribe, or territory becomes the PA primary grant Recipient. State, tribal, territorial, and local governments (SLTTs), as well as eligible nonprofit entities, may then apply for funding as 'Applicants.' Applicants must submit a request for grant funds to the PA primary grant Recipient, which evaluates eligibility for PA with FEMA. The Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to reimburse not less than 75% of the eligible costs of specific types of disaster response and recovery work undertaken by eligible Applicants. FEMA may recommend that the President increase the federal cost share, where warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.
2021-03-08
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Pandemic-Related Provisions Expiring in the 117th Congress [March 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since March 2020, a number of laws have been enacted to provide relief to people and businesses affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These include the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. [Public Law] 116-127) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), which were enacted in March 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), which was enacted in December 2020. The laws enacted in response to the pandemic include a wide array of provisions, some of which are amendments to existing programs, benefits, and authorities, and others that are newly established. Many of these provisions were enacted on a temporary basis, where Congress specified an expiration date or limited period during which they would remain in effect. [...] This report identifies provisions enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that are set to expire during the 117th Congress (i.e., before January 3, 2023). These provisions are presented in a series of tables organized by subject matter. The expiring provisions that are within the scope of this report are primarily those that define the authority of government agencies or other entities to act, usually by authorizing a policy, project, or activity. [...] The provisions included in the tables are generally limited to those that were initially enacted or amended in response to the pandemic, are currently in effect, and have expirations specified in statute that are set to occur during the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.; Smole, David P.
2021-03-08
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Federal Offshore Oil and Gas Revenues During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated March 8, 2021]
From the Document: "The economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic included a reduction in demand for oil and natural gas, resulting in lower prices and decreased production. These changes have affected federal revenues derived from oil and gas leasing on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). Such revenues consist of royalties on oil and gas sold from federal leases, bids at federal lease auctions(known as 'bonus bids'), rents paid prior to production, and other fees. Revenue amounts can fluctuate widely from year to year owing to a mix of factors affecting leasing, prices, and production, with the pandemic being a significant factor during FY2020 and FY2021. Changes in federal offshore oil and gas revenues can affect amounts shared with coastal states under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA; 43 U.S.C. §§1331-1356b) and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA; 43 U.S.C. §1331 note), as well as funding for several federal programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2021-03-08
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Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring a new class of medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $30.0 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed funding requests and emerging acquisition strategy for the NGLS 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
2021-03-08
