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Capitol Unrest, Legislative Response, and the Bill of Attainder Clause [January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 6, 2021, a crowd gathered on the U.S. Capitol grounds, breached police barriers, entered and occupied portions of the Capitol building, and clashed with law enforcement. The incident resulted in at least five deaths, dozens of injuries, and damage to federal property. Members of Congress and the Vice President, who were counting electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election, were forced to evacuate in response to the unrest. Following the incident, some Members of Congress and other commentators have called for accountability for the individuals directly involved in the incident, as well as for others, potentially including elected officials, who may have incited or supported the unrest. Many of those calls for accountability raise complex legal issues. [...] Lawmakers and commentators have also explored imposing liability under other legal authorities, including by passing new legislation or seeking to bar certain individuals from holding office under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. This Legal Sidebar addresses one of the more novel issues that these proposals may raise. The Bill of Attainder Clause prohibits Congress from enacting legislation that inflicts punishment on an individual basis without a judicial trial. This Sidebar provides an overview of the Bill of Attainder Clause and presents certain related legal considerations for Congress as the legislature responds to the Capitol unrest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2021-01-22
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Chinese Nuclear and Missile Proliferation [January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. government has continued to express concerns about China's record concerning the proliferation of nuclear- and missile-related technologies to other countries, with more recent focus on the threat of Chinese acquisition of U.S.-origin nuclear technology. [...] Official U.S. government reports indicate that the Chinese government has apparently ended its direct involvement in the transfer of nuclear- and missile-related items, but Chinese-based companies and individuals continue to export goods relevant to those items, particularly to Iran and North Korea. U.S. officials have also raised concerns about entities operating in China that provide other forms of support for proliferation-sensitive activities, such as illicit finance and money laundering."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2021-01-22
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Defense Primer: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Contracts [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Background: "When procuring goods or services, the Department of Defense (DOD) generally seeks to obtain the best value for the government by encouraging full and open competition, as required by the 1984 Competition in Contracting Act (P.L. 98-369, also known as CICA). 'Full and open competition' occurs when all eligible prospective contractors are permitted to submit bids or proposals in response to a proposed contract action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-01-22
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Defense Primer: DOD Transfer and Reprogramming Authorities [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "In provisions of the 'U.S. Code' and typically on an annual basis through authorization and appropriations acts, Congress provides the Department of Defense (DOD) limited authority to obligate funds for purposes other than originally approved. These authorities allow the department to 'transfer' or 'reprogram' funds. A transfer involves shifting funds from one appropriations account to another, while a reprogramming involves shifting funds within the same account. DOD uses the term 'reprogramming action' to describe both types of transactions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.
2021-01-22
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China's 'One Belt, One Road' Initiative: Economic Issues [January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) in 2013 launched an ambitious and multifaceted foreign economic policy initiative--'One Belt, One Road'--to expand China's global economic reach and influence. In 2015, Beijing changed the English name to the 'Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)', possibly to deflect from its focus on developing China-centered and controlled global ties in a hub and spoke format. In October 2020, the Communist Party of China's Central Committee reaffirmed the effort's central role in national economic development and securing China's supply chains. A January 2021 White Paper, 'International Development Cooperation in the New Era', issued by China's cabinet, highlights the initiative's role as a platform for China's global commercial activity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2021-01-22
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Reinstatement of Removal: An Introduction [January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes removal processes for different categories of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States. Most removable aliens found in the interior of the country are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings have certain procedural guarantees including the right to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to pursue relief from removal, and to appeal an adverse decision. But the INA sets forth a streamlined 'reinstatement of removal' process for certain aliens who unlawfully reenter the United States after being removed--a process that accounts for a considerable number of the removals of aliens found in the interior of the United States. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the reinstatement of removal framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-01-22
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "For over 15 years, the United States has imposed sanctions in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. The earliest sanctions imposed related to Venezuela's lack of cooperation on antidrug and counterterrorism efforts. The Obama Administration imposed targeted sanctions against individuals for human rights abuses, corruption, and antidemocratic actions. The Trump Administration significantly expanded economic sanctions in response to the increasing authoritarianism of President Nicolás Maduro (in power since 2013). In January 2019, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, president of the democratically elected, opposition-led National Assembly, as interim president. The Trump Administration then imposed sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., or PdVSA), central bank, and government to pressure Maduro to leave power. As of January 22, 2021, the Treasury Department had imposed sanctions on roughly 166 Venezuelan or Venezuelan-connected individuals and the State Department had revoked the visas of more than 1,000 individuals and their families. Despite these and other measures, Maduro remains firmly in power, and his party now controls a de facto National Assembly seated on January 5, 2021. Some analysts have urged the incoming Biden Administration to maintain all sanctions to pressure Maduro into negotiations with the opposition. Others have suggested the removal of broad sanctions that have hurt the Venezuelan people without hastening Maduro's departure; they urge a renewed focus on targeted sanctions implemented in coordination with U.S. allies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-01-22
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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congressional advisory commissions are formal groups established to provide independent advice; to make recommendations for changes in public policy; to study or investigate a particular problem, issue, or event; or to commemorate an individual, group, or event. While no legal definition exists for what constitutes a 'congressional commission', in this report a congressional commission is defined as a multimember independent entity that (1) is established by Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory capacity, (4) is appointed in part or whole by Members of Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. These five characteristics differentiate a congressional commission from a presidential commission, an executive branch commission, or other bodies with 'commission' in their names. Over 150 congressional commissions have been established since 1989. [...] This report provides an overview and analysis of congressional advisory commissions, information on the general statutory structure of a congressional commission, and a catalog of congressional commissions created since the 101st Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2021-01-22
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European Union: Questions and Answers [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Summary: "The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 27 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. [...] This report serves as a primer on the EU. It also discusses U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest to the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2021-01-22
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Federal Civil Aviation Programs: In Brief [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs are funded under four broad budget accounts: operations and maintenance (such as air traffic control and aviation safety functions); facilities and equipment (such as control towers and navigation beacons); grants for airports under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); and civil aviation research conducted or sponsored by FAA. Additionally, certain aviation programs are administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Secretary, including the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes airline service to certain small or isolated communities. Civil aviation programs are funded primarily through a special trust fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), and, in part, through general fund contributions. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115- 254) authorizes AATF taxes and revenue collections and civil aviation program expenditures through FY2023. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided loans, loan guarantees, and payroll support programs, as well as emergency program funding, to help the aviation sector during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Additional funding to the aviation sector was provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). This report offers an overview of FAA programs and also discusses the supplemental relief and assistance provided by the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elias, Bartholomew; Tang, Rachel Y.
2021-01-22
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Defense Primer: U.S. Defense Industrial Base [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on a wide-ranging and complex industrial base for the products and services that enable the Department's warfighting capabilities. Definitions of what this industrial base encompasses vary in scope and emphasis. Some analysts and experts distinguish between a domestic 'defense industrial base' (DIB) and a global DIB. The domestic DIB includes public-sector (government-owned, government-operated) facilities, academic institutions, and private-sector (commercial) companies located in the United States. Congress has taken some interest and action to support and sustain the domestic DIB. [...] The DIB entities that work with the DOD as prime contractors and subcontractors are diverse, ranging in size from small- and medium-sized businesses to some of the world's largest corporations. Together, these entities provide a wide range of products and services to the DOD, encompassing everything from complex platforms unique to the military (e.g., aircraft carriers) and highly specialized services (such as launching military satellites), to all kinds of commercial products (e.g., laptop computers and semiconductors) and routine services (e.g., information technology (IT) support)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-01-22
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Law Enforcement's Response to the January 6th Events at the Capitol [January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 6, 2021, security at the Capitol was breached by people who reportedly sought to prevent Congress from certifying the votes of the Electoral College. Some individuals clashed with law enforcement officers and for several hours occupied parts of the Capitol. At the request of District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and the U.S. Capitol Police, law enforcement agents from the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with law enforcement officers from the U.S. Park Police, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and law enforcement agencies in Maryland and Virginia, assisted with expelling the occupiers and securing the Capitol. In addition to the damage done to the Capitol, pipe bombs were found near the Democratic and Republican National Committees' offices. A car with 11 explosive devices was found near the Capitol. Some reportedly brought firearms and ammunition onto the Capitol grounds. DOJ is jointly investigating criminal cases stemming from the events at the Capitol with MPD and the Capitol Police. [...] This In Focus describes the jurisdiction and investigatory responsibilities of the law enforcement agencies that responded to the Capitol unrest. It also provides an overview of the authority for federal, state, and local governments in the National Capital Region (defined as the District of Columbia; Montgomery, Prince George's, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, and Prince William Counties; and Alexandria) to enter into mutual aid agreements with each other."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2021-01-22
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Keystone XL Pipeline: The End of the Road? [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order revoking the Presidential Permit for the cross-border segment of the Keystone XL [export limited] Pipeline between Canada and Montana. The order asserts that the pipeline 'disserves the national interest' and that leaving the permit in place 'would not be consistent' with the Administration's 'economic and climate imperatives.' The border crossing had been authorized under a 2019 Presidential Permit issued directly by President Trump, superseding a prior Presidential Permit issued by the U.S. State Department in 2017 under delegated presidential authority. President Biden was able to revoke the permit as the 2019 permit stated that it 'may be terminated, revoked, or amended at any time at the sole discretion of the President.' In anticipation of the president's action, the pipeline's developer, TC Energy (previously named TransCanada) announced that the project would be 'suspended.' Although TC Energy said it would 'review the decision ... and consider its options,' it appears that the Keystone XL Pipeline project will not be completed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2021-01-22
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U.S.-European Relations in the 117th Congress [Updated January 22, 2021]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses the NATO alliance, relations with the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Despite periodic tensions over the past 70 years, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests. The former Trump Administration questioned the tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and key European countries prompted significant concerns in Europe. Trump Administration officials contended the United States remained committed to NATO and close U.S.-European ties, but policy divergences existed on a range of regional and global issues. Managing the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) further strained U.S.-European relations. Many European leaders hope to work with the new Biden Administration to renew and strengthen the transatlantic partnership. The 117th Congress may evaluate current U.S. interests in Europe and prospects for future U.S.-European relations and cooperation. [...] Many Members of Congress appear to favor a strong transatlantic partnership, despite some concerns about European positions on certain foreign policy or trade issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2021-01-22
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Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Background: "In October 2013, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bali, Indonesia, China proposed creating a new multilateral development bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). As its name suggests, the Bank's stated purpose is to provide financing for infrastructure needs throughout Asia. [...] As the first China-led multilateral development bank (MDB), the AIIB presents several policy issues including the Bank's governance and operational practices, the U.S. role and possible participation, and the relationship between the AIIB and the existing MDBs. Some observers have also raised concerns about the transparency and governance of China-funded development projects. They argue that the AIIB may undermine decades of effort by the United States to improve governance, environmental, and social standards; these standards have been achieved through conditions attached to World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other MDB loans. Other analysts note the AIIB's track record of facilitating projects and implementing robust safeguards and policies during its five years in existence and argue that the time may have come for the United States to consider joining the Bank."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2021-01-21
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Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the One-Stop Delivery System [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA; P.L. 113-128), which succeeded the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) as the primary federal workforce development law, was enacted in July 2014 to bring about increased coordination among federal workforce development and related programs. Most of WIOA's provisions went into effect July 1, 2015. WIOA authorizes appropriations for each of FY2015 through FY2020 to carry out the programs and activities authorized in the legislation. Authorization of appropriations for WIOA programs and activities expired in FY2020 but was extended through FY2021 by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). Workforce development programs provide a combination of education and training services to prepare individuals for work and to help them improve their prospects in the labor market. They may include activities such as job search assistance, career counseling, occupational skill training, classroom training, or on-the-job training. The federal government provides workforce development activities through WIOA's programs and other programs designed to increase the employment and earnings of workers. [...] This report provides details of WIOA Title I state formula program structure, services, allotment formulas, and performance accountability. In addition, it provides a program overview for national grant programs. It also offers a brief overview of the Employment Service (ES), which is authorized by separate legislation but is an integral part of the One-Stop system created by WIOA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bradley, David H.
2021-01-21
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Changes to House Rules Affecting the Congressional Budget Process Included in H.Res. 8 (117th Congress) [January 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "At the beginning of each Congress, the House of Representatives adopts rules to govern its proceedings. Traditionally, the House does this by readopting the rules of the previous Congress along with changes that will apply in the new Congress. On January 4, 2021, the House considered and adopted a resolution (H.Res. 8) providing for the rules of the House for the 117th Congress by a vote of 217-206. H.Res. 8 reinstitutes the standing rules of the 116th Congress with certain amendments and adopts other procedural and organizational matters that are not incorporated into the standing rules directly but are designated as Separate Orders. This report addresses several of these provisions that affect the congressional budget process and the consideration of budgetary legislation. It provides information on one change to the standing rules that might affect the consideration of reconciliation legislation in the House of Representatives. It also addresses two provisions of H.Res. 8 included under Separate Orders. [...] Finally, this report includes information on a provision of H.Res. 8 extending the life of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lynch, Megan Suzanne; Saturno, James
2021-01-21
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Burma: Key Issues in 2021 [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Document: "Burma (Myanmar) has been embroiled in a low-grade civil war between its military, known as the Tatmadaw, and over 20 ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) as far back as 1962, when the Tatmadaw overthrew a democratically elected civilian government. In 2011, the Tatmadaw handed power over to a hybrid civilian-military Union Government based on a 2008 constitution largely written by the Tatmadaw. The Obama and Trump Administrations attempted to foster Burma's return to democratic civilian rule by supporting the Union Government and its current leader Aung San Suu Kyi."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Smith, Kirt
2021-01-21
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Responses to Midnight Rulemaking: Legal Issues [January 21, 2021]
From the Document: "Hours after President Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021, the White House issued a memorandum directing agencies to take action with respect to regulations that the Trump Administration issued shortly before the transition. It is common for federal agencies to increase rulemaking activity during the final months of a presidential administration--a phenomenon commonly known as 'midnight rulemaking.' Since Election Day, November 3, 2020, agencies in the Trump Administration issued final rules governing immigration adjudication proceedings; the construction, operation, and maintenance of gas pipelines; rebates under Medicare Part D; and a host of other subjects. Federal agencies also published a number of proposed rules that have not yet been finalized. Since President Reagan took office in 1981, incoming presidential administrations have routinely taken measures to respond to a prior administration's midnight rulemaking activities. This Sidebar explains how the Biden Administration may confront the bevy of rules recently finalized or proposed by the Trump Administration--including rescinding rules that have already taken effect, and suspending the effective dates of rules that were finalized by the prior Administration but which had not yet become legally effective--and how courts generally have responded to challenges to an agency's rescission or postponement of a final rule. This Sidebar also addresses actions Congress could take to rescind or prevent the implementation or enforcement of midnight rules with which it disagrees."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheffner, Daniel J.; Bowers, Kate R.
2021-01-21
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Role of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Environmental Justice [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Document: "The role of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in environmental justice is rooted in Executive Order (E.O.) 12898, 'Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations', signed by President Bill Clinton on February 11, 1994. E.O. 12898 directs each executive department, EPA, and certain other agencies to 'make achieving environmental justice part of its mission.' The consideration of environmental justice across federal programs and activities is not mandated in statute. E.O. 12898 more generally directs executive departments and agencies to integrate environmental justice into their respective missions to 'the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law.' Some departments and agencies have incorporated the consideration of environmental justice into their respective regulations to carry out E.O. 12898. E.O. 12898 itself does not establish federal law but is a presidential directive for the management of executive departments and agencies that instructs the implementation of existing law. [...] E.O. 12898 directed the establishment of the Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (EJ IWG) to facilitate collaboration among federal departments and agencies. Chaired by EPA, the EJ IWG has established several standing committees and may create others as needed to carry out various aspects of E.O. 12898."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bearden, David M.; Jones, Angela C.
2021-01-21
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U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) is an independent U.S. government export promotion and foreign assistance agency. TDA aims to support U.S. jobs by linking U.S. firms to export opportunities for development projects in low- and middle-income countries by funding 'pre-export' assistance. TDA-related issues for Congress may include the economic justifications for its mandate, and its role in supporting U.S. exports, relationship to other U.S. agencies, and intersection with broader U.S. policy goals and priorities. [...] Supporters of TDA, including many in the business community, hold that TDA programs are key to U.S. export promotion efforts and help U.S. firms compete with foreign firms that have access to similar support through their national programs. TDA's role may be especially critical for smaller firms with limited resources to conduct their own project preparation analyses. Supporters also note that users share the costs of TDA-funded activity and that some TDA costs are reimbursed. Critics argue that TDA distorts market conditions by encouraging commercially unviable activities and, in turn, inefficient use of resources. Critics also contend that TDA activities may provide unnecessary use of taxpayer-funded assistance to businesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2021-01-21
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Federal Communications Commission in the Biden Administration: Issues and New Directions [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the new Biden Administration may take different positions on several key topics than the FCC under the Trump Administration, including Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Section 230), net neutrality, and 5G [fifth generation technology]. The recent confirmation of then-President Donald Trump's nominee to join the FCC, Nathan Simington, and Chairman Ajit Pai's resignation on Inauguration Day has left the agency with a 2-2 split between Democratic and Republican commissioners. The FCC typically has five members, with two commissioners and a chairperson from the President's party. Democrats have effectively taken control of the Senate majority and can be expected to confirm President Joe Biden's nominee for chairperson. On January 21, 2021, President Biden appointed current commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as acting chairperson and she is seen as a possible nominee for the position."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2021-01-21
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Expedited Removal of Aliens: An Introduction [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States may be subject to removal. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes different removal processes for different categories of aliens. Most removable aliens apprehended within the interior of the United States are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings are given certain procedural guarantees including the rights to counsel, to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to present evidence, and to appeal an adverse decision. The INA, however, sets forth a streamlined 'expedited removal' process for certain arriving aliens and aliens who recently entered the United States without inspection. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the expedited removal framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-01-21
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Faces and Voices of the United States Abroad: Diversity at U.S. Foreign Affairs Agencies [January 21, 2021]
From the Introduction: "For many decades, Congress and successive Administrations established laws and policies to achieve a federal workforce that reflects the diverse characteristics of the American public , including race, ethnicity, sex, age, and disability. While increased diversity is a stated goal across much of the federal workforce, it has unique implications for foreign policy agencies, whose personnel often represent the official face and voice of the United States abroad. [...] This report discusses the relevance of workforce diversity in the U.S. foreign policy context and provides information and analysis on racial, ethnic, sex, and other aspects of diversity and minority representation within the workforces of the primary U.S. agencies responsible for international diplomacy and foreign assistance: the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and the Peace Corps, among others. The report discusses diversity at these agencies in the context of whole-of-government efforts to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, agency-specific policies and programs related to diversity, and how personnel diversity may affect each agency's unique role in foreign policy. It ends with a discussion of related issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Brown, Nick M.; Collins-Chase, Edward J. . . .
2021-01-21
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Fiscal Policy: Economic Effects [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "Fiscal policy describes changes to government spending and revenue behavior in an effort to influence the economy. By adjusting its level of spending and tax revenue, the government can affect economic outcomes by either increasing or decreasing economic activity. For example, when the government runs a budget deficit, it is said to be engaging in fiscal stimulus--spurring economic activity--and when the government runs a budget surplus, it is said to be engaging in a fiscal contraction--slowing economic activity. The government can use fiscal stimulus to spur economic activity by increasing government spending, decreasing tax revenue, or a combination of the two."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-21
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Selected Trump Administration Foreign Aid Priorities: A Wrap-Up [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in and support for U.S. foreign aid has remained consistent throughout numerous Administrations. The Trump Administration pursued changes to foreign aid funding and policy priorities consistent with its 'America First' foreign policy orientation, a stated desire to reduce federal spending, and with goals identified in its December 2017 National Security Strategy, including ending the need for foreign assistance. Some initiatives built on the work of previous Administrations, while others conflicted with, and in some instances sought to dismantle, long-standing U.S. programs and policies. The Trump Administration pursued some policies that would have substantially reshaped the vast majority of foreign aid programs. These included proposals to reduce or rescind foreign aid funding; to consolidate appropriations accounts; and to reorganize, consolidate, or eliminate selected foreign aid agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgenstern, Emily M.; Brown, Nick M.; Blanchfield, Luisa . . .
2021-01-21
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Boeing-Airbus Subsidy Dispute: Recent Developments [Updated January 19, 2021]
From the Document: "On October 18, 2019, the United States imposed additional tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of U.S. imports from the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the EU). The action, authorized by World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement procedures, followed an investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. §§2411- 2420). The USTR determined that the EU had denied U.S. rights under WTO agreements. Specifically, the USTR concluded that the EU and certain current member states and the UK had not complied with a WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) ruling recommending the withdrawal of WTO-inconsistent subsidies on the manufacture of large civil aircraft. In 2011, the dispute settlement (DS) panel confirmed that these subsidies breached the EU's WTO obligations under the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-19
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 19, 2021]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. While descriptions of the traditional U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia. The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. A change in the U.S. role could have significant and even profound effects on U.S. security, freedom, and prosperity. It could significantly affect U.S. policy in areas such as relations with allies and other countries, defense plans and programs, trade and international finance, foreign assistance, and human rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-01-19
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Noncitizen Eligibility for the Second Round of Direct Payments to Individuals [January 19, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) was signed into law on December 27, 2020. It includes a second round of pandemic-related direct payments to individuals--referred to in the law as '2020 recovery rebates' and as Economic Impact Payments by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This second set of direct payments is similar to the first under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), as it was originally enacted, with two notable exceptions: the payment amount and the taxpayer identification requirement for certain mixed immigration status families, which are the focus of this Insight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kolker, Abigail F.
2021-01-19
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U.S.-EU Trade and Investment Ties: Magnitude and Scope [Updated January 19, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States and the current 27-member European Union (EU) have extensive trade and investment ties that have evolved and deepened with the growth of global supply chains, trade in services, and cross-border investment. They are a dominant economic force globally; in 2019, they jointly accounted for [1] 26% of world merchandise exports and 30% of merchandise imports; [2] 39% of world commercial services exports and 33% of commercial services imports; and [3] more than half of global outbound and inbound foreign direct investment (FDI). (Trade data from World Trade Organization, extra-EU trade; FDI data from U.N. Conference on Trade and Development.) Members of Congress have an interest in examining U.S.-EU trade and investment ties, given their magnitude, scope, and implications for U.S. trade policy. [...] In the 117th Congress, issues that may arise include [1] the impact of U.S.-EU trade and investment ties on the U.S. economy and U.S. prosperity overall, and for constituent interests, more specifically; [2] the evolution of these ties post-Brexit; and [3] the implications of a potential U.S.-EU trade liberalization agreement, or further escalation of tariff frictions, for U.S. commercial and economic interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2021-01-19
