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United Nations System Funding: Congressional Issues [Updated July 31, 2007]
From the Summary: "The congressional debate over United Nations funding focuses on several questions, including: What is the appropriate level of U.S. funding for U.N. system operations and programs? and What U.S. funding actions are most likely to produce a positive continuation of U.N. system reform efforts? The U.N. system includes the United Nations, a number of specialized or affiliated agencies, voluntary and special funds and programs, and U.N. peacekeeping operations. Participating states finance the system with assessed contributions to the budgets of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. In addition, voluntary contributions are made both to those agencies and to the special programs and funds they set up and manage. For more than 60 years, the United States has been the single largest financial contributor to the U.N. system, supplying in recent years 22% of most U.N. agency budgets. (See 'Appendix B' for an organizational chart that illustrates the components of the U.N. system.) Both Congress and the executive branch have sought to promote their policy goals and reform of the United Nations and its system of organizations and programs, especially to improve management and budgeting practices. In the 1990s, Congress linked payment of U.S. financial contributions and its arrears to reform. This report, which will be updated, tracks the process by which Congress provides the funding for U.S. assessed contributions to the regular budgets of the United Nations, its agencies, and U.N. peacekeeping operation accounts, as well for U.S. voluntary contributions to U.N. system programs and funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann
2007-07-31
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United Nations Reform: U.S. Policy and International Perspectives [Updated July 24, 2007]
From the Summary: "Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has been in a constant state of transition as various international stakeholders seek ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.N. system. Recent controversies, such as corruption of the Iraq Oil-For-Food Program, allegations of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers, and instances of waste, fraud and abuse by U.N. staff, have focused renewed attention on the need for change and improvement of the United Nations. Many in the international community, including the United States, have increased pressure on U.N. member states to implement substantive reforms. The 110th Congress will most likely continue to focus on U.N. reform as it considers appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the United Nations and monitors the progress and implementation of ongoing and previously-approved reform measures. In September 2005, heads of U.N. member states met for the World Summit at U.N. Headquarters in New York to discuss strengthening the United Nations through institutional reform. The resulting Summit Outcome Document laid the groundwork for a series of reforms that included establishing a Peacebuilding Commission, creating a new Human Rights Council, and enlarging the U.N. Security Council. Member states also agreed to Secretariat and management reforms including improving internal U.N. oversight capacity, establishing a U.N. ethics office, enhancing U.N. whistle-blower protection, and reviewing all U.N. mandates five years or older. Since the World Summit, U.N. member states have worked toward implementing these reforms with varied degrees of success."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2007-07-24
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Terrorist Financing: The U.S. and International Response [Updated December 6, 2002]
From the Summary: "The U.S.-led international campaign to deprive terrorists of funding has so far produced mixed results. Though more than $120 million in terrorists' accounts reportedly has been blocked since September 11, 2001, less than 20 percent of this total has been frozen in the past 11 months. The al Qaeda network increasingly is shifting to non-bank methods of moving and storing value and is relying on a decentralized structure of largely self-financing cells; moreover, Middle Eastern donors apparently continue to provide funds to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. In addition, the campaign has aroused controversy on various political, religious and humanitarian grounds and is viewed in some quarters as broadly anti-Islamic. How the crackdown on terror finance should be prioritized and integrated with a comprehensive global struggle against terrorism thus becomes an issue of considerable significance for U.S. policymakers and for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-
2002-12-06
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United Nations Human Rights Council: Issues for Congress [Updated July 25, 2007]
From the Summary: "On March 15, 2006, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution replacing the Commission on Human Rights with a new Human Rights Council (the Council). The U.N. Secretariat and some governments, including the United States, view the establishment of the Council as a key component of comprehensive U.N. reform. The Council was designed to be an improvement over the Commission, which was widely criticized for the composition of its membership when perceived human rights abusers were elected as members. The General Assembly resolution creating the Council, among other things, increases the number of meetings per year, reduces the number of Council seats from 53 to 47, and introduces a 'universal periodic review' process to assess each Member State's fulfillment of its human rights obligations. One hundred seventy countries voted in favor of the resolution to create the Council. The United States was one of four countries to vote against the resolution, stating that the Council was no better than the Commission and that it lacked mechanisms for 'maintaining credible membership.' Despite these initial concerns, the Administration has said it will continue to fund and support the work of the Council. It also decided the United States would not run in the first Council elections held in May 2006. In March 2007, the State Department announced that the United States would not run for a seat in the second Council elections held in May 2007. Currently, the United States is an observer to the Council and has no voting rights."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2007-07-25
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Executive Branch Reorganization and Management Initiatives: A Brief Overview [Updated July 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report provides a brief overview of recent executive branch reorganization actions and related management initiatives. President George W. Bush came to office from a campaign which had emphasized efficiency in government, particularly through the use of information technology, but revealed no plans for executive branch reorganization. The departing Clinton Administration had conducted an active effort at 'reinventing government,' spearheaded by a National Performance Review (NPR) announced shortly after the 1993 inauguration. The NPR produced a series of reports proposing various organizational and operational reforms. A number of major NPR recommendations were awaiting implementation when the 1994 congressional elections resulted in Republican majority control of both houses of the 104th Congress. Republican congressional leaders had unveiled a 'Contract With America' reform plan in late September 1994. Its core principles regarded the federal government as being too big, spending too much, being unresponsive to the citizenry, and perpetuating burdensome regulations. At the conclusion of the 104th Congress, both the President and Republican congressional leaders could claim some victories in downsizing government, but no department was eliminated, and only a few small agencies were abolished. Following his 2001 inauguration, President Bush announced plans to address a number of management problems in the federal government. Then, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 (9/11), terrorist attacks, the organization of the federal government for maintaining homeland security and combating terrorism became a major consideration for both the President and Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2007-07-10
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International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001, Title III of P.L. 107-56 [December 4, 2001]
From the Introduction: "Among the purposes of the legislation are: increasing the strength of U.S. measures to prevent, detect, and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism, to provide a national mandate for subjecting to special scrutiny foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions operating outside the United States, and classes of international transactions or types of accounts that pose particular opportunities for criminal abuse, and to ensure that all appropriate elements of the financial services industry are subject to appropriate requirements to report potential money laundering transactions to proper authorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Murphy, M. Maureen
2001-12-04
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Interrogation of Detainees: Overview of the McCain Amendment [Updated July 23, 2007]
From the Summary: "Controversy has arisen regarding U.S. treatment of enemy combatants and terrorist suspects detained in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, and whether such treatment complies with U.S. statutes and treaties such as the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Congress approved additional guidelines concerning the treatment of detainees via the Detainee Treatment Act (DTA), which was enacted pursuant to both the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 (P.L. 109-148), and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2006 (P.L. 109-163). Among other things, the DTA contains provisions that require Department of Defense (DOD) personnel to employ United States Army Field Manual guidelines while interrogating detainees, and prohibit the 'cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of persons under the detention, custody, or control of the United States Government.' These provisions of the DTA, which were first introduced by Senator John McCain, have popularly been referred to as the 'McCain Amendment.' This report discusses the McCain Amendment, as modified and subsequently enacted into law. This report also discusses the application of the McCain Amendment by the DOD in the updated 2006 version of the Army Field Manual, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's ruling in 'Hamdan v. Rumsfeld.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John
2007-07-23
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated May 7, 2008]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also endorsed coalition military action in Iraq, and Kazakhstan provided about two dozen troops for rebuilding. U.S. policy has emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian 'front-line' states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, and energy development. […] The second session of the 110th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress is likely to pursue these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian assistance, economic development, security issues, human rights, and democratization. The July 2006 U.S.-Kyrgyzstan agreement on the continued U.S. use of airbase facilities in Kyrgyzstan included U.S. pledges of boosted foreign assistance and other compensation, which are subject to regular congressional appropriations and oversight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-05-07
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High Agricultural Commodity Prices: What Are the Issues? [May 6, 2008]
"Prices for nearly all major U.S. agricultural program crops--corn, barley, sorghum, oats, wheat, rice, and soybeans--have exhibited extreme price volatility since mid-2007, while rising to record or near-record levels in early 2008. Several international organizations have announced that the sharply rising commodity prices are likely to have dire consequences for the world's vulnerable populations, particularly in import-dependent, less developed nations. In the United States, high commodity prices have pushed farm income to successive annual records and have sharply lowered government farm program costs, but they have also stoked the flames of food price inflation and have raised costs for livestock producers and food processors. In addition, high, unexpectedly volatile prices have increased the risk and costs associated with grain merchandising. In particular, they have dramatically increased the cost of routine hedging activities (i.e., pricing commodities for purchase, delivery, or use at some future date) at commodity futures exchanges and, as a result, have diminished 'forward contracting' opportunities for grain and oilseed producers who are eager to take advantage of record high market prices. […].This report examines the causes, consequences, and outlook for prices of the major U.S. program crops, and provides references for more detailed information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2008-05-06
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Iraq and Al Qaeda [Updated April 28, 2008]
"In explaining the decision to invade Iraq and oust Saddam Hussein from power, the Administration asserted, among other justifications, that the regime of Saddam Hussein had a working relationship with the Al Qaeda organization. The Administration stated that the relationship dated to the early 1990s, and was based on a common interest in confronting the United States. […]. Critics maintain that subsequent research demonstrates that the relationship, if it existed, was not 'operational,' and that no hard data has come to light indicating the two entities conducted any joint terrorist attacks. […]. Another pillar of the Administration argument, which has applications for the current U.S. effort to stabilize Iraq, rested on reports of contacts between Baghdad and an Islamist Al Qaeda affiliate group, called Ansar al-Islam, based in northern Iraq in the late 1990s. Although the connections between Ansar al-Islam and Saddam Hussein's regime were subject to debate, the organization evolved into what is now known as Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQ-I). […]. AQ-I has been a numerically small but operationally major component of the Sunni Arab-led insurgency that frustrated U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq. […]. There have been indications that AQ-I is attempting to conduct activities outside Iraq in a process that some describe as 'spillover' from Iraq into the broader Middle East. However, another interpretation is that the U.S.-led war in Iraq has stimulated radical activities outside Iraq that are sympathetic to Al Qaeda."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-04-28
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Berry Amendment: Requiring Defense Procurement to Come from Domestic Sources [Updated April 30, 2008]
"In order to protect the U.S. industrial base during periods of adversity and war, Congress passed domestic source restrictions as part of the 1941 Fifth Supplemental Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act; these provisions later became the Berry Amendment. The Berry Amendment requires DOD to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home grown products, notably food, clothing, fabrics, and specialty metals. […]. Some experts recommend changes in the Berry Amendment. The Gansler Commission has studied the state of defense acquisition and made a number of recommendations, among them loosening some provisions like the Berry Amendment. […]. Some policymakers believe that policies like the Berry Amendment contradict free trade policies, and that the presence and degree of such competition is the most effective tool for promoting efficiencies and improving quality. On the other hand, others believe that key U.S. sectors need the protections afforded by the Berry Amendment. The debate over the Berry Amendment raises several questions regarding the viability of the Berry Amendment, among them: (1) If the U.S. does not produce a solely domestic item, or if U.S. manufacturers are at maximum production capability, should DOD restrict procurement from foreign sources, and (2) to what extent do U.S. national security interests and industrial base concerns justify waiver of the specialty metal restriction? This report examines the original intent and purpose of the Berry Amendment, legislative proposals to amend the application of domestic source restrictions, as well as options for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2008-04-30
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U.S. Airline Industry: Issues and Role of Congress [April 30, 2008]
"Mergers, airline bankruptcies, aircraft safety and maintenance concerns, extensive flight delays and cancellations, $100-plus-per-barrel oil prices, and a litany of other issues define congressional interest in the airline industry at present. Congress does not play a day-to-day role in any of these issues. Most ongoing oversight of the industry, to the extent that it does occur, takes place within the executive branch. Congress periodically addresses airline issues through legislation, but for the most part the congressional role occurs primarily through oversight. The authority to approve or disapprove airline mergers rests entirely with the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) makes recommendations to DOJ based on its evaluation of the effect of a proposed merger on airline industry competition. Congress has no specific statutory role in the airline merger review and approval process, having legislatively charged the executive branch with that task. Members of Congress can, and do, file statements with DOJ expressing their views on a proposed merger. Congressional interest going forward is likely to focus on the proposed merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Recent incidents, including passengers being held in aircraft for eight or more hours awaiting takeoff, passengers being stranded by the shutdown of bankrupt air carriers, as well as deteriorating airline on-time arrival performance, have led to increasing congressional interest in airline passenger consumer issues. Currently, most passenger rights are set forth in the airlines' 'contract of carriage' language."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kirk, Robert S.; Elias, Bartholomew; Fischer, John W. (John Werner)
2008-04-30
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Rising Food Prices and Global Food Needs: The U.S. Response [May 8, 2008]
"Rising food prices are having impacts across the world, but especially among poor people in low-income developing countries. Since 2000, a year of low food prices, wheat prices in international markets have more than tripled, corn prices have doubled, and rice prices rose to unprecedented levels in March 2008. Such increases in food prices have raised concerns about the ability of poor people to meet their food and nutrition needs and in a number of countries have lead to civil unrest. More than 33 countries, most of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly affected by food prices increases. The World Bank has estimated that more than 100 million people are being pushed into poverty as a result of food-price escalation. A number of interrelated factors have been identified as causes of the rising food prices. Droughts in Australia and Eastern Europe and poor weather in Canada, Western Europe and Ukraine in 2007 have reduced available supplies. Reduced stocks have prompted many countries to restrict exports. Rising oil and energy prices have affected all levels of the food production and marketing chain from fertilizer costs to harvesting, transporting and processing food. Higher incomes in emerging markets like China and India have resulted in strong demand for food commodities, meat and processed foods and higher prices in world markets. Increased demand for biofuels has reduced the availability of agricultural products for food or feed use. Export restrictions in many countries have exacerbated the short supply situation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hanrahan, Charles
2008-05-08
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Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape [Updated April 11, 2008]
"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent Federal agency directly responsible to Congress. It was established by the Communications Act of 1934 (1934 Act) and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The mission of the FCC is to ensure that the American people have available-at reasonable cost and without discrimination-rapid, efficient, nation- and world-wide communication services; whether by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable. Although the FCC has restructured over the past few years to better reflect the industry, it is still required to adhere to the statutory requirements of its governing legislation, the Communications Act of 1934. The 1934 Act requires the FCC to regulate the various industry sectors differently. Some policymakers have been critical of the FCC and the manner in which it regulates various sectors of the telecommunications industry-telephone, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, and some aspects of the Internet. These policymakers, including some in Congress, have long called for varying degrees and types of reform to the FCC. Most proposals fall into two categories: procedural changes made within the FCC or through Congressional action that would affect the agency's operations or substantive policy changes requiring Congressional action that would affect how the agency regulates different services and industry sectors. During the 110th Congress, policymakers may continue efforts begun in the 109th Congress to restructure the FCC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2008-04-11
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Extending NASA's Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [May 8, 2008]
"The Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (INA) was enacted to help stop foreign transfers to Iran of weapons of mass destruction, missile technology, and advanced conventional weapons technology, particularly from Russia. Section 6 of the INA banned U.S. payments to Russia in connection with the International Space Station (ISS) unless the U.S. President determined that Russia was taking steps to prevent such proliferation. When the President in 2004 announced that the Space Shuttle would be retired in 2010, the Russian Soyuz became the only vehicle available after that date to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. In 2005 Congress amended INA to exempt Soyuz flights to the ISS from the Section 6 ban through 2011. It also extended the provisions to Syria and North Korea, and renamed it the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). NASA has now asked Congress to extend the exemption for the life of the ISS, or until U.S. crew transport vehicles become operational. As in 2005, an exemption would be needed before payments could be made to Russia since the President has not made a determination pursuant to Section 6(b) of the INKSNA regarding Russian nonproliferation policy or proliferation activities to Iran, North Korea or Syria. Since 2005, Russia has stepped up cooperation with the United States and countries over Iran's nuclear program. President Bush has praised Russian President Putin for his 'leadership' in offering a solution to the Iranian nuclear negotiations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2008-05-08
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Islam in Africa [May 9, 2008]
"The attacks on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, coupled with the rise of militant transnational Islamism, have prompted both the Bush Administration and the U.S. Congress to reassess foreign policy in Africa and to begin to give considerable attention to Africa's Muslim populations and it's failed and failing states. Some experts have noted that Africa's failing and failed states may serve as a breeding ground for terrorists. In response to terrorist threats, the United States, in partnership with countries across Africa, has developed a range of strategies to help regional governments face the challenge of terror. Since September 11, 2001, the size of U.S. diplomatic missions in sub-Saharan African countries with large Muslim populations has increased. Presently, there are 45 active embassies in sub-Saharan Africa, including 16 new compounds built since 2001. Most recently, President Bush returned from a five-country visit to Africa, his second trip to the continent. Some observers view these trips as reflective of the Administration's focus, which has seen increasing American engagement with the continent in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hassan, Hussein D.
2008-05-09
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Israel: Background and Relations with the United States [Updated June 6, 2008]
"Since 1948, the United States and Israel have developed a close friendship based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. U.S.-Israeli bilateral relations are multidimensional. The United States is the principal proponent of the Arab-Israeli peace process, but U.S. and Israeli views differ on some issues, such as the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and settlements. The Bush Administration and Congress supported Israel's 2006 military campaigns against Hezbollah and Hamas as acts of self-defense. The United States and Israel concluded a free-trade agreement in 1985, and the United States is Israel's largest trading partner. Israel is a prominent recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The two countries also have close security relations. Other issues in U.S.-Israeli relations include Israel's military sales to China, inadequate Israeli protection of U.S. intellectual property, and espionage-related cases. This report will be updated as developments warrant. See also CRS Report RL33530, Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy, CRS Report RS22768, Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: The Annapolis Conference, and CRS Report RL33222, U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2008-06-06
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International Drug Control Policy [June 23, 2008]
"This report provides an overview of U.S. international drug control policy. It describes major international counternarcotics initiatives and evaluates the broad array of U.S. drug control policy tools currently in use. The report also considers alternative counter-drug policy approaches to international drug control initiatives and raises several counter-drug policy issues and considerations for policy makers. Illegal drugs refer to narcotic, psychotropic, and related substances whose production, sale, and use are restricted by domestic law and international drug control agreements. The most common illegal drugs include cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs. International trade in these drugs represents a lucrative and what at times seems to be an intractable criminal enterprise, affecting countries worldwide and generating between $100 billion and $1 trillion in illicit profits per year. Revenue from the illegal drug industry provides international drug trafficking organizations with the resources to evade and compete with law enforcement officials; penetrate legitimate economic structures through money laundering; and, in some instances, challenge the authority of national governments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wyler, Liana Sun
2008-06-23
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Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated June 5, 2008]
This CRS report provides an updated overview of the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater Acquisition Programs. First of all, the report discusses background information about the Deepwater programs and how they came about. Secondly, the report addresses potential oversight issues for the current Congress in 2008, which "include but are not necessarily limited to the Coast Guard's overall management of Deepwater acquisition, the status of certain Deepwater acquisition programs, and the so-called revolving door issue." Finally, the report wraps up by looking at current legislative activity taking place in regards to Deepwater acquisition. "The term Deepwater refers to a collection of more than a dozen Coast Guard acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft. Until April 2007, the Coast Guard had pursued these programs as a single, integrated acquisition program that was known as the Integrated Deepwater System [IDS] program or the Deepwater program for short. The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new cutters, 124 new small boats, and 247 new or modernized airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]. The Coast Guard has requested a total of $990.4 million in acquisition funding for FY2009 for Deepwater programs. [...] This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-06-05
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Wildfire Damages to Homes and Resources: Understanding Causes and Reducing Losses [June 2, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the background surrounding wildfires causes and damage to houses and other structures and resources. From the Summary: "Wildfires are getting more severe, with more acres and houses burned and more people at risk. This results from excess biomass in the forests, due to past logging and grazing and a century of fire suppression, combined with an expanding wildland-urban interface -- more people and houses in and near the forests -- along with climate change, exacerbating drought and insect and disease problems. Some assert that current efforts to reduce biomass (fuel treatments, such as thinning) and to protect houses are inadequate, and that public objections to activities on federal lands raise costs and delay action. Others counter that proposals for federal lands allow timber harvesting, with substantial environmental damage and little fire protection. Congress is addressing these issues through various legislative proposals and through funding for protection programs." This report also includes one appendix.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gorte, Ross W.
2008-06-02
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Intelligence Issues for Congress [Updated May 30, 2008]
This CRS report is an update to a report with the same name that discusses challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community and the need for increased coordination between the different agencies. "To address the challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community in the 21st century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108- 458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation also established a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2008-05-30
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International Trade: Rules of Origin [June 10, 2008]
This Congressional Research Service report discusses international trade and rules of origin (ROO). "This report deals with ROO in three parts. First, we describe in more detail the reasons that country of origin rules are important and briefly describe U.S. laws and methods that provide direction in making these determinations. Second, we discuss briefly some of the more controversial issues involving rules of origin, including the apparently subjective nature of some CBP origin determinations, and the effects of the global manufacturing process on ROO. Third, we conclude with some alternatives and options that Congress could consider that might assist in simplifying the process. Further, Rules of origin (ROO), used to determine the country of origin of merchandise entering the U.S. market, can be very simple, noncontroversial tools of international trade as long as all of the parts of a product are manufactured and assembled primarily in one country. However, when a finished product's component parts originate in many countries, as is often the case in today's global trading environment, determining origin can be a very complex, sometimes subjective, and time-consuming process. [...] Preferential rules are used to determine the eligibility of imported goods from certain U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) partners and certain developing country beneficiaries to receive duty-free or reduced tariff benefits under bilateral or regional FTAs, trade preference programs (such as the Generalized System of Preferences), and other special import programs. Preferential rules of origin are specific to each FTA, which means that they vary from agreement to agreement and preference to preference."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Vivian Catherine; Martin, Michael F.
2008-06-10
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Status [June 23, 2008]
This Congressional Research Service report about the Iranian Nuclear Program provides and update on the current status of its nuclear activities. "Although Iran claims that its nuclear programs are exclusively for peaceful purposes, they have generated considerable concern that Tehran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Indeed, the UN Security Council has responded to Iran's refusal to suspend work on its uranium enrichment and heavy-water nuclear reactor programs by adopting several resolutions, most recently in March 2008, which imposed sanctions on Tehran. Despite this pressure, Iran continues at its Natanz centrifuge facility to enrich uranium, expand the number of operating centrifuges, and conduct research on new types of centrifuges. Tehran has also continued to produce centrifuge feedstock, as well as work on its heavy-water reactor and associated facilities. Whether Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program is, however, unknown. A National Intelligence Estimate made public in December 2007 assessed that Tehran 'halted its nuclear weapons program,' defined as 'Iran's nuclear weapon design and weaponization work and covert uranium conversion-related and uranium enrichment-related work,' in 2003. The estimate, however, also assessed that Tehran is 'keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons' and that any decision to end a nuclear weapons program is 'inherently reversible.' Although Iran has cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to an extent, the agency says that Tehran has not gone far enough to alleviate all of the agency's concerns about Iran's enrichment and heavy-water reactor programs. The IAEA continues to investigate the program, particularly evidence that Tehran may have conducted procurement activities and research directly applicable to nuclear weapons development. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2008-06-23
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U.S. Science and Technology Workforce [June 20, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the science and technology workforce in the United States. "In the 21st century, global competition and rapid advances in science and technology will challenge the scientific and technical proficiency of the U.S. workforce. The 110th Congress is currently discussing policy actions that could enhance the nation's science and technology (S&T) workforce - deemed by some as essential to both meet U.S. workforce demands as well as to generate the new ideas that lead to improved and new industries that create jobs. [...] Another policy before the 110th Congress is increasing the ability of the United States to draw upon foreign talent to meet the nation's S&T workforce needs. These discussions focus on immigration policy, primarily increasing the ability of foreign STEM students currently in U.S. universities to more easily obtain permanent admission, and increasing the number of temporary worker visas available so more talent from abroad can be recruited to the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2008-06-20
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations [May 30, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mission, budget, and programs. "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with administering and enforcing federal laws related to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearms and explosives. Congress transferred ATF's enforcement and regulatory functions for firearms and explosives from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice as part of the Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296). ATF is also responsible for investigating arson cases with a federal nexus, as well as criminal violations of federal laws governing the manufacture, importation, and distribution of alcohol and tobacco."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2008-05-30
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Global Climate Change: Status of Negotiations [June 17, 2008]
"In December 2007, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held their 13th annual meeting in Bali, Indonesia, and began the process of working toward an agreement/treaty that would succeed the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC when it expires in 2012. The Protocol includes a mandate for a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 38 developed/industrialized nations to an average of some 5% below their 1990 levels over the commitment period 2008- 2012. The outcome of this 'conference of the parties' (COP-13) in 2007 was the 'Bali Action Plan,' outlining considerations to be taken up in negotiations during the following two years. A 'decision' is to be negotiated and finalized at the parties' meeting (COP-15) at the end of 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Whether this decision can encompass a follow-on treaty or instead reflect only progress toward such a treaty remains a question, given the short time until the 2009 deadline and the complexity of the issues involved. The broad array of these issues, briefly discussed in this report, has been described by some as comprising perhaps the most complex negotiations ever undertaken internationally."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fletcher, Susan R.
2008-06-17
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities- Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 6, 2008]
"Concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere since the 1990s about China's military modernization. Several of the U.S. Navy's most expensive acquisition programs, as well as Navy initiatives for homeporting ships and for training sailors, are for developing or maintaining capabilities that could be useful or critical in countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities in coming years. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? [...]China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP hardening. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-06-06
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated June 4, 2008]
This CRS report provides the most recent update on the situation of Governance and Security in Post-Saddam Iraq. First of all, the report reviews the U.S. policy towards Iraq during the Clinton Administration followed by the "post-September 11, 2001" policy of the Bush Administration which advocated "a regime change policy toward Iraq." Secondly, the report focuses on the issue of "post-Saddam Transition and Governance," and discusses the formation of the new democratic government. The report also provides an update on the "security challenges and responses" which are prevalent throughout Iraq. Finally, the report also provides the results of the Iraq Study Group, as well as other options which the U.S. can take into consideration, such as "further troop increase, immediate and complete troop withdrawal" and setting a timetable for withdrawal etc. A major recommendation proposed by the Iraq Study Group is to have "increased regional, multi-lateral, and international diplomacy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-06-04
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated July 11, 2008]
"U.S. and outside assessments of the effort to stabilize Afghanistan are mixed; the Administration notes progress on reconstruction, governance and security in many areas of Afghanistan, but says the mission is still "under-resourced" to address escalating insurgent activity in some sectors. Recent outside studies contain relatively pessimistic assessments, emphasizing a growing sense of insecurity in areas previously considered secure, increased numbers of suicide attacks, increasing aggregate poppy cultivation, and growing divisions within the NATO alliance about total troop contributions and the relative share of combat primarily in the south. Both the official U.S. as well as outside assessments are increasingly pointing to Pakistan, and particularly the new Pakistani government, as failing to prevent Taliban and other militant infiltration from Pakistan. With available U.S. forces short, the Administration is anticipating adding U.S. troops to the still combat-intense south, and eventually assuming U.S. command of the southern sector. The Administration also has increased direct U.S. action against Taliban concentrations inside Pakistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-07-11
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Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11 [Updated June 23, 2008]
This CRS report is an update to a report of the same title that discusses the costs associated with operations related to the global war on terror since 9/11. "With enactment of the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764/P.L. 110-161) on December 26, 2007, Congress has approved a total of about $700 billion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans' health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan and other counter terror operations; Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), providing enhanced security at military bases; and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)[...]In February 2008, the Congressional Budget Office projected that additional war costs from FY2009 through FY2018 could range from $440 billion, if troop levels fell to 30,000 by 2010, to $1.0 trillion, if troop levels fell to 75,000 by about 2013. Under these scenarios, CBO projects that funding for Iraq, Afghanistan and the GWOT could reach from about $1.1 trillion to about $1.7 trillion for FY2001- FY2018. This report will be updated as warranted. This report also includes one figure, one appendix and a list of 12 tables."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy
2008-06-23
