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Guarding America: Security Guards and U.S. Critical Infrastructure Protection [November 12, 2004]
"The Bush Administration's 2003 'National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets' indicates that security guards are 'an important source of protection for critical facilities.' In 2003, approximately one million security guards (including airport screeners) were employed in the United States. Of these guards, analysis indicates that up to 5% protected what have been defined as 'critical' infrastructure and assets. The effectiveness of critical infrastructure guards in countering a terrorist attack depends on the number of guards on duty, their qualifications, pay and training. Security guard employment may have increased in certain critical infrastructure sectors since September 11, 2001, although overall employment of U.S. security guards has declined in the last five years. Contract guard salaries averaged $19,400 per year in 2003, less than half of the average salary for police and well below the average U.S. salary for all occupations. There are no U.S. federal requirements for training of critical infrastructure guards other than airport screeners and nuclear guards. Twenty-two states do require basic training for licensed security guards, but few specifically require counter-terrorism training. State regulations regarding criminal background checks for security guards vary. Sixteen states have no background check regulations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2004-11-12
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Immigration: Terrorist Grounds for Exclusion of Aliens [Updated October 12, 2004]
"The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) spells out a strict set of admissions criteria and exclusion rules for all foreign nationals, whether coming permanently as immigrants (i.e., legal permanent residents) or temporarily as nonimmigrants. Notably, any alien who has engaged in or incited terrorist activity, is reasonably believed to be carrying out a terrorist activity, or is a representative or member of a designated foreign terrorist organization is inadmissible. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the INA was broadened to deny entry to representatives of groups that endorse terrorism, prominent individuals who endorse terrorism, and spouses and children of aliens who are removable on terrorism grounds (on the basis of activities occurring within the previous five years). The INA also contains grounds for inadmissibility based on foreign policy concerns. This report opens with an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility and summarizes key legislation enacted in recent years. The section on current law explains the legal definitions of 'terrorist activity,' 'terrorist organization,' and other security-related grounds for inadmissibility and analyzes the legal implications of these provisions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Garcia, Michael John
2004-10-12
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United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions [January 19, 2007]
"This report presents, verbatim, the United States 'Flag Code' as found in title 4 of the United States Code and the section of title 36 which designates the Star- Spangled Banner as the national anthem and how to display the flag during its rendition. The 'Flag Code'includes instruction and rules on such topics as: the pledge of allegiance; display and use of the flag by civilians; time and occasions for display; position and manner of display; and how to show respect for the flag. The 'Code' also, grants to the President the authority to modify the rules governing the flag. The report also, addresses several of the frequently asked questions concerning the flag. The subject matter of these questions includes the pledge of allegiance and the court decisions concerning it; the nature of the codifications of customs concerning the flag in the 'Flag Code;' display of the flag 24 hours a day; flying the flag in bad weather; ornaments on the flag; destruction of worn flags; display of the U.S. flag with flags of other nations or of States; commercial use of the flag; size and proportion of the flag; and restrictions upon display of the flag by real estate associations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luckey, John R.
2007-01-19
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Ecuador: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [January 4, 2007]
"President-elect Rafael Correa, a left-leaning, U.S.-trained economist, is scheduled to take office on January 15, 2007. Correa, who will become Ecuador's eighth president in ten years, defeated Alvaro Noboa, a wealthy banana magnate, in a run-off election held in late November 2006. Correa has vowed to dramatically reform Ecuador, a country whose economy is currently expanding because of high oil prices but whose political institutions are extremely fragile. He has promised to call a constituent assembly to reform the country's constitution, to renegotiate Ecuador's foreign debt, and to reassert state control over foreign oil companies operating in the country. These proposals, though popular among many Ecuadorians, have prompted concerns among foreign investors. Ecuador has traditionally had close relations with the United States, although recent trade disputes have strained bilateral relations. U.S. officials congratulated Correa on his recent victory and pledged to cooperate with his government but have also expressed concerns about his ties with Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and his stated policies regarding trade, energy, and counternarcotics matters. This report will be updated periodically. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22548, 'ATPA Renewal: Background and Issues', by M. Angeles Villarreal."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2007-01-04
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Dominican Republic: Political and Economic Conditions and Relations with the United States [January 9, 2007]
"President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), who served as president previously (1996-2000), took office on August 16, 2004. President Fernández has entered the second half of his four-year term in a relatively strong position. He has presided over a period of rapid economic growth (an estimated 10% in 2006), enjoys continued popular support, and now has a majority in both legislative chambers. Fernández has restored investor confidence in the Dominican economy and enacted some fiscal reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund but struggled to resolve the country's ongoing problems with corruption and electricity shortages. President Fernández seeks to maintain close ties with the United States and to improve relations with neighboring Haiti. His government has been criticized, however, for its mistreatment of undocumented Haitian migrants and for failing to comply with a 2005 ruling against it by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which mandated the provision of identity documents to Dominicans of Haitian descent. The Dominican Republic is expected to implement the U.S.-Dominican Republic- Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) by mid-January 2007. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2007-01-09
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Iraq: Elections, Constitution, and Government [January 26, 2007]
"Elections in 2005 for a transition government (January 30, 2005), a permanent constitution (October 15), and a permanent (four year) government (December 15) produced a Shiite-led government that many Sunnis view as biased. The December 6, 2006, Iraq Study Group report recommends a number of steps to accelerate national reconciliation. President Bush's new Iraq initiative, announced January 10, 2006, requires promised cooperation from the Iraqi government to act against Shiite armed elements participating in sectarian violence. (See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31339, 'Iraq: Post- Saddam Governance and Security', by Kenneth Katzman.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-01-26
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Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: An Overview of the Statutory Framework and Recent Judicial Decisions [Updated September 22, 2004]
"The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq., (FISA) as passed in 1978, provided a statutory framework for the use of electronic surveillance in the context of foreign intelligence gathering. In so doing, the Congress sought to strike a delicate balance between national security interests and personal privacy rights. Subsequent legislation expanded federal laws dealing with foreign intelligence gathering to address physical searches, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and access to certain business records. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, P.L. 107-56, made significant changes to some of these provisions. Further amendments were included in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, P.L. 107-108, and the Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296. In addressing international terrorism or espionage, the same factual situation may be the focus of both criminal investigations and foreign intelligence collection efforts. The changes in FISA under these public laws facilitate information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence elements. In its Final Report, the 9/11 Commission noted that the removal of the pre-9/11 'wall' between intelligence and law enforcement 'has opened up new opportunities for cooperative action within the FBI.'... This report will examine the detailed statutory structure provided by FISA and related provisions of E.O. 12333. In addition, it will discuss the decisions of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. Bills from the 108th Congress relating to FISA are addressed in CRS Report RL32608, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: Selected Legislation from the 108th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.
2004-09-22
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Authorization and Appropriations for FY2005: Defense [Updated October 8, 2004]
"The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to one of the 13 regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. It summarizes the status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity, and is updated as events warrant. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy; Daggett, Stephen
2004-10-08
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Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations [July 13, 2007]
"The President's FY2008 federal budget request, released February 5, 2007, included $647.2 billion in new budget authority for national defense. In addition to $483.2 billion for the regular operations of the Department of Defense (DOD), the request includes $141.7 billion for continued military operations, primarily to fund the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, $17.4 billion for the nuclear weapons and other defense-related programs of the Department of Energy, and $5.2 billion for defense-related activities of other agencies. The $483.2 billion requested for DOD's 'base' budget -- that is, the request for regular operations excluding the cost of ongoing combat activity -- is $46.8 billion higher than the agency's base budget for FY2007, an increase of 11% in nominal terms and, by DOD's reckoning, an increase in real purchasing power of 8.0%, taking into account the cost of inflation. The President's request includes a proposal to increase retiree medical fees and copays, which Congress rejected in its action on the FY2007 defense budget and which also is rejected by both the House-passed and the Senate Armed Services Committee versions of the FY2008 defense authorization bill (H.R. 1585 and S. 1547). Both bills also would authorize a military pay raise of 3.5% instead of the 3% raise in the budget request. […] The full Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up that (unnumbered) bill on July 23. The House subcommittee's bill does not address the President's request for an additional $141.7 billion to fund ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which will be dealt with in a separate bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Towell, Pat; Daggett, Stephen; Belasco, Amy
2007-07-13
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Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Columbia (SSBN-826) class program, a program to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and wants to procure the second boat in the class in FY2024. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $4,647.0 million (i.e., about $4.6 billion) in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program. The program poses a number of funding and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on the Columbia-class program could substantially affect U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. This report focuses on the Columbia-class program as a Navy shipbuilding program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-08
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Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated June 1, 2021]
From the Summary: "On January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden issued Executive Order 13990, 'Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis,' which directs federal agencies to review regulations and other agency actions from the Trump Administration, including the rules that revised the Obama Administration's vehicle fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards. Currently, the federal standards that regulate fuel economy and GHG emissions from new passenger cars and light trucks include the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards promulgated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Light-Duty Vehicle GHG emissions standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are known collectively as the National Program. [...] Debate continues over the stringency, design, and purpose of the CAFE and vehicle GHG emissions standards. The debate is informed by analyses regarding (1) whether the Obama-era standards are technically and economically feasible; (2) the impact of the standards on GHG emissions targets and energy conservation; (3) whether the standards adequately address consumer choice, safety, and other vehicle policies, both domestic and international; and (4) whether the EPA and NHTSA reopening and rule revision actions were lawful."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.; Canis, Bill; Tsang, Linda
2021-06-01
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the 'Gerald R. Ford' (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $2,659.5 million (i.e., about $2.7 billion) in procurement funding for the program. Congress's decisions on the CVN-78 program could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-07
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Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [June 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021. Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests the procurement of the 35th and 36th Virginia-class boats. A key issue for Congress concerns the SSN force-level goal and procurement rate. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-08
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia: An Overview [Updated June 7, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States maintains sanctions on Russia related to Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, malicious cyber activities and influence operations (including election interference), human rights abuses, use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea, support to the governments of Syria and Venezuela, and use of energy exports as a coercive or political tool. Sanctions against Russian individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft (hereinafter, 'persons') may include the blocking of assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction; limits on access to the U.S. financial system, including transactions involving U.S. individuals and businesses; and denial of entry into the United States. The United States also tightly controls exports to Russia's defense and energy sectors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.; Welt, Cory
2021-06-07
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WaterSense® Program: Congressional Authorization [Updated June 3, 2021]
From the Document: "WaterSense is a voluntary labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the development and use of water-efficient products and services. Through WaterSense, EPA develops water efficiency specifications for products, certain services, and homes; licenses third-party certification bodies; and maintains a registry of WaterSense-labeled products and certified services. [...] Funding levels for WaterSense have remained consistent for several years, notwithstanding the Trump Administration's FY2018 through FY2021 proposals to eliminate such funding. The Biden Administration does not propose an elimination for WaterSense funding in FY2022. FY2021 funding for WaterSense is the same as the FY2020 and FY2019 enacted funding levels of $4.5 million, according to the joint explanatory statement that accompanied the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-06-03
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U.S. Global Health Funding: FY2017-FY2022 Request [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Background: "Congress has prioritized global health, increasing related funding, particularly for the creation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) during the George W. Bush Administration. During the Obama Administration, appropriations continued to rise, though at a slower pace and with some funding dips. Global health appropriations also increased during the Trump Administration, despite requests from that Administration to cut global health spending. Following the emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, appropriations for global health security rose and several bills for bolstering global health security were introduced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2021-06-10
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Immigration Arrests in the Interior of the United States: A Primer [Updated June 3, 2021]
From the Document: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [hyperlink] (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is primarily responsible for immigration enforcement in the interior of the United States. ICE has substantial authority to arrest and detain non-U.S. nationals (aliens) identified for removal because of immigration violations. In recent years, there had been a marked increase [hyperlink] in arrests and removals conducted by ICE. As discussed in this Legal Sidebar [hyperlink] and as compared to prior administrations, the Trump Administration made enforcement a touchstone of its immigration policy, and ICE generally sought to enforce federal immigration laws against a broader range of aliens who had committed immigration violations. A recalibration of priorities by the Biden Administration has led ICE to prioritize immigration enforcement actions pertaining to a narrower category of aliens [hyperlink]; namely, those who present terrorism or national security concerns, those who recently came to or attempted to unlawfully enter the United States, or those who pose a threat to public safety based on the commission of certain crimes. While immigration enforcement priorities may change over time, the governing authorities for ICE's activities have largely remained constant. This Legal Sidebar provides an overview of ICE's authority to conduct arrests and other enforcement actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-06-03
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated June 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Iraq is preparing for a national election planned for October 10, 2021, roughly six months earlier than required, but later than originally proposed. Since ending the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL) group's control of territory in Iraq in 2017, Iraqis have sought more accountable governance, improved service delivery, and greater economic opportunity. Security institutions have used force to contain and disperse mass demonstrations, and a shadowy campaign of violence by militia actors has sought to silence activists. Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi has led Iraq's government since May 2020, after months of political deadlock following the protestor-demanded resignation in late 2019 of his predecessor. Extensive negotiations leading to Kadhimi's nomination occurred during a period of serious escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions that played out through attacks in Iraq. Ongoing attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. and Coalition forces--and their Iraqi hosts--have tested Kadhimi's tenure. [...] Protests subsided in early 2020 amid COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] mitigation measures, but again spread and intensified in May 2021, with demonstrators insisting that the government identify and prosecute suspects in a series of assassinations and kidnappings since 2020 of protest leaders, activists, and a prominent security researcher. These incidents have intensified public scrutiny of Prime Minister Al Kadhimi's credibility and his government's ability to act against armed groups operating outside state control."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2021-06-04
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FY2022 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Budget Request [Updated June 4, 2021]
From the Overview: "Each year, Congress typically considers 12 distinct appropriations measures to fund federal programs and activities. One of these is the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) bill, which supports a range of U.S. activities around the world. On May 28, 2021, the Biden Administration released its proposed FY2022 budget request [hyperlink] (a summary [hyperlink] was released on April 9). The request includes $64.15 billion in new budget authority for SFOPS accounts ($63.62 billion net of rescissions of prior year funding), which may be compared with FY2021 funding in various ways. For example, the requested amount is: [1] 10% less than the total FY2021-enacted level (which includes more than $23 billion in emergency and Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) funds), and [2] 14% more than enacted FY2021 base and OCO funding (excluding emergency funding used primarily for Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19] response). The FY2022 SFOPS request is higher than any SFOPS total funding level enacted in the past decade, with the exception of FY2021, in current dollars[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.; Morgenstern, Emily M.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2021-06-04
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Hypersonic Missile Defense: Issues for Congress [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) are currently developing elements of a hypersonic missile defense system to defend against hypersonic weapons and other emerging missile threats. These elements include the tracking and transport layers of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) and various interceptor programs. As MDA and SDA continue to develop these systems, Congress may consider implications for oversight and defense authorizations and appropriations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.; McCall, Stephen M.
2021-06-11
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Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) [Updated June 7, 2021]
From the Background: "According to the Marine Corps: The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is the Corps' next-generation vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore. Designed to replace the Corps' aging Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV - in service since 1972), the ACV will be the primary means of tactical mobility for the Marine infantry battalion at sea and ashore. The ACV will possess ground mobility and speed similar to the M1A1 tank during sustained operations ashore and have the capability to provide organic, direct fire support to dismounted infantry in the attack. The ACV will support expeditionary mobility capability and capacity with balanced levels of performance, protection and payload. There are currently four ACV variants planned: (1) a Personnel Variant, which can carry three crew members with 13 Marines and two days of combat equipment and supplies; (2) a Command and Control Variant; (3) a Recovery Variant; and (4) a 30-mm Gun Variant. The Marines intend for the ACV to provide effective land and tactical water mobility (ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore), precise supporting fires, and high levels of force protection intended to protect against blasts, fragmentation, and kinetic energy threats."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-06-07
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Georgia: Background and U.S. Policy [Updated June 10, 2021]
From the Summary: "Georgia is one of the United States' closest partners among the post-Soviet states that gained their independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. With a history of strong economic aid and security cooperation, the United States has deepened its strategic partnership with Georgia since Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia and 2014 invasion of Ukraine. U.S. policy expressly supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and Georgia is a leading recipient of U.S. aid in Europe and Eurasia. [...] Since FY2017, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) bilateral aid allocations to Georgia have totaled $123 million a year on average ($131 million in FY2020, including $40 million in Foreign Military Financing, or FMF). For FY2021, Congress appropriated $132 million in bilateral aid to Georgia, including $35 million in FMF. For FY2022, the State Department/USAID budget request includes $120.6 million in bilateral aid to Georgia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2021-06-10
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Precision-Guided Munitions: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 11, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report focuses on selected precision-guided munitions (PGMs) fielded by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Over the years, the U.S. military has relied on PGMs to execute ground, air, and naval military operations. PGMs have become ubiquitous in U.S. military operations; funding for these weapons has increased dramatically from FY1998 to the present as depicted in. In FY2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) requested approximately $4.1 billion for more than 41,337 weapons in 15 munitions programs. DOD projects requesting approximately $3.3 billion for 20,456 weapons in FY2022, $3.9 billion for 23,306 weapons in FY2023, $3.9 billion for 18,376 weapons in FY2024, and $3.6 billion for 16,325 weapons in FY2025. Congress, through the defense authorization and appropriations bills, has historically exercised its role in the decision to approve, reject, or modify DOD's proposals for PGMs. In addition, these programs pose a number of potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could affect future U.S. military capabilities and funding requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2021-06-11
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Supreme Court Ruling May Affect the Fate of Climate Change Liability Suits [June 4, 2021]
From the Document: "On May 17, 2021, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that could delay climate liability suits--that is, lawsuits seeking damages for alleged climate change-related injuries that result from selling and producing fossil fuel products. In 'BP p.l.c. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore' [hyperlink], the Court considered the scope of judicial review of orders that transfer a lawsuit from federal to state court. The Court expanded the scope of appellate review of orders remanding climate liability cases to state court, a holding that will likely postpone judicial review of the merits of these suits. Legal challenges over the appropriate court venue may affect the law and precedent that is applied in more than 20 climate liability suits filed by state and local governments against fossil fuel producers in state courts. This Legal Sidebar reviews the background of the 'Baltimore' case, the Supreme Court's ruling, its potential effect on climate liability suits, and considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tsang, Linda
2021-06-04
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Supreme Court: Unlawful Entrants with Temporary Protected Status Cannot Adjust to Lawful Permanent Resident Status [June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "Certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens, as the term is used in the Immigration and Nationality Act [hyperlink] [INA]) who are physically present in the United States may adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status [hyperlink] if they meet certain requirements. Among other things, an applicant for adjustment of status generally must have been 'inspected and admitted or paroled' [hyperlink] into the United States by immigration authorities. For some time, courts disagreed [hyperlink] over whether aliens who unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, but later received Temporary Protected Status [hyperlink] (TPS), have been 'inspected and admitted' to qualify for adjustment. In 'Sanchez v. Mayorkas', the Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion [hyperlink], held that the grant of TPS does not enable an unlawful entrant to pursue adjustment of status. This Legal Sidebar examines the Supreme Court's decision and its implications for unlawful entrants who seek to pursue LPR status."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2021-06-11
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Supreme Court Rules on Authority of Tribal Police to Stop Non-Indians [June 11, 2021]
From the Document: "On June 1, 2021, the Supreme Court unanimously held in 'United States v. Cooley' [hyperlink] ('Cooley') that Indian tribal law enforcement officers may stop, search, and temporarily detain a non-Indian motorist traveling on a public highway within an Indian reservation if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the motorist has violated or will violate federal or state law. The Court held that the source of this power is an Indian tribe's retained inherent authority to protect public safety. In reaching this conclusion, the opinion draws upon earlier decisions of the Court, particularly 'Montana v. United States' [hyperlink] ('Montana'). In 'Montana,' the Court noted that, although tribes generally retain no authority over the conduct of non-Indians on fee land within a reservation, they do retain some authority over 'conduct [that] threatens or has some direct effect on . . . the health or welfare of the tribe.' The Supreme Court's decision in 'Cooley' reverses a decision [hyperlink] of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit discussed in an earlier Legal Sidebar [hyperlink]. After a brief summary of background on tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians, this Sidebar discusses the Court's decision in 'Cooley' and identifies possible considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Murphy, M. Maureen
2021-06-11
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Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases: Issues for Congress [June 7, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13990, 'Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.' It contains directives to update the social cost of greenhouse gases (SC-GHG), a tool that agencies have typically used to estimate the benefits of GHG reductions. SC-GHG estimates have informed decisionmaking on federal actions, including GHG-related rules, since 2008. Members of Congress have taken divergent views on the adequacy and use of the SC-GHG. Some Members of Congress have questioned whether the SC-GHG methodology was consistent with federal guidance. Others have raised concerns that the SC-GHG estimates are outdated and that they underestimated climate benefits. The SC-GHG remains a topic of interest in the 117th Congress as the Biden Administration updates the estimates and implements its climate change directives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shouse, Kate C.
2021-06-07
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Select Mail Delivery Provisions in the Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 3076) [June 2, 2021]
From the Document: "On May 11, 2021, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee [hyperlink] Chair Carolyn Maloney introduced H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act (PSRA). H.R. 3076 proposes a series of large- and small-scale changes to the organization and operations of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in order to 'put the USPS on the path towards fiscal sustainability and efficiency [hyperlink].' On May 13, 2021, the committee by voice vote ordered H.R. 3076 to be reported. This Insight provides a summary of the operational reforms proposed in Sections 202, 206, and 208 of the bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hatch, Garrett Leigh
2021-06-02
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Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 3, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requests $1,087.9 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion) for the procurement of the third FFG-62, and $69.1 million in advance procurement (AP) funding for the fourth and fifth FFG-62s, which are programmed for procurement in one or more future fiscal years. The FFG-62 program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-06-03
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NATO: Key Issues for the 117th Congress [Updated June 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "Heads of state and government from the 30 member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are due to meet in Brussels, Belgium, on June 14, 2021, to discuss security challenges and consider proposals to bolster political cohesion within the alliance. When allied leaders last met in London, United Kingdom, in December 2019, deliberations exposed heightened political tension and divergent views on a number of issues. Former President Trump's criticisms of NATO and individual European allies and his Administration's perceived lack of consultation with allies on key foreign policy issues were points of contention. [...] In response to recent transatlantic tensions and questions about NATO's longer-term relevance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg launched the NATO 2030 Initiative to advance proposals to strengthen the alliance, both militarily and politically. At the June 14 summit, the allies are expected to consider Stoltenberg's recommendations to reinforce alliance unity, broaden NATO's approach to security, and defend the rules-based international order. Recommendations could include updating NATO's strategic concept, last updated in 2010, to better reflect today's security environment, especially with respect to Russia and China; enhancing NATO's capacity to counter nonmilitary threats; and strengthening NATO's commitment to democratic values and enhancing its relationships with like-minded partners across the globe."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul
2021-06-03
