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• Homeland Security: Federal Assistance Funding and Business Opportunities [Updated May 21, 2004]

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  "With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and increased federal spending on homeland security products and services, comes increased interest in doing business with the federal government and obtaining federal funds. Small and large businesses, universities, and research organizations throughout the country want to provide the needed products and services. State and local governments desire federal funds to assist with their homeland security needs. Generally, the larger companies or organizations and state and local governments that have regularly done business with the federal government in the past are familiar with the often complex process of selling to the government or obtaining federal funds through grants. However, smaller companies and government officials who are new to the process may have a difficult time quickly identifying the resources and information needed to pursue grant or contract monies. This report provides a selection of information gateways for businesses, state and local governments, research organizations, and others that wish to pursue homeland security related business opportunities or grants from the federal government. A selection of websites is provided for the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense (DOD), and other federal departments and agencies. The information will assist interested persons in locating information on available grants, contracts, or research and development opportunities with a homeland security focus."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Riehl, James R.

  2004-05-21
• Military Technology and Conventional Weapons Export Controls: The Wassenaar Arrangement [Updated May 21, 2004]

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  "This report provides background on the Wassenaar Arrangement, which was formally established in July 1996 as a multilateral arrangement aimed at controlling exports of conventional weapons and related dual-use goods and military technology. It is the successor to the expired Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM). This report focuses on the current status, features, and issues raised by the establishment and functioning of the Wassenaar Arrangement. It will be updated only if warranted by notable events related to the Arrangement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Grimmett, Richard F.

  2004-05-21
• Palestinians and Middle East Peace: Issues for the United States [Updated May 20, 2004]

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  "The United States began contacts with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in December 1988, after the PLO accepted Israel's right to exist, accepted U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338 that call for an exchange of land for peace, and renounced terrorism. The United States broke contact with the PLO in 1990 after a terrorist incident but reestablished contact before the 1991 Madrid conference. […] Israel and the Palestinians agreed to an Israeli withdrawal from Hebron in January 1997, and on October 23, 1998 signed the Wye agreement to meet previous commitments. The peace talks stalled at Camp David in July 2000, and remain suspended since the Palestinian uprising began in September 2000. The 'Road Map' of April 2003, provides for a three-phase, three-year, peace plan, but the plan has been stalled by a series of attacks and retaliations and by stated Israeli intentions to impose unilateral actions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mark, Clyde R.

  2004-05-20
• China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated May 20, 2004]

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  The purpose of this report is to provide background for and summarize current developments in U.S.-PRC (People's Republic of China) relations, including current and pending congressional actions involving the PRC. Factors contributing to improved U.S.-China relations include a more assertive approach toward China and supportive views on Taiwan, anti-terrorism and changing global priorities, recent changes in PRC policy, and the PRC's growing economic importance. However, key issues in U.S.-PRC relations remain, as discussed in this report, including Taiwan, China's space program, human rights, SARS and Avian Flu, economic issues, Tibet, and Hong Kong. The document outlines U.S. policy trends of engagement, caution, and threat. A chronology of recent events is also included, as well as a list of further reading. This report will be updated regularly as new developments occur.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dumbaugh, Kerry

  2004-05-20
• India-U.S. Relations [Updated May 20, 2004]

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  "The end of the Cold War freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, but New Delhi-Washington relations continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry. Recent years, however, have witnessed a sea change in bilateral relations, with more positive interactions becoming the norm. India's swift offer of full support for U.S.-led counterterrorism operations after September 2001 was widely viewed as reflective of such change. Continuing U.S. interest in South Asia focuses especially on the historic and ongoing tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, tensions rooted in unfinished business from the 1947 Partition, and competing claims to the former princely state of Kashmir. The United States strongly encourages maintenance of a cease-fire along the Kashmiri Line of Control and continued, substantive dialogue between India and Pakistan."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kronstadt, K. Alan

  2004-05-20
• Small-scale Terrorist Attacks Using Chemical and Biological Agents: An Assessment Framework and Preliminary Comparisons [May 20, 2004]

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  "This report, which will be updated as necessary, presents a means of assessing the relative threat from terrorist-use of individual chemical, biological, and toxin agents. It focuses on small-scale, targeted chemical and biological attacks, rather than mass-casualty attacks. The framework considers the elements of access, public health impact, medical treatment, prophylaxis, and dissemination. Other factors that may affect potential use by terrorists include the range of lethality, covert employment of an agent, and the availability of dual-use technologies. The results of this framework may be useful in addressing the threat these agents pose, for example by indicating priorities for countermeasure funding. Other uses include weighing the potential effectiveness of policy options, assessing threat reduction approaches to specific agents, and serving as a resource for developing other specialized frameworks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shea, Dana A.; Gottron, Frank

  2004-05-20
• Border Security: Immigration Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated May 18, 2004]

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  This report provides background information on the main immigration-related border security issues that have been raised as a result of the terrorist attacks and resulting concern for homeland security. It describes enacted legislation in the 107th Congress as well as in previous Congresses that focus on immigration-related border security issues. The report also poses possible immigration-related border security issues the 108th Congress may consider. This report will be updated to reflect any additional related legislation in the 108th Congress, as well as implementation issues.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seghetti, Lisa M.

  2004-05-18
• Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs [Updated May 18, 2004]

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  "The 'digital divide' is a term that has been used to characterize a gap between 'information haves and have-nots,' or in other words, between those Americans who use or have access to telecommunications technologies (e.g., telephones, computers, the Internet) and those who do not. One important subset of the digital divide debate concerns high-speed Internet access, also known as broadband. Broadband is provided by a series of technologies (e.g. cable, telephone wire, satellite, wireless) that give users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than current Internet access over traditional telephone lines. If one assumes that governmental action is necessary to spur broadband deployment in underserved areas, which specific approaches, either separately or in combination, are likely to be most effective? This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2004-05-18
• Vienna Convention on Consular Relations: Overview of U.S. Implementation and International Court of Justice (ICJ) Interpretation of Consular Notification Requirements [May 17, 2004]

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  "The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations is a multilateral agreement codifying consular practices originally governed by customary practice and bilateral agreements between States. Most countries, including the United States, are parties to the Convention. The United States is also a party to the Convention's Optional Protocol Concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, under which it has agreed to accept the jurisdiction of the ICJ to settle disputes between Convention parties regarding the agreement's provisions. In recent years, three countries (Paraguay, Mexico, and Germany) have brought cases to the ICJ disputing U.S. practice in relation to Convention Article 36. Article 36 provides that when a foreign national is arrested or detained, authorities of the receiving State must notify him 'without delay' of his right to have his country's local consular officer contacted."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garcia, Michael John

  2004-05-17
• Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated May 14, 2004]

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  "Key areas of U.S. concern regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was trans- formed by the September 2001 terrorist at- tacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led anti-terrorism efforts in Southwest Asia. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to core U.S. interests in the region. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Pakistan continues to face serious problems, including wide-spread poverty and domestic terrorism."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kronstadt, K. Alan

  2004-05-14
• Avian Influenza: Multiple Strains Cause Different Effects Worldwide [Updated May 14, 2004]

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  "Since the fall of 2003, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has spread throughout Asia, infecting mostly poultry but also a limited number of humans. Officials are concerned that the virus could mutate to allow human-to-human transmission. The situation in Asia has raised the awareness of this disease in the U.S. In February and March 2004, a low pathogenicity avian flu surfaced in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey (H7N2), and another strain was found in Pennsylvania (H2N2). One highly pathogenic strain (H5N2) surfaced in Texas. In British Columbia, Canada, a highly pathogenic strain (H7N3) was discovered in March, and an H5 strain was found in May. While low pathogenicity avian flu (LPAI) is not uncommon, the strain in Texas is the first highly pathogenic (HPAI) case in the U.S. since 1983-1984. Federal and state officials have responded by depopulating (destroying) flocks, imposing quarantines, conducting extensive surveillance, and providing funding. On April 1, USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] announced that the HPAI outbreak in Texas was eradicated. In Canada, however, the disease has spread extensively and depopulation is underway. Only a few strains of avian flu have been known to affect humans, and no humans in the U.S. have been known to be infected. In Canada, however, two workers in the response were infected and have recovered. Because human infection is possible, public health guidelines have been published. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Monke, James

  2004-05-14
• Return to Private Security Screening at Airports?: Background and Issues Regarding the Opt-Out Provision of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act [May 14, 2004]

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  "A provision in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA, P.L. 107-71 § 108; 115 Stat. 611) permits each airport where federal screeners are currently deployed to request private screeners instead of federal screeners starting in November 2004. A pilot program created by the act was established at five airports to examine the advantages and disadvantages of private airport screening. Concerns have been raised, however, that the pilot program may provide too small a sample and, as currently implemented, is too similar in design to the federal screening function to make a valid comparison of federal and private screening, and that the pilot program airports may not serve as ideal models for future private screening systems. Also, no regulatory framework or guidelines currently exist for evaluating private screening proposals and overseeing private screening firms. […] Other issues to be addressed regarding private screening are related to how private screening entities will interface with federal aviation security functions such as intelligence gathering and data sharing, and deployment of new screening technologies. The effect of private screening on the security screening workforce is also a critical issue, since high turnover rates among screeners before September 11, 2001, were a key factor in the decision to create a federal screening workforce under ATSA."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew

  2004-05-14
• Return to Private Security Screening at Airports?: Background and Issues Regarding the Opt-Out Provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act [May 14, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "A provision in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA, P.L. [Public Law] 107-71 § 108; 115 Stat. 611) permits each airport where federal screeners are currently deployed to request private screeners instead of federal screeners starting in November 2004. A pilot program created by the act was established at five airports to examine the advantages and disadvantages of private airport screening. Concerns have been raised, however, that the pilot program may provide too small a sample and, as currently implemented, is too similar in design to the federal screening function to make a valid comparison of federal and private screening, and that the pilot program airports may not serve as ideal models for future private screening systems. Also, no regulatory framework or guidelines currently exist for evaluating private screening proposals and overseeing private screening firms. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently working on these and expects to have preliminary information for airports on the program's implementation by mid-May 2004. […] Implementation of the security screening opt-out provision is likely to be an issue of considerable interest during the remainder of the 108th Congress. While privatization advocates are calling for an expansion of the opt-out provision to allow for greater program flexibility and less federal control of private airport screening, advocates for federal control of aviation security view a return to private screening as a move that could reintroduce deficiencies in aviation security that existed before the federalization of passenger screening under ATSA. This report will be updated as warranted by events."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elias, Bartholomew

  2004-05-14
• Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 13, 2004]

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  "This report examines Turkmenistan's halting economic and political reforms under the authoritarian leadership of President Saparmurad Niyazov. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including support for grassroots democratization and advocacy for human rights. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia's New States, updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2004-05-13
• Drug Control: International Policy and Approaches [May 13, 2004]

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  "Efforts to significantly reduce the flow of illicit drugs from abroad into the United States have so far not succeeded. Moreover, over the past decade, worldwide production of illicit drugs has risen dramatically: opium and marijuana production has roughly doubled and coca production tripled. Street prices of cocaine and heroin have fallen significantly in the past 20 years, reflecting increased availability. The effectiveness of international narcotics control programs in reducing consumption is a matter of ongoing concern. [...] The mix of competing domestic and international pressures and priorities has produced an ongoing series of disputes within and between the legislative and executive branches concerning U.S. international drug policy. One contentious issue has been the Congressionally-mandated certification process, an instrument designed to induce specified drug-exporting countries to prioritize or pay more attention to the fight against narcotics businesses. [...] The Bush Administration's FY2004 budget request continues a policy, begun in FY2002, to request authority for the State and Defense Departments to supply assistance to Colombia for counter-terrorism purposes. For instance, U.S.-supplied helicopters and intelligence could be used to support military operations against guerrillas financed by drugs as well as against drug traffickers themselves. Drug control approaches addressed in this issue brief include: 1) Expansion of efforts to reduce foreign production at the source. 2) Expansion of interdiction and enforcement activities to disrupt supply lines. 3) Expansion of efforts to reduce worldwide demand. 4) Expansion of economic disincentives for international drug trafficking. Current trends in U.S. counternarcotics policy also are discussed in the brief. For analysis of the Andean drug issues, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31383, 'Andean Regional Initiative( ARI): FY2002 Supplemental and FY2003 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors'."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2004-05-13
• U.S.-Latin American Trade: Recent Trends [Updated May 11, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "Since congressional passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) in August 2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107-210), the U.S.-Chile free trade agreement (FTA) has been implemented and negotiations have been concluded on the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Congress will likely follow closely progress on other U.S.-Latin American trade initiatives, including new bilateral discussions begun with the Andean countries and Panama, and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), scheduled to be concluded in January 2005. Congress defined trade negotiation objectives in TPA and trade agreements are enacted only after Congress passes implementing legislation. This report supports the congressional role in trade policy by providing an analytical overview of U.S.-Latin American trade data and trends, and will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2004-05-11
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Overview, FY2005 Budget in Brief [Updated May 10, 2004]

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  "The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts U.S. civilian space activities. Its FY2005 budget request is $16.2 billion, a 5.6% increase over its FY2004 appropriation of $15.4 billion. The increase is primarily for fulfilling new exploration goals that were announced by President Bush on January 14, 2004. During consideration of the FY2005 request, Congress is focusing on NASA's plans to return the space shuttle to flight status following the February 1, 2003 space shuttle Columbia accident, the President's exploration initiative, and the health of NASA's aeronautics research program. This report is updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smith, Marcia S.; Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)

  2004-05-10
• Azerbaijan: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 10, 2004]

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  From the Summary: "This report discusses political, economic, and security challenges facing Azerbaijan, including faltering democratization, poverty, crime and corruption, and the unsettled conflict in Azerbaijan's breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region. Oil and natural gas resources and pipelines are briefly examined. A table provides basic facts and biographical information. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB95024, 'Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia,' updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2004-05-10
• Safe Drinking Water Act: State Revolving Fund Program [Updated May 10, 2004]

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  "In the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996 (P.L. 104-182), Congress authorized a drinking water state revolving loan fund (DWSRF) program to help public water systems finance infrastructure projects needed to comply with federal drinking water regulations and to protect public health. Under this program, states receive capitalization grants to make loans for drinking water projects and to support certain other SDWA activities. The DWSRF program was authorized at $1 billion annually through FY2003. Since the program was first funded in FY1997, Congress has provided $6.94 billion, including $844.9 million for FY2004. Through June 2003, the DWSRF program had provided $6.37 billion in assistance and supported 5,333 projects. For FY2005, the Administration has requested $850 million for this program. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) 2001 survey of capital improvement needs for public water systems indicated that communities need to invest $150.9 billion on drinking water infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years. Interest in addressing infrastructure funding needs and related issues continues in the 108th Congress. Key issues include the gap between estimated needs and funding, SDWA compliance and cost issues, particularly for small systems, and the availability of funds for security improvements. Bills have been introduced to increase DWSRF funding levels and to provide grants to small systems. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tiemann, Mary

  2004-05-10
• Extradition Between the United States and Great Britain: The 2003 Treaty [Updated May 6, 2004]

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  From the Document: "Federal court denial of British extradition requests in the cases of four fugitives from Northern Ireland led to the Supplementary Extradition Treaty. The Treaty proved controversial and before the Senate would give its consent it insisted upon modifications, some quite unusual. Those modifications have been eliminated in a newly negotiated treaty which awaits Senate action and which incorporates features often more characteristic of contemporary extradition treaties with other countries. There has been criticism of the new Treaty's; exemptions to the political offense bar to extradition; elimination of judicial inquiry into politically motivated extradition request; treatment of probable cause; clause relating to extradition for crimes committed overseas; dropping the statute of limitations defense; discretionary authority for provisional arrest and detention; language relating to the seizure of assets; exceptions to the rule of specialty (permitting prosecution for crimes other than those for which extradition was granted); and retroactive application."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2004-05-06
• Women in Iraq: Background and Issues for U.S. Policy [May 5, 2004]

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  "The issue of women's rights in Iraq has taken on new relevance, following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the formation of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), and subsequent U.S.-led efforts to reconstruct Iraq. In the past year, the Bush Administration has stated its interest in ensuring that Iraqi women are involved in the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. There has been a widening debate regarding the extent to which the U.S.-led reconstruction efforts have been able to assist women in Iraq and to incorporate them in plans for a future government. In recent months, Iraqis, in general, and Iraqi women, in particular, have complained of a volatile security situation which has contributed to a deterioration in their status. According to some observers, this political uncertainty, coupled with a rise in popular religious activism, has called into question the future involvement of Iraqi women in nation building. At the same time, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reports that there has been extensive progress in the reconstruction efforts targeting women's education and the inclusion of women in local governance. Others note that the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) signed by the Iraqi Governing Council in March 2004 includes many provisions that advocate women's rights and their inclusion in a future Iraqi government."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Armanios, Febe, 1974-

  2004-05-05
• Georgia [Republic]: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 5, 2004]

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  "This report examines Georgia's efforts to surmount economic problems, civil war, separatism, crime, corruption, and human rights problems. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance, including military training and equipment transfers to help Georgia's antiterrorism efforts. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB95024, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2004-05-05
• Kazakhstan: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated May 4, 2004]

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  "Kazakhstan is becoming an important power in Central Asia by virtue of its large territory, ample natural resources, and strategic location. However, it faces political, ethnic, economic, and environmental challenges to its stability and integrity. After the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Kazakhstan granted overflight rights for U.S.-led coalition actions in Afghanistan, and in 2003 provided some troops for post-conflict rebuilding in Iraq. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia, updated regularly."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2004-05-04
• Air Force Aerial Refueling [May 4, 2004]

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  "Aerial refueling aircraft are key to military air operations. The U.S. tanker fleet is numerous and effective, but old. Modernizing or replacing the current fleet of tankers presents the Department of Defense (DOD) with difficult choices in terms of desired capabilities, force structure, and budget. The Air Force's proposal to lease 100 Boeing 767 aircraft to replace it's KC-135E fleet is controversial. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bolkcom, Christopher C.

  2004-05-04
• Data Mining: An Overview [Updated May 3, 2004]

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  "Data mining is emerging as one of the key features of many homeland security initiatives. Often used as a means for detecting fraud, assessing risk, and product retailing, data mining involves the use of data analysis tools to discover previously unknown, valid patterns and relationships in large data sets. In the context of homeland security, data mining is often viewed as a potential means to identify terrorist activities, such as money transfers and communications, and to identify and track individual terrorists themselves, such as through travel and immigration records. Interoperability is a critical part of the larger efforts to improve interagency collaboration and information sharing through e-government and homeland security initiatives. A third issue is privacy. Questions that may be considered include the degree to which government agencies should use and mix commercial data with government data, whether data sources are being used for purposes other than those for which they were originally designed, and possible application of the Privacy Act to these initiatives. It is anticipated that congressional oversight of data mining projects will grow as data mining efforts continue to evolve. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seifert, Jeffrey W.

  2004-05-03
• Telecommunications Discounts for Schools and Libraries: The 'E-Rate' Program and Controversies [Updated September 15, 2004]

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  "Passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104) codified the long standing policy commitment to ensure universal service in the provision of telecommunications services. The 1996 Act also expanded the concept to include, among other principles, that elementary schools and classrooms, and libraries should have access to telecommunications services for educational purposes at discounted rates. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked with implementing the universal provisions of the Act and on May 7, 1997, adopted its order detailing its guidelines. Included within that order was the establishment of the schools and libraries, or Erate, program. Under this program telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections will be provided at discounts ranging from 20% to 90 % to eligible schools and libraries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gilroy, Angele A.

  2004-05-01
• Iraq: Summary of U.S. Forces [Updated April 30, 2004]

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  "This report provides a summary estimate of military forces that have reportedly been deployed to and subsequently withdrawn from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), popularly called the Persian Gulf region, to support operation Iraqi Freedom. [...] Geographically, the USCENTCOM AOR stretches from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia. The information about military units that have been deployed and withdrawn is based on both official government public statements and estimates identified in selected news accounts. The statistics have been assembled from both Department of Defense (DOD) sources and open-source press reports. However, due to concerns about operational security DOD is not routinely reporting the composition, size, nor destination of units and military forces being deployed to the Persian Gulf. Consequently, not all has been officially confirmed. For further reading, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31701, 'Iraq: Potential U.S. Military Operations.' This report will be updated as the situation continues to develop."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Linwood B.

  2004-04-30
• Greece: Threat of Terrorism and Security at the Olympics [April 30, 2004]

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  "The summer 2004 Olympic Games will take place in Athens, Greece, where their success is a point of national pride. The Greek government is planning unprecedented security measures to deal with possible terrorist threats. Attacks by Al Qaeda or its allies in Europe and elsewhere heightened the government's awareness of the potential for terrorism at the Olympics. Athens believes that it has effectively dismantled major domestic terrorist groups in recent years and is preparing mainly for external threats, although anarchists and anti-globalization groups may be disruptive as well. The Greek Ministry of Public Order is in charge of security and Greece requested assistance from NATO and others, including the United States. The U.S. Administration is taking its own steps to protect the U.S. Olympic team. This report will be updated if developments warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Migdalovitz, Carol

  2004-04-30
• Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA): Origin, Characteristics, and Institutional Authorities [April 29, 2004]

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  "Responsibility for overseeing reconstruction in post-conflict Iraq initially fell to the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA). Established in early 2003, ORHA was headed by Lieutenant General Jay M. Garner, U.S. Army (ret.). By June 2003, ORHA had been replaced, or subsumed, by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which is led by Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III. S. 2127, the Stabilization and Reconstruction Civilian Management Act of 2004, is pending in the 108th Congress. If enacted, it would establish an Office of International Stabilization and Reconstruction within the Department of State, which would be responsible for, among other things, monitoring unstable situations around the world, planning for reconstruction crises, and coordinating with relevant executive agencies to develop interagency contingency plans. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Halchin, L. Elaine

  2004-04-29
• Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management - Implementation [Updated April 28, 2004]

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  "After substantial congressional entreatment, President George W. Bush gave impetus to the creation of a Department of Homeland Security when, on June 6, 2002, he proposed the establishment of such an entity by the 107th Congress. The President transmitted his department proposal to the House of Representatives on June 18, where it was subsequently introduced by request (H.R. 5005). The House approved the bill in amended form on July 26. The Senate did not begin consideration of the legislation until after the August congressional recess. Senate deliberations on the matter were slower due to partisan and parliamentary factors as well as a few highly contentious issues, such as the civil service protections and collective bargaining rights of the employees of the new department. When both houses of Congress reconvened after the fall elections, a new, compromise department bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 5710), which considered and adopted the measure on November 13. Six days later, the Senate approved the original House bill (H.R. 5005), as modified with the language of the compromise legislation (H.R. 5710), which had been offered as an amendment. The House cleared the Senate-passed measure for the President's signature (P.L. 107-296; 116 Stat. 2135). Ultimately, President Bush largely obtained what he wanted in the legislation mandating the department. Overseeing the implementation of the legislation mandating the new Department of Homeland Security, and possibly refining it and making some technical modifications, is within the purview of the 108th Congress. Some legislators, for example, want to eliminate provisions protecting manufacturers from liability lawsuits, broaden the criteria for the creation of university-based centers for homeland security, and make the department subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (H.R. 237, H.R. 484, S. 6, S. 28, S. 41, S. 105). The department's charter also contains some contradictory provisions, such as those concerning the appointment of an officer for civil rights and civil liberties. Other implementation issues include Senate confirmation of presidential nominees for department leadership positions, creation of initial budgets for the new department, and assessing the various reports to Congress required of the new department. This report will be updated as events recommend during the 108th Congress. CRS Report RL31148, Homeland Security: The Presidential Coordination Office, assesses the operations and status of the Office of Homeland Security; CRS Report RL31493, Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management- Legislative Phase, assesses the development and enactment of the Homeland Security Act of 2002."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2004-04-28