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India-U.S. Economic Relations [Updated July 28, 2003]
India's economy has shown relatively healthy growth since 1991 when an economic crisis caused the government to implement various economic reforms. Yet many analysts view India's economy as falling below its potential, especially when compared to a country such as China, which has achieved far greater economic success over the past decade. The United States is India's largest trading partner. India is a relatively minor U.S. trading partner, although U.S. officials argue that it could be a potentially largemarket if India implemented further economic reforms. This reportwill be updated as events warrant.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-07-28
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Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy [Updated July 25, 2003]
"While continuing previous U.S. Administrations' policies of containing Iran while pursuing limited engagement with it, the Bush Administration is evaluating whether or not to move more toward a regime change policy, and how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability. Iran's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, have long been key U.S. concerns. Another U.S. concern is that Iran continues to provide material support to Hizballah in Lebanon and to Palestinian groups that oppose the Arab-Israeli peace process. Iran's human rights practices are frequently criticized by U.S. officials and Members of Congress. Thus far, the Bush Administration has continued most aspects of the containment policies toward Iran that characterized preceding administrations. The United States has consistently worked with its allies to prevent arms and advanced technology sales to Iran and to limit Iran's influence over regional energy flows. U.S. purchases of Iranian crude oil and U.S. company investments in Iran remain barred. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) was renewed for another 5 years on August 3, 2001 (H.R. 1954, P.L. 107-24)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-07-25
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U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement: Economic and Trade Policy Issues [Updated July 25, 2003]
"On June 6, 2003, the United States and Chile signed a long anticipated bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in Miami, Florida, concluding a 14-round negotiation process that began on December 6, 2000. The House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees held informal markups on the draft implementing legislation on July 10, 2003. On July 15, the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 2738/S. 1416) was sent to Congress. The next day, the House and Senate Judiciary Committees approved the bill by voice vote. On July 17, the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees also approved it by voice vote. On July 24, the House debated and passed H.R. 2738 (270-156). The Senate is expected to debate and vote on the companion bill, S. 1416, the week of July 28. [] The bilateral negotiation was a challenging exercise for both countries and although a broad-based agreement was struck, there are a few issues that remain somewhat unsettling for many Members of Congress, as expressed at hearings in both the House and the Senate. Overall, because there are now multiple FTAs being contemplated, there is a concern over the implications of one bilateral becoming a 'template' for others that follow. In the case of the U.S.-Chile FTA, attention is focused on language governing dispute resolution treatment of labor and financial transfers, as well as the temporary entry for business persons. These and other issues are discussed in this report, which provides background and analysis on Chile's economy, trade relations, and the bilateral FTA. It will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2003-07-25
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China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated July 25, 2003]
"In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, U.S. and People's Republic of China (PRC) foreign policy calculations appeared to change. The Administration of George W. Bush assumed office in January 2001 viewing China as a U.S. 'strategic competitor.' Administration officials faced an early test in April 2001 when a Chinese naval aviation jet collided with a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea. After September 11, though, U.S. officials came to see Beijing as a potentially helpful ally in the fight against global terrorism, while PRC officials saw the anti-terrorism campaign as a chance to improve relations with Washington and perhaps gain policy concessions on issues important to Beijing, such as on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. U.S. anti-terror priorities led some to suggest that cooperation against terrorism could serve as a new strategic framework for Sino-U.S. relations. […] The purpose of this report is to provide background for and summarize current developments in U.S.-PRC relations, including current and pending congressional actions involving the PRC. This report will be updated regularly as new developments occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2003-07-25
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2003 Supplemental and FY2004 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated July 25, 2003]
"In 2003, Congress is considering President Bush's requests for FY2003 supplemental and FY2004 funding for Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative that was launched in 2001. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the world's cocaine and increasing amounts of heroin. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia's longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by 'taxes' on illegal narcotics cultivation and trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Veillette, Connie
2003-07-25
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Energy Efficiency: Budget, Oil Conservation, and Electricity Conservation Issues [July 24, 2003]
"Energy security, a major driver of federal energy efficiency programs in the past, came back into play as oil and gas prices rose late in the year 2000. The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, and the Iraq war of 2003 heightened concern for energy security and raised further concerns about the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and the need for alternative fuels. Further, the 2001 electricity shortages in California and the high natural gas prices in 2003 brought a renewed emphasis on energy efficiency and energy conservation to dampen electricity (and natural gas) demand. Also, worldwide emphasis on environmental problems of air and water pollution and global climate change, and the related development of clean energy technologies in western Europe and Japan, may remain important influences on energy efficiency policymaking. Concern about technology competitiveness may also remain a factor in the debate. In the 108th Congress, debate over energy efficiency programs is focusing on the budget, oil, natural gas, and electricity issues, and provisions in the omnibus energy policy bill, H.R. 6 and S. 14."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.
2003-07-24
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War On Drugs: Legislation in the 108th Congress and Related Developments [Updated July 27, 2003]
"In recent years, Congress has taken an increasingly punitive stance toward drug addicts and casual users alike. A different approach has been taken by certain countries in Europe and elsewhere that are experimenting with less restrictive policies such as decriminalization and 'harm reduction' measures. The 108th Congress will receive strong encouragement from the Executive Branch to continue the all-out war on drugs. [...] Other drug control issues likely to be taken up in the first session include the drug control budget for FY2004 and confirmation by the Senate of a new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to the move of the previous DEA administrator to the position of Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security in the new Department of Homeland Security. Additional issues that could be considered by the 108th Congress include state ballot initiatives regarding medical marijuana and drug treatment in lieu of incarceration, the effects of state budget deficits on the states' drug control efforts, and the impact of the anti-terrorism effort on the drug war."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Eddy, Mark
2003-07-23
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Iraq: Weapons Programs, U.N. Requirements, and U.S. Policy [Updated July 23, 2003]
"After asserting that Iraq had failed to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions that require Iraq to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction (WMD),the Bush Administration began military action against Iraq on March 19, 2003, and the regime of Saddam Hussein fell on April 9. Since then, U.S. teams have been attempting to uncover Iraq's suspected weapons of mass destruction (WMD) stockpiles, but only minor finds of WMD technology have been reported thus far. [...] Iraq was widely deemed non-compliant in other areas, especially human rights issues. A U.S.-led no-fly zone provided some protection to Kurdish northern Iraq after April 1991. Since August 1992, a no-fly zone was enforced over southern Iraq, where historically repressed Iraqi Shiites are concentrated. The zone was expanded in August 1996, but Iraq nonetheless maintained a substantial ground presence in the south. Iraq openly challenged both no-fly zones after December 1998. These enforcement operations ended after the fall of the regime. Since the fall of the regime, U.S. teams have discovered about 60 mass graves containing primarily Shiites and Kurds that Saddam Hussein had characterized as a threat to the regime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-07-23
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Jordan: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated July 23, 2003]
"The death of King Hussein on February 7, 1999, removed a strong U.S. ally and force for stability; however, his son and successor, King Abdullah, has continued to follow the late King's moderate and pro-western policies. In recent years, Jordan has taken significant steps toward building democratic life, including a return to limited parliamentary democracy. Parliament has eased restrictions in laws affecting the press, but some remain. Several issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations are likely to figure in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Jordan. These include the stability of the Jordanian regime, democratic reform underway in Jordan, the role of Jordan in the Arab-Israeli peace process, Jordan's concerns over the U.S.-led campaign against Iraq in 2003, and its relations with other regional states. King Abdullah expressed Jordan's 'absolute condemnation' of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. and was the first Arab head of state to visit President Bush after the attacks. Jordan sent military medical and mine clearing units to Afghanistan in December 2001 to support the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism, and a field hospital to Iraq in April 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2003-07-23
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Middle East Partnership Initiative: An Overview [Updated July 23, 2003]
From the Summary: "On December 12, 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell announced the creation of The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), a program designed to promote political, economic, and educational development in the Middle East. This report provides an overview of the program, its perception in the Middle East, and its role in the debate over U.S. public diplomacy toward the Arab world. This report will be updated as developments unfold."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2003-07-23
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Al-Jazeera News Network: Opportunity or Challenge for U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East? [Updated July 23, 2003]
Al-Jazeera, the Arab world's first all-news network was started by the Persian Gulf monarchy of Qatar. It has come to be recognized as a key player in covering issues of central importance to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East: the conflict in Iraq, the war on terrorism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Al-Jazeera has become so publicly influential that U.S. officials now regularly appear on the network. Although Al-Jazeera has received praise for its uncensored format and for airing interviews with U.S. and Israeli officials, as well as Arab critics of the policies of Arab governments, it has drawn criticism from many observers in the United States and elsewhere for a perceived lack of objectivity in covering these conflicts, including the activities of Al Qaeda. For their part, officials from Al-Jazeera have claimed that they merely reflect Arab popular resentment of U.S. policy in the Middle East. This paper provides an overview of Al-Jazeera and explores the debate surrounding its objectivity. This report also analyzes Al-Jazeera's coverage of events in the Middle East, specifically, its coverage of events in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The final section of this report discusses policy options regarding U.S. public diplomacy efforts in the Middle East region. This paper will be updated periodically.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2003-07-23
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Energy: Useful Facts and Numbers [Updated July 23, 2003]
"On July 31, 2003, the Senate, facing obstacles to passage of its comprehensive energy bill (S. 14), substituted the energy legislation the Senate had passed and sent to conference in the 107th Congress. Principals are sorting out the implications of this unanticipated development; there are identical or similar provisions in both S. 14 and the substitute measure that the Senate passed as H.R. 6, but there are also significant differences. Amendments passed on the floor to S. 14 do not figure into the legislation passed by the Senate, including the electricity amendment -- crafted over a number of months -- which was on the floor when the Senate made its startling decision. However, the Republican managers of the energy legislation noted that the bill will be rewritten in conference. Among the issues waiting to be addressed in the Senate at the time of passage of H.R. 6 were climate change, clean air, Indian energy development, and hydroelectric relicensing, among other issues. There are climate change provisions in the version of H.R. 6 adopted by the Senate. On April 11, 2003, the House passed its version of H.R. 6 (247-175). The bill includes several provisions that were part of comprehensive, but not enacted, energy legislation (H.R. 4) debated during the 107th Congress. These provisions touch upon energy efficiency and conservation, clean coal technology, and reauthorization of the Price-Anderson Act nuclear liability system. The bill passed by the House would also provide roughly $18 billion in energy tax incentives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Glover, Carol F.; Behrens, Carl E.
2003-07-23
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Supplemental and FY2003 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [July 22, 2003]
"On February 4, 2002, President Bush submitted a FY2003 budget request that would provide $979.8 million for the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI), with $731 million in counternarcotics assistance under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI). This request included $537 million in ARI funding for Colombia, with $439 million in ACI funding and $98 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to train and equip a Colombian army brigade to protect an oil pipeline in northeastern Colombia. On March 21, 2002, the Administration proposed an Emergency FY2002 Supplemental for counter-terrorism purposes that included a request for $4 million of State Department international narcotics control (INCLE) funding for Colombia police post support, $6 million of FMF funding for Colombia and $3 million for Ecuador for counter-terrorism equipment and training, and $25 million for counterkidnapping training in Colombia. Also included in the submission were requests to broaden the authorities of the Defense and State Departments to utilize FY2002 and FY2003 assistance and unexpended Plan Colombia assistance to support the Colombian government's 'unified campaign against narcotics trafficking, terrorist activities, and other threats to its national security.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2003-07-22
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Trade Remedy Law Reform in the 108th Congress [Updated July 22, 2003]
"Trade remedies are government measures to minimize the adverse impact of imports on domestic industries. Antidumping duties are used to counter the effects of imports sold at unfairly low prices on the domestic market. Countervailing duties are used to counter the price effects of imports that benefit from government subsidies in the exporting countries. Safeguard remedies (also called Section 201 and escape clause remedies) are used to reduce the injurious impact of surges in fairly trade imports. Some of the bills introduced in the 108th Congress would revise safeguard remedies. Others would change antidumping and countervailing-duty remedies. The congressional proposals follow different approaches to the same goal -- to ease the procedural burden in obtaining relief and improve the chances that U.S. industries would obtain relief. In so doing, the legislation would make it less likely that industries would press Congress to directly restrict imports through protectionist legislation. The 106th Congress did pass one change to U.S. trade remedy law, the so-called Byrd amendment. The 107th Congress did not act on trade remedy legislation, but treatment of trade remedy laws in trade negotiations was a major point of contention during the debate over legislation to grant the President trade promotion authority. Several bills that would amend U.S. trade remedy laws have been introduced in the 108th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2003-07-22
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated July 22, 2003]
"Amounts requested by the Bush Administration for assistance to Africa in FY2004 closely parallel amounts provided in FY2003. Child Survival and Health Assistance, combined with Development Assistance (DA), would total $1.041 billion under the FY2004 request, as compared with a projected $1.062 billion in FY2003. A number of African countries would receive additional assistance if the President's GlobalAIDS Initiative, to be administered by the Department of State, is funded by Congress. A few would also benefit if the Millennium Challenge Account proposal is approved. […] The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account, and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development, an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2003-07-22
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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [Updated July 22, 2003]
Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the U.S. interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran, North Korea, and Libya. This CRS Report discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. A table summarizes the U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities for weapons proliferation. The Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) has reported that China remains a "key supplier" of weapons technology - particularly missile or chemical technology. On seven occasions, the Bush Administration has imposed sanctions on PRC entities for transfers (related to ballistic missiles, chemical weapons, and cruise missiles) to Pakistan and Iran, under the Arms Export Control Act, Export Administration Act, Iran Nonproliferation Act, Iran-Iraq Arms Nonproliferation Act, and Executive Order 12938. President Bush is whether to waive the missile proliferation sanctions imposed in September 2001. On May 23, June 26, and July 30, 2003, the Administration imposed sanctions on PRC entities for missile proliferation, signaling U.S. frustrations with China. China's cooperation is also sought on North Korea.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2003-07-22
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Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile: Labor Issues [Updated July 21, 2003]
"Singapore and Chile are the fourth and fifth countries to sign trade agreements with the United States that include labor provisions. The first three were Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and Jordan under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. These agreements build on historical U.S. support and promotion of worker rights through the International Labor Organization and U.S. trade laws. Major issues for Congress are: (1) do these agreements balance the promotion of worker rights with trade and investment opportunities for businesses; and (2) are these agreements appropriate role models for future trade agreements? This report will be updated as events warrant. The House and Senate are expected to consider the implementing legislation for the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 2738 and S. 1416) and the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 2739 and S. 1417)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolle, Mary Jane
2003-07-21
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Appropriations for FY2004: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs [Updated July 21, 2003]
"The annual Foreign Operations appropriations bill is the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. foreign aid budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making generally. It contains the largest share -- about two-thirds -- of total U.S. international affairs spending. President Bush has asked Congress to appropriate $18.89 billion for FY2004 Foreign Operations. The budget proposal is $2.7 billion, or 16.7% higher than 'regular' (non-supplemental) Foreign Operations appropriations for FY2003. If enacted, the President's recommendation would result in one of the largest increases of 'regular' Foreign Operations funding in at least two decades. Congress subsequently approved in mid-April an additional $7.5 billion FY2003 supplemental foreign aid spending in P.L. 108-11 [Public Law 108-11], for Iraq reconstruction, assistance to coalition partners, and other activities supporting the global war on terrorism. Including the supplemental brings Foreign Operations appropriations in FY2003 to $23.67 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nowels, Larry Q.
2003-07-21
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Foreign Relations Authorization, FY2004 and FY2005: An Overview [Updated July 21, 2003]
From the Summary: "The foreign 'relations' authorization process dovetails with the annual appropriation process for the Department of State (within the Commerce, Justice, State and Related Agency appropriation) and foreign policy/foreign aid activities (within the foreign operations appropriation). Congress is required by law to authorize the spending of appropriations for the State Department and foreign policy activities every two years. Foreign 'assistance' authorization measures (such as authorization for the U.S. Agency for International Development, economic and military assistance to foreign countries, and international population programs) have been merged into the State Department authorization legislation since 1985. Since that time, Congress has not passed a stand-alone foreign assistance authorization bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2003-07-21
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance [Updated July 18, 2003]
"In his 2002 and 2003 State of the Union messages, President Bush characterized Iraq as a grave potential threat to the United States because of its refusal to abandon its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs as required by U.N. Security Council resolutions and the potential for it to transfer WMD to terrorist groups. In September 2002, the President told the U.N. General Assembly that unless Iraq fully disarmed in cooperation with United Nations weapons inspectors, the United States would lead a coalition to achieve that disarmament militarily, making clear that this would include the ouster of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein's regime. After a November 2002 -March 2003 round of U.N. inspections in which Iraq's cooperation was mixed, on March 19, 2003, the United States launched 'Operation Iraqi Freedom,' to disarm Iraq and change its regime. The regime fell on April 9, 2003."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-07-18
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Korea: U.S.-Korean Relations - Issues for Congress [Updated July 18, 2003]
"North Korea's decision in December 2002 to restart nuclear installations at Yongbyon that were shut down under the U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework of 1994 and its announced withdrawal from the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty creates an acute foreign policy problem for the United States. North Korea's major motive appears to be to escalate pressure on the Bush Administration to negotiate a nuclear agreement that would provide new U.S. political and economic benefits to North Korea, starting with Pyongyang's proposed non-aggression pact. […] The main elements of Bush Administration policy are (1) terminating the Agreed Framework; (2) no negotiations with North Korea until it dismantles its nuclear program; (3) assembling an international coalition to apply economic pressure on North Korea; (4) planning for future economic sanctions and military interdiction against North Korea; and (5) warning North Korea not to reprocess nuclear weapons-grade plutonium, asserting that 'all options are open,' including military options. China, South Korea, and Russia have criticized the Bush Administration for not negotiating with North Korea, and they voice opposition to economic sanctions and the use of force against Pyongyang. However, Administration diplomacy has made progress in persuading Japan and South Korea to support economic sanctions if North Korea escalates provocations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.
2003-07-18
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Kosovo and U.S. Policy [Updated July 18, 2003]
"In 1998 and 1999, the United States and its NATO allies attempted to put an end
to escalating violence between ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Yugoslav/Serb forces in Yugoslavia's Kosovo region. They were outraged by Serb atrocities against ethnic Albanian civilians, and feared that the conflict could drag in other countries and destabilize the region. These efforts culminated in a 78-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbia from March to June 1999. Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic withdrew his forces from the province in June 1999. Since that time, Kosovo has been governed by a U.N.Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), under the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244. At an undetermined time after an autonomous government is in place, Kosovo's final status is to be considered. Almost all ethnic Albanians want independence for Kosovo; Serbs say it should remain within Serbia. The NATO-led peacekeeping force KFOR is charged with providing a secure environment for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1244."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.; Kim, Julie
2003-07-18
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Cuba: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated July 18, 2003]
"There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2003-07-18
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Trade Negotiations in the 108th Congress [Updated July 17, 2003]
"On June 6, 2003, the United States signed a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) with Chile. A month earlier, the United States had signed a bilateral FTA with Singapore. On July 15, 2003, implementing bills for the FTAs (Chile--H.R. 2738/S. 1416; Singapore-- H.R. 2739/S. 1417) were introduced in the House and Senate. The Bush Administration is making these and other bilateral and regional FTAs more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy is designed to push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Some argue, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries that are not in the trade bloc."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Sek, Lenore
2003-07-17
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Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations [Updated July 17, 2003]
"The war with Iraq, which began on March 19, 2003, has now moved into a new phase as a result of coalition forces controlling all of the major cites in Iraq and the end of the Iraqi political and military leadership. Currently, the main focus is the reconstruction of Iraq, providing humanitarian assistance, and establishing a new interim government. The United Nations (U.N.) and other international aid organizations, including nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), are coordinating and providing humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people, and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), headed by the new chief civil administrator in Iraq L. Paul Bremer III, is responsible for the administration and humanitarian efforts in Iraq. This report provides an annotated list of U.N. agencies that currently have programs in Iraq, key U.S. government agencies, and a sample list of major international and U.S.-based aid organizations that are providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet links of the U.N. agencies and humanitarian aid organizations are also provided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom
2003-07-17
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Disaster Relief and Response: FY2003 Supplemental Appropriations [July 17, 2003]
From the Document: "On July 7, 2003, President Bush submitted a second supplemental appropriations request to Congress for FY2003. The request seeks $1.889 billion for three disaster relief activities: wildfire suppression and rehabilitation carried out by the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior ($289 million), disaster relief administered by the Department of Homeland Security ($1.550 billion), and the investigation and recovery associated with the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster ($50 million). On July 9, 2003, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported the FY2004 legislative branch appropriations measure (S. 1383), which included the FY2003 supplemental in Title III, adding $100 million for AmeriCorps grants, among other provisions. The next day, July 10, the Senate incorporated S. 1383 into the legislative branch appropriations bill that had been passed by the House (H.R. 2657) on July 9. On July 11, 2003, the full Senate approved H.R. 2657, as amended, with additional provisions related to firefighting, flood control, AmeriCorps grants, education for the disadvantaged, and pest infestation management activities, among other provisions. The total cost of the Senate-passed-measure is $2.044 billion, 8.2% more than requested. The House has not yet acted on the supplemental funding request. Final funding awaits a pending conference on H.R. 2657."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bea, Keith
2003-07-17
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Authority to Enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in the Wake of the Homeland Security Act: Legal Issues [July 16, 2003]
"For decades, the administrative authority to interpret, implement, enforce, and adjudicate immigration law within the U.S. lay almost exclusively with one officer: the Attorney General. The most general statement of this power was found in §103(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (INA), the statute that comprehensively regulates immigration law in the United States. With the transfer of nearly all immigration functions to the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003, however, §103(a)(1) of the INA has necessarily required various modifications to clarify the respective authorities newly obtained by the Secretary of Homeland Security and retained by the Attorney General. Accordingly, §103(a)(1) of the INA has been amended twice, and now places primary responsibility for enforcing and administering immigration law in the United States with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Section 103(a)(1) as amended, however, still apparently allows the Attorney General to retain a significant amount of authority to enforce, administer, and interpret immigration law. The extent of the Attorney General's authority has become highly contentious in the wake of several events, including (1) the enforcement of immigration laws by the DOJ's Federal Bureau of Investigation even after all immigration enforcement functions were effectively removed from the DOJ, (2) DOJ's issuance of immigration-related regulations on February 28, 2002, the day before the abolishment of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and (3) the Attorney General's ruling in In re D-J-, Respondent. Considerable cooperation between the two Departments in addition to congressional measures to clarify the INA, such as the Homeland Security Technical Corrections Act of 2003 (H.R. 1416), may be in order to resolve the complexities presented by the substantial transformation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Viña, Stephen R.
2003-07-16
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Iraq Reconstruction Resources: Fact Sheet [Updated July 16, 2003]
"The conclusion of major military actions in the U.S.-led coalition's war to change the regime in Iraq has spawned a major effort to rebuild the infrastructure and government of the country. The U.S. government is at the forefront of these efforts. In the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (P.L. 108-11), Congress appropriated $2.5 billion for reconstruction. Under this legislation, it is anticipated that many federal departments and agencies will award contracts for the reconstruction effort. This fact sheet provides Internet links to federal agencies or departments currently involved in the reconstruction process, and their specific Iraq reconstruction programs underway or proposed. It provides overview information on federal agency contract solicitations, application procedures, and contact information where appropriate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Waterhouse, Michael; Smith, Carolyn C.
2003-07-16
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Diamonds and Conflict: Background, Policy, and Legislation [Updated July 16, 2003]
From the Summary: "In several diamond-rich countries affected by armed conflict, notably in Africa, belligerents have funded their military activities by mining and selling diamonds, and competition over the use and control of diamond wealth has contributed significantly to the depth and extended duration of these conflicts. Diamonds used in this fashion, labeled 'conflict diamonds,' were estimated to have comprised an estimated 3.7 % to 15% of the value of the global diamond trade in 2000. The present volume of such trade appears is difficult to estimate. Policy makers' attention has also increasingly focused on the possible role that diamonds may play in the financing of terrorist operations. In response to public pressure to halt trade in conflict diamonds, and due to the persistence of several diamond-related conflicts, governments and multilateral organizations have pursued efforts to end such trade. Several international policy forums, national legislatures, and diverse private parties have proposed various reforms and legislation to achieve such goals. Effective regulation of the diamond trade is difficult. Diamonds are a highly fungible, concentrated form of wealth, and the global diamond industry is historically insular and self-regulating. The United States participates in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a global diamond trade regulation framework. The Administration began implementing the Scheme in the United States with voluntary interim compliance measures, prior to the passage of H.R. 1584 (see below). Several congressional hearings have addressed trade in conflict diamonds. Potential links between terrorism financing and trade in diamonds have garnered increasing congressional attention."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2003-07-16
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India-U.S. Relations [Updated July 15, 2003]
"Although the end of the cold war freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, 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 anti-terrorism operations after the September 2001 attacks on the United States is widely viewed as reflective of such change. Continuing U.S. concern 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 also seeks to prevent the regional proliferation of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Both India and Pakistan have so far resisted U.S. and international pressure to sign the major international nonproliferation treaties."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-07-15
