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Women in National Governments Around the Globe: Fact Sheet [Updated April 6, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Women and girls make up half of the world's population; however, in most countries, women are underrepresented in the political process at the national level. Possible causes include discriminatory laws and practices, gender stereotypes, low levels of education, lack of access to health care, and the disproportionate effect of poverty on women. Many experts, including some U.S. policymakers and Members of Congress, have found that women's political participation, including representation in elected governments, contributes to the overall well-being of women and their communities. [...] This report provides a global snapshot of women's political participation in national governments worldwide by compiling statistics and other information from a variety of sources, including the annual 'Global Gender Gap Report' issued by the World Economic Forum, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the CIA 'World Factbook', news reports, and other sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chesser, Susan G.
2022-04-06
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Expedited Removal of Aliens: An Introduction [Updated March 25, 2022]
From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States may be subject to removal. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes different removal processes for different categories of aliens. Most removable aliens apprehended within the interior of the United States are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings are given certain procedural guarantees including the rights to counsel, to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to present evidence, and to appeal an adverse decision. The INA, however, sets forth a streamlined 'expedited removal' process for certain arriving aliens and aliens who recently entered the United States without inspection. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the expedited removal framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2022-03-25
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Federal Reserve and Inflation [Updated March 21, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 16, 2022, the Federal Reserve [hyperlink] (Fed) raised the federal funds rate [hyperlink] (FFR), its main monetary policy tool, by 0.25 percentage points. This was the first time that rates were raised above zero since the onset of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, when the Fed set rates near zero in response to the large decline in employment. As the economy has recovered, it maintained that target, even as unemployment fell to 3.8% and inflation--as measured by the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index--rose to 6.1%, the highest it has been since 1982. By statute [hyperlink], the Fed has been tasked with setting monetary policy to maintain maximum employment and stable prices. The two goals can involve a tradeoff--Fed actions that can boost employment can spur inflation, and actions that fight inflation may also reduce employment. The Fed has defined stable prices as an inflation rate of 2% [hyperlink] since 2012. The Fed raised rates--and indicated that it intends to continue raising rates [hyperlink]--primarily because inflation was above its target. This Insight provides historical context on whether these plans will be sufficient to restore price stability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2022-03-21
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Foreign Leaders Addressing Congress [Updated March 25, 2022]
From the Document: "Foreign leaders are periodically invited to address Congress. The first address by a foreign dignitary occurred on December 10, 1824, when Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the House. The most recent address took place on April 3, 2019, when His Excellency Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), addressed a joint meeting of Congress. [...] When a foreign leader formally visits the United States he or she is sometimes invited to address Congress. The decision to invite a foreign leader to address Congress has historically been made by the congressional leadership, often in consultation and conjunction with the executive branch. No formal procedure, however, on when or how to issue invitations is codified in law or in House or Senate rules. Additionally, not all foreign leaders who visit the United States are invited to address Congress. When a foreign leader is invited to address Congress, the invitation is formally extended by the Speaker of the House on behalf of the House and Senate leadership."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2022-03-25
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Kenya [Updated March 22, 2022]
From the Document: "Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Kenya as a strategic partner and critical to counterterrorism efforts in East Africa. It is sub-Saharan Africa's third largest economy, a regional finance and transportation hub, and a top tourism destination known for its biodiversity. Kenya holds a nonpermanent seat on the U.N. Security Council until 2023, and is home to one of four major U.N. offices worldwide. It hosts the largest U.S. embassy in Africa and U.S. forces supporting regional counterterrorism efforts. Kenya ranks among the top U.S. aid recipients globally. The country's reputation as an anchor state in a volatile region has been threatened by periodic domestic turmoil, including ethnic tensions and election violence. Economic frustrations, corruption, and other abuses of power have fueled grievances among the diverse population. Perceived impunity has also been a source of tension with donors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2022-03-22
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Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated April 1, 2022]
From the Document: "Venezuela, under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro, remains in a deep economic and humanitarian crisis worsened by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Maduro has consolidated power over all of Venezuela's institutions since his 2013 election after the death of President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013). Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) took control of the National Assembly, the last independent branch of government, in January 2021. The PSUV and allies won 19 of 23 gubernatorial elections in flawed November elections. Maduro has quashed dissent and resisted international pressure to step down since his reelection in a 2018 presidential vote that was widely condemned as fraudulent. Support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó, the former National Assembly president once regarded as interim president by nearly 60 other countries, has dissipated, although the Biden Administration continues to recognize Guaidó's government, partially to prevent Venezuelan assets abroad from coming under Maduro's control. Administration officials nevertheless met with Maduro in early March 2022, reportedly to discuss U.S. citizens illegally detained in Venezuela, restarting stalled negotiations with the opposition, and energy issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2022-04-01
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Illicit Fentanyl and Weapons of Mass Destruction: International Controls and Policy Options [March 28, 2022]
From the Document: "As synthetic opioid overdose deaths in the United States reach historic [hyperlink] levels, some policy stakeholders have sought U.S. action in designating [hyperlink] fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Such calls [hyperlink] have also prompted congressional interest [hyperlink]. Although a statutory designation of fentanyl as a WMD does not appear necessary for additional executive branch action to address fentanyl as an illicit drug or chemical weapon, Congress may consider developing legislation to improve upon perceived shortcomings in the U.S. government's approach to addressing fentanyl. [...] Various observers draw rhetorical comparisons between fentanyl abuse and WMDs. For example, the congressionally mandated [hyperlink] Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking assessed [hyperlink] in February 2022 that '[i]n terms of loss of life and damage to the economy, illicit synthetic opioids have the effect of a slow-motion weapon of mass destruction.' Others, including some Members of Congress [hyperlink], note the possible use of fentanyl as a weapon; in media reports [hyperlink], observers [hyperlink] have speculated that fentanyl's increasing availability may prompt U.S. adversaries and nonstate actors to weaponize the drug. Governments have also recently committed to restricting the use of central nervous system-acting (CNS) chemicals, including fentanyl, in law enforcement and other security operations. (In 2002, the Russian military reportedly [hyperlink] deployed an aerosolized form of fentanyl to incapacitate terrorists holding hostages in a Moscow theater; the gas also killed [hyperlink] more than 120 of the hostages.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.; Rosen, Liana W.
2022-03-28
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Fourth Amendment and the Internet: Legal Limits on Digital Searches for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) [March 24, 2022]
From the Document: "Various federal statutes criminalize [hyperlink] the production, distribution, solicitation, and possession of 'child pornography,' defined [hyperlink] in part as 'any visual depiction' of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Over time, Congress has sought to augment the enforcement of these provisions and limit the dissemination of such material online in several ways. Among other things, federal law requires [hyperlink] covered interactive computer service (ICS) providers, such as companies like Google and Meta, to report 'apparent violation[s]' of the statutes that involve child pornography to the CyberTipline operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a private, nonprofit organization that receives [hyperlink] government funding. NCMEC refers [hyperlink] to the material subject to reporting under the statute as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), a term it views as 'most accurately reflect[ing] what is depicted-- the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.' NCMEC is required [hyperlink] by federal law to make these provider reports available to law enforcement agencies, and NCMEC receives legal protection [hyperlink] from any claims arising from the performance of its CyberTipline responsibilities and other actions, with certain exceptions. Currently, nothing in federal law requires providers to monitor their services or content for CSAM in the first instance. [...] Although CSAM is both [hyperlink] illegal by statute and unprotected under the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause, identifying and reporting CSAM nonetheless poses policy and legal hurdles. At least one major player in the effort to remove online CSAM, Apple, has faced [hyperlink] backlash from privacy advocates over a reportedly delayed plan to scan iCloud-stored photos on a user's device for CSAM. [...] This Sidebar provides an overview of the Fourth Amendment's application to the existing CSAM reporting regime, including points of divergence in recent federal caselaw that could impact congressional efforts to further encourage private ICS providers to search for and report CSAM or other evidence of criminality."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2022-03-24
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Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 21, 2022]
From the Summary: "Mexico, the 10th most populous country and 15th largest economy in the world, is bound to the United States by geography and strong economic, cultural, and historical ties. In addition to sharing a nearly 2,000-mile border with the United States, Mexico is among the top U.S. trade partners and a major U.S. energy supplier. These ties frequently manifest themselves in legislative activity and interest across a wide spectrum of issues in Congress. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the populist leader of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party, which he created in 2014, took office for a six-year term in December 2018. President López Obrador has remained popular (54% approval in February 2022), likely as a result of his delivery on social programs and ability to connect with voters, even as his government has struggled to address organized crime-related violence, corruption, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mexico's economy contracted by 8.2% in 2020. The economy expanded 5.3% in 2021, but the IMF predicts 2.8% growth this year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Klein, Joshua
2022-03-21
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Military Response to Omicron and COVID-19: Federal Armed Forces and National Guard [Updated March 28, 2022]
From the Document: "On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization designated the Omicron mutation [hyperlink] of the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] virus a 'variant of concern.' Since then, Omicron has become the dominant strain [hyperlink] of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States. After a case surge from December 2021 through mid-January 2022, COVID-19 cases in the United States have dropped, with hospitalizations and deaths following the same trend after a short delay. The deployment of military and National Guard personnel remains an issue for Congress given the role they both played in responding to the Omicron COVID-19 surge and the role that they might play in the event of a future surge of a new variant. [...] The U.S. Army North [hyperlink], U.S. Northern Command's Joint Force Land Component Command, manages the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response operation in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services. Since August 2021 [hyperlink], 'approximately 1,275 military medical personnel from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy are continuing to work alongside civilian healthcare providers in civilian hospitals, helping treat COVID-19 patients in a total of 30 states and the Navajo Nation.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fischer, Hannah
2022-03-28
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Members' Representational Allowance: History and Usage [Updated March 24, 2022]
From the Introduction: "Congressional office spending has been a regular topic of interest to academics, interest groups, newspapers, and constituents for many years. It is a topic frequently mentioned in newspaper articles that address individual Member spending or generally discuss financial accountability among elected officials, and it has been examined by watchdog organizations and interest groups covering congressional spending on internal operations generally. A few scholars have also examined how Members typically spend their office allowances, analyzing spending within broader theories of representation. Individual office spending may be as varied as the districts Members represent. Factors affecting spending include the tenure or interests of the Member, levels of casework, geography, unexpected events, and even the congressional calendar. While Representatives have a high degree of flexibility to operate their offices in a way that supports their congressional duties and responsibilities, they must operate within a number of restrictions and regulations. The Members' Representational Allowance (MRA), the allowance provided to Members of the House of Representatives to operate their DC and district offices, may only support Members in their official and representational duties. It may not be used for personal or campaign purposes. [...] This report provides a history of the MRA and overview of recent developments. It also demonstrates actual MRA spending patterns in recent years for all voting Members who served for a defined period. Spending and practices across offices and across time vary, and an examination of additional Congresses would be required for a more complete picture of congressional office spending patterns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brudnick, Ida A.
2022-03-24
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U.S.-Japan Relations [Updated March 30, 2022]
From the Overview: "Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1951, is a significant partner of the United States in several foreign policy areas, particularly security and trade. Shared security goals range from meeting the challenge of an increasingly powerful China to countering threats from North Korea. The U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty grants the United States the right to base U.S. troops--currently numbering around 54,000--and other military assets on Japanese territory in return for a U.S. pledge to protect Japan's security. The two countries collaborate through bilateral and multilateral institutions on issues such as science and technology, global health, energy, and agriculture. Japan is the fourth-largest overall U.S. trading partner and largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States, and its investors are the largest foreign holders of U.S. Treasury securities. The Biden Administration has emphasized the importance of restoring U.S. alliances in Asia. Former Japan Prime Minister Suga was the first in-person visitor to the White House, signaling the importance of allied cooperation. Further reinforcing Japan's central role in the U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific, the Biden Administration has boosted the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue--or 'Quad'--convening the first-ever (virtual) leader-level meeting with Japan, Australia, and India."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Williams, Brock R. . . .
2022-03-30
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Members of the House of Representatives Lying in State in the U.S. Capitol [Updated March 24, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 29, 2022, Representative Donald E. Young [hyperlink], who died on March 18, 2022, will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. In a press release [hyperlink], House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Representative Young 'will lie in state in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol on Tuesday, March 29.' There have been 37 individuals (not including Representative Young) who have lain in state or honor [hyperlink] in the Capitol Rotunda or National Statuary Hall. The most recent individual to lie in state was Senator Harry M. Reid [hyperlink] on January 12, 2022. The most recent individual to lie in honor[.] was United States Capitol Police Officer William 'Billy' F. Evans on April 13, 2021. Prior to Representative Young lying in state, a total of 18 individuals who had been a Member of the House of Representatives had received that honor[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2022-03-24
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Ukraine: New U.S. Deployments to Europe Might Raise War Powers Resolution Questions [March 15, 2022]
From the Document: "In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and in coordination with NATO allies, President Biden has announced the deployment of U.S. armed forces to Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Greece, and the Czech Republic, as well as Germany, to defend the eastern flank of NATO. These deployments might raise questions about the role of Congress under the War Powers Resolution (WPR) concerning the use of U.S. armed forces in connection with the Ukraine conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.
2022-03-15
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Russia, Ukraine, and the International Financial Institutions [March 14, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 1, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank issued a joint statement [hyperlink], noting that both institutions are working to 'assess the economic and financial impact of the conflict and refugees on other countries in the region and the world,' and 'provide enhanced policy, technical, and financial support to neighboring countries as needed.' In addition to efforts to support Ukraine, the conflict raises questions about Russia's continued participation in the international financial institutions (IFIs). A senior European official, for example, told Reuters [hyperlink] that, 'there is on ongoing discussion to kick Russia out of all international financial institutions.' Legislation has been introduced in the House (H.R. 6899) that would restrict Russia's and Belarus's abilities to exchange into hard currency any of their foreign reserves held at the IMF."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2022-03-14
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Revisit of the Domain Name System After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine [March 23, 2022]
From the Document: "Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov asked [hyperlink] the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sanction Russia's internet access. Federov requested changes to the domain name system (DNS) [hyperlink]--revoking the top-level domains '.ru,' '.pф,' and '.su' and shutting down four DNS root servers located in Russia--to 'help users seek for reliable information in alternative domain zones.' ICANN responded [hyperlink] that (1) ICANN does not 'take unilateral action to disconnect' domains, and (2) independent operators maintain the geographically distributed DNS root server system. Further, ICANN stated it has neither the authority nor ability to impose sanctions as it 'does not control internet access or content.' Days after ICANN turned down Ukraine's request, two top-tier U.S.-based internet service providers terminated [hyperlink] their services in Russia. In an open letter [hyperlink] to the Biden Administration, 41 civil society organizations that advocate for digital rights cautioned against sanctions that would disrupt internet access for Russian users and inhibit their ability to access factual information and organize opposition to the war."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zhu, Ling
2022-03-23
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [April 1, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans, and the capacity of the U.S. shipbuilding industry to execute the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's force-level goal, its proposed FY2022 shipbuilding program, and its longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-04-01
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Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO-205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's annual ship authorization and funding requests for the program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress for three types of large unmanned vehicles (UVs) that the Navy wants to develop and procure in FY2022 and beyond: [1] Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs); [2] Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs); and [3] Extra-large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs). The Navy wants to acquire these large UVs as part of an effort to shift the Navy to a new fleet architecture (i.e., a new combination of ships and other platforms) that is more widely distributed than the Navy's current fleet architecture. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $434.1 million in research and development funding for these large UVs and their enabling technologies. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these large UVs. The Navy's proposals for developing and procuring them pose a number of oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding and UV industrial bases. In addition to the large UVs covered in this report, the Navy also wants to develop and procure smaller USVs and UUVs, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various sizes. Other U.S. military services are developing, procuring, and operating their own types of UVs. Separate CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports address some of these efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Gun-Launched Guided Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 1, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on three potential new ship-based self-defense weapons for the Navy--solid state lasers (SSLs), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gun-launched guided projectile (GLGP), also known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP). The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested research and development funding for continued work on SSLs, but proposed suspending further work on the EMRG and GLGP programs and requested no research and development funding for them. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's acquisition strategies and funding requests for these three potential new weapons. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect future Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the defense industrial base. This report supersedes an earlier CRS [Congressional Research Service] report that provided an introduction to potential Navy shipboard lasers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-04-01
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Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 24 to 35 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program. The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's annual funding requests and envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress's decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. A separate CRS [Congressional Research Service] report discusses the Navy's programs for building much-larger LPD-17 Flight II and LHA-class amphibious ships. Other CRS reports provide an overview of new Navy and Marine Corps operational concepts, including EABO, the overall strategic and budgetary context in which amphibious ship and other Navy shipbuilding programs may be considered, and the Marine Corps' plans for redesigning Marine Corps units and their equipment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on two types of amphibious ships being procured for the Navy: LPD-17 Flight II class amphibious ships and LHA-type amphibious assault ships. Both types are built by Huntington Ingalls Industries/Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII/Ingalls) of Pascagoula, MS. The Navy's LPD-17 Flight II and LHA shipbuilding programs pose multiple oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the LPD-17 Flight II and LHA programs could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base. They could also have implications for the preservation and use of Congress's power of the purse under Article 1 of the Constitution, and for maintaining Congress as a coequal branch of government relative to the executive branch. A separate CRS [Congressional Research Service] report discusses the Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy began procuring DDG-51s, also known as Aegis destroyers, in FY1985, and a total of 87 have been procured through FY2021, including two in FY2021. The Navy procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers in FY2007-FY2009 and plans no further procurement of DDG-1000s. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested the procurement of one DDG-51 in FY2022, rather than the two DDG-51s that are called for in FY2022 under the FY2018-FY2022 DDG-51 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract, and that were projected for FY2022 under the Navy's FY2021 budget submission. Procuring a second DDG-51 in FY2022 is the number one item on the Navy's FY2022 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL)--the service's list of programs it would prefer to be funded in FY2022, if additional funding were to become available. A key issue for Congress for the DDG-51 program in FY2022 is whether to fund the procurement of one DDG-51, two DDG-51s, or some other number of DDG-51s (such as zero or three). Other issues for Congress concern the Navy's future force-level goal for large surface combatants (or LSCs, meaning cruisers and destroyers) and how the Navy proposes to transition several years from now from procurement of DDG-51s to procurement of a successor destroyer design now in development called the DDG(X). Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
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 requested $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
2022-03-31
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Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Document: "The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers and older Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class Aegis destroyers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) in FY2028. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program. [...] Issues for Congress regarding the DDG(X) program include the following: (1) whether the Navy has accurately identified the DDG(X)'s required operational capabilities and estimated procurement cost; (2) the DDG(X) program's potential total procurement quantity and annual procurement rate; (3) the number of shipbuilders to be used in building DDG(X)s; (4) the Navy's plan for maturing new technologies for the DDG(X); and (5) the Navy's plan for transitioning from DDG-51 procurement to DDG(X) procurement, and the potential impact of that transition on shipbuilders and supplier firms. [...] The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $121.8 million in research and development funding for the program, including $79.7 million in Project 0411 (DDG[X] Concept Development) within Program Element (PE) 0603564N (Ship Preliminary Design & Feasibility Studies), which is line 47 in the Navy's FY2022 research and development account, and $42.1 million for 'DDG(X) Power & Propulsion Risk Mitigation & Demonstration,' which forms part of Project 2471 (Integrated Power Systems [IPS]) within PE 0603573N (Advanced Surface Machinery Systems), which is line 49 in the Navy's FY2022 research and development account."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
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 FY2022 budget requested $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
2022-03-31
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Navy Next-Generation Attack Submarine (SSN[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Document: "The Navy wants to begin procuring a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), called the Next-Generation Attack Submarine or SSN(X), in FY2031. The SSN(X) would be the successor to the Virginia-class SSN design, which the Navy has been procuring since FY1998. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $98.0 million in research and development funding for the SSN(X) program. [...] The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $98.0 million in research and development funding for the SSN(X) program, including $29.8 million in Project 2368 (SSN[X] Class Submarine Development) within Program Element (PE) 0604850N (SSN[X]), which is line 154 in the Navy's FY2022 research and development account, and $68.1 million in Project 2370 (Next Generation Fast Attack Nuclear Propulsion Development) within PE 0603570N (Advanced Nuclear Power Systems), which is line 48. The joint explanatory statement for the HASC-SASC-negotiated proposal for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1605) that was released on December 7, 2021, recommends approving the Navy's research and development funding requests for the SSN(X) program. The joint explanatory statement states: 'We believe that efforts to develop any form of alternative naval nuclear fuel system should ensure that such a system can be produced in a manner that will not reduce vessel capability, increase expense, or reduce operational availability as a result of refueling requirements,' and directs the Administrator for Nuclear Security to submit a report on activities conducted using FY2021 funding for development of an advanced naval nuclear fuel system based on LEU."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring new medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy states that the NGLS program could involve procuring either a single class of ships or a family of ship designs. The Navy's proposed FY2022 budget requested $27.8 million in research and development funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed funding requests and emerging acquisition strategy for the NGLS program. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2022-03-31
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Schedule I Status of Marijuana [Updated March 25, 2022]
From the Document: "The Controlled Substances Act [hyperlink] (CSA) places various substances in one of five schedules based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or risk for dependence. The five schedules [hyperlink] are progressively ordered with Schedule V substances regarded as the least dangerous and addictive and Schedule I substances considered the most dangerous and addictive. Schedule I substances are considered to have a 'high potential for abuse' with 'no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.' The CSA prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and possession of Schedule I substances except for federal government-approved research studies. Marijuana is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance [hyperlink] under the CSA[.] [...] The Schedule I status of marijuana means that the substance is strictly regulated by federal authorities. Yet, over the last several decades, most states and territories have deviated from across-the-board prohibition of marijuana, and now have laws and policies allowing for some cultivation, sale, distribution, and possession of marijuana."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sacco, Lisa N.
2022-03-25
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Recent Funding Increases for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance [Updated March 23, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that $3.46 billion in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding [hyperlink] (HMGP) will be made available to states, territories, and tribes (STTs) with major disaster declarations for the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic [hyperlink]. FEMA also announced increased funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for FY2021 [hyperlink]. In addition, significant new mitigation funding will be available from FY2022 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [hyperlink] (IIJA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2022-03-23
