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High Performance Computers and Export Control Policy: Issues for Congress [Updated February 10, 2003]

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"Congress has a strong interest in export control policy and technologies that may have both commercial and military applications outside of the United States. Through its constitutionally delegated authority to regulate foreign commerce, it has the authority to control exports for national security or foreign policy purposes. The 107th Congress is closely examining issues of national export control policy, including reauthorization of the Export Administration Act (EAA), and control policies concerning key technologies...Congressional interest in HPCs has primarily, but not exclusively, been focused on the dual-use applications of HPCs...The 108th Congress likely will again consider the the reauthorization of the EAA...There are several issues that congressional policymakers are addressing concerning reauthorization of the Export Administration Act. One is proliferation-- who obtains this technology and how they use it. In response to concerns about proliferation, Congress legislated licensing, post-shipment verification and Congressional notification of exports and changes in licensing thresholds for HPCs. However, some contend that these safeguards and restrictions have not been effective. Another issue is the notification process, in which the executive branch not only notifies the legislative branch of HPC export control changes, but describes the national security implications as well...The U.S. computer industry has raised concerns about another issue-that restrictions only hurt U.S. commercial interests...Yet, there is no consensus as to what should replace MTOPS, if anything. Among the issues facing the 108th Congress are whether to maintain HPC export controls by using MTOPS, revise them by using a benchmark other than MTOPS, or completely eliminate controls in recognition of the worldwide availability of certain technology and rapid technological innovation." - From Summary

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Fergusson, Ian F.; McLoughlin, Glenn J.

2003-02-10
Federal Disaster Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries [February 7, 2003]

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"This report summarizes principal federal disaster assistance programs. A number of federal agencies provide assistance to victims; state, territorial, and local governments; and nongovernmental entities following a disaster. Among other forms of assistance, federal programs can provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, temporary housing, and counseling. The programs summarized in this catalog fall into two broad categories. First are programs specifically for disaster situations; most of these programs are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Homeland Security Act of 2002 transferred FEMA to the new Department of Homeland Security. Second are general assistance programs that may be used in disaster situations, as well as meet regular service needs. Many federal agencies, including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice, administer programs that may be brought to bear under certain circumstances. The programs may also be classified by recipients: primarily individuals, state and local governments, or businesses. They address such short-term needs as food and shelter, and such long-term needs as repair of public utilities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Canada, Ben

2003-02-07
War On Drugs: Legislation in the 108th Congress and Related Developments [Updated February 6, 2003]

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"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' programs. The 108th Congress will receive strong encouragement from the Executive Branch to continue on its current path. [...] Drug control issues likely to be taken up in the first session of the 108th Congress include: (1) the drug control budgets for both FY2003 and FY2004, which involve most of the appropriations bills; (2) reauthorization of ONDCP [Office of National Drug Control Policy], the office of the 'drug czar,' which is set to expire on September 30, 2003; (3) reauthorization of the National Youth Anti- Drug Media Campaign, run by ONDCP; (4) nomination of a new administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to the confirmation of the current administrator as Under-Secretary in the new Department of Homeland Security; and (5) further measures to control the use of MDMA (Ecstasy) and other so-called 'club drugs.'"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Eddy, Mark

2003-02-06
Department of Homeland Security: State and Local Preparedness Issues [Updated February 6, 2003]

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From the Summary: "The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) made the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for providing assistance to state and local governments to ensure adequate preparedness for all disasters, including terrorist attacks. Several federal entities with functions relating to state and local preparedness, ranging from entire independent agencies to units of agencies and departments, will be transferred to the new department."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Canada, Ben

2003-02-06
Appropriations for FY2003: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs [Updated February 6, 2003]

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"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 requested $16.45 billion (amended on September 3) for FY2003 Foreign Operations, an amount 7% higher than regular FY2002 appropriations, but less than enacted FY2002 foreign aid appropriations when amounts allocated from the two supplemental appropriations are included. The White House distributed nearly $1.4 billion in FY2002 from the $40 billion emergency terrorism supplemental appropriation (P.L. 107-38) enacted in mid-September 2001 following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Congress approved in July an additional $927 million (net rescissions) in FY2002 supplemental Foreign Operations amounts aimed at bolstering homeland security and fighting terrorism abroad. Combined with funds provided in the regular appropriation (P.L. 107-115), enacted Foreign Operations spending for FY2002 totals $17.7 billion."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Nowels, Larry Q.

2003-02-06
Iraq War? Current Situation and Issues for Congress Update [Updated February 5, 2003]

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On November 8, 2002, the United Nations Security Council, acting at U.S. urging, adopted Resolution 1441, giving Iraq a final opportunity to "comply with its the disarmament obligations" or "face serious consequences." During January 2003, the U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf continued, amid reports that U.S. forces would be ready to launch a war by mid-February or early March. President Bush, other top U.S. officials, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have indicated that Iraq has little time left to offer full cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors. However, the inspectors themselves, with leaders of France, Germany, and other countries, are urging that the inspections process be allowed more time. The Administration asserts that Iraq is in defiance of 17 Security Council resolutions requiring that it fully declare and eliminate its weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Skeptics, including many foreign critics, maintain that the Administration is exaggerating the Iraqi threat. In October 2002, Congress authorized the President to use the armed forces of the United States to defend U.S. national security against the threat posed by Iraq and to enforce all relevant U.N. resolutions regarding Iraq.Analysts and officials are concerned about instability and ethnic fragmentation in Iraq after any war. U.S. planners are reportedly planning for an occupation of the country that could last 18 months or longer. Whether the overthrow of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein leads to democratization in Iraq and the wider Middle East, or promotes instability and an intensification of anti-U.S. attitudes, is an issue in debate. The extent to which an Iraqi conflict would create a substantial humanitarian crisis, including refugee flows and civilian deaths, will likely depend on the length of the conflict and whether it involves fighting in urban areas. Constitutional issues concerning a possible war with Iraq were largely resolved by the enactment of P.L. 107-243, the October authorization. International legal issues remain, however, with respect to launching a pre-emptive war against Iraq if there is no new Security Council resolution authorizing such a war.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Copson, Raymond W.

2003-02-05
Border Security: Immigration Issues in the 108th Congress [February 4, 2003]

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"Enhancing border security has emerged as a significant policy issue after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Prior to the terrorist attacks, the priorities for border security policy were beginning to shift from immigration-related issues to facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce. Although the 107th Congress enacted several pieces of legislation that dealt with enhancing immigration-related border security, legislation to strengthen the nation's borders had been enacted as early as the 104th Congress. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA; P.L. 104-208) contained several immigration-related border security provisions that addressed illegal immigration and the smuggling of humans into the United States through the southwest border. IIRIRA also contained a provision that required the electronic tracking of every alien arriving in and departing from the United States. The deadline for implementing the electronic tracking system, commonly referred to as the entry and exit data system, was moved back in subsequent legislation. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, however, prompted Congress to speed up implementation of the entry and exit data system as well as enact new provisions aimed at enhancing border security. This report provides background information on the main immigration-related border security issues that have been raised as a result of the terrorist attacks. 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.

2003-02-04
Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated February 4, 2003]

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"The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security, consolidating some of them in a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. The Act charges this new directorate with securing the borders; territorial waters; terminals; waterways; and air, land and sea transportation systems of the United States; and managing the nations ports of entry. As in the past, the challenge for policymakers is to provide a level of border and transportation security that is commensurate with a multitude of threats, while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, as well as protecting civil liberties. An immediate challenge for the 108th Congress will be to work with the Administration to get the new department operational " up and running" at a time when threats to borders and transportation systems are real and arguably imminent. Moreover, the success of the Directorate will depend in large measure on the effective and expedited coordination of transferred agencies and programs; development of a unified strategic vision for departmental and directorate operations; leverage of new and existing technologies to improve threat detection, but facilitate legitimate cross border travel and trade; adequate funding and staffing; efficient deployment of resources; and successful implementation of recently enacted border, port, and transportation security-related legislation."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Krouse, William J.

2003-02-04
Persian Gulf: Issues for U.S. Policy, 2003 [Updated February 3, 2003]

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The Persian Gulf region, rich in oil and gas resources but with a history of armed conflict that has necessitated occasional U.S. military action, remains crucial to United States interests. This report discusses U.S. efforts to manage both longstanding Gulf security interests as well the new challenges highlighted by the September 11 attacks on the United States and the U.S. insistence that Iraq end all its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. The report is derived from a wide range of sources, including press reports, unclassified U.S. government documents, U.N. documents, observations by the author during visits to the Gulf, and conversations with U.S, European, Iranian, and Gulf state officials, journalists and academics. For further reading, see CRS Issue Brief IB92117, Iraq: Weapons Threat, Compliance, Sanctions, and U.S. Policy; CRS Issue Brief IB93033, Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy; and CRS Issue Brief IB93113, Saudi Arabia: Post-War Issues and U.S. Relations.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Katzman, Kenneth

2003-02-03
Space Launch Vehicles: Government Activities, Commercial Competition, and Satellite Exports [Updated February 3, 2006]

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"Launching satellites into orbit, once the exclusive domain of the U.S. and Soviet governments, today is an industry in which companies in the United States, Europe, China, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, and India compete. In the United States, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) owns and launches its space shuttle. Private sector companies provide launch services for other NASA launches and most Department of Defense (DOD) launches. Commercial customers purchase launch services from the U.S. companies or their competitors. Since the early 1980s, Congress and successive Administrations have taken actions, including passing several laws, to facilitate the U.S. commercial space launch services business. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the industry."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Marcia S.

2003-02-03
Space Stations [Updated February 3, 2003]

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"Congress continues to debate NASA's International Space Station (ISS) program to build a permanently occupied space station in Earth orbit where astronauts live and conduct research. NASA expects that research performed in the near-zero gravity environment of the space station will result in new discoveries in life sciences, biomedicine, and materials sciences. The space station is being assembled in Earth orbit. Almost 90 launches are needed to take the various segments, crews, and cargo into orbit; more than two dozen have taken place already. ISS has been permanently occupied by successive 'Expedition' crews rotating on 4-6 month shifts since November 2000. 'Expedition 6' is now onboard. The ISS crews are routinely visited by other astronauts and cosmonauts on U.S. space shuttle or Russian Soyuz missions. The original date to complete ISS assembly, June 2002, slipped to April 2006, with at least 10 years of operations expected to follow. Cost overruns in 2001 forced additional changes, and the current date for completing assembly is uncertain. Congress appropriated about $30 billion for the program from FY1985-2002. The FY2003 request is $1.84 billion."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Marcia S.

2003-02-03
Homeland Security Proposals: Issues Regarding Transfer of Immigration Agencies and Functions [Updated February 3, 2003]

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From the Summary: "As the 107th Congress considered the broader question of homeland security and the creation of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the issue of where to locate the various immigration and citizenship functions performed by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs posed a distinct set of questions. Congress weighed what immigration functions constituted border security, what were homeland security, and whether those immigration functions that may not have homeland security-related roles should be transferred to the proposed DHS. The debate centered on several options: place all of INS in a newly created DHS under a Border Security and Transportation Division; place INS's enforcement functions in DHS under the Border Security and Transportation Division but leave INS's service function in DOJ under a newly created Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; place all of INS in DHS in its own Directorate of Immigration Affairs, which would have two separate bureaus for the enforcement and service functions; or place INS's enforcement functions in a DHS Bureau of Border Security and INS's service functions in a DHS Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services - the choice eventually enacted. In addition to the transfer of INS, there had been considerable debate over whether the issuances of visas should remain with the DOS."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Seghetti, Lisa M.

2003-02-03
China-U.S. Relations [Updated January 31, 2003]

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"In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, U.S. and PRC [People's Republic of China] foreign policy calculations appear to be changing. 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 jet collided with a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea, resulting in strained relations and PRC accusations that U.S. reconnaissance activities were unfriendly acts. Since September 11, though, U.S. officials have come to see Beijing as an important potential ally in the fight against global terrorism, while PRC officials see the anti-terrorism campaign as a chance to improve relations with Washington and perhaps gain policy concessions on issues important to Beijing. U.S. anti-terror priorities have led some to suggest that cooperation against terrorism could serve as a new strategic framework for Sino-U.S. relations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Dumbaugh, Kerry

2003-01-31
Iraq: Divergent Views on Military Action [Updated January 31, 2003]

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"Officials of the Bush Administration believe military action against Iraq may be necessary to eliminate threats posed by the Iraqi regime to the U.S. and international communities. In October 2002, Congress passed a joint resolution (H.J.Res. 114) giving the President authority to use force if necessary to eliminate threats posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Some Members of Congress, commentators, and analysts question the Administration's rationale for military action or favor delaying it to allow U.N. weapons inspectors more time to complete their findings in Iraq. This report summarizes arguments advanced by the Administration and by critics of the Administration's position. It will be updated as the situation continues to develop."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Prados, Alfred B.

2003-01-31
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002: Summary and Comparison with Previous Law [January 31, 2003]

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"This report summarizes the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107- 155) and compares it with the previous law (in most cases, the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 2 U.S.C. § 431 'et seq'.). In general, the new Act took effect on November 6, 2002, the day after the 2002 general elections, although certain provisions had different effective dates, as noted herein. Much of the recent campaign finance debate has revolved around the issues of so-called hard and soft money. In general, the term 'hard money' has been used to refer to funds raised and spent according to the limits, prohibitions, and disclosure requirements of federal election law. By contrast, 'soft money' has been used to describe funds raised and spent outside the federal election regulatory framework, but which may have at least an indirect impact on federal elections. Since the new statute described herein became effective, however, regulation was extended to some aspects of soft money that hitherto had not been regulated by federal election law."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cantor, Joseph E.; Whitaker, L. Paige

2003-01-31
Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [January 30, 2003]

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"This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section [...]Congressional attention to Latin America in the 108th Congress will likely focus on counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts in the Andean region, trade issues, and potential threats to democracy and stability. U.S. counter-narcotics efforts will focus on continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative supporting Colombia and its neighbors in their struggle against drug trafficking and drug-financed terrorist groups. With regard to trade, now that negotiations with Chile for a bilateral free trade agreement are completed, Congress will likely consider implementing legislation for the agreement under fast track procedures. Congressional oversight also may focus on negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, scheduled for completion in January 2005, and on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Central America. Congress may also pay increased attention to economic, social, and political tensions in South America that could threaten democratic order, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. In the Caribbean, Congress will likely continue to debate the appropriate U.S. policy approach to Cuba, the region's only holdout to democracy, as it has for the past several years, while Haiti's persistent poverty and political instability may also remain a congressional concern. Finally, Congress will likely maintain an active interest in neighboring Mexico, with a myriad of trade, migration, border and drug trafficking issues dominating U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

2003-01-30
Detention of American Citizens as Enemy Combatants [January 30, 2003]

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From the Summary: "This report, which will be updated as necessary, analyzes the authority to detain American citizens who are suspected of being members, agents, or associates of Al Qaeda, the Taliban and possibly other terrorist organizations as 'enemy combatants.' The Department of Justice cites two World War II era cases, 'Ex parte Quirin' and 'In re Territo,' to support its contention that the President may order that certain U.S. citizens as well as non-citizens be held as enemy combatants pursuant to the law of war and Article II of the Constitution. Critics, however, question the assertion of executive authority to detain U.S. citizens, without ordinary due process of law, in order to prevent terrorist acts or gather intelligence; and some argue that Congress has prohibited such detention of U.S. citizens when it enacted 18 U.S.C. 4001(a). So far, federal courts have agreed with the Bush Administration that Congress authorized such detentions in its authorization for the President to use force against those he determines are responsible for the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Many observers expect that the issue will reach the Supreme Court, where the debate may center on whether congressional authorization is necessary and whether Congress has in fact authorized the detentions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Elsea, Jennifer

2003-01-30
Congressional Action on Iraq 1990-2002: A Compilation of Legislation [Updated January 30, 2003]

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"This report is a compilation of legislation on Iraq from 1990 to the present. The list is composed of resolutions and public laws relating to military action or diplomatic pressure to be taken against Iraq. The list does not include foreign aid appropriations bills passed since FY1994 that deny U.S. funds to any nation in violation of the United Nations sanctions regime against Iraq. Also, measures that were not passed only in either the House or the Senate are not included (with the exception of the proposals in the 108th Congress). For a more in-depth analysis of U.S. action against Iraq, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB92117, 'Iraq, Compliance, Sanctions and U.S. Policy'. This report will be updated as developments unfold."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

2003-01-30
Iraq: Weapons Threat, Compliance, Sanctions, and U.S. Policy [Updated January 30, 2003]

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"On November 8, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441, giving U.N. weapons inspectors new authorities; new U.N. inspections began November 27. On December 7, Iraq handed over a 12,000 page declaration of all its past WMD programs and WMD useful capabilities. U.N. weapons inspectors criticized Iraq in their report to the Security Council on January 27, 2003, maintaining Iraq has cooperated on 'process but not substance.' In his State of the Union message on January 28 and other statements, President Bush said that Iraq has not complied with Resolution 1441, that 'time is running out' for peaceful disarmament efforts, and that the United States would lead a coalition to disarm Iraq if peaceful efforts fail."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Katzman, Kenneth

2003-01-30
Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations [January 30, 2003]

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From the Document: "Bangladesh (the former East Pakistan) gained its independence in 1971, following India's intervention in a rebellion against repression by the West Pakistani-dominated civil service and army. Democratic elections, in 1991, 1996, and 2001 followed two decades of authoritarian rule. The largely agricultural economy suffers frequent and serious setbacks from cyclones and floods. A small, but growing industrial sector is dominated by production of garments, which account for 70% of exports. Economic progress has been seriously impaired for the past decade by rivalry between the two largest political parties and their leaders. When in the opposition, both parties have sought to regain control through demonstrations, labor strikes, and transport blockades. U.S. policy toward Bangladesh emphasizes support for political stability and ongoing democratization efforts; economic reform and market-opening policies; social and economic development; and improvement of human rights. This report will be updated periodically."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kronstadt, K. Alan

2003-01-30
Appropriations for FY2003: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs [Updated January 30, 2003]

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"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 requested $16.45 billion (amended on September 3) for FY2003 Foreign Operations, an amount 7% higher than regular FY2002 appropriations, but less than enacted FY2002 foreign aid appropriations when amounts allocated from the two supplemental appropriations are included. The White House distributed nearly $1.4 billion in FY2002 from the $40 billion emergency terrorism supplemental appropriation (P.L. 107-38) enacted in mid-September 2001 following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Congress approved in July an additional $927 million (net rescissions) in FY2002 supplemental Foreign Operations amounts aimed at bolstering homeland security and fighting terrorism abroad. Combined with funds provided in the regular appropriation (P.L. 107-115), enacted Foreign Operations spending for FY2002 totals $17.7 billion."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Nowels, Larry Q.

2003-01-30
Israeli-United States Relations [January 30, 2003]

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"Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored the aid issue closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally, and that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Mark, Clyde R.

2003-01-30
Critical Infrastructure Information: Disclosure and Homeland Security [Updated January 29, 2003]

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From the Summary: "One of the findings of the President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, established by President Clinton in 1996, was the need for the federal government and owners and operators of the nation's critical infrastructures to share information on vulnerabilities and threats. Among the strategies to help owners and operators share information with the federal government was a proposal to exempt the information they share from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Three of the nine exemptions provide possible protection against the release of critical infrastructure information: exemption 1 (national security information); exemption 3 (information exempted by statute); and exemption 4 (confidential business information). Public interest groups argue that the language in the House bill is far too broad and would allow a wide range of information to be protected from disclosure (including information previously available under FOIA), and that existing FOIA exemptions and case law provide sufficient protections."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Moteff, John D.; Stevens, Gina Marie

2003-01-29
Iraq War? Current Situation and Issues for Congress [Updated March 4, 2003]

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During January 2003, the U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf continued, amid reports that U.S. forces would be ready to launch a war by mid-February or early March. President Bush, other top U.S. officials, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have indicated that Iraq has little time left to offer full cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors. However, the inspectors themselves, with leaders of France, Germany, and other countries, are urging that the inspections process be allowed more time. The Administration asserts that Iraq is in defiance of 16 Security Council resolutions requiring that it fully declare and eliminate its weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Skeptics, including many foreign critics, maintain that the Administration is exaggerating the Iraqi WMD threat. This CRS report summarizes the current situation and U.S. policy with respect to the confrontation with Iraq, and reviews a number of war-related issues. See the CRS site [http://www.congress.gov/erp/legissues/html/isfar12.html] for related products, which are highlighted throughout this report. This report also provides links to other sources of information and updated approximately one each week.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Copson, Raymond W.; Gallis, Paul E.

2003-01-29
Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy [January 29, 2003]

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"Even before Iran's tacit cooperation with post-September 11 U.S. efforts to defeat Afghanistan's Taliban regime, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to try to engage Iran in official talks. Iran, still split between conservatives and reformers loyal to President Mohammad Khatemi did not accept. By early 2002, reports of Iran's continued support to anti- Middle East peace process groups such as Hizballah had reversed the warming trend. Iran was grouped with North Korea and Iraq as part of the 'axis of evil' identified in President Bush's January 29, 2002 State of the Union message. The United States said subsequently it supports reform-minded Iranians who want democracy, an apparent shift from the stance of attempting to engage Khatemi's government. President Bush has identified Iran's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, as key U.S. concerns. Iran's ballistic missile program has made major strides over the past few years, with the help of several foreign suppliers, and the strides in its civilian nuclear power program could further a nuclear weapons effort."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Katzman, Kenneth

2003-01-29
Critical Infrastructures: What Makes an Infrastructure Critical? [Updated January 29, 2003]

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Over the last few years, a number of documents concerned with critical infrastructure protection have offered general definitions for critical infrastructures and have provided short lists of which infrastructures should be included. The Bush Administration's proposal for establishing a Department of Homeland Security includes a function whose responsibilities include the coordination of policies and actions to protect the nation's critical infrastructure. Essentially, the federal government will have to try to minimize the impact on the nation's critical infrastructure of any future terrorist attack, taking into account what those impacts might be and the likelihood of their occurring. At the very least, a growing list of infrastructures in need of protection will require the federal government to prioritize its efforts.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Moteff, John D.; Copeland, Claudia; Fischer, John

2003-01-29
India-U.S. Relations [Updated January 29, 2003]

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"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

2003-01-29
Iraq War? Current Situation and Issues for Congress [January 29, 2003]

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"On November 8, 2002, the United Nations Security Council, acting at U.S. urging, adopted Resolution 1441, giving Iraq a final opportunity to "comply with its the disarmament obligations" or "face serious consequences." During January 2003, the U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf continued, amid reports that U.S. forces would be ready to launch a war by mid-February or early March. President Bush, other top U.S. officials, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have indicated that Iraq has little time left to offer full cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors. However, the inspectors themselves, with leaders of France, Germany, and other countries, are urging that the inspections process be allowed more time. The Administration asserts that Iraq is in defiance of 16 Security Council resolutions requiring that it fully declare and eliminate its weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Skeptics, including many foreign critics, maintain that the Administration is exaggerating the Iraqi WMD threat. [...] This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report summarizes the current situation and U.S. policy with respect to the confrontation with Iraq, and reviews a number of war-related issues.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

2003-01-29
Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated January 28, 2003]

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The United States and its allies are helping Afghanistan emerging from more than 22 years of warfare, although substantial risk to Afghan stability remains. Before the U.S. military campaign against the orthodox Islamist Taliban movement began on October 7, 2001, Afghanistan had been mired in conflict since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The defeat of the Taliban enabled the United States and its coalition partners to send forces throughout Afghanistan to search for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters and leaders that remain at large, including Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. As U.S.-led combat against remaining Al Qaeda and Taliban elements winds down, the United States is shifting its military focus toward stabilizing the interim government, including training a new Afghan national army, and supporting the international security force (ISAF) that is helping the new government provide security. To help foster development, the United Nations and the Bush Administration have lifted most sanctions imposed on Afghanistan since the Soviet occupation. The "loya jirga" delegates selected a new government to run Afghanistan for the next 18 months and approved Hamid Karzai, a Pashtun, to continue as leader for that time, but the assembly adjourned without establishing a new parliament.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Katzman, Kenneth

2003-01-28
Location of Federal Government Offices [Updated January 28, 2003]

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From the Document: "A legislative requirement for the offices of the U.S. government to be located in the District of Columbia dates to 1790. The applicable provisions have been codified in 4 U.S.C. 71 and 72. Although no definition of 'offices' is provided in Title 4, it appears that, at a minimum, the main offices of executive departments are required to be located in DC proper unless a statutory waiver is granted. The headquarters of the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency are located in Virginia, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in Maryland. All these agencies received statutory exemptions from the location requirement. The U.S. Naval Security Station, which is located at Nebraska and Massachusetts avenues in northwest Washington, DC, and is also known as the Nebraska Avenue complex, is the initial home for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Halchin, L. Elaine

2003-01-28

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