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• COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated February 17, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the pandemic might have for the international security environment, and a bibliography of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Biden Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.

  2021-02-17
• Clean Air Act Issues in the 117th Congress [February 17, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Congress may examine wide-ranging air pollution issues as it deliberates legislation and conducts oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Oversight of EPA's air pollution work has historically received significant attention in Congress. Such oversight has often examined whether EPA's programs meet the statutory objective to protect human health and the environment from air pollution, how evolving scientific understanding informs Clean Air Act (CAA) decisionmaking, and the degree to which potential tradeoffs exist between public health benefits and compliance costs. Some Members of Congress have also raised concerns about potential disproportionate impacts on communities located near sources of emissions, and related concerns about whether CAA standards are protective of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with preexisting health conditions). Congress may also consider legislation to address air pollution issues and EPA's CAA authority. Recent Administrations have interpreted CAA authority in different, and sometimes conflicting, ways. Historically, many of EPA's CAA regulations have been challenged in court, both by industry and by public health and environmental groups, with various states supporting each side. Some prominent air topics of potential interest in the 117th Congress are air quality standards, wildfire smoke, hazardous air pollutant standards, and permits. Related issues, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or other climate change topics relevant to the CAA, are not addressed herein."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shouse, Kate C.

  2021-02-17
• Current Status of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits: Permanent-Law Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic Response [February 17, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is constructed as a joint federal-state partnership, in which the Unemployment Compensation (UC) program and the UC benefit are the foundation of the UI system. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides oversight of state UC programs and the state administration of federal UI benefits. Although there are broad requirements under federal law regarding UC benefits and financing, the specifics are set out under each state's laws, resulting in 53 different UC programs operated in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States operate their own UC programs and administer any temporary, federal UI benefits. A state UC program determines the weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks of UC available to unemployed workers. Most states provide up to 26 weeks of UC to eligible individuals who become involuntarily unemployed for economic reasons and meet state-established eligibility rules. The UI system's two main objectives are to provide temporary and partial wage replacement to involuntarily unemployed workers and to stabilize the economy during recessions. [...] In response to the recent recession caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress created several temporary UI programs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and extended these programs through Division N, Title II, Subtitle A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260; the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020, or 'Continued Assistance Act')."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Whittaker, Julie M.; Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-

  2021-02-17
• House Relief Package Would Help Millions and Bolster the Economy

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  From the Document: "The House's emerging economic relief package would provide needed help to tens of millions of people, reduce high levels of hardship, help school districts address student learning loss, and bolster the economy. While some modifications will likely be made as the legislation is finalized, Congress should move quickly to enact a relief package that reflects the priorities in this package, which is modeled on President Biden's American Rescue Plan. The economy remains weak, the jobs recovery has lost momentum, and there are nearly 10 million fewer jobs than in February of 2020. Black and Latino unemployment is 9.2 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, well above the white unemployment rate of 5.7 percent -- which itself is too high. The economy won't return to its full potential until 2025, the Congressional Budget Office projects; the number of people employed won't return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024; and unemployment won't fall below 4 percent until 2026. Hardship remains extraordinary; it's particularly acute among Black, Latino, and Indigenous people and immigrants; and households with children also have been particularly hard hit. Nearly 83 million adults (35 percent of all adults) reported between January 20 and February 1 that their household found it somewhat or very difficult to cover usual expenses in the past seven days, and that figure rises to 42 percent for adults living with children. Some 24 million adults (11 percent) said their household sometimes or often didn't have enough to eat, rising to 15 percent among adults in households with children."

  Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

  2021-02-17
• National Emergency Powers [Updated February 16, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "The President of the United States has available certain powers that may be exercised in the event that the nation is threatened by crisis, exigency, or emergency circumstances (other than natural disasters, war, or near-war situations). Such powers may be stated explicitly or implied by the Constitution, assumed by the Chief Executive to be permissible constitutionally, or inferred from or specified by statute. Through legislation, Congress has made a great many delegations of authority in this regard over the past 230 years. There are, however, limits and restraints upon the President in his exercise of emergency powers. With the exception of the habeas corpus clause, the Constitution makes no allowance for the suspension of any of its provisions during a national emergency. Disputes over the constitutionality or legality of the exercise of emergency powers are judicially reviewable. Both the judiciary and Congress, as co-equal branches, can restrain the executive regarding emergency powers. So can public opinion. Since 1976, the President has been subject to certain procedural formalities in utilizing some statutorily delegated emergency authority. The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. §§1601-1651) eliminated or modified some statutory grants of emergency authority, required the President to formally declare the existence of a national emergency and to specify what statutory authority activated by the declaration would be used, and provided Congress a means to countermand the President's declaration and the activated authority being sought. The development of this regulatory statute and subsequent declarations of national emergency are reviewed in this report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Halchin, L. Elaine

  2021-02-16
• Defense Primer: The NDAA Process [Updated February 16, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy, DOD elements of the Intelligence Community, and defense-related activities at other federal agencies. In addition to serving as an authorization of appropriations, the NDAA establishes defense policies and restrictions, and addresses organizational administrative matters related to the DOD. Unlike an appropriations bill, the NDAA does not provide budget authority for government activities. Nevertheless, historically it has provided a fairly reliable indicator of congressional sentiment on subsequent appropriations for particular programs. FY2021 was the 60th consecutive fiscal year for which a defense authorization was enacted. This regular enactment of complex legislation for six decades depends upon close adherence to process and consistency in procedures, schedules, and protocols."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Heitshusen, Valerie; McGarry, Brendan W.

  2021-02-16
• Boeing-Airbus Subsidy Dispute: Recent Developments [Updated February 16, 2021]

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  From the Document: "On October 18, 2019, the United States imposed additional tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of U.S. imports from the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the EU). The action, authorized by World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement procedures, followed an investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. §§2411- 2420). The USTR determined that the EU had denied U.S. rights under WTO agreements. Specifically, the USTR concluded that the EU and certain current member states and the UK had not complied with a WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) ruling recommending the withdrawal of WTO-inconsistent subsidies on the manufacture of large civil aircraft. In 2011, the dispute settlement (DS) panel confirmed that these subsidies breached the EU's WTO obligations under the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement). The authorization to take countermeasures against the EU--the largest amount in the WTO's history--came after nearly 15 years of litigation at the WTO."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schwarzenberg, Andres B.

  2021-02-16
• Central America's Northern Triangle: Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in 2021 [February 16, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Instability in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (the Northern Triangle of Central America) is among the most pressing challenges for U.S. policymakers in the Western Hemisphere. The United States historically has played a prominent role in the political and economic development of the region, which has long struggled with widespread insecurity, fragile democratic institutions, and high levels of poverty and inequality. Already difficult living conditions have deteriorated over the past year due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and two hurricanes. The World Bank estimates the Honduran economy contracted by 9.7% in 2020, and the Salvadoran and Guatemalan economies contracted by 7.2% and 3.5%, respectively. More than 3.5 million people in Central America are now facing crisis levels of food insecurity. Although the pandemic and government lockdowns initially disrupted criminal activities, reports suggest domestic violence increased, and gangs and illicit trafficking groups quickly adapted to the changed circumstances. Some government officials have sought to take advantage of the disorder, allegedly engaging in corruption, repressing dissent, and undermining the rule of law to advance their personal and political interests. These interrelated socioeconomic, security, and political challenges could have far-reaching implications for the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meyer, Peter J.

  2021-02-16
• Unemployment Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Brief [Updated February 15, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The National Bureau of Economic Research declared the start of the current economic downturn in February 2020, marking the end of the longest period of expansion in U.S. history. This expansion followed the Great Recession (December 2007 to June 2009), a downturn widely considered to be the worst since the Great Depression (August 1929 to March 1933). The unemployment rate rose quickly in March 2020, and by April 2020 it had greatly surpassed its previous peaks observed during and just after the Great Recession. This spike in unemployment coincided with various mandated stay-at-home orders implemented in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other pandemic-related factors affecting U.S. demand. Although unemployment rates have declined since April 2020, the rate in January 2021 (6.3%) remains much higher than the rate observed in February 2020 (3.5%). This report discusses recent unemployment rate patterns at the national and state levels using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Falk, Gene; Carter, Jameson A.; Nicchitta, Isaac A. . . .

  2021-02-15
• COVID States Project: A 50-State COVID-19 Survey, Report #39: Public Attitudes Towards the Storming of the Capitol Building

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  From the Document: "This was the latest in a series of surveys we have been conducting since April 2020, examining attitudes and behaviors regarding COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in the United States. [...] The 2020 election produced two distinct perceived realities for the United States public. The first perceived reality holds that the election was conducted fairly, and that Joe Biden won. Individuals who hold this vision of reality feel their votes were counted accurately, and that the events of January 6th were repugnant. This is also the version of reality for 60-70% of the US population. This reality is documented by court cases, our government officials (Republican and Democratic) in charge of administering the election, and the credible news media. The second vision of reality holds that the election was essentially corrupt--driven, in particular, by illegal mail-in ballots, noncitizen voting, and voting machine fraud. In this perceived reality, Biden is a usurper to the presidency. Further, the people who stormed the Capitol had a point, although the worst actions were taken by individuals affiliated with Antifa activists masquerading as Trump supporters. This is the expressed reality of former President Trump, certain Republican leaders, a subset of conservative media, and certain corners of the social media ecosystem. This is also the reality for 25-30% of the US population, and roughly half of Republicans. These two perceived realities are not created equal. The facts, as presented by the fact sorting institutions of the government and media, unambiguously support the first."

  Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.); Rutgers University; Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) . . .

  Lazer, David; Baum, Matthew A., 1965-; Ognyanova, Katherine . . .

  2021-02-15
• CDC's Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools Through Phased Mitigation

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  From the Document: "K-12 [kindergarten to 12th grade] schools should be the last settings to close after all other mitigation measures in the community have been employed, and the first to reopen when they can do so safely. Many K-12 schools that have implemented mitigation strategies have been able to safely open for in-person instruction and remain open. This operational strategy presents a pathway to reopen schools and help them remain open through consistent use of mitigation strategies, especially universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing."

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

  2021-02-14
• Executive Order 14015: Establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

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  From Section 1: "Faith-based and other community-serving organizations are vital to our Nation's ability to address the needs of, and lift up, low income and other underserved persons and communities, notably including persons of color. The American people are key drivers of fundamental change in our country, and few institutions are closer to the people than our faith-based and other community organizations. It is important that the Federal Government strengthen the ability of such organizations and other nonprofit providers in our communities to deliver services effectively in partnership with Federal, State, and local governments and with other private organizations, while preserving our fundamental constitutional commitments guaranteeing the equal protection of the laws and the free exercise of religion and forbidding the establishment of religion. The Federal Government can preserve these fundamental commitments while empowering faith-based and secular organizations to assist in the delivery of vital services in our neighborhoods. These partnerships are also vital for the success and effectiveness of the United States' diplomatic, international development, and humanitarian work around the world."

  United States. Office of the Federal Register

  Biden, Joseph R., Jr.

  2021-02-14
• $400 Question: Financial Insecurity and the COVID-19 Pandemic [February 12, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The economic disruption caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic heightened awareness of household financial insecurity. Financial insecurity was not new for some households―they were financially insecure at the onset of the pandemic. Adults with children were disproportionately financially insecure. For some households, financial security improved between fall 2019 and summer 2020, following extraordinary economic relief provided in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Insight uses survey data on responses to 'the $400 question' to analyze the above trends. The question asks those surveyed how they would finance an unexpected $400 expense."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Falk, Gene

  2021-02-12
• Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Rule and Review Process [February 12, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "On January 19, 2021, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) issued an interim final rule (86 FR 4909) implementing Executive Order 13873, which created a new process for the Secretary to review transactions involving information and communications technology and services (ICTS) and determine whether those transactions present certain national security and economic risks. When a transaction in ICTS involves foreign persons or governments designated as 'foreign adversaries' and presents certain 'undue or unacceptable risks' to the United States, the new rule (ICTS Rule) allows Commerce to either block the transaction or negotiate risk-mitigation measures. The ICTS review process regulates individual 'ICTS transactions'--broadly defined as 'any acquisition, importation, transfer, installation, dealing in, or use of any [ICTS].' As such, it could subject a wide range of commercial interactions to a new federal approval process."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mulligan, Stephen P.

  2021-02-12
• Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated February 12, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Ten years after a 2011 uprising toppled longtime authoritarian leader Muammar al Qadhafi, Libya has yet to make a transition to stable governing arrangements. Militias, local leaders, and coalitions of national figures backed by competing foreign patrons have remained the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. Conflict re-erupted in Libya in April 2019, when a coalition of armed groups led by Qadhafi-era military defector Khalifa Haftar known as the Libyan National Army movement (LNA, in Arabic: 'Libyan Arab Armed Forces,' LAAF) leveraged support from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt to attempt to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the interim Government of National Accord (GNA) and local militias. With Turkish military support, the GNA and western Libyan militias forced the LNA to withdraw. Libya has remained divided since, with opposing forces separated by a line of control west of Sirte."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Christopher M.

  2021-02-12
• Federal Resources for State and Local Economic Development [February 12, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "Congress currently supports funding for over 130 programs to meet varied economic development challenges and conditions, create opportunities for economic growth and job creation, and assist a range of economic sectors, geographic regions and localities, and demographic groups. These programs are administered by multiple federal departments and independent federal agencies--typically in partnership with state and local stakeholders--and oversight of them is assigned to multiple congressional committees. Many current federal programs support infrastructure, workforce development, and business assistance activities. Others fund planning, technical assistance, economic adjustment assistance, disaster recovery, entrepreneurship, the development of scientific research capabilities, and other activities. [...] This report provides a broad overview of available resources and potential metrics that Congress can use to compare various programs. Following a brief, abbreviated history of economic development policy, this report discusses the characteristics of major federal programs and services that assist with state and local activities. This report concludes with considerations for policymakers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lawhorn, Julie M.

  2021-02-12
• Removal of Nazi Symbols and Inscriptions on Headstones of Prisoners of War in VA National Cemeteries [Updated February 12, 2021]

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  From the Overview: "During World War II, hundreds of thousands of German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners of war (POWs) were held in the United States at various military installations. During this time, the U.S. military standardized gravestones for its servicemembers but not for POWs. Under article 120 of the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the United States must 'ensure that prisoners of war who have died in captivity are honourably buried ... and that their graves are respected, suitably maintained and marked so as to be found at any time.' [...] In 2020, three of these POW headstones became a topic of controversy. [...] On May 12, 2020, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation's Founder and President, Michael L. Weinstein, called on then-Secretary of VA [Department of Veterans Affairs], Robert Wilkie, to immediately remove the three World War II-era headstones located in the two VA national cemeteries. VA said it appears that these three headstones are the only ones bearing a swastika or a Nazi Germany-related inscription, and proceeded with the Section 106 Review process under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). On December 23, 2020, the VA cemetery director and workers at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery removed and replaced the two controversial headstones. As of February 2021, it is unknown whether the third headstone, located in Utah, has been removed or replaced."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Salazar, Heather M.; DeSantis, Mark K.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar . . .

  2021-02-12
• Handguns, Stabilizing Braces, and Related Components [February 12, 2021]

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  From the Document: "On December 18, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published guidance in the 'Federal Register' for public comment that indicated that it was preparing to reclassify certain 'heavier, larger handguns (pistols) equipped with stabilizing braces' as more stringently regulated 'short-barreled rifles'. Such a reclassification would have retroactively triggered the more extensive paperwork and background check requirements of the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA), and required registration of the owner and firearm with ATF. On December 23, 2020, however, ATF withdrew its guidance, pending further Department of Justice review."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2021-02-12
• MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, February 12, 2021

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  The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger -- United States, 2021"; "Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older -- United States, 2021"; "Comorbidities Among Young Adults with Congenital Heart Defects: Results from the Congenital Heart Survey To Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and well-beinG -- Arizona, Arkansas, and Metropolitan Atlanta, 2016-2019"; "Trends and Geographic Patterns in Drug and Synthetic Opioid Overdose Deaths -- United States, 2013-2019"; "Observed Face Mask Use at Six Universities -- United States, September-November 2020"; "Decline in COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Hospitalization Growth Rates Associated with Statewide Mask Mandates -- 10 States, March-October 2020"; and "COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination -- United States, September and December 2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

  2021-02-12
• Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools Through Phased Mitigation

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  From the Executive Summary: "As communities plan safe delivery of in-person instruction in K-12 [kindergarten to 12th grade] schools, it is essential to decide when and under what conditions to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], the virus that causes COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services. To enable schools to open safely and remain open, it is important to adopt and consistently implement actions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both in schools and in the community. This means that all community members, students, families, teachers, and school staff should take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play. In short, success in preventing the introduction and subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools is connected to and facilitated by preventing transmission in the broader community. This operational strategy presents recommendations based on the best-available evidence at the time of release. As science and data on COVID-19 continue to evolve, guidance and recommendations will be updated to reflect new evidence."

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

  2021-02-12
• USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [February 12, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs are often part of emergency response efforts, providing foods for distribution, additional benefits for redemption, and program flexibilities. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to food--particularly in light of increased unemployment and closures of institutions that households rely on for food, such as schools--has been a concern for many people. Some observers also view the programs, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as a means of economic stimulus. This report discusses related provisions of four laws enacted in the 116th Congress that supplement FNS's prior response to the COVID-19 pandemic with new funds and authorities: [1] Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. [public law] 116-127, enacted March 18, 2020); [2] Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136, enacted March 27, 2020); [3] Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159, enacted October 1, 2020) ('FY2021 Continuing Appropriations Act'); and [4] Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division N, Title VII (P.L. 116-260, enacted December 27, 2020) ('FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act'). This report also includes the Biden Administration announcement that, under an executive order, USDA will change the implementation of some of these laws' provisions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Billings, Kara Clifford

  2021-02-12
• EMR-ISAC: Infogram, Volume 21 Issue 6, February 11, 2021

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  The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "IC [incident commander] to IC Network offers peer support after a line-of-duty death"; "CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] supports SLTT [state, local, territorial, and tribal] vaccine programs with updated operational guidance and National Forum on COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Vaccine Feb. 22-24"; "Earthquake resilience technology webinar and guidance for Earthquake Awareness Month"; "Webinars: FEMA accepting spring nominations for exercise assistance"; "Five critical questions raised by water treatment facility hack"; "Scammers selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards for just $20"; "Microsoft to add 'Nation-State Activity Alerts' to Defender"; and "SolarWinds attack reinforces importance of Principle of Least Privilege."

  Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)

  2021-02-11
• Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Coast Guard's Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program envisages procuring up to 35 replacements for the Coast Guard's 35 aging river buoy tenders (WLRs), inland construction tenders (WLICs), and inland buoy tenders (WLIs). The Coast Guard wants to award the first contract for constructing the new WCCs in FY2022, and to have the first new WCC be in service by 2025. The Coast Guard's proposed FY2021 budget requested $25.0 million in procurement funding for the WCC program; Congress, as part of its action on the Coast Guard's FY2021 budget, approved this request. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's proposed acquisition strategy and funding requests for the WCC program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-02-11
• Tax Provisions for COVID-19 Relief: Subtitle G--Budget Reconciliation Legislative Recommendations Relating to Promoting Economic Security [February 11, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The 117th Congress is considering Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related relief and economic stimulus legislation. On February 8, 2021, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal released nine legislative proposals to be considered under the budget reconciliation instructions. This report summarizes the tax provisions in Subtitle G, 'Budget Reconciliation Legislative Recommendations Relating to Promoting Economic Security.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sherlock, Molly F.; Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.; Gravelle, Jane

  2021-02-11
• OSHA Jurisdiction Over Public Schools and Other State and Local Government Entities: COVID-19 Issues [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Document: "As states and their public school systems consider how to provide education to students during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they face the safety and health of their students and the potential occupational exposure of their teachers and other employees, including support staff and transportation providers, to the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] virus, the virus that causes COVID-19. In 24 states and the District of Columbia, local educational agencies (LEAs),such as public school districts, and other state and local government entities are not subject to federal regulation, inspection, or enforcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or state regulation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act). LEAs in these states may be covered by OSHA-approved state occupational safety and health plans (state plans) or other state laws."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Szymendera, Scott

  2021-02-11
• Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate (Previously FFG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's Constellation (FFG-62) class frigate program, previously known as the FFG(X) program. The FFG-62 class program is a program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). Congress funded the procurement of the first FFG-62 class ship in FY2020 at a cost of $1,281.2 million (i.e., about $1.3 billion), and the second FFG-62 class ship in FY2021 at a cost of $1,053.1 million (i.e., about $1.1 billion). The Navy's FY2021 budget submission estimated that subsequent ships in the class will cost roughly $940 million each in then-year dollars."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-02-11
• Defense Primer: Department of the Navy [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The Department of the Navy (DON) is a single military department that includes two military services--the Navy and the Marine Corps. As such, DON has a single civilian leader, the Secretary of the Navy, and two four-star military service chiefs--an admiral whose title is the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), and a general whose title is the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Although the title 'Secretary of the Navy' includes only the term 'Navy,' the secretary serves as the civilian leader for both the Navy and Marine Corps. The CNO and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-02-11
• Navy Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Navy's Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program envisages procuring a new class of medium-sized at-sea resupply ships for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $30.0 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the program. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 funding request 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

  2021-02-11
• Navy DDG(X) Future Large Surface Combatant Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 11, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The Navy's DDG(X) program, also known as the Future Large Surface Combatant program or DDG Next program, envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's aging Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants to procure the first DDG(X) around FY2028, although that date could change. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requested $46.5 million in research and development (R&D) funding for the program in one R&D line item and some additional funding for the program in another R&D line item. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2022 funding request and emerging acquisition strategy for the program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2021-02-11
• Foreign Government-Sponsored Broadcast Programming [February 11, 2021]

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  From the Overview: "Congress has enacted several laws to enable U.S. citizens and the federal government to monitor attempts by foreign governments to influence public opinion on political matters. Nevertheless, radio and television viewers may have difficulty distinguishing programs financed and distributed by foreign governments or their agents. In October 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed new requirements for broadcast radio and television stations to identify foreign government-provided programming."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Scherer, Dana A.

  2021-02-11