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Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Categories: Data Brief [October 1, 2019]
Introduction: "Congress has expressed interest in the visa categories by which foreign nationals may enter or be present in the United States. U.S. immigration policy is governed largely by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which was first codified in 1952 and has been amended significantly several times since. The United States has long distinguished permanent immigration from temporary immigration. Permanent immigration occurs through family and employer-sponsored categories, the diversity immigrant visa lottery, and refugee and asylee admissions. Temporary immigration occurs through the admission of visitors for specific purposes and limited periods of time, and encompasses two dozen categories (which are commonly referred to by the letter and numeral that denote their subparagraph in the INA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Jill H.
2019-10-01
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World Trade Organization [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements and today includes 164 members. [...] The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administers existing agreements; (2) serves as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization; and (3) provides a mechanism to settle trade disputes among the parties. The multiple WTO Agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade, customs valuation, intellectual property rights, and government procurement. The Agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries, national treatment, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, however, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral free trade agreements, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-10-01
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Budget Control Act: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Summary: "When there is concern with deficit or debt levels, Congress will sometimes implement budget enforcement mechanisms to mandate specific budgetary policies or fiscal outcomes. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; P.L. 112-25), which was signed into law on August 2, 2011, includes several such mechanisms. The BCA as amended has three main components that currently affect the annual budget. One component imposes annual statutory discretionary spending limits for defense and nondefense spending. A second component requires annual reductions to the initial discretionary spending limits triggered by the absence of a deficit reduction agreement from a committee formed by the BCA. Third are annual automatic mandatory spending reductions triggered by the same absence of a deficit reduction agreement. [...] This report addresses several frequently asked questions related to the BCA and the annual budget."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.; Lynch, Megan Suzanne
2019-10-01
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Bahamas: Response to Hurricane Dorian [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 1-2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm with winds of 180 miles per hour and storm surges of up to 23 feet, caused widespread damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwestern Bahamas, a country of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States. [...] According to the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), 60% of the structures on Grand Bahama and Abaco were completely or severely damaged and 27% were moderately damaged. Among the areas suffering the most severe damage was Abaco's town of Marsh Harbour. Thousands of people from the two islands have relocated to other parts of the Bahamas, especially New Providence Island, where Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located; about 1,600 were residing in shelters as of September 23. According to press reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintained that about 3,900 Bahamian evacuees had arrived in Florida as of September 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-01
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Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities: Effects and Responses [October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw an attack on Saudi Aramco's, Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Abqaiq oil processing facility and Khurais oil field and processing plant. The attack, which used both missiles and drones, temporarily disrupted 5.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil production, over half of Saudi Arabia's oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. [...] The incidents have demonstrated the vulnerability of critical Saudi infrastructure to missile and drone attacks and raised complicated strategic questions for Saudi and U.S. policymakers concerning responses and future security needs. On September 20, U.S. officials announced plans to deploy additional U.S. military personnel to Saudi Arabia and speed military equipment deliveries to Gulf partners to bolster capabilities and deter further attacks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Greenley, Heather L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Ratner, Michael
2019-10-01
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Economic Sanctions: Agencies Assess Impacts on Targets, and Studies Suggest Several Factors Contribute to Sanctions' Effectiveness, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "GAO was asked to review issues related to the implementation and effectiveness of economic sanctions. Among other things, this report (1) examines the extent to which U.S. agencies assess the effectiveness of sanctions, and (2) identifies factors that have been shown by publicly available studies to contribute to the effectiveness of economic sanctions. GAO reviewed documents and interviewed officials at Treasury, State, and Commerce and in the U.S. Intelligence Community. GAO also reviewed academic studies that used rigorous statistical methods to analyze the impact and effectiveness of economic sanctions across many sanctions programs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-10
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North Macedonia: U.S. Government Has Provided Funding to Support Democracy Activities, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "Since fiscal year 1991, the United States has provided over a billion dollars in assistance to North Macedonia. In recent years, USAID [United States Agency for International Development] and State have expressed concern about an erosion of democracy in the country. These concerns were heightened by the onset of a political crisis in February 2015, when the then-opposition party released phone conversations revealing alleged corruption in the ruling party. This crisis prompted the four major political parties to invite the United States and the European Union to help broker an agreement. The parties later agreed to hold early parliamentary elections in December 2016. Though the opposition party formed a majority coalition, the President refused to give the opposition leader a mandate to form a new government until May 2017, after protesters violently attacked North Macedonia's Parliament. This report examines (1) U.S. government funding for democracy assistance in North Macedonia and (2) the extent to which USAID adhered to relevant policies in selecting recipients of democracy assistance in North Macedonia. GAO analyzed U.S. government data and documents and interviewed U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., and in Skopje, North Macedonia."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-10
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International Aviation Security: TSA Should Improve Industry Coordination and Its Security Directive and Emergency Amendment Review Process, Report to Congressional Committees
From the GAO Highlights [Government Accountability Office]: "Approximately 300 airports in foreign countries offer last point of departure flights to the United States. When threat information or vulnerabilities at foreign airports indicate an immediate need for air carriers to implement additional security measures, TSA [Transportation Security Administration] may issue new or revise existing security directives (for domestic air carriers) and emergency amendments (for foreign air carriers). The TSA Modernization Act includes a provision for GAO to examine TSA's review process for directives that apply at last point of departure airports. This report (1) identifies key characteristics of the TSA directives and (2) assesses TSA's process to review directives. GAO reviewed TSA policies and procedures, analyzed TSA program information, and interviewed TSA officials and representatives from a nongeneralizable sample of 10 air carriers, selected to represent carriers with high numbers of U.S.-bound flights, and three industry associations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-10
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Sri Lanka [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon until 1972, is a constitutional democracy in South Asia with relatively high levels of development. It is strategically located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India's Deccan Peninsula."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2019-10-01
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Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Mandated Sales and Reform [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), administered by the Department of Energy (DOE), has played a role in U.S. energy policy for over 40 years. Over that time, its primary focus has changed from its original intent as world oil market conditions have changed. Originally intended to offset the market power of cartels and prevent economic damage from oil supply disruption, it has become primarily a tool for combatting the fuel market effects of domestic natural disasters like hurricanes. Most recently, U.S. net imports of oil and petroleum products have decreased as a result of the increase in domestic oil production. Because of lower reliance on imports, some stakeholders see less need for an oil stockpile, and view the SPR more as a mechanism for providing funding for a wide variety of legislative purposes, ranging from health care, to highways, and general purpose revenues. Over this period, the SPR has expanded its potential usefulness to cover all of these purposes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Pirog, Robert L.
2019-10-01
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Wildfire Disasters: FEMA Could Take Additional Actions to Address Unique Response and Recovery Challenges, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "In 2017 and 2018, deadly wildfires struck the state of California, tragically resulting in 159 deaths and over 32,000 structures destroyed. FEMA, as the lead federal agency for responding to and recovering from disasters, has obligated about $2 billion in housing, debris removal, and other assistance following these disasters. According to recent environmental assessments, fire seasons are increasing in length, putting more people and infrastructure at risk. GAO was asked to assess a range of response and recovery issues related to the 2017 disasters. Specifically, this report addresses (1) the assistance FEMA provided to jurisdictions in response to major disaster declarations stemming from wildfires from 2015 through 2018, (2) selected jurisdictions' perspectives on FEMA wildfire response and recovery efforts, and (3) the extent to which FEMA has identified and addressed key lessons learned. GAO obtained data on FEMA wildfire disaster assistance and statistics on fire damages and fatalities; reviewed key documentation, such as incident action plans and after action reports; and interviewed officials from FEMA headquarters and regional offices, states, and a nonprobability sample of affected local jurisdictions (e.g., counties)."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-10
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Natural Gas Storage: Actions Needed to Assess Inspection Workload and Progress Toward Safety Outcomes, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "About 400 natural gas storage sites are important to the U.S. natural gas system, providing about 30 percent of the nation's energy. [...] GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the health and environmental effects of activities at natural gas storage sites. This report, among other objectives, (1) assesses the extent to which PHMSA [U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration] has developed its natural gas storage inspection program and (2) describes what is known about the potential health effects from chemicals in stored natural gas."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-10
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Journal of Military Learning (October 2019)
This October 2019 edition of the Journal of Military Learning contains the following articles: "Prioritizing Active Learning in the Classroom: Reflections for Professional Military Education" by Mark Hamilton; "Developing an Inclusive Outcomes Statement: Adapting the Degree Qualifications Profile to a Military Context" by Erin N. O'Reilly: "Preparing Navy Nurses and Other Junior Officer Health Professionals in the U.S. Navy Reserve to be Ready Now, Anytime, Anywhere: A Leadership Development Project" by Bermesola M. Dyer, Amada Y. Avalos, and Kathleen M. White; "Charlie Don't Surf: The Military, War, Film, and Teaching" by Morten G. Ender; "Hybrid Conflict and Effective Leadership Training" by Evan Kowalski and Jody M. Prescott; "A Relational Learning Approach to New Faculty Orientation in Professional Military Education" by Megan J. Hennessey; and "Comparison of Occupation Physical Assessment Test Scores Administered at United States Military Academy, Reserve Officers' Training Corps and Initial Entry Training" by Nicholas Ouimet, Matthew J. Lensing, Julia Carier Lensing, Lynn R. Fielitz, and Kevin A. Bigelman.
Army University Press (U.S.)
2019-10
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Artificial Intelligence, Russia, China, and the Global Order
From the Series Preface: "The volume presented here is an exceptional example of a focused study from academics and active practitioners representing both civilian and military institutions. With changing security issues present on the global landscape, the work of the many collaborators within provides information that is imperative to our understanding of new threats and opportunities. Couple this with the ever-expansive role of technology embodied in artificial intelligence (AI), and the rationale to review the vital discussions in this paper is evident."
Air University (U.S.). Press
Wright, Nicholas D.
2019-10
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 30, 2019]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2019-09-30
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Federal Regulation of Tobacco: Legal Framework and Issues for the 116th Congress [September 30, 2019]
From the Document: "The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA), P.L. 111-31, establishes the central federal regulatory regime for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. The statute aims to balance competing interests in protecting the public's health against the harmful effects of smoking and youth tobacco use, while preserving access to lawfully marketed tobacco products for adult consumers. The TCA largely amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 'primary Federal authority' over tobacco product regulation. This In Focus summarizes the TCA's legal framework and discusses key TCA-related issues in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Staman, Jennifer A.
2019-09-30
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Defense Budget and the Budget Control Act: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated September 30, 2019]
From the Document: "Enacted on August 2, 2011, the Budget Control Act of 2011 as amended (P.L. 112-25, P.L. 112-240, P.L. 113-67, P.L. 114-74, P.L. 115-123, and P.L. 116-37) sets limits on defense and nondefense discretionary spending. As part of an agreement to increase the statutory limit on public debt, the BCA [Budget Control Act] aimed to reduce annual federal budget deficits by a total of at least $2.1 trillion from FY2012 through FY2021, with approximately half of the savings to come from defense. [...] Some defense policymakers and officials argue the BCA spending restrictions impede the Department of Defense's (DOD's) ability to adequately resource military personnel and equipment for operations and other national security requirements. Others argue the limits are necessary to curb rising deficits and debt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.
2019-09-30
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Limitations of CBP OFO's Screening Device Used to Identify Fentanyl and Other Narcotics
From the Highlights: "On October 26, 2017, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national Public Health Emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 28,000 people in the United States overdosed and died from synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in 2017. We conducted this audit to determine to what extent CBP's [Customs and Border Protection] OFO [Office of Field Operations] uses small-scale chemical screening devices at ports of entry to identify fentanyl and other illicit narcotics."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2019-09-30
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South Africa: Current Issues, Economy, and U.S. Relations [Updated September 30, 2019]
From the Summary: "South Africa is a majority black, multiracial country of nearly 58 million people. It has cordial relations with the United States, notwithstanding some occasional strains, and is the largest U.S. trade partner in Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is spearheading efforts to address years of weak economic growth and multiple corruption scandals under his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. These issues helped spur Zuma's resignation in early 2018 and led to the election of Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma as African National Congress (ANC) party leader in late 2017. The ANC is the dominant party in South Africa; it has held a parliamentary majority since the country's first universal suffrage elections in 1994, which marked the end of apartheid, a codified system of racial bias. In the most recent general elections, in May 2019, the ANC again won a National Assembly majority, but it did so with 57.5% of the vote, its lowest margin ever. After the elections, the Assembly reelected Ramaphosa as national president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2019-09-30
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Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 116th Congresses [Updated August 28, 2019]
From the Document: "Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. During that time, legislation has often involved market-based approaches, such as a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or emissions fee program. [...] A primary policy concern with either approach is the economic impacts that may result. Expected energy price increases could have both economy-wide impacts (e.g., on the U.S. gross domestic product) and disproportionate effects on specific industries and particular demographic groups. The degree of these potential effects would depend on a number of factors, including the magnitude, design, and scope of the program and the use of tax or fee revenues or emission allowance values."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2019-09-28
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Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak: Democratic Republic of Congo [September 27, 2019]
From the Document: "The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that began in August 2018 has eluded international containment efforts and posed significant challenges to local and international policymakers. The current outbreak is the 10th and largest on record in DRC, and the world's second largest ever (after the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak). On July 17, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current DRC outbreak to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and called for increased donor funding. To date, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced nearly $158 million to support the response to the outbreak in DRC and neighboring countries, most of which has been funded through USAID-administered International Disaster Assistance (IDA) funds appropriated by Congress in FY2015."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Arieff, Alexis
2019-09-27
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Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 27, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The Coast Guard's proposed FY2020 budget requests a total of $657 million in procurement funding for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Coast Guard's funding requests and acquisition strategies for the NSC, OPC, and FRC programs. Congress's decisions on these three programs could substantially affect Coast Guard capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2019-09-27
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H. Rept. 116-219: Insider Trading Prohibition Act, Report Together with Minority Views, to Accompany H.R. 2534, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, September 27, 2019
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 2534, the Insider Trading Act, sponsored by Rep. Jim Himes, formally codifies the prohibition against insider trading, creating a clear, consistent standard for both courts and market participants to follow. The bill largely codifies the existing case law on insider trading. However, the bill overturns a controversial judicially-imposed requirement that an individual who receives insider information know about the specific personal benefit received by the individual who discloses the information."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019-09-27
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Military Funding for Southwest Border Barriers [Updated September 27, 2019]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD, or the Department) has played a prominent role in the Trump Administration's border security strategy because of controversies related to $13.3 billion in defense funding it has sought to use for border barrier construction projects not otherwise authorized by Congress. These defense funds would comprise a complex mix of DOD program savings and unobligated military construction funds from past years ($6.1 billion), as well as a request for new appropriations in FY2020 ($7.2 billion). An additional $2 billion in non-DOD appropriations are often cited as part of the Administration's overall border funding plan. These include $1.375 billion in previously enacted FY2019 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations, and $601 million in contributions from a Treasury Forfeiture Fund (TFF) that manages seized assets. Altogether, these defense and non-defense funds would total $15.3 billion, of which 87% would be DOD funds."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mann, Christopher T.
2019-09-27
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Social Security: Raising or Eliminating the Taxable Earnings Base [Updated September 27, 2019]
From the Summary: "Social Security taxes are levied on covered earnings up to a maximum level set each year. In 2019, this maximum--formally called the 'contribution and benefit base,' and commonly referred to as the 'taxable earnings base' or the 'taxable maximum'--is $132,900. The taxable earnings base serves as both a cap on contributions and on benefits. As a contribution base, it establishes the maximum amount of a worker's earnings that is subject to the payroll tax. As a benefit base, it establishes the maximum amount of earnings used to calculate benefits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Li, Zhe, 1981-; Whitman, Debra B.
2019-09-27
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Executive Order 13888: Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement
From the Purpose: "In resettling refugees into American communities, it is the policy of the United States to cooperate and consult with State and local governments, to take into account the preferences of State governments, and to provide a pathway for refugees to become self-sufficient. These policies support each other. Close cooperation with State and local governments ensures that refugees are resettled in communities that are eager and equipped to support their successful integration into American society and the labor force."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Trump, Donald, 1946-
2019-09-26
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EMR-ISAC: Infogram, Volume 19 Issue 35, September 26, 2019
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 sections: "Office for Bombing Prevention Webinar Series for first responders"; "Vulnerability actively exploited to track, spy on mobile phone owners"; "U.S. Cyber Command shares 11 new malware samples"; "5G [fifth generation] requires a cybersecurity reset"; and "Industry challenged to find way to detect, prevent 'Deepfakes'."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2019-09-26
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Attacks Against Saudi Oil Rattle Markets [Updated September 26, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw a successful attack against major oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia (the largest oil exporter), which temporarily disrupted 5.7 million barrels of daily production (mb/d), over half of Saudi oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. Global oil markets have responded with an initial price increase and subsequent pullback. The magnitude and duration of the price rise will depend on many factors, such as repair time, additional supplies, the potential confirmation of the perpetrator, and any related security responses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael; Greenley, Heather L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-09-26
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Money Market Mutual Funds: A Financial Stability Case Study [September 26, 2019]
From the Document: "A money market mutual fund (MMF) is a mutual fund that under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 2a-7 can invest only in high-quality, short-term debt securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills or commercial paper (a type of corporate debt). MMFs are commonly considered as safe alternatives to bank deposits, although they are not federally insured like bank deposits. However, this perceived-to-be-safe financial instrument triggered major market disruptions in 2008 that accelerated the 2007-2009 financial crisis. This case study explains the incident, the post-crisis reforms, and the ongoing policy debate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Su, Eva
2019-09-26
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Department of Defense Annual Suicide Report Calendar Year 2018
From the Executive Summary: "The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to preventing suicide within the military. Over the past decade, the Department has made strides in establishing an infrastructure for preventing military suicide by aligning our strategy with the public health approach; establishing policy guidance and an enterprise-wide suicide prevention governance body; standardizing and advancing data surveillance, research, clinical interventions, and program evaluation; and partnering and engaging with other federal, non-profit, and private organizations. There is still much more work to be done. In October 2018, the Department established a requirement for a DoD Annual Suicide Report (ASR) to serve as the official source of annual suicide counts and unadjusted rates for the DoD and a means by which to increase transparency and accountability for DoD efforts towards the prevention of suicide. This requirement also mandates the reporting of data on suicide deaths among military family members. This first-ever ASR presents recent suicide data on Service members and their families, provides an overview of the Department's suicide prevention strategy and governance, and describes current and future initiatives underway to combat suicide in the DoD."
Department of Defense. Defense Suicide Prevention Office
2019-09-26?
