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SIGAR 20-18-AL: Alert Letter: U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy in Afghanistan
From the Letter: "On September 17, 2018, the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control requested that SIGAR [Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction] conduct a review of the U.S. government's current counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan, including counter threat finance (CTF) activities directed at the Afghan terrorist and insurgent narcotics trade. Our audit to respond to the caucus's full request is ongoing. However, as part of that review, the caucus asked us to determine and report on the status of the Department of State (State)-led interagency 2012 'U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan' and State's revision of, or plans to revise, this strategy. We are writing to inform you that State has not revised, and has no plans to revise, the 2012 'U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan'. We have also faced difficulties obtaining information related to the U.S. government's CTF strategies and activities in Afghanistan due to the National Security Council's (NSC) lack of cooperation."
United States. Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
Sopko, John F.
2020-01-10
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Appeals Court Says First Amendment Limits Regulation of Online Political Advertising: Implications for Congress [January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The proliferation of online political advertising has sparked a national conversation about its perceived harms. Some have argued that online political ads are more likely than their offline counterparts to include false claims and facilitate foreign influence in U.S. elections. These criticisms have led to calls for more government regulation of online political advertising, and some government officials have responded to that call. For example, in June, the chair of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the federal entity that generally regulates political campaign communications, advanced a rule proposal that would require certain online political advertisements to contain attribution statements, known as 'disclaimers.' Another example is the Honest Ads Act, which would extend federal campaign finance law disclosure and disclaimer requirements to online platforms for paid internet and paid digital communications and would require online platforms to maintain a publicly available file of requests to purchase certain political advertising. That bill was incorporated into H.R. 1 (116th Cong.), which passed the House in March 2019, and has been reintroduced as a stand-alone bill in both the House and the Senate. While there have been few, if any, enacted federal laws focusing on online political advertisements, a number of states have passed legislation on this front."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.; Whitaker, L. Paige
2020-01-10
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 20 Issue 2, January 9, 2020
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: "Updated NTAS [National Terrorism Advisory System] Bulletin covers changed threat landscape after airstrike"; "Wear Blue day brings increased awareness to human trafficking"; "FEMA upgrades Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)" ; "Webinar: North Bay Wildfires, lessons learned from REDCOM [Redwood Dispatch Communications Authority] Dispatch"; "Windows 7 end of life: what are your options?"; "Russia successfully disconnects from global Internet in test"; "Your car may be vulnerable to attack, even the smartest ones"; and "Password-stealing hacking campaign targets government agencies".
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2020-01-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 133, United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on December 17, 2019. From the Document: "H.R. 133 would require the Department of State to develop and implement a strategy to increase economic cooperation with Mexico and to expand educational and professional exchange programs with that country. It also would require the department to report to the Congress on that strategy. The requirements of the act would expire at the end of calendar year 2023."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2020-01-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 1310, Organization of American States Legislative Engagement Act of 2019
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on December 17, 2019. From the Document: "S. 1310 would encourage the State Department to support various reforms to the operations of the Organization of American States (OAS). OAS is an international organization composed of 35 countries in North America and South America that promotes regional security, democracy, human rights, and economic development in the region."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2020-01-09
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 370, Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on November 20, 2019. From the Document: "H.R. 370 would require the Cyber Security, Energy Security and Emergency Response office within the Department of Energy (DOE) to pursue a physical security and cybersecurity program for pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2020-01-09
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2019-2020 Iran Crisis and U.S. Military Deployments [January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. drone strike against Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, the subsequent Iranian counter-strike on bases hosting U.S. personnel in Iraq, and recent deployments of U.S. military forces to the Middle East have prompted widespread concerns about whether the United States is preparing to engage in another major military campaign in the region. Yet at present, the flow of additional forces into the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) suggests that the Department of Defense (DOD) is posturing itself in the region defensively, with the ability to respond to aggression, if necessary. The design of this posture may be altered should there be changes to security or political conditions on the ground, or political objectives for the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McInnis, Kathleen J.
2020-01-09
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Army Corps of Engineers: Continuing Authorities Programs [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resources development projects pursuant to authorizing statutes and the receipt of appropriations. The standard process for a USACE project requires two separate congressional authorizations--one for studying feasibility and a subsequent one for construction--as well as appropriations for both (see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R45185, 'Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorization and Project Delivery Processes'). Additionally, Congress has granted USACE programmatic authorities to undertake cost-shared projects of limited scope and cost without requiring project-specific congressional authorization. These programmatic USACE authorities are referred to as Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs). Congress has consistently funded USACE CAPs above the President's request since FY2013."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E
2020-01-09
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Processing of Adults and Family Units Arriving at the Southern Border Without Valid Documents [January 9, 2020] [infographic]
From the Document: "The Trump Administration has implemented a series of policies that change the processing of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who arrive at the southern border without valid entry documents, many of whom claim asylum or a fear of persecution. These policies include metering, the Migrant Protection Protocols, an interim final rule that makes aliens ineligible for asylum if they reach the southern border through third countries (with limited exceptions), and a Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala. These policies generally apply to adults and family units only. (The interim final rule, however, also applies to unaccompanied alien children in formal removal proceedings.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Harrington, Ben; Smith, Hillel R.
2020-01-09
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Kosovo: In Brief [January 9, 2020]
From the Overview: "The Republic of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nearly a decade after the end of a brief but lethal conflict between Serbian forces and a Kosovo Albanian insurgency led by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Since 2008, Kosovo has been recognized by more than 100 countries. The United States and most European Union (EU) member states recognize Kosovo, whereas Serbia, Russia, China, and various other countries do not. The United States has strongly supported Kosovo's state-building and development efforts, as well as its ongoing dialogue with Serbia to normalize their relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garding, Sarah E.
2020-01-09
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Iran's Ballistic Missile and Space Launch Programs [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Overview: "On January 7, 2020, Iran launched 16 short-range ballistic missiles that were fired from three different locations inside the country and hit various targets on two Iraqi military installations housing U.S. troops--Al Asad Air Base and an air base near Erbil in Northern Iraq. [...] Iran has been acquiring, developing, and testing its ballistic missile capabilities for decades and continues to invest in developing ballistic missiles and in building an extensive network of related facilities. The recent attack may have demonstrated advances in the accuracy of Iran's missiles. Short- and medium-range ballistic missile tests indicate that Iran is focused on increasing the accuracy of its missiles. Once forecasted to acquire an intercontinental-range ballistic missile by 2020, Iran has not yet demonstrated this capacity. Furthermore, Iran's space launch program continues to experience significant delays, and may be slowing."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCall, Stephen M.
2020-01-09
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU. Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, following May's resignation. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU granted the UK three deadline extensions, with the most recent lasting until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Archick, Kristin
2020-01-09
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks in U.S. Agriculture [January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "Agriculture and land-use activities have played a central role in the broader debate on energy and climate policy options in the U.S. and abroad. Although most federal legislative proposals to reduce net U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would not require reductions in the agriculture sector, some would incentivize voluntary actions. [...] Agriculture is both a 'source' and a 'sink' of GHGs (Figure 1). Sources generate GHG emissions that are released into the atmosphere and contribute to global climate change. Sinks remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and sequester carbon through physical or biological processes. Agricultural emissions include many GHGs of interest to policymakers: CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Croft, Genevieve K.
2020-01-09
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U.S. Armed Forces Abroad: Selected Congressional Votes Since 1982 [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report summarizes selected congressional roll call votes related to instances in which U.S. Armed Forces have been sent abroad in potentially hostile situations. These votes reflect the type of congressional actions that observers maintain bear directly on issues affecting policy and the funding of troops abroad, often in the context of the War Powers Resolution, continued presence or withdrawal of troops, and the 'use of force.' The cases of Lebanon (1982-1983), Grenada (1983), Panama (1989), the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), Somalia (1992-1995), Haiti (1993- 1996), Bosnia (1992-1998), Kosovo (1999), the terrorist attack against the United States (2001) (including the use of U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan), and the use of U.S. Armed Forces against Iraq (2002-2003) and Iraq and Afghanistan (2001-Present) are examined, as are the revolution in Libya and its aftermath, the uprising and war in Syria, and military action against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (or ISIS or ISIL). The roll call votes that are available online (since 1990 in the House and 1989 in the Senate) are hyperlinked in the text."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Davis-Castro, Carla Y.
2020-01-09
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When Does the Clock Start Ticking? Considerations When Drafting Statutes of Limitations [January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "Many federal laws contain statutes of limitations that bar plaintiffs from filing civil lawsuits after a specified time period. 15 U.S.C. § 15b, for example, provides that certain civil antitrust lawsuits 'shall be forever barred unless commenced within four years after the cause of action accrued.' These statutes of limitations serve several purposes. For one, time bars mitigate challenges associated with stale evidence. With passing years, memories of an event may fade, physical evidence may deteriorate, and critical witnesses may die or become difficult to locate. Encouraging plaintiffs to file lawsuits promptly can thus help ensure that judges and juries decide cases based on complete and accurate evidence. Statutes of limitations also afford prospective defendants legal peace by relieving them of the threat of liability after a specified time period. However, statutes of limitations necessarily foreclose injured plaintiffs from maintaining otherwise meritorious lawsuits and may therefore allow defendants to escape liability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Kevin M.
2020-01-09
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Defense Primer: The NDAA Process [Updated January 8, 2020]
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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Heitshusen, Valerie; McGarry, Brendan W.
2020-01-08
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FY2020 Military Construction Appropriations: An Overview of P.L. 116-94 (Division F) [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 20, 2019, President Donald Trump signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865; P.L. 116-94)--a package of multiple appropriations acts known as a 'minibus'--which included the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (Division F). Division F of P.L. 116-94 provides $18.2 billion in discretionary budget authority for Department of Defense (DOD) military construction (MILCON) projects-- including for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) and natural disaster relief--and family housing, an increase of $5.4 billion (42%) from the FY2019 enacted level and $2.9 billion (14%) less than the President's budget request."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McGarry, Brendan W.; Herrera, G. James
2020-01-08
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its service members and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues. This report provides background information in response to some frequently asked questions related to the strike and its aftermath."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-08
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Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Background and Funding [Updated January 8, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP; previously the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program) provides federally purchased commodities and a smaller amount of cash support to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other types of emergency feeding organizations serving low-income households and individuals. Commodities include fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains, among other foods. In addition to serving needy individuals, TEFAP's domestic commodity purchases support the agricultural economy by reducing supply on the market, thereby increasing food prices. TEFAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Billings, Kara Clifford
2020-01-08
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H. Rept. 116-370, Part 1: Homeland Security for Children Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 2932, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, January 8, 2020
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 2932, the 'Homeland Security for Children Act,' would ensure that the needs of children are adequately included and considered in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) planning."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2020-01-08
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Trends in Opioids Prescribed at Discharge from Emergency Departments Among Adults: United States, 2006-2017
From the Abstract: "This report describes trends in opioid prescribing at emergency department (ED) discharge among adults from 2006-2007 through 2016-2017, by selected patient and hospital characteristics and the type of opioids prescribed."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Rui, Pinyao; Santo, Loredana; Ashman, Jill J.
2020-01-08
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Presidential Authority to Address Tariff Barriers in Trade Agreements Under Section 103(a) [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate trade with foreign nations and to lay and collect duties. Since the 1930s, Congress has periodically authorized the President to negotiate trade agreements and, among other actions, proclaim changes to U.S. tariff rates- known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Currently, Section 103(a) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015) authorizes the President to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries to reduce 'duties or other import restrictions' that the President determines are 'unduly burdening and restricting' the United States' foreign trade and to proclaim limited changes to U.S. tariff rates without further congressional action. In September 2019, President Donald Trump announced his intention to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan regarding tariff barriers using his limited proclamation authority under Section 103(a)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.; Murrill, Brandon J.
2020-01-08
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PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Funding Issues [Updated January 8, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The federal pipeline safety program is administered by the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), working with state pipeline safety regulators. Together, the federal and state agencies administer comprehensive regulations to ensure the safety of the nation's hazardous liquid (e.g., crude oil) and natural gas pipelines. Under the PIPES [Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety] Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-183), funding authorization for PHMSA's pipeline safety program expired on October 1, 2019. Although the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94) includes pipeline safety appropriations for FY2020, Congress is debating at what levels the program should next be authorized. In 2019, the Trump Administration proposed reducing PHMSA pipeline safety funding for FY2020 whereas bills in the House and Senate would authorize increased funding at different levels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2020-01-08
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Recent U.S. Airstrikes: Legal Authorities and Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "Recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have raised legal questions concerning the scope of the President's power to use force against Iran and Iran-backed organizations. In late December, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against five facilities in Iraq and Syria used by Kata'ib Hizbollah--an entity with ties to Iran designated by the Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization. According to a Department of Defense (DOD) statement, the strikes came in response to attacks on military bases in Iraq that host U.S. forces engaged in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State. [...] This Sidebar examines the President's domestic legal authority to initiate military action under the two sources cited in the National Security Advisor's statement: the Constitution and the 2002 authorization for use of military force related to Iraq (2002 AUMF). Although not discussed in O'Brien's statement, this Sidebar also examines the implications of the ban on assassinations in Executive Order 12333 as well as the international legal framework governing the strikes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.; Elsea, Jennifer K.
2020-01-08
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USMCA: Investment Provisions [Updated January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) that, if approved by Congress and ratified by Canada and Mexico, would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). USMCA would retain NAFTA's marketopening measures while adding or updating provisions in areas such as digital trade, intellectual property rights, and worker rights. The proposed agreement would make notable changes to NAFTA's investment provisions--mainly qualifying basic investor protections and limiting the degree to which foreign investors can bring complaints against their host states under the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism. ISDS claims with Canada would be phased out entirely; those with Mexico would be more restricted than under NAFTA. Given the significant changes proposed and the importance of U.S. investment ties with Canada and Mexico, USMCA's investment provisions are an active part of congressional debate over the USMCA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.; Villarreal, M. Angeles
2020-01-08
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S. Rept. 116-196: Protecting Resources on the Electric Grid with Cybersecurity Technology Act of 2019, Report to Accompany S. 2556, January 7, 2020
From the Purpose: "The purpose of S. 2556 is to amend the Federal Power Act (FPA, 16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) to provide energy cybersecurity investment incentives and to establish a grant and technical assistance program for cybersecurity investments by electric utilities."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2020-01-07
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Defense Primer: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Overview and Mission: "The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a voluntary high school program of instruction administrated by the Department of Defense (DOD) through the military departments. The purpose of JROTC, according to 10 U.S.C. §2031, is 'to instill in students in U.S. secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.' JROTC was established as an Army program by the National Defense Act of 1916 (P.L. 64-85) and in 1964 expanded to the Navy and Air Force. Congress authorized Coast Guard units at two specific schools: one in 1989 (P.L. 101-225) and one in 2005 (P.L. 109-241)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.; Arriaga, Xavier L.
2020-01-07
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Bolivia: Presidential Resignation and Aftermath [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "On November 10, 2019, Bolivia's Evo Morales of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party resigned his presidency and sought asylum in Mexico. He ultimately received refugee status in Argentina. Bolivia's military suggested Morales consider resigning to prevent violence after weeks of protests alleging fraud in the October 20, 2019, election. Three individuals in line to succeed Morales (the vice president and the presidents of the senate and the chamber of deputies) also resigned. Opposition Senator Jeanine Añez, formerly second vice president of the senate, declared herself senate president and then interim president on November 12. Bolivia's constitutional court recognized her succession. Following protests and state violence, the MAS-led Congress unanimously approved an electoral law to annul the October elections and select a new electoral tribunal. On January 3, 2020, the tribunal announced those elections are scheduled for May 3, 2020. The Trump Administration and Congress have expressed concerns regarding irregularities and manipulation in Bolivia's election and violence following the election and Morales's resignation. They support efforts to ensure the May elections are free and fair."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-01-07
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Defense Primer: Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO) [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "As a result of the nation's extended involvement in contingency operations around the globe, some servicemembers have experienced prolonged, frequent, and/or stressful deployments. In addition, preparation for deployments (e.g., training, exercises, temporary duty assignments) can lead to extended working hours or frequent travel away from home station. The pace of operations for individuals is commonly referred to as 'personnel tempo' (PERSTEMPO) and can affect quality of life, work satisfaction, and overall morale for members and their families."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-01-07
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Small Satellite Boom Poses Challenges for Regulators [Updated January 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Regulators and policymakers are struggling to keep pace with small satellites, spacecraft the size of shoe boxes that are displacing school bus-sized satellites for many purposes. 'Smallsats,' as they are known, occupy low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of between about 310 and 1,200 miles above Earth's surface. Many currently in orbit are about 10 centimeters wide and weigh less than 3 pounds. They have been used in government operations, but commercial companies are increasingly building and deploying them for communications, broadband internet, remote sensing, and Earth observation missions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Alyssa K.
2020-01-07
