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European Security and Islamist Terrorism [June 8, 2017]
"The June 3, 2017 attack in London--in which eight people were killed and nearly 50 injured--was the third terrorist incident in the United Kingdom in the last few months. Five people were killed outside the UK parliament in March in a similar car and knife attack, and in May, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and wounded 116 at a music concert in Manchester. These incidents are among a string of terrorist attacks in Europe connected to or inspired by violent Islamist extremism, with many since 2014 linked to the Islamic State group (also known as ISIS or ISIL)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Mix, Derek E.
2017-06-08
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Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy [June 15, 2017]
"Recent growth of domestic crude oil production has resulted in an unprecedented expansion of the United States' oil pipeline network. One major oil pipeline recently constructed is the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 30-inch diameter, 1,172-mile project that carries crude oil produced in northwest North Dakota to southern Illinois (Figure 1). The Dakota Access Pipeline's maximum capacity is 570,000 barrels per day. […] The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the siting of domestic oil pipelines. Instead, authorization for the overall route must be granted by individual states. The Dakota Access Pipeline developer, Energy Transfer Partners, was granted siting approval from state utility regulators in South Dakota and Illinois in 2015, and from North Dakota and Iowa early in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2017-06-15
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U.S. Foreign Aid to the Middle East and North Africa: The President's FY2018 Request [June 8, 2017]
"For FY2018, the Trump Administration proposes to cut 12% of overall bilateral aid to the Middle East and North Africa (from FY2016 enacted levels), primarily by ending Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants to Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia. However, these countries may continue to receive grant or loan aid from a proposed $200 million FMF 'global fund,' possibly convert from FMF grants to FMF loans beginning in FY2018, or receive no FMF assistance at all. U.S. security assistance to MENA [Middle East and North Africa] countries could also be channeled through Defense Department appropriations accounts rather than through State Department and Foreign Operations appropriations. If enacted, the Administration's FY2018 proposed cuts to FMF for the region would make the traditional recipients of FMF grants (Israel, Egypt, and Jordan) account for 100% of all regional FMF grant aid and 92% of all global grant FMF aid. While the President's FY2018 budget request claims that FMF loans will allow recipients to 'purchase more American-made defense equipment and related services than they would receive with the same amount of grant funding,' some lawmakers argue that converting FMF grants to loans would 'require poorer countries to reimburse the United States (which past experience has shown they are unable to do) for assistance that is in our security interest to provide to them.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2017-06-08
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United Kingdom Election Result [June 14, 2017]
"The United Kingdom (UK) election of June 8, 2017, resulted in a hung parliament, an outcome in which no single party won a majority of seats in the 650-seat House of Commons. With 318 seats, the Conservative Party came in first place but lost the majority it had held after winning 331 seats in the 2015 election. The Labour Party came in second place, outperforming most expectations by winning 262 seats, a gain of 30."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2017-06-14
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Financial CHOICE Act (H.R. 10) and the Dodd-Frank Act [June 12, 2017]
"Representative Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, introduced the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (H.R. 10) on April 26, 2017. H.R. 10 was passed by the House on June 8, 2017. The bill as passed is a wide-ranging proposal with 12 titles that would alter many parts of the financial regulatory system. H.R. 10 is similar to, but has several major differences from, H.R. 5983 from the 114th Congress (called the Financial CHOICE Act of 2016). The next section highlights major proposals included in the bill, as passed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2017-06-12
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Violence Against Members of Congress and Their Staff: A Brief Overview [June 15, 2017]
"Questions about the personal security and safety of Members of Congress and their staffs are of enduring concern for the House, Senate, and the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Broader interest in the media and among the public arises in the aftermath of an incident such as the June 14, 2017, attack on at least 17 Members of Congress, several staff, USCP officers, and members of the public in Alexandria, Virginia. In that incident, a Member was critically wounded, and others, including another Member, a congressional staffer, USCP officers, and a member of the public were injured during a shooting that occurred as Members were practicing for an annual congressional baseball game. There may also be concern about the level and extent of threats against Members. Since consistent threat information is not publicly available, however, it cannot be determined whether the number of threats against Members and congressional staff has increased, decreased, or remained the same over time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Petersen, R. Eric
2017-06-15
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State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs: FY2017 Budget and Appropriations [May 26, 2017]
"On February 9, 2016, the Obama Administration submitted to Congress its FY2017 budget request totaling $52.78 billion in new budget authority for the State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Appropriations (SFOPS) accounts. Of the total request, $17.05 billion was for State Operations and related agencies (a 3.6% increase over FY2016 estimates), and $35.74 billion was for Foreign Operations (-1.8% compared with FY2016 estimates that included emergency Ebola funds). On June 29, 2016, the Senate Appropriations Committee introduced and reported the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (S. 3117/S.Rept. 114-290). It would have provided a total of $52.24 billion, after rescissions and including funds designated for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) […] In early May 2017, Congress passed a final appropriations bill, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115-31), that provides $53.23 billion in full-year funding through September 30, 2017. Together with the supplemental funds enacted in December (P.L. 114-254), total enacted SFOPS funding for FY2017 is $57.53 billion, an 8.8% increase over the FY2016 SFOPS funding level. The increase is entirely due to a 40% total increase in OCO funding. This report provides an overview and highlights of the request with an account-by-account comparison of the FY2017 request to the House and Senate committee-passed bills and FY2016 estimates [...]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Gill, Cory R.
2017-05-26
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Five-Year Program for Federal Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing: Status and Issues in Brief [ May 19, 2017]
"Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended,1 the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans-referred to by BOEM as five-year programs-for proposed public oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). During the Obama Administration, BOEM released a leasing program for the period from mid-2017 through mid-2022.2 The program schedules 11 lease sales on the OCS during the five-year period: 10 in the Gulf of Mexico region (occurring twice each year), 1 in the Cook Inlet planning area of the Alaska region (scheduled for 2021), and none in the Atlantic or Pacific regions. Three sales proposed in earlier versions of the program-one in the Atlantic and two off Alaska-were not ultimately included in the program. On April 28, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Secretary of the Interior to review and consider revising the 2017-2022 program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.
2017-05-19
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Department of Veterans Affairs FY2017 Appropriations [May 23, 2017]
"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits and services to veterans and eligible dependents who meet certain criteria as authorized by law. These benefits include medical care, disability compensation and pensions, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, assistance to homeless veterans, home loan guarantees, administration of life insurance as well as traumatic injury protection insurance for service members, and death benefits that cover burial expenses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga
2017-05-23
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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA): Compensation Related to Exposure to Radiation from Atomic Weapons Testing and Uranium Mining [May 18, 2017]
"The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides one-time benefit payments to persons who may have developed cancer or other specified diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling, or transporting. Administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), RECA has awarded nearly $2 billion in benefits to more than 30,000 claimants since its inception in 1990. The RECA program is scheduled to sunset in 2022."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2017-05-18
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Navy LX(R) Amphibious Ship Program: Background and Issues for Congress [May 31, 2017]
"The LX(R) program is a program to build a new class of amphibious ships for the Navy. LX(R)s are to replace 12 aging Whidbey Island/Harpers Ferry (LSD-41/49) class amphibious ships, the first of which will reach age 40 in 2025 [...] The Navy's proposed FY2018 budget requests no procurement or advance procurement (AP) funding for procuring LPD-17 class ships or LX(R)s. The Navy's proposed FY2018 budget requests $9.6 million in research and development funds for the LX(R) program. Issues for Congress for FY2018 regarding the LX(R) program and LPD-17 class ships include the following: [1] whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's FY2018 funding requests for the LX(R) program, including whether to provide funding intended to further accelerate the construction (if not the official procurement date) of the first LX(R); [2] whether the Navy intends to use the funding provided by Congress in FY2017 for the procurement of a 13th LPD-17 class ship to procure such a ship, or for some other purpose; [3] whether to provide funding for the procurement in FY2018 of a 14th LPD-17 class ship, so as to accelerate the attainment of the Navy's desired 38-ship amphibious force and further close the gap between the end of LPD-17 procurement and the start of LX(R) procurement; and [4] whether LX(R)s should be built to the Navy's currently planned LX(R) design, or to a more expensive and (in some ways) more capable design that is closer to that of the LPD-17 design. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2017-05-31
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Fact Sheet: FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) DOD Reform Proposals [May 18, 2017]
"This fact sheet is intended to offer Members information on extant Department of Defense (DOD) reform proposals being considered during the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act debates. As such, it includes key provisions incorporated in H.R. 4909, the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) reported by the House Armed Services Committee on May 4, 2016 (H.Rept. 114-537), and S. 2943, the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 18, 2016 (S.Rept. 114-255). Wherever possible, it also includes the Administration's views. For more information on the defense reform debates, see CRS Report R44474, Goldwater-Nichols at 30: Defense Reform and Issues for Congress, by Kathleen J. McInnis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McInnis, Kathleen J.
2017-05-18
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [May 31, 2017]
"The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's proposed replacement for the Vietnam-era M-113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is intended to be a non-developmental program (candidate vehicles will be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a non-developmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded [...] The FY2018 budget request for the AMPV requests $647.4 million for the production of 107 vehicles. A potential issue for Congress is whether the Administration's proposal to increase the size of the Army will translate into a requirement for additional AMPVs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2017-05-31
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Net Neutrality: Back to the Future [May 30, 2017]
"On May 18, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to seek comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), captioned, 'In the Matter of Restoring Internet Freedom.' The NPRM proposes to reverse the FCC's decision in its 2015 Open Internet Order to reclassify broadband Internet access service (BIAS) from an information service to a telecommunications service under the Communications Act of 1934 (Communications Act). The NPRM, if adopted, would change the classification of these services for the second time in two years and would limit the extent of the FCC's authority to regulate BIAS providers. The proceeding also could alter or eliminate regulations concerning the management of BIAS (commonly referred to as 'net neutrality' regulations)." This report has been divided into two parts, both of which are included in this document.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-05-30
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [May 26, 2017]
"Cuba remains a one-party authoritarian state with a poor record on human rights. Current President Raúl Castro succeeded his long-ruling brother Fidel Castro in 2006, and the succession was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Raúl began his second and final five-year term as president in 2013, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years of age. Most observers see First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the "heir apparent" as president, although Raúl likely will continue in his position as first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party (PCC). Under Raúl, Cuba has implemented gradual market-oriented economic policy changes over the past decade, but critics maintain that the government has not taken enough action to foster sustainable economic growth. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, especially as the country approaches its political succession in 2018. Short-term detentions and harassment against democracy and human rights activists have increased over the past several years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-05-26
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Digital Trade and U.S. Trade Policy [June 6, 2017]
"Congress has an important role to play in shaping global digital trade policy, from oversight of agencies charged with regulating cross-border data flows to shaping and considering legislation to implement new trade rules and disciplines through ongoing trade negotiations, and also working with the executive branch to identify the right balance between digital trade and other policy objectives, including privacy and national security [...] While no comprehensive agreement on digital trade exists in the World Trade Organization (WTO), other WTO agreements do cover some aspects of digital trade. Recent bilateral and plurilateral agreements have begun to address digital trade rules and barriers more explicitly. For example, the potential Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and plurilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) are expected to address digital trade to varying degrees. Digital trade norms are also being discussed in forums such as the Group of 20 (G-20), the OECD [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development], and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), providing the United States with multiple opportunities to engage in and shape global developments. With workers in the high-tech sector in every U.S. state and congressional district, Congress has an interest in ensuring the global rules and norms of the Internet economy are in line with U.S. laws and norms, and in establishing a U.S. trade policy on digital trade that advances U.S. interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Morrison, Wayne M.
2017-06-06
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Iran: Politics, Human Rights, and U.S. Policy [June 2, 2017]
"Beginning in 2010, the United States orchestrated broad international economic pressure on Iran to persuade it to agree to strict limits on the program--pressure that contributed to the June 2013 election of the relatively moderate Hassan Rouhani as president of Iran and the eventual negotiation of a 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action' (JCPOA). The JCPOA, which began formal implementation on January 16, 2016, exchanged broad sanctions relief for nuclear program limits intended to ensure that Iran would require at least a year to produce a nuclear weapon after a decision to do so. President Obama asserted that the implementation of the JCPOA presented an opportunity to construct a new and more positive U.S. relationship with Iran. However, Iran has continued to test ballistic missiles; maintained support for regional movements such as Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels in Yemen; arrested additional U.S.-Iran dual nationals; and conducted high speed intercepts of U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. The Trump Administration has characterized Iran as an adversary of the United States and stated a commitment to countering Iran's regional influence--although without taking steps that would conflict with U.S. commitments under the JCPOA. The Administration has not articulated a hope or intent to develop an improved relationship with Iran [...] The United States has supported programs to promote civil society in Iran, but successive U.S. Administrations, including the Trump Administration, have stopped short of adopting policies that specifically seek to overthrow Iran's regime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2017-06-02
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Stafford Act Assistance and Acts of Terrorism [June 2, 2017]
"The Stafford Act has been used to provide assistance in response to terrorist attacks in the past […] Nevertheless, the tactics used in recent incidents such as the 2015 San Bernardino, CA, and the 2016 Orlando, FL, mass shootings, and the 2016 Ohio State University vehicular and knife attack, have brought to light two main challenges that might prevent certain types of terrorist incidents from receiving the wider assistance provided under a major disaster declaration: [1] the major disaster definition lists specific incident types that are eligible for federal assistance. Past terrorist incidents were considered major disasters, in part, because they resulted in fires and explosions. Incidents without a fire or an explosion may not meet the definition of a major disaster; and [2] the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) recommendation to the President to issue a major disaster declaration is mainly based on damage amounts to public infrastructure compared to the state's population. Terrorist incidents with a large loss of life but limited damage to public infrastructure may not meet this criterion [...] This report provides an overview of emergency and major disaster declarations and explains how they might be used in the aftermath of a terrorist incident that does not involve a fire or an explosion, such as high casualty mass shootings or chemical gas attacks. This report also provides an overview of Stafford Act assistance provided for past terrorist incidents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.
2017-06-02
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Federal Minimum Wage: In Brief [June 2, 2017]
From the Document: "The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938, is the federal legislation that establishes the minimum hourly wage that must be paid to all covered workers. The minimum wage provisions of the FLSA have been amended numerous times since 1938, typically for the purpose of expanding coverage or raising the wage rate. Since its establishment, the minimum wage rate has been raised 22 separate times. The most recent change was enacted in 2007 (P.L. 110-28), which increased the minimum wage to its current level of $7.25 per hour. In addition to setting the federal minimum wage rate, the FLSA provides for several exemptions and subminimum wage categories for certain classes of workers and types of work. Even with these exemptions, the FLSA minimum wage provisions still cover the vast majority of the workforce. Despite this broad coverage, however, the minimum wage directly affects a relatively small portion of the workforce. Currently, there are approximately 2.2 million workers, or 2.7% of all hourly paid workers, whose wages are at or below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Most minimum wage workers are female, are age 20 or older, work part time, and are in food service occupations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bradley, David H.
2017-06-02
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Tanzania: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [June 7, 2017]
"Tanzania is an East African country comprising a union of Tanganyika, the mainland territory, and the semiautonomous Zanzibar archipelago. The United States has long considered Tanzania a partner in economic development and, increasingly, in regional security efforts. With more than 52 million people, Tanzania is one of the largest countries in Africa by population and is endowed with substantial natural resource wealth and agricultural potential. Over the past decade, it has experienced robust economic growth based largely on favorably high gold prices and tourism; growth has averaged nearly 7% annually. The ongoing development of large reserves of offshore natural gas discovered in 2010 has raised the prospect of substantial foreign investment inflows and export revenue. Nevertheless, corruption and poor service delivery have hindered efforts to curb widespread poverty, and extensive development challenges remain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2017-06-07
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Madagascar's Political Crisis [June 18, 2017]
"Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island country, ranks among the world's poorest countries, is the world's fourth largest island and is extremely biologically diverse, with thousands of unique species of flora and fauna. It has experienced political instability since early 2009, initiated by tensions between the country's last elected president, Marc Ravalomanana, and an opposition movement led by Andry Rajoelina, then the mayor of the capital city, Antananarivo. Mass protests in early 2009 and eventual military support for the ouster of President Ravalomanana culminated in his forced resignation from office. Rajoelina then seized power and, with other leaders, formed an interim self-declared transitional government, the High Transitional Authority (HAT, after its French acronym). Ravalomanana now lives in exile in South Africa."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Cook, Nicolas
2017-06-18
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President Trump's Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Raises Legal Questions: Part 1 and 2
"On June 1, President Trump announced his long-anticipated decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement--an international agreement intended to reduce the effects of climate change by maintaining global temperatures 'well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels[.]' As analyzed in this earlier report and live CRS seminar, historical practice suggests it is within the President's constitutional authority to withdraw from the Paris Agreement without first receiving congressional or senatorial approval. However, legal questions remain as to how the Trump Administration will implement the withdrawal and what role the United States will play in future international climate meetings. This two-part Sidebar series analyzes legal questions arising from the President's announcement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-06-09
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Trends in the Timing and Size of DHS Appropriations: In Brief [June 21, 2017]
"This report examines trends in the timing and size of homeland security appropriations measures. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was officially established on January 24, 2003. Just over a week later, on February 3, 2003, the Administration made its first annual appropriations request for the new department.1 Transfers of most of the department's personnel and resources from their existing agencies to DHS occurred March 1, 2003, and on April 16, the department received its first supplemental appropriations. March 1, 2003, fell in the middle of fiscal year 2003 (FY2003). It was not the end of a fiscal quarter. It was not even the end of a pay period for the employees transferred to the department. Despite these managerial complications, resources and employees were transferred to the control of the department and their work continued without interruption in the face of the perceived terror threat against the United States. Thus, since the department did receive appropriations and operate in FY2003, tracking the size and timing of annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security begins with its first annual appropriations cycle, covering FY2004."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2017-06-21
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Energy and Water Development Appropriations for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation: In Brief [June 12, 2017]
"The Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) programs were reorganized starting with the FY2016 request. There are now two main mission areas under the DNN appropriation: the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program and the Nuclear Counterterrorism and Incident Response Program (NCTIR). NCTIR was previously funded under Weapons Activities. According to the FY2016 budget justification, 'These transfers align all NNSA funding to prevent, counter, and respond to nuclear proliferation and terrorism in one appropriation.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2017-06-12
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U.S. Military Presence on Okinawa and Realignment to Guam [June 14, 2017
"As the U.S. and Japanese governments in recent years have steadily strengthened key elements of the U.S.-Japan alliance, they continue to struggle with how to manage the large-scale presence of U.S. troops in the southernmost Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. With the legacy of the U.S. occupation of Japan following World War II and Okinawa's key strategic location, Okinawa hosts a large share of the more than 50,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan. About 25% of all facilities used by U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and over half of USFJ military personnel are located in the prefecture, which comprises less than 1% of Japan's total land area."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Mann, Christopher
2017-06-14
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Out of Breath: Military Aircraft Oxygen Issues [June 21, 2017]
"The Air Force recently grounded some of its newest aircraft, F-35A strike fighters, due to incidents in which pilots became physiologically impaired with symptoms of oxygen deficiency while flying. Although the root cause of the F-35 incidents has not yet been established, the grounding has renewed attention on hypoxia, a physical condition caused by oxygen deficiency that may result in temporary cognitive and physiological impairment and possible loss of consciousness. Hypoxia has affected pilots of F-22, F/A-18, and T-45 aircraft in recent years. Military aircraft (and jet aircraft generally) operate at altitudes where there is not enough oxygen for humans to retain consciousness without supplemental oxygen supplies. For several decades, combat aircraft relied on canisters of compressed liquid or gaseous oxygen to provide pilots sufficient oxygen. However, the finite oxygen supply limited mission duration, and its handling complicated aircraft maintenance. This led to the development of On-Board Oxygen Generation Systems, or OBOGS. Developed in the early 1980s, OBOGS was conceived as a source of limitless oxygen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2017-06-21
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Russia: Background and U.S. Policy [August 21, 2017]
Over the last five years, Congress and the executive branch have closely monitored and responded to new developments in Russian policy. These developments include the following: [1] increasingly authoritarian governance since Vladimir Putin's return to the presidential post in 2012; [2] Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and support of separatists in eastern Ukraine; [3] violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty; [3] Moscow's intervention in Syria in support of Bashar al Asad's government; [increased military activity in Europe; and cyber-related influence operations that, according to the U.S. intelligence community, have targeted the 2016 U.S. presidential election and countries in Europe.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2017-08-21
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China-U.S. Trade Issues [August 26, 2017]
"Economic and trade reforms begun in 1979 have helped transform China into one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing economies. China's economic growth and trade liberalization, including comprehensive trade commitments made upon its entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, have led to a sharp expansion in U.S.-China commercial ties. Yet, bilateral trade relations have become increasingly strained in recent years over a number of issues, including China's: mixed record on implementing its WTO obligations; infringement of U.S. intellectual property (such as through cyber-theft of U.S. trade secrets and forced technology requirements placed on foreign firms); increased use of industrial policies to promote and protect domestic Chinese firms (especially state-owned firms); extensive trade and foreign investment restrictions; lack of transparency in trade rules and regulations; distortionary economic policies that have led to overcapacity in several industries; and its large merchandise trade surplus with the United States. China's economic and trade conditions, policies, and acts have a significant impact on the U.S. economy as whole as well as specific U.S. sectors and thus are of concern to Congress. This report provides an overview of U.S.-China commercial ties identifies major issues of contention, describes the Trump Administration's trade policies toward China, and reviews possible outcomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2017-08-26
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Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): History and Overview [August 17, 2017]
"Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) through the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-282). The act states, 'The primary function of the OSTP Director is to provide, within the Executive Office of the President [EOP], advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest level of Government.' Further, 'The Office shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F.; Shea, Dana A.
2017-08-17
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Corporate Expatriation, Inversions, and Mergers: Tax Issues [August 17, 2017]
"The U.S. corporate income tax is based on worldwide economic activity. If all of a corporation's economic activity is in the United States, then tax administration and compliance is relatively straightforward. Many corporations, however, operate in several jurisdictions, which creates complications for tax administration and compliance. Further, corporations may actively choose where and how to organize to reduce their U.S. and worldwide tax liabilities. Some of these strategies have been referred to as expatriation, inversions, and mergers. This report examines them in light of recent expansion of their use and growing congressional interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Marples, Donald; Gravelle, Jane
2017-08-17
