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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated January 22, 2002]
"The Bush Administration requested $789.4 million in Development Assistance (DA) for sub-Saharan Africa in FY2002, $4.2 million less than was provided in FY2001. However, the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that became law (P.L. 107-115) on January 10, 2002, provides more than requested worldwide for the Child Survival and Health Fund portion of DA, suggesting that the Administration's Africa DA proposal will be met or exceeded. The appropriations legislation provides requested funding levels for the African Development Bank and the African Development Foundation. […] USAID [United States Agency for International Development] Administrator Andrew Natsios has testified that the Bush Administration is focusing on conflict prevention and resolution, working with NGOs and faith-based organizations, poverty reduction, agricultural development, and health, including HIV/AIDS. The Clinton Administration pushed African recipients to undertake economic and political reforms, and placed increased emphasis on population and environmental programs. It also launched special Africa-related initiatives, including HIV/AIDS, democracy, and internet initiatives, as well as programs to promote African conflict resolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-01-22
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated March 29, 2002]
"The Bush Administration is requesting just over $1 billion in Development Assistance (DA) for sub-Saharan Africa in FY2003, as compared with an estimated $887 million going to the region in FY2002. The request for aid through the Economic Support Fund (ESF), however, has dropped to $77 million from estimated ESF assistance of $100 million in FY2002. […] U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations. U.S. assistance through all such channels, though problematic to calculate, will probably total well above $2 billion in FY2002. […] USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios has testified that the Bush Administration is focusing on conflict prevention and resolution, working with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organizations] and faith-based organizations, poverty reduction, agricultural development, and health, including HIV/AIDS. The Clinton Administration pushed African recipients to undertake economic and political reforms, and placed increased emphasis on population and environmental programs. It also launched special Africa-related initiatives, including HIV/AIDS, democracy, and internet initiatives, as well as programs to promote African conflict resolution. Issues that might arise in 2002 include the overall level of funding and U.S. support for the New Partnership for African Development. This African initiative calls for intensified African efforts to eradicate poverty in exchange for debt relief, aid, and investment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-03-29
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated June 13, 2002]
"The Bush Administration is requesting just over $1 billion in Development Assistance (DA) for sub-Saharan Africa in FY2003, as compared with an estimated $887 million going to the region in FY2002. The request for aid through the Economic Support Fund (ESF), however, has dropped to $77 million from estimated ESF assistance of $100 million in FY2002. […] In a June 7, 2002 report on the food security crisis in southern Africa, the U.S. Agency for International Development reported that to date in FY2002, the United States has provided $52.7 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, primarily food aid, to the region. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, speaking at a meeting of the African Development Bank in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 29, 2002, said that boosting human productivity and promoting private sector development were key to sparking economic growth in Africa. O'Neill called for close measurement and monitoring of development assistance, and said that donors should insist on results. Ethiopia was the last stop in a four-nation Africa tour O'Neill had undertaken with Irish rock star Bono. At sites visited during the tour, the Treasury Secretary expressed concern over the lack of clean water and schoolbooks, corruption, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-06-13
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated May 8, 2002]
"The Bush Administration is requesting just over $1 billion in Development Assistance (DA) for sub-Saharan Africa in FY2003, as compared with an estimated $887 million going to the region in FY2002. The request for aid through the Economic Support Fund (ESF), however, has dropped to $77 million from estimated ESF assistance of $100 million in FY2002. […] U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations. U.S. assistance through all such channels, though problematic to calculate, will probably total well above $2 billion in FY2002. […] USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios has testified that the Bush Administration is focusing on conflict prevention and resolution, working with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organizations] and faith-based organizations, poverty reduction, agricultural development, and health, including HIV/AIDS. The Clinton Administration pushed African recipients to undertake economic and political reforms, and placed increased emphasis on population and environmental programs. It also launched special Africa-related initiatives, including HIV/AIDS, democracy, and internet initiatives, as well as programs to promote African conflict resolution. Issues that might arise in 2002 include the overall level of funding and U.S. support for the New Partnership for African Development. This African initiative calls for intensified African efforts to eradicate poverty in exchange for debt relief, aid, and investment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-05-08
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Tunisia: Recent Developments and Policy Issues [January 18, 2011]
"On January 14, 2011, Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine ben Ali fled the country after several weeks of increasingly violent protests. The protests initially seemed to stem from discontent related to high unemployment, but eventually spiraled into an unprecedented national challenge to Ben Ali's authoritarian regime. As of January 15, the speaker of parliament, Fouad Mebazaa, has assumed the role of interim president, in line with constitutional prerogatives. On January 17, a 'unity' cabinet was formed, which includes three leaders of officially sanctioned opposition parties. Ruling party figures have nonetheless retained control of key posts, while members of banned Islamist and leftist political movements have not been invited to participate. Tunisian authorities have promised political reforms and elections within 60 days. However, the impact of recent developments is difficult to predict. Violence between protesters, security forces, and unidentified gunmen persisted in urban centers as of January 17. The political shifts of recent weeks have been accompanied by speculation over the views and roles of Tunisia's security forces, portions of which orchestrated the crackdown on demonstrations while others appear to have influenced Ben Ali's decision to resign. Prior to the December-January protests, Tunisia had been seen as a stable, autocratic government since its independence from France in 1956. Ben Ali, who was in power for 23 years, was elected for a fifth term in October 2009 in an election widely seen as flawed and boycotted by leading opposition parties. His Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) party exerted strong control over parliament, state and local governments, and most political activity. The government cultivated strong ties with France and the European Union, its largest trading partner. Tunisia is a non-oil-exporting, middle-income country with a growing economy but high unemployment"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2011-01-18
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Domestic Terrorist Threat: Background and Issues for Congress [January 17, 2013]
"Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), domestic terrorists--'people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements'--have not received as much attention from federal law enforcement as their foreign counterparts inspired by Al Qaeda. This was not necessarily always the case. The FBI reported in 1999 that '[d]uring the past 30 years, the vast majority--but not all--of the deadly terrorist attacks occurring in the United States have been perpetrated by domestic extremists.' […] This report provides background regarding domestic terrorists--detailing what constitutes the domestic terrorism threat as suggested by publicly available U.S. government sources. It illustrates some of the key factors involved in assessing this threat and concludes by examining potential issues for Congress. This report does not discuss in detail either violent jihadist-inspired terrorism or the federal government's role in counterterrorism investigations. It is meant to be read in conjunction with CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R41780, 'The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations'; CRS Report R42553, 'Countering Violent Extremism in the United States'; and CRS Report R41416, 'American Jihadist Terrorism: Combating a Complex Threat', which provide greater context in these areas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bjelopera, Jerome P.
2013-01-17
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Hydropower: Federal and Nonfederal Investment [January 22, 2013]
"The 112th Congress has examined numerous energy sources to determine their contribution to the nation's energy portfolio and the federal role in supporting these sources. Hydropower, the use of flowing water to produce electricity, is one such source. Conventional hydropower accounted for approximately 8% of total U.S. net electricity generation in 2011. The use and support of hydropower is likely to remain an active issue area for the 113th Congress. […] This report explains how the federal government is involved directly in hydropower generation at federal facilities and in the regulation of nonfederal hydropower generation; the focus is on current roles and processes and common concerns and questions about changing those roles."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vann, Adam; Bracmort, Kelsi; Stern, Charles V.
2013-01-22
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated September 5, 2003]
"Amounts requested by the Bush Administration for assistance to sub-Saharan Africa in FY2004 closely parallel amounts provided in FY2003. Child Survival and Health Assistance, combined with Development Assistance (DA), would total $1.041 billion under the FY2004 request, as compared with a projected $1.062 billion in FY2003. Foreign operations appropriations bills currently before Congress (H.R. 2800 and S. 1426) appear to provide enough funding worldwide to allow the Administration to fulfill its overall spending plans for Africa. A number of African countries would receive additional funding under the President's Global AIDS Initiative, and a few would also benefit under the Millennium Challenge Account proposal. […] The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account, and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2003-09-05
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Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues [Updated July 22, 2003]
"Amounts requested by the Bush Administration for assistance to Africa in FY2004 closely parallel amounts provided in FY2003. Child Survival and Health Assistance, combined with Development Assistance (DA), would total $1.041 billion under the FY2004 request, as compared with a projected $1.062 billion in FY2003. A number of African countries would receive additional assistance if the President's GlobalAIDS Initiative, to be administered by the Department of State, is funded by Congress. A few would also benefit if the Millennium Challenge Account proposal is approved. […] The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account, and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development, an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2003-07-22
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Drug Certification Requirements and Congressional Modifications in 2001 [January 10, 2002]
"Since the mid-1980s, Congress has required the President to certify that specified drug producing and drug-transit countries are cooperating fully with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts in order to avoid a series of sanctions, including suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and financing, and opposition to loans in the multilateral development banks. The sanctions would also apply if the Congress, within 30 calendar days, passes a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the presidential certification, however, any resolution would be subject to veto. Over the years, spokesmen from many countries have complained about the unilateral and non-cooperative nature of the drug certification requirements, and have urged the United States to end the process and to rely upon various multilateral methods of evaluation that have been developed. Mexico, often the focus of congressional debate, particularly expressed dissatisfaction with the process, even though it was regularly certified as being a fully cooperative country. Following the July 2000 election of opposition candidate Vicente Fox as President of Mexico, legislative measures were introduced to modify the drug certification requirements, and these initiatives were mentioned when President Bush met with President Fox in Mexico in mid-February 2001, and in the United States in early September 2001."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2002-01-10
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Global Security Contingency Fund: Summary and Issue Overview [January 22, 2013]
"At the Obama Administration's request, in December 2011 Congress enacted into law a new, joint State Department and Department of Defense (DOD) Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF) to assist countries with urgent security and stabilization needs. The Administration proposed the GSCF with its FY2012 budget submission as a 'pilot project' for State and the DOD to jointly fund and plan security-related assistance. Its stated purpose was to enable the United States to better 'address rapidly changing, transnational, asymmetric threats, and emergent opportunities.' 'Pooled' DOD and State Department funds would be used to develop interagency responses to build the security capacity of foreign states, to prevent conflict, and to stabilize countries in conflict or emerging from conflict. Congress, demonstrating its interest in the experiment, provided GSCF authority as Section 1207 of the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. [Public Law] 112-81) for four fiscal years rather than the three years requested. As enacted, Section 1207 also contains two transitional authorities for counterterrorism operations in Africa and one for Yemen, all expiring at the end of FY2012. Many see the GSCF as an innovative first step in addressing problems inherent in the current agency-based budgeting and program development systems. Although some view the GSCF primarily as a means to transfer funds from DOD to the State Department, with its relatively smaller budget, others look to it as a possible means to foster more timely, coherent, and effective U.S. government responses to emerging threats and opportunities and to provide an impetus for improving interagency coordination in security and stabilization missions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2013-01-22
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 109th Congress [June 2, 2006]
"This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the second session has focused on appropriations bills; the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6 (P.L. 109-58), H.R. 3 (P.L. 109-59), and several appropriations bills. The enacted version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58, H.R. 6) authorizes or reauthorizes several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. It also establishes several new commercial and consumer product efficiency standards, sets new goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy in federal facilities and fleets, broadens the Energy Star products program, expands programs for hydrogen fuel cell buses, extends daylight savings time, and sets a renewable fuels standard for increased use of ethanol and biodiesel. Further, it extends the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) for two years, but it does not include Senate-proposed provisions for oil conservation, a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), or a broader range of legislated equipment efficiency standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.
2006-06-02
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 109th Congress [March 24, 2006]
"This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6, omnibus transportation bill H.R. 3, and several FY2006 appropriations bills. The enacted version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58, H.R. 6) authorizes or reauthorizes several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. It also establishes several new commercial and consumer product efficiency standards, sets new goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy in federal facilities and fleets, broadens the Energy Star products program, expands programs for hydrogen fuel cell buses, extends daylight savings time, and sets a renewable fuels standard for increased use of ethanol and biodiesel. Further, it extends the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) for two years, but it does not include Senate-proposed provisions for oil conservation, a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), or a broader range of legislated equipment efficiency standards. […] This report will be updated periodically. It supplements the tracking of issues that appear in CRS Issue Brief IB10020 and CRS Issue Brief IB10041."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.
2006-03-24
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 109th Congress [February 9, 2006]
"This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6, omnibus transportation bill H.R. 3, and several FY2006 appropriations bills. The enacted version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58, H.R. 6) authorizes or reauthorizes several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. It also establishes several new commercial and consumer product efficiency standards, sets new goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy in federal facilities and fleets, broadens the Energy Star products program, expands programs for hydrogen fuel cell buses, extends daylight savings time, and sets a renewable fuels standard for increased use of ethanol and biodiesel. Further, it extends the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) for two years, but it does not include Senate-proposed provisions for oil conservation, a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), or a broader range of legislated equipment efficiency standards. […] This report will be updated periodically. It supplements the tracking of issues that appear in CRS Issue Brief IB10020 and CRS Issue Brief IB10041."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.
2006-02-09
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 109th Congress [January 19, 2006]
"This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6, omnibus transportation bill H.R. 3, and several FY2006 appropriations bills. The enacted version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58, H.R. 6) authorizes or reauthorizes several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. It also establishes several new commercial and consumer product efficiency standards, sets new goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy in federal facilities and fleets, broadens the Energy Star products program, expands programs for hydrogen fuel cell buses, extends daylight savings time, and sets a renewable fuels standard for increased use of ethanol and biodiesel. Further, it extends the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) for two years, but it does not include Senate-proposed provisions for oil conservation, a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), or a broader range of legislated equipment efficiency standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sissine, Fred J.
2006-01-19
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Egypt-United States Relations [April 2, 2003]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are tied to maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations focused on Egyptian economic development and military cooperation, developing Egypt's democracy, sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, and continuing U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation reversing Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are the shared concerns over the terrorist attacks against Egyptian police, religious, government, and tourist facilities, and what those attacks may signal for Egypt's domestic stability. The two nations may disagree over Egypt's interpretation of applying human rights practices to Islamic terrorists. The two countries disagree over the speed and depth, but not the need for some of Egypt's economic reforms. Egypt and the United States agree on the importance of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, the need to continue current Arab-Israel peace talks, and the need for regional stability. The two nations agree on Egypt's determination to introduce democratic reforms to Egypt. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of over $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. The United States will reduce Economic Support Funds (ESF) to about $400 million per year by 2008 in keeping with a plan to reduce aid to Israel. The Administration requested $655 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2002 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-04-02
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Egypt-United States Relations [February 24, 2003]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are tied to maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations focused on Egyptian economic development and military cooperation, developing Egypt's democracy, sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, and continuing U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation reversing Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are the shared concerns over the terrorist attacks against Egyptian police, religious, government, and tourist facilities, and what those attacks may signal for Egypt's domestic stability. The two nations may disagree over Egypt's interpretation of applying human rights practices to Islamic terrorists. The two countries disagree over the speed and depth, but not the need for some of Egypt's economic reforms. Egypt and the United States agree on the importance of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, the need to continue current Arab-Israel peace talks, and the need for regional stability. The two nations agree on Egypt's determination to introduce democratic reforms to Egypt. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of over $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. The United States will reduce Economic Support Funds (ESF) to about $400 million per year by 2008 in keeping with a plan to reduce aid to Israel. The Administration requested $655 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2002 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-02-24
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Detection of Explosives on Airline Passengers: Recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and Related Issues [February 7, 2005]
"The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, known as the 9/11 Commission, recommended that Congress and the Transportation Security Administration give priority attention to screening airline passengers for explosives. The key issue for Congress is balancing the costs of mandating passenger explosives trace detection against other aviation security needs. Passenger explosives screening technologies have been under development for several years and are now being tested for suitability in airport operation. Their technical capabilities have not been fully established, and operational and policy issues have not yet been resolved. Critical factors for implementation in airports include reliability, passenger throughput, and passenger privacy concerns. Presuming the successful development and deployment of this technology, certification standards, operational policy, and screening procedures for federal use will need to be established. This topic, which was addressed by Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), continues to be of congressional interest in the 109th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.); Shea, Dana A.
2005-02-07
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Detection of Explosives on Airline Passengers: Recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and Related Issues [August 9, 2006]
"The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, known as the 9/11 Commission, recommended that Congress and the Transportation Security Administration give priority attention to screening airline passengers for explosives. The key issue for Congress is balancing the costs of mandating passenger explosives trace detection against other aviation security needs. Passenger explosives screening technologies have been under development for several years and are now being deployed in selected airports. Their technical capabilities have not been fully established, and operational and policy issues have not yet been resolved. Critical factors for implementation in airports include reliability, passenger throughput, and passenger privacy concerns. Presuming the successful development and deployment of this technology, certification standards, operational policy, and screening procedures for federal use will need to be established. This topic, which was addressed by Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), continues to be of congressional interest in the 109th Congress. This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.; Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)
2006-08-09
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Iran Sanctions [January 11, 2011]
"There appears to be a growing international consensus to adopt progressively strict economic sanctions against Iran to try to compel it to verifiably confine its nuclear program to purely peaceful uses. Measures adopted since mid-2010 by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, and several other countries complement the numerous U.S. laws and regulations that have long sought to try to slow Iran's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs and curb its support for militant groups. The U.S. view--shared by major allies--is that sanctions should target the development of Iran's energy sector that provides about 80% of government revenues, and try to isolate Iran, particularly its Revolutionary Guard Corps, from the international financial system. U.S. efforts to curb international energy investment in Iran's energy sector began in 1996 with the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), a U.S. law that mandates U.S. penalties against foreign companies that conduct certain business with Iran's energy sector. ISA represented a U.S. effort, which is now broadening, to persuade foreign firms to choose between the Iranian market and the much larger U.S. and other developed markets. In the 111th Congress, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA, P.L. 111-195) expanded ISA significantly to try to restrict Iran's ability to make or import gasoline, for which Iran depends heavily on imports. CISADA also adds a broad range of other measures further restricting the already limited amount of U.S. trade with Iran and restricting some high technology trade with countries that allow WMD-useful technology to reach Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2011-01-11
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Maritime Territorial Disputes in East Asia: Issues for Congress [January 30, 2013]
"Tensions surrounding numerous maritime territorial disputes in East Asia have become a pressing challenge for U.S. foreign policymakers. Beginning around 2005-2006, long-disputed waters in the South China Sea and, more recently, the East China Sea have become the site of increasingly aggressive behavior from nations trying to strengthen claims to disputed areas or to explore and develop offshore energy and fishery resources. Rising tensions in these waters raise a number of important issues for the 113th Congress. The tensions have been fed by a series of aggressive actions by maritime authorities, including harassing vessels, destroying equipment, and blockading islets and shoals. The increasing frequency of such events raises the possibility of miscalculations that could lead to overt conflict at sea. It also poses complex questions about security and U.S. diplomacy in the region, and represents one of the most complicated challenges for the Obama Administration's strategy of 'rebalancing' foreign policy priorities towards the Asia-Pacific. The territorial disputes at the heart of these tensions are decades old, and incidents between the parties to the disputes have been ongoing for many years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Kan, Shirley; Manyin, Mark E.
2013-01-30
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Regular Appropriations Bills: Terms of Initial Consideration and Amendment in the House, FY1996-FY2012 [January 23, 2013]
"Each year, Congress considers appropriations measures that provide funding for various federal government activities. Such measures are commonly referred to as 'regular' appropriations bills. In recent years, the House has typically considered a regular appropriations bill after first reaching agreement on the procedural terms of its consideration, most frequently through the adoption of a special rule, or occasionally through a unanimous consent agreement (UCA). Rarely have regular appropriations bills been considered as privileged business. This report examines the terms under which the regular appropriations bills are typically brought up and initially considered on the House floor, as well as the practices of the House with regards to amendment opportunities and the waiver of points of order, for FY1996 to FY2012 (104th-112th Congresses)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tollestrup, Jessica
2013-01-23
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Circular A-76 and the Moratorium on DOD Competitions: Background and Issues for Congress [January 16, 2013]
"This report discusses the status of the ongoing moratorium on the conduct of Department of Defense (DOD) public-private competitions under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76, and potential issues for Congress. OMB Circular A-76 is a federal executive branch policy for managing public-private competitions to perform functions for the federal government. A-76 states that, whenever possible, and to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, the federal government should conduct competitions between public agencies and the private sector to determine who should perform the work. […] Congress had directed the completion of several reports before the moratorium can be lifted. The congressionally required reports were the 'Section 325' report which DOD was required to submit to Congress within 30 days of the enactment of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, the DOD Inspector General's report on issues involving DOD's conduct of A- 76 competitions, and two Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports: one on DOD's conduct of public-private competitions, and the other on DOD's inventory of service contracts. These reports have been completed. Still, the moratorium has not been lifted. Some policymakers have advocated for an end to the moratorium on the conduct of DOD Circular A-76 competitions. Questions about the moratorium are largely centered around to what extent the problems identified with Circular A-76 have been corrected, and the extent to which the issues raised in the reports have been resolved to the satisfaction of Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grasso, Valerie Bailey
2013-01-16
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Congressional Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Legislative Considerations [January 22, 2013]
"Congressional advisory commissions are formal groups established to provide independent advice; make recommendations for changes in public policy; study or investigate a particular problem, issue, or event; or perform a duty. While no legal definition exists for what constitutes a 'congressional commission,' in this report a congressional commission is defined as a multi-member independent entity that (1) is established by Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory capacity, (4) is appointed in part or whole by Members of Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. These five characteristics differentiate a congressional commission from a presidential commission, an executive branch commission, or other bodies with 'commission' in their names. Over 90 congressional commissions have been established since 1989. […] This report provides an overview and analysis of congressional advisory commissions, information on the general statutory structure of a congressional commission, and a catalog of congressional commissions created since the 101st Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Glassman, Matthew; Straus, Jacob R.
2013-01-22
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Bosnia and Herzegovina: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [January 24, 2013]
"In recent years, many analysts have expressed concern that the international community's efforts over the past 17 years to stabilize Bosnia and Herzegovina are failing. Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika Srpska (RS), one of the two semi-autonomous 'entities' within Bosnia, has obstructed efforts to make Bosnia's central government more effective. He has repeatedly asserted the RS's right to secede from Bosnia, although he has so far refrained from trying to make this threat a reality. Some ethnic Croat leaders in Bosnia have called for more autonomy for Croats within Bosnia, perhaps threatening a further fragmentation of the country. […] The EU's main inducement to enlist the cooperation of Bosnian leaders--the prospect of eventual EU membership--has so far proved insufficient. The prospect of NATO membership has also had little effect. In April 2010, NATO foreign ministers agreed to permit Bosnia to join the Membership Action Plan (MAP) program, a key stepping-stone to membership for NATO. However, the ministers stressed that NATO will not accept Bosnia's Annual National Plan under the program until the entities agree to the registration of defense installations as the property of the central government. Dodik has rejected doing so for installations on RS territory. The U.S. political role in the country appears to have declined in recent years as the EU role has increased. The Obama Administration has stressed the importance of maintaining a close partnership with the EU in dealing with Bosnia. Like the EU, the United States has urged Bosnian politicians to agree among themselves to constitutional and other reforms to make Bosnia's government institutions more effective and better coordinated, so that the country can become a better candidate for eventual NATO and EU membership."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.
2013-01-24
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Free Trade Agreements: Impact on U.S. Trade and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy [December 1, 2011]
"Free trade areas (FTAs) are arrangements among two or more countries under which they agree to eliminate tariffs and nontariff barriers on trade in goods among themselves. However, each country maintains its own policies, including tariffs, on trade outside the region. In the last few years, the United States has engaged or has proposed to engage in negotiations to establish bilateral and regional free trade arrangements with a number of trading partners. Such arrangements are not new in U.S. trade policy. The United States has had a free trade arrangement with Israel since 1985 and with Canada since 1989, which was expanded to include Mexico and became the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective in January 1994. U.S. interest in bilateral and regional free trade arrangements surged, and the Bush Administration accelerated the pace of negotiations after the enactment of the Trade Promotion Authority in August 2002. U.S. participation in free trade agreements can occur only with the concurrence of the Congress. In addition, FTAs affect the U.S. economy, with the impact varying across sectors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2011-12-01
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Free Trade Agreements: Impact on U.S. Trade and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy [February 23, 2010]
"Free trade areas (FTAs) are arrangements among two or more countries under which they agree to eliminate tariffs and nontariff barriers on trade in goods among themselves. However, each country maintains its own policies, including tariffs, on trade outside the region. In the last few years, the United States has engaged or has proposed to engage in negotiations to establish bilateral and regional free trade arrangements with a number of trading partners. Such arrangements are not new in U.S. trade policy. The United States has had a free trade arrangement with Israel since 1985 and with Canada since 1989, which was expanded to include Mexico and became the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective in January 1994. U.S. interest in bilateral and regional free trade arrangements surged, and the Bush Administration accelerated the pace of negotiations after the enactment of the Trade Promotion Authority in August 2002. U.S. participation in free trade agreements can occur only with the concurrence of the Congress. In addition, FTAs affect the U.S. economy, with the impact varying across sectors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2010-02-23
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Free Trade Agreements: Impact on U.S. Trade and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy [Upated July 10, 2007]
"Free trade areas (FTAs) are arrangements among two or more countries under which they agree to eliminate tariffs and nontariff barriers on trade in goods among themselves. However, each country maintains its own policies, including tariffs, on trade outside the region. In the last few years, the United States has engaged or has proposed to engage in negotiations to establish bilateral and regional free trade arrangements with a number of trading partners. Such arrangements are not new in U.S. trade policy. The United States has had a free trade arrangement with Israel since 1985 and with Canada since 1989, which was expanded to include Mexico and became the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective in January 1994. U.S. interest in bilateral and regional free trade arrangements surged, and the Bush Administration accelerated the pace of negotiations after the enactment of the Trade Promotion Authority in August 2002. U.S. participation in free trade agreements can occur only with the concurrence of the Congress. In addition, FTAs affect the U.S. economy, with the impact varying across sectors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2007-07-10
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Access to Government Information In the United States: A Primer [January 16, 2013]
"No provision in the U.S. Constitution expressly establishes a procedure for public access to government records or meetings. Congress, however, has legislated various public access laws. Among these laws are two records access statutes, 1. the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act or FOIA; 5 U.S.C. §552), and 2. the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. §552a), and two meetings access statutes, 1. the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA; 5 U.S.C. App.), and 2. the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. §552b). These four laws provide the foundation for access to executive branch information in the American federal government. The records-access statutes provide the public with a variety of methods to examine how executive branch departments and agencies execute their missions. The meeting-access statutes provide the public the opportunity to inform the policy process. These four laws are also among the most used and most litigated federal access laws. […] This report offers an introduction to the four access laws and provides citations to additional resources related to these statutes. This report includes statistics on the use of FOIA and FACA and on litigation related to FOIA. The 113th Congress may have an interest in overseeing the implementation of these laws or may consider amending the laws. In addition, this report provides some examples of the methods Congress, the President, and the courts have employed to provide or require the provision of information to one another. This report is a primer on information access in the U.S. federal government and provides a list of resources related to transparency, secrecy, access, and nondisclosure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ginsberg, Wendy R.
2013-01-16
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [January 29, 2013]
This report for Congress provides information on the leaders of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, the dates of the last and next elections, and the independence dates of the countries.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2013-01-29
