Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Reforming the WTO Agreement on Agriculture [July 20, 2020]
From the Introduction: "As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States has committed to abide by its rules and disciplines, including those under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). The AoA, which took effect when the WTO was established on January 1, 1995, brought agricultural trade, for the first time, under a set of international rules and disciplines analogous to those that have long applied to trade in other goods. [...] The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak has highlighted various weaknesses in global food supply chains and emphasized concerns related to agricultural issues not addressed in the AoA, such as with regard to farm labor and the environment. These new issues and the postponement of MC12 [WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference] could represent a window of opportunity for Congress to consider how the United States could shape the negotiations over trade in agricultural products at MC12 and beyond."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita; Hart, Nina M.; Schnepf, Randall Dean, 1954-
2020-07-20
-
EPA Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [July 24, 2020]
From the Summary: "As part of the federal response to the 'Great Recession,' Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5) to stimulate the economy and address a range of other policy objectives. ARRA included tax relief and incentives and provided hundreds of billions of dollars in mandatory and discretionary spending, including funding for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. As Congress considers options to mitigate the economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), infrastructure funding is receiving increased attention. ARRA implementation experience may be relevant as policymakers consider options to stimulate the economy through increased infrastructure spending. ARRA delivered wastewater and drinking water infrastructure funding primarily through two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs--the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-07-24
-
Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 23, 2020]
From the Summary: "On January 6, 2011, after spending approximately $3 billion in developmental funding, the Marine Corps cancelled the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program due to poor reliability demonstrated during operational testing and excessive cost growth. Because the EFV was intended to replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), the Pentagon pledged to move quickly to develop a 'more affordable and sustainable' vehicle to replace the EFV. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is intended to replace the AAV, incorporating some EFV capabilities but in a more practical and cost-efficient manner. In concert with the ACV, the Marines were developing the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) to serve as a survivable and mobile platform to transport Marines when ashore. The MPC was not intended to be amphibious like an AAV, EFV, or the ACV but instead would be required to have a swim capability for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and other water obstacles such as shore-to-shore operations in the littorals. Both vehicles were intended to play central roles in future Marine amphibious operations. On June 14, 2013, Marine leadership put the MPC program 'on ice' due to budgetary pressures but suggested the program might be resurrected some 10 years down the road when budgetary resources might be more favorable."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-07-23
-
Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated July 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO-205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget does not request any funding for the procurement of additional TAO-205s. Issues for Congress regarding the TAO-205 program include the number of TAO-205s to procure in FY2021, the number of oilers the Navy will require in coming years to support its operations, and whether to encourage or direct the Navy to build TAO-205s with more ship self-defense equipment than currently planned by the Navy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-07-28
-
Major Votes on Free Trade Agreements and Trade Promotion Authority [Updated July 22, 2020]
From the Summary: "Through Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), Congress has delegated authority to the President to negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs). This authority requires congressional approval of comprehensive FTAs, through implementation legislation, and provides for expedited consideration of such legislation if the Administration meets certain requirements during the negotiation process. Since 1979, Congress has passed 17 implementation measures for FTAs and multilateral trade agreements.All but one of these trade agreements were considered in Congress under TPA. Most recently, Congress considered and approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)(P.L. 116-113), under TPA. TPA is currently authorized through July 1, 2021, by the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-26). Since 1979, Congress has passed six measures extending TPA for limited time periods. As with many international trade issues,TPA has been politically contentious over time, resulting in vigorous debate and two eight-year lapses in authority. Congress also has a specific role in determining U.S. membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO). [...] The following report and tables compile the final congressional votes on free trade agreements (FTAs), trade promotion authority (TPA), and U.S membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hammond, Keigh E.
2020-07-22
-
Mexico: Evolution of the Mérida Initiative, 2007-2020 [Updated July 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress remains concerned about the effects of organized-crime-related violence in Mexico on U.S. security interests and U.S. citizens' safety in Mexico. Homicides in Mexico have reached record levels in each of the last three years as criminal groups have fought for control of smuggling routes into the United States. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is under pressure to improve his security policy. The November 2019 killing of an extended family of dual citizens near the Arizona border in Mexico has led some Members of Congress to call for increased oversight of bilateral efforts. This product provides a succinct overview of the roughly $3.1 billion appropriated for the Mérida Initiative, López Obrador's security strategy, and how to assess bilateral security efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-07-20
-
Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [August 7, 2020]
From the Summary: "In December 2016, the Navy released a force-structure goal that calls for achieving and maintaining a fleet of 355 ships of certain types and numbers. The 355-ship goal was made U.S. policy by Section 1025 of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810/P.L. 115- 91 of December 12, 2017). The Trump Administration has identified the achievement of a Navy of 355 or more ships within 10 years as a high priority. The Navy states that it is working as well as it can, within a Navy budget top line that is essentially flat in real (i.e., inflation-adjusted terms), toward achieving that goal while also adequately funding other Navy priorities, such as restoring eroded ship readiness and improving fleet lethality. Navy officials state that while the 355-ship goal is a priority, they want to avoid creating a so-called hollow force, meaning a Navy that has an adequate number of ships but is unable to properly crew, arm, operate, and maintain those ships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-07
-
Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 4, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Members of Congress and Pentagon officials are increasingly focused on developing emerging military technologies to enhance U.S. national security and keep pace with U.S. competitors. The U.S. military has long relied upon technological superiority to ensure its dominance in conflict and to underwrite U.S. national security. In recent years, however, technology has both rapidly evolved and rapidly proliferated--largely as a result of advances in the commercial sector. As former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has observed, this development has threatened to erode the United States' traditional sources of military advantage. The Department of Defense (DOD) has undertaken a number of initiatives in recent years in an effort to arrest this trend. For example, in 2014, DOD announced the Third Offset Strategy, an effort to exploit emerging technologies for military and security purposes as well as associated strategies, tactics, and concepts of operation. In support of this strategy, DOD established a number of organizations focused on defense innovation, including the Defense Innovation Unit and the Defense Wargaming Alignment Group."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sayler, Kelley M.
2020-08-04
-
Debt Collection Market and Selected Policy Issues [August 5, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report first provides an overview of the debt collection market, including consumer experiences during the debt collection process. Then, the report discusses the FDCPA [Fair Debt Collection Practices Act], including the CFPB's [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] ongoing rulemaking. Lastly, the report discusses selected policy issues pertaining to debt collection: communication frequency; time-barred and obsolete debt; validation issues; medical debt and credit reporting; and federal, state, and local government debt"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2020-08-05
-
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) [August 5, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides cash benefits and medical coverage to civilians who worked in the development and testing of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. Administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), with assistance from the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Energy (DOE), and Justice (DOJ), EEOICPA provides benefits under two parts of its statute: Part B and Part E. Part B provides a fixed rate of cash benefits and Part E pays variable benefits based on impairment and wage loss, operating similar to a traditional workers' compensation program. Medical coverage is available under both Parts B and E."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2020-08-05
-
Wildfire Statistics [Updated August 3, 2020]
From the Document: "Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires, including lightning-caused fires, unauthorized human-caused fires, and escaped prescribed fire projects. States are responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on nonfederal (state, local, and private) lands, except for lands protected by federal agencies under cooperative agreements. The federal government is responsible for responding to wildfires that begin on federal lands. The Forest Service (FS)--within the U.S. Department of Agriculture--carries out wildfire management and response across the 193 million acres of the National Forest System. The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages wildfire response for more than 400 million acres of national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, other public lands, and Indian reservations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoover, Katie; Hanson, Laura A.
2020-08-03
-
Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated September 4, 2020]
From the Summary: "Since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is negatively affecting global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by 3.0% to 6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery in 2021, assuming there is not a second wave of infections. The economic fallout from the pandemic raises the risks of a global economic recession with levels of unemployment not experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The human costs in terms of lives lost will permanently affect global economic growth in addition to the cost of rising levels of poverty, lives upended, careers derailed, and increased social unrest. Global trade could also fall by 18%, depending on the depth and extent of the global economic downturn, exacting an especially heavy economic toll on trade-dependent developing and emerging economies. The full impact will not be known until the effects of the pandemic peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2020-09-04
-
Pakistan: Key Current Issues and Developments [Updated January 13, 2011]
From the Summary: "A stable, democratic, prosperous Pakistan actively combating religious militancy is considered vital to U.S. interests. U.S. concerns regarding Pakistan include regional and global terrorism; efforts to stabilize neighboring Afghanistan; nuclear weapons proliferation; the Kashmir problem and Pakistan-India tensions; democratization and human rights protection; and economic development. Pakistan is praised by U.S. leaders for its ongoing cooperation with U.S.-led counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts, although long-held doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to some core U.S. interests. A mixed record on battling Islamist extremism includes ongoing apparent tolerance of Taliban elements operating from its territory. Pakistan's troubled economic conditions and political setting combine with perilous security circumstances and a history of troubled relations with neighbors to present serious challenges to U.S. decision makers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2011-01-13
-
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of the overlapping political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela, followed by an overview of U.S. policy toward Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .
2020-08-26
-
U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-08-26
-
Federal Conservation Corps Programs: Options for Congress in Response to COVID-19 [September 3, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In light of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's severe impact on the U.S. labor force, some Members of Congress and other stakeholders have expressed interest in job creation and training programs that may provide work relief to unemployed Americans. In particular, some stakeholders have turned their attention to existing and proposed programs modeled, in part, after the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a federal work relief program operating from 1933 to 1943 that put 3 million unemployed young men to work on projects aimed at the 'conservation and development of the natural resources of the United States.' Although the CCC program ended more than 70 years ago, the program has inspired other federal programs, such as the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and the Public Lands Corps (PLC). These two programs are the primary federal job corps initiatives whose missions, similar to the CCC, include enhancing and maintaining America's federal and nonfederal lands and waterways. However, both the YCC and the PLC differ from the original CCC model in key ways. For example, whereas the CCC was a sweeping, federally managed and administered job relief program, the YCC and the PLC are comparatively smaller in scale and operate primarily through cooperative agreements between federal agencies and locally based corps organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeSantis, Mark K.
2020-09-03
-
Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events [Updated August 28, 2020]
From the Summary: "Statuary Hall has been used as the setting for a variety of events, including memorial ceremonies and receptions for new Members of Congress, award presentations, and as media space after presidential addresses. This report identifies and categorizes uses of Statuary Hall since 2005. Use of Statuary Hall is at the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Under House Rule I, clause 3, the Speaker has the authority to assign unappropriated rooms on the House side of the Capitol, including Statuary Hall. Events in Statuary Hall can also be authorized by House resolution, but no events since 2005 have been held in Statuary Hall on such authority. Since 2005, Statuary Hall has hosted 183 events. These events can be divided into four categories: (1) receptions and dinners, (2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The report provides a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities in each category."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2020-08-28
-
Global Economic Growth Forecasts: Impact of COVID-19 [September 1, 2020]
From the Overview: "The unprecedented Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and policy responses have compounded the challenges facing forecasters attempting to estimate the pandemic's global economic impact and challenged policymakers to find the appropriate policy response. Some forecasts indicate the pandemic is negatively affecting economic growth beyond anything experienced in decades. Such estimates see global economic growth being trimmed by 3.0% to 6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery in 2021, assuming the current crisis can be mitigated and there is not a second wave of infections. Global trade could fall by 18%, depending on the depth and extent of the global downturn, exacting an especially heavy economic toll on developed economies and trade-dependent developing and emerging economies. At present the global economic recovery seems to be caught between countries experiencing a nascent but building recovery and those reimposing quarantines and lockdowns in response to resurgence in diagnosed cases."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2020-09-01
-
Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress [Updated March 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. On July 13, 2012, the Navy submitted to Congress a 73-page report on the Navy's policies and practices for naming ships."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-03-17
-
COVID-19 Medical Countermeasures: Intellectual Property and Affordability [March 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Federal agencies and private industry have begun efforts to develop and test medical countermeasures (such as antiviral treatments and vaccines) to combat COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2]. [...] This Sidebar reviews several intellectual property (IP) rights provisions under current law that the federal government could use to try to ensure that COVID-19 countermeasures are accessible and affordable. Other actions that the federal government might hypothetically take--such as additional spending, production by federal agencies, governmental negotiation, or direct price controls--are beyond the scope of this Sidebar, in that such measures do not implicate IP rights and may require additional legislative action beyond the 'current law' referenced in CPRSA [Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2020-03-18
-
Low Oil Prices and U.S. Oil Producers: Policy Considerations [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Global oil prices have declined nearly 60% since January 2020 (see Figure 1). Following a brief period of geopolitically-driven upward price pressure resulting from events in Iraq and Libya, world oil supply/demand balances were projected to be oversupplied by the second quarter of 2020. Reduced travel and other economic impacts related to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak are suppressing near-term oil demand. Oversupply expectations were amplified when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a group of non-OPEC countries (OPEC+), including Russia, failed to agree on an OPEC recommendation to reduce oil production by 1.5 million barrels per day until the end of 2020. Oil prices immediately and significantly declined. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia announced regional price discounts and plans to increase oil supplies in April. Other countries have also indicated intent to increase oil production. This combination of demand suppression and supply expansion increases short-term oversupply expectations and exerts downward pressure on oil prices. Prolonged periods of depressed prices could affect U.S. oil production (approximately 12.2 million bpd in 2019, the world's largest), exports, employment, and industry consolidation. Due to recent developments, a plan to sell crude oil-- required in FY2020 by P.L. 116-94--from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) was suspended."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Ratner, Michael
2020-03-20
-
COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses [Updated March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "As of March 18, 2020, the novel coronavirus that began sickening patients in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 had spread across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 countries, including the United States, have reported more than 1,000 infections. Europe is the current epicenter for cases and deaths related to the virus. WHO has named the new virus 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2' (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease that it causes 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19). WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, raised its global risk assessment to 'Very High' on February 28, and labeled the outbreak a 'pandemic' on March 11. In using the term pandemic, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cited COVID-19's 'alarming levels of spread and severity' and governments' 'alarming levels of inaction.' President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency in the United States on March 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Gottron, Frank; Lawrence, Susan V. . . .
2020-03-19
-
Defense Production Act (DPA) and COVID-19: Key Authorities and Policy Considerations [Updated March 18, 2020]
From the Document: "As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, the United States faces drug and medical supply scarcities due to disrupted supply chains and increased demand. In response, the President may exercise emergency authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA; 50 U.S.C. §§4501 et seq.) to address supply shortages and economic development impacts. During a press conference on March 18, 2020, the President indicated that he would invoke the DPA to address domestic essential goods and materials shortages caused by the pandemic. This Insight considers the various DPA authorities that may be used going forward and explores potential policy considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.; Cecire, Michael H.
2020-03-18
-
COVID-19: Cybercrime Opportunities and Law Enforcement Response [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Opportunistic criminals and other malicious actors exploit the internet and rapidly evolving technology to their advantage. Criminals can compromise financial assets; hacktivists can flood websites with traffic, effectively shutting them down; and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. And, they capitalize on ever changing world events. Federal officials have cautioned about scams relating to the outbreak of disease caused by a previously unidentified strain of coronavirus, designated Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. They have noted that '[c]yber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.' Indeed, analysts and officials have reported criminals using public interest in COVID-19 to their advantage. For instance, the Department of Justice (DOJ) cites 'reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus.' In one scheme reported by security experts, hackers sold a malware infection kit that used an interactive map of coronavirus infections produced by Johns Hopkins University. The kit was designed to spread malware to steal passwords."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin
2020-03-19
-
COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: How Did the 2008 Recovery Rebates Work? [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to concerns about an economic slowdown stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers have been considering a broad array of policy options. Some are targeted directly toward individuals and industries that may be most affected. Others would more broadly seek to stimulate the economy. Among this latter category of policies, some have proposed direct cash payments sent to virtually all U.S. households. In 2008 Congress enacted direct cash payments--the 2008 recovery rebates--that were tax credits advanced to households that had filed an income tax return. A portion of these credits were refundable and hence available to taxpayers with little to no income tax liability, including many low-income filers. (For answers to some common questions about advanced refundable tax credits, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight IN11247). This Insight provides a brief overview of how those 2008 recovery rebates worked."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-03-19
-
COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Potential Impacts of Direct Payments on Family Incomes [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Several Members of Congress and the Trump Administration have proposed direct cash payments as part of a fiscal response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct cash payments have previously been part of the federal government's response to economic downturns, most recently in 2001 and 2008. In general, the purpose of direct payments is twofold: (1) they allow families to spend more, and through a multiplier effect help to stimulate the economy; and (2) they provide resources to help meet basic needs for those whose income has decreased due to COVID-19 infection or potential job loss. This Insight discusses several current direct payment proposals and their impact on family incomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Boyle, Conor F.; Carter, Jameson A.
2020-03-20
-
Military Child Development Program: Background and Issues [Updated March 19, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Child care quality, accessibility, and cost are frequent concerns for military families. This report traces the development of DOD-sponsored child care services and discusses these issues in greater depth in order to support Members of Congress in their oversight role. The next section gives an overview of DOD's justification for the CDP [child development program] and demand for services. Next is a discussion of current CDP components, policies, and funding. This is followed by the legislative history of DOD-sponsored child care in the military including a discussion of recent initiatives. The final section puts forth some issues and options for Congress related to oversight and funding of military child care programs. Other military family or youth recreation and enrichment programs are beyond the scope of this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-03-19
-
Postponing Federal Elections and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal Considerations [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 13, 2020, Louisiana's Governor invoked emergency powers to announce that the state's presidential primary election, previously scheduled for April 4, would be postponed for more than two months as part of the state's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Other states soon began exploring similar changes, prompting election officials, candidates, and voters to prepare for disruptions that could persist through November's general election. This Sidebar reviews the legal provisions that would constrain any efforts to delay or cancel federal elections during a public health crisis or other national emergency. The first part reviews laws pertaining to presidential elections, and the second part reviews laws relevant to congressional elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shelly, Jacob D.
2020-03-20
-
Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Trump Administration had largely abandoned engagement by increasing economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. It took actions to allow lawsuits against those trafficking in property confiscated by the Cuban government and tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba, including terminating cruise ship travel from the United States and U.S. flights to Cuban cities other than Havana."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-03-19
-
Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy [Updated March 16, 2020]
From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). On January 10, 2019, Maduro began a second term that most Venezuelans and much of the international community consider illegitimate. The 116th Congress has enacted legislation affecting U.S. policy on Venezuela, appropriated foreign assistance to support the people of Venezuela and to address the regional migration crisis, and conducted numerous oversight hearings on U.S. policy toward Venezuela. Since January 2019, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form a transition government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. The United States and 57 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president. Guaidó has been unable to wrest Maduro from power and has faced increased danger since returning home from an early 2020 diplomatic tour, which included a meeting with President Trump. Some observers believe that National Assembly elections due this year might start an electoral path out of the current stalemate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-03-16
