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China's 'Soft Power' in Southeast Asia [January 4, 2008]
"China's growing use of 'soft power' in Southeast Asia-non-military inducements including culture, diplomacy, foreign aid, trade, and investment-has presented new challenges to U.S. foreign policy. By downplaying many conflicting interests and working collaboratively with countries and regional organizations on such issues as territorial disputes and trade, Beijing has largely allayed Southeast Asian concerns that China poses a military or economic threat. China's diplomatic engagement, compared to the perceived waning or limited attention by the United States, has earned the country greater respect in the region. Its rise as a major foreign aid provider and market for Southeast Asian goods has also enhanced its relations with Southeast Asian states. Many analysts contend that China's growing influence may come at the expense of U.S. power and influence in the region. This report provides evidence and analysis of China's soft power in Southeast Asia. It does not discuss the considerable U.S. military presence in the region. The report describes China's evolving diplomacy and more active role in regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Although China's foreign aid to Southeast Asia, as in other regions, is difficult to quantify and includes a broader range of economic assistance than official development assistance (ODA) offered by major industrialized nations, it is believed to be relatively large. China is considered to be the 'primary economic patron' of the small but strategically important nations of Burma, Cambodia, and Laos, and also provides considerable economic aid to Indonesia and the Philippines."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Morrison, Wayne M.; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2008-01-04
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Long-Range Ballistic Missile Defense in Europe [Updated January 9, 2008]
"Successive administrations have urged the creation of an anti-missile system to protect against long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue states. The Bush Administration believes that North Korea and Iran are strategic threats and questions whether they can be deterred by conventional means. The Administration's policy position on this issue remains unchanged after a recent reassessment that the Iranian nuclear weapons program was halted in 2003. The Administration has built longrange missile defense bases in Alaska and California to protect against North Korean missile threats. Although the system has been tested, most agree that further testing is necessary. The Administration proposed deploying a ground-based mid-course defense (GMD) element of the larger Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) in Europe to defend against an Iranian missile threat. The system would include 10 interceptors in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic to be completed by 2013 at a cost of $4.04 billion. The proposed U.S. system has encountered resistance in some European countries and beyond. Critics in Poland and the Czech Republic assert that neither country currently faces a notable threat from Iran, but that if American GMD facilities were installed, both countries might be targeted by missiles from rogue states-and possibly from Russia. Some Europeans claim that GMD is another manifestation of American unilateralism, and assert that the Bush Administration did not consult sufficiently with NATO allies or with Russia, which the Administration argues was not the case."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.; Ek, Carl
2008-01-09
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Foreign Ownership of U.S. Financial Assets: Implications of a Withdrawal [January 14, 2008]
"This report provides an overview of the role foreign investment plays in the U.S. economy and an assessment of possible actions a foreign investor or a group of foreign investors might choose to take to liquidate their investments in the United States. Concerns over the potential impact of disinvestment have grown as national governments have become more active investors and as uncertainty over the risks associated with securities backed by sub-prime mortgages has increased volatility in financial markets. Actions taken by foreign investors to liquidate their holdings could affect the U.S. economy in a number of ways due to the role foreign investment plays in the United States and due to the current mix of economic policies the United States has chosen. The impact of any such action on the economy would also depend on the overall condition and performance of the economy and the financial markets. If the economy were experiencing a strong rate of economic growth, the impact of a foreign withdrawal likely would be minimal, especially given the dynamic nature of credit markets. If a withdrawal occurred when the economy were not experiencing robust rate of growth or if credit financial markets were under duress, the withdrawal could have a stronger effect on the economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2008-01-14
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Laos: Background and U.S. Relations [January 7, 2008]
"The United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) cooperate in important areas despite disagreements regarding human rights policies in Laos and the LPDR's strong ties with China and Vietnam. Areas of U.S.-Laos cooperation include: the recovery of Americans missing in action (MIAs), counter-narcotics efforts, the removal of land mines, and avian flu. The United States provides relatively little foreign assistance to Laos. Total U.S. assistance to Laos in FY2007 was estimated to be $4.8 million compared to $4.3 million in 2006. Most U.S. aid has focused on counter-narcotics and de-mining efforts. Funding for de-mining efforts declined in 2007 and is likely to decrease further in 2008. New aid program areas include public health, economic development, judicial reform, and civil society. The United States government remains concerned about the plight of former and remaining Hmong insurgents and their families, with ties to the U.S.-backed Hmong guerilla army of the Vietnam War period, who now number some 2,000-3,000 persons. […]. Social and economic conditions in Laos reportedly have improved in some areas. The country was upgraded to Tier 2 on the U.S. State Department's trafficking in persons list (2007) for making significant efforts to curtail trafficking, although significant problems remain. Religious freedom reportedly has improved, particularly in urban areas. Opium production and use have dropped dramatically since 1998. The country reportedly has made progress in deepening economic reforms as it prepares to apply for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2008-01-07
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Climate Change: Design Approaches for a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program [Updated January 4, 2008]
"With the passage of the 2005 Sense of the Senate climate change resolution calling on the Congress to enact a mandatory, market-based program to slow, stop, and reverse the growth of greenhouse gases, the issue of related costs has taken on increased importance. Indeed, the resolution itself states that the program should be enacted at a rate and in a manner that 'will not significantly harm the United States economy' and 'will encourage comparable action' by other nations. Facets of the cost issue that have raised concern include absolute costs to the economy, distribution of costs across industries, competitive impact domestically and internationally, incentives for new technology, and uncertainty about possible costs. […]In a sense, the options discussed here represent a continuum between alternatives focused on the price side of the equation (e.g., carbon taxes) through hybrid schemes (e.g., safety valves) to alternatives focused on the quantity side (e.g., banking and borrowing). They are tools to assist in the assessment of potential greenhouse gas reduction approaches, leaving any policy decision on balancing the price-quantity issue to the ultimate decision makers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry, 1954-
2008-01-04
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Libya: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 24, 2008]
"On May 15, 2006, the Bush Administration announced its intention to restore full diplomatic relations with Libya and to rescind Libya's listing as a state sponsor of terrorism and a country not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Presidential Determination No. 2006-14 certified that the government of Libya had not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six months and had provided assurances that it would not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Full diplomatic relations were restored on May 31 when the United States upgraded its Liaison Office in Tripoli to an Embassy. A 45-day congressional notification period ended on June 29, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice removed Libya's listings and ended the associated trade restrictions on June 30, without immediate public announcement. President Bush nominated a career diplomat, Gene Cretz, for the U.S. ambassadorship to Libya on July 11, 2007. The changes mark the culmination of an initial period of improvement and rapprochement in U.S.-Libyan relations that began in December 2003, when the Libyan government announced its decision to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and long-range missile programs. […]. This report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; profiles Libyan leader Muammar al Qadhafi; discusses Libya's political and economic reform efforts; and reviews current issues of potential congressional interest. It will be updated periodically to reflect important developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-01-24
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Foreign Aid Reform: Issues for Congress and Policy Options [Updated January 17, 2008]
"Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the role of foreign assistance as a tool of foreign policy has come into sharper focus. The President elevated global development as a third pillar of national security, with defense and diplomacy, as articulated in the U.S. National Security Strategy of 2002, and reiterated in 2006. At the same time that foreign aid is being recognized as playing an important role in U.S. foreign policy, it has also come under closer scrutiny by Congress, largely in response to a number of presidential initiatives, and by critics who argue that the U.S. foreign aid infrastructure is cumbersome and fragmented, and that aid policy and is unfocused. […]Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, aid programs have increasingly been justified within the context of anti-terrorism. Despite changing global conditions and challenges, U.S. foreign aid programs, their organizational structure, and their statutory underpinnings, reflect the Cold War environment in which they originated. These factors are, arguably, motivating the heightened interest in re-evaluating how U.S. aid programs function, and in revamping how they are administered. There is also a growing recognition of the role that foreign assistance can play as a foreign policy tool that is equal to the role of diplomacy and defense within the current international environment characterized by regional conflicts, terrorist threats, weapons proliferation, concerns with disease pandemics, and the difficulty in overcoming poverty. […] This report provides background information on foreign aid rationales and funding trends. It outlines issues Congress may consider in any reform effort and lays out options for reform. Finally, it summarizes recommendations made by a number of recent studies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Veillette, Connie
2008-01-17
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Federal Government Debt: Its Size and Economic Significance [Updated January 29, 2008]
From the Document: "After being in surplus between FY1998 and FY2001, the federal budget has now registered deficits for each of the last six fiscal years. The budget, given current policies, is now projected to remain in deficit through at least FY2011. During those four years of surpluses, the federal debt fell, but is now rising again. When the budget was in surplus, the policy issues were whether or not it would be worthwhile to pay off the national debt and whether or not the existence of public debt provided some economic benefits. Those are no longer issues. The return of budget deficits and rising debt compelled Congress to increase the statutory debt limit. Most recently, in September 2007, the President signed legislation increasing the statutory debt limit to $9.815 trillion (P.L. 110-91). At the beginning of 2008, the total outstanding federal debt was more than $9 trillion. The fact that there is more than one measure of federal debt may lead to some confusion. This report explains the different measures of the U.S. government debt, discusses the historical growth in the debt, identifies the current owners of the debt, presents comparisons with government debt in other countries, and examines the potential economic risks associated with a growing federal debt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cashell, Brian
2008-01-29
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Food Safety: Provisions in the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 [January 8, 2008]
"The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA; P.L.110- 85), while primarily concerned with drug and device regulation and their user fees, also contains several provisions on food safety. As enacted, the law requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish processing and ingredient standards, update labeling requirements for pet food, and establish an early warning and surveillance system to identify adulteration and outbreaks of illness associated with pet food. The Secretary is to work with states to improve the safety of produce and strengthen state food safety programs. The Act requires the Secretary to create a registry for reportable information on foods with safety problems, which will help identify the supply chain of the reportable food. Alerts are to be issued for such foods, with records maintained and available for inspection. Additional provisions require attention to aquaculture and seafood inspection, environmental risks associated with genetically engineered seafood products, imported foods, pesticide monitoring, and ginseng dietary supplements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Porter, Donna Viola
2008-01-08
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Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa [Updated February 5, 2008]
"In recent years, analysts and U.S. policymakers have noted Africa's growing strategic importance to U.S. interests. Among those interests are Africa's role in the Global War on Terror and potential threats posed by uncontrolled spaces; the growing importance of Africa's natural resources, particularly energy resources; and ongoing concern for Africa's many humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, and more general challenges, such as the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS. […]. As envisioned by the Department of Defense (DOD), AFRICOM will promote U.S. strategic objectives by working with African states and regional organizations to help strengthen regional stability and security through improved security capability and military professionalization. […]. Political instability and civil wars have created vast ungoverned spaces, areas in which some experts allege that terrorist groups may train and operate. Instability also heightens human suffering and retards economic development, which may in turn threaten U.S. economic interests. Africa's exports of crude oil to the United States are now roughly equal to those of the Middle East, further emphasizing the continent's strategic importance. This report provides a broad overview of U.S. strategic interests in Africa and the role of U.S. military efforts on the continent as they pertain to the creation of AFRICOM. Although the command is still in the early stages of its development, a discussion of AFRICOM's mission, its coordination with other government agencies, and its basing and manpower requirements is included. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2008-02-05
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Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: An Overview [Updated October 20, 2006]
"The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, P.L. 100-418, created a program of regional centers to assist small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in using knowledge and technologies developed under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a laboratory of the Department of Commerce. Now known as the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico provide technical and managerial assistance to firms. Federal funding is matched by non-federal sources. As the program expanded, funding increased until FY1999, when support declined reflecting a decrease in the federal portion of financing from one-half to one-third as individual centers operated longer than six years. Through FY2004, funding remained fairly constant despite the Administration's FY2003 budget that proposed an 88% reduction in support such that MEP centers '... with more than six years' experience operate without federal contribution.' Support was cut 63% in FY2004, but restored in FY2005. The $46.8 million for MEP in the President's FY2006 budget proposal reflected another substantial reduction in funding; however, P.L. 109-108, the FY2006 appropriations legislation, provided financing of $104.6 million for the program (after mandated rescissions). The Administration's FY2007 budget again includes a large cut in support for MEP which would be funded at $46.3 million. H.R. 5672, the FY2007 appropriations bill that passed the House on June 29, 2006, finances the program at $92 million. The version of this bill reported from the Senate Committee on Appropriations provides MEP with $106 million."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schacht, Wendy H.
2006-10-20
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Kenya: Current Conditions and the Challenges Ahead [October 31, 2006]
"Kenya, a nation of about 33.8 million people, has been an important ally of the United States for decades. In a region long marred by civil wars and humanitarian crisis, Kenya has been an important actor in mediation efforts. Over the past decade, Kenya has moved from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy. In December 1992, Kenyans voted in record numbers in the country's first multi-party election in almost 26 years. President Daniel arap Moi defeated opposition candidates by a small margin. In December 1997, Kenya held its second multi-party elections, at the height of tensions between the opposition and the ruling party. President Moi was re-elected with 40% of the votes cast, while his nearest rival, Mwai Kibaki, won 31%. In the 2002 presidential and parliamentary elections, the opposition National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) defeated the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU). In the presidential election, NARC leader Kibaki defeated Uhuru Kenyatta, the leader of KANU. As the 2007 elections draw closer, presidential candidates are emerging and embarking upon already fierce campaigns. A number of major political figures are expected to challenge President Kibaki. These include Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, William Ruto, and Musalia Mudavadi."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.; Whitaker, Ginger
2006-10-31
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Border Security and Military Support: Legal Authorizations and Restrictions [Updated October 23, 2006]
From the Document: "The military generally provides support to law enforcement and immigration authorities along the southern border. Reported escalations in criminal activity and illegal immigration, however, have prompted some lawmakers to reevaluate the extent and type of military support that occurs in the border region. On May 15, 2006, President Bush announced that up to 6,000 National Guard troops would be sent to the border to support the Border Patrol. Addressing domestic laws and activities with the military, however, might run afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits use of the armed forces to perform the tasks of civilian law enforcement unless explicitly authorized. There are alternative legal authorities for deploying the National Guard, and the precise scope of permitted activities and funds may vary with the authority exercised."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Viña, Stephen R.
2006-10-23
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated October 26, 2006]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2006-10-26
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Democracy in Russia: Trends and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 29, 2006]
"U.S. attention has focused on Russia's fitful democratization since Russia emerged in 1991 from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many observers have argued that a democratic Russia with free markets would be a cooperative bilateral and multilateral partner rather than an insular and hostile national security threat. Democratization faced challenges following terrorist attacks in Russia that culminated in the deaths of hundreds of school-children in the town of Beslan in September 2004. President Putin almost immediately proposed restructuring the government and strengthening federal powers to better counter such terrorist threats. The restructuring included integrating security agencies, switching to party list voting for the Duma eliminating direct elections of the heads of federal subunits, and asserting greater presidential control over civil society by creating a 'Public Chamber' consultative group of largely government-approved non-governmental organizations. All the proposals had been enacted into law or otherwise implemented by early 2006. The U.S. Administration and Congress have welcomed some cooperation with Russia on vital U.S. national security concerns, including the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), strategic arms reduction, NATO enlargement, and since September 11, 2001, the Global War on Terror. At the same time, the United States has raised increased concerns with Russia over anti-democratic trends, warning that a divergence in democratic values could eventually harm U.S.-Russian cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-08-29
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Airborne Laser (ABL): Issues for Congress [Updated November 15, 2006]
"The United States has pursued a variety of ballistic missile defense concepts and programs over the past fifty years. Since the 1970s, some attention has focused on directed energy weapons, such as high-powered lasers for missile defense. Today, the Airborne Laser (ABL) program is the furthest advanced of these directed energy weapons and remains the subject of some technical and program debate. The Department of Defense (DOD) has been a strong advocate for the ABL and its predecessor programs. The Defense Department and most missile defense advocates argue that the ABL, which is designed to shoot down attacking ballistic missiles within the first few minutes of their launch, is a necessary component of any broader U.S. ballistic missile defense system. Congress has largely supported the Administration's ABL program. [...] This report examines the ABL program and budget status. [...] This report does not provide a detailed technical assessment of the ABL program (see CRS Report RL30185, 'The Airborne Laser Anti-Missile Program'). This report may be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.; Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2006-11-15
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Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade: Key Issues for the 110th Congress [December 20, 2006]
"The 110th Congress will face a number of pressing foreign affairs, defense, and trade issues in the opening days of its tenure. This report identifies major issues most likely to be on the legislative agenda, discusses critical policy choices at stake, and summarizes some of the major alternatives that Congress may consider. The report lists Congressional Research Service reports that address these issues, and it identifies key analysts and their areas of responsibility. A major issue confronting the new Congress is what to do in Iraq. The Baker/Hamilton-led Iraq Study Group recommended pursuing a new diplomatic initiative, including negotiations with Iran and Syria; and making the training of Iraqi security forces the primary U.S. military mission. U.S. and allied progress in Afghanistan may also be among the key issues in the 110th Congress along with international counter-terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional geopolitical dynamics, and trade developments. Defense spending, and particularly budgeting for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, will also be one of the major issues facing the 110th Congress. Congress may be asked to consider large increases in funding for the Army, and it faces a potentially difficult tradeoff between increases in the size of the Army and funding for major weapons programs. Other defense issues include the implementation of recent base closure plans, the status of intelligence reform, pay and benefits of military personnel, and the role and structure of National Guard and Reserve forces. Trade issues have become increasingly controversial in recent years, and may well remain so as many Members grapple with the real and perceived effects of globalization. Many Members have concerns about instances of lost jobs and lower wages, the growing income gap in the United States, and about burgeoning U.S. trade deficits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2006-12-20
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Privatization and the Federal Government: An Introduction
"During the past two decades, the privatization of federal agencies and activities has been much debated. That said, privatization - here defined as the use of the private sector in the provision of a good or service, the components of which include financing, operations (supplying, production, delivery), and quality control - is not a recent phenomenon. Since its founding in 1789, the federal government has used private firms to provide goods and services. Hence, privatization is of perennial interest to Congress. This report is an introduction to privatization in the federal governmental context. It discusses the emergence of privatization on the federal policy agenda in the late 1970s and early 1980s. To some, privatization appeared as an answer to the purported failures of 'big government.' Privatization attracted political support due to its rhetorically persuasive rationales, purported benefits, and political attractiveness. However, privatization also has been controversial. Critics have complained that privatization is a form of union busting and that privatization can have unforeseen and undesirable consequences. The report notes that, whenever policymakers consider privatizing a federal agency or activity, a fundamental issue arises - 'Which activities are essential to the state and should remain directly accountable to the elected representatives of the people and which may be carried out by the private sector?' This question is complex and value-laden; no definitive answer exists. Thus, the decision to privatize is inherently controversial."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kosar, Kevin R.
2006-12-28
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Rebuilding Housing After Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned and Unresolved Issues
"Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall near New Orleans on August 29, 2005, arguably caused more direct damage to more people than any previous natural disaster in the history of the United States. It led to the evacuation of a major city and the surrounding area. It destroyed housing and infrastructure on an unprecedented scale. Many people had to be rescued by military and civilian first responders. Many members of Congress, the White House, and affected state and local governments suggested ways to manage the rebuilding process. The Louisiana congressional delegation supported legislation to create a special corporation, the Louisiana Recovery Corporation, funded by up to $30 billion to finance and to manage the rebuilding of housing in Louisiana. The Bush Administration created the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and appointed Donald E. Powell as coordinator. Congress approved a total of $81.6 billion in supplemental disaster appropriations in FY2005 and FY2006. The state of Louisiana created the Louisiana Recovery Authority to oversee rebuilding efforts. This report summarizes the impact of the hurricane, reports on the status of recovery efforts a year after Katrina, explores the reasons why the recovery has proceeded as it has, and suggests issues that Congress might wish to consider in order to better plan for future disasters and to improve the capability of all levels of government to respond effectively."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, N. Eric
2006-12-19
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Military Base Closures and Realignment: Status of the 2005 Implementation Plan
"As part of the implementation for the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round, the Department of Defense (DOD) required the military departments and defense agencies to create action plans for each of the BRAC Commission's recommendations. These plans, called 'Business Plans', describe the implementing actions, their timing, cost, and other related issues. DOD is to use these plans as a mechanism to ensure proper coordination among the defense agencies, allocate BRAC resources more efficiently, and to monitor the status of the commission's recommendations. To date, 211 of the 240 plans had been completed and approved. This report answers frequently asked questions regarding the plans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blackwell, Kristine E.
2006-12-21
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Internet: An Overview of Key Technology Policy Issues Affecting Its Use and Growth [Updated January 5, 2007]
"In the decade between 1994 and 2004, the number of U.S. adults using the Internet increased from 15% to 63%, and by mid-2005, stood at 72%. From electronic mail to accessing information to online purchasing ('electronic commerce'), the Internet touches almost every aspect of modern life. The extent to which use of the Internet continues to grow, however, may be affected by a number of technology policy issues being debated in Congress. First is the availability of high-speed - or 'broadband' - Internet access. Broadband Internet access gives users the ability to send and receive data at speeds far greater than Internet access over traditional telephone lines. With deployment of broadband technologies accelerating, Congress is seeking to ensure fair competition and timely broadband deployment to all sectors and geographical locations of American society. Next are a range of issues that reflect challenges faced by those who do use the Internet, such as security, privacy (including spyware and identity theft), unsolicited commercial electronic mail ('spam'), protecting children from unsuitable material (such as pornography), and computer security, including the vulnerability of the nations critical infrastructures to cyber attacks. Other issues include the governance of the Internets domain name system (DNS), which is administered by a U.S.-based nonprofit corporation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). With the Department of Commerce currently exercising legal authority over ICANN, Congress continues to monitor the administration of the DNS, particularly with respect to issues such as privacy, governance, and protecting children on the Internet…This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moteff, John D.; Gilroy, Angele A.; Kruger, Lennard G. . . .
2007-01-05
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Latin American and the Caribbean: Issues for the 110th Congress [January 23, 2007]
From the Document: "In the 110th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean will likely focus on continued counternarcotics efforts, especially in the Andean region; potential immigration reform and increased border security, which have been key issues in relations with Mexico; efforts to deal with potential threats to democracy and the rise of populism in such nations as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador; debate over the best means to foster political change in Communist Cuba; and trade issues, including the potential consideration of implementing legislation for free trade agreements (FTAs). Curbing the flow of illicit drugs from Mexico and South America into the United States has been a key component of U.S. relations with Latin America for almost two decades. Since 2000, the centerpiece of this policy has been the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) aimed at supporting Colombia and its neighbors in eradicating the production of illicit drugs. From FY2000-FY2006, the United States provided around $5 billion for the ACI. This report, an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focuses on the role of Congress and congressional concerns, and will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Cook, Colleen W.
2007-01-23
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Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 4, 2007]
From the Document: "Political violence has become part of the political landscape in Bangladesh. Awami League Finance Minister A.M.S. Kibria and four others were killed in a bomb attack that also injured 70 at a political rally of the Awami League on January 27, 2005. On August 21, 2004, an apparent political assassination attempt on opposition leader Sheikh Hasina at a political rally in Dhaka killed 22. These two attacks, and widespread bombings on August 17, 2005, that claimed 26 lives and injured dozens others, are the most notable incidents in recent years. U.S. policy toward Bangladesh emphasizes support for political stability and democracy; social and economic development; and improvement of human rights. The United States has long-standing supportive relations with Bangladesh and has viewed Bangladesh as a moderate voice in the Islamic world. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2007-01-04
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Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol and International Actions [January 24, 2007]
"The first treaty to address climate change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was completed and opened for signature in 1992. This treaty includes commitments to establish national action plans for voluntary measures that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels in order to begin mitigating possible global warming. The United States was one of the first nations to sign and ratify this treaty, and it entered into force in 1994. Each of the industrialized nations listed in Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol has a specified emissions target. Overall, the collective commitments are to reduce the Parties' emissions by at least 5% below their 1990 levels, averaged over the 'commitment period' 2008 to 2012. On a 'parallel track' of activities, the United States took an initiative in 2005, the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate, together with China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, which is a voluntary effort (though without specific targets) to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of their economies through technology cooperation. As of December 2006, the UNFCCC Secretariat reported that 168 nations and the European Union have ratified or accepted the Kyoto Protocol. Annual meetings of the parties continue, and attention during the negotiations has turned in large part to 'next steps' following the end of the commitment period in 2012, as well as a review of the effectiveness of the Protocol. Major challenges remain to find agreement on the nature of commitments, if any, that would prove acceptable to all major players: current parties, developing countries that are major emitters, and the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry, 1954-; Fletcher, Susan R.
2007-01-24
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Continuing Resolutions: FY2007 Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices [Updated February 2, 2007]
"Most of the operations of federal departments and agencies are funded each year through the enactment of several regular appropriations acts. Since these bills are annual, expiring at the end of the fiscal year, regular bills for the subsequent fiscal year must be enacted by October 1. Final action on some of the regular appropriations bills, however, are [sic] typically delayed beyond the deadline. When this occurs, the affected departments and agencies are generally funded under temporary continuing appropriations acts until the final funding decisions become law. Because continuing appropriations acts are, for the most part, enacted in the form of joint resolutions, such acts are referred to as continuing resolutions (or CRs). […] Over the years, delay in the enactment of regular appropriations measures and CRs after the beginning of the fiscal year has led to periods during which appropriations authority has lapsed. Such periods generally are referred to as funding gaps. Nine of the 11 FY2007 regular appropriations bills remain outstanding. Congress and the President, therefore, have concluded action on three temporary, sequential FY2007 continuing resolutions, which together have extended funding for these outstanding bills from October 1, 2006, through February 15, 2007. (These continuing resolutions follow: P.L. 109-289, Division B; P.L. 109-369; and P.L. 109- 383.) On January 31, 2007, the House adopted a fourth CR, Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (H.J.Res. 20), which would extend funding for the nine outstanding FY2007 regular bills through the end of FY2007."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Streeter, Sandy
2007-02-02
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Laos: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 5, 2007]
"For several years, U.S.-Laos relations were dominated by the debate over whether to grant normal trade relations status to Laos. On November 19, 2004, Congress approved legislation that granted nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Laos. The Lao government's alleged poor treatment of former CIA-trained Hmong guerillas was a key factor in the debate and remains a point of contention between the two countries. The United States and Laos cooperate in important areas, including recovering remains of Americans missing in action (MIAs) from the Vietnam War, counter-narcotics and de-mining efforts. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2007-02-05
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Libya: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 24, 2007]
"On May 15, 2006, the Bush Administration announced its intention to restore full diplomatic relations with Libya and to rescind Libya's listing as a state sponsor of terrorism and a country not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Presidential Determination No. 2006-14 certified that the government of Libya had not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six months and had provided assurances that it would not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Full diplomatic relations were restored on May 31 when the United States upgraded its Liaison Office in Tripoli to an Embassy. A 45-day congressional notification period ended on June 29, and the Secretary of State removed Libya's listings and ended the associated trade restrictions on June 30, without immediate public announcement. The Administration has not named an ambassador nominee. The changes mark the culmination of an initial period of improvement and rapprochement in U.S.-Libyan relations that began in December 2003, when the Libyan government announced its decision to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and long-range missile programs. […] Since the May 15 announcement, some Members of Congress and family members of U.S. citizens killed and injured in Libyan-sponsored or supported terrorist attacks have expressed their opposition to the recent changes in U.S. policy. Legal representatives for the Libyan government and some victims' families have resumed talks regarding financial claims arising from the bombings of Pan Am Flight 103, the LaBelle nightclub in Berlin, and other incidents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2007-01-24
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Terrorist Capabilities for Cyberattack: Overview and Policy Issues [Updated January 22, 2007]
"Terrorist's use of the internet and other telecommunications devices is growing both in terms of reliance for supporting organizational activities and for gaining expertise to achieve operational goals. Tighter physical and border security may also encourage terrorists and extremists to try to use other types of weapons to attack the United States. Persistent Internet and computer security vulnerabilities, which have been widely publicized, may gradually encourage terrorists to continue to enhance their computer skills, or develop alliances with criminal organizations and consider attempting a cyberattack against the U.S. critical infrastructure. […] The United States and international community have taken steps to coordinate laws to prevent cybercrime, but if trends continue computer attacks will become more numerous, faster, and more sophisticated. In addition, a recent report by the Government Accountability Office states that, in the future, U.S. government agencies may not be able to respond effectively to such attacks. This report examines possible terrorists' objectives and computer vulnerabilities that might lead to an attempted cyberattack against the critical infrastructure of the U.S. homeland, and also discusses the emerging computer and other technical skills of terrorists and extremists. Policy issues include exploring ways to improve technology for cybersecurity, or whether U.S. counterterrorism efforts should be linked more closely to international efforts to prevent cybercrime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Clay; Rollins, John
2007-01-22
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Food Safety: Federal and State Response to the Spinach E.coli Outbreak [November 13, 2006]
"In September 2006, government officials were alerted to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with the consumption of tainted fresh spinach. For several weeks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated the situation as additional cases were identified nearly daily. This report details the events as they unfolded, and includes the number of cases, the detection of the first case, and the process by which relevant agencies acted as subsequent cases were reported. This report will be updated in response to any further developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.; Porter, Donna Viola
2006-11-13
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Kinetic Energy Kill for Ballistic Missile Defense: A Status Overview [January 5, 2007]
From the Document: "For some time, U.S. ballistic missile defense (BMD) programs have focused primarily on developing kinetic energy interceptors to destroy attacking ballistic missiles. These efforts have evolved over 30 years and have produced a significant amount of test data from which much can be learned. This report provides a broad overview of the U.S. investment in this approach to BMD. The data on the U.S. flight test effort to develop a national missile defense (NMD) system remains mixed and ambiguous. There is no recognizable pattern to explain this record nor is there conclusive evidence of a learning curve over more than two decades of developmental testing. In addition, the test scenarios are considered by some not to be operational tests and could be more realistic in nature; they see these tests as more of a laboratory or developmental effort. Success and failure rates (and their technical causes) have shown relative consistency through this period. The U.S. flight test effort to develop theater missile defense (TMD) systems appears more promising. In relative terms, developmental and operational testing of TMD systems has been more successful than the NMD effort. Nonetheless, TMD systems that evolved from mature, existing ground and sea-based air-defense systems have demonstrated greater test success than other TMD programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.
2007-01-05
