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Administrative Law Reform Legislation in the 116th Congress [July 23, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has broad authority to define and prescribe the powers and responsibilities of federal agencies. Typically, an agency may carry out its congressionally prescribed responsibilities in a number of ways, including through issuing binding regulations and adjudicative orders, and through providing nonbinding oral or written guidance to stakeholders and the public. And Congress may, within constitutional bounds, alter agencies' powers and responsibilities as it deems appropriate. The 116th Congress has considered numerous legislative proposals to alter the administrative rulemaking process or the way those rules may be reviewed by courts and the legislative branch. Some proposals would modify the rulemaking procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), including to require, in certain situations, trial-type, evidentiary hearings on specific types of rules. Others would increase congressional involvement in agency rulemaking by, for example, requiring legislative approval of certain rules before they may go into effect. And still other proposals would change the scope of federal courts' review of agency legal interpretations by altering or eliminating judicial deference doctrines."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheffner, Daniel J.
2020-07-23
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International Trade and E-Commerce [Updated July 23, 2020]
From the Overview: "U.S. retail e-commerce sales are forecasted to grow to $599 billion in 2024, up 64% from $365 billion in 2019, according to the research firm Statista. The U.S. share of global retail e-sales is projected to decline from 10% to 9% over the same time period. In 2018, 1.8 billion people globally purchased goods online. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that e-commerce accounts for 12% of global trade of physical goods, both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C or retail) sales. Nevertheless, certain foreign trade policies, infrastructure inconsistencies, and the lack of globally enforceable rules potentially hinder further e-commerce growth. E-commerce allows customers to research and purchase goods without leaving their home or office, increasing access and convenience. Through online sales, businesses are able to scale efficiently and reach customers in new markets both domestically and abroad, especially small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some online purchases replace what may have been traditional (e.g., in-store) purchases, while other purchases are new sales. One study shows the U.S. B2B e-commerce market is one of the largest and most mature, representing 12% of B2B global sales in 2018. McKinsey estimates that global e-commerce could add $1.3-$2.1 trillion in international trade by 2030, boosting trade in manufactured goods by 6%-10%."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2020-07-23
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Hong Kong's Legislative Council (Legco) [Updated July 23, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5701, P.L. 102-383) states, 'Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy.' The development of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, or Legco, has been a fundamental part of Hong Kong's complex and incomplete process of democratization, and as such has become a key concern of some U.S. policymakers. As currently constituted, some of Legco's members are elected via a democratic process, and others are selected by a restricted mandate (see 'Brief History of Legco' below). Under the 1990 Chinese law establishing the governance system for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), or 'Basic Law,' 'the ultimate aim' is the election of 'all the members of the Legislative Council' (as well as the Chief Executive) by universal suffrage. As a result, Legco plays a critical role in both an assessment of democratization in Hong Kong, as well as progress toward democratization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.
2020-07-23
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Declines to Regulate Net Metering [July 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Net metering is a policy through which electricity customers with their own electricity generation systems are compensated for the energy they produce (above what they consume). Typically, net metering customers receive a bill credit for any excess electricity they produce over the course of a month. In other words, their monthly electricity bills reflect the net of electricity used from the grid and delivered to the grid. Rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic panels (i.e., rooftop solar) make up nearly all net metering generation capacity in the United States. For simplicity, the following discussion refers to generators participating in net metering as rooftop solar. Most states have adopted a net metering policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Ashley J.
2020-07-24
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South Africa: Current Issues, Economy, and U.S. Relations [Updated July 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "South Africa, a majority black, multiracial country of nearly 60 million people, has the most diversified and industrialized economy in Africa, but has suffered years of low growth and is burdened by deeply embedded socioeconomic inequalities. President is Cyril Ramaphosa ('rahmah-POH-sah'), of the majority African National Congress (ANC) party, is leading a reform agenda aimed at improving the economy and public service delivery, and addressing corruption. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sharply intensified the already formidable economic and health challenges facing South Africa, which include a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. The National Assembly elected then-Vice President Ramaphosa as president in early 2018, following the resignation of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. Zuma stepped down in the face of a threat of a parliamentary no confidence vote after defying a decision by ANC leaders to recall him as the party's national presidential nominee--in large part as a result of multiple corruption scandals. Discontent with Zuma had helped cement Ramaphosa's victory in a bruising late 2017 ANC election to lead the party, which has suffered a gradual loss of electoral support in recent years. While the ANC was able to retain a parliamentary majority in the last general elections, held in May 2019--a majority it has held since the country's first universal suffrage polls in 1994--it earned 57.5% of votes, its lowest share to date. After the election, the parliament, under the country's indirect presidential election system, voted to re-elect Ramaphosa as president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2020-07-30
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Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress [July 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy's proposed FY2021 budget requests $4,235.9 million (i.e., about $4.2 billion) in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program. Decisions that Congress makes on procurement of Virginia-class boats could substantially affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-07-28
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Rail Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas: Safety and Regulation [Updated July 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report discusses the physical hazards of LNG [Liquefied Natural Gas] as well as safety and security issues associated with LNG transportation by rail. The report examines relevant federal regulation and summarizes recent industry initiatives to transport LNG by rail for domestic and export markets. It reviews Presidential and federal agency efforts to facilitate the movement of LNG by rail and selected policy issues. The report concludes with a summary of legislative actions in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.; Frittelli, John
2020-07-28
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Social Security: What Would Happen If the Trust Funds Ran Out? [Updated July 29, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report explains what the Social Security trust funds are and how they work. It describes the historical operations of the trust funds and the Social Security trustees' projections of future operations. It explains what could happen if Congress allowed the trust funds to run out. It also analyzes two scenarios that assume Congress waits until the moment of insolvency to act, showing the magnitude of benefit cuts or tax increases needed and how such changes would affect beneficiaries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Huston, Barry F.
2020-07-29
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Nile Dam Dispute: Issues for Congress [July 27, 2020]
From the Overview: "A long-running dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the waters of the Nile flared in 2020, as Ethiopia moves toward completion of Africa's largest hydroelectric power project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The domestic stakes are high for both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who seeks to guide Ethiopia through a fragile political transition, and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, who seeks to preserve Egypt's share of the Nile amidst population growth, pollution, and rising sea levels. Efforts to resolve the conflict, including by the United States, have yet to result in a final agreement. Alongside the potential for the dispute to escalate, failure to reach an accord could set a negative precedent for transboundary water cooperation at a time of growing global concern over climate change, demographic growth, and resource scarcity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell
2020-07-27
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Operation Legend: Department of Justice Assistance to Curb Increases in Violent Crime [July 31, 2020]
From the Document: "On July 22, 2020, Attorney General (AG) William Barr announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was expanding Operation Legend--which started in Kansas City, MO, on July 8, 2020--to Chicago, IL, and Albuquerque, NM. As a part of Operation Legend, DOJ plans to send agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to these cities to work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to address violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Homeland Security Investigations also is to participate in Operation Legend. On July 29, 2020, AG Barr announced that DOJ would send additional agents to Detroit, MI; Cleveland, OH; and Milwaukee, WI, in a further expansion of Operation Legend. DOJ is also providing grant funding to the cities targeted for Operation Legend. State and local law enforcement agencies have worked with federal law enforcement in the past on a variety of task forces, and federal law enforcement assistance is usually welcome. However, in Portland, OR, in a DHS operation (Operation Diligent Valor), which is separate from Operation Legend, there have been reports of DHS law enforcement officers in military-style uniforms having detained protestors and placed them in unmarked vehicles. These reports have raised concerns about how DOJ and DHS agents deployed under Operation Legend might operate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2020-07-31
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U.S. Challenges to China's Farm Policies [July 27, 2020]
From the Document: "In early 2019, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States in two cases that the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) filed against China, alleging that its agricultural policies were inconsistent with its WTO obligations. While China agreed to conform to the WTO rulings, USTR contends that Beijing failed to act on one of the cases by the agreed-upon deadline of June 30, 2020. On July 16, 2020, USTR submitted a notification to the WTO requesting authorization to take countermeasures against imports from China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Regmi, Anita
2020-07-27
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated August 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. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations.Changes included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015); the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015); and an easing of restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (2015 and 2016, accomplished through amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations, administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements and numerous bilateral dialogues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-08-19
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Dominican Republic [Updated August 11, 2020]
From the Document: "The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. The Dominican Republic is a key U.S. partner in the Caribbean because of its comparatively large size, strong economy, and stability. Over the past decade, the United States and the Dominican Republic have maintained close commercial ties under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTADR) and cooperated on regional security concerns under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Martin, Rachel L.
2020-08-11
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Defense Primer: Naval Forces [Updated August 12, 2020]
From the Document: "Although the term 'naval forces' is often used to refer specifically to Navy forces, it more properly refers to both Navy and Marine Corps forces, because both the Navy and Marine Corps are naval services. For further discussion, see 'Defense Primer: Department of the Navy.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-12
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Côte d'Ivoire's October 2020 Presidential Elections [August 11, 2020]
From the Document: "On August 6, President Alassane Ouattara ('WAH-tah-rah') of Côte d'Ivoire declared that he would run for a third term in presidential elections scheduled for October 31. The announcement confirmed weeks of speculation that Ouattara would seek reelection following the death, on July 8, of his prime minister and favored successor. Ouattara, who had toyed with running before pledging in March to step down at the end of his second term, has won praise for presiding over general stability and rapid economic growth since taking power in 2011 following a protracted political crisis that ended in a brief civil war. Analysts warn that his decision to vie for a third term, which the opposition considers unconstitutional, could reopen societal cleavages in a country that has never seen a peaceful electoral transfer of power."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Husted, Tomas F.
2020-08-11
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DOD Domestic School System: Background and Issues [Updated August 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) manages a federal school system that provides prekindergarten through grade 12 education, primarily for the children of military servicemembers. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), in 2020, DODEA operated 160 schools globally, including 50 domestic schools across states and one virtual school. These schools employ nearly 12,000 staff, for a student population of about 70,000. DODEA also has arrangements with local education authorities (LEAs) that operate civilian-managed schools on military installations. This report focuses only on DODEA's domestic school system."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2020-08-18
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Defense Primer: Military Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum [Updated August 21, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the introduction of the two-way radio in the early 1900s, militaries have been interested in the electromagnetic spectrum ('the spectrum'). The proliferation of spectrum-dependent systems in all military domains--air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace--along with Department of Defense (DOD) concepts, such as net-centric warfare and multidomain battle, increases the military's dependence on the spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2020-08-21
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Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations [Updated August 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Events in August 2020 in Mali have focused renewed attention on a provision that has appeared in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation since 1986 that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état. The provision intends to discourage and express U.S. disapproval of militaries seizing control of governments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Chesser, Susan G.
2020-08-20
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Defense Primer: Department of the Navy [Updated August 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of the Navy (DON) is a single military department that includes two military services--the Navy and the Marine Corps. As such, DON has a single civilian leader, the Secretary of the Navy, and two four-star military service chiefs--an admiral whose title is the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), and a general whose title is the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Although the title 'Secretary of the Navy' includes only the term 'Navy,' the secretary serves as the civilian leader for both the Navy and Marine Corps. The CNO and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-21
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Defense Primer: Geography, Strategy, and U.S. Force Design [Updated August 21, 2020]
From the Document: "Most of the world's people, resources, and economic activity are located not in the Western Hemisphere, but in the other hemisphere, particularly Eurasia. In response to this basic feature of world geography, U.S. policymakers for the last several decades have chosen to pursue, as a key element of U.S. national strategy, a goal of preventing the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-08-21
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated August 21, 2020]
From the Summary: "Historically, the United States' leadership of the global trading system has ensured the United States a seat at the table to shape the international trade agenda in ways that both advance and defend U.S. interests. The evolution of U.S. leadership and the global trading system remain of interest to Congress, which holds constitutional authority over foreign commerce and establishes general and principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives through legislation. Congress has recognized the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the 'foundation of the global trading system' within trade promotion authority (TPA) and plays a direct legislative and oversight role over WTO agreements. The statutory basis for U.S. WTO membership is the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (P.L. 103-465), and U.S. priorities and objectives for the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/WTO have been reflected in various TPA legislation since 1974. Congress also has oversight of the U.S. Trade Representative and other agencies that participate in WTO meetings and enforce WTO commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2020-08-21
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COVID-19 Testing: Frequently Asked Questions [August 11, 2020]
From the Summary: "The United States is reporting some of the highest number of cases and deaths from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic globally, and the disease is affecting communities nationwide. In response, federal, state, and local governments have undertaken containment and mitigation efforts to 'flatten the curve'--that is, to slow widespread transmission that could overwhelm the nation's health care system and to reduce spread of the disease while treatments and vaccines are being developed that will lessen the health impact of the virus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sarata, Amanda K.; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-
2020-08-11
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Title IX's Application to Transgender Athletes: Recent Developments [Updated August 12, 2020]
From the Document: "On May 15, 2020, the Department of Education's (ED's) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action (Enforcement Letter) to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) and various public school districts within Connecticut. OCR determined that CIAC's policy of allowing transgender girls (individuals assigned a male sex at birth but identifying as female) to compete on female athletic teams discriminates against women in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX). Unless the CIAC and school districts come into compliance (such as through a resolution agreement with the agency), OCR stated that it will either suspend financial assistance to them or refer the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for judicial proceedings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cole, Jared P.
2020-08-12
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Kyrgyz Republic [Updated August 3, 2020]
From the Overview: "The Kyrgyz Republic (commonly known as Kyrgyzstan) is a mountainous, landlocked country that borders China and maintains close ties with Russia. Formerly a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991. As a parliamentary republic that holds contested elections, Kyrgyzstan has long been considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, with a vibrant civil society and a higher degree of press freedom than found elsewhere in the region. Corruption is pervasive, however, and political institutions remain weak. In recent years, international observers have voiced concerns about democratic backsliding in Kyrgyzstan. Some Members of Congress have also expressed concerns about government pressure on independent media outlets, including the congressionally-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blackwood, Maria A.
2020-08-03
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Social Security Trust Funds and the Budget [August 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Social Security, a self-financing program, is the federal government's single largest program in terms of the number of people affected (i.e., covered workers and beneficiaries) and its finances (i.e., receipts and expenditures). This In Focus provides an overview of the Social Security trust funds and describes their status within the federal budget."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Huston, Barry F.
2020-08-07
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated August 5, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides the results of recent presidential elections in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are three tables organized by region, that include the date of each country's independence, the name of the most recently elected president or prime minister, and the projected date of the next presidential election. Information in this report was gathered from numerous sources, including the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) World Fact Book, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Election Guide, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and other news sources."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Davis-Castro, Carla Y.; Blum, David A.
2020-08-05
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Federal Financial and Budgetary Reporting: A Primer [August 4, 2020]
From the Introduction: "To improve the transparency and integrity of the federal government and its activities, Congress has established in law a still-evolving framework for budgetary and financial reporting. This 'In Focus' outlines several categories of reporting and related statutory requirements for executive branch entities. Financial and budgetary reporting may help Congress, the President, and agency executives make better informed decisions about the allocation and use of government resources and guard against potential misuse and misapplication of such resources. Accordingly, the design and implementation of these laws may raise issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fiorentino, Dominick A.
2020-08-04
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Landslide Hazards Legislation in the 116th Congress [Updated August 3, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that landslides kill an average of 25-50 people each year in the United States and account for $1 billion to $2 billion annually in damages. Two nearly identical bills, S. 529 and H.R. 1261, titled the National Landslide Preparedness Act, would authorize a national landslide hazards reduction program within the USGS. The USGS currently operates, under its Organic Act of 1879 and other authorities, such as the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288), a Landslide Hazards Program (funding level of $4.0 million in FY2020) within its Natural Hazards Program. Both bills would broaden the USGS's current activities and require coordination with other federal agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.
2020-08-03
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Privatized Adversary Air Combat Training [August 5, 2020]
From the Document: "With U.S. military services looking to alleviate shortages of pilots and publicly admitting shortages in readiness, the Navy, Marines, and Air Force have begun to contract out some kinds of pilot training--specifically the live simulation of enemy aircraft. This trend, coupled with the worldwide rise in available military jets as air forces modernize, has led to the emergence of a new private industry offering adversary air combat training."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2020-08-05
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SBA EIDL and Emergency EIDL Grants: Data by State [Updated August 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress made COVID-19 [coronavirus disease]-related economy injury an eligible expense for the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) in the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-123). It also expanded EIDL eligibility for certain businesses and organizations, and it established an Emergency EIDL Grant program as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Mullins, Maura
2020-08-05
