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• Federal and State Quarantine and Isolation Authority [December 12, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "In the wake of recent terrorist attacks and increasing fears about the spread of highly contagious diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and pandemic influenza, federal, state, and local governments have become increasingly aware of the need for a comprehensive public health response to such events. An effective response could include the quarantine of persons exposed to infectious biological agents that are naturally occurring or released during a terrorist attack, the isolation of infected persons, and the quarantine of certain cities or neighborhoods. [...] This report provides an overview of federal and state public health laws as they relate to the quarantine and isolation of individuals, a discussion of constitutional issues that may be raised should individual liberties be restricted in a quarantine situation, and federalism questions that may arise where federal and state authorities overlap. In addition, the possible role of the armed forces in enforcing public health measures is discussed, specifically whether the Posse Comitatus Act would constrain any military role, and other statutory authorities that may be used for the military enforcement of health measures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Elsea, Jennifer; Swendiman, Kathleen

  2005-12-12
• Cyprus: Status of U.N. Negotiations [Updated December 8, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "Cyprus has been divided since 1974. Greek Cypriots, nearly 80% of the population, live in the southern two-thirds of the island. Turkish Cypriots live in the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC, recognized only by Turkey), with about 36,000 Turkish troops providing security. United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping forces maintain a buffer zone between the two. Since the late 1970s, the U.N., with U.S. support, has promoted negotiations aimed at creating a federal, bicommunal, bizonal republic on Cyprus. [...] Members of Congress have urged the Administration to be more active, although they have not proposed an alternative to the U.N.-sponsored talks. Since the referenda, the Administration has been working to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots in order to limit economic disparities between the two communities on the island and pave the way for reunification. Some Members have questioned the Administration's methods."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Migdalovitz, Carol

  2005-12-08
• Cybercrime: The Council of Europe Convention [Updated December 1, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "Forty-two countries, including the United States, have signed the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime of November 2001. The Convention seeks to better combat cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative abilities, and boosting international cooperation. Supporters argue that the Convention will enhance deterrence, while critics counter it will have little effect without participation by countries in which cybercriminals operate freely. Others warn it will endanger privacy and civil liberties. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Archick, Kristin

  2005-12-01
• Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [Updated February 4, 2002]

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  "The nations health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, processes and organizations across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g. electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed). Computers and communications, themselves critical infrastructures, are increasingly tying these infrastructures together. There is concern that this reliance on computers and computer networks raises the vulnerability of the nations critical infrastructures to 'cyber' attacks. In May 1998, President Clinton released Presidential Decision Directive No. 63. The Directive set up groups within the federal government to develop and implement plans that would protect government-operated infrastructures and called for a dialogue between government and the private sector to develop a National Infrastructure Assurance Plan that would protect all of the nations critical infrastructures by the year 2003. While the Directive called for both physical and cyber protection from both man-made and natural events, implementation focused on cyber protection against man-made cyber events (i.e. computer hackers). Those advocating the need for greater cyber security felt that this was a new vulnerability not fully appreciated by system owners and operators in either the private or public sectors. However, given the impact of the September 11 attacks on the communications, finance, and transportation infrastructures, physical protections of critical infrastructures may receive more attention."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.

  2002-02-04
• Critical Infrastructure Information Disclosure and Homeland Security [Updated August 31, 2002]

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  "Critical infrastructures have been defined as those systems and assets so vital to the United States that the incapacity of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on the United States. One of the findings of the Presidents Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, established by President Clinton in 1996, was the need for the federal government and owners and operators of the nations critical infrastructures to share information on vulnerabilities and threats. However, the Commission noted that owners and operators are reluctant to share confidential business information, and the government is reluctant to share information that might compromise intelligence sources or investigations. Among the strategies to help owners and operators share information with the federal government was a proposal to exempt the information they share from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed to ensure by statute citizen access to government information. Nine categories of information may be exempted from disclosure. Three of the nine exemptions provide possible protection against the release of critical infrastructure information: exemption 1 (national security information); exemption 3 (information exempted by statute); and exemption 4 (confidential business information). Congress has considered several proposals to exempt critical infrastructure information from the FOIA. Generally, the legislation has either created an exemption 3 statute, or codified the standard adopted by the D.C. Circuit in exemption 4 cases."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.; Stevens, Gina Marie

  2002-08-31
• Critical Infrastructure: Control Systems and the Terrorist Threat [Updated October 1, 2002]

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  "Much of the U. S. critical infrastructure is potentially vulnerable to cyber-attack. Industrial control computer systems involved in this infrastructure are specific points of vulnerability, as cyber-security for these systems has not been perceived as a high priority. Industries potentially affected by a cyber-attack on industrial control systems include the electrical, telephone, water, chemical and energy sectors. The federal government has issued a warning regarding an increase in terrorist interest in the cyber-security of industrial control systems, citing both interest by international terrorist organizations in critical infrastructure and increases in cyberattack on critical infrastructure computer systems. The potential consequences of a successful cyber-attack on critical infrastructure industrial control systems could be high, ranging from a temporary loss of service to catastrophic infrastructure failure affecting multiple states for an extended duration. A draft version of The National Strategy for Securing Cyberspace has been released. Contained within are a number of suggestions regarding security measures for control systems. A focus on the further integration of public/private partnerships and information sharing is described, along with suggestions that Department of Energy standards for securing control systems be implemented. Possible policy options for congressional consideration include further development of uniform standards for infrastructure cyber-protection, growth in research into encryption methods for industrial control systems, enhancing information sharing between industry and government representatives, potentially through expanded exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act, and mandating assessments by industry to determine and reduce cyber-vulnerabilities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shea, Dana A.

  2002-10-01
• Department of Homeland Security: Proposals to Consolidate Border and Transportation Security Agencies [August 30, 2002]

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  "To better prepare the United States against terrorist attacks, the Bush Administration released its plan to create a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on June 6, 2002. To prevent terrorists from entering, or smuggling 'instruments of terrorism' into, the United States and to prevent attacks on U.S. transportation, the plan calls for consolidating several federal agencies in a Border and Transportation Security division within a proposed DHS. These agencies include the Department of Justices Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); the Department of the Treasury's U.S. Customs Service; the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Department of Transportation's U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration; and the General Services Administrations Federal Protective Service. On July 25, 2002, the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs revised the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act of 2002 (S. 2452). This bill was previously ordered reported by the Committee on May 22, 2002. While it differs from the Administrations plan, particularly in regard to personnel management flexibility, the new version of S. 2452 was modified to more closely reflect not only that plan, but also other recommendations that had emerged in the course of congressional hearings and House consideration of similar proposals. This bill is scheduled for Senate consideration immediately following the August recess."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2002-08-30
• Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated February 4, 2003]

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  "The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security, consolidating some of them in a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. The Act charges this new directorate with securing the borders; territorial waters; terminals; waterways; and air, land and sea transportation systems of the United States; and managing the nations ports of entry. As in the past, the challenge for policymakers is to provide a level of border and transportation security that is commensurate with a multitude of threats, while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, as well as protecting civil liberties. An immediate challenge for the 108th Congress will be to work with the Administration to get the new department operational " up and running" at a time when threats to borders and transportation systems are real and arguably imminent. Moreover, the success of the Directorate will depend in large measure on the effective and expedited coordination of transferred agencies and programs; development of a unified strategic vision for departmental and directorate operations; leverage of new and existing technologies to improve threat detection, but facilitate legitimate cross border travel and trade; adequate funding and staffing; efficient deployment of resources; and successful implementation of recently enacted border, port, and transportation security-related legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2003-02-04
• H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004): A Comparative Analysis [Updated October 20, 2004]

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  "This comparative analysis of H.R. 10 (9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act) and S. 2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004) is an assessment of major similarities and differences between the two bills as passed by the House (October 8, 2004) and Senate (October 6, 2004) and under conference consideration. References to the two bills are to engrossed versions. The presentation is organized to follow the basic construct of the House bill, because its coverage remained more stable through the legislative process to date. For purposes of clarity, we refer to the House-passed bill as H.R. 10. This assessment was prepared under a stringent time-frame. Analysis of this complex and far-reaching legislation was complicated by the absence of clean final bills as passed by either chamber during much of the preparation of this product. This report now reflects the substance and the structure of the engrossed bills. CRS experts are available to follow up on any additional needs, including clarification of content or of legislative references; each section of the analysis includes contact information for the CRS analyst or attorney who prepared it. CRS also provides online access to research products that directly address a number of issues that are the focus of or are raised by H.R. 10 and S. 2845. These products are available under the CRS homepage heading Terrorism & the 9/11 Commission (see [http://www.crs.gov])."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  2004-10-20
• Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2006 [Updated March 14, 2005]

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  "The Bush Administration has requested $132.2 billion in federal research and development (R&D) funding for FY2006. This sum, represents a $505 million increase over the FY2005 estimated funding level of $131.7 billion. In real dollars, total federal R&D would decline for the first time since FY1996. The proposed FY2006 R&D budget reflects the Administrations objective of constraining the growth of federal discretionary spending. For the first time since FY1995, funding for defense R&D (the sum of the Department of Defenses ( DOD) and the Department of Energy's (DOE) defense R&D programs) would be flat with a requested $74.9 billion. This is due primarily to a proposed 21% reduction in DOD's science and technology programs. Funding for federal civilian R&D is proposed to increase $188 million to $57 billion, a 0.3% increase over the FY2005 estimated funding level. Most of this increase can be attributed to increases in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) budget and the Department of Transportation. Based on current funding proposals, most of the civilian R&D agencies budgets are proposed to decline, in real dollars, in FY2006. Funding for federal research (the sum of basic and applied research) would decline from $55.2 billion to $54.8, a 0.6% reduction. Total funding for basic research is proposed to decline from $26.9 billion in FY2005 to $26.6 billion in FY2006. Most of the decline in basic research support can be attributed to proposed reductions in DOD's and NASA's basic research programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Davey, Michael E. (Michael Earl), 1947-

  2005-03-14
• Forest Fire/Wildfire Protection [Updated January 18, 2006]

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  From the Document: "Congress continues to face questions about forestry practices, funding levels, and the federal role in wildland fire protection. Several recent fire seasons have been, by most standards, among the worst in the past half century. National attention began to focus on wildfires when a prescribed burn in May 2000 escaped control and burned 239 homes in Los Alamos, NM. President Clinton responded by requesting a doubling of wildfire management funds, and Congress enacted much of this proposal in the FY2001 Interior Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-291). President Bush responded to the severe 2002 fires by proposing a Healthy Forests Initiative to reduce fuel loads by expediting review processes. Many factors contribute to the threat of wildfire damages. Two major factors are the decline in forest and rangeland health and the expansion of residential areas into wildlands - the urban-wildland interface. Over the past century, aggressive wildfire suppression, as well as past grazing and logging practices, have altered many ecosystems, especially those where light, surface fires were frequent. Many areas now have unnaturally high fuel loads (e.g., dead trees and dense thickets) and an historically unnatural mix of plant species (e.g., exotic invaders)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gorte, Ross W.

  2006-01-18
• Forest Fire/Wildfire Protection [Updated February 14, 2005]

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  From the Document: "Congress continues to face questions about forestry practices, funding levels, and the federal role in wildland fire protection. The 2000 and 2002 fire seasons were, by most standards, among the worst in the past half century. National attention began to focus on wildfires when a prescribed burn in May 2000 escaped control and burned 239 homes in Los Alamos, NM. President Clinton responded by requesting a doubling of wildfire management funds, and Congress enacted much of this proposal in the FY2001 Interior Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-291). President Bush responded to the severe 2002 fires by proposing a Healthy Forests Initiative to reduce fuel loads by expediting review processes. Many factors contribute to the threat of wildfire damages. Two major factors are the decline in forest and rangeland health and the expansion of residential areas into wildlands - the urban-wildland interface. Over the past century, aggressive wildfire suppression, as well as past grazing and logging practices, have altered many ecosystems, especially those where light, surface fires were frequent. Many areas now have unnaturally high fuel loads (e.g., dead trees and dense thickets) and an historically unnatural mix of plant species (e.g., exotic invaders)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gorte, Ross W.

  2005-02-14
• Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance [Updated March 7, 2006]

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  "Operation Iraqi Freedom succeeded in overthrowing Saddam Hussein, but Iraq remains violent and unstable because of Sunni Arab resentment and a related insurgency. According to its November 30, 2005, Strategy for Victory, the Bush Administration indicates that U.S. forces will remain in Iraq until the country is able to provide for its own security and does not serve as a host for radical Islamic terrorists. The Administration believes that, over the longer term, Iraq will become a model for reform throughout the Middle East and a partner in the global war on terrorism. However, mounting casualties and costs have intensified a debate within the United States over the wisdom of the invasion and whether to wind down U.S. involvement without completely accomplishing U.S. goals."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2006-03-07
• Administrative Subpoenas in Criminal Investigations: A Brief Legal Analysis [March 17, 2006]

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  "Administrative subpoena authority is the power vested in various administrative agencies to compel testimony or the production of documents or both in aid of the agencies' performance of their duties. Administrative subpoenas are not a traditional tool of criminal law investigation, but neither are they unknown. Several statutes at least arguably authorize the use of administrative subpoenas primarily or exclusively for use in a criminal investigation in cases involving health care fraud, child abuse, Secret Service protection, controlled substance cases, and Inspector General investigations. As a constitutional matter, the Fourth Amendment only demands that administrative subpoenas be reasonable, a standard that requires that 1) they satisfy the terms of the authorizing statute, 2) the documents requested are relevant to the investigation, 3) the information sought is not already in the government's possession, and 4) enforcing the subpoena will not constitute an abuse of the court's process. Although more extensive proposals were offered in the 108th Congress, the law enforcement related administrative subpoena proposals in the 109th Congress appear in S. 600, relating to the Secretary of State's responsibilities to protect U.S. foreign missions and foreign dignitaries visiting this country; in H.R. 3726, relating to federal obscenity investigations; and in H.R. 4170, relating to the apprehension of fugitives charged with, or convicted of, federal or state felonies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Doyle, Charles

  2006-03-17
• Animal Identification and Meat Traceability [Updated March 7, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "Animal identification (ID) refers to marking individual or groups of farm animals so that they can be tracked from birth to slaughter. Animal ID is one segment of meat traceability, generally the tracking of identifiable products through the entire marketing chain to the ultimate consumer. Animal ID and meat traceability have been suggested as potentially useful tools in animal health, food safety, quality assurance, or country-of-origin labeling programs. No nationwide U.S. animal ID system is yet in place, although many producers do keep records on their animals for herd management and/or as part of animal disease programs. Interest in a comprehensive system has intensified in light of discoveries of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or 'mad cow disease') in several North American cows, debate over mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for meats and other products, and ongoing concerns about bioterrorism. Government and industry groups have been working for several years on establishing a national animal ID system, with animal health its primary purpose. A key goal is the ability to identify all animals and premises potentially exposed to a foreign animal disease within 48 hours of its discovery. Policy issues have revolved around whether it should be mandatory, privacy issues, who should operate it, the cost, and who should pay."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Becker, Geoffrey S.

  2006-03-07
• Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses [Updated April 6, 2006]

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  "According to an Administration national security strategy document released on March 16, 2006, the United States 'may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran.' Over the past five years, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end what it views as the potential threat posed by Iran, including pursuing limited engagement directly or through allies. However, support for a policy of changing Iran's regime has apparently gained favor within the Administration as Iran has resisted permanent curbs on its nuclear program. In the nearer term, the Administration is intent on slowing or blunting Iran's nuclear program through concerted action by the United Nations Security Council. Because Iran continues to advance its nuclear program despite international criticism, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure. International concerns on nuclear issues and other strategic issues have been heightened by the accession of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardliner, as president."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2006-04-06
• Disclosure of Security Classified Information [March 10, 2006]

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  "This memorandum responds to a question you asked regarding the disclosure of security classified information...In the past, prior to the current administration, has a Vice President authorized the disclosure of classified information to journalists on a selective basis?...The Vice President appears to have some limited declassification authority. However, it appears that the Vice President is not otherwise authorized to disclose or to direct to or to approve the disclosure of security classified information to persons not authorized to receive it. In view of this situation, it is not surprising that, in reviewing the public record of published sources, no instance was found when, in the past, prior to the current administration, a Vice President authorized the disclosure of security classified information to journalists on a select basis."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Relyea, Harold

  2006-03-10
• Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security Organization: Historical Developments and Legislative Options [April 19, 2006]

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  "Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf coasts of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi on August 29, 2005, resulting in severe and widespread damage to the region. The response of the federal government, especially the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the aftermath of the storm has been widely criticized. Some of the criticism has focused on the organizational arrangements involving FEMA and its parent, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). One month prior to the hurricane, in July 2005, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff announced plans for a reorganization of DHS, including FEMA. Known as the 'Second Stage Review,' or '2SR,' the reorganization transferred emergency preparedness functions from FEMA to a new Preparedness Directorate, among other changes. The Administration began implementation of the reorganization on October 1, 2005. In response to Administration requests, congressional support for the proposal was provided through approval of the FY2006 appropriations legislation. In the aftermath of the Katrina disaster, administrative structure issues remain a matter of contention. Pending legislation before Congress (H.R. 3656, H.R. 3659, H.R. 3816, H.R. 3685, H.R. 4009, H.R. 4493, S. 1615, S. 2302, and H.R. 4840) would make further changes. The release of reports by the House, Senate, and White House on the response to Hurricane Katrina may lead to further examination of the issues. This report provides background information on the establishment and evolution of federal emergency management organizational arrangements since the end of World War II and briefly summarizes the legislative proposals."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bea, Keith; Hogue, Henry B.

  2006-04-19
• Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and Related Funding Programs: FY2007 Assistance [April 18, 2006]

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  "In 2006, Congress will be considering a number of issues relating to the Andean region and drug trafficking, including continued funding for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and conditions on U.S. assistance. In addition to ACI, Andean countries benefit from Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET) funds, and other types of economic aid. Congress continues to express concern with the volume of drugs readily available in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The three largest producers of cocaine are Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. Ninety percent of the cocaine in the United States originates in, or passes through, Colombia. The United States has made a significant commitment of funds and material support to help Colombia and the Andean region fight drug trafficking since the development of Plan Colombia in 1999. From FY2000 through FY2006, the United States provided a total of about $5 billion for the region in ACI funds. The United States also provides funding for Development Assistance (DA), Child Survival and Health (CSH), and Economic Support Funds (ESF) to some countries in the region. The Defense Department maintains a central counternarcotics account that funds activities in Latin America. Since 2002, Congress has granted expanded authority to use counternarcotics funds for a unified campaign to fight both drug trafficking and terrorist organizations in Colombia. Three illegally armed groups in Colombia that participate in drug production and trafficking have been designated foreign terrorist organizations by the State Department."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Veillette, Connie

  2006-04-18
• High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Devices: Threat Assessments [Updated April 14, 2006]

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  "Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) is an instantaneous, intense energy field that can overload or disrupt at a distance numerous electrical systems and high technology microcircuits, which are especially sensitive to power surges. A large scale EMP effect can be produced by a single nuclear explosion detonated high in the atmosphere. This method is referred to as High-Altitude EMP (HEMP). A similar, smaller-scale EMP effect can be created using non-nuclear devices with powerful batteries or reactive chemicals. This method is called High Power Microwave (HPM). Several nations, including reported sponsors of terrorism, may currently have a capability to use EMP as a weapon for cyber warfare or cyber terrorism to disrupt communications and other parts of the U.S. critical infrastructure. Also, some equipment and weapons used by the U.S. military may be vulnerable to the effects of EMP. The threat of an EMP attack against the United States is hard to assess, but some observers indicate that it is growing along with worldwide access to newer technologies and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. In the past, the threat of mutually assured destruction provided a lasting deterrent against the exchange of multiple high-yield nuclear warheads. However, now even a single, specially designed low-yield nuclear explosion high above the United States, or over a battlefield, can produce a large-scale EMP effect that could result in a widespread loss of electronics, but no direct fatalities, and may not necessarily evoke a large nuclear retaliatory strike by the U.S. military."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Wilson, Clay

  2006-04-14
• Immigration Statistics on the Web [March 6, 2007]

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  "As immigration legislation is considered by Congress, the need for accurate information relating to immigration and immigrants has increased. This report identifies selected websites that provide general and statistical information on immigration topics. Selected government and organizational website addresses are included. As with all statistics, it is important to note the source and methodology when consulting immigration statistics, taking into account any organizational bias."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mangan, LaVonne

  2007-03-06
• Military Recruiting and the Solomon Amendment: The Supreme Court Ruling in 'Rumsfeld v. FAIR' [March 20, 2006]

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  "In recent years, many academic institutions have enacted rules that protect homosexuals from discrimination on campus. As a result, colleges, universities, and even high schools have sought to bar military recruiters from their campuses and/or to eliminate Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus because of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the DOD policy excluding known or admitted homosexuals from military service. At the same time, federal legislation has been enacted to prevent the government from funding higher educational institutions that block military recruiters from campus. On March 6, 2006, the Supreme Court reversed a federal appeals court ruling in 'Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights (FAIR).' In so doing, eight Justices upheld the constitutionality of the Solomon Amendment, which forbids most forms of federal aid to higher educational institutions that deny military recruiters access to students equal to that provided other employers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dale, Charles V.

  2006-03-20
• FY2006 Supplemental Appropriations: Iraq and Other International Activities; Additional Katrina Hurricane Relief [Updated March 21, 2006]

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  "On February 16, 2006, the Administration submitted two separate FY2006 supplemental appropriations requests. The first, totaling $72.4 billion, would fund ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan ($67.9 billion), and State Department operations in Iraq and various foreign aid programs, including additional assistance for Iraq ($4.2 billion). The other supplemental would provide $19.8 billion for recovery and reconstruction activities in hurricane-affected Gulf Coast areas. Thus, Congress is considering during the early months of 2006 a combined spending proposal of $92.2 billion. For the military component of the supplemental, several potential issues may arise in Congress, including whether DOD's funding requests for training Afghan and Iraqi security forces are necessary in light of the pace of implementation, how to make transparent the DOD assumptions about military personnel levels for active duty and reserve forces that underlie the request, whether DOD could better contain increases in operating costs, and whether DOD's investment request finances peacetime as well as wartime needs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nowels, Larry Q.; Squassoni, Sharon A.; Irwin, Paul

  2006-03-21
• Article 98 Agreements and Sanctions on U.S. Foreign Aid to Latin America [March 30, 2006]

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  "In July 2002, the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court (ICC), the first permanent world court created to judge cases involving serious human rights abuses, entered into force. The United States is not a party to the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction over U.S. citizens. The Bush Administration has sought bilateral agreements worldwide to exempt U.S. citizens from ICC prosecution, so-called 'Article 98 agreements.' There has been strong bipartisan support for legislation aimed at protecting U.S. soldiers and civilian officials from the jurisdiction of the ICC and sanctioning some foreign assistance to governments of countries that are parties to the ICC and that do not have Article 98 agreements with the United States. In 2002, Congress passed the American Servicemembers' Protection Act or ASPA (P.L. 107-206, title II), which prohibits military assistance to countries that are party to the ICC and that do not have Article 98 agreements. The Nethercutt Amendment to the FY2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4818/P.L. 108-447) and FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (H.R. 3057/P.L. 109-102) prohibited some economic assistance to the governments of those same countries that do not have Article 98 agreements. Twelve Latin American countries (including Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico) have been denied U.S. foreign assistance as a result. Some Members of Congress and Bush Administration officials have expressed concerns about the unintended effects of these sanctions on U.S. relations with Latin America. Policymakers are considering some options to mitigate these effects without undermining ASPA or diplomatic efforts to secure Article 98 agreements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2006-03-30
• FY2006 Supplemental Appropriations: Iraq and Other International Activities; Additional Katrina Hurricane Relief [Updated April 14, 2006]

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  From the Document: "On February 16, 2006, the Administration submitted two separate FY2006 supplemental appropriations requests. The first, totaling $72.4 billion, would fund ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan ($67.9 billion), and State Department operations in Iraq and various foreign aid programs, including additional assistance for Iraq ($4.2 billion). The other supplemental would provide $19.8 billion for recovery and reconstruction activities in hurricane-affected Gulf Coast areas. Thus, Congress is considering a combined spending proposal of $92.2 billion. For the military component of the supplemental, several potential issues may arise in Congress, including whether DOD's funding requests for training Afghan and Iraqi security forces are necessary in light of the pace of implementation, how to make transparent the DOD assumptions about military personnel levels for active duty and reserve forces that underlie the request, whether DOD could better contain increases in operating costs, and whether DOD's investment request finances peacetime as well as wartime needs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nowels, Larry Q.; Irwin, Paul

  2006-04-14
• Immigration: Policy Considerations Related to Guest Worker Programs [Updated January 26, 2006]

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  "In 2001, the United States and Mexico began Cabinet-level talks on migration. Although the details of these discussions were not made public, two issues - legalization and a temporary worker program - dominated media coverage. The talks lost momentum after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as the Bush Administration focused its attention on security-related matters. A temporary worker program (not limited to Mexico), however, remains of interest to some Members of Congress and Administration officials. Various bills to reform existing programs for foreign temporary workers and to create new temporary worker programs have been introduced in recent Congresses. Several such bills are before the 109th Congress. In January 2004, the Bush Administration outlined a proposal for a new temporary worker program. The new programs under discussion presumably would cover largely low-skilled workers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bruno, Andorra

  2006-01-26
• Immigration: A Guide to Internet Sources [Updated September 9, 2004]

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  "This report identifies selected websites from the Internet on immigration topics in the United States. Selected government, legal, and organizational website addresses are provided. On March 1, 2003, enforcement function and service responsibilities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) transferred to the newly created Cabinet level Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This report will be updated periodically as new information becomes available and to ensure the currency of the Web addresses as a result of the reorganization and during this time of transition."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  2004-09-04
• Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated March 17, 2006]

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  "Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, followed by parliamentary elections on September 18, 2005. This completes the post-Taliban political transition roadmap established at the December 2001 international conference in Bonn, Germany...U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces while combating insurgents. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs). Approximately 18,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban-led insurgency, but the United States and NATO have agreed to shift more of the security burden to NATO during 2006. That transition will permit U.S. force levels to drop to a planned level of about 16,500 by mid-2006, although the reduction has raised concerns among Afghan officials that the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is waning. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan about $4.35 billion in FY2005, including funds to equip and train Afghan security forces. Another $931 million is provided for in the conference report on the regular FY2006 aid appropriation (P.L. 109-102). In February, the Administration requested $1.1 billion in aid for FY2007 and about $2.5 billion in supplemental FY2006 funds, of which about $2.4 billion is to go to Afghan security force development and Defense Department counter-narcotics support efforts there."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2006-03-17
• China's Trade with the United States and the World [Updated March 14, 2006]

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  "As imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC) have surged in recent years, posing a threat to some U.S. industries and manufacturing employment, Congress has begun to focus on not only access to the Chinese market and intellectual property rights (IPO) protection, but also the mounting U.S. trade deficit with China as well as allegations that China is selling its products on the international market at below cost (dumping), engaging in 'currency manipulation,' and exploiting its workers. Members of the 109th Congress have introduced several bills that would impose trade sanctions on China for not revaluing its currency or for engaging in other acts of unfair trade, while the Bush Administration has imposed anti-dumping duties and safeguards against some PRC products and pressured China to revalue its currency and remove non-tariff trade barriers."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki

  2006-03-14
• China-U.S. Trade Issues [Updated March 21, 2006]

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  "U.S.-China economic ties have expanded substantially over the past several years. Total U.S.-China trade, which totaled only $5 billion in 1980, rose to $285 billion in 2005. China is now the third largest U.S. trading partner, its second-largest source of imports, and its fourth largest export market. With a huge population and a rapidly expanding economy, China is becoming a large market for U.S. exporters. Yet, U.S.-China commercial ties have been strained by a number of issues, including a surging U.S. trade deficit with China, which totaled $202 billion in 2005, China's currency policy, and lax protection of U.S. intellectual property rights (IPR). The continued rise in the U.S.-China trade imbalance, complaints from several U.S. manufacturing firms over the competitive challenges posed by cheap Chinese imports, and concerns that U.S. manufacturing jobs are being lost due to unfair Chinese trade practices have led several Members to call on the Bush Administration to take a more aggressive stance against certain Chinese trade policies deemed to be unfair."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Morrison, Wayne M.

  2006-03-21