Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Display of the Confederate Flag at Federal Cemeteries in the United States [May 4, 2016]
"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Park Service (NPS), and the Department of the Army all administer federal cemeteries that sometimes display the Confederate flag. There are 147 national cemeteries in the United States. The VA, through its National Cemetery Administration (NCA), administers 131 cemeteries. The Army, in the Department of Defense (DOD), administers 2 national cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery. Another 14 national cemeteries are maintained by the NPS, in the Department of the Interior. In addition, the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) operates 25 American military cemeteries in 16 foreign countries. The NPS, the VA, and the Army all have policies concerning the Confederate flag's display. Following the June 17, 2015, shooting deaths of nine people in a historically black church in Charleston, SC [South Carolina], the display of Confederate flags at federal cemeteries came under scrutiny."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.; Szymendera, Scott
2016-05-04
-
Guide to Cyber Threat Information Sharing
From the Abstract: "Cyber threat information is any information that can help an organization identify, assess, monitor, and respond to cyber threats. Cyber threat information includes indicators of compromise; tactics, techniques, and procedures used by threat actors; suggested actions to detect, contain, or prevent attacks; and the findings from the analyses of incidents. Organizations that share cyber threat information can improve their own security postures as well as those of other organizations. This publication provides guidelines for establishing and participating in cyber threat information sharing relationships. This guidance helps organizations establish information sharing goals, identify cyber threat information sources, scope information sharing activities, develop rules that control the publication and distribution of threat information, engage with existing sharing communities, and make effective use of threat information in support of the organization's overall cybersecurity practices."
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)
Johnson, Chris; Badger, Lee; Waltermire, David . . .
2016-10
-
Methane and Other Air Pollution Issues in Natural Gas Systems [February 15, 2018]
"Congressional interest in U.S. energy policy has often focused on ways through which the United States could secure more economical, reliable, and cleaner fossil fuel resources both domestically and internationally. Recent expansion in natural gas production, primarily as a result of new or improved technologies (e.g., hydraulic fracturing) used on unconventional resources (e.g., shale, tight sands, and coalbed methane), has made natural gas an increasingly significant component in the U.S. energy supply. While the practice of hydraulic fracturing is not new, relatively recent innovations have incorporated processes such as directional drilling, high-volume slick-water injection, and multistage fractures to get to previously unrecoverable resources. As a result, the United States has again become the largest producer of natural gas in the world."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2018-02-15
-
Methane and Other Air Pollution Issues in Natural Gas Systems [October 6, 2017]
"Congressional interest in U.S. energy policy has often focused on ways through which the United States could secure more economical, reliable, and cleaner fossil fuel resources both domestically and internationally. Recent expansion in natural gas production, primarily as a result of new or improved technologies (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, directional drilling) used on unconventional resources (e.g., shale, tight sands, and coalbed methane) has made natural gas an increasingly significant component in the U.S. energy supply. This expansion, however, has prompted questions about the potential impacts of natural gas systems on human health and the environment, including impacts on air quality."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattannzio, Richard K.
2017-10-06
-
Medal of Honor: History and Issues [August 18, 2015]
"The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military award for bravery. It is awarded by the President in the name of Congress. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since it was first presented in 1863, the medal has been awarded 3,512 times to 3,493 recipients. Nineteen individuals have been double recipients of the award. Recipients of the Medal of Honor are afforded a number of benefits as a result of this award. Since the award's inception, the laws and regulations that apply to it have changed. In certain cases, the award has been rescinded. Six rescinded awards have been reinstated. On a number of occasions, legislation has been offered to waive certain restrictions and to encourage the President to award the Medal of Honor to particular individuals. Generally speaking, this type of legislation is rarely enacted. In a very limited number of cases, the medal has been awarded outside the legal restrictions concerning time limits. These cases are often based on technical errors, lost documents or eyewitness accounts, or other factors that justify reconsideration. These cases, however, represent the exception and not the rule. The two most recent recipients from World War I, Army Private Henry Johnson and Army Sergeant William Shemin, were awarded Medals of Honor posthumously by President Obama on June 2, 2015."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2015-08-18
-
Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 115th Congresses [Updated January 25, 2019]
"Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. During that time, legislation has often involved market-based approaches, such as a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or fee program. Both approaches would place a price--directly or indirectly--on GHG emissions or their inputs (e.g., fossil fuels), both would increase the price of fossil fuels, and both would reduce GHG emissions to some degree. Both would allow emission sources to choose the best way to meet their emission requirements or reduce costs, potentially by using market forces to minimize national costs of emission reductions. Preference between the two approaches ultimately depends on which variable policymakers prefer to precisely control--emission levels or emission prices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2019-01-25
-
ITL Bulletin: Improving Security and Software Management Through the Use of SWID Tags (July 2016)
"An important component of maintaining organizational information security is 'software asset management' (SAM), especially in the area of 'software inventory management.' Software inventory management includes the need to confirm and monitor the extent to which software is installed in accordance with organizational requirements (e.g., change management, licensing, requirements, patching, regimens, and removal processes.) The National Institute (NIST) Information Technology Laboratory has been working with the security and SAM communities to conduct and publish research regarding the use of software identification (SWID) tags to support software asset management and software security. NIST has also been working with the international standards development organizations to enhance the SWID tag standards and to promote their use in software and security management protocols."
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.); Information Technology Laboratory (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Computer Security Division
Waltermire, David; Feldman, Larry; Witte, Greg
2016-07
-
Display of the Confederate Flag at Federal Cemeteries in the United States [August 31, 2016]
"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Park Service (NPS), and the Department of the Army all administer federal cemeteries that sometimes display the Confederate flag. There are 147 national cemeteries in the United States. The VA, through its National Cemetery Administration (NCA), administers 131 cemeteries. The Army, in the Department of Defense (DOD), administers 2 national cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery. Another 14 national cemeteries are maintained by the NPS, in the Department of the Interior. In addition, the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) operates 25 American military cemeteries in 16 foreign countries. The NPS, the VA, and the Army all have policies concerning the Confederate flag's display. Following the June 17, 2015, shooting deaths of nine people in a historically black church in Charleston, SC [South Carolina], the display of Confederate flags at federal cemeteries came under scrutiny."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Comay, Laura B.; Szymendera, Scott
2016-08-31
-
Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2013 [September 24, 2013]
"The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the nation's highest award for military valor. It is presented by the President in the name of Congress and thus is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since its first presentation in 1863, 3,479 Medals of Honor have been awarded. In 1973, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs issued a committee print, Vietnam Era Medal of Honor Recipients 1964-72, followed by the committee print, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1978, in 1979. Both committee prints list recipients and provide the full text of the citations describing the actions that resulted in the awarding of the medal. This report covers additions and changes to the list of recipients of the medal since the release of the committee print."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leland, Anne
2013-09-24
-
Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 116th Congresses [Updated October 23, 2019]
From the Document: "Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. During that time, legislation has often involved market-based approaches, such as a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or emissions fee program. Both approaches would place a price--directly or indirectly--on GHG emissions or their inputs, namely fossil fuels. Both would increase the price of fossil fuels, and both would reduce GHG emissions to some degree. Both would allow emission sources to choose the best way to meet their emission requirements or reduce costs, potentially by using market forces to minimize national costs of emission reductions. Preference between the two approaches ultimately depends on which variable policymakers prefer to precisely control--emission levels or emission prices. A primary policy concern with either approach is the economic impacts that may result. Expected energy price increases could have both economy-wide impacts (e.g., on the U.S. gross domestic product) and disproportionate effects on specific industries and particular demographic groups. The degree of these potential effects would depend on a number of factors, including the magnitude, design, and scope of the program and the use of tax or fee revenues or emission allowance values."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2019-10-23
-
Market-Based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Legislation: 108th Through 116th Congresses [Updated August 28, 2019]
From the Document: "Congressional interest in market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission control legislation has fluctuated over the past 15 years. During that time, legislation has often involved market-based approaches, such as a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax or emissions fee program. [...] A primary policy concern with either approach is the economic impacts that may result. Expected energy price increases could have both economy-wide impacts (e.g., on the U.S. gross domestic product) and disproportionate effects on specific industries and particular demographic groups. The degree of these potential effects would depend on a number of factors, including the magnitude, design, and scope of the program and the use of tax or fee revenues or emission allowance values."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2019-09-28
-
U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations [September 4, 2020]
From the Summary: "The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries to support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets since the 1990s. The Trump Administration has sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. assistance efforts in the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular migration and transnational crime. To date, however, Congress has opted not to adopt many of the Administration's proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Martin, Rachel L.
2020-09-04
-
Section 199A Deduction: Economic Effects and Policy Options [January 6, 2021]
From the Introduction: "A key aim of the tax revision enacted in December 2017 (P.L. 115-97, often referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA) was to reduce the federal tax burden on corporate and noncorporate businesses. Many of the reduction's backers predicted that it would give businesses an added incentive to hire more workers and invest more in tangible and intangible depreciable assets. The law sought to reduce the business tax burden in two ways. [...] This report addresses the Section 199A deduction's possible economic effects. More specifically, it mainly addresses the deduction's impact on (1) investment and employment, (2) horizontal and vertical equity in the federal income tax, and (3) tax administration (as it concerns the cost to taxpayers of complying with tax laws and the cost to the federal government of enforcing such compliance). The report ends with a discussion of policy options for Congress, as it considers whether the deduction should be retained beyond 2025 and whether and how to modify it if the deduction is retained."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2021-01-06
-
Issues in the Reauthorization of Amtrak [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "Amtrak--officially the National Railroad Passenger Corporation--has been the national intercity passenger railroad since 1971, and currently serves over 500 stations on a network approximately 22,000 miles long. In some markets, such as the busy Northeast Corridor (NEC) connecting Washington, DC; New York; and Boston, it has captured a greater share of intercity passengers than domestic airlines. In other, more rural markets, some see it as a vital link to the national transportation system despite low levels of ridership. Though Amtrak is legally a private for-profit corporation, the federal government controls the company's operations. A multiyear authorization of federal funding for Amtrak was included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-94), which expires at the end of FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-01-05
-
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. §2411) grants the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a range of responsibilities and authorities to investigate and take action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices. Prior to the Trump Administration and since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in 1995, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States has used Section 301 authorities primarily to build cases and pursue dispute settlement at the WTO. However, President Trump has been more willing to act unilaterally under these authorities to promote what the Administration considers to be 'free,' 'fair,' and 'reciprocal' trade. The Trump Administration's use of Section 301 has been the subject of congressional and broader international debate. The Administration has attributed this shift in policy to a large and persistent gap between U.S. and foreign government practices that may disadvantage or discriminate against U.S. firms. In addition, the Administration has justified many of its recent tariff actions--particularly those against China--by pointing to alleged weaknesses in WTO dispute settlement procedures and the inadequacy or nonexistence of WTO rules to address certain Chinese trade practices. It has also cited the failure of past trade negotiations and agreements to enhance reciprocal market access for U.S. firms and workers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-07
-
North Korea's Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "North Korea continues to advance its nuclear weapons and missile programs despite UN Security Council sanctions and high-level diplomatic efforts. North Korea is observing a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing. Recent ballistic missile tests and an October 2020 military parade suggest that North Korea is continuing to build a nuclear warfighting capability designed to evade regional ballistic missile defenses. Such an approach likely reinforces a deterrence and coercive diplomacy strategy--lending more credibility as it demonstrates capability--but it also raises questions about crisis stability and escalation control. Congress may choose to examine U.S. policy in light of these advances."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham; Ryder, Samuel D.
2021-01-05
-
Section 301: Tariff Exclusions on U.S. Imports from China [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "In 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determined, pursuant to an investigation under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. §§2411-2420), that China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property (IP), and innovation are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. To counter them and obtain their elimination, the Trump Administration imposed, under Section 301, four rounds of increased tariffs on approximately two-thirds of U.S. imports from China. However, to avoid harm to U.S. interests, the USTR instituted 'tariff exclusions' for certain U.S. imports that would otherwise be subject to tariffs. This is the first time that the agency has established an exclusion request process, and several Members of Congress have raised concerns about its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-07
-
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Invasive Species Efforts [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "An 'invasive species' is a nonnative species that does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species impact terrestrial and aquatic--including marine and freshwater--systems. As society has become more connected, opportunities for the spread of invasive species have increased (e.g., navigation activities can transport species and introduce them to multiple different watersheds and waterbodies).After introduction, invasive species may become established and spread;it can be costly and difficult (or impossible, in some cases) to control or eradicate them. Many federal and nonfederal agencies managing land and water undertake efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species or, upon detection of an invasive species, devote resources to control and eradication efforts. [...] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), part of the Department of Defense, develops and maintains civil works projects in the United States principally to improve navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. USACE is the steward of approximately 12 million acres of public lands and waters at hundreds of water resources projects nationwide. Invasive species can impact USACE projects by outcompeting native species, clogging water pipes, and affecting water quality and recreation. [...] This In Focus presents information on USACE invasive species funding and selected authorities, programs, and projects, as well as related legislative action in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Crafton, R. Eliot
2021-01-04
-
Russian Cyber Units [January 4, 2021]
From the Document: "Russia has deployed sophisticated cyber capabilities to conduct disinformation, propaganda, espionage, and destructive cyberattacks globally. To conduct these operations, Russia maintains numerous units overseen by its various security and intelligence agencies. Russia's security agencies compete with each other and often conduct similar operations on the same targets, making specific attribution and motivation assessments difficult. Congress may be interested in the various Russian agencies, units, and their attributes to better understand why and how Russia conducts cyber operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowen, Andrew S.
2021-01-04
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region. By the end of 2020, the region reported over 507,000 deaths (almost 28% of deaths worldwide)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-01-07
-
Disaster Relief Fund: Monthly Report as of August 31, 2020 (Fiscal Year 2020 Report to Congress)
From the Background: "P.L. 116-93 [2020 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act ] requires that the FEMA Administrator provide a report by the fifth business day of each month on the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) that includes a funding summary, a table delineating DRF funding activities each month by state and event, a summary of the funding for the catastrophic events, and the fund exhaustion date, or end-of-fiscal-year balance. P.L. 116-136 [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act] requires that both projected and actual costs for funds provided by it for major disasters and any other expenses be provided to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2020-09-08
-
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): In Brief [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) subsidizes most of the cost of qualified health insurance for eligible taxpayers and their family members. Potential eligibility for the HCTC is limited to two groups of taxpayers. One group is comprised of individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) allowances because they experienced qualifying job losses. The other group consists of individuals whose defined-benefit pension plans were taken over by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) because of financial difficulties. HCTC-eligible individuals are allowed to receive the tax credit only if they either could not enroll in certain other health coverage (e.g., Medicaid) or are not eligible for other specified coverage (e.g., Medicare Part A). To claim the HCTC, eligible taxpayers must have 'qualified health insurance' (specific categories of coverage, as specified in statute). Several of those categories, known as 'state-qualified health plans', are available only after being established by state action. The HCTC is refundable, so eligible taxpayers may receive the full credit amount even if they had little or no federal income tax liability. The credit is also advanceable, so taxpayers may receive the credit on a monthly basis to coincide with the payment of premiums. The HCTC has a sunset date of January 1, 2022."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandez, Bernadette
2021-01-05
-
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Waiver Authority and Modification of Volumes [January 26, 2017]
"The Clean Air Act requires that transportation fuels contain a minimum amount of renewable fuel. This renewable fuel standard (RFS) was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The RFS includes scheduled volume mandates that grow each year (starting with 9 billion gallons in 2008 and ascending to 36 billion gallons in 2022), with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determining the annual volume amounts following 2022. Within the overall RFS, there are sub-mandates for advanced biofuels, including cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, and other advanced biofuels. EPA, which is responsible for administering the RFS, has the authority to waive the RFS requirements, in whole or in part, if certain conditions outlined in statute prevail. More specifically, the statute identifies a general waiver for the overall RFS and waivers for two types of advanced biofuel: cellulosic biofuel and biomass-based diesel. [...] The potential for full or partial RFS waivers can contribute to uncertainty for policymakers, industry, financiers, and other interested parties. [...] This report discusses the process and criteria that EPA may use to waive various portions of the RFS and the reset section and briefly analyzes the potential impacts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bracmort, Kelsi
2017-01-26
-
Low-Yield, Submarine-Launched Nuclear Warhead: Overview of the Expert Debate [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Trump Administration developed a new low-yield version of the W-76 warhead for existing submarine-launched Trident II (D-5) missiles. Unclassified sources state that the existing W76-1 warhead has an explosive yield of around 100 kilotons. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has said the low-yield version, the W76-2, would be configured 'for primary-only detonation.' This could mean a yield of less than 10 kilotons. Congress appropriated $65 million for the W76-2 warhead in FY2019 and $10 million to complete work in FY2020. It also authorized $19.6 million in FY2020 for the Navy to integrate the warhead into the submarine force. NNSA completed the first modified warhead in February 2019, began delivering warheads to the Navy by late 2019, and completed the deliveries during FY2020. The Pentagon reported in February 2020 that the Navy had begun deploying the warheads by that time. NNSA did not disclose the total number produced, although it is likely just a very small portion of the W76 stockpile (estimated, in unclassified sources, to be around 1,300 total warheads). The Trump Administration introduced the low-yield version of the W76 warhead in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). It cited the need for additional 'tailored' and 'flexible' capabilities to address the danger of coercive nuclear use, a concept described below, by Russia and North Korea."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2021-01-05
-
Foreign Direct Investment: Overview and Issues [Updated January 4, 2021]
From the Overview: "The growing prominence of foreign direct investment (FDI) raises questions about its costs and benefits to the U.S. economy. Traditionally, the United States has supported a rules-based and open investment environment internationally in order to promote economic growth and advance other policy objectives. U.S. investment policy includes negotiating rules, disciplines, and market access commitments concerning FDI in trade agreements and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and administering investment promotion programs. It also involves reviewing certain proposed inbound FDI transactions for U.S. national security implications. FDI is a part of U.S. trade policy, given that it is a major driver of trade and plays a role in facilitating global supply chains."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jackson, James K., 1949-
2021-01-04
-
House of Representatives Vacancies: How Are They Filled? [January 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Vacancies in the office of U.S. Representative occur when an incumbent Member dies, resigns, or leaves office for any reason before the end of their term. Multiple special elections to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives typically take place in each Congress. The same procedures apply if a Representative-elect dies between the election and the day on which the new Congress to which they were elected convenes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Neale, Thomas H.
2021-01-08
-
Military Installation Resilience: What Does it Mean? [January 6, 2021]
From the Document: "A misunderstanding that sometimes occurs when discussing military installations and resilience is the distinction between the Department of Defense's (DOD's) general responsibilities to ensure military installations are resilient and its statutory responsibility to provide 'military installation resilience.' [...] The statutory definition focuses exclusively on those environmental threats that can impact military installations. At the same time, DOD generally takes a more comprehensive approach to ensuring military installations are resilient. This difference in connotation can result in misconceptions of certain resilience-related statutory requirements for military installations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Herrera, G. James
2021-01-06
-
U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 12, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-01-12
-
Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress has maintained interest in Mexico, a neighboring country and top trading partner with which the United States has a close but complex relationship. In recent decades, U.S.-Mexican relations have improved as the countries have become close trade partners and worked to address crime, migration, and other issues of shared concern. Nevertheless, the history of U.S. military and diplomatic intervention in Mexico and the asymmetry in the relationship has continued to provoke periodic tension. For example, the U.S. investigation into and October 2020 arrest of Mexico's former defense minister damaged trust between the two governments. Congress remains concerned about the effects of organized-crime-related violence in Mexico on U.S. security interests and about U.S. citizens' safety in Mexico, and it has increased oversight of U.S.-Mexican security cooperation. Congress may continue to appropriate foreign assistance for Mexico and oversee bilateral efforts to address illegal drug flows, unauthorized migration, environmental issues, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) and its labor commitments, Mexico's treatment of U.S. energy firms, and border environmental and water issues may receive oversight attention. This report provides an overview of political and economic conditions in Mexico, followed by overviews of selected issues of congressional interest in Mexico: security and foreign aid, extraditions, human rights, trade, migration, energy, border environmental, water, and health."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-01-07
-
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA). Since the end of FY2017, 16 short-term NFIP reauthorizations have been enacted. The NFIP is currently authorized until September 30, 2021. [...] This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP, ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action. However, this report does not provide detail on current or future legislative issues for Congress, which are covered in a separate report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2021-01-05
