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• Mexico: Evolution of the Mérida Initiative, 2007-2020 [Updated June 28, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Violent criminal organizations have threatened security and governance in parts of Mexico for more than a decade. This situation affects U.S. security interests, particularly in the Southwest border region. Although the illicit drug trade has long been prevalent in Mexico, violence has escalated as transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) have fought for control of smuggling routes into the United States. In 2007, Mexico and the United States created the Mérida Initiative, a security and rule-of-law partnership to address drug trafficking and crime. Through this partnership, which has since been the centerpiece of bilateral security cooperation, both countries have invested in a broad range of efforts to combat transnational crime and its consequences. U.S. appropriations for the Mérida Initiative since FY2008 (some $3.0 billion) have constituted only 2% of Mexico's total security budget but have enabled the U.S. government to help shape Mexico's policies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2019-06-28
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [March 13, 2015]

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  "This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity from CRS [Congressional Resource Service], other government agencies, trade associations, and interest groups. The reports and related websites are grouped under the following cybersecurity topics: [1] Policy overview [2] National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) [3] Cloud computing and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) [4] Critical infrastructure [5] Cybercrime, data breaches, and data security [6] National security, cyber espionage, and cyberwar (including Stuxnet) [7] International efforts [8] Education/training/workforce [9] Research and development (R&D). In addition, the report lists selected cybersecurity-related websites for congressional and government agencies; news; international organizations; and other organizations, associations, and institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-03-13
• Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress [November 20, 2015]

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  "The Internet is often described as a 'network of networks' because it is not a single physical entity, but hundreds of thousands of interconnected networks linking hundreds of millions of computers around the world. As such, the Internet is international, decentralized, and comprised of networks and infrastructure largely owned and operated by private sector entities. As the Internet grows and becomes more pervasive in all aspects of modern society, the question of how it should be governed becomes more pressing. Currently, an important aspect of the Internet is governed by a private sector, international organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which manages and oversees some of the critical technical underpinnings of the Internet such as the domain name system and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. ICANN makes its policy decisions using a multistakeholder model of governance, in which a 'bottom-up' collaborative process is open to all constituencies of Internet stakeholders. National governments have recognized an increasing stake in ICANN policy decisions, especially in cases where Internet policy intersects with national laws addressing such issues as intellectual property, privacy, law enforcement, and cybersecurity. Some governments around the world are advocating increased intergovernmental influence over the way the Internet is governed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2015-11-20
• Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress [November 9, 2015]

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  "The Internet is often described as a 'network of networks' because it is not a single physical entity, but hundreds of thousands of interconnected networks linking hundreds of millions of computers around the world. As such, the Internet is international, decentralized, and comprised of networks and infrastructure largely owned and operated by private sector entities. As the Internet grows and becomes more pervasive in all aspects of modern society, the question of how it should be governed becomes more pressing. Currently, an important aspect of the Internet is governed by a private sector, international organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which manages and oversees some of the critical technical underpinnings of the Internet such as the domain name system and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. ICANN makes its policy decisions using a multistakeholder model of governance, in which a 'bottom-up' collaborative process is open to all constituencies of Internet stakeholders. National governments have recognized an increasing stake in ICANN policy decisions, especially in cases where Internet policy intersects with national laws addressing such issues as intellectual property, privacy, law enforcement, and cybersecurity. Some governments around the world are advocating increased intergovernmental influence over the way the Internet is governed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2015-11-09
• Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents [December 10, 2015]

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  "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated against individuals, corporations, and countries. Targets have included government networks, companies, and political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, engaging in cybercrime, or intimidating political activists. In addition, national borders mean little or nothing to cyberattackers, and attributing an attack to a specific location can be difficult, which may make responding problematic. Despite many recommendations made over the past decade, most major legislative provisions relating to cybersecurity had been enacted prior to 2002. However, on December 18, 2014, in the last days of the 113th Congress, five cybersecurity bills were signed by the President. These bills change federal cybersecurity programs in a number of ways: 1) codifying the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in developing a 'voluntary, industry-led set of standards' to reduce cyber risk; 2) codifying the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center as a hub for interactions with the private sector; 3) updating the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 'eliminate ... inefficient and wasteful reports'; and 4) requiring DHS to develop a 'comprehensive workforce strategy' within a year and giving DHS new authorities for cybersecurity hiring."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-12-10
• Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents [November 17, 2015]

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  "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated against individuals, corporations, and countries. Targets have included government networks, companies, and political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, engaging in cybercrime, or intimidating political activists. In addition, national borders mean little or nothing to cyberattackers, and attributing an attack to a specific location can be difficult, which may make responding problematic. Despite many recommendations made over the past decade, most major legislative provisions relating to cybersecurity had been enacted prior to 2002. However, on December 18, 2014, in the last days of the 113th Congress, five cybersecurity bills were signed by the President. These bills change federal cybersecurity programs in a number of ways: [1] codifying the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in developing a 'voluntary, industry-led set of standards' to reduce cyber risk; [2] codifying the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center as a hub for interactions with the private sector; [3] updating the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 'eliminate ... inefficient and wasteful reports'; and [4] requiring DHS to develop a 'comprehensive workforce strategy' within a year and giving DHS new authorities for cybersecurity hiring. In April 2011, the Obama Administration sent Congress legislative proposals that would have given the federal government new authority to ensure that corporations owning assets most critical to the nation's security and economic prosperity adequately addressed risks posed by cybersecurity threats. This report provides links to cybersecurity legislation in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-11-17
• Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents [October 29, 2015]

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  "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated against individuals, corporations, and countries. Targets have included government networks, companies, and political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, engaging in cybercrime, or intimidating political activists. In addition, national borders mean little or nothing to cyberattackers, and attributing an attack to a specific location can be difficult, which may make responding problematic. Despite many recommendations made over the past decade, most major legislative provisions relating to cybersecurity had been enacted prior to 2002. However, on December 18, 2014, in the last days of the 113th Congress, five cybersecurity bills were signed by the President. These bills change federal cybersecurity programs in a number of ways: [1] codifying the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in developing a 'voluntary, industry-led set of standards' to reduce cyber risk; [2] codifying the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center as a hub for interactions with the private sector; [3] updating the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 'eliminate ... inefficient and wasteful reports'; and [4] requiring DHS to develop a 'comprehensive workforce strategy' within a year and giving DHS new authorities for cybersecurity hiring. In April 2011, the Obama Administration sent Congress legislative proposals that would have given the federal government new authority to ensure that corporations owning assets most critical to the nation's security and economic prosperity adequately addressed risks posed by cybersecurity threats. This report provides links to cybersecurity legislation in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-10-29
• Rules and Practices Governing Consideration of Revenue Legislation in the House and Senate [November 12, 2015]

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  "The term revenue is defined as funds collected from the public that arise from the government's exercise of its sovereign or governmental powers. Federal revenues come from a variety of sources, including individual and corporate income taxes, excise taxes, customs duties, estate and gift taxes, fees and fines, payroll taxes for social insurance programs, and miscellaneous receipts (such as earnings of the Federal Reserve System, donations, and bequests). The executive branch often uses the term receipts or governmental receipts in place of the term revenues. The collection of revenue is a fundamental component of the federal budget process that provides the government with the money necessary to fund agencies and programs. Further, the collection of revenue directly affects individual citizens and businesses and, in some cases, can achieve specific policy outcomes. The Constitution grants Congress this considerable power to 'lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises.' […] This report provides an overview and analysis of the most consequential revenue-specific rules that apply during the process of developing and considering revenue legislation. It highlights certain rules and precedents that apply specifically to revenue measures and distinguishes them into four categories: (1) rules that apply to the origination and referral of revenue measures; (2) rules that require supplemental materials or information to be included with revenue measures; (3) rules that apply to the budgetary impact of revenue measures; and (4) rules related to the consideration of revenue measures under the budget reconciliation process, which carries with it additional unique procedures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lynch, Megan Suzanne

  2015-11-12
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress [December 3, 2015]

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  "On January 6, 2011, after spending approximately $3 billion in developmental funding, the Marine Corps cancelled the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program due to poor reliability demonstrated during operational testing and excessive cost growth. Because the EFV was intended to replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), the Pentagon pledged to move quickly to develop a 'more affordable and sustainable' vehicle to replace the EFV. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is intended to replace the AAV, incorporating some EFV capabilities but in a more practical and cost-efficient manner. In concert with the ACV, the Marines were developing the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) to serve as a survivable and mobile platform to transport Marines when ashore. The MPC was not intended to be amphibious like an AAV, EFV, or the ACV but instead would be required to have a swim capability for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and other water obstacles such as shore-to-shore operations in the littorals. Both vehicles are intended to play a central role in future Marine amphibious operations. On June 14, 2013, Marine leadership put the MPC program 'on ice' due to budgetary pressures but suggested the program might be resurrected some 10 years down the road when budgetary resources might be more favorable. In what was described as a 'drastic shift,' the Marines decided to 'resurrect' the MPC in March 2014. The Marines designated the MPC as ACV Increment 1.1 and planned to acquire about 200 vehicles. The Marines also plan to develop ACV Increment 1.2, a tracked, fully amphibious version, and to acquire about 470 vehicles and fund an ongoing high water speed study. Although ACV Increment 1.1 will have a swim capability, a 'connector' will be required to get the vehicles from ship to shore."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2015-12-03
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [December 1, 2017]

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  "China's actions for asserting and defending its maritime territorial and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims in the East China (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS) have heightened concerns among observers that China may be seeking to dominate or gain control of its near-seas region, meaning the ECS, the SCS, and the Yellow Sea. Chinese domination over or control of this region could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2017-12-01
• Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [January 29, 2018]

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  "This report provides an overview of political and economic conditions in Mexico, followed by assessments of selected issues of congressional interest in Mexico: security and foreign aid, extraditions, human rights, trade, migration, energy, education, environment, and water issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2018-01-29
• Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program [March 27, 2018]

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  "The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is a national network of centers that provide custom services to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to improve production processes, upgrade technological capabilities, and facilitate product innovation. The MEP mission is 'to enhance the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing.' The MEP program executes this mission through 'state and regional centers [that] facilitate and accelerate the transfer of manufacturing technology in partnership with industry, universities and educational institutions, state governments, and NIST and other federal research laboratories and agencies.' Funding for the MEP centers is provided on a cost-shared basis between the federal government and nonfederal sources, including state and local governments and fees charged to SMMs for center services."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F., Jr.

  2018-03-27
• Mental Health Workforce: A Primer [April 20, 2018]

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  "This report begins with a working definition of the mental health workforce and a brief discussion of alternative definitions. It then describes three dimensions of the mental health workforce that may influence quality of care, access to care, and costs of care: (1) licensure requirements and scope of practice for each provider type in the mental health workforce, (2) estimated numbers of each provider type in the mental health workforce, and (3) average annual wages for each provider type in the mental health workforce. The report then briefly discusses how these dimensions of the mental health workforce might inform certain policy discussions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-

  2018-04-20
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV): Background and Issues for Congress [March 7, 2018]

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  "On January 6, 2011, after spending approximately $3 billion in developmental funding, the Marine Corps cancelled the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program due to poor reliability demonstrated during operational testing and excessive cost growth. Because the EFV was intended to replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), the Pentagon pledged to move quickly to develop a 'more affordable and sustainable' vehicle to replace the EFV. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is intended to replace the AAV, incorporating some EFV capabilities but in a more practical and cost-efficient manner. In concert with the ACV, the Marines were developing the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) to serve as a survivable and mobile platform to transport Marines when ashore. The MPC was not intended to be amphibious like an AAV, EFV, or the ACV but instead would be required to have a swim capability for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and other water obstacles such as shore-to-shore operations in the littorals. Both vehicles were intended to play central roles in future Marine amphibious operations. On June 14, 2013, Marine leadership put the MPC program 'on ice' due to budgetary pressures but suggested the program might be resurrected some 10 years down the road when budgetary resources might be more favorable."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2018-03-07
• Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile [March 19, 2018]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018) as of January 3, 2018. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age, occupation, education, length of congressional service, religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, foreign births, and military service. In the House of Representatives, there are 240 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 196 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), and 5 vacant seats. The Senate has 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who both caucus with the Democrats. The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 115th Congress was 57.8 years; of Senators, 61.8 years, among the oldest in U.S. history. The overwhelming majority of Members of Congress have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public service/politics, business, and law. Most Members identify as Christians, and Protestants collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation. Roman Catholics account for the largest single religious denomination, and numerous other affiliations are represented, including Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal Christian, Unitarian Universalist, and Christian Science."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2015-03-19
• Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile [January 3, 2018]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018) as of January 3, 2018. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age, occupation, education, length of congressional service, religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, foreign births, and military service."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2018-01-03
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [February 3, 2015]

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  "This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity from CRS [Congressional Research Service], other government agencies, trade associations, and interest groups. The reports and related websites are grouped under the following cybersecurity topics: (1) Policy overview; (2) National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC); (3) Cloud computing and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP); (4) Critical infrastructure; (5) Cybercrime, data breaches, and data security; (6) National security, cyber espionage, and cyberwar (including Stuxnet); (7) International efforts; (8) Education/training/workforce; and (9) Research and development (R&D). In addition, the report lists selected cybersecurity-related websites for congressional and government agencies; news; international organizations; and other organizations, associations, and institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-02-03
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [January 9, 2015]

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  From the Summary: "This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity from CRS [Congressional Research Service], other government agencies, trade associations, and interest groups. The reports and related websites are grouped under the following cybersecurity topics: (1) Policy overview; (2) National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC); (3) Cloud computing and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP); (4) Critical infrastructure; (5) Cybercrime, data breaches, and data security; (6) National security, cyber espionage, and cyberwar (including Stuxnet); (7) International efforts; (8) Education/training/workforce; and (9) Research and development (R&D). In addition, the report lists selected cybersecurity-related websites for congressional and government agencies; news; international organizations; and other organizations, associations, and institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-01-09
• Mexico's Oil and Gas Sector: Background, Reform Efforts, and Implications for the United States [August 17, 2015]

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  "Mexico is a top trade partner and the third-largest crude oil supplier to the United States. Mexico's state oil company, 'Petroleos Mexicanos' (Pemex) remains an important source of government revenue even as it is struggling to counter declining oil production and reserves. Due to an inability to meet rising demand, Mexico has also significantly increased natural gas imports from the United States. Still, gas shortages have hindered the country's economic performance. On December 20, 2013, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed historic constitutional reforms related to Mexico's energy sector aimed at reversing oil and gas production declines. On August 11, 2014, secondary laws to implement those reforms officially opened Mexico's oil, natural gas, and power sectors to private investment. As a result, Pemex can now partner with international companies that have the experience and capital required for exploring Mexico's vast deep water and shale resources. Leftist parties and others remain opposed to the reforms. The energy reforms transform Pemex into a 'productive state enterprise' with more autonomy and a lower tax burden than before, but make it subject to competition with private investors. They create different types of contracts for private companies interested in investing in Mexico, including production-sharing and licensing; allow companies to post reserves for accounting purposes; establish a sovereign wealth fund; and create new regulators. In December 2014, the Mexican government announced the terms of part one of Round 1, under which shallow-water offshore exploratory blocks available for public bidding would be auctioned. On July 15, 2015, Mexico's Energy Ministry announced that only 2 of the 14 blocks available were awarded to successful bidders. The government is likely to alter the terms offered, including the amount of investment required by companies, in order to attract more interest in subsequent bidding rounds."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Villarreal, M. Angeles; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

  2015-08-17
• Mexico's Oil and Gas Sector: Background, Reform Efforts, and Implications for the United States [September 28, 2015]

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  From the Summary: "The future of oil and natural gas production in Mexico is of importance for both Mexico's economic growth, as well as for U.S. energy security, a key congressional interest. Mexico is a top trade partner and the third-largest crude oil supplier to the United States. Mexico's state oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) remains an important source of government revenue even as it is struggling to counter declining oil production and reserves. Due to an inability to meet rising demand, Mexico has also significantly increased natural gas imports from the United States. Still, gas shortages have hindered the country's economic performance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Villarreal, M. Angeles; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

  2015-09-28
• Mexico's Oil and Gas Sector: Background, Reform Efforts, and Implications for the United States [July 30, 2015]

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  "The future of oil and natural gas production in Mexico is of importance for both Mexico's economic growth, as well as for U.S. energy security, a key congressional interest. Mexico is a top trade partner and the 3rd largest crude oil supplier to the United States. Mexico's state oil company, 'Petroleos Mexicanos' (Pemex) remains an important source of government revenue even as it is struggling to counter declining oil production and reserves. Due to an inability to meet rising demand, Mexico has also significantly increased natural gas imports from the United States. Still, gas shortages have hindered the country's economic performance. […] The opening of Mexico's oil and natural gas sector could expand U.S.-Mexico energy trade and provide opportunities for U.S. companies involved in the hydrocarbons sector, as well as infrastructure and other oil field services. If these reforms accelerate growth and investment in Mexico (as the government has stated), they could also benefit North American competitiveness. Industry analysts maintain that the reforms are generally well-designed, but that the way they are implemented will likely determine their impact. The success of the reforms may also depend on trends in global oil prices. Should oil prices remain at current levels, shale resources and other unconventional fields may not be feasible to develop at this time."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Villarreal, M. Angeles; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

  2015-07-30
• Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents [October 21, 2015]

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  "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated against individuals, corporations, and countries. Targets have included government networks, companies, and political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, engaging in cybercrime, or intimidating political activists. In addition, national borders mean little or nothing to cyberattackers, and attributing an attack to a specific location can be difficult, which may make responding problematic. Despite many recommendations made over the past decade, most major legislative provisions relating to cybersecurity had been enacted prior to 2002. However, on December 18, 2014, in the last days of the 113th Congress, five cybersecurity bills were signed by the President. These bills change federal cybersecurity programs in a number of ways: [1] codifying the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in developing a 'voluntary, industry-led set of standards' to reduce cyber risk; [2] codifying the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center as a hub for interactions with the private sector; [3] updating the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) by requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 'eliminate ... inefficient and wasteful reports'; and [4] requiring DHS to develop a 'comprehensive workforce strategy' within a year and giving DHS new authorities for cybersecurity hiring. […] Executive orders authorize the President to manage federal government operations. Presidential directives pertain to all aspects of U.S. national security policy as authorized by the President. This report provides a list of executive orders and presidential directives pertaining to information and computer security. [1] Executive Orders and Presidential Directives, Table 27"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-10-21
• Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents [September 8, 2015]

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  "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated against individuals, corporations, and countries. Targets have included government networks, companies, and political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, engaging in cybercrime, or intimidating political activists. In addition, national borders mean little or nothing to cyberattackers, and attributing an attack to a specific location can be difficult, which may make responding problematic. Despite many recommendations made over the past decade, most major legislative provisions relating to cybersecurity had been enacted prior to 2002. However, on December 18, 2014, in the last days of the 113th Congress, five cybersecurity bills were signed by the President. […] In April 2011, the Obama Administration sent Congress legislative proposals that would have given the federal government new authority to ensure that corporations owning assets most critical to the nation's security and economic prosperity adequately addressed risks posed by cybersecurity threats. This report provides links to cybersecurity legislation in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses. […] Congress has held cybersecurity hearings every year since 2001. This report also provides links to cybersecurity-related committee hearings in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2015-09-08
• Internet Tax Freedom Act: In Brief [October 5, 2015]

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  "The Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA; P.L. 105-277), enacted in 1998, implemented a three-year moratorium preventing state and local governments from taxing Internet access, or imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. The act included a grandfather clause allowing state and local governments to continue taxing Internet access, provided the tax had been imposed and enforced before October 1, 1998. Under the moratorium, state and local governments cannot impose their sales tax on the monthly payments that consumers make to their Internet service provider in exchange for access to the Internet. […] The original three-year moratorium has been extended five times. As the original moratorium was extended, changes were made to the definition of Internet access to include or exclude different services and technology. Notable changes include the inclusion of digital subscriber lines under the moratorium and the exclusion of Voice over Internet Protocol services. Through time, the grandfather clause has protected a decreasing number of states' abilities to tax Internet access, as changes to the grandfather clause have been implemented. While 13 states previously taxed Internet access and were protected under the grandfather clause, 7 states now tax Internet access. In addition, changes made to ITFA in 2007 rendered the grandfather provision inapplicable for states that repealed or nullified their tax laws on Internet access before the enactment of these changes. Policy options, including allowing the moratorium to expire, extending the moratorium either permanently or temporarily, and eliminating the grandfather clause, have been continually debated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stupak, Jeffrey M.

  2015-10-05
• How Measures Are Brought to the Senate Floor: A Brief Introduction [August 5, 2015]

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  "Two basic methods are used by the Senate to bring legislation to the floor for consideration: (1) The Senate, at the majority leader's request, grants unanimous consent to take up a matter, or (2) it agrees to his motion to proceed to consider it. Because the motion to proceed is subject to debate in most circumstances, it is less frequently used. Both methods are derived from the basic premise that the Senate as a body may decide what matters it considers. The Senate may also use the same two methods to bring up executive business (nominations and treaties). This report will be updated to reflect changes in Senate practice."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Davis, Christopher M., 1966-

  2015-08-05
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [September 15, 2017]

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  "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on maritime territorial and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) disputes in the East China (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS) involving China, with a focus on how these disputes may affect U.S. strategic and policy interests."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2017-09-15
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [August 17, 2017]

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  "China's actions for asserting and defending its maritime territorial and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims in the East China (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS) have heightened concerns among observers that China may be seeking to dominate or gain control of its near-seas region, meaning the ECS, the SCS, and the Yellow Sea. Chinese domination over or control of this region could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere. China is a party to multiple territorial disputes in the SCS and ECS, including, in particular, disputes over the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal in the SCS, and the Senkaku Islands in the ECS. China depicts its territorial claims in the SCS using the so-called map of the nine-dash line that appears to enclose an area covering roughly 90% of the SCS. Some observers characterize China's approach for asserting and defending its territorial claims in the ECS and SCS as a 'salami-slicing' strategy that employs a series of incremental actions, none of which by itself is a casus belli, to gradually change the status quo in China's favor."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2017-08-17
• Medicare Primer [August 02, 2017]

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  "Medicare is a federal program that pays for covered health care services of qualified beneficiaries. It was established in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide health insurance to individuals 65 and older, and has been expanded over the years to include permanently disabled individuals under 65. The program is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Davis, Patricia A.; Binder, Cliff; Hahn, Jim . . .

  2017-08-02
• Article V Convention to Propose Constitutional Amendments: Current Developments [November 15, 2017]

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  "Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides two procedures for amending the nation's fundamental charter: proposal of amendments by Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of the Members of both houses, and proposal by a convention, generally referred to as an 'Article V Convention,' called on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds (34) of the states. Amendments proposed by either method must be ratified by three-fourths (38) of the states in order to become part of the Constitution. This report provides information for Members of Congress and congressional staff on current developments in Congress, the states, and the relevant advocacy and policy communities concerning the Article V Convention alternative."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Neale, Thomas H.

  2017-11-15
• First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor [July 24, 2017]

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  "The House of Representatives follows a well-established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. The proceedings include electing and swearing in the Speaker, swearing in Members, electing and swearing in House administrative officers, and adopting rules of procedure and various administrative resolutions. Resolutions assigning some or many Members to committees may also be adopted. The House must take these actions at the beginning of each new Congress because it is not a continuing body. Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution sets a term of office for Members of the House at two years. Thus, one House ends at the conclusion of each two-year Congress, and the newly elected Representatives must constitute a new House at the beginning of a new Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schneider, Judy; Koempel, Michael L.

  2017-07-24