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).

• Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [June 10, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems 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). The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyberattack. 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 nation's 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). Following the destruction and disruptions caused by the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the nation directed increased attention toward physical protection of critical infrastructures. Over the intervening years, policy, programs, and legislation related to physical security of critical infrastructure have stabilized to a large extent. However, current legislative activity has refocused on cybersecurity of critical infrastructure. This report discusses in more detail the evolution of a national critical infrastructure policy and the institutional structures established to implement it. The report highlights two primary issues confronting Congress going forward, both in the context of cybersecurity: information sharing and regulation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.

  2015-06-10
• Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation [May 12, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The nation's health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems 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). The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyberattack. 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 nation's 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). Following the destruction and disruptions caused by the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the nation directed increased attention toward physical protection of critical infrastructures. Over the intervening years, policy, programs, and legislation related to physical security of critical infrastructure have stabilized to a large extent. However, current legislative activity has refocused on cybersecurity of critical infrastructure. This report discusses in more detail the evolution of a national critical infrastructure policy and the institutional structures established to implement it. The report highlights two primary issues confronting Congress going forward, both in the context of cybersecurity: information sharing and regulation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Moteff, John D.

  2015-05-12
• Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [January 2, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Congress has maintained significant interest in neighboring Mexico, a close ally and top trade partner whose political and economic situation has significant ramifications for the United States. President Enrique Peña Nieto of the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) assumed the Mexican presidency on December 1, 2012, after 12 years of rule by the conservative National Action Party (PAN). Peña Nieto has enacted structural reforms and bolstered economic relations with the United States, but observers maintain he has mishandled recent high-profile human rights cases and allegations of a conflict of interest between his wife and a government contractor. President Peña Nieto's first two years in office have brought mixed results for Mexico. During 2013, Peña Nieto's 'Pact for Mexico' agreement with the PAN and leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) facilitated the passage of significant financial, education, telecommunications, and energy reforms. Still, the economy faltered (GDP growth fell from 3.7% in 2012 to 1.2% in 2013) and some types of violent crime--including kidnapping and extortion-- increased. Implementation of the reforms began in 2014, but has been overshadowed by the government's inability to resolve a case involving 43 students who were forcibly abducted from Guerrero in September. Local and state officials' alleged complicity in the forced disappearance-- and likely murder--of the students, as well as federal mishandling of the investigation, have been widely criticized and sparked ongoing protests."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2015-01-02
• Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress [June 24, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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. Currently, the U.S. government, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce, holds a 'stewardship' role over the domain name system by virtue of a contractual relationship with ICANN. On March 14, 2014, NTIA announced its intention to transition its stewardship role and procedural authority over key domain name functions to the global Internet multistakeholder community. If a satisfactory transition can be achieved, NTIA stated that it would let its contract with ICANN expire as early as September 30, 2015. NTIA has also stated that it will not accept any transition proposal that would replace the NTIA role with a government-led or an intergovernmental organization solution."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2015-06-24
• Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate [June 12, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "As congressional policymakers continue to debate telecommunications reform, a major discussion point revolves around what approach should be taken to ensure unfettered access to the Internet. The move to place restrictions on the owners of the networks that compose and provide access to the Internet, to ensure equal access and non-discriminatory treatment, is referred to as 'net neutrality.' While there is no single accepted definition of 'net neutrality,' most agree that any such definition should include the general principles that owners of the networks that compose and provide access to the Internet should not control how consumers lawfully use that network, and they should not be able to discriminate against content provider access to that network. A major focus in the debate is concern over whether the current framework is sufficient for policymakers to enable them to take the necessary steps to ensure access to the Internet for content, services, and applications providers, as well as consumers. Some look to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address this issue using current provisions in the 1934 Communications Act to protect the marketplace from potential abuses that could threaten the net neutrality concept. Others feel that existing laws are outdated and limited, cannot be used to establish regulations to address current issues and furthermore will not stand up to court review. They advocate that the FCC should look to Congress for guidance to amend current law to update FCC authority before action is taken."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gilroy, Angele A.

  2015-06-12
• Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate [July 1, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "As congressional policymakers continue to debate telecommunications reform, a major discussion point revolves around what approach should be taken to ensure unfettered access to the Internet. The move to place restrictions on the owners of the networks that compose and provide access to the Internet, to ensure equal access and non-discriminatory treatment, is referred to as 'net neutrality.' While there is no single accepted definition of 'net neutrality,' most agree that any such definition should include the general principles that owners of the networks that compose and provide access to the Internet should not control how consumers lawfully use that network, and they should not be able to discriminate against content provider access to that network."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gilroy, Angele A.

  2015-07-01
• Rules and Practices Governing Consideration of Revenue Legislation in the House and Senate [May 26, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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.' Most revenue is collected by the federal government as a result of previously enacted law that continues in effect without any need for congressional action. However, Congress routinely considers revenue legislation that repeals existing provisions, extends expiring provisions, or creates new provisions. Congress may consider such legislation either in a measure dedicated solely to revenues or as a provision in another type of measure."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lynch, Megan Suzanne

  2015-05-26
• Members' Representational Allowance: History and Usage [June 22, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Members of the House of Representatives have one consolidated allowance, the Members' Representational Allowance (MRA), with which to operate their offices. The MRA was first authorized in 1996 and was made subject to regulations and adjustments of the Committee on House Administration. Representatives have a high degree of flexibility to use the MRA to operate their offices in a way that supports their congressional duties and responsibilities, and individual office spending may be as varied as the districts Members represent. […] This report provides a history and overview of the MRA and examines spending patterns over selected years--2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2012. The data exclude non-voting Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, as well as Members who were not in Congress for the entirety of the session. Information is provided on total spending and spending for various categories, including personnel compensation; personnel benefits; travel; rent, utilities, and communications; printing and reproduction; other services; supplies and materials; transportation of things; equipment; and franked mail. The data collected demonstrate that, despite variations when considering all Members, many Members allocate their spending in a similar manner."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2015-06-22
• Internet Tax Freedom Act: In Brief [June 11, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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.

  2015-06-11
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [May 24, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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. Other CRS reports focus on other aspects of these disputes. China's actions for asserting and defending its maritime territorial and EEZ claims in the ECS and SCS raise several potential policy and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere. This report uses the term China's near-seas region to mean the Yellow Sea, the ECS, and the SCS. This report uses the term EEZ dispute to refer to a dispute principally between China and the United States over whether coastal states have a right under international law to regulate the activities of foreign military forces operating in their EEZs. There are also other kinds of EEZ disputes, including disputes between neighboring countries regarding the extents of their adjacent EEZs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2018-05-24
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [April 26, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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's actions for asserting and defending its maritime territorial and EEZ claims in the ECS and SCS raise several potential policy and oversight issues for Congress, including whether the United States has an adequate strategy for countering China's 'salami-slicing' strategy, whether the United States has taken adequate actions to reduce the risk that the United States might be drawn into a crisis or conflict over a territorial dispute involving China, and whether the United States should become a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2018-04-26
• Mexico: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Organizations [July 3, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) pose the greatest crime threat to the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) National Drug Threat Assessment published in October 2017. These organizations have for years been identified for their strong links to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other violent crimes. These criminal groups have trafficked heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and, increasingly, the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. U.S. overdoses due to opioid consumption sharply increased to a record level in 2016, following the Mexican criminal syndicates expanded control of the heroin and synthetic opioids market. The major DTOs and new crime groups have furthered their expansion into such illicit activity as extortion, kidnapping, and oil theft that costs the government's oil company more than a billion dollars a year."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Beittel, June S.

  2018-07-03
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV): Background and Issues for Congress [September 26, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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

  2018-09-26
• Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile [October 1, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018)as of October 1, 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 237 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 197 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), and 7 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.

  2018-10-01
• Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile [July 11, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 115th Congress (2017-2018) as of July 11, 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 238 Republicans (including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico), 197 Democrats (including 4 Delegates), and 6 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.

  2018-07-11
• Mexico: Evolution of the Mérida Initiative, 2007-2019 [July 23, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "For more than a decade, violent crime perpetrated by warring criminal organizations has threatened security and governance in parts of Mexico. 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 more 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 is now 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 (nearly $2.9 billion) have constituted only 2% of Mexico's total security budget but have enabled the U.S. government to help shape Mexico's policies. The Mérida Initiative has helped advance bilateral law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing. Nevertheless, homicides in Mexico and opioid-related deaths in the United States have surged. A revision of the Mérida Initiative strategy and programs is likely to occur after the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador takes office in Mexico on December 1, 2018."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2018-07-23
• Mexico's 2018 Elections [June 27, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On July 1, 2018, Mexicans are scheduled to elect more than 3,400 national, state, and local officials, including a successor to President Enrique Peña Nieto and an entirely new congress (senate and chamber of deputies). This year's elections may lead to shifts in Mexico's domestic and foreign policies, particularly if Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a leftist populist who has led the presidential polls since the campaign began, is elected. With presidential candidates vowing to adopt tougher stances toward U.S. policies perceived as hostile, the elections also could affect bilateral trade, energy, migration, and security issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Gracia, Edward Y.

  2018-06-27
• Mexico's 2018 Elections: Results and Potential Implications [July 17, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On July 1, 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his leftist MORENA party dominated Mexico's presidential and legislative elections. López Obrador won 53.2% of the presidential vote, more than 30 percentage points ahead of his nearest rival, Ricardo Anaya. MORENA's coalition also won majorities in both chambers of congress. These results demonstrated voters' dissatisfaction with the traditional parties and gave López Obrador a strong governing mandate. He is to succeed Enrique Peña Nieto as president on December 1, 2018, and serve a single, six-year term."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Gracia, Edward Y.

  2018-07-17
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [December 24, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "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), particularly since late 2013, have heightened concerns among observers that ongoing disputes over these waters and some of the islands within them could lead to a crisis or conflict between China and a neighboring country such as Japan, the Philippines, or Vietnam, and that the United States could be drawn into such a crisis or conflict as a result of obligations the United States has under bilateral security treaties with Japan and the Philippines. More broadly, China's actions for asserting and defending its maritime territorial and EEZ claims have led to increasing concerns among some 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, or Chinese actions that are perceived as being aimed at achieving such domination or control, could have major implications for the United States, including implications for U.S.-China relations, for interpreting China's rise as a major world power, for the security structure of the Asia-Pacific region, for the long-standing U.S. strategic goal of preventing the emergence of a regional hegemon in one part of Eurasia or another, and for two key elements of the U.S.-led international order that has operated since World War II--the non-use of force or coercion as a means of settling disputes between countries, and freedom of the seas."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2014-12-24
• Introduction to Judicial Review of Federal Agency Action [December 7, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The U.S. Constitution vests the judicial power in the Supreme Court and any inferior courts established by Congress, limiting the power of federal courts to the context of a of a 'case' or 'controversy.' Pursuant to this authority, Congress has established federal courts below the Supreme Court of the United States to hear a variety of cases, both criminal and civil.9 Federal legislation authorizes courts to adjudicate challenges to actions taken by government officials and agencies in a variety of contexts. Federal courts are, however, courts of limited jurisdiction-they must adhere to limits placed on their authority by Congress and the Constitution. The circumstances under which a federal court will review the actions of a U.S. government agency or official thus involve complicated questions of statutory and constitutional law. This report offers a brief overview of some of the most important issues arising when individuals bring suit in federal court to challenge agency actions. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is perhaps the most prominent modern vehicle for challenging the actions of a federal agency. […] The report opens with a discussion of the circumstances in which federal courts are empowered to review agency actions and follows with a look at the scope of review authorized by the APA. It then continues by describing the mechanics of a federal court's review of an agency's statutory authority, as well as the standards employed in the review of an agency's discretionary decisions. The report concludes with a brief examination of judicial review of agency compliance with statutorily prescribed procedural requirements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cole, Jared P.

  2016-12-07
• Introduction to Judicial Review of Federal Agency Action [December 5, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The U.S. Constitution vests the judicial power in the Supreme Court and any inferior courts established by Congress, limiting the power of federal courts to the context of 'cases' or 'controversies.' Pursuant to constitutional and statutory requirements, courts may hear challenges to the actions of federal agencies in certain situations. This report offers a brief overview of important considerations when individuals bring a lawsuit in federal court to challenge agency actions, with a particular focus on the type of review authorized by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), perhaps the most prominent modern vehicle for challenging the actions of a federal agency. Whether judicial review of agency action is available in federal court turns on a number of factors. Courts must possess statutory jurisdiction to adjudicate a lawsuit, and plaintiffs must generally rely on a cause of action that allows a court to grant legal relief. Disputes must also present 'cases' or 'controversies' that satisfy the requirements of Article III of the Constitution. Finally, a suit must be presented to a court at the proper time for judicial review."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cole, Jared P.

  2016-12-05
• Committee Markup Process in the House of Representatives [December 2, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "At the beginning of a markup, committee members often make opening statements, usually not exceeding five minutes apiece. The first reading of the text of the bill to be marked up can be waived, either by unanimous consent or by adopting a nondebatable motion. The bill then is read for amendment, one section at a time, with committee members offering their amendments to each section after it is read but before the next section is read. By unanimous consent only, the committee may agree to dispense with the reading of each section, or to consider a bill for amendment by titles or chapters instead of by sections. Also by unanimous consent, the committee may consider the entire bill as having been read and open to amendment at any point. Each amendment must be read in full unless the committee waives that reading by unanimous consent. Committees debate amendments under the five-minute rule. A committee can end the debate on an amendment by ordering the previous question on it, or by agreeing to a motion to close debate on it. A committee also can order the previous question or close debate on the entire bill, once it has been read or that reading has been waived by unanimous consent. However, the committee can only close debate, not order the previous question, on individual sections (titles, chapters) of the bill. The various kinds of amendments, as well as most of the other motions, that are in order on the House floor are in order in committee as well."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schneider, Judy

  2016-12-02
• Political Status of Puerto Rico: Brief Background and Recent Developments for Congress [December 28, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Puerto Rico lies [...] far outside the continental United States, [yet] the island has played a significant role in American politics and policy since the United States acquired Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898. Puerto Rico's 'political status'--a term of art referring to the relationship between the federal government and a territorial one--is an undercurrent in virtually every policy matter on the island. [...] In the foreseeable future, oversight of Puerto Rico is likely to be relevant for Congress as the House and Senate monitor the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, enacted during the 114th Congress. [...] [This report] provides policy and historical background for understanding status and its current relevance for Congress. In 2016, Puerto Rico voters elected [a majority of legislators] affiliated with the pro-statehood New Progressive Party (NPP). This choice represents a departure from the previous four years. Consequently, if the 115th Congress chooses to reexamine the island's relationship with the United States, the House and Senate could encounter more agreement among the island's political leaders than in the recent past. Congress has not enacted any recent legislation devoted specifically to status. In the 114th Congress, [House Resolution] H.R. 727, which did not advance beyond introduction, would have authorized a plebiscite (popular vote) on the statehood question. [...] If Congress chose to alter Puerto Rico's political status, it could do so through statute. Ultimately, the Territory Clause of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress broad discretion over Puerto Rico and other territories."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-

  2016-12-28
• Counting Electoral Votes: An Overview of Procedures at the Joint Session, Including Objections by Members of Congress [November 15, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Constitution and federal law establish a detailed timetable following the presidential election during which time the members of the electoral college convene in the 50 state capitals and in the District of Columbia, cast their votes for President and Vice President, and submit their votes through state officials to both houses of Congress. The electoral votes are scheduled to be opened before a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2017. Federal law specifies the procedures which are to be followed at this session and provides procedures for challenges to the validity of an electoral vote. This report describes the steps in the process and precedents set in prior presidential elections governing the actions of the House and Senate in certifying the electoral vote and in responding to challenges of the validity of one or more electoral votes from one or more states. This report has been revised, and will be updated on a periodic basis to provide the dates for the relevant joint session of Congress, and to reflect any new, relevant precedents or practices."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Maskell, Jack; Rybicki, Elizabeth

  2016-11-15
• Membership of the 114th Congress: A Profile [November 15, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 114th Congress (2015-2016). 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. [...] The portions of this report covering political party affiliation, gender, ethnicity, and vacant seats will be updated as events warrant. The remainder of the report will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2016-11-15
• Membership of the 114th Congress: A Profile [December 5, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 114th Congress (2015-2016). 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.

  2016-12-05
• Waiver of Statutory Qualifications Relating to Prior Military Service of the Secretary of Defense [December 1, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Secretary of Defense, who has authority, direction, and control over the Department of Defense, is a civilian appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Section 113 of Title 10 of the 'U.S. Code' provides that '[a] person may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.' Such statutory qualification provisions are created by law, and thus may also be waived--or temporarily suspended for the benefit of a specific individual--by law on a case-by-case basis. Since the establishment of the position of Secretary of Defense by the National Security Act of 1947, CRS [Congressional Research Service] has been able to identify one instance of Congress acting to waive this provision. Enacted on September 18, 1950, at the special request of President Truman during a time of war, P.L. [Public Law] 81-788 authorized the waiver of certain statutory requirements otherwise prohibiting General of the Army George C. Marshall from serving as the Secretary of Defense."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Peters, Heidi M.

  2016-12-01
• Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated October 2, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Congress has maintained significant interest in Mexico, an ally and top trade partner. In recent decades, U.S.-Mexican relations have grown closer through cooperative management of the 2,000-mile border, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and security and rule of law cooperation under the Mérida Initiative. Relations have been tested, however, by President Donald J. Trump's shifts in U.S. immigration and trade policies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2018-10-02
• Members' Representational Allowance: History and Usage [January 8, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Congressional office spending has been a regular topic of interest to academics, interest groups, newspapers, and constituents for many years. It is a topic frequently mentioned in newspaper articles that address individual Member spending or generally discuss financial accountability among elected officials, and it has been examined by watchdog organizations and interest groups covering congressional spending on internal operations generally. A few scholars have also examined how Members typically spend their office allowances, analyzing spending within broader theories of representation. Individual office spending may be as varied as the districts Members represent. Factors affecting spending include the tenure or interests of the Member, levels of casework, geography, unexpected events, and even the congressional calendar."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2019-01-08
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 15, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "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."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2019-03-15