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• Mexico: Evolution of the Mérida Initiative, 2007-2019 [Updated March 11, 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

  2019-03-11
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [January 23, 2014]

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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 FedRAMP [Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program] [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 organizations or institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2014-01-23
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [January 9, 2014]

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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 FedRAMP [Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program] [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 organizations or institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2014-01-09
• Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [January 30, 2014]

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  "Congress has maintained a strong interest in Mexico, a top trade partner and energy supplier, with which the United States shares a nearly 2,000 mile border and strong cultural and historical ties. Economically, the United States and Mexico are heavily interdependent, and the U.S. economy could benefit if Mexico is able to boost its growth rates by successfully implementing the historic reforms enacted in 2013. Similarly, security conditions in Mexico affect U.S. national security, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border. Congress may closely monitor whether the reduction in organized-crime related violence that Mexico has experienced since 2012 can be sustained without jeopardizing bilateral efforts against transnational organized crime. Maintaining strong bilateral cooperation on these and other issues, while also ensuring that U.S. interests are protected, are likely to be of interest during the second session of the 113th Congress. This report provides an overview of political and economic conditions in Mexico followed by assessments of some key issues of congressional interest in Mexico: migration, trade, security, human rights, energy, and water issues. The report summarizes legislative action that has occurred related to these topics and refers to other CRS [Congressional Research Service] products and experts that can be consulted for further information. It will be updated to address major developments in Mexico and in Mexican-U.S. relations that are of interest to Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2014-01-30
• State of Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments and Issues for Congress [January 9, 2014]

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  "Minor and major changes have occurred in campaign finance policy since 2002, when Congress substantially amended campaign finance law via the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA). The Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in 'Citizens United v. FEC [Federal Election Committee]' and a related lower-court decision, 'SpeechNow.org v. FEC,' arguably represent the most fundamental changes to campaign finance law in decades. 'Citizens United' lifted a previous ban on corporate (and union) independent expenditures advocating election or defeat of candidates. 'SpeechNow' permitted unlimited contributions to such expenditures and facilitated the advent of super PACs [Political Action Committee]. Although campaign finance policy remains the subject of intense debate and public interest, there have been few legislative or regulatory changes to respond to the 2010 court rulings. This report considers these and other developments in campaign finance policy and comments on areas of potential conflict and consensus. […] Debate has also continued at federal agencies and in the courts. Debate in Congress and elsewhere has continued over the FEC's enforcement practices. The commission also has yet to issue anticipated rules implementing 'Citizens United' and some other litigation. Amid apparent stalemate at the FEC, some observers have called for an increased role for federal agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission, Internal Revenue Service, or Securities and Exchange Commission in policy areas related to campaign finance policy--a topic that remains controversial. The Supreme Court is also considering a challenge to aggregate individual contribution limits ('McCutcheon v. FEC')."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-

  2014-01-09
• Constitutional Analysis of Suspicionless Drug Testing Requirements for the Receipt of Governmental Benefits [January 29, 2014]

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  "For decades, federal policymakers and state administrators of governmental assistance programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants (formerly Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and their precursors, have expressed concern about the 'moral character' and worthiness of beneficiaries. […] Constitutional challenges to suspicionless governmental drug testing most often focus on issues of personal privacy and Fourth Amendment protections against 'unreasonable searches.' For searches to be reasonable, they generally must be based on individualized suspicion unless the government can show a 'special need' warranting a deviation from the norm. However, governmental benefit programs like TANF, SNAP, unemployment compensation, and housing assistance do not naturally evoke special needs grounded in public safety that the Supreme Court has recognized in the past. Thus, if lawmakers wish to pursue the objective of reducing the likelihood of taxpayer funds going to individuals who abuse drugs through drug testing, legislation that only requires individuals to submit to a drug test based on an individualized suspicion of drug use is less likely to run afoul of the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, governmental drug testing procedures that restrict the sharing of test results and limit the negative consequences of failed tests to the assistance program in question would be on firmer constitutional ground."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carpenter, David Hatcher

  2014-01-29
• Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile [January 13, 2014]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2013-2014). 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. As of January 13, 2014, in the House of Representatives, there are 233 Republicans, 206 Democrats (including 5 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), and 2 vacant seats. The Senate has 45 Republicans, 53 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who caucus with the Democrats. The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 113th Congress was 57.0 years; and of Senators, 62.0 years. 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. […] 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.

  2014-01-13
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress [February 28, 2014]

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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 operation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2014-02-28
• Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile [February 18, 2014]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2013-2014). 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. As of February 18, 2014, in the House of Representatives, there are 232 Republicans, 205 Democrats (including 5 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), and 4 vacant seats. The Senate has 45 Republicans, 53 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who caucus with the Democrats."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2014-02-18
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [August 5, 2014]

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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), 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

  2014-08-05
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [July 3, 2014]

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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), 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

  2014-07-03
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [June 6, 2014]

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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), 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

  2014-06-06
• State of Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments and Issues for Congress [June 5, 2014]

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  "As of this writing, two campaign finance bills have become law during the 113th Congress. On December 26, 2013, President Obama signed H.R. 3487. The law extends Federal Election Commission (FEC) authority to conduct the Administrative Fine Program. In addition, on April 3, 2014, President Obama signed H.R. 2019, which terminates public financing for presidential nominating conventions. Other bills have been the subject of hearings, markups, or both in the House or Senate. H.R. 94 and H.R. 95 would repeal part or all of the presidential public financing program. H.R. 1994 would repeal the Election Assistance Commission and return some functions to the FEC. S. 375 would require Senate political committees to electronically file campaign finance reports with the FEC. Two Financial Services appropriations measures contain provisions related to campaign finance. H.R. 2786 would prohibit disclosure of certain political spending as a condition of the government-contracting process. S. 1371 would require electronic filing of Senate campaign finance reports. S.J.Res. 19 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting regulating 'money and in-kind equivalents with respect to Federal elections.' [...] This version of the report includes updated material that emphasizes the issues most prominently before the 113th Congress. It also discusses foundational information about major elements of campaign finance policy. Some issues discussed in previous versions of the report, which appear to be less timely than they were in the past, have been excluded from this version. This report will be updated occasionally to reflect major developments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-

  2014-06-05
• Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress [June 10, 2014]

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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."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2014-06-10
• Internet Domain Names: Background and Policy Issues [June 10, 2014]

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  "Navigating the Internet requires using addresses and corresponding names that identify the location of individual computers. The Domain Name System (DNS) is the distributed set of databases residing in computers around the world that contain address numbers mapped to corresponding domain names, making it possible to send and receive messages and to access information from computers anywhere on the Internet. Many of the technical, operational, and management decisions regarding the DNS can have significant impacts on Internet-related policy issues such as intellectual property, privacy, Internet freedom, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. The DNS is managed and operated by a not-for-profit public benefit corporation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Because the Internet evolved from a network infrastructure created by the Department of Defense, the U.S. government originally owned and operated (primarily through private contractors) the key components of network architecture that enable the domain name system to function. A 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ICANN and the Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated a process intended to transition technical DNS coordination and management functions to a privatesector not-for-profit entity. Additionally, a contract between DOC and ICANN authorizes ICANN to perform various technical functions such as allocating IP address blocks, editing the root zone file, and coordinating the assignment of unique protocol numbers. By virtue of this contract and two other legal agreements, DOC exerts a legacy authority and stewardship over ICANN, and arguably has more influence over ICANN and the DNS than other national governments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2014-06-10
• Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Institutions: A Constitutional Analysis [June 23, 2014]

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  "The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from establishing religion (the Establishment Clause), which the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted to include a prohibition on official support or endorsement of religion. It also prohibits the government from interfering with individuals' exercise of religion (the Free Exercise Clause). The balancing of these constitutional provisions often leads to questions regarding the extent to which religious activities may occur at public events or within public institutions. On one hand, it may be argued that permitting prayer as a part of publicly sponsored events or activities suggests official support for religion. On the other hand, restricting religious expressions at events or activities may appear to interfere with individuals' ability to exercise their religious beliefs. The Court has addressed these questions in a variety of contexts and drawn important distinctions regarding the constitutionality of such prayers. In particular, the Court's major decisions have focused on two categories of public prayers: prayer in schools and legislative prayers. Lower courts have considered the constitutionality of publicly sponsored prayers in other contexts, including the military chaplaincy as well as invocations and other religious commemorations at public events. This report will analyze the Court's approach to each of these categories and examine the relevant distinctions used to determine whether a public official or entity may engage in prayer activity or other religious commemorations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brougher, Cynthia M.

  2014-06-23
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress [July 16, 2014]

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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 operation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2014-07-16
• Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile [July 14, 2014]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2013-2014). 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. As of July 10, 2014, in the House of Representatives, there are 234 Republicans, 205 Democrats (including 5 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), and 2 vacant seats. The Senate has 45 Republicans, 53 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who caucus with the Democrats."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2014-07-14
• Mexico's Oil and Gas Sector: Background, Reform Efforts, and Implications for the United States [January 6, 2014]

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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 has consistently been a top crude oil supplier to the United States. However, its oil production has declined dramatically in recent years. On December 20, 2013, President Enrique Peña Nieto signed into law constitutional reforms related to Mexico's energy sector aimed at reversing those declines. The Mexican Congress has 120 days to draft the secondary legislation to implement the historic reforms to open Mexico's oil and natural gas sector to international companies. Depending upon the details of the secondary legislation, the changes could create significant investment opportunities for U.S. companies, increase the already robust U.S.-Mexican energy trade, and bolster North American competitiveness. Mexico's state oil company, 'Petroleos Mexicanos' (Pemex), established in 1938 as the world's first major national oil company, remains an important source of government revenue even as it is struggling to counter the country's declining oil production and reserves. Experts have long urged the Mexican government to reduce the heavy fiscal burden on Pemex and reform the constitution to enable Pemex to partner with international companies that have the experience and capital required for exploring Mexico's large deep water and shale resources. Leftist parties and other stakeholders in Mexico remain concerned; however, that increasing private involvement in Pemex could threaten Mexico's traditional control over its natural resources."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Villarreal, M. Angeles; Hagerty, Curry L. . . .

  2014-01-06
• Mental Health Workforce: A Primer [January 7, 2014]

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  "Congress has held hearings and introduced legislation addressing the interrelated topics of the quality of mental health care, access to mental health care, and the cost of mental health care. The mental health workforce is a key component of each of these topics. The quality of mental health care depends partially on the skills of the people providing the care. Access to mental health care relies on, among other things, the number of appropriately skilled providers available to provide care. The cost of mental health care depends in part on the wages of the people providing care. Thus an understanding of the mental health workforce may be helpful in crafting policy and conducting oversight. This report aims to provide such an understanding as a foundation for further discussion of mental health policy. No consensus exists on which provider types make up the mental health workforce. This report focuses on the five provider types identified by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as 'core mental health professionals': clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, and advanced practice psychiatric nurses. The HRSA definition of the mental health workforce is limited to highly trained (e.g., graduate degree) professionals; however, this workforce may be defined more broadly elsewhere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-; Bagalman, Erin

  2014-01-07
• Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: An Overview [November 20, 2013]

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  "The Hollings Manufacturing Partnership (MEP) is a program of regional centers that assist smaller, U.S.-based manufacturing companies in identifying and adopting new technologies. Operating under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico provide technical and managerial assistance to firms. Federal funding is matched by nonfederal sources. Existing resources in government, business, and academia are leveraged while the program endeavors to build on current state and local activities and industrial extension efforts. The MEP program has, at times, been included in the discussion surrounding termination of government programs that provide direct federal support for industry. Questions have been raised in congressional debate as to the appropriateness of government funding for this program when the technologies are available in the marketplace. Instead of the government picking 'winners and losers,' opponents argue, the marketplace should make decisions regarding firms worthy of investment. However, proponents of the program stress that, to date, no direct funding is available to companies through MEP and that assistance is technical, scientific, and/or managerial. The centers facilitate the adoption of new technologies that foster competition and promote innovation. As Congress continues to make appropriation decisions, support for manufacturing extension may be discussed in the context of the role of the federal government in facilitating research and technological advancement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schacht, Wendy H.

  2013-11-20
• Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress [January 15, 2014]

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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 operation. […] Both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have recommended fully funding the Administration's FY2014 ACV Budget Request of $136.967 million in Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) funding. The House Appropriations Committee recommended a $14 million cut to the Administration's request due to program delay. Potential issues for Congress include the possible operational impact of the deferment of the MPC as well as how feasible will it be to restart the MPC program after an extended delay? Another issue is the possible delay of the ACV program--either due to immature high water speed technology or the effects of sequestration. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2014-01-15
• Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile [October 31, 2013]

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  "This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2013-2014). 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. As of October 31, 2013, in the House of Representatives, there are 231 Republicans, 206 Democrats (including 5 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), and 4 vacant seats. The Senate has 45 Republicans, 53 Democrats, and 2 Independents, who caucus with the Democrats. The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 113th Congress was 57.0 years; and of Senators, 62.0 years. 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. The average length of service for Representatives at the beginning of the 113th Congress was 9.1 years (4.6 terms); for Senators, 10.2 years (1.7 terms). One hundred one women (a record number) serve in the 113th Congress: 81 in the House, including 3 Delegates, and 20 in the Senate. There are 43 African American Members of the House and 2 in the Senate. This House number includes 2 Delegates. There are 37 Hispanic or Latino Members (a record number) serving: 33 in the House, including 1 Delegate and the Resident Commissioner, and 4 in the Senate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.

  2013-10-31
• How Measures Are Brought to the Senate Floor: A Brief Introduction [November 25, 2013]

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  "Two basic methods are used by the Senate to bring legislation to the floor for consideration. The Senate, at the majority leader's request, grants unanimous consent to take up a matter or 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)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Davis, Christopher M., 1966-

  2013-11-25
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [May 30, 2014]

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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 FedRAMP [Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program] [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 organizations or institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2014-05-30
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [May 22, 2014]

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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 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 organizations or institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2014-05-22
• Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic [May 2, 2014]

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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 FedRAMP [Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program] [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 organizations or institutions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tehan, Rita

  2014-05-02
• Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [April 11, 2014]

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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), 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

  2014-04-11
• State of Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments and Issues for Congress [April 22, 2014]

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  As of this writing, two campaign finance bills have become law during the 113th Congress. On December 26, 2013, President Obama signed H.R. [House Resolution] 3487. The law extends Federal Election Commission (FEC) authority to conduct the Administrative Fine Program. In addition, on April 3, 2014, President Obama signed H.R. 2019, which terminates public financing for presidential nominating conventions. Other bills have been the subject of hearings, markups, or both in the House or Senate. H.R. 94 and H.R. 95 would repeal part or all of the presidential public financing program. H.R. 1994 would repeal the Election Assistance Commission and return some functions to the FEC. S. 375 would require Senate political committees to electronically file campaign finance reports with the FEC. Two Financial Services appropriations measures contain provisions related to campaign finance. H.R. 2786 would prohibit disclosure of certain political spending as a condition of the government-contracting process. S. 1371 would require electronic filing of Senate campaign finance reports. In addition, on September 23, 2013, the Senate confirmed two nominees to the Federal Election Commission. [...] This version of the report includes updated material that emphasizes the issues most prominently before the 113th Congress. It also discusses foundational information about major elements of campaign finance policy. Some issues discussed in previous versions of the report, which appear to be less timely than they were in the past, have been excluded from this version. This report will be updated occasionally to reflect major developments.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-

  2014-04-22
• Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress [May 23, 2014]

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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."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kruger, Lennard G.

  2014-05-23