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Inauguration Security and Operations [December 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years at noon on January 20. In 2021, the President- and Vice President-elect are to be officially sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 20. Planning for the 2021 inauguration is being challenged by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic; adjustments to traditional ceremonies, customs, and practices are being made. This In Focus presents information related to 2021 inauguration security and operations based on past inaugural activities and announced activities to date."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Finch, Christina Miracle
2020-12-23
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Inaugural Tickets: Past Practices and Considerations for 2021 [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years on January 20. The next presidential inauguration is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2021. The move to the West Front of the Capitol not only accommodated larger crowds who could view the ceremony from the Capitol grounds, but also allowed for use of the National Mall. Additionally, the Architect of the Capitol has been able to build a larger platform on the West Front, which in recent years has accommodated more than 1,600 people. For the 2021 swearing-in ceremony, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has announced that as a result of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] the in-person audience will be reduced to a size that 'resembles the State of the Union,' with congressional attendance limited to Members of Congress and one guest. Given the limited in-person attendance at the ceremony, the JCCIC is 'working on enhanced opportunities to watch the ceremonies online, in addition to the traditional televised national broadcast.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2020-12-22
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How FEMA Public Assistance Works [December 8, 2020] [infographic]
From the Document: "FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) reimburses eligible public and nonprofit entities for at least 75% of eligible response and recovery costs when authorized in a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act." The attached infographic outlines, "[1] What is Public Assistance (PA)? [2] How is PA funded? [3] How is PA authorized? [4] How is PA structured? and [5] How do applicants receive PA funds?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.
2020-12-08
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 4, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as geopolitical competition in the region between the United States, Russia, and China; increased military operations in the region by the United States, Russia, and other Arctic countries; growth in commercial shipping through the Arctic; and oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, and/or competition. [...] This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2020-11-04
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Status of Puerto Rico's Recovery and Ongoing Challenges Following Hurricanes Irma and María: FEMA, SBA, and HUD Assistance [November 13, 2020]
From the Summary: "Three years after Hurricanes Irma and María, Puerto Rico is still recovering from the devastation to communities, homes and property, businesses, and infrastructure that was caused by the hurricanes. At the same time, Puerto Rico has faced destruction caused by an earthquake swarm, which began in 2019 and is continuing into 2020, as well as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These consecutive disasters have complicated response and recovery for each incident."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Cecire, Michael H.; Horn, Diane P. . . .
2020-11-13
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Iran Sanctions [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "Sanctions have been a significant component of U.S. Iran policy since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah of Iran, a U.S. ally. In the 1980s and 1990s, U.S. sanctions were intended to try to compel Iran to cease supporting acts of terrorism and to limit Iran's strategic power in the Middle East more generally. After the mid-2000s, U.S. and international sanctions focused largely on trying to persuade Iran to agree to limits to its nuclear program. Still, sanctions have had multiple objectives and sought to address multiple threats from Iran simultaneously. This report analyzes U.S. and international sanctions against Iran. CRS cannot independently corroborate whether any individual or other entity might be in violation of U.S. or international sanctions against Iran. The report tracks implementation of the various U.S. laws and executive orders, some of which require the blocking of U.S.-based property of sanctioned entities. No information has been released from the executive branch indicating the extent, if any, to which any such property is currently blocked."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-11-18
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Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974: Origin, Evolution, and Use [November 16, 2020]
From the Summary: "Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 grants the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a range of responsibilities and authorities to investigate and take action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices. From the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in 1994, which resulted in the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, until the start of the Trump Administration, the United States used Section 301 authorities primarily to build cases and pursue dispute settlement at the WTO. The Trump Administration has shown more willingness to go outside of the WTO to act unilaterally under these authorities to promote what the Administration touts as 'free,' 'fair,' and 'reciprocal' trade. The Trump Administration's use of Section 301 to impose tariffs as punitive measures has been the subject of congressional and broader international debate, and some in Congress have raised a number of questions regarding USTR's actions, including the scope of USTR's authorities, the types of trade actions allowed, and the tariff exclusion process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-11-16
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Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, a program carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy that gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategies and proposed funding levels for the Aegis BMD program. Congress's decisions on the Aegis BMD program could significantly affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements, and the BMD-related industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-11-18
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Closure of Institutions of Higher Education: Student Options, Borrower Relief, and Other Implications [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an explanation of the options a postsecondary student may pursue in the event the IHE [institutions of higher education] he or she attends permanently closes, any financial relief that may be available to such students, and other practical implications for students following a school's closure. First, this report describes the academic options available to such students, such as participating in a teach-out or transferring to a new IHE. Next, it discusses issues related to financing a postsecondary education, including the extent to which borrowers may have any loans borrowed to finance educational expenses discharged due to a school closure and whether future financial assistance, including federal student loans, Pell Grants, and GI Bill educational benefits, may be available to students should they decide to continue their postsecondary education at another IHE. This report then describes additional relief that may be available to students who attended IHEs that closed, such as the potential to have tuition that has been paid reimbursed through a state tuition recovery fund. Finally, this report describes some potential income tax implications for students when their IHE has closed, including the extent to which they may incur a federal income tax liability for loans discharged and whether higher education tax credits remain available to them in future years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hegji, Alexandra
2020-11-17
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Food Banks and Other Emergency Feeding Organizations: Federal Aid and the Response to COVID-19 [June 25, 2020]
From the Document: "During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rising unemployment rates and other factors led an increasing number of Americans to seek food assistance. Food banks, food pantries, and other emergency feeding organizations--sometimes referred to as the 'charitable food assistance network'--are often the first place people go when they become food insecure, and these organizations have experienced an influx in demand during the pandemic. At the same time, they have had to address safety concerns resulting from COVID-19, often operating with fewer staff or utilizing the National Guard to distribute food, and setting up drive-through and mobile food distributions. While the charitable food assistance network relies heavily on private donations, federal programs also provide a significant source of food and revenue for emergency feeding organizations. The primary federal programs that support food banks and other emergency feeding organizations are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Billings, Kara Clifford; Lee, Erica A.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-06-25
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Digital Divide: What is it, Where is it, and Federal Assistance Programs [November 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to unfold, many federal, local, and state governments, in addition to large and small businesses, implemented remote working or distance learning options to help abate the spread of the virus. As these decisions were made, some of the population had the option and the capability to shift activities online, while others did not. The digital divide has been used to characterize a gap between those Americans who have access to telecommunications and information technologies and those who do not. One subset of the digital divide debate concerns access to high-speed internet, also known as broadband. Broadband is provided by a variety of technologies (e.g., cable, telephone wire, fiber, satellite, and mobile and fixed wireless) that give users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds that support a wide range of applications, including voice communications, entertainment, telemedicine, distance education, telework, ecommerce, civic engagement, public safety, and energy conservation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Gilroy, Angele A.
2020-11-17
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations [Updated November 20, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Iran ratified the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970. Article III of the treaty requires nonnuclear-weapon states-parties to accept comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards; Tehran concluded a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA in 1974. In 2002, the agency began investigating allegations that Iran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the IAEA ultimately reported that some of these activities had violated Tehran's safeguards agreement. Following more than three years of investigation, the IAEA Board of Governors reported the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, the council adopted six resolutions requiring Iran to take steps to alleviate international concerns about its nuclear program. This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2020-11-20
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TikTok: Technology Overview and Issues [Updated November 17, 2020]
From the Summary: "TikTok is a globally popular video-sharing smartphone application (app) owned by ByteDance Ltd., a privately held company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is under increasing scrutiny by the U.S. government as a potential privacy and security risk to U.S. citizens. This is because ByteDance, like all technology companies doing business in China, is subject to Chinese laws that require companies operating in the country to turn over user data when asked by the government. Researchers differ over how TikTok data collection compares with other social media apps and whether TikTok poses a threat to the privacy and security of its U.S. users."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2020-11-17
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U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 29, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). In an international security environment described as one of renewed great power competition, the South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as an arena of U.S.-China strategic competition. U.S.-China strategic competition in the SCS forms an element of the Trump Administration's more confrontational overall approach toward China, and of the Administration's efforts for promoting its construct for the Indo-Pacific region, called the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). China's actions in the SCS in recent years have heightened concerns among U.S. observers that China is gaining effective control of the SCS, an area of strategic, political, and economic importance to the United States and its allies and partners. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the Trump Administration's strategy for competing strategically with China in the SCS and ECS is appropriate and correctly resourced, and whether Congress should approve, reject, or modify the strategy, the level of resources for implementing it, or both. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. strategic, political, and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-29
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Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Framework [December 18, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In recent years, cybersecurity threats and attacks have become a key issue for the Department of Defense (DOD). At present an estimated 300,000 companies supply products and services to the nation's defense industrial base (DIB). Concerns have been raised that some of these U.S. military contractors may pose a substantial cybersecurity risk because they currently operate with limited oversight of their internal cybersecurity controls. One effort to address cybersecurity attacks and the associated economic and national security costs to the DOD supply chain is the department's ongoing work to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. This initiative is designed to provide a scalable cybersecurity standard for the full spectrum of defense acquisitions. Once fully implemented, with a current target date of fiscal year (FY) 2026, the framework would require all DOD prime contractors and subcontractors to receive verification through accredited third-party certification organizations that an individual organization's internal cybersecurity practices and processes meet certain standards. This report offers an overview and analysis of issues for Congress associated with the CMMC framework. This report also discusses congressional considerations related to the Defense Department's efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities within the DIB in the performance of DOD's government contract work."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2020-12-18
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Justice Department's Role in Cyber Incident Response [Updated December 18, 2020]
From the Document: "Criminals and other malicious actors rely on the internet and evolving technology to further their operations. They exploit cyberspace, where they can mask their identities and motivations. In this domain, criminals can compromise financial assets, hacktivists can flood websites with traffic--effectively shutting them down, and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. When such cyber incidents occur, a number of questions arise, including how the federal government will react and which agencies will respond. These questions have been raised following a number of high-profile breaches such as those against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Democratic National Committee, as well as intrusions into a number of federal agencies and other organizations via network management software produced by SolarWinds. Federal law enforcement has taken the lead in investigating cyber incidents, attributing certain malicious activities to specific perpetrators, and prosecuting cyber threat actors. This report outlines the federal framework for cyber incident response, highlighting the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) role in this response. It also discusses challenges for federal law enforcement and potential policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2020-12-18
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Judicial Review Under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) [December 8, 2020]
From the Document: "Federal agencies administer a wide range of areas by adopting rules, adjudicating disputes and claims, and providing guidance on matters within their purview. Given the potential impact of these agency actions on individual rights, the Supreme Court has recognized a 'strong presumption that Congress intends judicial review of agency action'; this presumption is embodied in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). For agency actions not governed by another statute, the APA defines the federal courts' 'scope of review--how' courts review agency actions, including the legal standards used to review those actions. This Sidebar provides a brief summary of the APA's judicial review requirements before exploring the scope of that review. It does not address other issues affecting judicial review of agency actions, such as subject-matter jurisdiction or the case-or-controversy requirement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gaffney, Jonathan M.
2020-12-08
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Morocco-Israel Normalization and U.S. Policy Change on Western Sahara [December 15, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 10, President Trump announced that Morocco would normalize relations with Israel, and that the United States was recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Morocco affirmed that normalization will include 'official contacts with counterparts and diplomatic relations as soon as possible,' direct flights, and economic and technical cooperation. How quickly these commitments might advance remains to be seen. Morocco's willingness to normalize relations with Israel follows similar moves by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September 2020, and comes after Sudan in October announced tentative plans to do so. Arab government decisions formally to normalize relations with Israel have generally come after years of discreet coordination to counter common concerns such as Iran and Islamist populist movements (including the Muslim Brotherhood). These developments raise questions about the future of cooperation and rivalry among key actors in the Middle East, U.S. arms sales to the region, Saudi Arabia's willingness to follow suit, and Arab state support for Palestinian national demands."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Zanotti, Jim; Williams, Brock R.
2020-12-15
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Kyrgyz Republic Set to Hold Snap Presidential Election and Constitutional Referendum After Parliamentary Elections Annulled [Updated December 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The Kyrgyz Republic (commonly known as Kyrgyzstan) faces political upheaval following the annulment of disputed parliamentary elections that heavily favored pro-government parties. Opposition parties alleged widespread irregularities in the October 4, 2020, vote, including vote-buying and voter intimidation; these assertions were deemed credible by international election observers. While no date has been set for new parliamentary elections, a snap presidential election and a controversial constitutional referendum, both scheduled for January 10, 2021, are raising concerns among some observers about democracy and rule of law in the country. As a parliamentary republic that holds contested elections, Kyrgyzstan has long been considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, with a vibrant civil society and a higher degree of press freedom than found elsewhere in the region. Promoting a more inclusive and accountable democracy is a stated goal of U.S. foreign policy in Kyrgyzstan, and Kyrgyzstan is one of 21 countries worldwide that participate in the House Democracy Partnership. Many Members of Congress and other U.S. policymakers have long voiced support for consolidating Kyrgyzstan's gains as Central Asia's only parliamentary democracy. Corruption is pervasive, however, and political institutions remain weak. In light of recent developments, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the influence of organized crime in Kyrgyz politics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blackwood, Maria A.
2020-12-14
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Lawsuits Against the Federal Government: Basic Federal Court Procedure and Timelines [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Document: "Many federal laws and policy initiatives are challenged in court. In recent years, for instance, plaintiffs have brought cases challenging the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Secretary of Commerce's decision to include a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, and the President's decision to expend certain funds to construct a 'border wall.' Because the defendant in these cases is the United States or an executive official, the cases generally proceed in federal court. By understanding the procedures governing federal court litigation, legislators can consider potential outcomes, estimate timelines, and appreciate the importance of a court's ruling at a particular stage. This In Focus reviews the most common procedures that govern civil suits against the federal government, tracing the path from federal district court to the Supreme Court."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-12-22
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Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) [Updated December 9, 2020]
From the Document: "Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is the Department of Defense's (DOD's) concept to connect sensors from all of the military services--Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force--into a single network. Traditionally, each of the military services developed its own tactical network that was incompatible with those of other services (i.e., Army networks were unable to interface with Navy or Air Force networks). DOD officials have argued that future conflicts may require decisions to be made within hours, minutes, or potentially seconds compared with the current multiday process to analyze the operating environment and issue commands. They have also stated that the Department's existing command and control architecture is insufficient to meet the demands of the National Defense Strategy (NDS). Congress may be interested in the concept because it is being used to develop many high-profile procurement programs. DOD uses ride-sharing service Uber as an analogy to describe its desired end state for JADC2. Uber combines two different apps--one for riders and a second for drivers. Using the respective users' position, the Uber algorithm determines the optimal match based on distance, travel time, and passengers (among other variables). The application then seamlessly provides directions for the driver to follow, delivering the passenger to their destination. Uber relies on cellular and Wi-Fi networks to transmit data to match riders and provide driving instructions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.
2020-12-09
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Methane Emissions: A Primer [Updated December 11, 2020]
From the Document: "Methane, however, when released or allowed to escape into the atmosphere (commonly referred to as 'vented' and 'fugitive' emissions, respectively), can affect human health and safety and the environment. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration lists methane as both an asphyxiant and an explosive, as increased concentrations in local settings can jeopardize worker safety. Further, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies methane as both a precursor to ground-level ozone formation (commonly referred to as 'smog') and a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), albeit with a shorter atmospheric life than CO2 [carbon dioxide]. Methane's effect on climate change is up to 34 times greater than that of CO2 when averaged over a 100-year time period and even greater when considered over the first 20 years after it is emitted. Arguably, any increase in methane emissions may counteract some of the environmental benefits that the U.S. economy has to gain by switching from coal or oil to natural gas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2020-12-11
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Legislative Proposals Related to the Removal of Inspectors General in the 116th Congress [December 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The role of inspectors general (IGs) within the federal government is an issue of perennial interest to Congress. In particular, removal protections for IGs have drawn frequent attention. Proposals to adjust the requirements and procedures for IG removal received increased attention in 2020, especially after President Donald Trump removed two Senate-confirmed IGs and replaced two acting IGs. This In Focus describes the current removal procedure under the Inspector General Act (IG Act; 5 U.S.C. Appx.) and then briefly summarizes legislation introduced during the 116th Congress that would change this procedure. While policy experts and others have offered other proposals, this In Focus does not discuss those proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
2020-12-09
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Major Disaster Declarations for Snowstorms and Severe Winter Storms [December 11, 2020]
From the Document: "A presidential major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (hereinafter the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) for a 'Snowstorm' or a 'Severe Winter Storm' authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Public Assistance funding for snow-related activities. Snow assistance is authorized for counties based on the finding that the county has a record or near-record snowfall or is contiguous to a county that meets the criteria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-12-11
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Trump Administration Tariff Actions: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated December 15, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to regulate foreign commerce and therefore impose tariffs, but through various trade laws, Congress has delegated authority to the President to modify tariffs and other trade restrictions under certain circumstances. [...] The Trump Administration's tariff actions raise a number of issues for Congress and have been the focus of congressional debate. Such issues include the effect of the tariffs on U.S. economic activity, such as increases in the price of imported goods, affecting both U.S. consumers and producers, as well as diminished competitiveness of U.S. exports in foreign markets as a result of tariff retaliation. The tariff actions, their frequent modifications, and the exemption application process have also created uncertainty for U.S. businesses. In addition, questions over whether the Trump Administration's tariff actions adhere to congressional intent for the use of delegated tariff authority, in part due to broadly defined statutory criteria, have led to debate in Congress over potential legislative reforms. Congress may also consider how these tariff actions affect the multilateral trading system and the U.S. role and leadership in that system, U.S. bilateral trade relations, and whether tariff increases are an appropriate tool in the negotiation of broader trade reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Casey, Christopher A.; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D. . . .
2020-12-15
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Tracking Federal Awards: USAspending.gov and Other Data Sources [Updated December 16, 2020]
From the Summary: "USAspending.gov, [...] is a government source for data on federal awards by state, congressional district (CD), county, city, and zip code. The awards data in USAspending.gov are provided by federal agencies and represent contracts, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. USAspending.gov also provides tools for examining the broader picture of federal spending obligations within the categories of budget function, agency, and object class. Using USAspending.gov to locate and compile accurate data on federal awards can be challenging due, in part, to continuing data quality issues that have been identified by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Users of USAspending.gov need to be aware that while search results may be useful for informing consideration of certain questions, these results may be incomplete or contain inaccuracies. USAspending.gov was created under P.L. 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), and is being enhanced under requirements in P.L. 113-101, the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act). Other federal awards data sources reviewed in this report include the following: [1] Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS); [2] Census Federal Audit Clearinghouse; [3] U.S. Budget: Aid to State and Local Governments; [4] Census Federal Aid to States (FAS) and Consolidated Federal Funds Report (CFFR); and [5] Additional federal grant awards databases, including sources tracking medical, scientific, and technical research."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer
2020-12-16
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Two Supreme Court Cases to Test Limits on Foreign Sovereign Immunity for Holocaust Harms [December 16, 2020]
From the Document: "In two cases this term, 'Republic of Hungary v. Simon (Hungary)' and 'Federal Republic of Germany v. Philipp (Germany)', the Supreme Court is set to address intersecting issues about foreign sovereign immunity and the Holocaust. The plaintiffs in both cases seek to make foreign governments liable for Nazi-era injuries. But the defendants, which include Hungary and Germany, argue the suits should be dismissed based on international comity--a legal doctrine that allows courts to abstain from jurisdiction out of respect for foreign sovereignty. Germany also argues that it is immune from suit because it believes the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) does not permit claims in U.S. courts against foreign governments for 'taking' property from their own citizens within its own territory. The legal questions in both cases may have longstanding implications for when foreign countries can be sued in U.S. courts. The cases also have attracted attention because of the way in which the legal defenses intersect with the tragic events of the Holocaust. Some observers, including some Members of Congress, contend that the defendants' legal arguments contradict the historical timeline of the Holocaust. The United States, on the other hand, supports the defendants' legal theories in its role as amicus curiae."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2020-12-16
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Unemployment Compensation (UC) and the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): Funding UC Benefits [Updated December 15, 2020]
From the Summary: "This report provides a summary of how Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits are funded through the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF). The UTF in the U.S. Treasury is designated as a trust fund for federal accounting purposes. Although the UTF is a single trust fund, it has 59 accounts: the Employment Security Administration Account (ESAA), the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA), the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA), 53 state accounts (including District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands), the Federal Employees Compensation Account (FECA), and two accounts related to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whittaker, Julie M.
2020-12-15
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Turkey: U.S. Sanctions Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) [December 16, 2020]
From the Document: "Turkey's July 2019 acquisition of an S-400 surface-to-air defense system from Russia sparked debate about possible U.S. sanctions against Turkey--a longtime NATO ally--under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA, P.L. 115-44). CAATSA requires the President to impose sanctions on those persons he determines have knowingly engaged in a 'significant transaction' with Russia's security sector. On December 14, 2020, the Administration imposed the following sanctions on Turkey's defense procurement agency, commonly referred to by the Turkish acronym SSB [Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı]: [1] a prohibition on granting specific U.S. export licenses and authorizations for any goods or technology; [2] a prohibition on loans or credits by U.S. financial institutions totaling more than $10 million in any 12-month period; [3] a ban on U.S. Export-Import Bank assistance; [4] a requirement for the United States to oppose loans benefitting SSB by international financial institutions; and [5] full blocking sanctions and visa restrictions on four SSB officials."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2020-12-16
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South China Sea Disputes: Background and U.S. Policy [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Overview: "Multiple Asian governments assert sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the heavily trafficked South China Sea (SCS), with the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) arguably making the most assertive claims. The United States has no territorial claim in the SCS and does not take a position on sovereignty over any of the geographic features in the SCS, but has urged that disputes be settled without coercion and on the basis of international law. Separate from the sovereignty disputes, the United States and China disagree over what rights international law grants foreign militaries to fly, sail, and operate in a country's territorial sea or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Since 2013, the sovereignty disputes and the U.S.-China dispute over freedom of the seas for military ships and aircraft have converged in the controversy over military outposts China has built on disputed features in the SCS. Of particular concern to the U.S. military is the possibility that the outposts may be part of a Chinese effort to dominate the South China Sea, with the ultimate goal of making China a regional hegemon that can set the rules by which other regional actors must operate. A long-standing goal of U.S. strategy has been to prevent the emergence of such a regional hegemon. U.S. and regional observers have been alert to other actions China might take to achieve dominance in the SCS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben; Lawrence, Susan V.; O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-12-22
