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When One Door Closes, Another One Opens: Supreme Court Ruling Restricts Challenges to CERCLA Cleanup but Could Expand State Law Claims [July 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, places limits on how parties may challenge the scope of a plan to remediate hazardous waste contamination. On April 20, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled in 'Atlantic Richfield v. Christian' that owners of property located within a Superfund site may not pursue restoration of their property in a manner that conflicts with a plan approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) without EPA's approval. The 'Atlantic Richfield' decision also addressed complicated questions regarding the jurisdiction of federal and state courts, holding that litigants can, subject to certain limitations, assert state-law claims that challenge an EPA-approved CERCLA cleanup plan in state courts. This Sidebar explains CERCLA's framework for developing and seeking review of cleanup plans, discusses the Atlantic Richfield decision, and considers the implications of the decision. As discussed below, the majority's decision may result in an increase in state-court litigation regarding Superfund sites, particularly in the early stages of the cleanup planning process. It may also complicate the settlement negotiation process for EPA and parties that are liable for response costs at Superfund sites."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowers, Kate R.
2020-07-09
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Uyghurs in China [Updated July 13, 2020]
From the Document: "Uyghurs (also spelled 'Uighurs') are an ethnic group living primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) far northwest. Uyghurs speak a Turkic language and practice a moderate form of Sunni Islam. The XUAR, often referred to simply as Xinjiang (pronounced 'SHIN-jyahng'), is a provincial-level administrative region which comprises about one-sixth of China's total land area and borders eight countries. The region is rich in minerals, produces over 80% of China's cotton, and has China's largest coal and natural gas reserves and a fifth of its oil reserves. The XUAR is a strategic region for the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative, which includes Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and energy development in neighboring Central and South Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Weber, Michael A.
2020-07-13
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U.S. Military Presence in Poland [Updated July 2, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Poland has been a major focus of U.S. and NATO efforts to deter potential Russian aggression in Europe. This is due in part to its geographic location on NATO's eastern flank, providing land access to the Baltic states. Although Ukraine is not a NATO ally, the Russian occupation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and subsequent initiation of a separatist war in eastern Ukraine underscored to many observers that NATO allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe, could once again be threatened by Moscow. In response, the United States and its NATO allies have undertaken a number of initiatives to emphasize NATO's collective defense agreements, thereby assuring allies of their own security while simultaneously deterring Russian aggression. Poland is a critical partner in these efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; McInnis, Kathleen J.; Mix, Derek E.
2020-07-02
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U.N. Ban on Iran Arms Transfers [Updated July 6, 2020]
From the Overview: "A 2015 multilateral Iran nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA), provides for limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The accord, endorsed by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 (July 17, 2015), contains an annex (Annex B) that provides for a ban on the transfer of arms to or from Iran until October 18, 2020. The Trump Administration, with the support of many in Congress, is seeking to persuade other Security Council members to extend the ban in order to prevent Iran from acquiring new conventional weaponry, particularly advanced combat aircraft. Two key potential arms suppliers of Iran--Russia and China--are veto-wielding members of the Security Council and oppose an extension. Those two countries, as well as U.S. partners in Europe, also oppose a U.S. plan to snap back all U.N. sanctions if the Council refuses to agree to the arms ban extension."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-07-06
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United States Bankruptcy Courts: Recent Caseload Statistics [July 15, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides information and statistics related to filings in the United States bankruptcy courts for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2020 (this is the most recent 12-month period for which data are available). This Insight provides information and data analysis related to judicial caseload statistics, but does not provide legal analysis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McMillion, Barry J.
2020-07-15
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VH-92 Presidential Helicopter [July 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The Marine Corps operates a fleet of helicopters to provide transportation for the President, Vice President, and other senior officials. These aircraft are known as 'Marine One' when the President is aboard. The VH-92 program is intended to provide 23 new helicopters to replace the current fleet of aging VH-3D and VH-60N presidential helicopters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2020-07-09
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U.S. District Court Vacancies at the End of a President's Fourth Calendar Year in Office [July 6, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides, from the Reagan presidency to the Obama presidency, comparative historical data related to U.S. district court vacancies and nominations that existed at the end of a President's fourth calendar year in office. Specifically, the data provided reflect district court vacancies that existed on January 1 after a President's fourth calendar year in office (as well as any nominations for these same vacancies that were returned by the Senate at or near the end of a President's fourth year in office). The specific dates for which vacancies are reported include January 1, 1985 (for the end of President Reagan's fourth calendar year in office); January 1, 1993 (George H. W. Bush presidency); January 1, 1997 (Clinton presidency); January 1, 2005 (George W. Bush presidency); and January 1, 2013 (Obama presidency)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McMillion, Barry J.
2020-07-06
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Russia's Nuclear Weapons: Doctrine, Forces, and Modernization [Updated July 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "Russia's nuclear forces consist of both long-range, strategic systems--including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs),submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers--and shorter- and medium-range delivery systems. Russia is modernizing its nuclear forces, replacing Soviet-era systems with new missiles, submarines and aircraft while developing new types of delivery systems. Although Russia's number of nuclear weapons has declined sharply since the end of Cold War, it retains a stockpile of thousands of warheads, with more than 1,500 warheads deployed on missiles and bombers capable of reaching U.S. territory."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2020-07-20
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Moldova: An Overview [Updated April 18, 2019]
From the Document: "Moldova is one of three post-Soviet states, together with Ukraine and Georgia, that have sought greater integration with the West while coping with separatist territories occupied by Russian forces. Moldova is located near the Black Sea between Ukraine and Romania."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory
2019-04-18
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Reinsurance, and Catastrophe Bonds [Updated April 11, 2019]
From the Document: "Insurance generally serves to transfer risk from one entity who does not want to bear that risk to another entity that does. An initial insurance purchase, such as homeowners buying a policy to cover damage to their home, however, is often only the first transfer of that risk. The initial (or 'primary') insurer may then transfer (or 'cede') some or all of this risk to another company or investor, such as a 'reinsurer.' Reinsurers may also further transfer (or 'retrocede') risks to other reinsurers. Such risk transfers are, on the whole, a net cost for primary insurers, just as purchasing insurance is a net cost for homeowners. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-89) revised the authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to secure reinsurance from 'private reinsurance and capital markets.' Risk transfer to the private market could reduce the likelihood of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) borrowing from the Treasury to pay claims. In addition, it could allow the NFIP to recognize some of its flood risk up front through premiums it pays for risk transfers rather than after-the-fact borrowing, and could help the NFIP to reduce the volatility of its losses over time. However, because reinsurers charge premiums to compensate for the assumed risk as well as the reinsurers' costs and profit margins, the primary benefit of reinsurance is to manage risk, not to reduce the NFIP's longterm fiscal exposure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2019-04-11
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National Flood Insurance Program Borrowing Authority [Updated January 14, 2019]
"This Insight evaluates the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) borrowing authority to receive loans from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and discusses the current financial situation of the NFIP."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2019-01-14
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Conduct of Clinical Trials of Medical Products During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Guidance for Industry, Investigators, and Institutional Review Boards
From the Introduction: "FDA plays a critical role in protecting the United States from threats such as emerging infectious diseases, including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. FDA is committed to providing timely guidance to support response efforts to this pandemic. FDA is issuing this guidance to provide general considerations to assist sponsors in assuring the safety of trial participants, maintaining compliance with good clinical practice (GCP), and minimizing risks to trial integrity for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The appendix to this guidance further explains those general considerations by providing answers to questions that the Agency has received about conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 public health emergency."
United States. Food and Drug Administration
2020-12-04
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Audit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Grant Funds Awarded to the Macon Water Authority After Tropical Storm Alberto
From the Executive Summary: "The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audited public assistance grant funds awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Macon Water Authority, Macon, Georgia (Authority) after Tropical Storm Alberto. The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Authority expended and accounted for FEMA funds according to federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. During the audit, we added an objective to determine whether FEMA's decision to fund the replacement of the Authority's Riverside Water Treatment Plant was appropriate."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2006-11
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Executive Order 13974: Amending Executive Order 13959--Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies
From the Document: "[I, President Donald J. Trump] take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020 (Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies), to address the threat posed by the People's Republic of China's military-industrial complex."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Trump, Donald, 1946-
2021-01-13
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By the Numbers: Lost Wages Assistance Totals [November 2, 2020]
From the Document: "On August 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic." This document from FEMA reports the amounts granted per state as of November 2, 2020.
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2020-11-02
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Pandemic Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Initial Assessment Report
From the Document: "FEMA acknowledges that COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] continues to affect individuals and families throughout the United States. Cases continue to rise, and more Americans are feeling the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in their personal and professional lives. This Initial Assessment Report is intended to help the agency learn and take improvement actions, and to reflect on the early operations. It is focused on the period from January 2020 through the end of September 2020, and FEMA's roles and responsibilities in the response operation."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2021-01
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Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19 [Updated September 4, 2020]
From the Abstract: "There are many pharmacologic therapies that are being used or considered for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is a need for frequently updated practice guidelines on their use, based on critical evaluation of rapidly emerging literature. In March 2020, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel of infectious disease clinicians, pharmacists, and methodologists with varied areas of expertise. The process followed a rapid recommendation checklist. The panel prioritized questions and outcomes. Then a systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. On April 11, 2020, IDSA released online initial treatment recommendations and narrative summaries of other treatments under evaluation. Since that time, the guideline panel and methodologists have continued to monitor the literature and issue updates and addendums to these guidelines in response to evolving research. Since the inception of its work, the panel has expressed the overarching goal that patients be recruited into ongoing trials, which would provide much needed evidence on the efficacy and safety of various therapies for COVID-19, given that we could not make a determination whether the benefits outweigh harms for most treatments."
Infectious Diseases Society of America
Bhimraj, Adarsh; Morgan, Rebecca L.; Shumaker, Amy Hirsch . . .
2020-09-04
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Vaccines National Strategic Plan: 2021-2025
From the Executive Summary: "Although significant progress against vaccine-preventable diseases has been made in the United States, there remain significant gaps in vaccination coverage that contribute to preventable morbidity and mortality each year. The Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2021-2025 (Vaccine Plan) provides a vision for the U.S. vaccine and immunization enterprise for the next 5 years as the nation seeks to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. The Vaccine Plan articulates a comprehensive strategy to promote vaccines and vaccination including research and development, vaccine safety monitoring, increase public knowledge and confidence in vaccines, increase access and use of recommended vaccines across the lifespan, and global cooperation. The Vaccine Plan builds on previous plans to guide vaccine policy to address vaccine confidence and disparities in vaccination coverage."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services
2021
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National Security Letters in Foreign Intelligence Investigations: Legal Background [Updated July 30, 2015]
From the Introduction: "Five statutory provisions vest government agencies responsible for certain foreign intelligence investigations (principally the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)) with authority to issue written commands comparable to administrative subpoenas. A National Security Letter (NSL) seeks customer and consumer transaction information in national security investigations from communications providers, financial institutions, and credit agencies. Over the years, Congress has struggled with efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the NSL authority, while guarding against its abuse."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2015-07-30
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National Popular Vote (NPV) Initiative: Direct Election of the President by Interstate Compact [Updated October 28, 2019]
From the Summary: "The National Popular Vote (NPV) initiative proposes an agreement among the states, an interstate compact that would effectively achieve direct popular election of the President and Vice President without a constitutional amendment. It relies on the Constitution's grant of authority to the states in Article II, Section 1 to appoint presidential electors 'in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct.... ' Any state that joins the NPV compact pledges that if the compact comes into effect, its legislature will award all the state's electoral votes to the presidential ticket that wins the most popular votes nationwide, regardless of who wins in that particular state. The compact would, however, come into effect only if its success has been assured; that is, only if states controlling a majority of electoral votes (270 or more) join the compact. At present, 15 states and the District of Columbia, jointly accounting for 196 electoral votes, have joined the compact."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nolan, Andrew; Neale, Thomas H.
2019-10-28
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Mozambique: Politics, Economy, and U.S. Relations [Updated September 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Mozambique, a significant recipient of U.S. development assistance, is a southeastern African country nearly twice the size of California, with a population of 27.9 million people. It achieved rapid growth following a postindependence civil war (1977-1992), but faces a range of political, economic, and security challenges. These include a political scandal over state-guaranteed, allegedly corrupt bank loans received by state-owned firms, which created public debt that the government did not disclose to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This placed the country's relations with the IMF at risk and has had major negative repercussions for the economy, donor relations, and Mozambique's governance record. Other challenges include unmet development needs, a range of governance shortcomings, organized crime, an ongoing economic slump, and political conflict and violence involving both mainstream political actors and violent extremists. Mozambique is also recovering from two powerful cyclones that hit the country in March and April 2019 (addressed in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R45683, 'Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Southeastern Africa: Humanitarian and Recovery Response in Brief')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Nicolas
2019-09-12
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Advisory Memorandum on Ensuring Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Ability to Work During the COVID-19 Response
From the Document: "The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) executes the Secretary of Homeland Security's authorities to secure critical infrastructure. Consistent with these authorities, CISA has developed, in collaboration with other federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector, an 'Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce' advisory list. This list is intended to help State, local, tribal, territorial officials and organizations endeavor to protect their workers and communities as they continue to reopen in a phased approach, coupled with the need to ensure continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security. Decisions informed by this list should also take into consideration worker safety, workplace settings, as well as additional public health considerations based on the specific COVID-19-related concerns of particular jurisdictions."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Wales, Brandon
2020-12-16
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 1, January 8, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "DHS S&T's [Science and Technology Directorate] Master Question List for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] offers scientifically informed guidance for government decision-makers"; "First Responder's Toolbox on VBIED [Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device] Preparedness, Recognition and Response"; "DHS's Blue Campaign recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11"; "National 911 Annual Report released"; "Latest CISA [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Agency] guidance and directives on SolarWinds Orion software supply chain compromise"; "Recent swatting attacks target residents with camera and voice-capable smart devices"; "Ten benefits of running cybersecurity exercises"; and "Declaring war against cyber negligence."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-01-08
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 2, January 14, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "IAFF [International Association of Fire Fighters] recognizes January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month"; "Nashville bombing highlights critical communications services provided by FirstNet"; "NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association] updates wildfire detection and smoke forecasting tools"; "Emergency Services Sector cybersecurity best practices"; and "Cyber Threats."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-01-14
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Military Suicide Prevention and Response [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Background: "When a servicemember dies by suicide, those close to the member often experience shock, anger, guilt, and sorrow. As such, a servicemember's suicide may adversely impact the wellbeing of his or her family and friends. Further, it may affect the morale and readiness of his or her unit. The military's response to suicidal thoughts (ideation), attempts, and deaths involves coordinated efforts among command and unit leadership, medical professionals, counselors, and others across the military community. Under the authority given to Congress in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, to raise and support armies; provide and maintain a navy; and provide for organizing, disciplining, and regulating them, Congress strives to understand the scope of this issue as it pertains to the military, the efforts previously taken to address it, and the considerations for confronting it in the future."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2019-10-02
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National Flood Insurance Program Borrowing Authority [Updated October 9, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight evaluates the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) borrowing authority to receive loans from the Treasury and the current financial situation of the NFIP."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.
2019-10-09
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Military Pay: Key Questions and Answers [Updated May 6, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The military compensation system is complex and includes an array of cash compensation elements, noncash compensation (benefits), deferred compensation (retirement pay, Thrift Savings Plan, retiree health care, and other retirement benefits), and tax advantages. This report focuses primarily on the cash compensation provided to members of the active component Armed Forces. Other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports cover military retirement and health care. This report uses a question and answer format to highlight key aspects of the military compensation system and to address topics of recurring congressional interest, including the following: [1] Compensation elements and rates. [2] Statutory formulas for increasing compensation elements. [3] Historical increases in basic pay. [4] Comparability with civilian pay. [5] Additional compensation for those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Kapp, Lawrence
2019-05-06
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Military Medical Care: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated December 20, 2018]
"Military medical care is a congressionally authorized entitlement that has expanded in size and scope since the late 19th century. Chapter 55 of Title 10 U.S. Code entitles certain health benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families. These health benefits are administered by a Military Health System (MHS). The primary objectives of the MHS, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, are (1) to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and (2) to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The MHS is one of the largest health systems in the United States and serves over 9.4 million beneficiaries. The primary mission of the MHS is to maintain the health and wellness of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mendez, Bryce H. P.
2018-12-20
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Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments [Updated July 12, 2019]
From the Summary: "The military retirement system is a government-funded, noncontributory, defined benefit system that has historically been viewed as a significant incentive in retaining a career military force. The system currently includes monthly compensation for qualified active and reserve retirees, disability benefits for those deemed medically unfit to serve, and a survivor annuity program for the eligible survivors of deceased retirees. The amount of compensation is dependent on time served, basic pay at retirement, and annual Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLAs). Military retirees are also entitled to nonmonetary benefits including exchange and commissary privileges, medical care through TRICARE, and access to Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs. [...] When considering alternatives to the current system, Congress may choose to consider the balance among (1) the benefits of the military retirement system as a retention incentive, (2) budget constraints, and (3) the needs and concerns of constituents."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kamarck, Kristy N.
2019-07-12
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Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources [Updated May 20, 2019]
From the Summary: "This guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Plagakis, Sofia; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2019-05-20
