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Defense Transformation: Background and Oversight Issues for Congress [Updated April 16, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Bush Administration identified transformation as a major goal for the Department of Defense (DOD) soon after taking office, and initially justified many of its proposals for DOD on the grounds that they were needed for defense transformation. Although defense transformation is still discussed in administration defense-policy documents and budget-justification materials, the concept is now less prominent in discussions of U.S. defense policy and programs than it was during the earlier years of the Bush Administration. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for placing increased emphasis in U.S. defense planning on the following: irregular warfare, including terrorism, insurgencies, and civil war; potential catastrophic security threats, such as the possession and possible use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and rogue states; and potential disruptive events, such as the emergence of new technologies that could undermine current U.S. military advantages. The Administration's vision for defense transformation calls for shifting U.S. military forces toward a greater reliance on joint operations, network-centric warfare, effects-based operations, speed and agility, and precision application of firepower. Transformation could affect the defense industrial base by transferring funding from 'legacy' systems to transformational systems, and from traditional DOD contractors to firms that previously have not done much defense work."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2007-04-16
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Texas' Christian Nationalists Respond to COVID-19: March Through July 2020
From the Introduction: "This report examines how prominent Christian nationalists in Texas responded to this crisis in the critical first five months of the pandemic, March through July 2020, in which the state moved from lockdowns to reopening and then back to partial lockdowns after a spike in cases. [...] At the center of the story is Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the highest-ranking Christian nationalist in state government, who has, since March 31, led the state's response to the pandemic. During the pandemic, Abbott has been both a champion of the Christian nationalist agenda and the target of attacks by his fellow Christian nationalists. On the one hand, Abbott used the pandemic as an opportunity to ban most abortions in the state, a longtime Christian nationalist goal, and to carve out religious exemptions that seem to have mainly benefited conservative Christian congregations. On the other hand, the governor's attempts to control the spread of the virus ignited a revolt within the Christian nationalist movement in Texas, a revolt marked by the distrust of science that Perry, Whitehead, and Grubbs find among Christian nationalists nationally. After a brief summary of the governmental actions to curb COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in Texas, this study examines three key aspects of the Christian nationalist response to the crisis: Abbott's abortion ban; conflicts over precautionary measures; and the Christian nationalist response to the mainstream science underpinning those measures."
James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
Brockman, David R.
2021-01
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Maternal Health Inequities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges, Promising Advances, and Opportunities to Promote Equitable Care
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has prompted dramatic changes to the delivery of maternal health care; consumers' fears of contracting the virus and the imperative of social distancing exacerbated discontinuities in care, limited in-person visits with providers, and increased reliance on telehealth (Gonzalez et al. 2021; Hill and Burroughs 2020). The public health crisis has also highlighted preexisting deficiencies in our health care system. Most notably, long-standing racial inequities in health care access and health outcomes have been amplified by the disproportionate toll the pandemic has taken on communities of color (Artiga, Corallo, and Pham 2020). The pandemic has also raised new challenges, increasing both medical and social needs while isolating people from community and family supports. On the other hand, the crisis has generated creative thinking and innovative strategies for safely reaching and serving patients. These developments are occurring during an ongoing maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in the United States, which has been further compounded by the public health emergency."
Urban Institute
Burroughs, Emily; Hill, Ian; Taylor, Kimá Joy . . .
2021-05
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State Strategies for Engaging and Leveraging Primary Care Providers as COVID-19 Vaccinators
From the Document: "As supply of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccine has eclipsed demand in many areas across the country, states are shifting strategies to increase accessibility and engage communities with low vaccine uptake. With over 80 percent of adults receiving care through a regular medical home [hyperlink], primary care providers (PCPs) are critical to reaching the nine percent of surveyed adults [hyperlink] who have not received the vaccine but expressed keen interest getting it, as well as the 15 percent with additional questions indicating they would like to 'wait and see'. [...] A key strategy in the next phase of pandemic response is to engage PCPs as trusted resources for vaccinations. The National Governors Association (NGA) and Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy (Duke-Margolis) interviewed a sample of states and conducted targeted research to identify promising practices for Governors to engage and leverage PCPs as COVID-19 vaccinators. This report summarizes these findings, providing Governors and state officials with considerations and examples of strategies for leveraging PCPs to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake."
National Governors' Association; Duke University. Margolis Center for Health Policy
Williamson, Kirk; Greene, Katie; Tewarson, Hemi . . .
2021-06
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Communications Act Revisions: Selected Issues for Consideration [Updated June 6, 2007]
From the Summary: "The passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act (P.L. 104-104) resulted in a major revision of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to address the emergence of competition in what were previously considered to be monopolistic markets. Although less than a decade has passed, a consensus has grown that existing laws that govern the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors have become inadequate to meet the Nation's changing telecommunications environment. Technological changes such as the advancement of Internet technology to supply data, voice, and video, the transition to digital television, as well as the growing convergence in the telecommunications sector have, according to many policymakers, made it necessary to consider another 'rewrite' or revision, of the laws governing these markets. […] This report provides an overview of selected topics which the 110th Congress has begun, or is likely, to address in its examination of telecommunications issues. While far from a definitive list, the issues selected are wide-ranging and touch upon topics central to the telecommunications reform debate. The issues included in this report cover: broadband Internet regulation and access; broadcast indecency; digital television transition; Federal Communications Commission structure and reform; media ownership rules; municipal deployment of broadband; public safety communications, the 'savings clause' and monopoly issues; spectrum auctions; and universal service fund reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gilroy, Angele A.
2007-06-06
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Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape [Updated June 4, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent Federal agency directly responsible to Congress. It was established by the Communications Act of 1934 (1934 Act) and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The mission of the FCC is to ensure that the American people have available -- at reasonable cost and without discrimination -- rapid, efficient, nation- and world-wide communication services; whether by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable. […] Although the FCC has restructured over the past few years to better reflect the industry, it is still required to adhere to the statutory requirements of its governing legislation, the Communications Act of 1934. The 1934 Act requires the FCC to regulate the various industry sectors differently. Some policymakers have been critical of the FCC and the manner in which it regulates various sectors of the telecommunications industry -- telephone, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, and some aspects of the Internet. These policymakers, including some in Congress, have long called for varying degrees and types of reform to the FCC. Most proposals fall into two categories: (1) procedural changes made within the FCC or through Congressional action that would affect the agency's operations or (2) substantive policy changes requiring Congressional action that would affect how the agency regulates different services and industry sectors. During the 110th Congress, policymakers may continue efforts begun in the 109th Congress to restructure the FCC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Figliola, Patricia Moloney
2007-06-04
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Veterans Affairs: Health Care and Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange [February 11, 2008]
From the Summary: "Since the 1970s, Vietnam-era veterans have attributed certain medical illnesses, disabilities, and birth defects to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides sprayed by the U.S. Air Force to destroy enemy crops and remove forest cover. During the last 30 years, Agent Orange legislation has established and updated the health and disability benefits of Vietnam veterans exposed to herbicides. The Veterans' Health Care, Training and Small Business Loan Act (P.L. [Public Law] 97-72) elevated Vietnam veterans' priority status for health care at Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] facilities by recognizing a veteran's own report of exposure as sufficient proof to receive medical care unless there was evidence to the contrary. The Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-262) completely restructured VA medical care eligibility requirements for all veterans. Under P.L. 104-262, a veteran does not have to demonstrate a link between a certain health condition and exposure to Agent Orange; instead, medical care is provided unless the VA has determined that the condition did not result from exposure to Agent Orange or the condition has been identified by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) as having 'limited/suggestive' evidence of 'no' association between the occurrence of the disease and exposure to a herbicide. […] This report provides a summary of the health care and disability benefits for exposed veterans, a summary of the epidemiologic research activities related to Agent Orange, and information on the pending 'Haas v. Nicholson' case. The report supersedes RS22481, 'Veterans and Agent Orange: Eligibility for Health Care and Benefits', by Jacqueline Rae Roche and Sidath Viranga Panangala. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Panangala, Sidath Viranga
2008-02-11
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Border Security: The San Diego Fence [Updated May 23, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report outlines the issues involved with DHS's construction of the San Diego border fence and highlights some of the major legislative and administrative developments regarding its completion; it will be updated as warranted. Congress first authorized the construction of a 14-mile, triple-layered fence along the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. By 2004, only nine miles had been completed, and construction was halted because of environmental concerns. The 109th Congress subsequently passed the REAL ID Act (P.L. 109-13, Div. B), which contained provisions to facilitate the completion of the 14-mile fence. These provisions allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive all legal requirements determined necessary to ensure expeditious construction of authorized barriers and roads. In September 2005, the Secretary used this authority to waive a number of mostly environmental and conservation laws. Subsequently, the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-367) removed the specific IIRIRA provisions authorizing the San Diego fence and added provisions authorizing five stretches of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border. While the specific authorization of the San Diego fence was deleted, the project appears permissible under a separate, more general authorization provision of IIRIRA. In the 110th Congress, S.Amdt. 1150, the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which has been proposed in the nature of a substitute to S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, would amend § 102 of IIRIRA to once again expressly authorize the construction of the San Diego fence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas; Garcia, Michael John
2007-05-23
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Martial Law and National Emergency [September 27, 2001]
From the Summary: "Crises in public order, both real and potential, often evoke comments concerning a resort to martial law. While some ambiguity exists regarding the conditions of a martial law setting, such a prospect, nonetheless, is disturbing to many Americans who cherish their liberties, expect civilian law enforcement to prevail, and support civilian control of military authority. An overview of the concept of, exercise of, and authority underlying martial law is provided in this report, which will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2001-09-27
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Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Appropriations [Updated July 17, 2007]
From the Summary: This report describes the FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Administration requested a net appropriation of $35.5 billion in net budget authority for FY2008. The requested net appropriation for major components of the department included the following: $8,783 million for Customs and Border Protection (CBP); $4,168 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); $3,608 million for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); $8,457 million for the U.S. Coast Guard; $1,399 million for the Secret Service; $1,047 for the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPP); $5,042 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); $30 million for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); $799 million for the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T); and $562 million for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). The House passed H.R. 2638 on June 15, 2007. H.R. 2638 would provide $37.4 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2008. H.R. 2638 contains the following in net budget authority for major components of DHS: $8,923 million for CBP; $4,192 million for ICE; $3,842 million for the TSA; $8,352 million for the U.S. Coast Guard; $1,396 million for the Secret Service; $1,035 for the NPP; $7,239 million for FEMA; $30 million for USCIS; $777 million for S&T; and $556 million for the DNDO. The Senate Appropriations Committee reported its bill, S. 1644, on June 14, 2007. S. 1644 would provide $37.6 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2008."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.; Lister, Sarah A.; Nunez-Neto, Blas
2007-07-17
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Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated June 21, 2007]
From the Summary: "Afghanistan's political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but since 2006 insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government have escalated to the point that some experts question the prospects for stabilizing Afghanistan. In the political process, a new constitution was adopted in January 2004, successful presidential elections were held on October 9, 2004, and parliamentary elections took place on September 18, 2005. The parliament has become an arena for factions that have fought each other for nearly three decades to debate and peacefully resolve differences. Afghan citizens are enjoying personal freedoms forbidden by the Taliban. Women are participating in economic and political life, including as ministers, provincial governors, and parliament leaders. The insurgency led by remnants of the former Taliban regime escalated in 2006, after four years of minor Taliban militant activity. Contributing to the resurgence was popular frustration with lack of economic development, official corruption, and the failure to extend Afghan government authority into rural areas. Narcotics trafficking is resisting counter-measures and funding insurgent activity. The Afghan government and some U.S. officials blame Pakistan for failing to prevent Taliban commanders from operating from Pakistan, beyond the reach of U.S./NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. U.S. and NATO commanders anticipated a Taliban 2007 'spring offensive' and moved to preempt it with an increase in force levels and accelerated reconstruction efforts, possibly contributing to a lower level-and changing texture-of violence than expected, thus far. U.S. and NATO forces have also killed a few key Taliban battlefield leaders in 2007."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2007-06-21
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China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [Updated June 14, 2007]
From the Summary: "U.S.-China relations have remained remarkably smooth since late 2001, although there are signs that U.S. policy toward China is now subject to competing reassessments. State Department officials in 2005 unveiled what they said was a new policy framework for the relationship-one in which the United States was willing to work cooperatively with a non-democratic China while encouraging Beijing to become a 'responsible stakeholder' in the global system-and U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in December 2006 established a U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue with Beijing, the most senior regular dialogue yet held with China. Other U.S. policymakers appear to have adopted tougher stances on issues involving China and U.S.-China relations, concerned about the impact of the PRC's strong economic growth and a more assertive PRC diplomacy in the international arena. Another matter of growing concern to some is China's increasing global 'reach' and the consequences that the PRC's expanding international influence has for U.S. interests. To feed its appetite for resources, China has been steadily signing trade agreements, oil and gas contracts, scientific cooperation agreements, and multilateral security arrangements with countries around the world, some of which are key U.S. allies. Taiwan, which China considers a 'renegade province,' remains the most sensitive issue the two countries face and the one many observers fear could lead to Sino-U.S. conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2007-06-14
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Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa [Updated July 6, 2007]
From the Summary: "On February 6, 2007, the Bush Administration announced its intention to create a new unified combatant command, U.S. Africa Command or AFRICOM, to promote U.S. national security objectives in Africa and its surrounding waters. U.S. military involvement on the continent is currently divided among three commands: U.S. European Command (EUCOM), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). As envisioned by the Administration, the command's area of responsibility (AOR) would include all African countries except Egypt. In recent years, analysts and U.S. policymakers have noted Africa's growing strategic importance to U.S. interests. Among those interests are Africa's role in the Global War on Terror and the potential threats posed by ungoverned spaces; the growing importance of Africa's natural resources, particularly energy resources; and ongoing concern for the continent's many humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, and more general challenges, such as the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Congress authorized a feasibility study on the creation of a new command for Africa. As defined by the Department of Defense (DOD), AFRICOM's mission will be to promote U.S. strategic objectives by working with African states and regional organizations to help strengthen stability and security in the region through improved security capability, military professionalization, and accountable governance. The command's military operations would aim to deter aggression and respond to crises."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2007-07-06
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Palestinian Territories: Background and U.S. Relations [July 5, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of Palestinian society and current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations. It contains a brief historical review of modern Palestine, an overview of Palestinian society and politics, and a look at the Palestinians' relations with the international community. U.S. policy toward the Palestinians since the advent of the Oslo process in the early 1990s has been marked by efforts to establish a Palestinian state through a negotiated two-state solution with Israel, counter Palestinian terrorist groups, and establish norms of democracy, accountability, and good governance within the Palestinian Authority (PA). President Bush made these goals explicit in his June 24, 2002 Rose Garden speech. Congressional views of the issue have reflected concern that U.S. bilateral assistance not fall into the hands of Palestinian rejectionists who advocate terrorism and violence against Israelis and, at times, against Americans. Congress also has expressed concern that U.S. funds for Palestinian refugees channeled through the United Nations have been mismanaged or found their way into the wrong hands. Among the current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations is how to deal with the political leadership of Palestinian society, which is divided between Fatah and its rival, Hamas, a State Department designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Following Hamas's victory in the 2006 legislative election and the formation of a Hamas-led PA cabinet, the United States halted aid to the PA, but continued humanitarian aid along with efforts to bolster Fatah leader and PA President Mahmoud Abbas."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morro, Paul
2007-07-05
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated July 12, 2007]
From the Summary: "The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved. The FREEDOM Support Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-511) authorizes assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Section 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver for Section 907, in consideration of Azerbaijan's support to the international coalition to combat terrorism. In December 2001, Congress approved foreign appropriations for FY2002 (P.L. 107-115) that granted the President authority to waive Section 907, renewable each calendar year under certain conditions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-07-12
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Information Security and Data Breach Notification Safeguards [July 31, 2007]
From the Summary: "Information security and breach notification requirements are imposed on some entities that own, possess, or license sensitive personal information. Information security standards are designed to protect personally identifiable information from compromise, unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized acquisition, unauthorized access, or other situations where unauthorized persons have access or potential access to personally identifiable information for unauthorized purposes. Data breach notification laws require covered entities to provide notice to affected persons (e.g., cardholders, customers) about the occurrence of a data security breach involving personally identifiable information. Data security breaches occur when fraudulent accounts are created, laptops or computers are stolen or hacked, passwords are compromised, insiders or employees steal data, or discs or back-up tapes are misplaced. [...] Many data breach notification laws require covered entities to implement a breach notification policy, and include requirements for incident reporting and handling and external breach notification. Breach notification policies address whether breach notification is required, the time when notice should be given, who should provide notice, the level or risk that will trigger external notification, the contents of the notification, the means of providing the notification, and who should receive notification. In addition, such laws generally require a covered entity or a designated party to conduct a risk assessment of the likely risk of harm caused by the data breach and an assessment of the level of risk for potential misuse of information. Breach notification policies may also address when notification may be delayed and exemptions from external notification for information that is encrypted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stevens, Gina Marie
2007-07-31
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Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated June 22, 2007]
From the Introduction: "Congress has several potential options it may consider for improving management and execution of the Deepwater program. Congress's decisions regarding the Deepwater program could significantly affect Coast Guard capabilities, Coast Guard funding requirements, and federal acquisition practices. [...] The management and execution of the Deepwater program has been strongly criticized in recent months by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS IG), the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), several Members of Congress from committees and subcommittees that oversee the Coast Guard, and other observers. House and Senate committees and subcommittees have conducted several oversight hearings this year devoted partly or entirely to problems and concerns regarding the management and execution of the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2007-06-22
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Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress [Updated July 6, 2007]
From the Summary: "The value proposition for fusion centers is that by integrating various streams of information and intelligence, including that flowing from the federal government, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector, a more accurate picture of risks to people, economic infrastructure, and communities can be developed and translated into protective action. […] There are several risks to the fusion center concept - including potential privacy and civil liberties violations, and the possible inability of fusion centers to demonstrate utility in the absence of future terrorist attacks, particularly during periods of relative state fiscal austerity. […] Fusion centers are state-created entities largely financed and staffed by the states, and there is no one 'model' for how a center should be structured. [… ]This report includes over 30 options for congressional consideration to clarify and potentially enhance the federal government's relationship with fusion centers. One of the central options is the potential drafting of a formal national fusion center strategy that would outline, among other elements, the federal government's clear expectations of fusion centers, its position on sustainment funding, metrics for assessing fusion center performance, and definition of what constitutes a 'mature' fusion center. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Masse, Todd; Rollins, John; O'Neil, Siobhan
2007-07-06
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 15, 2007]
From the Summary: "Concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere about China's military modernization. The topic is an increasing factor in discussions over future required U.S. Navy capabilities. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? [...] Certain options are available for improving U.S. Navy capabilities by 2010; additional options, particularly in shipbuilding, can improve U.S. Navy capabilities in subsequent years. China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting of Navy ships in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW-capable platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP hardening of Navy systems. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2007-06-15
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Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy [Updated June 19, 2007]
From the Summary: "In addition to describing the structure and development of the Afghan narcotics trade, this report provides current statistical information, profiles the narcotics trade's participants, explores narco-terrorist linkages, and reviews U.S. and international policy responses since late 2001. The report also considers current policy debates regarding the counternarcotics roles of the U.S. military, poppy eradication, alternative livelihoods, and funding issues for Congress. The report will be updated to reflect major developments. For more information on Afghanistan, see CRS Report RL30588, 'Afghanistan: Post-War Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy', by Kenneth Katzman."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2007-06-19
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Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11 [Updated June 28, 2007]
From the Summary: "With enactment of the FY2007 supplemental on May 25, 2007, Congress has approved a total of about $610 billion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans' health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan and other counter terror operations; Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), providing enhanced security at military bases; and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). [...] The Congressional Budget Office estimates that additional war costs for the next 10 years could total about $472 billion if troop levels fall to 30,000 by 2010, or $919 billion if troop levels fall to 70,000 by about 2013. If these estimates are added to already appropriated amounts, total funding for Iraq and the GWOT could reach from about $980 billion to $1.4 trillion by 2017. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy
2007-06-28
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National Environmental Policy Act: Background and Implementation [June 7, 2007]
From the Document: "This report discusses the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) history, its provisions, and the evolution of its implementation; it also provides an overview of how agencies implement NEPA's requirements. This report will be updated as developments warrant. Beginning in the late 1950s and through the 1960s, Congress reacted to increasing public concern about the impact that human activity could have on the environment. A key legislative option to address this concern was the declaration of a national environmental policy. Advocates of this approach argued that without a specific policy, federal agencies were neither able nor inclined to consider the environmental impacts of their actions in fulfilling the agency's mission. The statute that ultimately addressed this issue was NEPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Luther, Linda
2007-06-07
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Conventional Warheads for Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 19, 2007]
From the Summary: "Long-range ballistic missiles can bring unique capabilities to the PGS [prompt global strike] mission. But these missiles are only uniquely capable if the United States must attack promptly, or within hours, of the start of an unanticipated conflict. In any other circumstance, the United States is likely to have the time to move its forces into the region. Hence, when deciding to fund the development of conventional warheads for long-range land-based or sea-based missiles, and whether to deploy conventional [intercontinental ballistic missiles] ICBMs, Congress may review whether the benefits brought by these systems outweigh the risks of misunderstandings arising from their use. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2007-06-19
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Exon-Florio National Security Test for Foreign Investment [Updated June 21, 2007]
From the Summary: "The proposed acquisitions of major operations in six major U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World and of Unocal by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) sparked intense concerns among some Members of Congress and the public and reignited the debate over what role foreign acquisitions play in U.S. national security. The United States actively promotes internationally the national treatment of foreign firms. Some Members of Congress and others are concerned with this policy, however, particularly with how it applies to allowing government owned companies unlimited access to the Nation's industrial base. Much of this debate focuses on the activities of a relatively obscure committee, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Exon-Florio provision, which gives the President broad powers to block certain types of foreign investment. [...] This report will be updated as warranted by events."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2007-06-21
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Defense Procurement: Full Funding Policy - Background, Issues and Options for Congress [Updated June 15, 2007]
From the Summary: "Congress has several options for responding to recent proposals for procuring DOD ships and aircraft with funding mechanisms that do not conform to the full funding policy. These options could have the effect of terminating, modifying, maintaining, or strengthening the full funding policy. In weighing these options, Congress may consider several factors, including Congress's power of the purse, its ability to conduct oversight of DOD procurement programs, the impact on future Congresses, DOD budgeting discipline, and the potential impact on weapon costs. The process of weighing options may involve balancing a need to meet DOD procurement goals within available funding against the goal of preserving Congress's control over DOD spending and its ability to conduct oversight of DOD programs. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Daggett, Stephen
2007-06-15
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated June 29, 2007]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in climate change legislation has grown in recent years. In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that directly address various aspects of climate change. These bills cover a wide spectrum, ranging from climate change research to comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap-and-trade programs. Additional bills focus on GHG reporting or registration, or on power plant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) as part of wider controls on pollutant emissions. [...] This report briefly discusses the basic concepts on which these bills are based, and compares major provisions of the bills in each of the following categories: climate change research; emissions reduction technologies; U.S. actions pursuant to international emission reduction agreements; adaptation to the effects of climate change; GHG reporting and registration; and GHG emissions reduction programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2007-06-29
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Intelligence and Information-Sharing Elements of S. 4 and H.R. 1 [June 26, 2007]
From the Summary: "Title I of S. 4 and Title VII of H.R. 1 include corresponding measures related to enhancing information and intelligence sharing, both horizontally within the federal government and vertically between the federal government and state and local law enforcement and homeland security authorities. […] With respect to Homeland Security Information Sharing Enhancement, at the most aggregate level, the bills would require the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate and standardize the information of DHS intelligence components into a Department information-sharing environment. Among other measures, the bills would require the Secretary of DHS to implement a Homeland Security Advisory System, which shall provide '... in each warning or alert specific information and advice on ... appropriate protective measures and countermeasures that may be taken in response to the threat or risk.' Furthermore, the responsible DHS official shall, '...whenever possible, limit the scope' of each advisory or warning 'to a specific region, locality, or economic sector believed to be at risk.' Unique to H.R. 1 is a proposal that would stipulate that DHS '...shall not ... use color designations as the exclusive means of specifying homeland security threat conditions.' The Department would be required to develop mechanisms to provide feedback to state, local, tribal, and private sector officials on the utility of information they gathered. Both bills also include language to provide monetary and non-monetary information-sharing incentives for employees in federal agencies that possess or use intelligence or terrorism information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Masse, Todd
2007-06-26
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Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007: A Summary of Key Provisions [Updated June 25, 2007]
From the Summary: "In 1968, Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to severe flooding following a series of hurricanes in 1963 and 1964, and Hurricane Betsy in 1965. The key policy objectives of the NFIP were threefold: (1) reduce the nation's flood risk through floodplain management; (2) improve flood hazard data and risk assessment through mapping the nation's floodplains; and (3) make affordable flood insurance widely available in communities that adopt and enforce measures to make future construction safer from flooding. Today, the NFIP reportedly saves taxpayers over $1 billion annually in flood losses that, in the absence of the program, would otherwise have been paid by taxpayers. Fiscally, the program had been self-supporting from the mid-1980s until the 2005 hurricanes (Katrina and Rita). These storms exposed serious weaknesses in the NFIP that Congress is addressing in an effort to return the program to financial soundness."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.
2007-06-25
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Investigation, Arrest, and Trial of U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean: Background and Issues [March 13, 2007]
From the Document: "This memorandum summarizes the February 17, 2005, shooting of Osvaldo Aldrete- Davila (Aldrete-Davila) and the subsequent investigation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents Ignacio Ramos (Ramos) and Jose Compean (Compean). The descriptions provided are primarily from an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and press releases by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas. This case has received widespread coverage by the news media, and many sources have reported different accounts of the events of February 17, 2005 and of the subsequent trial, and have come to varying legal conclusions. All of this has created some controversy and uncertainty surrounding this case. This memorandum also discusses some of the issues that have recently gained attention and lists legislative responses from the 110th Congress. Issues relating to congressional pardons, as proposed in recent legislation, are not discussed in this memorandum. According to the DHS OIG report, around 1:00 p.m. on February 17, 2005, Aldrete-Davila attempted to drive a van loaded with 743 pounds of marijuana to a 'stash house' located near Fabens, Texas. Aldrete-Davila noticed he was being followed by USBP agents, at which time he turned the van around and started driving back toward Mexico. After losing control of the vehicle, he jumped out and attempted to run back to Mexico. Refusing to stop at the commands of agent Ramos, Aldrete-Davila jumped into a ditch abutting a levee near the U.S.-Mexico border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas; Garcia, Michael John
2007-03-13
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Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA): Effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Implementation [Updated June 5, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), enacted in 1990 and administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has funded wetland restoration projects for more than 10 years. By law, CWPPRA allocates 70% of appropriated funds ($76 million of $109 million in FY2007) to projects in Louisiana. Louisiana wetland protection and restoration proponents largely view the program as an established success in enhancing coastal wetlands by implementing numerous relatively inexpensive and smaller-scale projects. At the same time, many of these proponents also have worked to develop and seek administration and congressional support for a more substantial multibillion-dollar coastal Louisiana restoration program consisting of far larger projects. Their efforts have intensified in the aftermath of two highly destructive hurricanes that struck Louisiana in 2005, both because the scale of the CWPPRA program is insufficient to counter the large wetlands losses that resulted, and because wetlands restoration could play a more prominent role in reducing the impacts of future hurricanes on developed areas. Congress may consider amending CWPPRA to redirect or expand it as a response to these hurricanes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zinn, Jeffrey A.
2007-06-05
