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Global Nuclear Detection Architecture: Issues for Congress [July 16, 2008]
"In 2006, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established within the Department of Homeland Security to centralize coordination of the federal response to an unconventional nuclear threat." "The U.S. government has implemented a series of programs to protect the nation against terrorist nuclear attack. Some of these programs predate September 11, 2001, while others were established since then. Most programs are within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the Departments of Defense, Energy, and State; and agencies that became part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) upon its creation, and they are focused on detecting the illicit acquisition and shipment of nuclear and radiological materials and protecting and securing nuclear weapons. These disparate programs have historically been viewed as lacking coordination and centralized oversight. […].The global nuclear detection architecture is a multi-layered system of detection technologies, programs, and guidelines designed to enhance the nation's ability to detect and prevent a radiological or nuclear attack. Among its components are existing programs in nuclear detection operated by other federal agencies and new programs put into place by DNDO. The global nuclear detection architecture is developed by DNDO in coordination with other federal agencies implementing nuclear detection efforts and this coordination is essential to the success of the architecture."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.
2008-07-16
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U.S. Secret Service: An Examination and Analysis of Its Evolving Missions [July 31, 2008]
"In March 2003, the U.S. Secret Service was transferred from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security as a distinct entity." "The U.S. Secret Service has two missions--criminal investigations and protection. Criminal investigation activities, which have expanded since its inception as a small anti-counterfeiting operation at the end of the Civil War, now encompass financial crimes, identity theft, counterfeiting, computer fraud, and computer-based attacks on the nation's financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure, among other areas. Protection activities, which have expanded and evolved since the 1890s, include the safety and security of the President, Vice President, their families, and other identified individuals and locations. […]. Prior to enactment of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296), the U.S. Secret Service had been part of the Treasury Department for over 100 years. During an April 2008 hearing on the FY2009 budget request for the U.S. Secret Service, Members of Congress raised questions related to the missions and organizational location of the Service. Are the two missions of the Service compatible and how should they be prioritized? Is the Department of Homeland Security the most appropriate organizational and administrative location for the Secret Service? […]. Some may contend that these and other questions call for renewed attention given the recent increase in demand for the Service's protection function (for example, see H.R. 5938 pending in the 110th Congress) and the advent of new technology used in financial crimes. This report will be updated when congressional or executive branch actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Corcoran, David
2008-07-31
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Federal Liability for Flood Damage Related to Army Corps of Engineers Projects [Updated July 11, 2008]
"This [CRS] report examines selected issues of the federal government's liability depending on the theory of the levee failures, and analyzes legal defenses available to the federal government. The report uses flood damage related to Hurricane Katrina as an illustration of these legal issues regarding federal liability, but the general principles in the analysis would apply to flood damage resulting from any such flood control project."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2008-07-11
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Gasoline Prices: Causes of Increases and Congressional Response [Updated July 31, 2008]
This CRS report talks about recent Congressional action in regards to sky rocketing gasoline prices. "The high price of gasoline has been and continues to be a driving factor in consideration of energy policy proposals." Despite passage of major legislation in 2005 and 2007, "numerous other proposed initiatives remain under active consideration in the 110th Congress. Measures proposed include repeal of some tax benefits to domestic oil and gas producers contained in EPACT2005, provisions on price gouging, and reform of oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. With crude oil and gasoline prices surging to record levels, tax relief proposals have been added to the list of proposals." A second area of focus of the CRS report is the variety of factors which have contributed to the sky rocketing of gasoline prices. These factors "have combined to put pressure on gasoline prices, including increased world demand for crude oil and limited U.S. refinery capacity to supply gasoline. The war and continued violence in Iraq added uncertainty, and threats of supply disruption have added pressure, particularly to the commodity futures markets. Concern that speculation has added volatility and upward pressure has frequently been cited. In recent months, a decline in the value of the dollar compared to other currencies has increased the dollar price of oil on futures markets. The gasoline price surge has stimulated much legislative activity, but until recently there has not been the sense of the extreme urgency of previous energy crises. The continuing high prices have led to a further search for legislative remedies." Finally, the report also reviews the current energy policy options being considered by the 110th Congress.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2008-07-31
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Extending NASA's Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [Updated July 30, 2008]
This CRS report provides an update on Congressional action taken in regards to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [INKSNA]. "The Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 [INA] was enacted to help stop foreign transfers to Iran of weapons of mass destruction, missile technology, and advanced conventional weapons technology, particularly from Russia. Section 6 of the INA banned U.S. payments to Russia in connection with the International Space Station [ISS] unless the U.S. President determined that Russia was taking steps to prevent such proliferation. When the President in 2004 announced that the Space Shuttle would be retired in 2010, the Russian Soyuz became the only vehicle available after that date to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. In 2005 Congress amended INA to exempt Soyuz flights to the ISS from the Section 6 ban through 2011. It also extended the provisions to Syria and North Korea, and renamed it the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act [INKSNA]. NASA has now asked Congress to extend the exemption for the life of the ISS, or until U.S. crew transport vehicles become operational. As in 2005, an exemption would be needed before payments could be made to Russia since the President has not made a determination pursuant to Section 6(b) of the INKSNA regarding Russian nonproliferation policy or proliferation activities to Iran, North Korea or Syria."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Niktin, Mary Beth
2008-07-30
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Islamic Finance: Overview and Policy Concerns [February 9, 2009]
"Islamic finance is based on principles of shariah, or 'Islamic law.' Major principles of shariah are a ban on interest, a ban on contractual uncertainty, adherence to risk-sharing and profitsharing, promotion of ethical investments that enhance society, and asset-backing. The international market for Islamic finance has grown between 10% to 15% annually in recent years. Islamic finance historically has been concentrated in Persian Gulf and Southeast Asian countries, but has expanded globally to both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. There is a small but growing market for Islamic finance in the United States. Through international and domestic regulatory bodies, there has been effort to standardize regulations in Islamic finance across different countries and financial institutions, although challenges remain. Critics of Islamic finance express concerns about possible ties between Islamic finance and political agendas or terrorist financing and the use of Islamic finance to circumvent U.S. economic sanctions. Supporters argue that Islamic finance presents significant new business opportunities and provides alternate methods for capital formation and economic development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2009-02-09
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Oil Development on Federal Lands and the Outer Continental Shelf [Updated August 6, 2008]
This CRS report "provides an overview of selected legislative initiatives, examines oil production and resource data, and discusses oil development concerns on federal lands, both onshore and on the OCS (Outer Continental Shelf). [...] Over the past year, crude oil prices have nearly doubled, reaching record levels. Proposals before Congress include a number of legislative initiatives to increase domestic oil production. These proposals have fallen into two broad categories: to (1) open areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) which are currently under leasing moratoria; and to (2) encourage companies holding oil and gas leases to diligently develop leases to bring them into production. Proponents of these initiatives argue that promising areas should be open for exploration to maximize domestic oil production as soon as possible."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphries, Marc
2008-08-06
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Iran's Ballistic Missile Programs: An Overview [February 4, 2009]
"Iran has an active interest in developing, acquiring, and deploying a broad range of ballistic missiles, as well as developing a space launch capability. This was spotlighted several times since 2008. In mid-July 2008, Iran launched a number of ballistic missiles during military exercises, reportedly including the medium-range Shahab-3. At the time, a Pentagon spokesman said Iran was 'not testing new technologies or capabilities, but rather firing off old equipment in an attempt to intimidate their neighbors and escalate tension in the region.' Subsequent analysis of the July 2008 missile launches shows Iran apparently digitally altered images of those launches. Iran announced other missile and space launch tests in August and November 2008. In February 2009, Iran announced it launched a satellite into orbit and 'officially achieved a presence in space.' This short report seeks to provide an overview of the reported or suspected variety of Iranian ballistic missile programs. Because there remains widespread public divergence over particulars, however, this report does not provide specificity to what Iran may or may not have, or is in the process of developing. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.
2008-07-21
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Iran: Profile of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad [Updated July 9, 2008]
"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad was elected June 24, 2005, to a four-year term, becoming the first non-cleric president in 24 years. He defeated former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in a run-off. Prior to his 2005 election to the presidency, Ahmadinejad did not hold an elected office and was a virtual unknown in the international arena. This report covers his background; his victory over the well-known former president Rafsanjani; his remarks about the West, including Israel; and recent visits to Iraq and Latin America. For further information and analysis on Ahmadinejad, Iran, and U.S. options, see CRS Report RL32048, Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses, by Kenneth Katzman. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hassan, Hussein D.
2008-07-09
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Legal Advisers in the Field During Armed Conflict
From the Document: "Legal advisers are supposed to be made available to military commanders, particularly during hostilities, as a product of AP/I (Protocol I of 1977 Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949). Article 82 of AP/I proclaims: 'The High Contracting Parties at all times, and the Parties to the conflict in time of armed conflict, shall ensure that legal advisers are available, when necessary, to advise military commanders at the appropriate level on the application of the Conventions and this Protocol and on the appropriate instruction to be given to the armed forces on this subject.' This treaty stipulation was quite innovative in 1977, but it has definitely caught on thenceforth. Needless to say, all Contracting Parties to AP/I are bound to comply with Article 82 (unless an explicit reservation has been recorded at the time of ratification or accession). But even as far as non-Contracting Parties are concerned, it is noteworthy that the United States-- which thoroughly objects to numerous provisions of AP/I--by no means dissents from Article 82. Indeed, the US Department of Defense 'Law of War Manual' (citing Article 82) attests that qualified legal advisers are made available at all levels of command to provide advice about law of war compliance during planning and execution of operations."
Naval War College (U.S.). International Law Studies
Dinstein, Yoram
2021
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [October 21, 2011]
"This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding for the procurement of four LCSs. Current issues for Congress concerning the LCS program include the Navy's lack of economic order quantity (EOQ) authority for executing the two block-buy contracts, changes or potential changes to the composition of LCS mission modules, the combat survivability of the LCS, hull cracking on LCS-1, and corrosion on LCS-2. Congress's decisions on the LCS program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-10-21
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Germany's 'Grand Coalition' Government: Prospects and Implications [January 17, 2006]
"A 'grand coalition' government of Germany's two largest parties, the Christian Democrat Union/Christian Socialist Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) led by CDU candidate Angela Merkel took office on November 22, 2005, after the German federal election of September 18, 2005, had produced no clear winner. Some experts believe that the coalition will be fragile, short lived, and will accomplish little with each side trying to gain political advantage over the other. Such negative expectations are not shared by other analysts who believe that only such a large coalition can implement potentially painful but needed economic and social reforms, assuming that it can overcome partisan politics. The most difficult and crucial areas on which the coalition must cooperate if the government is to succeed involve social and economic policy. […] The United States, Germany, and the EU are working together to oppose Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Chancellor Merkel has indicated that she will not support a lifting of the EU arms embargo against China, which the United States also opposes. A number of differences are likely to continue even under the Merkel government, such as on the treatment of terror suspect prisoners, extra-judicial 'renditions,' environmental policy, and the International Criminal Court. Chancellor Merkel's first official visit to Washington and her talks with President Bush on January 13, 2006, were designed to demonstrate that a new positive chapter had opened in bilateral relations, although differences were discussed candidly. The two leaders agreed on most points, including the urgency of addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Miko, Francis T.
2006-01-17
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Ecuador: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [January 5, 2006]
"On April 20, 2005, President Lucio Gutierrez was removed from office by Ecuador's Congress following weeks of popular protests. Ecuadorians rejected Gutierrez's December 2004 replacement of the majority of the judges on the country's three highest courts with his political allies, a move that had been sharply criticized by the international community. Succeeding him as President was his former vice president, Alfredo Palacio, a physician and political independent. Palacio is the country's seventh president in nine years. Ecuador's economy is currently expanding because of high oil prices, but its political institutions are extremely fragile. The Palacio Administration has already been weakened by cabinet resignations, allegations of corruption, and a failure to gain congressional support for a constituent assembly. Ecuador continues to work with the United States on counter-narcotics matters and is expected to soon resume negotiations for a U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement. Despite this cooperation, investors are concerned by Palacio's lack of fiscal discipline, including his support of a congressional measure to channel oil revenue into social spending rather then debt repayment. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2006-01-05
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Iraq: Elections, Government, and Constitution [January 20, 2006]
"Elections for a transitional National Assembly and government (January 30, 2005), a permanent constitution (October 15), and a permanent (four year) Council of Representatives and government (December 15) have been concluded despite insurgent violence. U.S. officials hope that the high turnout among Sunni Arabs in the December 15 elections -- and post-election bargaining among all factions -- will produce an inclusive government that reduces insurgent violence. (See CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31339, 'Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance', by Kenneth Katzman.)"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2006-01-20
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Bosnia and the European Union Military Force (EUFOR): Post-NATO Peacekeeping [January 5, 2006]
"On December 2, 2004, NATO formally concluded its Stabilization Force (SFOR) mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and handed over peace stabilization duties to a European Union force (EUFOR). The mission of the EU's Operation 'Althea' is to ensure continued compliance with the Dayton peace agreement and contribute to a secure environment and Bosnia's efforts towards European integration. The 6,300-strong operation constitutes the largest EU military mission to date. NATO retains a small headquarters presence in Sarajevo, with approximately 220 U.S. forces, to provide advice on defense reforms and to support counterterrorism efforts and the apprehension of wanted war crimes suspects believed to be hiding in or transiting through Bosnia. Ten years after Dayton, many Members of Congress remain engaged and interested in Bosnia's reforms and prospects for sustainable peace. This report may be updated as events warrant. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS22324, 'Bosnia: Overview of Issues Ten Years After Dayton', by Julie Kim."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kim, Julie
2006-01-05
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Bosnia: Overview of Issues Ten Years After Dayton [January 9, 2006]
"On November 21-22, 2005, the United States hosted a meeting with Bosnia's collective leadership to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Dayton accords, an agreement brokered under U.S. leadership that ended the 1992-1995 conflict in Bosnia- Herzegovina. Since early 2005, the Bush Administration has given renewed emphasis to 'unfinished business' in the western Balkan region, such as the unresolved status of Kosovo, a U.N.-run province of Serbia. The United States also seeks to bolster Bosnia's further development as a unified, democratic, and stable state on the path toward Euro- Atlantic integration. In Washington, members of Bosnia's tri-presidency pledged to carry out major constitutional reforms that are intended to enable Bosnia to become a more functional and viable state. Bosnia will hold critical national elections in October 2006. This report provides an overview of prominent current issues concerning Bosnia and may be updated. For further background information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32392, 'Bosnia and Herzegovina: Issues for U.S. Policy', by Steven Woehrel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kim, Julie
2006-01-09
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Advancing Effective U.S. Policy for Strategic Competition with China in the Twenty-First Century, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, March 17, 2021
This is the March 17, 2021 hearing on "Advancing Effective U.S. Policy for Strategic Competition with China in the Twenty-First Century," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From the opening statement of Bob Menendez: "The China of 2021 is not the China of 1971 or even the China of 2011. China today is challenging the United States and destabilizing the international community across every dimension of power-political, diplomatic, economic, innovation, military, and even cultural, and with an alternative and deeply disturbing model for global governance." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Elizabeth Economy, Tom Shugart, and Saif Khan.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Homeland Security: DHS Needs to Fully Implement Key Practices in Acquiring Biometric Identity Management System, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Highlights: "DHS currently uses an outdated system, implemented over 27 years ago, for providing biometric identity management services (i.e., fingerprint matching and facial recognition technology services), known as the Automated Biometric Identification System, or IDENT. In 2016, DHS initiated a multi-billion dollar program known as HART [Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology], which is intended to replace the existing system. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to evaluate the HART program. Its specific objectives, among others, were to (1) determine the status of the program, (2) assess the extent to which the DHS CIO [Chief Information Officer] was accurately reporting risk and meeting applicable oversight requirements, and (3) assess the extent to which the program was identifying and managing its risks."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06
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National Science Foundation: COVID-19 Affected Ongoing Construction of Major Facilities Projects
From the Document: "Since GAO's [Government Accountability Office] April 2020 report on the status of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) major facilities projects, the Large Hadron Collider High Luminosity Upgrade program began construction, and it along with the four other major facilities projects in construction (see figure), have weathered schedule delays associated with the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. To partially account for increased costs associated with the pandemic, such as the cost of paying project staff while work is paused, NSF has authorized $38.9 million in total project cost increases to the award recipients constructing three of the five projects: [1] $18.9 million for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, [2] $10.0 million for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and [3] $10.0 million for Regional Class Research Vessels. Because the pandemic is ongoing and its full effects are not yet known, NSF expects to make further adjustments to the cost and schedule of all five major projects in construction. Design work on an additional major facility project continued without significant interruption from the pandemic. Further, NSF made awards to begin the agency's first three mid-scale research infrastructure projects."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06-08
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Federal Protective Service: Better Documented Cost Estimates Could Help Stakeholders Make Security Decisions, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
From the Highlights: "Over one million employees and a range of visitors seeking services at federal facilities depend on FPS [Federal Protective Service] to ensure the safety of both people and property at these locations. This report examines stakeholders' perspectives on FPS's performance of three key activities. GAO [Government Accountability Office] identified key activities from FPS data on work hours. GAO held discussion groups with stakeholders from 27 randomly selected facilities where FPS provided guard services and responded to incidents in fiscal year 2019 and analyzed stakeholder responses from 2017-2019 to GSA's [General Services Administration] and FPS's feedback instruments. These sources of stakeholder views are not representative but collectively provide insight into stakeholders' satisfaction with how FPS is performing key activities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06
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Department of Energy: Environmental Liability Continues to Grow, but Opportunities May Exist to Reduce Costs and Risks
From the Document: "The Department of Energy (DOE) has the difficult task of cleaning up hazardous and radioactive waste at sites across the country. The waste was created by nuclear weapons research and production dating back to World War II and the Cold War. DOE's cleanup mission includes addressing contaminated soil and groundwater; deactivating and decommissioning contaminated facilities; and designing, constructing, and operating facilities to treat millions of gallons of radioactive waste. [...] We prepared this report under the authority of the Comptroller General to assist Congress with its oversight responsibilities. This report describes the status of DOE's environmental liability and challenges and opportunities GAO [Government Accountability Office] has identified that DOE faces in managing its cleanup responsibilities."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-06-08
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Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress [September 16, 2011]
"This report provides background information and potential issues for Congress on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular 'plug-and-fight' mission packages. The Navy's proposed FY2012 budget requests funding for the procurement of four LCSs. Current issues for Congress concerning the LCS program include changes or potential changes to the composition of LCS mission modules announced by the Navy in January 2011, the combat survivability of the LCS, and hull cracking on LCS-1. Congress's decisions on the LCS program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2011-09-16
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [October 12, 2011]
"U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has aimed at facilitating their cooperation with U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and their efforts to combat terrorism, proliferation, and trafficking in arms, drugs, and persons. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of East-West and Central Asia-South Asia trade links. Such policies aim to help the states become what various U.S. administrations have considered to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that contribute to wider regional conflict and instability. […] Congress has been at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for the region for the transit of equipment and supplies for U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress has pursued these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian, economic, and democratization assistance, security issues, and human rights. During the 112th Congress, the Members may review assistance for bolstering regional border and customs controls and other safeguards to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), combating trafficking in persons and drugs, encouraging regional integration with South Asia and Europe, advancing energy security, and countering terrorism. Support for these goals also has been viewed as contributing to stabilization and reconstruction operations by the United States and NATO in Afghanistan. For several years, Congress has placed conditions on assistance to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan--because of concerns about human rights abuses and lagging democratization--which have affected some U.S. diplomatic and security ties. Congress will continue to consider how to balance these varied U.S. interests in the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2011-10-12
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Immigration: Terrorist Grounds for Exclusion and Removal of Aliens [December 20, 2005]
"The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) spells out a strict set of admissions criteria and exclusion rules for all foreign nationals, whether coming permanently as immigrants (i.e., legal permanent residents) or temporarily as nonimmigrants. Notably, any alien who has engaged in or incited terrorist activity, is reasonably believed to be carrying out a terrorist activity, or is a representative or member of a designated foreign terrorist organization is inadmissible. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the INA was broadened to deny entry to representatives of groups that endorse terrorism, prominent individuals who endorse terrorism, and spouses and children of aliens who are removable on terrorism grounds (on the basis of activities occurring within the previous five years). The INA also contains grounds for inadmissibility based on foreign policy concerns. […] This report opens with an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility and summarizes key legislation enacted in recent years. The section on current law explains the legal definitions of 'terrorist activity,' 'engage in terrorist activity,' and 'terrorist organization,' and describes the terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal. Where relevant, the report discusses how recently enacted legislation, including the REAL ID Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), affects these matters. This report also briefly discusses the effects that H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which was introduced by Representative James Sensenbrenner on December 6, 2005 and passed the House as amended on December 16, 2005 by a vote of 239-to-182, would have upon the terrorism-related provisions of the INA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garcia, Michael John; Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2005-12-20
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Gasoline Prices: New Legislation and Proposals [January 10, 2006]
"The high price of gasoline was an important consideration during the debate on major energy legislation, which ended August 8 as the President signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, H.R. 6 (P.L. 109-58). However, prices continued to surge, spiking at the end of August when Hurricane Katrina shut down refining operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The continuing crisis renewed attention to some issues that were dropped or compromised in the debate over P.L. 109-58. A large number of factors combined to put pressure on gasoline prices, including increased world demand for crude oil and U.S. refinery capacity inadequate to supply gasoline to a recovering national economy. The war and continued violence in Iraq added uncertainty and a threat of supply disruption that added pressure particularly to the commodity futures markets. […] The gasoline price surge influenced the debate over P.L. 109-58, but the urgency of previous energy crises was lacking. In part, this may be due to the fact that there has been no physical shortage of gasoline or lines at the pump. In addition, the expectation of former crises -- that prices were destined to grow ever higher -- has not been prevalent. However, the persistence of high gasoline and oil prices into a second summer has raised alarms over the economic consequences of the situation, heightened following the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina. Another post-Katrina issue is the widespread suggestion that price gouging occurred in the surge in gasoline prices following the disaster."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2006-01-10
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Homeland Security: Coast Guard Operations - Background and Issues for Congress [January 9, 2006]
"The Coast Guard is the lead federal agency for maritime homeland security. The Coast Guard's homeland security operations pose several potential issues for Congress, including adequacy of Coast Guard resources for performing both homeland security and non-homeland security missions, and Coast Guard coordination with other agencies involved in maritime homeland security. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2006-01-09
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S. 1, For the People Act, Hearing Before the Committee on Rules and Administration, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, March 24, 2021
This is the March 24, 2021 hearing on "S. 1, For the People Act," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. From the opening statement of Amy Klobuchar: "At its core, the For the People Act is about three simple ideas: making voting easier, getting big money out of politics, and strengthening ethics rules. These are not radical proposals. These are ideas that nearly everyone in this country agrees with. With this bill, we can make them a reality and ensure that Americans have a democracy that works for them." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Eric Holder, Mac Warner, Jocelyn Benson, Todd Rokita, Michael Waldman, Trevor Potter, Lee Goodman, Fred Wertheimer, Bradley Smith, and Tiffany Muller,
United States. Government Printing Office
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Reaching the Light at the End of the Tunnel: A Science-Driven Approach to Swiftly and Safely Ending the Pandemic, Hearing Before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, April 15, 2021
This is the April 15, 2021 hearing on "Reaching the Light at the End of the Tunnel: A Science-Driven Approach to Swiftly and Safely Ending the Pandemic," held before the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. From the Opening Statement of James E. Clyburn: "This pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our Nation. More than 550,000 of our fellow Americans have died, more than in any other nation on Earth. Nearly one in 10 has been infected and millions have faced hardships like job loss, mental health struggles, and the loss of a loved one. But today, more than a year into the pandemic, there is reason for hope. Our government's response to the coronavirus crisis is now driven by science and fact, not politics and wishful thinking." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Anthony S. Fauci, Rochelle P. Walensky, and David Kessler.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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How COVID-19 is Impacting Small Businesses Across the Food System, Hearing Before the Committee on Small Business, United States House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, September 30, 2020
This is the September 30, 2020 hearing on "How COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] is Impacting Small Businesses Across the Food System," held before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. From the opening statement of Nydia Velazquez: "Over the last few months, the outbreak of COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented public health crisis and created a dire economic crisis for small firms. Three out of four businesses are experiencing a decrease in revenue since March, and over half of small businesses are concerned about being forced to close. Small businesses across the food supply chain system have been impacted." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jimmy Wright, Kimberly Gorton, Rob Larew, and Collin Castore.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Immigration, Citizenship, and the Federal Justice System, 1998-2018 (Revised January 27, 2021)
"This report highlights trends in federal arrests and prosecutions by the country of citizenship of persons processed through the federal criminal justice system. It shows changes from 1998 through 2018. The report provides statistics on law enforcement and prosecutions along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as in non-border areas. It shows the number of suspects arrested and prosecuted for both immigration and non-immigration offenses, including by their citizenship status. It details activities for all 94 federal judicial districts, while also separately detailing activities for the 5 districts along the U.S.-Mexico border."
United States. Bureau of Justice Statistics
Motivans, Mark
2021-01-27
