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Immigration Arrests in the Interior of the United States: A Brief Primer [November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is primarily responsible for immigration enforcement in the interior of the United States. ICE has substantial authority to arrest and detain non-U.S. nationals (aliens) identified for removal because of immigration violations. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in arrests and removals conducted by ICE. Sometimes these arrests have been conducted as part of large-scale 'sweeps' or 'raids' involving the arrest of hundreds of individuals. These large-scale enforcement actions have prompted complaints by some that they instill panic and fear in immigrant communities, along with criticism that they may lead to separation of U.S. citizen children from their unlawfully present alien parents. In response, ICE asserts that it does not conduct raids indiscriminately, but targets those who have criminal charges or shown 'blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws.' The agency also argues that these enforcement actions are safely executed and deter future immigration law violations. This Legal Sidebar provides an overview of ICE's power to conduct arrests and other enforcement actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2019-11-14
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Section 307 and Imports Produced by Forced Labor [November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. §1307) prohibits the importation of any product that was mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced labor, including forced or indentured child labor. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is charged with enforcing the prohibition. U.S. customs law has contained prohibitions against importing goods produced by certain categories of labor since the end of the nineteenth century. Beginning in 1890, the United States prohibited imports of goods manufactured with convict labor. In 1930, Congress expanded this prohibition in Section 307 of the Tariff Act to include any (not just manufactured) products of forced labor. Although a few Members of Congress brought up humanitarian concerns during debate, the central legislative concern was with protecting domestic producers from competing with products made with forced labor. As such, Section 307 allowed the admission of products of forced labor if it could be shown that no comparable product was made in the United States or the level of domestic production did not meet domestic demand ('consumptive demand' provision)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Casey, Christopher A.; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; O'Regan, Katarina C.
2019-11-14
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World Bank [November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "The World Bank, the oldest and largest multilateral development bank, provides financial assistance to developing countries to promote economic development. Established in 1945, the Bank initially focused on providing financing for large infrastructure projects. During the past 75 years, its role has broadened to include poverty reduction efforts through social projects (such as education and health) and policy-based loans. The United States is a founding member of the World Bank and the largest financial contributor. Congress shapes U.S. policy at the World Bank through oversight, legislation, and authorization and appropriation of U.S. financial commitments to the World Bank."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.; Roscoe, Jennifer M.
2019-11-14
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Introduction to the U.S. Economy: Business Investment [Updated November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "Business investment is spending by private businesses and nonprofits on long-lasting assets, also known as physical capital, that assist in the production of goods and services. Physical capital is generally grouped into three categories: equipment (e.g., machinery or computers), structures (e.g., offices or warehouses), and intellectual property (e.g., software development or research and development). Through investment, businesses can build up their stock of physical capital, which increases their capacity to produce goods and services. For example, when a restaurant purchases an additional grill, it increases its capacity to prepare food at a given time. However, physical capital tends to become less productive over time due to wear and tear and eventually must be replaced as it breaks down. This process is referred to as depreciation. For a firm to continually increase its stock of physical capital, and therefore its productive capacity, it must invest in new physical capital faster than its current physical capital is depreciating. The same goes for the economy as a whole-- for the economy's stock of physical capital to increase, the investment rate must exceed the rate at which physical capital depreciates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stupak, Jeffrey M.
2019-11-14
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: Personal Income [Updated November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "Income is a measure of resources accruing to an individual over a period of time. In general, individuals receive income from their labor, assets, and government transfers. In its broadest terms, income is a measure of the maximum amount of goods and services an individual can consume in a given period without diminishing their net worth (the difference between their assets and liabilities) at the end of the period. Income is considered a flow variable because it is measured over a period of time; in contrast, net worth, a stock variable, is measured at a given point in time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stupak, Jeffrey M.
2019-11-14
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Kinship Care [November 14, 2019]
From the Document: "Children who do not live with their parents, but whose grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends provide them with a home are said to be in 'kinship care.' [...] There are multiple reasons that children's parents may be unwilling or unable to offer care or support, including military service, mental health issues, substance use disorder, or incarceration. [...] Children in kinship care are generally eligible for a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) child-only benefit, provided they are living with a grandparent or other relative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stoltzfus, Emilie; Boyle, Conor F.
2019-11-14
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Impeachment Process in the House of Representatives [Updated November 14, 2019]
From the Summary: "Under the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives has the power to formally charge a federal officer with wrongdoing, a process known as impeachment. The House impeaches an individual when a majority agrees to a House resolution containing explanations of the charges. The explanations in the resolution are referred to as 'articles of impeachment.' After the House agrees to impeach an officer, the role of the Senate is to conduct a trial to determine whether the charged individual should be removed from office. Removal requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate. The House impeachment process generally proceeds in three phases: (1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of articles of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the articles of impeachment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rybicki, Elizabeth; Greene, Michael
2019-11-14
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Applicability of Federal Requirements to Selected Health Coverage Arrangements [November 13, 2019]
From the Summary: "Federal health insurance requirements generally apply to health plans sold in the private health insurance market in the United States (i.e., individual coverage, small- and large-group coverage, and self-insured plans). However, not all private health coverage arrangements comply with these requirements. This includes 'exempted health coverage arrangements and noncompliant health coverage arrangements', as termed for purposes of this report. This report identifies and describes arrangements in these two categories. It is intended to help congressional policymakers better understand the scope of such arrangements available to individuals in the United States and to provide information about the limits of the application of federal health insurance requirements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Forsberg, Vanessa C.; Rosso, Ryan J.
2019-11-13
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Applicability of Federal Requirements to Selected Health Coverage Arrangements: An Overview [November 13, 2019]
From the Introduction: "A majority of individuals in the United States have private health insurance coverage. In general, health plans sold in the private health insurance market (i.e., individual coverage, small- and large-group coverage, and self-insured plans) must comply with applicable federal and state health insurance requirements. [...] However, not all private health coverage arrangements comply with federal health insurance requirements. This includes 'exempted health coverage arrangements' and 'noncompliant health coverage arrangements', as discussed below. This document provides an overview of such arrangements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Forsberg, Vanessa C.; Rosso, Ryan J.
2019-11-13
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Air Force B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Department of Defense is developing a new long-range bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider (previously known as LRS-B), and proposes to acquire at least 100 of them. B-21s would initially replace the fleets of B-1 and B-2 bombers, and could possibly replace B-52s in the future. B-21 development was highly classified until the summer of 2015, when the Air Force revealed initial details of the aircraft and the program. Although technical specifications and other data remain out of public view, many details of the budget, acquisition strategy, procurement quantities, and other aspects of the B-21 program are now in the public arena. The Administration's FY2020 budget request included $3.0 billion for further development of the B-21. As passed, the FY2019 defense appropriations bill funded the program at $2.28 billion. As a large defense program that involves issues of strategic and nuclear policy, as well as substantial expenditures, the B-21 is likely to be subject to significant congressional interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gertler, Jeremiah
2019-11-13
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Federal Employees' Retirement System: Benefits and Financing [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Summary: "Most civilian federal employees who were hired before 1984 are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Federal employees hired in 1984 or later are covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Both CSRS and FERS require participants to contribute toward the cost of their pensions through a payroll tax to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF). [...] This report provides an overview of current benefits and financing under CSRS and FERS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Isaacs, Katelin P., 1980-
2019-11-13
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Presidential Directives: An Introduction [November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "Presidential directives, such as proclamations and executive orders, are a tool used by Presidents to announce official policy and make declarations in their roles as leader of the executive branch, commander in chief of the Armed Forces, and head of state. Presidents have used directives throughout American history for a wide variety of purposes, but they have taken on a more central policy role in recent Administrations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilhelm, Ben
2019-11-13
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Poland Designated into Visa Waiver Program [November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "On November 6, 2019, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan announced the designation of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of designated countries to visit the United States without obtaining visas. Poland--one of five EU countries that until now had not been designated into the VWP--had been working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over a decade to meet the program's criteria (see list of criteria below). In FY2019, Poland met the requirement of having a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%. On October 4, 2019, President Trump announced that the Department of State formally nominated Poland for the VWP, and one month later DHS announced its designation into the program. Polish nationals will be able to apply online for travel authorization starting November 11, 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kolker, Abigail F.
2019-11-13
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Equal Rights Amendment: Close to Adoption? [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "The recent election of Democratic majorities in both chambers of the Virginia legislature has prompted new discussion of the state ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution when it convenes in January. In 2018, efforts to ratify the amendment were narrowly defeated in the state House and Senate. First presented to the states in 1972, the ERA provides that '[e]quality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.' 37 states have now ratified the ERA, and some supporters of the amendment maintain that ratification by just one additional state could result in its adoption. After ratification by one more state, the ERA will have been ratified by three-fourths of the states, as required by Article V of the Constitution. Whether the ERA can be so adopted, however, is not entirely certain. Questions concerning the expiration of Congress's original ratification deadline without approval by three-fourths of the states, and the rescission of ratifications by five states between 1973 and 1978, would likely have to be addressed before the ERA would be formally adopted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shimabukuro, Jon O.
2019-11-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States being a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many Latin American and Caribbean countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-11-13
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DOD's Cloud Strategy and the JEDI Cloud Procurement [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "In September 2017, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a memorandum calling for the accelerated adoption of a Department of Defense (DOD) enterprise-wide cloud services solution as a fundamental component of ongoing DOD modernization efforts. As a component of this effort, DOD sought to acquire a cloud services solution accessible to the entirety of the Department that can support Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret requirements, focusing on commercially available cloud service solutions, through the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) Cloud acquisition program. As DOD carried out the acquisition process for the JEDI Cloud program, industry and Congress focused significant attention on DOD's intent to award the JEDI Cloud contract to a single company. On October 25, 2019, DOD announced it had awarded the JEDI Cloud contract to Microsoft."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2019-11-13
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F-35 Aircraft Sustainment: DOD Faces Challenges in Sustaining a Growing Fleet, Statement of Diana Maurer, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, Testimony Before the Subcommittees on Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives
From the GAO [Government Accountability Office] Highlights: "DOD's F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft provides key aviation capabilities to support the U.S. National Defense Strategy. The F-35 is also DOD's most costly weapon system, with U.S. sustainment costs estimated at more than $1 trillion over its life cycle. As of October 2019, there were more than 435 U.S. and international F-35 aircraft in operation, with more than 3,300 aircraft expected to be fielded throughout the life of the program. While there is little doubt that the F-35 brings unique capabilities to the U.S. military, DOD faces significant challenges in sustaining a growing fleet. This statement discusses F-35 sustainment challenges. It also summarizes GAO's open recommendations related to these challenges."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Maurer, Diana
2019-11-13
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2881, Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2019
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on October 30, 2019. From the Document: "H.R. 2881 would require the Administration to develop and submit to the Congress a strategy to: [1] Ensure the security of new systems and infrastructure for mobile telecommunications in the United States and other countries; [2] Protect the competitiveness of U.S. businesses and the privacy of consumers that use those systems; and [3] Ensure that organizations that set standards for those systems and infrastructure are impartial. The bill would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to coordinate implementation of that strategy and to report to the Congress on the actions it takes to do so."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2019-11-13
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H. Rept. 116-283: Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act, Report Together with Dissenting Views to Accompany H.R. 729, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, November 13, 2019
From the Purpose of the Bill: "The purpose of H.R. 729 is to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to Indian Tribes to further achievement of Tribal coastal zone objectives, and for other purposes."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019-11-13
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Major Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security [November 2019]
From the Document "Pursuant to the 'Reports Consolidation Act of 2000', the Office of Inspector General must issue an annual statement summarizing what the Inspector General considers the most serious management and performance challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security and assessing its progress in addressing them. [...] Based on our recent and prior audits, inspections, special reviews, and investigations, we consider the most serious management and performance challenges currently facing DHS to be: [1] Managing Programs and Operations Effectively and Efficiently during times of Changes in Leadership, Vacancies, and Hiring Difficulties; [2] Coordinating Efforts to Address the Sharp Increase in Migrants Seeking to Enter the United States through our Southern Border; [3] Ensuring Cybersecurity in an Age When Confidentiality, Integrity, and the Availability of Information Technology Are Essential to Mission Operations; [4] Ensuring Proper Financial Planning, Payments, and Internal Controls; and [5] Improving FEMA's Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2019-11-13
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H. Rept. 116-279: Pipeline Security Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 3699, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, November 12, 2019
From the Purpose and Summary: "The purpose of H.R. 3699, the 'Pipeline Security Act,' is to codify the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) responsibility related to securing pipelines against cybersecurity threats, acts of terrorism, and other nefarious acts that jeopardize the physical security or cybersecurity of pipelines. The bill also sets requirements for a pipeline security section within TSA to help carry out this mission. Under this bill, TSA's pipeline security section must develop guidelines for pipeline security and conduct inspections of pipelines and pipeline facilities. In addition, the bill requires TSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to coordinate and develop a personnel strategy for the staffing of the pipeline security section. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the implementation of this Act."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019-11-12
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S. Rept. 116-158: Government Shutdown Accountability Act, Report of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, to Accompany S. 1877, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, November 12, 2019
From the Purpose and Summary: "S. 1877, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2019, seeks to end government shutdowns during a lapse in appropriations by providing for an automatic appropriation at current levels and providing incentives for Congress to pass regular appropriations while automatic appropriations are in place. The legislation limits official travel of Members of Congress and senior Executive Branch officials and holds Members' pay in escrow during a period of automatic appropriations. It also requires daily quorum calls and prohibits business from being in order on the Senate and House floor other than appropriations bills."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019-11-12
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Iraq: Protests and the Future of U.S. Partnership [Updated November 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Mass protests and state violence against some protestors have shaken Iraq since October 2019, with more than 300 Iraqis reported dead and thousands more injured in demonstrations and isolated clashes in Baghdad and southern Iraq. Protestors and some prominent political figures have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abd Al Mahdi and his cabinet, channeling nationalist, nonsectarian sentiment and a range of frustrations into potent rejections of the post-2003 political order. Current protests reiterate past demonstrators' concerns (with some louder critiques of Iranian interference), but the scope and endurance of the protests are unprecedented in Iraq's recent history. U.S. officials have not endorsed demands for an immediate transition, but protestors' calls for improved governance, reliable local services, more trustworthy and capable security forces, and greater economic opportunity broadly correspond to stated U.S. goals. The nature, duration, and response to the protests are deepening U.S. concerns about Iraq's stability. Related future developments could complicate U.S. efforts to partner with Iraq's government as Iraq recovers from war with the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL) and seeks to maintain its sovereignty. Congress is considering President Donald Trump's requests for additional military and civilian aid for Iraq without certainty about the future of Iraq's governing arrangements or how change might affect U.S. interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-11-12
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Election Security: States' Spending of FY2018 HAVA Payments [November 12, 2019]
From the Document: "State and local systems have been targeted as part of efforts to interfere with U.S. elections, according to the U.S. Intelligence Community. Congress has responded to such threats, in part, with funding. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141) included $380 million for payments to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (referred to herein as 'states') under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA; 52 U.S.C. §§20901-21145). This In Focus provides an overview of states' spending of the FY2018 HAVA payments. It starts by summarizing how states have proposed and reported using the funds and then introduces some issues related to the timing of state spending and reporting."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shanton, Karen L.
2019-11-12
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Expedited Removal of Aliens: An Introduction [November 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States may be subject to removal. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes different removal processes for different categories of aliens. Most removable aliens apprehended within the interior of the United States are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings are given certain procedural guarantees including the rights to counsel, to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to present evidence, and to appeal an adverse decision. The INA, however, sets forth a streamlined 'expedited removal' process for certain arriving aliens and aliens who recently entered the United States without inspection. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the expedited removal framework."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Hillel R.
2019-11-12
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Introduction to U.S. Economy: Productivity [Updated November 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Productivity is broadly defined as the ratio of outputs to inputs. With respect to the economy, productivity measures how efficiently goods and services can be produced by comparing the amount of economic output with the amount of inputs (labor, capital, etc.) used to produce those goods."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stupak, Jeffrey M.
2019-11-12
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress [Updated November 12, 2019]
From the Summary: "Central America has received renewed attention from U.S. policymakers over the past few years as the region has remained a major transit corridor for illicit drugs and has surpassed Mexico as the largest source of irregular migration to the United States. These narcotics and migrant flows are the latest symptoms of deep-rooted challenges in several countries in the region, including widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. The U.S. government has worked more closely with partners in Central America to address those challenges since 2014, making some tentative progress. The region is now at serious risk of backsliding, however, as the Trump Administration has begun to withdraw U.S. diplomatic pressure and foreign aid while some Central American officials have begun to undermine anti-corruption campaigns and other structural reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-11-12
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 2132, Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act of 2019
This is the Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate as reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on October 21, 2019. From the Document: "S. 2132 would change the criteria for establishing jurisdiction over terrorist entities if the defendant in a case is the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), or any organization or entity that represents Palestine in connection with official business of the United Nations. The bill would establish federal jurisdiction over a defendant--and therefore enable U.S. victims to file suit--if the entity: [1] Makes any payment to an individual (or to his or her family) who has been tried or pleaded guilty to an act of terrorism that injured or killed a U.S. national and has subsequently been imprisoned for that act, [2] Conducts any activity while physically present in the United States on behalf of the PA or the PLO, or [3] Applies for or maintains standing equivalent to membership in the United Nations or an affiliated agency. In addition, the bill would permit the PA and the PLO to accept U.S. economic and security assistance without subjecting themselves to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2019-11-12
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Immigration: Recent Apprehension Trends at the U.S. Southwest Border [November 19, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Understanding changing migration patterns over the past decade may help inform Congress as it considers immigration-related legislation. This report discusses recent migrant apprehension trends at the Southwest border. It describes how unauthorized migration to the United States has changed in terms of the absolute numbers of migrants as well as their origin countries, demographic composition, and primary migratory motivations. The report concludes with a brief discussion of related policy implications."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Singer, Audrey; Kandel, William
2019-11-09
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Department of Energy Appliance and Equipment Standards Program [November 8, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress continues to consider the extent and effectiveness of energy efficiency standards. One focus is energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Clark, Corrie E.
2019-11-08
