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Federal Enterprise Architecture and E-Government: Issues for Information Technology Management [May 10, 2006]
"Congressional policymakers are concerned about potential inefficiencies and inefficacies in the operation of the federal government, particularly as it relates to decisions regarding information technology (IT) investments. These concerns have increased as federal IT spending has grown to more than $60 billion annually. One approach being implemented to reduce duplicative spending and improve crossagency collaboration is the use of enterprise architecture (EA) planning across the federal government. An EA serves as a blueprint of the business operations of an organization, and the information and technology needed to carry out these functions. As an information technology management and planning tool, EA planning represents a business-driven approach to information technology management that emphasizes interoperability and information sharing. The Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) was started in 2002 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and continues to be developed today. The FEA is composed of five reference models: Performance, Business, Service, Data, and Technical. Each of the reference models represents specific aspects of the FEA and provides a 'common language' for departments and agencies to use in developing shared technology solutions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seifert, Jeffrey W.
2006-05-10
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Azerbaijan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [June 29, 2012]
"Azerbaijan is an important power in the South Caucasus by reason of its geographic location and ample energy resources, but it faces challenges to its stability, including the unresolved separatist conflict involving Nagorno Karabakh (NK). Azerbaijan enjoyed a brief period of independence in 1918-1920, after the collapse of the Tsarist Russian Empire. However, it was re-conquered by Red Army forces and thereafter incorporated into the Soviet Union. It re-gained independence when the Soviet Union collapsed at the end of 1991. […] According to the Obama Administration, U.S. assistance for Azerbaijan aims to develop democratic institutions and civil society, support the growth of the non-oil sectors of the economy, strengthen the interoperability of the armed forces with NATO, increase maritime border security, and bolster the country's ability to combat terrorism, corruption, narcotics trafficking, and other transnational crime. […] After the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan granted overflight rights and approved numerous landings and refueling operations at Baku's civilian airport in support of U.S. and coalition military operations in Afghanistan. More recently, the country is a major land, air, and sea conduit of the Northern Distribution Network for supplies in support of U.S. and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan has contributed troops for the ISAF since 2003. The country increased its contingent from 45 to 90 personnel in 2009, including medical and civil affairs specialists. From 2003 to 2008, about 150 Azerbaijani troops participated in the coalition stabilization force for Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2012-06-29
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NATO's Prague Capabilities Commitment [November 7, 2003]
"With the end of the Cold War, NATO began to reassess its collective defense strategy and to anticipate possible new missions. The conflicts in the Balkans highlighted the need for more mobile forces, for technological equality between the United States and its allies, and for interoperability. In 1999, NATO launched the Defense Capabilities Initiative (DCI), an effort to enable the alliance to deploy troops quickly to crisis regions, to supply and protect those forces, and to equip them to engage an adversary effectively. To meet the DCI's goals, however, most allied countries needed to increase their individual defense budgets, a step many were reluctant to take. The war in Afghanistan marked a new development in modern warfare through the extensive use of precision-guided munitions, directed by ground-based special forces; many believe that this step widened the capabilities breach between the United States and its European allies. At its November 2002 summit in Prague, NATO approved a new initiative, the Prague Capabilities Commitment (PCC), touted as a slimmed-down, more focused DCI, with quantifiable goals. Analysts argue that the success of PCC, like DCI, will hinge upon increased spending and/or changed procurement priorities -- particularly by the European allies. This report will be updated periodically. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21354, 'The NATO Summit at Prague 2002.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl
2003-11-07
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Fiscal Year 2011 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to States and Localities [April 26, 2010]
"The President's budget request proposed total appropriations of $4.0 billion in FY2011 for homeland security assistance to states and localities, which is $164 million less than Congress appropriated in FY2010. These assistance programs are used by state and local governments, primarily first responder entities, to meet homeland security needs and enhance capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from both man-made and natural disasters. The Administration's budget request not only proposes to reduce total appropriations for these programs, but also to eliminate some programs, such as the Metropolitan Medical Response System, the Emergency Operations Centers Program, and the Interoperable Communications Program. This report briefly discusses issues of debate associated with the budget request. This report will be updated as congressional appropriations actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2010-04-26
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In Brief: Clarifying the Concept of 'Partnership' in National Security [May 4, 2012]
"Over the last few years, the term 'partnership' has spread like wildfire through official U.S. national security guidance documents and rhetoric. At the Department of Defense (DOD), which spearheaded the proliferation of the term, 'partnership' has been used to refer to a broad array of civilian as well as military activities in support of national security. At other U.S. government agencies, and at the White House, the use of the term "partnership" has been echoed and applied even more broadly-not only in the national security arena, but also to all facets of U.S. relationships with foreign partners. 'Partnership' is not new in either theory or practice. To illustrate, U.S. strategy during the Cold War called for working with formal allies, through combined planning and the development of interoperable capabilities, in order to deter and if necessary defeat a Soviet threat. And it called for working with partners in the developing world to cultivate the allegiance of states and societies to the West, and to bolster their resistance to Soviet influence. Congress provided oversight in the forms of policy direction; resources and authorities for programs ranging from weapons sales to combined military exercises to cultural exchanges; and accountability. New in recent years is both the profusion of the use of the term partnership and-in the aftermath of both the Cold War and the first post-9/11 decade-a much less singular focus for U.S. global engagement. Recent defense and national strategic guidance clearly conveys the view that partnership is good."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dale, Catherine
2012-05-04
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NATO's Prague Capabilities Commitment [Updated July 22, 2008]
"With the end of the Cold War, NATO began to reassess its collective defense strategy and to anticipate possible new missions. The conflicts in the Balkans highlighted the need for more mobile forces, for technological equality between the United States and its allies, and for interoperability. In 1999, NATO launched the Defense Capabilities Initiative (DCI), an effort to enable the alliance to deploy troops quickly to crisis regions, to supply and protect those forces, and to equip them to engage an adversary effectively. The conflict in Afghanistan marked a new development in modern warfare through the extensive use of precision-guided munitions, directed by ground-based special forces; many believe that this step widened the capabilities breach between the United States and its European allies. At its 2002 summit in Prague, NATO approved a new initiative, the Prague Capabilities Commitment (PCC), touted as a slimmed-down, more focused DCI, with quantifiable goals. Analysts have cautioned that the success of PCC will hinge upon increased spending and changed procurement priorities - particularly by the European allies. At NATO's 2004 Istanbul summit and its 2006 Riga summit, the alliance reaffirmed the goals of PCC and, in light of NATO missions, particularly in Afghanistan, stressed the urgency of acquiring specific capabilities such as airlift. During the 110th Congress, lawmakers are likely to review the alliance's progress in boosting NATO capabilities, especially in the context of the appropriations process. This report will be updated as events warrant. See also CRS Report RS22529, The NATO Summit at Riga, 2006, by Paul Gallis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl
2008-07-22
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NATO's Prague Capabilities Commitment [January 24, 2004]
"With the end of the Cold War, NATO began to reassess its collective defense strategy and to anticipate possible new missions. The conflicts in the Balkans highlighted the need for more mobile forces, for technological equality between the United States and its allies, and for interoperability. In 1999, NATO launched the Defense Capabilities Initiative (DCI), an effort to enable the alliance to deploy troops quickly to crisis regions, to supply and protect those forces, and to equip them to engage an adversary effectively. The conflict in Afghanistan marked a new development in modern warfare through the extensive use of precision-guided munitions, directed by ground-based special forces; many believe that this step widened the capabilities breach between the United States and its European allies. At its 2002 summit in Prague, NATO approved a new initiative, the Prague Capabilities Commitment (PCC), touted as a slimmed-down, more focused DCI, with quantifiable goals. Analysts have cautioned that the success of PCC will hinge upon increased spending and changed procurement priorities -- particularly by the European allies. At NATO's 2004 Istanbul summit and its 2006 Riga summit, the alliance reaffirmed the goals of PCC and, in light of NATO missions, particularly in Afghanistan, stressed the urgency of acquiring specific capabilities such as airlift. During the 110th Congress, lawmakers are likely to review the alliance's progress in boosting NATO capabilities, especially in the context of the appropriations process. This report will be updated as events warrant. See also CRS Report RS22529, 'The NATO Summit at Riga, 2006', by Paul Gallis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl
2004-01-24
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Intelligence Implications of the Military Technical Revolution [May 1, 1995]
"The availability of precision guided munitions (PGMs) and precise intelligence transmitted in 'real time' lies at the center of a military technical revolution that is changing the ways in which future military operations are likely to be planned and conducted. This revolution requires changes in the functions and organization of the U.S. Intelligence Community. During the decades of the Cold War, intelligence agencies were organized around collection disciplines, e.g., signals intelligence, photographic intelligence, and human intelligence. Collection efforts were managed by Washington-based agencies, principally, the National Security Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency. Their efforts were largely (but by not means exclusively) directed towards supporting senior policymakers in dealing with the threat from the Soviet Union. Support to military operations was provided by service intelligence organizations using information that became available from national-level agencies. [...] The Intelligence Community, with congressional support and encouragement, is being restructured to ensure that support to military commanders assigned regional and peacekeeping missions has a high priority. Relationships between national and tactical systems are being rationalized. New surveillance equipment and communications links are being procured. Personnel are being trained to draw upon all the resources of the Intelligence Community to provide real-time support to military operations. There are major challenges remaining, however, to ensure that this process of intelligence 'tacticalization' goes smoothly, that interoperability among equipment used by different services and intelligence agencies is achieved, and that a reasonable relationship between force structure, intelligence and communications 'architectures,' and likely operational missions in the uncertain post-Cold War world is maintained.Some observers have also expressed concern that national intelligence not be neglected as necessary adaptations to the military technical revolution are implemented."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
1995-05-01
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Tsunami Detection and Warnings for the United States [September 25, 2008]
"With respect to tsunami disaster warnings for the United States, discussions ensued between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] about developing a multi-hazard warning and response system and, perhaps, eventually contributing to a global tsunami early warning system. Experts acknowledge that formidable challenges lay ahead in adopting standardized communications protocols and ensuring the interoperability, scope, and purpose of the diverse emergency warning alert systems used by the United States and other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrissey, Wayne A.
2008-09-25
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Federal Chief Technology Officer in the Obama Administration: Options and Issues for Consideration [January 21, 2009]
"President Barack Obama has expressed his intention to establish a federal chief technology officer (CTO). In campaign and presidential transition documents, the President identified several specific areas of responsibility for a CTO, including transparency of government operations, computer and network security (sometimes referred to as cybersecurity), identification and adoption of best technologies and practices by federal agencies, and interoperability of emergency communications technologies for first responders. [...] A CTO is likely to face a variety of challenges in executing the mission envisioned by the President. Among the early challenges will be negotiating domains of responsibilities, formal and informal, within the White House (if that is where President Obama or Congress decides to establish a CTO) and with executive branch agencies that have overlapping missions. Some commentators have expressed concerns about the impact a CTO might have on existing offices and agencies with respect to the allocation and coordination of authorities and responsibilities. Others commentators have asserted that a high-level CTO could serve as an advocate for technological innovation and foster increased knowledge sharing among federal agencies to more effectively implement information technology solutions to meet disparate mission requirements. The President has not indicated whether he intends to establish a CTO position by executive order or other administrative process, or whether he will seek legislation. Congress may elect to provide a statutory foundation for a CTO, define the roles and authorities of a CTO, authorize and appropriate funds, provide for oversight, and address other aspects of the position."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F.
2009-01-21
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Digital TV Transition: A Brief Overview [August 12, 2005]
"Congressional policymakers are seeking a way to accelerate the nation's transition to digital television and to expedite the transfer of radio frequency channels from the broadcast industry to public safety and commercial users no later than 2009. Broadcasters are holding spectrum in the 700MHz band (channels 52-69) that they would be required to relinquish after the transition to digital television (DTV) is achieved. Without a hard deadline, the transition to digital television has been postponed. Meanwhile, public safety officials want 700 MHz spectrum that has been assigned to them, but not delivered, in order to build new interoperable networks, while the commercial wireless industry would like access to the spectrum for new services. The scope of a bill to clear spectrum and facilitate the transition to digital televison is under discussion in the House and Senate. Although policymakers continue to discuss different proposals for legislation, it appears that consensus has been reached on several points. For example, there is general agreement to set a firm date for the clearing of 700 MHz spectrum; to use $4.8 billion of auction proceeds toward Congressional commitments to reduce the budget deficit by 2010; and to take measures so that TV viewers will not lose access to television programming. The steps needed to achieve the latter remain a major point of disagreement, within and outside Congress. […] This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.; Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2005-08-12
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Baltic States: U.S. Policy Concerns [Updated August 13, 2004]
"This report provides background and analysis on the political and economic situations on Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (commonly collectively referred to as the Baltic states), their foreign policies, and U.S. policy toward them. The Baltic states achieved their long-held dream of full independence from the Soviet Union in the aftermath of the failed August 1991 coup by Soviet hard-liners. Since 1991, the these three countries have made great strides in building democracies and free market economies. They have also sought integration into Western economic and security structures, in part because they see themselves as part of the West, in part to protect themselves from instability or a nationalist resurgence in Russia. The Baltic states achieved these goals in 2004 […] The United States has provided significant amounts of economic aid to the Baltic states. Due to their success in economic reform, the Administration phased out bilateral aid for Estonia in at the end of FY1996, and did the same for Latvia and Lithuania at the end of FY1999. The United States continues to provide security assistance to the Baltic states to strengthen their armed forces and help them achieve greater interoperability with NATO, as well as to improve their border security and export controls. The Baltic states have been strong supporters of U.S. policy in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the war on terror, and have deployed troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.
2004-08-13
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First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [May 7, 2015]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network and required that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assign a license to FirstNet, comprising the newly designated frequencies and 10 MHz previously assigned to states by the FCC for public safety use. In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. Mission critical voice communications, which require higher levels of quality of service, will, in most states, be available only over Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks operating on narrowband frequencies that are under the jurisdiction of state and local public safety agencies. States will likely need to continue to invest in and maintain their narrowband networks and may at the same time be obliged to fund some part of the state build-out for FirstNet."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2015-05-07
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First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [February 27, 2015]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). […] In addition, the act has designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of spectrum licenses to the commercial sector. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a widely shared national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet, however, is to provide a broadband network to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. Mission critical voice communications will, in many states, be available over Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks operating on narrowband frequencies previously assigned by the FCC [Federal Communications Commission]. States participating in FirstNet may need to continue to invest in and maintain their narrowband networks and will likely at the same time be required to fund some part of the build out of state Radio Area Networks proposed by FirstNet, as required in the act. The cost of construction of a nationwide network is estimated by experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term, with similarly large sums needed for maintenance and operation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2015-02-27
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First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [April 28, 2016]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network and required that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assign a license to FirstNet, comprising the newly designated frequencies plus 10 MHz previously assigned to states by the FCC for public safety use. In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network nationwide to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. The cost of constructing and maintaining a nationwide network is estimated by many experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term. The law anticipates that most of these costs will be covered by partnerships between FirstNet and the private sector in return for commercial access to FirstNet's spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2016-04-28
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Interior Immigration Enforcement: Criminal Alien Programs [September 8, 2016]
"Congress has long supported efforts to identify, detain, and remove criminal aliens, defined as noncitizens who have been convicted of crimes in the United States. The apprehension and expeditious removal of criminal aliens has been a statutory priority since 1986, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and one of its predecessor agencies have operated programs targeting criminal aliens since 1988. Investments in DHS's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interior enforcement programs since 2004 have increased the number of potentially removable aliens identified within the United States. [...] PEP [Priority Enforcement Program], its predecessor Secure Communities, and the §287(g) program have all contributed to DHS removing large numbers of aliens in the past decade. Yet, these programs also have been controversial. Because interoperability screens all people passing through law enforcement jurisdictions, critics often charged ICE with removing many people who either committed minor crimes or who had no criminal record apart from unauthorized presence in the United States. Other critics charge that revisions to the set of enforcement priorities through PEP have since contributed to declining numbers of enforcement actions. The §287(g) program has raised concerns over inconsistent policies and practices among jurisdictions and allegations of racial profiling, among other issues. Such concerns caused ICE to revise the program in FY2012 and allow certain §287(g) agreements with law enforcement agencies to expire. Since then, immigration enforcement advocates have questioned why ICE has curtailed the program's use. ICE has recently expressed interest in expanding it. For these and other reasons, Congress may be interested in measures of enforcement levels by program, the level of appropriations for different criminal alien programs, and the role of state and local law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2016-09-08
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First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [July 28, 2016]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L.112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network and required that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assign a license to FirstNet, comprising the newly designated frequencies plus 10 MHz previously assigned to states by the FCC for public safety use. In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders.
The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network nationwide to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. The cost of constructing and maintaining a nationwide network is estimated by many experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term. The law anticipates that most of these costs will be covered by partnerships between FirstNet and the private sector in return for commercial access to FirstNet's spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2016-07-28
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First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [June 17, 2016]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network and required that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assign a license to FirstNet, comprising the newly designated frequencies plus 10 MHz previously assigned to states by the FCC for public safety use. In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network nationwide to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. The cost of constructing and maintaining a nationwide network is estimated by many experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term. The law anticipates that most of these costs will be covered by partnerships between FirstNet and the private sector in return for commercial access to FirstNet's spectrum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Moore, L. K. S. (Linda K. S.)
2016-06-17
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Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation [Updated February 11, 2004]
"Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, considerable concern has been raised because the 19 terrorists were aliens who apparently entered the United States with temporary visas despite provisions in immigration laws that bar the admission of terrorists. Foreign nationals not already legally residing in the United States who wish to come to the United States generally must obtain a visa to be admitted, with certain exceptions noted in law. Fears that lax enforcement of immigration laws regulating the admission of foreign nationals into the United States may continue to make the United States vulnerable to further terrorist attacks have led to revisions in the policy as well as changes in who administers immigration law. The 107th Congress expanded the definition of terrorism and the designation of terrorist organizations used to determine the inadmissibility and removal of aliens in the USA Patriot Act (P.L. 107-56). Another law, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (P.L. 107-173), sought to improve the visa issuance process by mandating data sharing so that consular officers have access to relevant electronic information. This law also required the development of an interoperable electronic data system to be used to share information relevant to alien admissibility and removability and required that all visas issued by October 2004 have biometric identifiers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2004-02-11
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Potential F-22 'Raptor' Export to Japan [March 11, 2009]
"Japan has expressed interest in purchasing the F-22A 'Raptor' aircraft from the United States. Although the export of the plane is now prohibited by U.S. law, Congress has recently and may again consider repealing this ban. Arguments for the sale include potential benefits to U.S. industry, contribution to the defense of Japan and the region, and promotion of U.S. interoperability with the Japanese military. Arguments against the transfer include concerns about technology proliferation and the potential for undermining regional stability. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma
2009-03-11
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Potential F-22 'Raptor' Export to Japan [June 28, 2007]
"Japan has expressed interest in purchasing the F-22A 'Raptor' aircraft from the United States. Although the export of the plane is now prohibited by U.S. law, Congress has recently and may again consider repealing this ban. Arguments for the sale include potential benefits to U.S. industry, contribution to the defense of Japan and the region, and promotion of U.S. interoperability with the Japanese military. Arguments against the transfer include concerns about technology proliferation and the potential for undermining regional stability. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.; Chanlett-Avery, Emma
2007-06-28
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NATO's Prague Capabilities Commitment [Updated January 24, 2007]
"With the end of the Cold War, NATO began to reassess its collective defense strategy and to anticipate possible new missions. The conflicts in the Balkans highlighted the need for more mobile forces, for technological equality between the United States and its allies, and for interoperability. In 1999, NATO launched the Defense Capabilities Initiative (DCI), an effort to enable the alliance to deploy troops quickly to crisis regions, to supply and protect those forces, and to equip them to engage an adversary effectively. The conflict in Afghanistan marked a new development in modern warfare through the extensive use of precision-guided munitions, directed by ground-based special forces; many believe that this step widened the capabilities breach between the United States and its European allies. At its 2002 summit in Prague, NATO approved a new initiative, the Prague Capabilities Commitment (PCC), touted as a slimmed-down, more focused DCI, with quantifiable goals. Analysts have cautioned that the success of PCC will hinge upon increased spending and changed procurement priorities -- particularly by the European allies. At NATO's 2004 Istanbul summit and its 2006 Riga summit, the alliance reaffirmed the goals of PCC and, in light of NATO missions, particularly in Afghanistan, stressed the urgency of acquiring specific capabilities such as airlift. During the 110th Congress, lawmakers are likely to review the alliance's progress in boosting NATO capabilities, especially in the context of the appropriations process. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl
2007-01-24
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Emergency Communications Forum - Volume 7, October 2011
"The Emergency Communications Forum (ECF), published by OEC [Office of Energy Commissions] is intended to engage and inform the emergency response community, policy makers, and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials about issues and events that directly impact everyday nationwide emergency communications." This edition of the Emergency Communications Forum contains the following articles: "The Calm During the Storm: Tennessee Regional System Supports Tornado Response"; "Finding Alternative Grant Funding: Using HSGP [Homeland Security Grant Program] Funding to Replace Defunded IECGP [Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program] Monies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2011-10
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Federal Chief Technology Officer in the Obama Administration: Options and Issues for Consideration [June 4, 2010]
"In November 2007, Senator Barack Obama announced his intention, if elected President, to appoint a federal chief technology officer (CTO). He also identified several specific areas of responsibility of the CTO including transparency of government operations, computer and network security (sometimes referred to as cybersecurity), identification and adoption of best technologies and practices by federal agencies, and interoperability of emergency communications technologies for first responders. On April 18, 2009, President Obama appointed Virginia Secretary of Technology Aneesh P. Chopra to serve in the newly created position of federal chief technology officer. In announcing the appointment, the President indicated that Mr. Chopra would undertake roles beyond what might be considered traditional CTO responsibilities. As the President described them, these roles include promoting technological innovation to help the United States create jobs, reduce health care costs, protect the homeland, and address other national goals. Mr. Chopra serves as assistant to the President and chief technology officer, as well as associate director for technology in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Under a provision of Executive Order 13500, issued on February 5, 2009, he also serves as a member of the White House Domestic Policy Council in his capacity as assistant to the President and CTO."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sargent, John F.
2010-06-04
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The First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress [January 26, 2017]
"Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network [...] In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network nationwide to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. [...] [The Act] was signed into law on February 22, 2012, setting in motion the process of setting up FirstNet as an 'independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration,' as required by the act; laying out the parameters for partnerships and state, tribal, and federal participation; and meeting requirements either statutory or practical. [...] As FirstNet becomes operational, the potential level of public safety agency participation should be better understood, providing opportunities to evaluate the success of FirstNet in meeting the goals Congress set for it in 2012. The 115th Congress will likely continue monitoring the development and deployment of FirstNet through periodic hearings in both the House and Senate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.
2017-01-24
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FirstNet's Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network Moves Forward [April 4, 2017]
"On March 30, 2017, FirstNet announced a public-private partnership with AT&T to build a dedicated interoperable wireless broadband network for use by public safety agencies nationwide. Under terms of the 25 year agreement, FirstNet will provide AT&T with up to $6.5 billion for initial network construction over the next five years. Additionally, AT&T will spend about $40 billion of its own funds to build, operate, and maintain the network over the life of the contract. To conduct the buildout, AT&T has assembled a team including Motorola Solutions, General Dynamics, Sapient Consulting, Inmarsat Government, and others. While first responders will have priority and pre-emption access over the FirstNet network, AT&T will be able to monetize the excess network capacity to secondary commercial users. In exchange, AT&T will make annual lease payments to FirstNet, totaling at least $5.625 billion over the period of the contract. Additional penalty payments to FirstNet are possible, depending on AT&T's ability to meet contractual and public safety adoption targets."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kruger, Lennard G.
2017-04-04
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Sanctuary Jurisdictions and Criminal Aliens: In Brief [January 10, 2017]
"The prominence of immigration enforcement issues during the 2016 presidential election as well as publicity surrounding crimes committed by some unauthorized aliens have reignited debates over immigration enforcement in the interior of the country. [...] ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] has made the removal of certain criminal aliens its top priority. [...] Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, but efforts have been made continually to use the potential 'force multipliers' offered by local law enforcement. [...] ICE operates the Criminal Alien Program (CAP), which is guided by the Priority Enforcement Program (PEP), a set of immigration enforcement priorities that describe which foreign nationals should be removed and in what priority order. PEP also employs 'interoperability,' a data sharing infrastructure between DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) that screens individuals for immigration-related violations when they are booked by law enforcement jurisdictions. [...] In recent years, some jurisdictions have expressly defined or limited their roles and the activities of their employees regarding immigration enforcement. These have been referred to as 'sanctuary' jurisdictions. [...] Congress may choose to consider several issues, including whether the potentially positive impacts on public safety of state and local involvement in immigration enforcement outweigh the potentially negative impacts on both law enforcement resource utilization and community relations within such jurisdictions; and whether increasing law enforcement funding or tying the provision of certain federal grants to greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies--or a mix of both approaches--would yield the greater cooperation proponents seek."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2017-01-10
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Federal Grants and Loans for State and Local Emergency Communications Projects: Frequently Asked Questions [September 20, 2018]
"Improving emergency communications has been an area of congressional interest for many years. Before September 11, 2001, Congress provided funding through grants, which could be used to improve state and local emergency communications through purchases of police and fire radios, construction of communication towers, and disaster planning, training, and exercises. After September 11, 2001, Congress increased funding to improve interoperability between public safety agencies at all levels of government to enhance communication and coordination during response. Congress has also supported investments in broadband for public safety through several grant and loan programs, many focused on expanding broadband to rural areas. In 2012, Congress provided $6.5 billion to create the First Responder Network (FirstNet), a new nationwide public safety broadband network. While this provides public safety agencies with a common platform to communicate, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies may look to federal funding to equip responders with devices, and to enhance coverage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallagher, Jill C.
2018-09-20
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Federal Grants and Loans for State and Local Emergency Communications Projects: Frequently Asked Questions [June 1, 2018]
"Improving emergency communications has been an area of congressional interest for many years. Before September 11, 2001, Congress provided funding through grants, which could be used to improve state and local emergency communications through purchases of police and fire radios, construction of communication towers, and disaster planning, training, and exercises. After September 11, 2001, Congress increased funding to improve interoperability between public safety agencies at all levels of government to enhance communication and coordination during response. Congress has also supported investments in broadband for public safety through several grant and loan programs, many focused on expanding broadband to rural areas. In 2012, Congress provided $6.5 billion to create the First Responder Network (FirstNet), a new nationwide public safety broadband network. While this provides public safety agencies with a common platform to communicate, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies may look to federal funding to equip responders with devices, and to enhance coverage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallagher, Jill C.
2018-06-01
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Transfer of Defense Articles: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) [February 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States sells more than $55 billion worth of defense articles and services annually to foreign governments to advance U.S. security and economic interests. Such purchases are managed primarily through the Foreign Military Sales program (FMS), through which the U.S. government procures defense articles as an intermediary for foreign partners. This adds value for customers by ensuring that they have the same contract benefits and protections that apply to the U.S. military's acquisition of its own defense articles and services. In turn, the U.S. benefits from a government-to-government relationship in the sale intended to comply with U.S. foreign and security policy, as well as to help ensure militarily interoperable weapons systems among allies and partners. Congress authorized the FMS program in the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976 (22 U.S.C. §2751 et seq.) and provides active oversight of the program through annual Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Acts and the National Defense Authorization Acts. Such oversight is also seen in the congressional response to executive branch notifications of foreign arms sales. Through these mechanisms, Congress may limit or prohibit FMS to certain countries, or encourage the use of FMS in other cases."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lucas, Nathan J.; Vassalotti, Michael J.
2020-02-21
