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Defense Primer: Military Pay Raise [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "The phrase 'military pay raise,' frequently used in discussions of military compensation, almost always refers to the annual increase in basic pay for members of the uniformed services. By law, basic pay is automatically increased at the start of each calendar year by an amount linked to the change in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), although the President or Congress may override this statutory adjustment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence
2021-01-07
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Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. §2411) grants the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a range of responsibilities and authorities to investigate and take action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices. Prior to the Trump Administration and since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in 1995, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United States has used Section 301 authorities primarily to build cases and pursue dispute settlement at the WTO. However, President Trump has been more willing to act unilaterally under these authorities to promote what the Administration considers to be 'free,' 'fair,' and 'reciprocal' trade. The Trump Administration's use of Section 301 has been the subject of congressional and broader international debate. The Administration has attributed this shift in policy to a large and persistent gap between U.S. and foreign government practices that may disadvantage or discriminate against U.S. firms. In addition, the Administration has justified many of its recent tariff actions--particularly those against China--by pointing to alleged weaknesses in WTO dispute settlement procedures and the inadequacy or nonexistence of WTO rules to address certain Chinese trade practices. It has also cited the failure of past trade negotiations and agreements to enhance reciprocal market access for U.S. firms and workers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-07
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Section 301: Tariff Exclusions on U.S. Imports from China [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Document: "In 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determined, pursuant to an investigation under 'Section 301' (Title III of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. §§2411-2420), that China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property (IP), and innovation are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. To counter them and obtain their elimination, the Trump Administration imposed, under Section 301, four rounds of increased tariffs on approximately two-thirds of U.S. imports from China. However, to avoid harm to U.S. interests, the USTR instituted 'tariff exclusions' for certain U.S. imports that would otherwise be subject to tariffs. This is the first time that the agency has established an exclusion request process, and several Members of Congress have raised concerns about its implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-07
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region. By the end of 2020, the region reported over 507,000 deaths (almost 28% of deaths worldwide)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-01-07
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Mexico: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Congress has maintained interest in Mexico, a neighboring country and top trading partner with which the United States has a close but complex relationship. In recent decades, U.S.-Mexican relations have improved as the countries have become close trade partners and worked to address crime, migration, and other issues of shared concern. Nevertheless, the history of U.S. military and diplomatic intervention in Mexico and the asymmetry in the relationship has continued to provoke periodic tension. For example, the U.S. investigation into and October 2020 arrest of Mexico's former defense minister damaged trust between the two governments. Congress remains concerned about the effects of organized-crime-related violence in Mexico on U.S. security interests and about U.S. citizens' safety in Mexico, and it has increased oversight of U.S.-Mexican security cooperation. Congress may continue to appropriate foreign assistance for Mexico and oversee bilateral efforts to address illegal drug flows, unauthorized migration, environmental issues, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) and its labor commitments, Mexico's treatment of U.S. energy firms, and border environmental and water issues may receive oversight attention. This report provides an overview of political and economic conditions in Mexico, followed by overviews of selected issues of congressional interest in Mexico: security and foreign aid, extraditions, human rights, trade, migration, energy, border environmental, water, and health."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2021-01-07
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 6, 2021: Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 14-23, 2020
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This early release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 14-23, 2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables can be accessed at the following link [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2020.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-01-06
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Emergency Directive 21-01: Mitigate SolarWinds Orion Code Compromise, January 6, 2021
From the Webpage: "This guidance supersedes the Emergency Directive (ED) 21-01 Supplemental Guidance v1 [version 1] issued on December 18, 2020 and ED 21-01 Supplemental Guidance v2 issued on December 30, 2020. This version also supersedes Required Action 4 of ED 21-01. All other provisions of ED 21-01 remain in effect. [...] This supplemental guidance v3 requires (1) agencies that ran affected versions conduct forensic analysis, (2) agencies that accept the risk of running SolarWinds Orion comply with certain hardening requirements, and (3) reporting by agency from department-level Chief Information Officers (CIOs) by Tuesday, January 19, and Monday, January 25, 2021."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
2021-01-06
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information and issues for Congress regarding the U.S. role in the world, meaning the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. [...] The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world has changed, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. Congress's decisions regarding the U.S. role in the world could have significant implications for numerous policies, plans, programs, and budgets, and for the role of Congress relative to that of the executive branch in U.S. foreign policymaking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2021-01-06
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Election Day: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Summary: "Election Day is the day legally established to select public officials in the United States. General elections for federal offices--President, Vice President, and U.S. Congress--are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. Citizens vote for President and Vice President every four years, Representatives every two years, and Senators every six years; this excludes special elections to fill unexpired terms. State and local elections are often but not always held on the same day as federal elections. This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the history and current legal status of Election Day. It discusses how the first federal elections were held, how a single Election Day for federal offices was established in the 19th century, why the Tuesday after the first Monday in November was selected as Election Day, and related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leubsdorf, Ben
2021-01-06
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Defense Primer: The NDAA Process [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Document: "The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy, DOD elements of the Intelligence Community, and defense-related activities at other federal agencies. In addition to serving as an authorization of appropriations, the NDAA establishes defense policies and restrictions, and addresses organizational administrative matters related to the DOD. Unlike an appropriations bill, the NDAA does not provide budget authority for government activities. Nevertheless, historically it has provided a fairly reliable indicator of congressional sentiment on subsequent appropriations for particular programs. FY2021 was the 60th consecutive fiscal year for which a defense authorization was enacted. This regular enactment of complex legislation for six decades depends upon close adherence to process and consistency in procedures, schedules, and protocols."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Heitshusen, Valerie; McGarry, Brendan W.
2021-01-06
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as geopolitical competition in the region between the United States, Russia, and China; increased military operations in the region by the United States, Russia, and other Arctic countries; growth in commercial shipping through the Arctic; and oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, and/or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2021-01-06
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Resources for Tracking Federal COVID-19 Spending [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress has responded to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with supplemental appropriations measures providing relief and assistance to individuals and families, state and local governments, businesses, health care providers, and other entities. [...] This report provides selected sources for tracking COVID-19 relief and assistance spending. It includes links to and information on government sources detailing spending amounts at various levels, including consolidated spending by multiple government agencies, spending by individual government agencies, and spending to specific recipients and geographies. The sources themselves are large government databases, individual agencies, oversight entities, and selected nongovernmental entities that attempt to repackage information on spending amounts obtained from available government sources. Due to the continually evolving nature of information provided by sources that track federal COVID-19 spending, this report may be updated frequently."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Teefy, Jennifer; Kreiser, Maria
2021-01-06
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COVID-19: Presidential Order Deferring Individual Payroll Taxes [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Document: "On August 8, 2020, President Trump issued a presidential memorandum ordering the deferral of individual payroll tax obligations from September 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. The deferral was for employees with biweekly compensation of generally less than $4,000. The memorandum directed the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guidance to implement this policy. On August 28, 2020, guidance was provided in IRS [Internal Revenue Service] Notice 2020-65. This Insight discusses the individual payroll tax deferral outlined in the memorandum, including issues related to repayment of deferred amounts; compares this order to the business payroll tax deferral provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136); and addresses questions related to potential economic effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Marples, Donald J.
2021-01-06
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Treasury and Federal Reserve Financial Assistance in Title IV of the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) [Updated January 6, 2021]
From the Introduction: "On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; H.R. 748) into law as P.L. 116-136. The CARES Act is a wide-ranging act to provide relief to consumers, small businesses, and certain industries amid the economic fallout of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], which featured unprecedented business disruptions. Title IV of the CARES Act contains numerous provisions aimed broadly at stabilizing the economy and helping affected households and businesses. It has received considerable attention for containing funding for industry and financial services. Specifically, Section 4003 directs the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Federal Reserve (Fed) to make up to $500 billion available to support various businesses in the aviation sector as well as the financial system. [...] This report provides an overview of Section 4003 and related provisions and explains the terms and conditions associated with the assistance. Additionally, it discusses the funds made available in Section 4112 of Title IV for worker support at air carriers and related businesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.; Labonte, Marc; Tang, Rachel Y. . . .
2021-01-06
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Section 199A Deduction: Economic Effects and Policy Options [January 6, 2021]
From the Introduction: "A key aim of the tax revision enacted in December 2017 (P.L. 115-97, often referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA) was to reduce the federal tax burden on corporate and noncorporate businesses. Many of the reduction's backers predicted that it would give businesses an added incentive to hire more workers and invest more in tangible and intangible depreciable assets. The law sought to reduce the business tax burden in two ways. [...] This report addresses the Section 199A deduction's possible economic effects. More specifically, it mainly addresses the deduction's impact on (1) investment and employment, (2) horizontal and vertical equity in the federal income tax, and (3) tax administration (as it concerns the cost to taxpayers of complying with tax laws and the cost to the federal government of enforcing such compliance). The report ends with a discussion of policy options for Congress, as it considers whether the deduction should be retained beyond 2025 and whether and how to modify it if the deduction is retained."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2021-01-06
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Military Installation Resilience: What Does it Mean? [January 6, 2021]
From the Document: "A misunderstanding that sometimes occurs when discussing military installations and resilience is the distinction between the Department of Defense's (DOD's) general responsibilities to ensure military installations are resilient and its statutory responsibility to provide 'military installation resilience.' [...] The statutory definition focuses exclusively on those environmental threats that can impact military installations. At the same time, DOD generally takes a more comprehensive approach to ensuring military installations are resilient. This difference in connotation can result in misconceptions of certain resilience-related statutory requirements for military installations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Herrera, G. James
2021-01-06
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Executive Order 13971: Addressing the Threat Posed by Applications and Other Software Developed or Controlled by Chinese Companies
From the Document: "[I] find that additional steps must be taken to deal with the national emergency with respect to the information and communications technology and services supply chain declared in Executive Order 13873 of May 15, 2019 (Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain). Specifically, the pace and pervasiveness of the spread in the United States of certain connected mobile and desktop applications and other software developed or controlled by persons in the People's Republic of China, to include Hong Kong and Macau (China), continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. At this time, action must be taken to address the threat posed by these Chinese connected software applications. By accessing personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, Chinese connected software applications can access and capture vast swaths of information from users, including sensitive personally identifiable information and private information. This data collection threatens to provide the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with access to Americans' personal and proprietary information--which would permit China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, and build dossiers of personal information."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Trump, Donald, 1946-
2021-01-05
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Ecuador: An Overview [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Ecuador is a small, ethnically and geographically diverse country of 17 million inhabitants, located in South America between Colombia and Peru. In 2017, Lenín Moreno of the leftist Alianza Pais (AP) party was elected president, succeeding President Rafael Correa (2007-2017), a populist leader of the same party who had governed in an increasingly authoritarian manner. Correa, Ecuador's longest-serving president, was reelected three times, bringing stability to Ecuador's previously tumultuous politics. Many thought Correa's socialist 'Citizens' Revolution' movement would continue under President Moreno, who served as Correa's vice president for six years. President Moreno quickly distanced himself from Correa in style and substance, however, and implemented liberal political and economic reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2021-01-05
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Defense Primer: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Advances in science and technology have long played a critical role in ensuring the technological preeminence of the United States military. For this reason, the Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest funder of federal research and development. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD (R&E)) is a civilian official reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense. The USD (R&E) serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for DOD research, engineering, and technology development activities and programs. Over the last several years, policymakers and others have expressed concern that the long-held technological edge of the U.S. military is eroding due, in part, to the proliferation of technologies outside the defense sector, organizational and cultural barriers to DOD effectively incorporating and exploiting commercial innovations, and insufficient engagement with leading-edge companies that have not historically been a part of the DOD innovation system. The position of the USD (R&E) as the third highest ranking DOD official--behind the Secretary and Deputy Secretary--is intended to promote faster innovation and to increase risk-tolerance in the pursuit of new technologies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallo, Marcy E.
2021-01-05
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Fire and Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Fires in the Brazilian Amazon forest have received widespread media attention in recent years and have raised congressional concern.This is due to an increase in fire events and deforestation rates in the region compared with most years in the past decade, as well as to statements made by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro indicating his intent to pursue development in the region. In particular, much attention was given to the fires in late 2019, when the observed number of fire hotspots was higher than in six of the previous nine years. The 2020 fire season appears to have continued along this trend; the numbers of observed hotspots in September and October 2020 were higher than during the same months in 2019. Deforestation rates in the region continue to rise, and 2020 saw the highest rates since 2008."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meyer, Peter J.; Procita, Kezee . . .
2021-01-05
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Climate Change Risk Mitigation by U.S. Foreign Assistance Agencies [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report focuses on agencies' planning to reduce the risk of climate change for operations and programs; it does not include analysis of programming aimed at addressing developing countries' own climate risk. Specifically, this report discusses how the foreign assistance agencies--the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the Development Finance Corporation--are addressing climate change in their respective internal operations and overseas work planning. The report also discusses key issues that may be of interest to Congress as it considers future funding for and oversight of these activities. These issues include options for congressional input, the relationship of climate risk to other priorities such as environmental degradation, and responsibilities for climate risk management within and among U.S. foreign assistance agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Nick M.; Morgenstern, Emily M.
2021-01-05
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Congressional Careers: Service Tenure and Patterns of Member Service, 1789-2021 [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report presents data on average Member tenure over time, analyzes several factors that affect tenure in any given Congress, and examines historical patterns of congressional service, including the distribution of years served within each Congress, and the cross-chamber experience of Representatives and Senators. [...] Two factors that affect average years of service are examined in this report: the percentage of Members choosing to seek reelection, and the success rate of Members who do seek reelection. The findings presented here align with scholarly assessments of congressional history, which conclude that during the early history of Congress, turnover in membership was frequent and resignations were commonplace. Many lawmakers in the 18th and early 19th centuries might be characterized as 'citizen legislators,' holding full-time nonpolitical employment and serving in Congress on a part-time basis for a short number of years. During the 20th century, congressional careers lengthened as turnover decreased and Congress became more professionalized. The report also examines two further issues related to Member tenure, including the distribution of Member service over time, as well as Members' cross-chamber experience. Although the average tenure of Members has increased since the late 19th century, a substantial portion of Representatives and Senators in recent Congresses have served for six years or less in their respective chambers. With respect to cross-chamber experience, while a small proportion of Representatives have historically had previous Senate experience, a sizable percentage of Senators throughout congressional history have had previous House experience."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Eckman, Sarah J.; Wilhelm, Amber Hope
2021-01-05
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260): Emergency Capital Investment Program [January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had devastating economic effects, including a significant increase in unemployment. Certain studies indicate that low- and moderate-income communities and minorities have borne this economic hardship to a disproportionately high degree, such as by being more likely to experience job loss and difficulty paying for necessities. Division N, Title V, Section 522, of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), establishes the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) through which the Treasury Department can make capital investments in certain depositories (i.e., banks, savings associations, and credit unions). The purpose of the program is to increase the availability of credit, grants, and forbearances to groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The program shares certain similarities with previous Treasury capital investment programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.
2021-01-05
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COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and Other COVID-Related Tax Provisions in P.L. 116-260 [January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress continues to consider tax policy proposals intended to alleviate the economic effects associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) contains a number of individual and business tax provisions. Consideration of P.L. 116-260 followed the enactment of other laws addressing the COVID-19 crisis:(1) the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-123); (2) the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. 116-127); (3) the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136); and (4) the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (P.L. 116-139)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Marples, Donald J.; Gravelle, Jane . . .
2021-01-05
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China's 14th Five-Year Plan: A First Look [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The Communist Party of China (CPC)'s 19th Central Committee--a body of China's 376 top Party officials-- held its 5th Plenum in late October 2020 to deliberate on China's 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for 2021-2025 and economic goals out to 2035. China's annual Central Economic Work Conference reviewed the plans in December ahead of the scheduled ratification of final versions at the annual session of China's legislature in March 2021. Initial details suggest that Chinese leaders plan to expand the state's role in the economy and advance national economic security interests; use market restrictions and its 'One Belt, One Road' global networks to foster Chinese-controlled supply chains;and sharpen the use of antitrust, intellectual property (IP), and standards tools to advance industrial policies. To develop strategic technologies prioritized in its plans, China is prioritizing efforts to obtain foreign technology through global pathways that are not yet restricted,such as partnerships in open technology and basic research, the establishment of research and development (R&D) centers overseas, and talent programs for foreign experts to work in China. Plans for new market openings are limited to trade zones and areas where China seeks foreign expertise (emerging technologies and education) and capital (financial services)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2021-01-05
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China's Military: The People's Liberation Army (PLA) [January 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "The two-million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the military arm of the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) ruling Communist Party. The Trump Administration identified strategic competition with China and Russia as 'the primary concern in U.S. national security' in 2018 and U.S. defense officials have since said that China is the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD's) top priority. According to a 2020 DOD report, the PLA has 'already achieved parity with--or even exceeded--the United States' in several areas in which it has focused its military modernization efforts and is strengthening its ability to 'counter an intervention by an adversary in the Indo-Pacific region and project power globally.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Caitlin
2021-01-05
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Army Corps of Engineers: Continuing Authorities Programs [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertakes water resource development projects pursuant to authorizing statutes and the receipt of appropriations. The standard process for a USACE project requires two separate congressional authorizations--one for studying feasibility and a subsequent one for construction--as well as appropriations for both. [...] Additionally, Congress has granted USACE programmatic authorities to undertake cost-shared projects of limited scope and cost without requiring project-specific congressional authorization. These programmatic USACE authorities are referred to as Continuing Authorities Programs (CAPs). Congress has consistently funded USACE CAPs above the President's request since FY2013."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.
2021-01-05
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COVID-19: Employment Across Industries [January 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The nature of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused differing economic outcomes across industries. Certain industries, such as those that require in-person contact, have been affected more than others by stay-at-home orders, social distancing mandates, and fears of the virus. This Insight discusses which industries have been hardest hit by the pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weinstock, Lida R.
2021-01-05
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Issues in the Reauthorization of Amtrak [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Summary: "Amtrak--officially the National Railroad Passenger Corporation--has been the national intercity passenger railroad since 1971, and currently serves over 500 stations on a network approximately 22,000 miles long. In some markets, such as the busy Northeast Corridor (NEC) connecting Washington, DC; New York; and Boston, it has captured a greater share of intercity passengers than domestic airlines. In other, more rural markets, some see it as a vital link to the national transportation system despite low levels of ridership. Though Amtrak is legally a private for-profit corporation, the federal government controls the company's operations. A multiyear authorization of federal funding for Amtrak was included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-94), which expires at the end of FY2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Ben
2021-01-05
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North Korea's Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs [Updated January 5, 2021]
From the Overview: "North Korea continues to advance its nuclear weapons and missile programs despite UN Security Council sanctions and high-level diplomatic efforts. North Korea is observing a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing. Recent ballistic missile tests and an October 2020 military parade suggest that North Korea is continuing to build a nuclear warfighting capability designed to evade regional ballistic missile defenses. Such an approach likely reinforces a deterrence and coercive diplomacy strategy--lending more credibility as it demonstrates capability--but it also raises questions about crisis stability and escalation control. Congress may choose to examine U.S. policy in light of these advances."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham; Ryder, Samuel D.
2021-01-05
