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Audit of the United States Marshals Service's Management of Seized Cryptocurrency
From the Executive Summary: : "Our audit objective was to evaluate the United States Marshals Service's (USMS) management of seized cryptocurrency. This audit covers seized cryptocurrency in USMS custody from fiscal year (FY) 2017 through FY 2021. [...] We found that the USMS has implemented adequate safeguards over the storage of and access to seized cryptocurrency in its custody. However, the USMS faces challenges in managing and tracking cryptocurrency in the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) official seized asset tracking system. As a result, the USMS is using supplemental spreadsheets that lack documented operating procedures and other important inventory management controls. These deficiencies risk an inaccurate accounting of cryptocurrency in USMS custody and the potential for a loss of assets. Additionally, current USMS seized cryptocurrency management policies related to asset storage, quantification, valuation, and disposal are inadequate or absent, and in some instances provide conflicting guidance. The USMS is actively seeking to outsource the management of seized cryptocurrency. However, without properly documented policies and procedures, the USMS lacks an adequate foundation for building performance requirements for a cryptocurrency services contract."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2022-06
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Cloud Security Technical Reference Architecture, Version 2.0
From the Executive Summary: "Executive Order 14028, 'Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity' marks a renewed commitment to and prioritization of federal cybersecurity modernization and strategy. To keep pace with modern technology advancements and evolving threats, the Federal Government continues to migrate to the cloud. In support of these efforts, the Secretary of Homeland Security acting through the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Administrator of General Services acting through the Federal Risk Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), have developed the 'Cloud Security Technical Reference Architecture' to illustrate recommended approaches to cloud migration and data protection for agency data collection and reporting that leverages Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). This technical reference architecture also informs agencies of the advantages and inherent risks of adopting cloud-based services as agencies implement to zero trust architectures."
United States. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency; Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program; United States Digital Service
2022-06
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Office of Servicemember Affairs Annual Report, January - December 2021
From the Executive Summary: "Since the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) began accepting consumer complaints in July 2011, servicemembers, veterans, and their families have submitted more than 250,000 complaints. [...] Inaccuracies in credit reporting and alleged debts subject to collection pose unique challenges for servicemembers, particularly with respect to how they impact servicemembers' housing, transportation, and security clearance. As our analysis of complaints illustrates, problems with medical billing practices are one of the main drivers of the servicemember complaints about consumer reporting and debt collection. That is particularly problematic given the general expectation that our armed forces will receive full coverage of their medical expenses as a core benefit of their service to our nation. Further exacerbating the risks such inaccuracies can pose, many servicemembers have complained that nationwide consumer reporting companies (NCRCs)failed to adequately respond to disputes and requests for investigation. This report outlines many of the contributing factors to these dynamics and steps that can be taken to address them. The report also provides further evidence of broader problems concerning medical billing and underlines the dangers regarding the coercive way credit reporting systems can be used to the disadvantage of consumers, especially among military families."
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
2022-06
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Demand for a Domestic Offshore Wind Energy Supply Chain
From the Errata: "This report, originally published in March 2022, has been revised in June 2022 to make several minor updates to data included in this report based on feedback from industry experts: [1] We corrected the investment cost of the Prysmian cable facility to $200 million in Table 1. It was previously listed as $900 million, which is the value of the awarded cable contracts for the factory. [2] We updated the specifications for the New Jersey Wind Port in Table 9 with new input from the port designers. This change indicates that wind turbine installation vessels will be capable of accessing the port, which is also reflected in Table 10. [3] We updated the channel depth for the Port of Seattle in Table 11 to above 30 meters, indicating that there are no navigation channel depth limitations for floating wind installation out of this port. [4] We consolidated several types of support vessels in Table 17 and provided a rough estimate of the number of vessels that may be required per project. We also reclassified CTVs [crew transfer vessels], heavy lift vessels, and anchor handling tug supply vessels from a low risk to a moderate risk to the 30 GW [gigawatt] target."
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Shields, Matt; Marsh, Ruth; Stefek, Jeremy . . .
2022-06
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Was Pandemic Fiscal Relief Effective Fiscal Stimulus? Evidence from Aid to State and Local Governments
From the Abstract: "We use an instrumental-variables estimator reliant on variation in congressional representation to analyze the effects of federal aid to state and local governments across all four major pieces of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] response legislation. Through September 2021, we estimate that the federal government allocated $855,000 for each state or local government job-year preserved. Our baseline confidence interval allows us to rule out estimates of less than $433,000. Our estimates of effects on aggregate income and output are centered on zero and imply modest if any spillover effects onto the broader economy. We discuss aspects of the pandemic context, which include the surprising resilience of state and local tax revenues as well as of broader macroeconomic conditions, that may underlie the small employment and stimulative impacts we estimate in comparison with previous research."
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Clemens, Jeffrey; Hoxie, Philip; Veuger, Stan
2022-06
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U.S. Electricity Sector: Summer 2022 Outlook [May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "Ahead of summer 2022, federal officials have released several warnings about anticipated reliability risks and higher electricity prices compared to 2021. This analysis summarizes these warnings and provides additional information, should Congress consider oversight or other actions in response to these warnings. Demand for electricity peaks in much of the country during the summer, as air conditioning use increases. Losing access to electricity--either from power outages or affordability challenges--may be especially impactful (and potentially life threatening) during the hotter times of the year. In part, officials' warnings stem from ongoing trends, such as energy commodity price increases, retirement of coal-fired power plants, increased use of natural gas and renewable energy sources, and drought conditions in the West. Other contributing factors are relatively new, including Russia's war in Ukraine."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Ashley J.
2022-05-31
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "For over 15 years, the United States has imposed sanctions in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. The earliest sanctions imposed related to Venezuela's lack of cooperation on antidrug and counterterrorism efforts. The Obama Administration imposed targeted sanctions against individuals for human rights abuses, corruption, and antidemocratic actions. The Trump Administration expanded economic sanctions in response to the increasing authoritarianism of President Nicolás Maduro (in power since 2013)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2022-05-31
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Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) [Updated May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "Congress has expressed concern about the threat to U.S. national security posed by Russia and China. The Army contends in order to address the threat, it must be able to operate in a multi-domain (air, land, water, space, cyber, information) environment, requiring new operational concepts, technologies, weapons, and units. The Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) is the Army's self-described 'organizational centerpiece' of this effort."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-31
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2022 Hurricane Outlooks and 2021 Hurricane Season Review [May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "Many in Congress have expressed interest in increasing scientific understanding of tropical cyclones and improving forecasts to help their constituents prepare for the yearly hurricane season and potentially decrease a storm's impact on an individual or community. The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall. [...] In May 2022, NOAA issued its initial 2022 Atlantic hurricane outlook [hyperlink], indicating a 65% likelihood of an above-normal season rather than a near- (25%) or below-normal season (10%). The predicted number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes was similar to the number predicted in August 2021 for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA indicated that the higher level of activity is attributed to climate factors [hyperlink], such as the ongoing periodic cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific (La Niña phenomenon), warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced West African monsoon system."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lipiec, Eva
2022-05-31
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Department of Defense Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems [Updated May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly called drones, have proliferated rapidly and are available to nation states and to nonstate actors and individuals. These systems could provide U.S. adversaries with a low-cost means of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions against--or attacking--U.S. forces. Furthermore, many smaller UASs cannot be detected by traditional air defense systems due to their size, construction material, and flight altitude. As a result, in FY2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to spend at least $668 million on counter-UAS (C-UAS) research and development and at least $78 million on C-UAS procurement. As DOD continues to develop, procure, and deploy these systems, congressional oversight of their use may increase, and Congress may have to make decisions about future authorizations, appropriations, and other legislative actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.; Sayler, Kelley M.
2022-05-31
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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated May 31, 2022]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007- 2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.
2022-05-31
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U.S. Economic Recovery in the Wake of COVID-19: Successes and Challenges [May 31, 2022]
From the Introduction: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic caused an unprecedented disruption to the basic functioning of the economy in spring 2020. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), an independent, nonprofit research group, the U.S. economy experienced a two-month recession in March and April of 2020. The recession was the deepest since the Great Depression, with gross domestic product (GDP) falling by the largest percentage in one quarter in the history of the data series and unemployment rising to its highest monthly rate in the history of that series. Just as economic activity had declined at a historically fast pace, it also started to recover at a historically fast pace. In May 2020, a new economic expansion began, spurred in large part by the historic nature of both fiscal and monetary stimulus throughout the initial months of the pandemic. The recovery continued throughout 2020 and 2021, bolstered by additional stimulus, the gradual loosening of travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders, and the eventual rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. [...] This report details the initial economic impact of the pandemic and the ways in which the economy has recovered and continues to recover. This report further explores the ways in which this shock and recovery have been unusual and what this all might mean for the economy in the coming months and years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Weinstock, Lida R.
2022-05-31
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Export-Import Bank: New Domestic Financing Initiative [May 31, 2022]
From the Document: "The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank) [hyperlink] has launched a 'Make More in America Initiative' [hyperlink] to support 'export-oriented domestic manufacturing projects.' The initiative extends some of the Bank's existing demand-driven, export-contingent financing programs to a more domestic focus (see 'Table 1'). The Biden Administration [hyperlink] states that the initiative will help in 'revitalizing American manufacturing, improving the resiliency of our supply chains, and leveling the playing field for American companies competing in overseas markets.' The initiative raises issues for Congress regarding the Bank's authorities, operations, and effectiveness."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2022-05-31
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 27, 2022
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 issue of MMWR contains the following: "Barriers to and Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years with Epilepsy -- United States, 2015 and 2017"; "Seizure- or Epilepsy-Related Emergency Department Visits Before and During the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Pandemic -- United States, 2019-2021"; "Multistate Outbreak of 'Listeria monocytogenes' Infections Linked to Fresh, Soft Hispanic-Style Cheese -- United States, 2021"; "Post-COVID Conditions Among Adult COVID-19 Survivors Aged 18-64 and ≥65 Years -- United States, March 2020-November 2021"; "'Notes from the Field': Self-Reported Health Symptoms Following Petroleum Contamination of a Drinking Water System -- Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021- February 2022"; and "'QuickStats': Percentage Distribution of Deaths Involving Injuries from Recreational and Nonrecreational Use of Watercraft, by Month -- United States, 2018-2020." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-05-27
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 27, 2022: Use of JYNNEOS (Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating) for Preexposure Vaccination of Persons at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Orthopoxviruses: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, 2022
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: "Use of JYNNEOS (Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating) for Preexposure Vaccination of Persons at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Orthopoxviruses: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -- United States, 2022." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2022.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2022-05-27
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 138, Wildland Firefighter Fair Pay Act
From the Document: "S. 138 would exempt wildland firefighters, meteorologists, and incident management teams working in the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the National Weather Service from premium pay limitations for work related to wildfire emergencies conducted in calendar year 2022. That is, the bill would increase the pay those federal employees could receive. S. 138 also would direct the affected agencies to submit a plan to the Congress that addresses the hiring and training of wildland firefighters. For this estimate, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] assumes that the legislation will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2022. As a result, any additional pay under this bill would be disbursed in fiscal year 2023. Public Law 117-103, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, increased the pay cap for firefighters within the Forest Service and Department of the Interior for calendar year 2022. Because of the small number of employees that would be affected, CBO estimates that extending the waiver to eligible National Weather Service employees and completing the required plan would have insignificant costs; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-27
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2020, Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act
From the Document: "H.R. 2020 would require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to publish information each quarter on federal disaster assistance payments on the website www.usaspending.gov [hyperlink]. The website is an official source of information on spending by the federal government. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] expects that OMB and federal agencies would incur some additional administrative costs to prepare and post timely reports on disaster assistance spending. CBO estimates that work would cost less than $500,000 annually and would total $1 million over the 2023-2027 period."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-27
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 7675, a Bill to Amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to Establish an Agricultural and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response Task Force, and for Other Purposes
From the Document: "H.R. 7675 would establish a task force in the Department of Agriculture to evaluate the stability and reliability of the nation's agriculture and food system supply chain. Under the bill, the Secretary of Agriculture would appoint a special advisor to head the task force and consult with the Secretaries of Commerce and Transportation as part of the evaluation. The bill also would require the advisor to report the task force's findings to the Congress and recommend ways to improve the supply chain's safety, security, and resilience. The task force's authority would end on September 30, 2023. Using information about the costs of similar activities, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2022-05-27
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World Trade Organization [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements, and today includes 164 members. It succeeded the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created as part of the post-WWII effort to build a stable, open international trading system. The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administering its agreements; (2) serving as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization and rules; and (3) providing a mechanism to settle disputes. [...] The GATT/WTO system over time has led to a significant reduction of trade barriers, supported trade expansion and economic growth, and helped manage trade frictions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2022-05-27
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U.S.-Kenya FTA Negotiations [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "The United States and Kenya began free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in 2020 under then-President Trump and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. The Biden Administration has not resumed the FTA talks, but has stated its interest in deepening bilateral trade relations and sent a high-level U.S. delegation to Kenya in May 2022 to discuss trade issues. Some Members of Congress, including the chair of the Ways and Means committee, and U.S. business groups have pressed the Administration to resume and conclude the FTA. The 2015 grant of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), under which President Trump initiated the FTA talks, expired in July 2021, potentially complicating congressional consideration of the proposed FTA. A U.S.-Kenya FTA would be the first U.S. FTA with a country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Congressional interest may include (1) Congress's constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce; (2) the FTA's potential effects on the U.S. economy, and trade and foreign policy implications; and (3) statutory mandates in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA, P.L. [Public Law] 106-200, as amended) directing the President to seek FTAs in Africa."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2022-05-27
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Artificial Intelligence-enabled Social Media Analysis for Pharmacovigilance of COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United Kingdom: Observational Study
From the Abstract: "The rollout of vaccines for COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in the United Kingdom started in December 2020. Uptake has been high, and there has been a subsequent reduction in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among vaccinated individuals. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern, in particular relating to adverse effects following immunization (AEFIs). Social media analysis has the potential to inform policy makers about AEFIs being discussed by the public as well as public attitudes toward the national immunization campaign. [...] We sought to assess the frequency and nature of AEFI-related mentions on social media in the United Kingdom and to provide insights on public sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccines. [...] We extracted and analyzed over 121,406 relevant Twitter and Facebook posts, from December 8, 2020, to April 30, 2021. These were thematically filtered using a 2-step approach, initially using COVID-19-related keywords and then using vaccine- and manufacturer-related keywords. We identified AEFI-related keywords and modeled their word frequency to monitor their trends over 2-week periods. We also adapted and utilized our recently developed hybrid ensemble model, which combines state-of-the-art lexicon rule-based and deep learning-based approaches, to analyze sentiment trends relating to the main vaccines available in the United Kingdom. [...] The most frequently discussed COVID-19 AEFIs on social media were found to be broadly consistent with those reported in the literature and by government pharmacovigilance. We also detected potential safety signals from our analysis that have been detected elsewhere and are currently being investigated. As such, we believe our findings support the use of social media analysis to provide a complementary data source to conventional knowledge sources being used for pharmacovigilance purposes." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [https://publichealth.jmir.org/2022/5/e32543].
JMIR Publications
Hussain, Zain; Sheikh, Zakariya; Tahir, Ahsen . . .
2022-05-27
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2022 Invocation of the Defense Production Act for Large-Capacity Batteries: In Brief [May 27, 2022]
From the Introduction: "On March 31, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden issued Presidential Determination No. 2022-11, invoking authorities in Section 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 (P.L. 81-774, 50 U.S.C. §4501 et seq.) and directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to strengthen the U.S. domestic industrial base for large-capacity batteries (i.e., those used in electric vehicles and for grid-connected electricity storage). As justification, the President cited the need to ensure 'a robust, resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible domestic industrial base to meet the requirements of the clean energy economy.' The President noted that 'the United States depends on unreliable foreign sources for many of the strategic and critical materials necessary for the clean energy transition.... Demand for such materials is projected to increase exponentially as the world transitions to a clean energy economy' and to reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese. This In Brief provides an overview of the DPA and presidential delegations of its authorities; discusses actions authorized by the March 2022 Presidential Determination (hereinafter the Presidential Determination); examines potential limitations associated with these authorizations; and provides an overview of recent executive and congressional actions relevant to the invocation of the DPA for critical minerals necessary for large-capacity battery production. It also explores considerations for Congress regarding the implementation, limitation, or expansion of the Presidential Determination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.; Lee, Erica A.; Hart, Nina M. . . .
2022-05-27
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Automation, Worker Training, and Federal Tax Policy [May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "Technologies that partly or fully automate a variety of tasks are being used with increasing frequency in a range of industries and occupations. These technologies include robotics, machine learning, and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI). This increasing use of automation has fueled the concern that the substitution of machines for humans in a growing number of workplaces will result in massive job losses, especially for unskilled or low-skilled workers. Some predict that if such a scenario were to arise, many displaced workers would face a bleak future marked by fewer job opportunities at lower wages, long-term earnings losses, and poor health. The worker-displacing potential of automation has given rise to a debate over what steps firms, governments, postsecondary schools, and other entities should take, if any, to help displaced workers find well-paying jobs that may or may not be linked to automation. This In Focus looks at how federal tax policy might be used for that purpose. Specifically, it addresses the pros and cons of possible new business tax incentives to encourage employers to invest more in training their employees and to dissuade them from increasing automation investment. This overview does not address possible new tax incentives for individuals to acquire on their own the skills and knowledge they would need to find well-paying jobs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Guenther, Gary L.
2022-05-27
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Costa Rica: An Overview [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "Costa Rica historically has been a bastion of political and economic stability in an often-turbulent region. The United States has worked closely with Costa Rica to address challenges in Central America and to advance shared values, such as democracy and human rights, worldwide. [...] The Biden Administration has sought to bolster ties with Costa Rica. In April 2022, the State Department congratulated Chaves on his election and expressed interest in working with the new government to advance common interests, including humane migration management and environmental protection. The Biden Administration also has expressed support for the Alliance for Development in Democracy--an informal arrangement among Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic intended to accelerate post-pandemic economic recovery, foster sustainable development, and defend democracy and human rights throughout the region. The United States has donated 1.5 million COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccine doses and more than $4 million in other pandemic-related aid to Costa Rica."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Klein, Joshua
2022-05-27
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Permitting for Pesticide Discharges into Navigable Waters: Issues and Legislation in the 117th Congress [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "Permitting requirements for using registered pesticides in or around the nation's waters has been a long-standing issue. Under the Clean Water Act (CWA; 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.), discharges of pollutants into navigable waters are unlawful unless specifically authorized by a permit. For decades following the enactment of the CWA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not consider registered pesticides used in compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA; 7 U.S.C. §136 et seq.) as pollutants that required permitting for their discharge into waters. However, in 2009, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that (1) the statutory definition of 'pollutant' in the CWA encompasses biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue in navigable waters, and (2) discharges of such pollutants require permitting. In response to the ruling, EPA issued a general discharge permit to cover the majority of pesticide applications resulting in point source discharges. States with delegated authority to issue their own discharge permits issued similar general discharge permits."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gatz, Laura; Yen, Jerry H.
2022-05-27
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Prior Converted Cropland Under the Clean Water Act [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "For decades, the value of wetlands and efforts to protect them have been recognized in different ways through national policies, federal laws, and regulations. The central federal regulatory program, authorized in Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 in 1972, requires permits for discharges of dredged or fill material (e.g., sand, soil, excavated material) into wetlands that are considered 'waters of the United States' (WOTUS). Also, the Food Security Act (FSA) of 1985--enacted on December 23, 1985--included a wetland conservation provision (Swampbuster) that indirectly protects wetlands by making producers who farm or convert wetlands to agricultural production ineligible for selected federal farm program benefits. Both FSA and CWA Section 404 regulations include exceptions to their requirements for 'prior converted cropland' (PCC). While both include exceptions for PCC, determinations are made under separate authorities and for different programmatic purposes. This has created confusion for some affected landowners, who argue for greater consistency among PCC determinations. It has also generated some congressional interest in aligning the requirements for PCC."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gatz, Laura; Stubbs, Megan
2022-05-27
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Why the World Should Care About the COVID Outbreak in North Korea
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is an immediate global concern. The country's healthcare infrastructure, which the Global Health Index has ranked 193rd out of 195, is not equipped to handle a pandemic, especially not one that transmits as quickly as the Omicron variant. Without proper treatments and vaccines, the virus threatens to run rampant in the country. This would create the perfect conditions for new variants to arise, which is a threat to the rest of the world. Many will rightfully point out here that the US, South Korea and multilateral initiatives like COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) have expressed a willingness to provide COVID [coronavirus disease] aid, which North Korea has not accepted to date. Extending beyond the likely frustrations in Washington and Seoul, it's crucial to underscore that the rapid spread of Omicron and other emerging variants are not just about North Korea--these issues are a global security threat. As such, assistance efforts should be pursued as an urgent common objective. Moreover, it's necessary to understand the recent history of humanitarian cooperation in the country to know why North Koreans may be hesitant to accept aid, and what policy shifts might make them more amenable to receiving assistance."
38 North
Jasper, Daniel
2022-05-27
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Marine Corps Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "According to the Marine Corps, the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) aims to be a new armored vehicle family to replace the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV)[.] [...] The ARV is to be the primary combat system in Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalions. The mission of the LAR Battalion is to [1] Conduct mounted and dismounted reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations in support of maneuver. [2] Conduct offensive and defensive actions, deception, and raids to create decisive conditions for the Marine Division and the supported unit commander."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2022-05-27
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Net Neutrality Law: An Overview [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Summary: "While there is general support for the basic concept of the open internet, net neutrality has been a perennially difficult subject for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission). The complexity lies, in part, in the fact that the FCC's ability to adopt net neutrality rules depends on the legal classification it gives to broadband internet access service under the Communications Act of 1934. As amended, the Act defines two mutually exclusive categories of services: telecommunications services and information services. While telecommunications service providers are treated as highly regulated common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act, the FCC has much more limited regulatory authority over information service providers. The FCC has alternated between classifying broadband as a telecommunications service and an information service. The U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts have affirmed the FCC's discretion to make this classification decision, but courts have also established that the FCC's ability to adopt net neutrality regulations is contingent on its classification choice."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Linebaugh, Chris D.
2022-05-27
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Russia's 2022 Invasion of Ukraine: Related CRS Products [Updated May 27, 2022]
From the Document: "On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with wide-ranging implications for U.S. national security and an array of global geopolitical and economic issues. This report compiles CRS [Congressional Research Service] products on various aspects of this conflict, and will be updated regularly as new products are developed. It also includes some products published before the invasion that offer relevant background and context."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Danon, Zoe; Blum, David A.
2022-05-27
