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crs_R40459 | crs_R40459_0 | Background
Department of Defense (DOD) fuel consumption varies from year to year in response to changes in mission and the tempo of operations. DOD may consume upwards of 1% of the petroleum products annually refined in the United States. Foreign purchased petroleum products may double DOD's consumption. The Defense ... | Department of Defense (DOD) fuel consumption varies from year to year in response to changes in mission and the tempo of operations. DOD may consume upwards of 1% of the petroleum products refined in the United States annually. Petroleum products purchased and consumed overseas may double DOD's consumption. The majorit... |
crs_R42536 | crs_R42536_0 | Introduction
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), domestic terrorists— people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements —have not received as much attention from federal law enforcement as their foreign counterparts inspired by A... | The emphasis of counterterrorism policy in the United States since Al Qaeda's attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) has been on jihadist terrorism. However, in the last decade, domestic terrorists—people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements—have ki... |
crs_RL33558 | crs_RL33558_0 | Including advanced reactors, fuel cycle technology, infrastructure support, and safeguards and security, the total nuclear energy request is $25.0 million (2.9%) below the FY2014 funding level. 4923 ) on July 10, 2014, with $826.7 million for nuclear energy. The Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Appro... | Nuclear energy issues facing Congress include reactor safety and regulation, radioactive waste management, research and development priorities, federal incentives for new commercial reactors, nuclear weapons proliferation, and security against terrorist attacks.
The earthquake and resulting tsunami that severely damage... |
crs_97-1027 | crs_97-1027_0 | Introduction
Congress established the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program inNovember 1991. Congressresponded by authorizing the use of $400 million in FY1992 Department of Defense funds to assistwith the safe and secure transportation, storage, and dismantlement of nuclear, chemical, and otherweapon... | Congress established the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program in 1991, authorizing the use of Defense Department funds to assist with the safe and secure transportation,storage, and dismantlement of nuclear, chemical and other weapons in the former Soviet Union. Initially, many supported U.S. assistanc... |
crs_R44633 | crs_R44633_0 | Opposition parties have pushed for governance reforms and greater pluralism, notably during a period of often uneasy power sharing between ZANU-PF and the opposition under a Government of National Unity (GNU) between 2009 and 2013. The elections gave ZANU-PF a strong majority in parliament, extended Mugabe's presidenti... | Zimbabwe, a southern African country of about 14 million people, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980 after a lengthy armed struggle against white minority rule. The armed struggle, and the enduring effects of land allocations that favored whites, have profoundly shaped post-independence politics, as hav... |
crs_R41622 | crs_R41622_0 | Introduction
A healthy agricultural industry and a healthy environment are both important to the nation. Traditionally, farm and ranch operations have been exempt or excluded from many federal environmental statutes and regulations, and some point out that the relative number of environmental regulations affecting ag... | As the U.S. and global economies continue to struggle, some inside and outside of Congress have expressed concern about how environmental regulation may stifle growth and productivity. Much of the criticism has focused on environmental regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some claim tha... |
crs_R44778 | crs_R44778_0 | O n January 31, 2017, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States created by the 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Judge Gorsuch was appointed to the Tenth... | On January 31, 2017, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016. Judge Gorsuch was appointed to the Ten... |
crs_RL34761 | crs_RL34761_0 | Since the mid-1990s, bilateral relations between the United States and Vietnam have become virtually normalized. The United States has granted Vietnam permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and Vietnam has become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)—two major objectives of the Vietnamese government fo... | Since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, there has been a gradual warming of bilateral relations between the United States and Vietnam, culminating in the appointment of the first U.S. ambassador to Vietnam in 1996 and the granting of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Vietnam in 2007. Over the last three deca... |
crs_RL31258 | crs_RL31258_0 | The use of U.S. funds to pay portions of some judgments has drawn criticism. Congress passed a rider to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2008 ( H.R. 1585 ), to provide a cause of action against terrorist States and to facilitate enforcement of judgments, and to permit some plaintiffs to refile claims that w... | In 1996 Congress amended the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) to allow U.S. victims of terrorism to sue designated State sponsors of terrorism for their terrorist acts. The courts have handed down large judgments against the terrorist State defendants, generally in default, and successive Administrations have in... |
crs_R44232 | crs_R44232_0 | Congress may decide to establish a federal advisory committee for a variety of reasons, among them
to allow the federal government to collect the experts on a particularly technical or scientific topic in one location to debate the potential policy outcomes; to ensure that appropriate stakeholders of a particular polic... | Federal advisory committees provide a formal forum for members of the public to provide advice and recommendations to the federal government on issues ranging from how to support trade goals of small and minority-owned businesses to which drugs best treat arthritis pain. Many of the roughly 1,000 federal advisory commi... |
crs_R41777 | crs_R41777_0 | Roadmap
This report examines the antipoverty effects of UI benefits over the past three recessions. It highlights the impact of the additional and expanded benefits available to unemployed workers in response to the most recent recession. Estimates presented in this report are based on Congressional Research Service (... | This report examines the antipoverty effects of unemployment insurance benefits during the past recession and the economic recovery. The analysis highlights the impact of the additional and expanded unemployment insurance (UI) benefits available to unemployed workers through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act o... |
crs_RL30442 | crs_RL30442_0 | The programs authorized in McKinney-Vento include the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Assistance Grants, the Department of Labor (DOL) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals and Health Care for ... | The federal government administers a number of programs, through multiple federal agencies, that are targeted to assisting people who are experiencing homelessness by providing housing, services, and supports. Some programs target specific populations, such as veterans and youth, while others serve all people who are h... |
crs_RL32452 | crs_RL32452_0 | Negotiated rulemaking (sometimes referred to as regulatory negotiation or "reg-neg") is a supplement to the traditional APA rulemaking process in which agency representatives and representatives of affected parties work together to develop what can ultimately become the text of a proposed rule. Some questions have been... | Negotiated rulemaking, which is a supplement to traditional rulemaking, is a process in which representatives of federal agencies and affected parties work together in a committee to reach consensus on what can ultimately become a proposed rule. Although negotiated rulemaking is not appropriate for all regulations, adv... |
crs_RL33949 | crs_RL33949_0 | Certain activities or projects to address airport environmental impacts may qualify for federal funding. For example, in its FY2008 budget, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requested $354 million to meet the agency's "Environmental Stewardship" goals. Among other uses, those funds may be spent on projects to a... | Funding authorization for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs set forth in the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (P.L. 108-176, hereinafter referred to as "Vision 100") expired at the end of FY2007. During the current reauthorization process, methods to address the environmental impacts asso... |
crs_R43416 | crs_R43416_0 | The 2002 farm bill ( P.L. In addition to these types of tax incentives and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that mandates a minimum level of renewable fuel usage, the provisions of Title IX of the 2014 farm bill, the Agricultural Act of 2014 ( P.L. 113-79 ), represents a significant source of federal support for biofu... | Title IX, the energy title of the 2014 farm bill (Agricultural Act of 2014; P.L. 113-79), contains authority for the energy programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA energy programs have incentivized research, development, and adoption of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, ... |
crs_RL32758 | crs_RL32758_0 | This report focuses on U.S. military operations in four areas -- Afghanistan, Africa, thePhilippines, and Colombia -- although the U.S. military is likely engaged in a variety of activitiesin other countries or regions that are considered part of the GWOT by the Administration. (2)
Congress has a wide ranging interest... | U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia are part of theU.S.-initiated Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). These operations cover a wide variety of combatand non-combat missions ranging from combating insurgents, to civil affairs and reconstructionoperations, to training military force... |
crs_RL34017 | crs_RL34017_0 | Introduction
Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, recognizes that individuals with disabilities face high levels of unemployment and poverty and authorizes the federal government to make grants available to states and territories for the purpose of providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) services t... | Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, authorizes the federal government to make grants to states and territories to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to persons with disabilities who are interested in seeking and retaining employment. State and territorial VR agencies work with clients to... |
crs_RL34042 | crs_RL34042_0 | The development of market-based approaches to farm conservation and land management might complement existing and/or emerging environmental regulations or natural resource requirements affecting the agriculture and forestry sectors, as well as complement existing federally supported programs that promote conservation i... | Environmental goods and services are the benefits society obtains from the environment and ecosystems, both natural and managed, such as water filtration, flood control, provision of habitat, carbon storage, and many others. Farmers' participation in providing these types of goods and services began in earnest in the 1... |
crs_RL34365 | crs_RL34365_0 | Introduction
On November 7, 2007, at about 8:30 a.m., the container ship Cosco Busan sideswiped one of the towers of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, ripping a 100-foot by 12-foot gash into the side of the hull and releasing over 50,000 gallons of the ship's bunker fuel into the Bay. Much attention has focused o... | On November 7, 2007, a container ship collided with a tower of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, spilling 58,000 gallons of the ship's bunker fuel into the Bay. The incident has raised questions about the role of maritime pilots and vessel traffic services (VTSs) in preventing accidents in U.S. harbors, such as: Is... |
crs_RL34632 | crs_RL34632_0 | Introduction
The first text messages were sent during 1992 and 1993, although commercially, text messaging was not widely offered or used until 2000. Even then, messages could only be sent between users subscribed to the same wireless carrier; for example, Sprint customers could only exchange messages with other Spri... | The first text messages were sent during 1992 and 1993, although commercially, text messaging was not widely offered or used until 2000. Even then, messages could only be sent between users subscribed to the same wireless carrier; for example, Sprint customers could only exchange messages with other Sprint customers. I... |
crs_R41148 | crs_R41148_0 | Introduction
Article I, Section 8, clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to enact "uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States." Bankruptcy is a method through which financially troubled debtors can receive relief from financial pressures by discharging some or all of... | Article I, Section 8, clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to enact "uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States." Bankruptcy is a method through which financially troubled debtors can receive relief from financial pressures by discharging some or all of their debts un... |
crs_R44755 | crs_R44755_0 | Defining "manufacturing" and measuring its scope have been challenges from the country's earliest days. If anything, changes in the ways manufactured goods are developed, produced, and sold have made it more difficult to link production to a particular location and to measure the domestic content. The economic value of... | Numerous provisions in federal law are intended to support manufacturing in the United States. Almost without exception, these provisions define manufacturing as the process of physically transforming goods. Physical transformation involves what might be thought of as traditional manufacturing activities such as moldin... |
crs_R43178 | crs_R43178_0 | If, and to what extent, the role of the Federal Communications Commission and state regulatory bodies should be modified as networks transition from a circuit-switched to an Internet Protocol network and how to ensure that the core values (e.g., consumer protection, public safety, disability access, and competition) ar... | The passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act (P.L. 104-104) resulted in a major revision of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to address the emergence of competition in what were previously considered to be monopolistic markets. Since its passage, however, the advancement of broadband technology ... |
crs_RL30967 | crs_RL30967_0 | Introduction
During the latter years of the Clinton presidency, the United States began to focus on the possible deploymentof defenses against long-range ballistic missiles. The Administration, and many missile defense supporters, claimed that the United States needed to pursue NationalMissile Defenses (NMD) because ... | In the late 1990s, the United States began to focus on the possible deployment of defenses against long-range ballistic missiles. The planned National MissileDefense (NMD) system would have exceeded the terms of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Recognizing this,the Clinton Administration sought toconvince Russia... |
crs_R44592 | crs_R44592_0 | Introduction
There has been controversy for more than 25 years concerning whether to list sage-grouse for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Loss of habitat is the most common factor leading to species' decline. The sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) is found in 11 western states. Multiple peti... | The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a squat, feathered, chicken-like bird that is currently found in 11 western states. For more than 25 years, there has been considerable controversy concerning whether to list sage-grouse for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA; P.L. 93-205).
On October... |
crs_RL33751 | crs_RL33751_0 | Introduction
This report examines the specialty metal clause in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), potential oversight issues, and options for Congress. The specialty metal clause prohibits DOD from acquiring end units or components for aircraft, missile and space systems, ships, tank and ... | This report examines the specialty metal clause, potential oversight issues, and options for Congress. The specialty metal clause in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from acquiring end units or components for aircraft, missile and space systems, shi... |
crs_R42364 | crs_R42364_0 | Background
Periods of high oil prices are usually associated with reduced economic growth, a deteriorating foreign trade balance, and rising prices. However, for companies involved in the oil industry, high oil prices generally result in expanding revenues and cash flow, and in some cases, record profit levels. While... | Periods of rising oil prices can result in reduced economic growth, rising prices, and reduced disposable incomes for consumers, as well as a deteriorating trade balance. For the oil industry, periods of high oil prices generally imply increasing cash flows and higher profits. While some view the improvement in the ind... |
crs_RL33265 | crs_RL33265_0 | Introduction
The Logan Act, designed to cover relations between private citizens of the United States and foreign governments, has prompted much controversy as to its scope and effect in its more than 200 years. As amended, the act states:
Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority o... | The Logan Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 953, states:
Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes... |
crs_RL33793 | crs_RL33793_0 | Members of the 111 th Congress have sought to understand regional perspectives on Iraq and the policies of Iraq's neighbors as Congress has considered U.S. troop withdrawal plans, the implementation of U.S.-Iraq security agreements, and annual appropriations and authorization legislation. Broader international concerns... | Iraq's neighbors have influenced events in Iraq since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, and developments in Iraq have had political, economic, and security implications for Iraq's neighbors and the broader Middle East. Lower levels of violence in Iraq and the planned drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq are fue... |
crs_R43311 | crs_R43311_0 | Recent Events
On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that the United States was ending its participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is an agreement signed on July 14, 2015, by the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain (all permanent members of the U.N. Security Coun... | On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum 11, "ceasing U.S. participation in the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] and taking additional action to counter Iran's malign influence and deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon." The action sets in motion a reestablishm... |
crs_RS21904 | crs_RS21904_0 | At the ministerial meeting in April 2012, the member countries renewed the FATF's mandate through December 31, 2020. Recently, FATF surveyed the vulnerability of Hawalas and other similar service providers to money laundering and terrorist financing as a result of their use of nonbank settlement methods. Following the ... | The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, or the 9/11 Commission, recommended that tracking terrorist financing "must remain front and center in U.S. counterterrorism efforts" (see The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States,... |
crs_R41444 | crs_R41444_0 | A double-dip or W-shaped recession occurs when the economy emerges from a recession, has a period of growth, but then falls back into recession, well short of a full economic recovery. This prospect raises policy questions about the current level of economic stimulus and whether added stimulus may be needed. During 200... | Concerns have been expressed that growth in the United States may falter to the point where the U.S. economy again experiences recession. A double-dip or W-shaped recession occurs when the economy emerges from a recession, has a short period of growth, but then, still well short of a full recovery, falls back into rece... |
crs_RS22077 | crs_RS22077_0 | The Unemployment Trust Fund
The UTF is designated, by law, as a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury. The UTF accounts include the Employment Security Administration Account (ESAA), the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account (EUCA), the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA), 53 state accounts, the Federal Employees Compen... | This report provides a summary of how Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits are funded through the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF). The UTF in the U.S. Treasury is designated as a trust fund for federal accounting purposes. Although the UTF is a single trust fund, it has 59 accounts: the Employment Security Administrat... |
crs_R42139 | crs_R42139_0 | This report considers contemporary developments in presidential elections. It emphasizes three topics chosen for their recurring importance and notable recent developments: (1) nominating procedures; (2) campaign finance; and (3) the electoral college. The report highlights significant developments in these areas, part... | This report considers contemporary developments in presidential elections. It emphasizes three topics chosen for their recurring importance and notable recent developments: (1) nominating procedures; (2) campaign finance; and (3) the electoral college. The report highlights significant developments in these areas, part... |
crs_RL32259 | crs_RL32259_0 | Pakistani military operations in South Waziristan wound down in 2004. Pakistan-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation continues apace. The culpritsreportedly were linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. Kadirgamar also was one of President Kumaratunga's closest allies. Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and Pakist... | This report reviews the recent incidence of terrorism in South Asia, concentrating on Pakistan and India, but also including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The existenceof international terrorist groups and their supporters in South Asia is identified as a threat to bothregional stability and to the att... |
crs_RS22398 | crs_RS22398_0 | During the 112 th Congress, Members faced the issue of whether to extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Russia and Moldova. On November 16, 2012, the House passed (365-43), and on December 6, 2012, the Senate passed (92-4) H.R. 6156 , which did just that, among other things. President Obama signed th... | Unconditional most-favored-nation (MFN) status, or in U.S. statutory parlance, normal trade relations (NTR) status, is a fundamental principle of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under this principle, WTO members are required unconditionally to treat imports of goods and services from any WTO member no less favorabl... |
crs_R40947 | crs_R40947_0 | Federally registered lobbyists who wish to lobby executive branch departments and agencies regarding funds provided by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are subject to additional restrictions pursuant to a series of memoranda and guidelines issued between Ja... | Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995, as amended, individuals are required to register with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate if they lobby either legislative or executive branch officials. In January 2009, Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner placed further rest... |
crs_RL32794 | crs_RL32794_0 | House Committee Funding Process
Pursuant to House Rule X, clause 6, the Committee on House Administration (CHA) reports an omnibus, biennial "primary expense resolution" to cover the expenses of each standing and select committee, except the Appropriations Committee. The resolution is based in part on committee reque... | Pursuant to House Rule X, clause 6, the Committee on House Administration reports an omnibus, biennial "primary expense resolution" to cover the expenses of each standing and select committee, except the Appropriations Committee. The resolution is based, in part, on committee requests for funds to cover their necessary... |
crs_R44698 | crs_R44698_0 | Deep poverty is usually defined as having income below 50% of the poverty threshold. In 2015, an estimated 19.4 million persons, close to half of all people in poverty (45.1%), were counted as living in deep poverty. As shown in the figure, fully one-third (14.5 million) of all people in poverty were children. Children... | This report provides a snapshot of the characteristics of the poor in the United States in 2015. It shows that people from families whose income falls below the federal poverty thresholds represent a diverse subset of the overall population.
There were 43 million people living below the federal poverty level in 2015, r... |
crs_R43597 | crs_R43597_0 | Introduction
Sex trafficking is a state crime. Nevertheless, it is also a federal crime when it involves conducting the activities of a sex trafficking enterprise in a way that affects interstate or foreign commerce or that involves travel in interstate or foreign commerce. Section 1591 of Title 18 of the United Stat... | Sex trafficking is a state crime. Federal law, however, makes it a federal crime to conduct the activities of a sex trafficking enterprise in a way that affects interstate or foreign commerce or that involves travel in interstate or foreign commerce. Section 1591 of Title 18 of the United States Code outlaws sex traffi... |
crs_RS22522 | crs_RS22522_0 | In particular, the "serious prejudice" claim of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM), Article 5(c), according to expert opinion, is a lower threshold for achieving successful challenges than the injury requirement under a countervailing duty claim. If challenges are successful, the WTO remedy li... | This report examines U.S. commodity subsidy programs against an emerging set of criteria that test their potential vulnerability to challenge in the World Trade Organization. The criteria are whether the subsidies cause adverse effects contributing to serious prejudice under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailin... |
crs_R40993 | crs_R40993_0 | Background
On February 18, 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order 12549, "Debarment and Suspension." The order directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidelines for its implementation, including which agencies were covered and the "government-wide criteria [for debarment and suspens... | Federal agencies have general authority to debar or suspend persons from participating in federal grant programs and other nonprocurement transactions. Grounds for debarment of a federal grantee include criminal or civil convictions for various crimes including fraud, embezzlement, theft, bribery, tax evasion, and maki... |
crs_R41512 | crs_R41512_0 | In 2009 this was not the case. The law authorizing federal surface transportation programs expired at the end of FY2009, but Congress has failed to enact a new authorization. Surface transportation programs continue to operate on the basis of authority provided in continuing resolutions and extension legislation. Reaut... | The law authorizing federal surface transportation programs expired at the end of FY2009, but Congress has failed to enact a new authorization. Surface transportation programs continue to operate on the basis of authority provided in extension legislation.
This situation should not be a surprise to those familiar with ... |
crs_RS21473 | crs_RS21473_0 | In 2004, U.S. Medium or Intermediate Range Missiles
Various reports indicate that North Korea may be developing and deploying at least two new medium to intermediate-range ballistic missile systems. The Japanese Defense Ministry reportedly believes North Korea has about 200 Nodong medium-range missiles. In February 20... | This report briefly reviews North Korea's ballistic missile program. In summer 2007, North Korea tested modern, short-range missiles. In February 2009, South Korea reported the DPRK had deployed a new intermediate-range missile. This report may be updated periodically. Additional information is provided by CRS Report R... |
crs_R45082 | crs_R45082_0 | Additionally, international air cargo shipments entering the United States are regulated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In response to these concerns, U.S. policy has shifted from risk-based approaches for vetting cargo placed on passenger aircraft to mandatory 100% physical screening requirements for all... | U.S. policies and strategies for protecting air cargo have focused on two main perceived threats: the in-flight detonation of explosives concealed in an air cargo shipment and the hijacking of a large all-cargo aircraft for use as a weapon to attack a ground target such as a major population center, critical infrastruc... |
crs_RL34491 | crs_RL34491_0 | For this reason, the Senate routinely chooses to set aside its standing rules by unanimous consent. Under recent practice, these UC agreements sometimes include a provision imposing a 60-vote requirement for approval of amendments or legislation, instead of the simple majority vote ordinarily required in the Senate. Th... | The Senate frequently enters into unanimous consent agreements (sometimes referred to as "UC agreements" or "time agreements") that establish procedures for the consideration of legislation that the Senate is considering or will soon consider. In recent practice, such unanimous consent agreements have sometimes include... |
crs_R45107 | crs_R45107_0 | T he Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 ( H.R. 1892 ) , signed into law on February 9, 2018, creates a new joint select committee of the House and Senate. The Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans, made up of 16 Members of the House and Senate, is directed to formulate recommendations and legisla... | The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123), signed into law on February 9, 2018, creates a new joint select committee of the House and Senate. The Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans, made up of 16 Members of the House and Senate—four chosen by each of the chambers' party leaders—is ... |
crs_R43613 | crs_R43613_0 | T he scope of aliens' right to counsel in removal proceedings (i.e., proceedings to remove them from the United States) is a topic of recurring congressional and public interest. This topic is complicated, in part, because the term right to counsel can refer to either (1) the right to counsel of one's own choice at one... | The scope of aliens' right to counsel in removal proceedings is a topic of recurring congressional and public interest. This topic is complicated, in part, because the term right to counsel can refer to either (1) the right to counsel of one's own choice at one's own expense, or (2) the right of indigent persons to cou... |
crs_R41853 | crs_R41853_0 | State and local governments are concerned that the expansion of e-commerce, which was estimated to reach approximately $3.9 trillion in 2012, is gradually eroding their tax base. This concern arises in part because the U.S. Supreme Court ruled out-of-state vendors are not required to collect sales taxes for states in w... | The United States Bureau of the Census estimated that $4.1 trillion worth of retail and wholesale transactions were conducted over the Internet in 2010. That amount was 16.1% of all U.S. shipments and sales in that year. Other estimates, based on different data, projected the 2012 so-called e-commerce volume at approxi... |
crs_RL34332 | crs_RL34332_0 | Some groups are calling on Congress to regulate engineered nanoscale materials and derivative products to control potential EHS risks, arguing that lack of federal regulation might increase the risks of unanticipated adverse consequences. The cost to the nanotechnology industry also could be great, if consumers respond... | Scientists and engineers can now examine, design, and manipulate materials at the molecular level, termed "nanoscale," between 1 and 100 billionths of a meter. The U.S. government has invested heavily to ensure that American industry remains a global leader in the field, because the products of nanotechnology are seen ... |
crs_R42389 | crs_R42389_0 | The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program was signed into law in 1975 ( P.L. The CSE program is based on the premise that both parents are financially responsible for their children. The CSE program has evolved over time from a "welfare cost-recovery" program into a "family-first" service delivery program that seeks ... | The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program was signed into law in 1975 (P.L. 93-647) as a federal-state program to enhance the well-being of families by making child support a reliable source of income. The CSE program is based on the premise that both parents are financially responsible for their children. The CSE pr... |
crs_R44374 | crs_R44374_0 | Once grant funds are awarded, recipients are required to report information to federal agencies regarding the use of the federal grant funds. This report provides an introduction to reporting requirements placed on federal grant recipients, including requirements that must be met to seek federal grant funds. It also de... | Congress and federal agencies frequently undertake initiatives to conduct oversight of federal grant programs and expenditures. The ability to oversee is influenced by the existing reporting requirements placed on recipients of federal grant funds. Limitations in accessing information contained in federal databases use... |
crs_RL34248 | crs_RL34248_0 | Moreover, following the 2004 revelations of an extensive international nuclear proliferation network run by Pakistani nuclear official Abdul Qadeer Khan, as well as possible connections between Pakistani nuclear scientists and Al Qaeda, Islamabad has made additional efforts to improve export controls and monitor nuclea... | Pakistan's nuclear arsenal probably consists of approximately 110-130 nuclear warheads, although it could have more. Islamabad is producing fissile material, adding to related production facilities, and deploying additional nuclear weapons and new types of delivery vehicles. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is widely regarde... |
crs_R43991 | crs_R43991_0 | The Secretary's 1997 recommendations recognized the importance of balancing the privacy rights of individuals and the amount of control they have over the use and disclosure of their health information, with the need to permit health information to be used not just for routine health care activities (e.g., treatment an... | The Privacy Rule, which was promulgated pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, comprises a set of federal standards governing the use of personal health information. The Privacy Rule generally applies to individually identifiable health information created and maintained by... |
crs_R45008 | crs_R45008_0 | The government that replaced Yanukovych in 2014 pledged to embrace pro-Western reforms, and an energized civil society supported its efforts. Within weeks, however, the new government had to confront Russian armed interventions in southern and eastern Ukraine. These culminated in Russia's occupation of Ukraine's "auton... | In February 2014, protests over the Ukrainian government's decision to postpone concluding an association agreement that would lead to closer relations with the European Union (EU) culminated in violence and the collapse of then-President Viktor Yanukovych's government. The government that followed pledged to embrace p... |
crs_RS22961 | crs_RS22961_0 | In this light, Chile's response to its 1981-84 systemic banking crisis has been held up as one example. The cost was comparable relative to the size of its economy to that facing the U.S. Government today. In 1985, Central Bank losses to rescue financially distressed financial institutions were estimated to be 7.8% of ... | Chile experienced a banking crisis from 1981-84 that in relative terms had a cost comparable in size to that perhaps facing the United States today. The Chilean Central Bank acted quickly and decisively in three ways to restore faith in the credit markets. It restructured firm and household loans, purchased nonperformi... |
crs_RL34257 | crs_RL34257_0 | Earned Value Management (EVM), which is the subject of this report, is a management technique that provides metrics to help inform assessments of whether a capital investment is "on track" from three perspectives: planned cost, time schedule, and functionality (the latter concept often referred to as "performance," "te... | This report focuses on a technique—earned value management (EVM)—for overseeing the cost, schedule, and performance of major capital investments during the investment process (e.g., information technology systems, structures, weapons systems). EVM provides metrics to help inform assessments of whether capital investmen... |
crs_RL31370 | crs_RL31370_0 | Background
Budgets for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), as well as U.S. contributions to United Nations (U.N.) International Organizations, and U.N. Peacekeeping, are in the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations in both the House and Senate. The Administration sent its FY2008 ... | State Department funding, formerly in the House Science, State, Justice, Commerce (SSJC) Appropriations Subcommittee, is now aligned in both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State-Foreign Operations. In addition to passing annual appropriations, foreign relations authorization legislation is require... |
crs_R43153 | crs_R43153_0 | Introduction
Agencies promulgate rules to implement statutorily authorized regulatory programs. These rules, although established by an administrative agency, maintain the force and effect of law. To be able to promulgate rules, an agency must be granted by Congress the power to do so, either explicitly or implicitly... | Agencies promulgate rules to implement statutorily authorized regulatory programs. These rules, although established by an administrative agency, maintain the force and effect of law. To be able to promulgate rules, an agency must be granted by Congress the power to do so, either explicitly or implicitly, through statu... |
crs_R43387 | crs_R43387_0 | To enhance trade disciplines and market access by addressing remaining transatlantic barriers to trade and investment, the United States and the European Union (EU) presently are negotiating a "mega-regional" free trade agreement (FTA). The potential agreement officially is referred to as the Transatlantic Trade and In... | The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) is a potential reciprocal free trade agreement (FTA) that the United States and the European Union (EU) are negotiating with each other. Formal negotiations commenced in July 2013. Both sides initially aimed to conclude the negotiations in two years, but more r... |
crs_RL32695 | crs_RL32695_0 | If no candidate for President gains a majority, then the House votes "immediately, by ballot" for President (contingent election), choosing from among the three candidates who received the most electoral votes. If the House is unable to elect prior to expiration of the presidential term (January 20 since ratification o... | The 12 th Amendment to the Constitution requires that candidates for President and Vice President receive a majority of electoral votes (currently 270 or more of a total of 538) to be elected. If no candidate receives a majority, the President is elected by the House of Representatives (which occurred once, in 1825), a... |
crs_RL34486 | crs_RL34486_0 | Section 1113 of the Bankruptcy Code provides the procedures that must be followed to reject a CBA. 3652 and its companion bill, S. 2092 , were introduced by Representative Conyers and Senator Kennedy and are entitled the "Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007." This report's analysis of... | Introduced in the 110 th Congress, the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007 ( H.R. 3652 ) proposes a number of changes to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. According to the sponsors, the changes are needed to remedy inequities in the bankruptcy process and to recognize that employees and retir... |
crs_RL32679 | crs_RL32679_0 | Introduction
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) is being considered for reauthorization. Title IV of theact authorizes the major federal student aid programs, including the federal student loan programs,which provide more direct aid to support students' postsecondary educational pursuits than any othersource. Thi... | The federal government operates two major student loan programs: the Federal FamilyEducation Loan (FFEL) program, authorized by Part B of Title IV of the Higher Education Act(HEA), and the William D. Ford Direct Loan (DL) program, authorized by Part D of Title IV of theHEA. These programs provide loans to undergraduate... |
crs_RS22446 | crs_RS22446_0 | Background
Foreign nationals not legally residing in the United States who wish to come to the United States generally must obtain a visa to be admitted. As Congress debates comprehensive immigration reform and its component parts of immigration control (i.e., border security and interior enforcement), legal reform (... | As Congress debates comprehensive immigration reform and its component parts of immigration control (i.e., border security and interior enforcement), legal reform (i.e., temporary and permanent admissions), and the resolution of unauthorized alien residents, concerns arise over the capacity of the Department of Homelan... |
crs_RL34664 | crs_RL34664_0 | Background and Introduction
Homebuyers who were unable to close on their purchases by the June 30, 2010, deadline imposed by the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 ( P.L. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) modified the first-time homebuyer tax credit for those taxpayers ... | Homebuyers who were unable to close on their properties by the June 30, 2010, deadline imposed by the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-92) may still be able to receive the first-time homebuyer tax credit if they close before October 1, 2010, so long as they had a binding contract for... |
crs_R44814 | crs_R44814_0 | NASS data are considered crucial to both policymakers in government and those making marketing and investment decisions, as well as to the design and implementation of U.S. farm support programs. The quality of NASS crop acreage and production estimates depends on a high level of participation by agricultural producers... | The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates agricultural production (including area and yield) and stocks for more than 120 crops and 45 livestock items. Traditionally NASS estimates have focused on state and national data, but in recent years county-level ... |
crs_R43109 | crs_R43109_0 | Introduction
It is often difficult, if not impossible, to enforce child support obligations in cases where the custodial parent and child live in one country and the noncustodial parent lives in another. The United States has not ratified a multilateral child support enforcement treaty dealing with this issue. 104-19... | It is often difficult, if not impossible, to enforce child support obligations in cases where the custodial parent and child live in one country and the noncustodial parent lives in another. The United States has not ratified a multilateral child support enforcement treaty dealing with this issue. P.L. 104-193 (enacted... |
crs_RS21845 | crs_RS21845_0 | In other words, when faced with the prospect of equalizing benefits, many employers were choosing not to increase benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees, but instead to reduce benefits for younger retirees or to eliminate retiree benefits altogether. In AARP v. EEOC , the court first ordered a permanent injunction aga... | Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the authority to issue reasonable exemptions the Commission finds to be in the public interest. In 2004, the EEOC approved a narrowly drawn exemption to permit the practice of coordinating employer-provided ret... |
crs_R41280 | crs_R41280_0 | Introduction
Tests and examinations can pose unique challenges to individuals with disabilities and, if accommodations are not made, prevent these individuals from advancing professionally or academically. To ameliorate these challenges, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits the administration of tests ... | Tests and examinations are widely used to decide whether a person is qualified to take up a particular occupation, advance professionally, or attend a certain educational institution. These tests can pose unique challenges to individuals with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an entity that... |
crs_R42676 | crs_R42676_0 | In the negotiations, the United States and the other TPP partner-countries seek to build "a comprehensive, next-generation regional agreement that liberalizes trade and investment and addresses new and traditional trade issues and 21 st century challenges." In his March 15 statement, Prime Minister Abe acknowledged the... | On July 23, 2013, Japan formally joined negotiations to establish a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) becoming the 12 participant, including the United States. Japan's membership in the TPP with the United States would constitute a de facto U.S.-Japan FTA. On April 12, 2013, the United States announced its support for Ja... |
crs_RL34046 | crs_RL34046_0 | This act incorporated 11 of the 12 FY2008 appropriations bills; the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, was included as Division K of the act. The THUD appropriations act provided $103.6 billion (after rescissions and other adjustments) in total budgetary resour... | The FY2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill (THUD) provides funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and five independent agencies related to these two departments.
The Bush Administration requested ... |
crs_R41264 | crs_R41264_0 | The latest iteration of the debate over which corporations, unions, and other groups should be permitted to spend funds on political ads, and how so, was renewed on January 21, 2010, when the U.S. Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) . The DISCLOSE... | As it has periodically for decades, Congress is again considering how or whether to regulate campaign financing. The latest iteration of the debate over which kinds of groups should be permitted to spend funds on political advertisements, and how so, was renewed on January 21, 2010, when the Supreme Court of the United... |
crs_R44544 | crs_R44544_0 | Semiconductors are the enabling technology of the information age. In addition to funding academic and industrial research that contributed to the early development of semiconductor technology, the federal government played a central role in the commercialization of the technology through purchases of semiconductors fo... | Invented and pioneered in the United States shortly after World War II, semiconductors are the enabling technology of the information age. Because of semiconductors new industries have emerged and existing ones, such as aerospace and automotive, have been transformed. Semiconductors have contributed in powerful and uni... |
crs_R41893 | crs_R41893_0 | The 111 th Congress enacted a number of renewable energy tax incentives as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5 ). As various incentives for renewable energy, renewable fuels, and energy efficiency are scheduled to expire at the end of 2011, the 112 th Congress may want to explor... | Expanded investment in clean and renewable energy resources continues to be a policy priority of the Obama Administration and an area of interest to the 112th Congress. In recent years, the primary policy vehicle for promoting investment in renewable energy has been tax credits, particularly the renewable energy invest... |
crs_RL31500 | crs_RL31500_0 | P.L. 107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002
Establishment of Human Resources Management System(4)
Title VIII, Subtitle E, §841 of P.L. The new §9701(a)provides that notwithstanding any other provision of Part III, the Secretary of Homeland Securitymay, in regulations prescribed jointly with the Office of Personn... | P.L. 107-296 , Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( H.R. 5005 ), authorizes theSecretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) toestablish, and from time to time adjust, a human resources management (HRM) system for some orall of the organizational units of the new Department of H... |
crs_RL30798 | crs_RL30798_0 | Introduction
The origin of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rooted in a reorganization of the executive branch under the Nixon Administration. 3 of 1970 proposed the establishment of EPA to integrate the administration of numerous federal pollution control laws that had been carried out by several federal... | With congressional approval, the Nixon Administration established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 under an executive branch reorganization plan, which consolidated numerous federal pollution control responsibilities that had been divided among several federal agencies. EPA's responsibilities grew over... |
crs_RS22310 | crs_RS22310_0 | HIPAA Privacy Rule
Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage. § 1320d-2), regulates the use and disclosure of protected health information. To allow health care providers in affected areas to care for pat... | Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the federal government began a pilot test of KatrinaHealth.org, an online electronic health record (EHR) system that shared prescription drug information for hurricane evacuees with health care professionals. The website was available for a 90-day period. To allow health care providers ... |
crs_R43925 | crs_R43925_0 | Chip cards are formally known as "EMV" cards, named for the coalition of three companies, Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, that developed the specifications for the standard. Better Security for Cards and Transactions. If the card is to have a PIN associated with it, the PIN is programmed into the chip before it is embed... | Consumer financial card fraud due to data breaches of card information is an ongoing problem in the United States. The majority of breaches are carried out against point-of-sale (POS) systems, and are facilitated by what many consider to be the weak link in the U.S. retail sales payment process: the continued use of ma... |
crs_RL33667 | crs_RL33667_0 | Introduction
Presidential signing statements are official pronouncements issued by the President contemporaneously to the signing of a bill into law that, in addition to commenting on the law generally, have been used to forward the President's interpretation of the statutory language; to assert constitutional object... | Presidential signing statements are official pronouncements issued by the President contemporaneously to the signing of a bill into law that, in addition to commenting on the law generally, have been used to forward the President's interpretation of the statutory language; to assert constitutional objections to the pro... |
crs_RL33877 | crs_RL33877_0 | U.S. companies continued to invest heavily in China, and the Chinese central government overtook Japan to become the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries used to finance the federal budget deficit, holding about $600 billion in Treasuries by the end of 2008. Some U.S. lawmakers suggested that U.S. policies should be reass... | This report deals with U.S.-China relations during the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and with a number of key events involving China during the two-year period. These events included: China's anti-satellite weapon test (January 2007); the 17th Party Congress (October 2007); a crackdown against demonstrations in Tibet (Mar... |
crs_RS21054 | crs_RS21054_0 | Section 1115 Waiver Authority
Section 1115 of the Social Security Act provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with broad authority to conduct research and demonstration projects under several programs authorized by the Social Security Act including Medicaid and SCHIP. Section 1115 also authorizes the... | Section 1115 of the Social Security Act provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with broad authority to waive certain statutory requirements for states to conduct research and demonstration projects that further the goals of Titles XIX (Medicaid) and/or XXI (the State Children's Health Insurance Progr... |
crs_RL31339 | crs_RL31339_0 | Senior U.S. officials, including President Bush, particularly in an October 2002 speech in Cincinnati, asserted the following about Iraq's WMD: (1) that Iraq had worked to rebuild its WMD programs in the nearly four years since U.N. weapons inspectors left Iraq and had failed to comply with 16 U.N. previous resolutions... | The Obama Administration is facing a security environment in Iraq vastly improved over that which prevailed during 2005-2007, although rifts in Iraqi society are still not reconciled, providing the potential for the security situation to deteriorate significantly. The overall frequency of violence is down to post-Sadda... |
crs_R43559 | crs_R43559_0 | Federal policy on PCS aims to balance the need to limit abuse of prescription controlled substances (PCS) with the need to maintain access to PCS for legitimate medical use. Approaches to reducing prescription drug abuse include scheduling of PCS; safe storage and disposal; focusing law enforcement; using data to ident... | An estimated 6.5 million individuals currently abuse prescription drugs in the United States. Unlike policy on street drugs, federal policy on prescription drug abuse is complicated by the need to maintain access to prescription controlled substances (PCS) for legitimate medical use. The federal government has several ... |
crs_R40128 | crs_R40128_0 | First, the pardon power is limited to "offenses against the United States," preventing the President from intruding upon state criminal or civil proceedings. Based upon this broad grant of authority under the Constitution, the courts have traditionally held that the President's pardoning power may not be circumscribed ... | The Constitution of the United States of America imbues the President with broad authority to grant pardons and reprieves for offenses against the United States. This report provides an overview of the scope of the President's pardoning power, the legal effects of a pardon, and the procedures that have traditionally be... |
crs_RS22733 | crs_RS22733_0 | It constitutes "matter not committed to them by either House" and makes their conference report subject to a point of order on both the House and Senate floor. Senate Rule XLIV, Paragraph 8: New Directed Spending Provisions
Paragraph 8 of Senate Rule XLIV places an additional restriction on the content of conference r... | Two Senate rules affect the authority of conferees to include in their report matter that was not passed by the House or Senate before the conference committee was appointed. Colloquially, such provisions are sometimes said to have been "airdropped" into the conference report. First, Rule XXVIII precludes conference ag... |
crs_R44141 | crs_R44141_0 | Introduction
This report discusses the FY2016 budget request, related congressional actions, and appropriations (discretionary budget authority) for the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau). These entities make up the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) in the U.S. Depa... | This report discusses FY2016 appropriations (discretionary budget authority) for the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau), which make up the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. The report will not be updated.
The FY2016 budget request f... |
crs_R40931 | crs_R40931_0 | As Congress debates the justification for comprehensive health reform and considers various proposals, some states have taken the initiative by enacting reforms to address concerns about health insurance coverage and health care costs, among other issues. Massachusetts is one such state. While Massachusetts has a legis... | As Congress debates the justification for comprehensive health reform and considers various proposals, some states have taken the initiative by enacting reforms to address concerns about health insurance coverage and health care costs, among other issues. Massachusetts is one such state. While Massachusetts has a legis... |
crs_R45029 | crs_R45029_0 | Introduction
The President is responsible for appointing individuals to certain positions in the federal government. In some instances, the President makes these appointments using authorities granted to the President alone. This report identifies, for the 114 th Congress, all nominations submitted to the Senate for ... | The President makes appointments to certain positions within the federal government, either using authorities granted to the President alone or with the advice and consent of the Senate. There are some 151 full-time leadership positions on 34 federal regulatory and other collegial boards and commissions for which the S... |
crs_RS22013 | crs_RS22013_0 | 109-171 , enacted February 8, 2006) contains net reductions in USDA mandatory spending of $2.7 billion over five years. Farm Bill and Commodity Support Programs
Farm income and price support programs are dictated primarily by Title I of the 2002 farm bill ( P.L. In the 109 th Congress, S. 385 and H.R. In response, Con... | A number of issues affecting U.S. agriculture have been or are being addressed by the 109 th Congress. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 ( P.L. 109-171 ), enacted in February 2006, included a net reduction in spending on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mandatory programs of $2.7 billion over five years, and the r... |
crs_R42081 | crs_R42081_0 | Why Occupy Wall Street? The Occupy Wall Street demonstrations that began in September 2011 do not put forward any single set of grievances or demands. According to the protestors, the 1% are thought to have too much wealth and power and to have interests in conflict with the economic well-being of the rest of the coun... | Wall Street and Main Street—the financial system and the real economy of goods and services—are bound together. If businesses large and small had to fund investment projects out of their own pockets, society would be significantly poorer. The financial system aggregates the savings of millions of households and allocat... |
crs_RL31830 | crs_RL31830_0 | Introduction
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes federal funding for theeducation of children with disabilities and requires, as a condition for the receipt of such funds, theprovision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). (1) The statute also contains detailed dueprocess provis... | The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes federal funding for the education of children with disabilities and requires, as a condition for the receipt of such funds, theprovision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The statute also contains detailed dueprocess provisions to ensure the... |
crs_R42771 | crs_R42771_0 | In 2012, about 244,000 farming operations grew more than 350 types of fruit, vegetable, tree nut, flower, nursery, and other horticultural crops in addition to the major bulk commodity crops. Selected Federal Programs
Specialty crops are ineligible for the federal commodity price and income support programs that benef... | U.S. farmers grow more than 350 types of fruit, vegetable, tree nut, flower, nursery, and other horticultural crops in addition to the major bulk commodity crops. Specialty crop producers are ineligible for the federal commodity price and income support programs that benefit commodity crop producers (e.g., grains and c... |
crs_R45348 | crs_R45348_0 | Background and Legislative History
The federal government has recognized the need to organize and coordinate the collection and management of geospatial data since at least 1990. In that year, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised Circular A-16—which provides guidance regarding coordination of federal sur... | In the 114th and 115th Congresses, several bills entitled the Geospatial Data Act were introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress did not act on legislation introduced in the 114th Congress; however, in September 2018, a version of the bill, the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA), was included in H.... |
crs_RL34558 | crs_RL34558_0 | 1 , the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which supplemented some military construction and veterans affairs appropriations accounts. 46). The Senate received the bill on January 29. The amounts recommended and enacted for these accounts are presented in Table 3 . These will be discussed in detail ... | Soon after it convened, the 111th Congress initiated H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), otherwise known as the "economic stimulus." Passed by both chambers and enacted by President Barak Obama on February 17, 2009, the Act adds approximately $4.3 billion to the $119.6 billion regular FY2... |
crs_RS20572 | crs_RS20572_0 | GAM has a political organization throughout Aceh. GAM claims that Exxon-Mobil collaborateswith the Indonesian military (TNI) and iscomplicit in the human rights abuses committed by the TNI. It exchanged diplomatic notes with the United States. (2) There has been a progressive alienation of the population in reaction to... | Indonesia faces a major separatist insurgency in the province of Aceh in northernSumatra. The Indonesiangovernment has proposed autonomy for Aceh, but insurgents demand independence. Negotiations and cease-fireshave been unsuccessful. Indonesian civilianleaders have been unable to control the Indonesian military, whose... |
crs_RL33367 | crs_RL33367_0 | Introduction
Following several years of congressional debate over patent reform, P.L. 112-29 , the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act was passed in September 2011. This attention to patent policy reflects a recognition of the increasing importance of intellectual property to U.S. innovation. Patent ownership is perceive... | The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, P.L. 112-29, passed Congress following several years of legislative debate over patent reform. This attention to patent policy reflects a recognition of the increasing importance of intellectual property to U.S. innovation. Patent ownership is perceived as an incentive to the techno... |
crs_RL34608 | crs_RL34608_0 | Introduction
Historically, the value of tax benefits for charitable contributions and organizations was estimated to be around $100 billion per year. Although revisions to the treatment of charitable contributions and tax-exempt organizations that receive these contributions have been made in recent years, a number o... | Prior to the financial crises and subsequent recession, the value of tax benefits for charitable contributions and organizations was estimated to be around $100 billion per year. About half of this cost arose from the deductions for charitable contributions with the other half from exemptions of earnings of nonprofits.... |
crs_RL33355 | crs_RL33355_0 | The department further directed that the office be responsible forimplementing CI programs at non-NNSA facilities. Supporters of the dual office structureargue, however, that a separate, dedicated CI office within NNSA is necessary if counterintelligenceprotection of DOE's national security laboratories is to receive t... | Concerned by reported security and counterintelligence (CI) lapses at the Department ofEnergy (DOE), Congress in 1999 established a semi-autonomous agency -- the National NuclearSecurity Administration (NNSA) -- to oversee DOE's national security-related programs. WithinNNSA, Congress established the Office of Defense ... |
crs_RS21654 | crs_RS21654_0 | Overview
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic schools known as madrasa s have been of increasing interest to analysts and to officials involved in formulating U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. These revelations have led to accusations that madrasas... | Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic religious schools known as madrasas (or madrassahs) in the Middle East, Central, and Southeast Asia have been of increasing interest to U.S. policy makers. Some allege ties between madrasas and terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda, and assert that thes... |
crs_RS22026 | crs_RS22026_0 | Congress responded to these enforcement needs, in part, with the passage of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. This comprehensive law, among other things, expanded the existing fence by authorizing the INS to construct a triple-layered fence along the same 14 miles of t... | This report outlines the issues involved with DHS's construction of the San Diego border fence and highlights some of the major legislative and administrative developments regarding its completion; it will be updated as warranted. (For more analysis of border fencing and other barriers, please see CRS Report RL33659, B... |
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