Congressional Research Service Reports - 43,127 Matching Results
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- A Shift in the International Security Environment: Potential Implications for Defense--Issues for Congress
- This report focuses on defense-related issues in the international security environment. It provides extensive background on previous environment, observations of the shift in the environment, how Congress responded in the past, and emerging implications for defense. The report also summarizes relevant issues for Congress.
- U.S.-India Trade Relations
- This report discusses trade relations between the United States and India. Many observers believe bilateral commercial ties could be more extensive if trade and investment barriers were addressed.
- Defense Primer: Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO)
- This report explains the Department of Defense's (DOD's) personnel tempo (PERSTEMPO) management, policies and programs. PERSTEMPO refers to the pace of operations for servicemembers and can affect quality of life, work satisfaction, and overall morale for members and their families.
- Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Columbia-class program, a program to design and build a new class of 12 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy's current force of 14 Ohio-class SSBNs. The program was previously known as the Ohio replacement program (ORP) or SSBN(X) program. The Navy has identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy's top priority program, and wants to procure the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021.
- Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Gun-Launched Guided Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on three new ship-based weapons the Navy is developing that could improve the ability of Navy surface ships to defend themselves against missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surface craft: the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gunlaunched guided projectile (GLGP), previously known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP).
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Resources for Frequently Asked Questions
- This report provides resources to help answer frequently-asked questions regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It includes information and links for topics such as the individual mandate, private health insurance, exchanges and subsidies, employee-sponsored coverage, Medicaid and Medicare, specific populations, behavioral health, state innovation waivers, taxes, costs and statistics, and regulatory issues.
- U.S.-Japan Relations
- This report discusses issues regarding U.S.-Japan economic relations. Japan is a significant partner of the United States in a number of foreign policy areas, particularly in U.S. security priorities, which range from hedging against Chinese military modernization to countering threats from North Korea.
- Arms Sales: Congressional Review Process
- This report reviews the process and procedures that currently apply to congressional consideration of foreign arms sales proposed by the President. This includes consideration of proposals to sell major defense equipment, defense articles and services, or the re-transfer to third party states of such military items.
- China's Currency Policy
- This report provides an overview of the economic issues surrounding the current debate over China's currency policy. It identifies the economic costs and benefits of China's currency policy for both China and the United States, and possible implications if China were to allow its currency to significantly appreciate or to float freely.
- China's Status as a Nonmarket Economy (NME)
- This report discusses China's classification by the World Trade Organization (WTO). China contends that language in its WTO accession protocol required all WTO members to terminate their use of the alternative methodology; the United States and other WTO members argue that that the WTO language did not automatically obligate them to extend market economy status (MES) to China.
- Congress Considers Possible Responses to the Killing of a Saudi Journalist
- This report discusses the potential responses by Congress regarding the killing of prominent Saudi Arabian journalist and former diplomatic advisor Jamal Khashoggi.
- The Geospatial Data Act of 2018
- This report provides a summary and analysis of each section of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA). It also discusses possible implications of the new law and issues for Congress.
- Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report presents background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer programs. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests funding for the procurement of three DDG-51s.
- Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) class aircraft carrier program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests a total of $1,598.2 million in procurement funding for the program.
- Navy Frigate (FFG[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's FFG(X) program to procure a new class of 20 guided-missile frigates (FFGs). The Navy wants to procure the first FFG(X) in FY2020 and the proposed FY2019 budget requests $134.8 million in research and development funding for the program.
- Navy John Lewis (TAO-205) Class Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the John Lewis (TAO205) class oiler shipbuilding program, a program to build a new class of 20 fleet oilers for the Navy. The TAO-205 program was previously known as the TAO(X) program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests the procurement of the third and fourth ships in the program.
- Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. A total of 32 LCSs have been procured through FY2018. For FY2019, the Navy is requesting the procurement of the 33rd LCS. The LCS program presents several oversight issues for Congress.
- Navy LPD-17 Flight II (LX[R]) Amphibious Ship Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ship program, previously known as the LX(R) program. The Navy had planned to procure the first LPD-17 Flight II ship in FY2020. Congress, as part of its action on the Navy's proposed FY2018 budget, accelerated the procurement of the first LPD17 Flight II ship to FY2018. The Navy's FY2019 budget submission programs the procurement of the second LPD17 Flight II ship for FY2020.
- Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. The Navy's proposed FY2019 budget requests nearly $7.2 billion in procurement and advance procurement (AP) funding for the program.
- Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive
- This report provides a brief overview of the history of the negotiations regarding reunification of the island of Cyprus and a description of some of the issues involved in those talks.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- This report describes the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits, which are available only to those individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a declared major disaster and information on how to ascertain if an individual is eligible for DUA benefits.
- Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC), which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by several percent.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the rate of Navy ship procurement, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years.
- Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress
- This report describes the naming process for U.S. naval ships and various regulations regarding the process. Recent legislation related to ship names is also included.
- Homelessness: Targeted Federal Programs
- This report discusses the definitions of homelessness used by targeted federal homeless programs and federal efforts to end homelessness. In addition, the report describes the current federal programs that provide targeted assistance to homeless individuals and families (other federal programs may provide assistance to homeless individuals but are not specifically designed to assist homeless persons).
- Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protections: In Brief
- This report describes various sources of Intelligence Community (IC) whistleblower protections. Generally speaking, whistleblowers are those who expose misconduct (e.g., fraud, abuse, or illegal activity) within an organization. In the context of the IC, whistleblowers are generally employees or contractors of federal intelligence agencies who bring to light information on agency wrongdoings.
- The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC): An Overview
- This report summarizes the background and functions of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC).
- Global Trends in Democracy: Background, U.S. Policy, and Issues for Congress
- This report for Congress outlines and synthesizes information, analysis, and a variety of perspectives on issues regarding democracy around the world. In particular, it provides brief conceptual background on democracy and on democracy promotion's historical role in U.S. policy, analyzes aggregate trends in the global level of democracy using data from two major democracy indexes, and discusses some of the key factors that may be broadly affecting democracy around the world.
- Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options
- This report discusses the political history, current politics, and human rights practices of Iran, as well as Iran's relations with the United States, U.S. policy toward Iran, and future policy options.
- Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation with U.S. policies in the Middle East.
- Serbia: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report provides an overview of Serbia and its governmental structure, economy, and foreign relations with the U.S., Kosovo, Turkey, Russia, and the EU.
- U.S.-Japan Announce New Limited Trade Negotiations
- This report discusses announced plans for bilateral negotiations for a trade agreement between the United States and Japan.
- The United States and the "World Court"
- This report reviews the most recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings against the United States by Iran and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the implications for Congress of the Trump Administration's withdrawal decision.
- Federal Civil Aviation Programs: In Brief
- This report discusses the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs including organizational structures, updates on activities and reforms, funding sources, and other relevant information.
- Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues
- This report highlights selected personnel-related issues that may generate high levels of congressional and constituent interest.
- The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses the United Nations' Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the United States from the GCM negotiations.
- Internships in Congressional Offices: Frequently Asked Questions
- This report addresses frequently-asked questions (FAQs) about congressional interns and internships. It is intended to provide information about the role of interns and to provide a summary of some of the policies and guidance provided by the House and the Senate related to internships. It addresses the House and Senate rules that apply to congressional internships, factors that may affect an office's selection process, and an individual's eligibility to serve in an internship, as well as some of the congressional resources and training opportunities available for interns.
- Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations
- This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board and the Security Council.
- NIH Funding: FY1994-FY2019
- This report discusses funding for the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1994 to 2019. The NIH is the primary federal agency charged with conducting and supporting biomedical and behavioral research. It is the largest of the eight health-related agencies that make up the Public Health Service (PHS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- VA Housing: Guaranteed Loans, Direct Loans, and Specially Adapted Housing Grants
- This report discusses three types of housing assistance--the loan guaranty program, direct loan programs, and Specially Adapted Housing program-- includingg their origins, how they operate, and how they are funded. It also briefly describes a home rehabilitation pilot program designed to help veterans who have low incomes or disabilities repair or modify their homes, and has a section that discusses the default and foreclosure of VA-guaranteed loans.
- Air Force B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber
- This report discusses the development of a new long-range bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider (previously known as LRS-B). The U.S. Department of Defense proposes to acquire at least 100 of them, initially to replace the fleets of B-1 and B-2 bombers, and possibly to replace B-52s in the future.
- The Peace Corps: Current Issues
- This report discuses the Peace Corps functions and funding as well as current issues, including: the available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, and volunteer access to abortion.
- Bahrain: Unrest, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses the political structure and human rights issues in Bahrain, including the 2011 uprising and its aftermath. Additionally, the report discusses Bahrain's relations with the United States and with the other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) alliance.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Federal Civil Service Annuities
- This report discusses cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). It includes the formulas used to calculate rates of inflation, amounts paid, and a table of retirement benefits.
- Deference and its Discontents: Will the Supreme Court Overrule Chevron?
- The Chevron deference is a seminal administrative law doctrine established by the Court's opinion in the 1984 case of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. As several members of the Supreme Court are critical of the doctrine, this report discusses the possibility of the Court reconsidering Chevron in the near future.
- House Passes Bill to Amend the Federal "Crime of Violence" Definition
- This report discusses the Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 (CSSA), which was recently passed in the House and which would amend the federal "crime of violence" (COV) definition.
- Hurricane Michael: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources
- This report provides a brief overview of emergency and major disaster declarations relevant to Hurricane Michael, and selected federal resources and links to CRS products related to Stafford Act declarations, disaster response, and recovery.
- Postelection Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- This report discusses the political structure, presidency, legislative elections of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the role of the Unites States.
- Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards
- This report discusses the amendments to the federal standards that regulate fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new passenger cars and light trucks. The amendments were proposed by the Trump Administration on August 24, 2018.
- Protecting Consumers and Businesses from Fraudulent Robocalls
- This report discusses efforts by Congress and the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) to combat robocall scams and prevent them from reaching consumers. It includes an overview of what robocalls are, their legitimate uses, regulation, and complaint procedures for consumers.