Congressional Research Service Reports - 214 Matching Results
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- Emergency Communications: Broadband and the Future of 911
- This report discusses the Summary of 911 Legislative and Policy, Funding and Grants and Creating the Base for Change.
- Emergency Communications: Broadband and the Future of 911
- This report discusses the Summary of 911 Legislation and Policy, Funding and Grants and National Broadband Plan.
- The U.S. Newspaper Industry in Transition
- This report analyzes the current crises that the U.S. newspaper industry is facing in light of the recent economic downturn and the increasing number of readers who turn to the Internet for their news instead of to traditional media. Congress has begun debating whether the financial problems in the newspaper industry pose a public policy issue that warrants federal action.
- U.S. Initiatives to Promote Global Internet Freedom: Issues, Policy, and Technology
- This report provides information regarding the role of U.S. and other foreign companies in facilitating Internet censorship by repressive regimes overseas. The report is divided into several sections: Examination of repressive policies in China and Iran, Relevant U.S. laws, U.S. policies to promote Internet freedom, Private sector initiatives, and Congressional action.
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings
- This report provides an overview of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and all hazard warnings. EAS is one of several federally managed warning systems which administers with FEMA and FCC.
- Current Legal Status of the FCC’s Media Ownership Rules
- This report discusses the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) media ownership regulations, which place limits on the number of broadcast radio and television outlets one owner can possess in a given market and place cross-ownership restrictions on these outlets and on the cross-ownership of broadcast properties and newspapers.
- Public Safety Communications and Spectrum Resources: Policy Issues for Congress
- The availability of radio frequency spectrum is considered essential to developing a modern, interoperable communications network for public safety. Equally critical is building the radio network to use this spectrum. Opinions diverge, however, on such issues as how much spectrum should be made available for the network, who should own it, who should build it, who should operate it, who should be allowed to use it, and how it might be paid for. This report discusses potential paths forward for Congress in regards to modernizing communications. To resolve the debate and move the planning process forward, Congress may decide to pursue oversight or change existing law. Actions proposed to Congress include (1) authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reassign spectrum and (2) changing requirements for the use of spectrum auction proceeds. In particular, legislation in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171) might be modified. This law mandated the termination of analog television broadcasting and the release of those channels for other uses, including public safety.
- U.S. Initiatives to Promote Global Internet Freedom: Issues, Policy, and Technology
- This report provides information regarding the role of U.S. and other foreign companies in facilitating Internet censorship by repressive regimes overseas. The report is divided into several sections: Examination of repressive policies in China and Iraq, Relevant U.S. laws, U.S. policies to promote Internet freedom, Private sector initiatives, and Congressional action.
- The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act: Overview and Issues for Congress
- This report describes Congress's pursuit of postal reform, and summarizes the major provisions of the new postal reform law. The report also suggests PAEA-related oversight issues for Congress. President George W. Bush signed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA; P.L. 109-435; 120 Stat. 3198) on December 20, 2006. The PAEA was the first broad revision of the 1970 statute that replaced the U.S. Post Office with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), a self-supporting, independent agency of the executive branch.
- Journalists' Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 110th and 111th Congresses
- This report gives an overview of the law regarding journalistic privilege. Included are the responses of the 110th and 111th Congresses regarding the law.
- Advertising Industry in the Digital Age
- This report discusses regulatory challenges faced by policymakers as the advertising industry enters a period of far-reaching change brought about by the economic downturn and structural shifts as consumers move to the Internet and other digital platforms for news, entertainment, and socializing.
- Congressional Printing: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides an overview and analysis of issues related to the processing and distribution of congressional information by the Government Printing Office. Subsequent sections address several issues, including funding congressional printing, printing authorizations, current printing practices, and options for Congress. Finally, the report provides congressional printing appropriations, production, and distribution data in a number of tables.
- The Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and Its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape
- This report provides information about The Current Structure and Its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape on the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is an independent agency with its five members appointed by the president.
- Reauthorizing the Satellite Home Viewing Provisions in the Communications Act and the Copyright Act: Issues for Congress
- This report discusses issues in the current and public policy debate regarding the communications act and the copyright act.
- Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment
- This report provides an overview of the major exceptions to the First Amendment - of the ways that the Supreme Court has interpreted the guarantee of freedom of speech and press to provide no protection or only limited protection for some types of speech. For example, the Court has decided that the First Amendment provides no protection to obscenity, child pornography, or speech that constitutes "advocacy of the use of force or of law violation ... where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action."
- Reauthorizing the Satellite Home Viewing Provisions in the Communications Act and the Copyright Act: Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the regulatory framework for the retransmission of broadcast television signals by satellite television operators,the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994, the 1999 Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA), and the 2004 Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA)
- Obscenity, Child Pornography, and Indecency: Brief Background and Recent Developments
- The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. ...” The First Amendment applies, with two exceptions, to pornography, with that term being used to refer to any words or pictures of a sexual nature. This report discusses the two exceptions, which are obscenity and child pornography; because these are not protected by the First Amendment, they may be, and have been, made illegal. Pornography and “indecent” material that are protected by the First Amendment may nevertheless be restricted in order to limit minors’ access to them.
- Sending Mail to Members of the Armed Forces at Reduced or Free Postage: An Overview
- This report discusses proposed legislation to establish a free-mail-to-troops postage benefit. Various bills introduced in Congress would provide members of the Armed Forces serving overseas with free-postage vouchers every month. Recipients of these vouchers would be able to transfer them to family members or other persons in the United States, who then could use the vouchers to mail a letter or package to the troops postage-free.
- Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs
- This report provides information about the Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide through Federal Assistance Programs. Digital Divide has been used to characterize the gap between "information have and have-nots".
- Post Office and Retail Postal Facility Closures: Overview and Issues for Congress
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced in May 2009 that it was considering the closure of 3,105 of its 4,851 post office branches and stations. Since the original announcement, the USPS has indicated that the number of possible closures may be more than 3,200. This report provides (1) information on this recent announcement; (2) historical data on the number of post offices and other retail postal facilities; (3) an explanation of the legal authorities relevant to retail postal facility closures; (4) a review of the retail postal facility closure processes, including data on public appeals of closures, and H.R. 658's proposed alterations to the processes; and (5) a concluding discussion that suggests observations and possible issues for Congress.
- Post Office and Retail Postal Facility Closures: Overview and Issues for Congress
- This report provides information on the announcement that the United States Postal Service was considering the closure of 3,105 branches; historical data on the number of post offices and other retail postal facilities; an explanation of the legal authorities relevant to retail postal facility closures; a review of the retail postal facility closure processes, including data on public appeals of closures, and H.R. 658's proposed alterations to the processes; and a concluding discussion that suggests observations and possible issues for Congress.
- The U.S. Newspaper Industry in Transition
- This report analyzes the current crises that the U.S. newspaper industry is facing in light of the recent economic downturn and the increasing number of readers who turn to the Internet for their news instead of to traditional media. Congress has begun debating whether the financial problems in the newspaper industry pose a public policy issue that warrants federal action.
- The U.S. Newspaper Industry in Transition
- This report analyzes China's mixed record on human rights: major human rights problems, new human rights legislation, and the development of civil society, legal awareness, and social and political activism. This report discusses major areas of interest but does not provide an exhaustive account of all human rights abuses or related incidents.
- The U.S. Postal Service and Six-Day Delivery: Issues for Congress
- This report will examine the history of six-day mail delivery and analyze potential effects of reducing USPS delivery from six to five days. It will then examine legislative options for the 111th Congress.
- The Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and Its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape
- This report provides information about The Current Structure and Its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape on the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is an independent agency with its five members appointed by the president.
- Sending Mail to Members of the Armed Forces at Reduced or Free Postage: An Overview
- This report discusses proposed legislation to establish a free-mail-to-troops postage benefit. Various bills introduced in Congress would provide members of the Armed Forces serving overseas with free-postage vouchers every month. Recipients of these vouchers would be able to transfer them to family members or other persons in the United States, who then could use the vouchers to mail a letter or package to the troops postage-free.
- Digital Surveillance: The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
- This report provides information about The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act on Digital Surveillance. CALEA is intended to preserve the ability of law enforcement officials to conduct electronic surveillance effectively and efficiently.
- Obscenity and Indecency: Constitutional Principles and Federal Statutes
- his report examines federal law regarding obscenity and indecency. The First Amendment provides: “Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” In general, the First Amendment protects pornography, with this term being used to mean any erotic material. The Supreme Court, however, has held that the First Amendment does not protect two types of pornography: obscenity and child pornography. Consequently, they may be banned on the basis of their content, and federal law prohibits the mailing of obscenity, as well as its transport or receipt in interstate or foreign commerce.
- Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs
- This report provides information about the Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide through Federal Assistance Programs. Digital Divide has been used to characterize the gap between "information have and have-nots".
- The 2009 U.N. Durban Review Conference: Follow-Up to the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism
- This report provides information on the 2001 World Conference Against Racism and the circumstances of U.S. withdrawal. It discusses preparations for the Durban Review Conference, including U.S. policy and reaction from other governments. It highlights possible issues for the 111th Congress, including the Review Conference preparatory process, U.S. funding of the Conference, and the political and diplomatic impact of U.S. engagement.
- The Siting of Wireless Communications Facilities: An Overview of Federal, State, and Local Law
- The siting of wireless communications facilities has been a topic of controversy in communities all over the United States. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 governs federal, state, and local regulation of the siting of communications towers by placing certain limitations on local zoning authority without totally preempting state and local law. This report provides an overview of the federal, state, and local laws governing the siting of wireless communications facilities.
- The FCC’s Broadcast Media Ownership Rules
- This report provides information about The FCC’s Broadcast Media Ownership Rules which is intended to foster the three long-standing goals of U.S media policy-competition, localism, and diversity of voices.
- Journalists' Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses
- This report discusses the journalists' privilege, provides and overview of the law, describes the Grand Jury Subpoena related to the Judith Miller case, and gives an overview of the congressional response in the 109th and 110th Congresses.
- Legal Challenge to the FCC’s Media Ownership Rules: An Overview of Prometheus Radio v. FCC
- This report provides an overview of the Commission's 2002 Biennial Review from which the 2003 rules originated and the Prometheus case.
- The Federal Communications Commission: Current Structure and its Role in the Changing Telecommunications Landscape
- This report provides an overview of the current structure of the federal communications commission and its role in the changing telecommunications landscape.
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings
- This report provides an overview of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and all hazard warnings. EAS is one of several federally managed warning systems which administers with FEMA and FCC.
- Campaign Finance Reform: Regulating Political Communications on the Internet
- This is a report on Campaign Finance Reform, specifically Regulating Political Communications on the Internet.
- The FCC’s Broadcast Media Ownership Rules
- This report provides information about The FCC’s Broadcast Media Ownership Rules which is intended to foster the three long-standing goals of U.S media policy-competition, localism, and diversity of voices.
- An Emergency Communications Safety Net: Integrating 911 and Other Services
- No Description Available.
- Digital Surveillance: The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
- This report provides information about The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act on Digital Surveillance. CALEA is intended to preserve the ability of law enforcement officials to conduct electronic surveillance effectively and efficiently.
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings
- This report provides an overview of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and all hazard warnings. EAS is one of several federally managed warning systems which administers with FEMA and FCC.
- FCC Media Ownership Rules: Current Status and Issues for Congress
- On June 2, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission modified five of its media ownership rules, easing restrictions on the ownership of multiple television stations and on local media cross-ownership, and tightening restrictions on the ownership of multiple radio stations in local markets.
- The FCC’s 10 Commissioned Economic Research Studies on Media Ownership: Policy Implications
- No Description Available.
- FCC Media Ownership Rules: Current Status and Issues for Congress
- On June 2, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission modified five of its media ownership rules, easing restrictions on the ownership of multiple television stations and on local media cross-ownership, and tightening restrictions on the ownership of multiple radio stations in local markets.
- Journalists’ Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses
- This report examines laws pertaining to journalists' privilege. Most states afford journalists some protection from compelled release of their confidential sources. The question remains, however, as to whether a concomitant federal privilege exists. The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of journalists’ privilege under the First Amendment only once; in Branzburg v. Hayes, it left open the question of whether the First Amendment provides journalists with any privilege.
- Facsimile Advertising Rules Under the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005
- No Description Available.
- FCC Media Ownership Rules: Current Status and Issues for Congress
- This report provides information about Current Status and Issues for Congress on FCC Media Ownership Rules. FCC modified five of its media ownership rules easing restrictions on the ownership of multiple Television stations.
- Spectrum Use and the Transition to Digital TV
- This report examines Spectrum use in the United States and the transition to digital TV. Like most of the world, The United States, is moving to replace current television technology with a new, technically superior format generally referred to as digital television (DTV). As part of this transition, Congress has acted to move television broadcasters out of radio spectrum currently used for the old, analog technology. The vacated radio frequencies are now scheduled for release in accordance with provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171), which sets a February 2009 date for the release of the spectrum.
- Data Mining and Homeland Security: An Overview
- This report provides information about the Data Mining and Homeland Security. Data mining has become one of the key features of the homeland security initiatives. Data mining can be a potential means to identify terrorist activities such as money transfer etc.
- Federal Affirmative Action Law: A Brief History
- This report provides a brief history about the Federal Affirmative Action Law which remains a focal point of public debate as a result of legal and political developments at the federal,state and local levels.