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Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell Research

Description: In August 2001, President Bush announced that federal funds, with certain restrictions, may be used to conduct research on human embryonic stem cells. Federal research is limited to “the more than 60” existing stem cell lines that were derived (1) with the informed consent of the donors; (2) from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes; and (3) without any financial inducements to the donors. No federal funds may be used for the derivation or use of stem cell lines derived from … more
Date: July 13, 2006
Creator: Shimabukuro, Jon O.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements Concerning the Provision of Interpreters by Hospitals and Doctors

Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by places of public accommodations. A common question is whether this prohibition requires medical doctors and hospitals to provide an interpreter when they have a patient with a hearing disability. This requirement varies depending upon the situation presented but situations may arise where there is an obligation to provide an interpreter.
Date: July 14, 2006
Creator: Jones, Nancy Lee
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Compensatory Time vs. Cash Wages: Amending the Fair Labor Standards Act?

Description: Since the mid-1980s, certain employer-oriented groups and individuals have urged amendment of the Fair Labor Standards Act to alter current overtime pay requirements. This report contains information on the structure of the issue, compensatory time proposals of the 108th Congress, issues in the debate, and more relating to the issue.
Date: July 17, 2006
Creator: Whittaker, William G.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Spyware: Background and Policy Issues for Congress

Description: The term "spyware" is not well defined. Generally, it is used to refer to any software that is downloaded onto a person's computer without their knowledge. Spyware may collect information about a computer user's activities and transmit their information to someone else. Most spyware is installed surreptitiously, and most users are therefore unaware that spyware exists on their computers. A central point of the spyware debate in Congress is whether new laws are needed, or if industry self-regula… more
Date: July 17, 2006
Creator: Figliola, Patricia Moloney
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Spyware: Background and Policy Issues for Congress

Description: The term “spyware” is not well defined. Generally, it is used to refer to any software that is downloaded onto a person’s computer without their knowledge. Spyware may collect information about a computer user’s activities and transmit that information to someone else. It may change computer settings, or cause “pop-up” advertisements to appear (in that context, it is called “adware”). Spyware may redirect a Web browser to a site different from what the user intended to visit or change the user’… more
Date: July 17, 2006
Creator: Figliola, Patricia Moloney
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security Organization: Historical Developments and Legislative Options

Description: This report provides background information about the establishment and evolution of federal emergency management and related homeland security organization since 1950. Post-Katrina assessments of current arrangements by Congress and the White House are also discussed. Finally, the report provides a brief summary of related legislation that had been introduced as of July 17, 2006.
Date: July 18, 2006
Creator: Hogue, Henry B. & Bea, Keith
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) Status for Russia and U.S.-Russian Economic Ties

Description: At several meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President George W. Bush stated that his administration will work with the Congress to grant Russia permanent 'normal trade relations" (PNTR) status. The change in Russia's trade status will require legislation to lift the restrictions currently applied to Russia under Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, which includes the "freedom-of-emigration" requirements of the Jackson-Vanik amendment. The Bush Administration requested the 108th Con… more
Date: July 18, 2006
Creator: Cooper, William H.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Americans with Disabilities Act and Emergency Preparedness and Response

Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act provides broad nondiscrimination protection for individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and public accommodation and services operated by private entities. Although the ADA does not include provisions specifically discussing its application to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, its nondiscrimination provisions are applicable to emergency preparedness and responses to disasters. For example, this would mean that emergency planning shoul… more
Date: July 21, 2006
Creator: Jones, Nancy Lee
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues

Description: This report examines a number of issues being considered by Congress as the FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act evolves. In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House and Senate provisions, if any, and a brief discussion of the issue. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information i… more
Date: July 21, 2006
Creator: Henning, Charles A.; Best, Richard A., Jr.; Burelli, David F. & Kapp, Lawrence
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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International Drug Trade and U.S. Foreign Policy

Description: This report details the U.S. international narcotics policies and how these policies may affect foreign policy interests. It also discusses major foreign policy initiatives with Latin American and Middle Eastern countries, as well as the Bush Administration's anti-drug strategy.
Date: July 21, 2006
Creator: Perl, Raphael F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Department of Defense Rules for Military Commissions: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Proposed Legislation and the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Description: This report provides a background and analysis comparing military commissions as envisioned under Military Commission Order (M.C.O.) No. 1 to general military courts-martial conducted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A summary of the case Rumsfeld v. Hamdan follows, in particular the shortcomings identified by the Supreme Court. The report provides an overview of relevant legislation. Finally, the report provides two charts to compare the regulations issued by the Department o… more
Date: July 25, 2006
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Department of Defense Rules for Military Commissions: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Proposed Legislation and the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Description: This report provides a background and analysis comparing military commissions as envisioned under M.C.O. No. 1 to general military courts-martial conducted under the UCMJ. The report notes some of the criticism directed at the President’s M.O., and explains how those concerns are addressed by the military commission orders and instructions. The report provides two charts to compare the regulations issued by the Department of Defense and standard procedures for general courts-martial under the M… more
Date: July 25, 2006
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Department of Defense Rules for Military Commissions: Analysis of Procedural Rules and Comparison with Proposed Legislation and the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Description: This report provides a background and analysis comparing military commissions as envisioned under M.C.O. No. 1 to general military courts-martial conducted under the UCMJ. The report notes some of the criticism directed at the President’s M.O., and explains how those concerns are addressed by the military commission orders and instructions. The report provides two charts to compare the regulations issued by the Department of Defense and standard procedures for general courts-martial under the M… more
Date: July 25, 2006
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Homeland Security Department: FY2007 Appropriations

Description: The annual consideration of appropriations bills by Congress is a part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Homeland Security.
Date: July 26, 2006
Creator: Lake, Jennifer E.; Nunez-Neto, Blas; Lister, Sarah A.; Masse, Todd; Siskin, Alison; Wasem, Ruth Ellen et al.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Issues and Legislative Options

Description: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about science technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) education issues and legislative options. Topics include, STEM education in the united states, federal programs that promote STEM education, proposals to improve stem education, etc..
Date: July 26, 2006
Creator: Kuenzi, Jeffrey J.; Matthews, Christine M. & Mangan, Bonnie F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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FY2003 and FY2004 State Allocations for Selected Homeland Security Assistance Programs

Description: This report shows the state allocations fo DHS and HHS homeland security assistance programs, as reported by their department documents or press releases. It also shows per capita amounts for each program, as calculated by CRS, using 2002 census estimates.
Date: July 27, 2006
Creator: Reese, Shawn
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Exon-Florio National Security Test for Foreign Investment

Description: The United States actively promotes internationally the national treatment of foreign firms. Some Members of Congress and others are concerned with this policy, however, particularly with how it applies to allowing government-owned companies unlimited access to the Nation's industrial base. Much of this debate focuses on the activities of a relatively obscure committee, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Exon-Florio provision, which gives the President broa… more
Date: July 28, 2006
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Exon-Florio National Security Test for Foreign Investment

Description: The proposed acquisition of major operations in six major U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World and of Unocal by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation sparked intense concerns among some Members of Congress and the public and has reignited the debate over what role foreign acquisitions play in U.S. national security. The United States actively promotes internationally the national treatment of foreign firms. Several Members of Congress have introduced various measures during the 2nd Session of … more
Date: July 28, 2006
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security Organization: Historical Developments and Legislative Options

Description: This report provides background information about the establishment and evolution of federal emergency management and related homeland security organization since 1950. Post-Katrina assessments of current arrangements by Congress and the White House are also discussed. Finally, the report provides a brief summary of related legislation that had been introduced as of July 17, 2006.
Date: August 1, 2006
Creator: Hogue, Henry B. & Bea, Keith
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Horse Slaughter Prevention Bills and Issues

Description: More than 90,000 U.S. horses were slaughtered for human food in 2005, mainly for European and Asian consumers. Congress voted to limit the use of FY2006 appropriated funds for such slaughter, but the practice continues, funded by industry user fees. Debate continues on the acceptability of horse slaughter, and how care for and/or humanely dispose of horses if they no longer went for human food.
Date: August 1, 2006
Creator: Becker, Geoffrey S.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Millenium Challenge Account

Description: This report discusses the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) that provides assistance, through a competitive selection process, to developing nations that are pursing political and economic reforms in three areas: ruling justly, investing in people, and fostering economic freedom.
Date: August 1, 2006
Creator: Tarnoff, Curt
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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