Congressional Research Service Reports - 530 Matching Results
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- Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard's programs for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 58 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs).
- Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Expenditures
- In 1986, the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) was enacted to fund U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE or the Corps) activities related to the routine operation and maintenance (O&M) of harbors, namely the dredging of harbor channels to their authorized depths and widths. Economic and equity issues related to HMT expenditures and collections are the main focus of this report. Before analyzing these issues, the report reviews the legislative history of the tax and legal challenges to it, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of alternative funding mechanisms, and describes the commercial context of current dredging activity. The last section identifies legislation related to harbor maintenance funding.
- U.S. Travel and Tourism: Industry Trends and Policy Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the travel and tourism industry, which is an amalgam of business activities including transportation, lodging, entertainment, meals, and retail trade.
- Policy Issues in the General Motors Vehicle Recall
- This report discusses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) process by which vehicle safety defects are identified and vehicles are recalled, as well as the impact that the 2009 GM bankruptcy may have on liability for this defect.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- Report that provides background information and presents potential issues (and costs) for Congress concerning the U.S. Navy's ship force-structure goals and shipbuilding plans.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- Report that provides background information for Congress concerning the U.S. Navy's ship force-structure goals and shipbuilding plans. It includes information about costs and issues, such as the planned size of the Navy, the rate of ship procurement, and the affordability of the plans.
- Battery Manufacturing for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Policy Issues
- This report examines the nascent battery manufacturing industry and considers efforts to strengthen U.S. capacity to manufacture batteries and battery components for hybrid and electric vehicles. It addresses the concern about an electric vehicle supply chain in the United States since manufacturers have brought hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric vehicles to market.
- Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs
- This report discusses the Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) and the transport and reconnaissance vehicles being developed for their use, as well as information about the FY2019 budget request for the program.
- U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Federal Financial Assistance and Restructuring
- This report focuses on the current situation faced by the Detroit 3, key aspects of their current crisis, including possible consequences of a failure of one or more companies, and some aspects of legislative actions that have been considered to bridge their financial conditions to a more stable situation.
- U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues
- This report reviews the ongoing programs that will affect the expected size and shape of the U.S. strategic nuclear force structure. It includes information of the historic structure and changes over time as well as details about each category of delivery vehicle--land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers--focusing on their current deployments and ongoing and planned modernization programs. The report concludes with a discussion of issues related to decisions about the future of the U.S. strategic nuclear force.
- The Coast Guard's Role in Safeguarding Maritime Transportation: Selected Issues
- This report discusses the the U.S. Coast Guard responsibility for safeguarding vessel traffic on the nation's coastal and inland waterways.
- Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization: An Overview of Selected Provisions in Proposed Legislation Considered by the 110th Congress
- The report is intended to provide a brief summary and analysis of major legislative provisions in bills related to reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and related aviation programs that were considered during the 110th Congress.
- Trends in Public Transportation Ridership: Implications for Federal Policy
- This report discusses the implications of recent trends in public transit ridership in the U.S. for future federal policy.
- U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues
- This report discusses U.S. strategic nuclear forces and delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons.
- Defense Primer: U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM)
- This report describes the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) duties, departments, and assets as well as issues for Congress to consider.
- Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs
- This report discusses the Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) and transport and reconnaissance vehicles being developed for their use. The FY2019 budget request for the program is also included.
- The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy
- This report provides an in-depth analysis of the 2009 crisis in the U.S. auto industry and its prospects for regaining domestic and global competitiveness. It also analyzes business and policy issues arising from the unprecedented restructurings that occurred within the industry. The starting point for this analysis is June-July 2009, with General Motors Company (GM or new GM) and Chrysler Group LLC (or new Chrysler) incorporated as new companies, having selectively acquired many, but not all, assets from their predecessor companies.
- Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Expenditures
- This report reviews the legislative history of the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and legal challenges to it, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of alternative funding mechanisms, and describes the commercial context of current dredging activity.
- Status of Mexican Trucks in the United States: Frequently Asked Questions
- This report answers frequently asked questions about the pilot program permitting Mexican trucks into the United States.
- Battery Manufacturing for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Policy Issues
- This report examines the nascent battery manufacturing industry and considers efforts to strengthen U.S. capacity to manufacture batteries and battery components for hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Keystone XL Pipeline: Overview and Recent Developments
- This report describes the Keystone XL Pipeline Project and the process that the State Department must complete to decide whether it will approve or deny TransCanada's permit application. The report also discusses key energy security, economic, and environmental issues relevant to this determination. Finally, the report discusses the constitutional basis for the State Department's authority to issue a Presidential Permit, and opponents' possible challenges to this authority.
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD): Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations
- This report discusses the fiscal year 2017 appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and related agencies. Comparisons between previous and current funding levels and cuts proposed by the Trump Administration are also discussed.
- The Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Program
- This report discuses the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which offers long-term low interest loans to railroad operators fro improving rail infrastructure. It was originality intended to assist small freight railroads but has been of increasing interest to passenger rail lines. Its structure, application process, approved projects, and challenges are discussed.
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- This report discusses the increasing attention being paid to alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, the proponents of which point to their potential to improve urban air quality, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report also discusses the major barriers currently preventing widespread use of such technologies, and discusses these technologies in the particular contexts of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Federal Highway Research, Development and Technology Deployment Program and Reauthorization Legislation
- Debate over the future of federal support for highway research and development (RD) and technology deployment (TD) is part of the broader debate over reauthorization of federal policy regarding highway and transit programs. This report discusses the scope and nature of the RD and TD program of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and surveys issues associated with its reauthorization.
- The State Department's Final Decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline
- This report briefly discusses the State Department's denial of TransCanada's request for a Presidential Permit for proposed pipeline facilities.
- U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Federal Financial Assistance and Restructuring
- This report looks at TARP and federal government assistance to General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motors. In particular, the history of these transactions and how they were affecte by Congress, Senate, President Bush, and President Obama.
- VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Program
- This report discusses VH-71 presidential helicopter, which has experienced noteworthy cost increases and schedule delays, which have generated controversy and scrutiny. The VH-71 is intended to replace the President's current operational fleet of helicopters, consisting of 11 VH-3D Sea Kings and 8 VH-60N Night Hawks.
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- Alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles are seen by proponents as integral to improving urban air quality, decreasing dependence on foreign oil, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. However, major barriers—especially economics—currently prevent the widespread use of these fuels and technologies. The 112th Congress has debated alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles directly and as it has addressed other key topics. On June 16, 2011 the Senate approved S.Amdt. 476 which would have eliminated the excise tax credit for blending ethanol in gasoline before its December 31, 2011 expiration date. Although the underlying legislation failed a cloture vote in the Senate, the amendment was approved 73-27. The prospects for further action increasing or extending biofuels and alternative fuels tax incentives may be limited in light of that vote.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and presents potential issues (and costs) for Congress concerning the U.S. Navy's ship force-structure goals and shipbuilding plans.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and presents potential issues (and costs) for Congress concerning the Navy's ship force-structure goals and shipbuilding plans.
- VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the VH-71 program, which is intended to provide 23 new presidential helicopters to replace the current fleet of 19 aging presidential helicopters.
- VH-71/VXX Presidential Helicopter Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the VH-71 program, which is intended to provide 23 new presidential helicopters to replace the current fleet of 19 aging presidential helicopters.
- Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and presents potential issues, as well as costs, for Congress concerning the U.S. Navy's ship force-structure goals and shipbuilding plans. The planned size of the Navy, the rate of Navy ship procurement, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been matters of concern for the congressional defense committees for the past several years.
- VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Program: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the VH-71 program, which is intended to provide 23 new presidential helicopters to replace the current fleet of 19 aging presidential helicopters.
- Transportation Conformity Under the Clean Air Act
- This report explains the Clean Air Act requirement that federal departments and agencies demonstrate that their activities--including projects that they fund--"conform" to state plans for achieving air quality standards. The report explains the statutory requirements, reviews the recent history of their implementation, and examines how conformity requirements might affect areas designated "nonattainment" for a revised ozone air quality standard.
- Homeland Security: Protecting Airspace in the National Capital Region
- This report discusses about Airspace Restriction and special flight rules, The flight restriction zone, The Maryland Three Airports and The Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- This issue brief discusses the increasing attention being paid to alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, the proponents of which point to their potential to improve urban air quality, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The brief also discusses the major barriers currently preventing widespread use of such technologies, and discusses these technologies in the particular contexts of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- This issue brief discusses the increasing attention being paid to alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, the proponents of which point to their potential to improve urban air quality, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The brief also discusses the major barriers currently preventing widespread use of such technologies, and discusses these technologies in the particular contexts of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- This issue brief discusses the increasing attention being paid to alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, the proponents of which point to their potential to improve urban air quality, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The brief also discusses the major barriers currently preventing widespread use of such technologies, and discusses these technologies in the particular contexts of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
- Federal Civil Aviation Programs: In Brief
- This report discusses the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities are funded under four broad budget accounts: operations and maintenance (such as air traffic control and aviation safety functions); facilities and equipment (such as control towers and navigation beacons); grants for airport improvements under the airports improvement program (AIP); and civil aviation research and development conducted or sponsored by FAA. Additionally, aviation programs fund aviation programs administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Secretary, including the Essential Air Service Program that subsidizes airline service to certain small and isolated communities.
- Emergency Relief for Disaster Damaged Roads and Transit Systems: In Brief
- This report describes Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) assistance for the repair and reconstruction of highways and bridges damaged by disasters (such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012) or catastrophic failures (such as the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge in 2013). It begins with a brief discussion of the legislative origins of federal assistance and then addresses eligibility issues and program operation.
- Funding and Financing Highways and Public Transportation
- This report begins with a discussion of the problems associated with the trust fund financing system (which supports both federal highway and public transportation programs) and then explores possible options for financing surface transportation infrastructure.
- Piracy: A Legal Definition
- Pirate attacks in the waters off the Horn of Africa, including those on U.S.-flagged vessels, have brought continued U.S. and international attention to the long-standing problem of piracy in the region. A recent development in one of the piracy trials in Norfolk, VA, has highlighted a potential limitation in the definition of piracy under the United States Code. This report first examines the historical development of the offense of piracy, as defined by Congress and codified in the United States Code. The focus then turns to how contemporary international agreements define piracy. Finally, the report highlights a recent federal district court ruling that the offense of piracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1651 requires a robbery at sea.
- Vessel Incidental Discharge Legislation in the 115th Congress: Background and Issues
- This report outlines regulations for vessels discharging ballast water into U.S waters, to prevent the spread of invasive species and pollution of bodies of water. It discusses various federal, state, and Coast Guard requirements along with exempted vessel types, and recent legislative action regarding the issue.
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD): FY2013 Appropriations
- This report looks at Congress's FY2013 budget allocations for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations subcommittee.
- Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions
- This report addresses frequently asked questions about the risk from earthquakes to highway systems, including bridges, tunnels, pavements, and other highway components. Particular attention is given to highway bridges, which often are the most vulnerable highway structures. The report also discusses federal and nonfederal actions to reduce seismic risk to the U.S. highway system.
- 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.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development: FY2008 Appropriations
- This report tracks the FY2008 congressional appropriations process and provides a detailed discussion of the funding and issues related to the majority of accounts in HUD’s budget.
- Supersonic Passenger Flights
- This report provides an overview of the development of supersonic air travel, renewed interest in supersonic passenger flights, and issues and challenges related to supersonic flights.