Search Results

open access

The Venezuela Regional Migration Crisis

Description: This report discusses the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela, which has elevated congressional concerns about the country. Venezuela remains in a deep political and economic crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro.
Date: November 27, 2018
Creator: Margesson, Rhoda & Seelke, Clare Ribando
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Section 232 Investigations: Overview and Issues for Congress

Description: This report provides an overview of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, analyzes the Trump Administration's Section 232 investigations and actions, and considers potential policy and economic implications and issues for Congress. To provide context for the current debate, the report also includes a discussion of previous Section 232 investigations and a brief legislative history of the statute.
Date: November 21, 2018
Creator: Fefer, Rachel F.; Jones, Vivian C.; Hammond, Keigh E.; Murrill, Brandon J.; Platzer, Michaela D. & Williams, Brock R.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues

Description: 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 … more
Date: November 21, 2018
Creator: Woolf, Amy F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs

Description: This report gives an overview of the federal incentives that support the development and deployment of alternatives to conventional fuels and engines in transportation including tax deductions and credits for vehicle purchases and the installation of refueling systems; federal grants for conversion of older vehicles to newer technologies; mandates for the use of biofuels; and incentives for manufacturers to produce alternative fuel vehicles. It also addresses how these incentives relate to goal… more
Date: November 20, 2018
Creator: Cunningham, Lynn J.; Canis, Bill; Arostegui, Danielle A. & Yacobucci, Brent D.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Defense Production Act of 1950: History, Authorities, and Considerations for Congress

Description: This report examines some of the extensive history of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), focusing primarily on its creation and most recent legislative reauthorization. This report also identifies relevant delegations of the President's DPA authorities made in Executive Order (E.O.) 13603 -- National Defense Resources Preparedness -- and provides a brief overview of issues Congress may consider in its oversight.
Date: November 20, 2018
Creator: Brown, Jared T. & Schwartz, Moshe
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

U.S. Ground Forces Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Considerations for Congress

Description: This report discusses issues for Congress to consider regarding robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) and artificial intelligence (AI), which have the potential to change the nature of warfare. Other nations, notably peer competitors Russia and China, are aggressively pursuing RAS and AI for a variety of military uses, raising considerations about the U.S. military's response--to include lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS)--that could be used against U.S. forces.
Date: November 20, 2018
Creator: Feickert, Andrew; Kapp, Lawrence; Elsea, Jennifer K. & Harris, Laurie A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Background and Funding

Description: This report begins by describing the population using emergency food assistance. It goes on to discuss the the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) program, including its administration at the federal, state, and local levels, eligibility rules, and funding structure. The report concludes by summarizing TEFAP's role in disaster response and recent reauthorization efforts.
Date: November 19, 2018
Creator: Billings, Kara Clifford
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Quantum Information Science: Applications, Global Research and Development, and Policy Considerations

Description: This report provides an overview of quantum information science (QIS) technologies: sensing and metrology, communications, and computing and simulation. It also includes examples of existing and potential future applications; brief summaries of funding and selected R&D initiatives in the United States and elsewhere around the world; a description of U.S. congressional activity; and a discussion of related policy considerations.
Date: November 19, 2018
Creator: Figliola, Patricia Moloney
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

United States and Saudi Arabia Energy Relations

Description: This report provides an overview of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia energy relationship that dates back to at least 1933. Since then, this relationship has witnessed the creation of the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco), nationalization and ownership transfer of Aramco to Saudi Arabia (renamed Saudi Aramco), a Saudi-supported embargo of crude oil shipments to the United States, and various periods of energy cooperation. Today, the U.S.-Saudi energy relationship includes interests within three general… more
Date: November 19, 2018
Creator: Brown, Phillip & Pirog, Robert
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Historical Overview, Funding, and Reauthorization

Description: This report provides a brief history of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with an overview of the crimes addressed through the act. It includes brief descriptions of earlier VAWA reauthorizations and a more-detailed description of the most recent reauthorization in 2013. The report concludes with a discussion of VAWA programs and a five-year history of funding from FY2014 through FY2018.
Date: November 19, 2018
Creator: Sacco, Lisa N.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances

Description: This report examines developments in U.S. policy restricting travel and remittances to Cuba, current permissible travel and remittances, enforcement of the travel restrictions, and debate on lifting the travel restrictions.
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: Sullivan, Mark P.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Defense Primer: Defense Appropriations Process

Description: This report provides an overview of the defense appropriations process. The congressional appropriations process includes various rules and practices that Congress has adopted to distinguish appropriations measures and facilitate their consideration.
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: Saturno, James V. & McGarry, Brendan W.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Defense Primer: Special Operations Forces

Description: This report provides an overview of U.S. military Special Operations Forces (SOF), including personnel selection, command structure, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: Torreon, Barbara Salazar & Feickert, Andrew
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Nuclear Energy: Overview of Congressional Issues

Description: This report discusses nuclear energy and various issues and concerns related to it use in six topics: radioactive waste, economic viability, safety, technological advances, security and emergency plans, and nuclear weapon nonproliferation.
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: Holt, Mark
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Serbia: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report provides an overview of Serbia and its governmental structure, economy, and foreign relations with the U.S., Kosovo, Turkey, Russia, and the European Union (EU).
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: Morelli, Vincent L. & Garding, Sarah E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

What Role Might the Federal Government Play in Law Enforcement Reform?

Description: This report discuses policy options for Congress to consider in regard to law enforcement reform. Over the past few years, several high-profile police-involved shootings and alleged instances of excessive force have generated congressional interest in state and local policing.
Date: November 16, 2018
Creator: James, Nathan & Harrington, Ben
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Back to Top of Screen