UNT Libraries Government Documents Department - 337 Matching Results
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- Sifting Domestic Terrorism from Hate Crime ad Homegrown Violent Extremism
- This report defines the terms domestic terrorism, hate crimes, and homegrown violent extremism as used by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security and how they can intersect.
- U.S. Circuit and District Court Nominations: Comparative Statistics of Two-Term Presidencies Since 1945
- This report provides comparative statistics related to the nomination and confirmation of U.S. circuit and district court judges during the eighth year of two-term presidencies since 1945 (i.e., the Truman, Eisenhower, Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama presidencies). It also provides cumulative comparative statistics for the entire terms of these same six presidencies. Previous CRS research has analyzed final Senate action on judicial nominations during the eighth year of the Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush presidencies.
- Section 471 of H.R. 10, H.R. 1219, S. 444, and Section 914 of H.R. 3280: Supporting America's Innovators
- This report discusses various current bills in Congress that are related to to increasing business innovation and easing regulation on securities and venture-capitol firms. Brief outlines of the goals of each bill and their current progress along with arguments for and against them are presented.
- U.S. Response to Injuries of U.S. Embassy Personnel in Havana, Cuba
- This report discusses the ear and hearing injuries to U.S. diplomatic staff in Cuba caused by an unknown device and subsequent investigations and diplomatic responses. The U.S. has withdrawn all nonemergency personnel from their embassy in Cuba which has brought consular functioning at the embassy to a standstill and has dismissed 15 Cuban diplomatic staff from the Cuban embassy in the United States to balance staff numbers and make the incident have equal effect on functioning of each countries respective embassies.
- Hurricanes and Electricity Infrastructure Hardening
- This report discusses the measures undertaken by electric utilities to prevent or mitigate power outages resulting from severe weather events. Power lines and transformers used to provide electricity to customers are particularly susceptible to damage due to their exposure to the elements. The loss of life and extensive damage seen so far in the 2017 hurricane season has refocused the attention of Congress on the destructive potential of such storms. High winds, rain, and coastal surges can combine to create floods which exacerbate damage from hurricanes.
- Iran Policy and the European Union
- This report discusses the European Union's reaction to President Trump's announcement of a new strategy for Iran and that the U.S. would not re-certify Iran under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) which is separate from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) made in 2015. The European Union has expressed dismay with the announcement and urged support for the continued implementation of the JCPOA.
- Airline Passenger Denied Boarding: Rules and Regulations
- This report discusses regulations regarding an airline's responsibilities when a passenger with a confirmed ticket is denied boarding on a flight due to lack of seats (known as overselling). The various updates to the original regulation from 1967 are discussed with the latest modifications occurring in 2015.
- Trespassing: The Leading Cause of Rail-Related Fatalities
- This report discusses rail-related fatalities and the problem of trespassing by pedestrians on the railroad tracks which is the leading cause of fatalities in rail incidents. Statistics on fatalities, known causes of trespassing, and initiatives to reduce trespassing incidents such as Operation Lifesaver are discussed.
- Ongoing Section 232 Steel and Aluminium Investigations
- This report discuses two investigations by the Department of Commerce related to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 which allows the President to impose tariffs or quotas on imported goods if it is in the interest of national security. These investigations are being conducted on the steel and aluminium industries to determine whether the President can and whether he should impose import restrictions. Mixed reactions to the investigations and proposals are also discussed.
- Unauthorized Childhood Arrivals: Legislative Options
- This report discusses bills proposed in Congress that either would provide temporary protection from removal or paths to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in the wake of the announcement of the phasing out of the DACA program.
- DOE's Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule
- This report discusses a recently proposed rule by the Secretary of Energy "The Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule" which directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) to establish "just and reasonable rates" for wholesale electricity sales in competitive markets. The rule is seen as as supporting coal-powered power plants, which have lost sales due to lower prices from more efficient and cheaper natural gas fired plants and alternative energy sources, because a recent report by the Department of Energy categorizes coal and nuclear powered plants as more fuel-secure and resilient due to supplies of fuel kept on hand that would allow the plants to be self-sufficient for a period after a a disaster.
- The Open Skies Treaty: Issues in the Current Debate
- This report discuses the Open Skies Treaty that was signed in 1992 and began operation in 2002 between 34 countries in Europe and North America including the U.S. It allows member countries to fly unarmed observation flights with cameras and video capabilities within certain parameters in other member countries territory without air-space restrictions over military installations and activities to increase transparency and help prevent accidental war. Recent noncompliance by Russia in certain areas is also discussed.
- Attack on U.S. Soldiers in Niger: Context and Issues for Congress
- This report discusses an attack on U.S. Special Operation Forces assisting local military forces in Niger in counterterrorism efforts which killed four U.S. military personnel and wounded two as well as killing several Niger military personnel. The U.S. response to the attack, the growing threat of Islamic extremism and terrorism in the Sahel of Africa, and terrorism and political and social instability in Niger are also discussed.
- Recent Developments in U.S. Aid to Egypt
- This report discusses recent controversies over U.S. aid to Egypt and various announcements and threats to cut aid off due to Egypt's passage of a strict regulatory law for NGO's and possible ties with North Korea.
- President Trump's Proclamation on Enhanced Vetting of Foreign Nationals from Designated Countries
- This report discusses President Trump's Proclamation on on Enhanced Vetting for Foreign Nationals from Designated Countries which was issued on September 24, 2017 and is a newly revised version of the previously blocked executive orders which blocked entry to people from certain Muslim-majority countries and refugees temporarily. The new list of countries with travel bans or special scrutiny consists of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, Chad, and Venezuela (only certain government officials). These countries were selected based on Department of Homeland Security evaluations on identity management strategies, information sharing, and national security and public safety risk. The types of bans for each countries and exceptions are also discussed.
- Federal Agricultural Recovery Resources for Hurricane-Related Losses
- This report provides a short overview of select agricultural recovery resources related to hurricanes such as Harvey and Irma. It is not a comprehensive list (see "CRS Resources" below for more information about programs) and is not intended to provide up-to-date information on unfolding events. For additional support, please contact available CRS experts in hurricane-related issue areas.
- Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Fiscal Year 2018: Current Action
- This report outlines the legislative process in Congress of Homeland Security appropriations for fiscal year 2018 which have passed the House as part of a consolidated appropriations bill while the Senate version is still awaiting subcommittee markup.
- Scientific Basis of Environmental Protection Agency Actions: H.R. 1430 and H.R. 1431
- This report discusses House bills H.R. 1430 and 1431 which were passed by the House in late March 2017. These bills address regulations regarding the EPA's obligation to share the scientific basis for their actions.
- The Revenue Baseline for Tax Reform
- This report provides information on the current revenue baseline as calculated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This report also discusses how the enactment of changes in tax policy can potentially change the baseline, and implications of these changes for subsequent legislation, such as tax reform.
- Rising Costs and Delays Doom New Nuclear Reactors in South Carolina
- This report discusses the cancellation of building two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsonville, South Carolina due to budget shortfalls, the bankruptcy of the construction company Westinghouse, delays, and rising costs.
- Human Trafficking: New Global Estimates of Forced Labor and Modern Slavery
- This report discusses a new report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation that estimates that 40.3 million people worldwide were victims of modern slavery (including forced labor run by individuals and governments, forced marriages, and sex trafficking) which used a new methodology that combined multiple data sources and statistical probability calculations. A brief overview of the findings, past reports and variance between State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP reports and other reports such as this one, and varying definitions of the terms modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor are discussed. Current bills to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in Congress are also discussed.
- H.R. 79, Section 452 of H.R. 10, and Section 913 of H.R. 3280: Helping Angels Lead Our Startups
- This report discusses policy issues related to the extension of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act of 2012 focused on corporate regulatory relief and recent legislation in Congress known as the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act.
- Paris Agreement on Climate Change: U.S. Letter to the United Nations
- This report discusses the the letter from President Trump sent to the U.N announcing the United States intent to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement at the earliest possible date of Nov. 4, 2019 unless policies were changed to be more favorable to U.S. businesses and taxpayers which could result in a re-engagement in the agreement.
- Transport Agencies Withdraw Proposed Sleep Apnea Rules
- This report discusses the withdrawing of a proposed rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that would have required long-haul truck drivers and railroad engineers to be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The risks of OSA, current regulations and safety requirements, and recent accidents involving drivers with OSA are also discussed.
- The World Drug Problem: UNGA Convenes for a Special Session
- This report discusses the U.N. special session on the problem of drug abuse in the world. The interests and outcomes of the U.S. and U.N are also discussed.
- 2017 Hurricanes and Army Corps of Engineers: Background for Flood Response and Recovery
- This report outlines the role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in hurricane disaster relief and recovery. This role encompasses emergency response to floods and general disaster recovery, maintaining or repairing flood control structures such as dams that they operate as well as assisting in the repair of non-federally owned flood control structures. Recent activities of the Corps during and after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are discussed.
- The Value of Energy Tax Incentives Across Energy Resources: Trends over Time
- This report discusses energy tax incentives and historical trends regarding their value and the types of fuels they supported.
- Second Treasury Report on Regulatory Relief: Capital Markets
- This report describes highlights of the October 6, 2017, Treasury Department report "A Financial System that Creates Economic Opportunities: Capital Markets" that primarily examines the regulation of debt, equity, commodities, and derivatives markets. The report is the second of a series written in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 13772, which was issued by the President on February 3, 2017. The capital markets report provides 91 policy recommendations, the majority of which could be implemented by the primary regulators of U.S. capital markets: the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), state securities regulators, and Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs). Nine of the 91 Treasury recommendations would require congressional action.
- Executive Order for Review of National Monuments
- This report discusses President Trump's April 16, 2017 executive order requiring the Department of the Interior to review presidentially established national monuments since 1996 that exceed 100,000 acres or where action was taken "without adequate public outreach and coordination". It includes tables of the national monuments effected and numbers of acres protected as a national monument by each President since 1996.
- U.S. Withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- This report discusses the announcement by President Trump that the U.S. was withdrawing from UNESCO due to payment arrears, organization issues, and anti-Israel bias. A brief background of U.S. involvement is provided along with previous withdrawals, ongoing tensions regarding UNESCO's actions in regard to Israel and the admittance of Palestine as a member, and possible effects of the U.S. being a nonmember observer state in UNESCO.
- Trade Implications of the President's Buy American Executive Order
- This report discusses President Trump's April 18, 2017 Executive Order on Buy American and Hire American and its implications for U.S. trade agreements and government procurement costs.
- Westinghouse Bankruptcy Filing Could Put New U.S. Nuclear Projects at Risk
- This report discusses the bankruptcy of Westinghouse Electric Company and its effects on two nuclear power plant projects that the company was building.
- Congress Faces Calls to Address Expired Funds for Primary Care
- This report discusses funding for the Health Centers Program and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) which provide medical care to underserved populations through health centers and provide scholarships and loan repayment to physicians in exchange for working in underserved areas for at least two years through the NHSC.
- Puerto Rico and Electric Power Restoration from Hurricane Maria
- This report discusses the mass power outage in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria and challenges and efforts to get repair work under way. As of October 3, 2017 only 5.4 % of customers had their power back from the storm which it on September 20, 2017.
- Congressional Consideration of Resolutions to "Censure" Executive Branch Officials
- This report summarizes the parliamentary procedures the House and Senate might use to consider a resolution to censure or condemn an executive branch official and provides links to additional reading material on the subject.
- Review of Offshore Energy Leasing: President Trump's Executive Order
- This report discusses President Trump's executive order (E.O.) on U.S. offshore energy strategy including a brief overview of previous policies and the scope of the E.O.
- Vermont Utility Cybersecurity Alarm
- This report discusses the cyber-security alarm, which was raised after a joint report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urged electric utilities to search their networks for signs of an infiltration linked to a Russian hacking operation (called the Grizzly Steppe) suspected in the hack of Democratic Party servers.
- Inspectors General in and Beyond the Presidential Transition Period
- This report discusses the federal government transition period, as a new Congress convenes and a new Administration prepares to assume leadership of the executive branch.
- Zika Virus: Global Health Considerations
- This report discusses Zika, a virus that is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes--the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. It provides background and information about responses to the disease, which has been documented nearly worldwide.
- United Kingdom's Prime Minister Visits President Trump
- This report describes the visit of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Theresa May, at the White House. She was the first foreign leader to meet with President Donald Trump.
- NATO Funding and Burdensharing
- This report discusses the the relative imbalance in defense spending and military capabilities within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has long fueled concerns about burdensharing and European allies' reliance on U.S. defense guarantees.
- North American Free Trade Agreement: Notification for Renegotiation
- This report discusses the fate of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) after the Trump Administration sent a 90-day notification to Congress of its intent to begin talks with Canada and Mexico to renegotiate NAFTA.
- Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings for Supreme Court Nominations: Historical Overview and Data
- This report the process of Supreme Court nominations to the Senate and the role of the Judiciary Committee, which investigates the background and qualifications of each Supreme Court nominee.
- Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy
- This report discusses the Dakota Access Pipeline including background on the project and information about siting approval, as well as opposition and litigation against the pipeline.
- What is the Proposed U.S.-EU Insurance Covered Agreement?
- This report discusses the first insurance covered agreement between the United States and European Union (EU) that concluded on January 13, 2017.
- U.S. Postal Service Rolls Back Its Prices
- This report discusses the USPS drop in the price of First-Class "Forever" (or equivalent domestic letter) postage.
- Overview of U.S. Sanctions Regimes on Russia
- This report discusses sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia for malicious cyber activity.
- OPEC and Non-OPEC Crude Oil Production Agreement: Compliance Status
- This report discusses the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC's) influence on global oil prices through coordinated production decisions that can impact the global oil market supply and demand balance.
- Russia and the U.S. Presidential Election
- This report discusses a declassified report on Russian activities and intentions related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- President's FY2018 Budget Proposes Cuts in Public Health Service (PHS) Agency Funding
- This report outlines the significant reductions in funding for the Public Health Service (PHS) proposed by the President's FY2018 budget.