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open access

Nuclear Cooperation with Other Countries: A Primer

Description: This report discusses the United States's nuclear cooperation with other countries and requirements for export agreements for civilian nuclear parts with other countries.
Date: April 3, 2018
Creator: Kerr, Paul K. & Nikitin, Mary Beth D.
open access

Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Documents: Internet and GPO Availability

Description: This report provides brief descriptions of the FY2019 budget volumes and related documents, together with internet addresses, Government Publishing Office (GPO) stock numbers, and prices for obtaining print copies of these publications. It also explains how to find the locations of government depository libraries, which can provide both printed copies for reference use and internet access to the online versions.
Date: April 3, 2018
Creator: Nagel, Jared C. & Greene, Michael
open access

Can Aliens in Immigration Proceedings Be Detained Indefinitely?: High Court Rules on Statutory, but not Constitutional Authority

Description: This report discusses the Supreme Court's ruling in the case of "Jennings vs. Rodriguez" which dealt with whether immigrant aliens could be detained indefinitely. The court ruled that the aliens could be held indefinitely without a bond hearing under statutory law but left the constitutionality of the action open for future interpretation.
Date: April 3, 2018
Creator: Smith, Hillel R.
open access

Military Pay: Key Questions and Answers

Description: This report uses a question and answer format to highlight key aspects of the military compensation system and to address topics of recurring congressional interest, including the following: compensation elements and rates, statutory formulas for increasing compensation elements, historical increases in basic pay, comparability with civilian pay, and additional compensation for those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Date: April 3, 2017
Creator: Kapp, Lawrence & Torreon, Barbara Salazar
open access

U.S. Climate Change Regulation and Litigation: Selected Legal Issues

Description: This report provides a brief history of U.S. climate change regulation, reviews the different types of regulation and legal actions that have been pursued in the national debate over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, examines selected legal issues and next steps in related litigation, and addresses what these legal and regulatory developments mean for Congress. President Trump's Executive Order of March 28, 2017 requiring agencies to reconsider their policies related to climate change is also dis… more
Date: April 3, 2017
Creator: Tsang, Linda
open access

The Trump Administration's March 2017 Defense Budget Proposals: Frequently Asked Questions

Description: This report answers seven frequently asked questions about President Trump's defense budget proposal for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 which was made on March 16, 2017. Additional funding for overseas contingency operations and a higher defense budget are major sections of the proposal discussed.
Date: April 3, 2017
Creator: Towell, Pat & Williams, Lynn M.
open access

Al Shabaab

Description: This report briefly examines Al Shabaab (aka Harakat Shabaab al Mujahidin, or Mujahidin Youth Movement) which is an insurgent and terrorist group that evolved out of a militant wing of Somalia’s Council of Islamic Courts in the mid-2000s.
Date: April 3, 2015
Creator: Ploch Blanchard, Lauren
open access

Agricultural Biotechnology: Background, Regulation, and Policy Issues

Description: This report discusses on going issues regarding biotechnology, which refers primarily to the use of recombinant DNA techniques to genetically modify or bioengineer plants and animals. Ongoing policy issues include the impacts of genetially engineered (GE) crops on the environment (e.g., pest and weed resistance), whether GE foods should be labeled, their potential contamination of conventionally raised and organic plants, and issues of liability.
Date: April 3, 2013
Creator: Cowan, Tadlock
open access

Sea-Based Ballistic Missile Defense-- Background and Issues for Congress

Description: This report discusses the changing role and finance of sea-based systems in U.S. ballistic missile defense (BMD). Decisions that Congress reaches on this issue could affect U.S. BMD capabilities and funding requirements; the size, capabilities, and operational patterns of the Navy and the other services; and the shipbuilding industrial base.
Date: April 3, 2009
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
open access

The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice

Description: This report discusses and assesses the War Powers Resolution and its application since enactment in 1973, providing detailed background on various cases in which it was used, as well as cases in which issues of its applicability were raised. It will be revised biannually.
Date: April 3, 2015
Creator: Weed, Matthew C.
open access

Ballistic Missile Defense in the Asia-Pacific Region: Cooperation and Opposition

Description: This report presents background information and discusses potential issues for Congress relating to U.S. ballistic missile defense (BMD) efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. These efforts pose several potential policy, funding, and oversight issues for Congress. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could affect U.S. defense funding requirements and military capabilities, and U.S. relations with countries in the Asia Pacific region, including China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and A… more
Date: April 3, 2015
Creator: Rinehart, Ian E.; Hildreth, Steven A. & Lawrence, Susan V.
open access

The Global Financial Crisis: Analysis and Policy Implications

Description: This report provides a historical account and analysis of the global economic crisis through April 2, 2009. While business contraction appears to have abated, unemployment is shown to be on the rise and many businesses and countries are still facing difficulties.
Date: April 3, 2009
Creator: Nanto, Dick K.
open access

FutureGen: A Brief History and Issues for Congress

Description: This report briefly summarizes the history of FutureGen, discusses why it has gained interest and support from some Members of Congress and the Administration while remaining in initial stages of development, and offers some policy considerations on barriers that challenge its further development as a model for a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) program.
Date: April 3, 2013
Creator: Folger, Peter
open access

Drones in Domestic Surveillance Operations: Fourth Amendment Implications and Legislative Responses

Description: This report first explores the potential uses of drones in the domestic sphere by federal, state, and local governments. It then surveys current Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, including cases surrounding privacy in the home, privacy in public spaces, location tracking, manned aerial surveillance, and those involving the national border. Next, it considers how existing jurisprudence may inform current and proposed drone uses. It then describes the various legislative measures introduced in the … more
Date: April 3, 2013
Creator: Thompson, Richard M., II
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