Congressional Research Service Reports - 93 Matching Results
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- Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues
- Under the Administration's FY2006 foreign assistance request, U.S. aid to sub-Saharan Africa would continue to grow, due to sharp increases through the State Department's Global HIV/AIDS Initiative. Overall, non-food aid to Africa would total about $3.6 billion under the requst, compared with an estimated $3.4 billion being allocated in FY2005. U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA and Child Survival programs, food aid programs, and refugee assistance. The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform.
- Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues
- This report discusses the issue of U.S. economic assistance to sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the importance of continued assistance in light of U.S. national security and also various U.S.-led efforts to promote reform amongst African citizens themselves. U.S. assistance finds its way to Africa through a variety of channels, including the USAID-administered DA program, food aid programs, and indirect aid provided through international financial institutions and the United Nations.
- Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues in Congress
- Key components of federal policies to reduce fuel consumption include the promotion of alternatives to petroleum fuels and the promotion of more efficient vehicles. This report provides an overview of current issues surrounding alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles — issues discussed in further detail in other CRS reports referred to in each section.
- Arab League Boycott of Israel
- The Arab League has maintained an official boycott of Israeli companies and Israeli-made goods since the founding of Israel in 1948. The United States actively opposes the boycott and works on both bilateral and multilateral fronts to end it. The U.S. government also enforces laws that prohibit U.S. firms from participating in the boycott.
- Arab League Boycott of Israel
- This report briefly discusses the Arab League's boycott of Israeli companies and Israeli-made goods since Israel's founding in 1948, as well as U.S. efforts to end the boycott and prevent U.S. firms in participating in the boycott.
- Arms Control and Nonproliferation Activities: A Catalog of Recent Events
- This report contains brief descriptions of the most prominent arms control and nonproliferation efforts in which the United States has participated during recent (2006) years. The entries describe the substance of each arms control effort, the period in which the effort occurred, and the status of the effort at the end of 2004.
- Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Activities: Authorization and Appropriations
- This report provides an overview of the Corps civil works program. It covers the congressional authorization and appropriation process, the standard project development process, and other Corps activities and authorities.
- Availability of Injunctive Relief in Patent Cases: eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.
- The report is on Availability of Injunctive Relief in Patent Cases: eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.
- Avoiding Gridlock in the Skies: Issues and Options for Addressing Growth in Air Traffic
- The report discusses the factors affecting airport and airspace capacity, Impact of Under-capacity on flight Operations and Impact on congestion on aviation safety.
- BSE (“Mad Cow Disease”): A Brief Overview
- This report provides background on appearance of BSE(bovine spongiform encephalopathy or "mad cow disease") in North America.
- Cable Franchising Provisions in House-Passed H.R. 5252, 109th Congress
- This report consists of cable franchising provisions in house-passed H.R. 5252, 109th Congress.
- China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues
- Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the national interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. China has taken some steps to mollify U.S. concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Skeptics question whether China's cooperation in weapons nonproliferation has warranted President Bush's pursuit of stronger bilateral ties. This report discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s.
- China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues
- Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the national interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. China has taken some steps to mollify U.S. concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Skeptics question whether China's cooperation in weapons nonproliferation has warranted President Bush's pursuit of stronger bilateral ties. This report discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s.
- China, the United States and the IMF: Negotiating Exchange Rate Adjustment
- This report discusses a new foreign exchange system which is intended to allow more flexibility and to permit the international value of the yuan to be established by market forces.
- Civilian Nuclear Waste Disposal
- This report discusses the civilian nuclear waste disposal and its most recent developments, Nuclear Utility Lawsuits, Nuclear Spent Fuel Legislation and current Policy and Regulation.
- Communications Act Revisions: Selected Issues for Consideration
- This report provides an overview of selected topics which the 109th Congress may address in its examination of telecommunication issue.
- Constitutionality of Proposals to Prohibit the Sale or Rental to Minors of Video Games with Violent or Sexual Content or “Strong Language”
- It has been proposed that Congress prohibit the sale or rental to minors of video games that are rated "M" (Mature) or "AO" (Adults Only) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. This board is a non-governmental entity established by the Interactive Digital Software Association, and its ratings currently have no legal effect. This report details first amendment principles, violent and sexually explicit video game decisions, and related information.
- Credit Rating Agency Regulatory Reform: A Side-by-Side Comparison of H.R. 2990 and S. 3850
- This report provides a side-by-side comparison of the H.R. 2990 and S. 3850 bills’ major provisions.
- Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress
- This report discusses U.S.-Cuba relations since the early 1960s. There are several schools of thought on how to achieve the objective of bringing democracy and respect for human rights to Cuba: some advocate maximum pressure on Cuba until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions judged to be hurting the Cuban people; and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations.
- Cuban Migration Policy and Issues
- Many of the issues surrounding Cuban migration are unique but not new. Normal immigration from Cuba has been elusive since Fidel Castro came to power. Over the past 40 years, the practice of Cubans fleeing by boat to the United States has become commonplace, and at some points reached the levels of a mass exodus. Since the last upsurge of “boat people” in the mid-1990s, the United States and Cuba worked toward establishing safe, legal immigration, which include returning migrants interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Cyprus: Status of U.N. Negotiations and Related Issues
- This report provides information about the Status of U.N. Negotiations and Related Issues on Cyprus.Cyprus has been divided since 1974.since the 1970s,the U.N with U.S support has promoted negotiations aimed at reuniting the island.
- Dam Removal: Issues, Considerations, and Controversies
- This report provides an overview of the issues, considerations, and controversies on dam removal. Considerations up to the dam removal, and issues related to dam removal itself, are the focus of this report.
- Defense: FY2007 Authorization and Appropriations
- This report discusses relevant congressional actions that lead to the passing of Defense budgets for FY2007.
- DNA Testing for Law Enforcement: Legislative Issues for Congress
- No Description Available.
- Early Childhood Education: Preschool Participation, Program Efficacy, and Federal Policy Issues
- This report examines what we currently know about preprimary programs, including numbers of children served and their family characteristics; as well as data on the efficacy of preprimary programs in enhancing later learning and other life skills. It also discusses federal programs that serve preschool age children are described, and policy issues which may arise as the federal role in early childhood education.
- The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices
- No Description Available.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Legislation in the 109th Congress
- This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the second session has focused on appropriations bills; the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6 and several appropriations bills. this report describes several major pieces of legislation, including the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Transportation Equity Act. For each bill listed in this report, a brief description and a summary of action are given, including references to committee hearings and reports. Also, a selected list of hearings on renewable energy is included.
- Estate and Gift Taxes: Economic Issues
- The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA, P.L. 107-16) repeals the estate tax in 2010. During the phase-out period, the new law increases the exempt amount to $3.5 million by 2009 ($1.5 million in 2005), lowers the top rate to 45% by 2007 (the top rate in 2005 is 47%), and repeals the federal credit for state death taxes in 2005. The federal gift tax remains though the rate is reduced to the top personal income tax rate (35% in 2005). After repeal of the estate tax, carryover basis replaces step-up in basis for assets transferred at death. The legislation includes an exemption from carryover basis for capital gains of $1.3 million (and an additional $3 million for a surviving spouse). However, the estate tax provision in EGTRRA automatically sunsets December 31, 2010.
- Exemptions from Environmental Law for the Department of Defense: An Overview of Congressional Action
- Several environmental statutes contain national security exemptions, which the Department of Defense (DOD) can obtain on a case-by-case basis. Since FY2003, DOD has sought broader exemptions that it argues are needed to preserve training capabilities and ensure military readiness. There has been disagreement in Congress over the need for broader exemptions in the absence of data on the overall impact of environmental requirements on training and readiness. There also has been disagreement over the potential impacts of broader exemptions on environmental quality.
- Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security Organization: Historical Developments and Legislative Options
- 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.
- Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Family
- The first section summarizes the major features of the tax law affecting families and family choices, and how they developed over time, including the relatively recent introduction of large benefits for children at low and moderate income levels, a reversal of a trend in the past that tended to reduce these benefits through the erosion of the real value of the personal exemptions. It also summarizes the origin of the marriage penalty and marriage bonus. The following two sections first discuss general equity issues, and then apply the ability-to-pay standard to examine how tax burdens vary by family size, across the income spectrum. The final section examines the marriage penalties and bonuses.
- The Federal Migrant Education Program as Amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
- This report describes the legislative and funding history of the program -- highlighting important changes made since it was established. A section on evaluations of the program is included at the end of the report.
- Firms That Incorporate Abroad for Tax Purposes: Corporate “Inversions” and “Expatriation”
- This report provides information about the Corporate "Inversions" and "Expatriation" on Firms That Incorporate Abroad for Tax Purposes where increasing number of U.S firms have altered their structure by substituting a foreign parent corporation for a domestic one.
- Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Legislation in the 109th Congress
- Fish and marine mammals are important resources in open ocean and nearshore coastal areas. Many laws and regulations guide the management of these resources by federal agencies. This report contains information on commercial and sport fisheries, aquaculture, and marine mammals and issues related to the 109th Congress.
- Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation
- Issues and legislation related to foreign students continue to arise. The funding and English-language competency of foreign students have raised concerns with some universities, advocacy groups, and other observers. Additionally, some recent legislation has focused on attracting foreign students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Legislation passed in the Senate (S. 2611) would create pathways to citizenship for foreign students in the STEM fields of study. Although there are provisions in this legislation for undergraduate students, the major focus has been on students obtaining advanced degrees.
- Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation
- This report examines various issues pertaining to foreign students in the United States. Since the Immigration Act of 1924, the United States has expressly permitted foreign students to study in U.S. institutions. Most foreign students are at least 18 years old and are enrolled in higher education programs. Foreign students are generally considered to enrich cultural diversity of the educational experience for U.S. residents as well as enhance the reputation of U.S. universities as world-class institutions. Concerns have arisen in recent years that have caused Congress to take a new look at the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provisions that govern their admission.
- France: Factors Shaping Foreign Policy, and Issues in U.S.-French Relations
- This report examines the key factors that shape French foreign policy. From that context, it analyzes some of the reasons for the tensions in and the accomplishments of U.S.-French relations.
- Free Mail for Troops Overseas
- Members of the armed forces on duty in designated combat areas can send personal correspondence, free of postage, to addresses in the United States. There has never been a comparable provision of free postage for letters or packages sent from family members in the United States to loved ones in wartime service overseas. This report discusses two bills (H.R. 923 and H.R. 2874) that were introduced in the 109th Congress that would have allowed family members and, in the case of H.R. 2874, certain charities to send letters and packages to servicemen and women in combat zones free of postage.
- Free Trade Agreements: Impact on U.S. Trade and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy
- This report will monitor pending and possible proposals for U.S. FTAs, relevant legislation and other congressional interest in U.S. FTAs.
- A Free Trade Area of the Americas: Major Policy Issues and Status of Negotiations
- This report provides information about the Major Policy Issues and Status of Negotiations on the Free Trade Area of the Americas. The FTAA began as a commitment by 34 countries to consider a comprehensive trade agreement.
- Fuel Ethanol: Background and Public Policy Issues
- This report provides background and discussion of policy issues relating to U.S. ethanol production, especially ethanol made from corn.
- Gasoline Prices: New Legislation and Proposals
- This report discusses legislation and proposals regarding prices of gasoline. Policy options, oil-related legislation, and crude oil prices are among topics covered in this report.
- Global Environment Facility (GEF): Overview
- This report discusses the Global Environment Facility (GEF), serves as a primary source of funding for several major international environmental concerns. It was designed to provide incremental additional funding for development projects, in order to allow incorporation of environmental considerations in four specified areas: climate change, ozone depletion, biological diversity, and international waters. In recent years, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants have been added to its agenda. The GEF has provided funding to more than 1,300 projects in 140 nations. Although the United States has participated in the GEF since its inception, its level of contributions to the GEF has varied widely, from $30 million in 1994 to a high of $167 million in 1999, and to $80 million in 2006.
- Health Insurance: State High Risk Pools
- This report provides the state high risk pools of Health Insurance.
- Human Cloning
- No Description Available.
- Immigration Related Border Security Legislation in the 109th Congress
- Report on immigration with a focus on border security and related legislation, considered by the 109th Congress.
- Immigration Statistics on the Web
- Report on immigration statistics from the internet, including selected websites, federal government sources, labor and business data, and more.
- Implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Dual Eligibles and State Medicaid Programs
- This report provides information about the Implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Dual Eligibles and State Medicaid Programs. The report states the changes to eligibility for dual eligibles, changes to the scope of prescription coverage of the drugs.
- Implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Dual Eligibles and State Medicaid Programs
- This report discusses the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA, P.L. 108-173), which added a new Medicare prescription drug benefit, implemented in January 2006. This report focuses on MMA provisions that added a voluntary prescription drug benefit under a new Medicare Part D, and the effect of this new benefit both on individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, and on state Medicaid programs.
- The Information Quality Act: OMB’s Guidance and Initial Implementation
- This report describes the IQA and OMB's and the agencies information quality guidelines, noting how several key terms are defined, how risk-related information is to be treated, and how agencies correction process should be established.