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The 2015 National Security Strategy: Authorities, Changes, Issues for Congress

Description: This report discusses the National Security Strategy (NSS), a document released by the Obama Administration which states that its purpose is to "set out the principles and priorities to guide the use of American power and influence in the world."
Date: February 26, 2016
Creator: Lucas, Nathan J. & McInnis, Kathleen J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The 2015 National Security Strategy: Authorities, Changes, Issues for Congress

Description: This report discusses the National Security Strategy (NSS), a document released by the Obama Administration which states that its purpose is to "set out the principles and priorities to guide the use of American power and influence in the world." This update emphasizes a shift away from the U.S. role in the world being largely a catalyst for action by international institutions to one that reflects more involved leadership both inside those institutions and between nations.
Date: February 26, 2016
Creator: Lucas, Nathan J. & McInnis, Kathleen J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Agency Final Rules Submitted After May 16, 2016, May Be Subject to Disapproval in 2017 Under the Congressional Review Act

Description: This report briefly discusses The Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§801-808), enacted as part of the 104th Congress's (1995-1996) "Contract with America," which established a special parliamentary mechanism whereby Congress can disapprove a final rule promulgated by a federal agency. With a change in the occupancy of the White House taking place in 2017, some in Congress are paying renewed attention to a parliamentary mechanism that might enable a new Congress and new President to overturn a… more
Date: February 4, 2016
Creator: Davis, Christopher M. & Beth, Richard S.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Airport Privatization: Issues and Options for Congress

Description: This report discusses airport privatization, particularly the low participation in the Airport Privatization Pilot Program (APPP) and the policy changes that would be required to encourage more airports to privatize. It provides background on privatization in general, the APPP and reasons why it has not stimulated privatization, privatization in Europe and Canada, and related issues and options.
Date: February 3, 2016
Creator: Tang, Rachel Y.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Appointment of African American U.S. Circuit and District Court Judges: Historical Overview and Current Data

Description: This report briefly provides historical and statistical information related to the appointment of African Americans as U.S. circuit and district court judges. Such information addresses ongoing congressional interest in the demographic characteristics of lower federal court judges.
Date: February 12, 2016
Creator: McMillion, Barry J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorizations, Appropriations, and Activities

Description: This report provides an overview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works program, including congressional authorization and appropriations. Its civil works responsibilities are principally to support navigation, reduce flood and storm damage, and protect and restore aquatic ecosystems. The report also covers the standard project development process for Corps projects and other Corps activities and authorities.
Date: February 9, 2016
Creator: Carter, Nicole T. & Stern, Charles V.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Aung San Suu Kyi's Party Takes Control of Parliament in Burma

Description: This report discusses politics and government in Burma following elections in November 2015. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has now assumed control of Burma's Union Parliament. The lower chamber (People's Assembly) and the upper chamber (National Assembly) took office on February 1 and 3, 2016, respectively.
Date: February 9, 2016
Creator: Martin, Michael F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Brazil: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report discusses the current political and economic situation in Brazil and examines the U.S.'s commercial relationship with the country. The United States traditionally has enjoyed robust economic and political relations with Brazil on issues ranging from international development to climate change.
Date: February 11, 2016
Creator: Meyer, Peter J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Budget Reconciliation Process: Timing of Legislative Action

Description: This report discusses the budget reconciliation process that has been one of the chief tools used by Congress during the period covering from 1980 to the present to implement major changes in budget policy. Following a brief overview of the budget reconciliation process, this report provides information on the timing of House and Senate action on reconciliation measures.
Date: February 23, 2016
Creator: Lynch, Megan S.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

Description: This report discusses the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) comprising nine members, two ex officio members, and other members as appointed by the President representing major departments and agencies within the federal executive branch. While the group generally has operated in relative obscurity, the proposed acquisition of commercial operations at six U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World in 2006 placed the group's operations under intense scrutiny by Members of Congress… more
Date: February 19, 2016
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Conventional Prompt Global Strike and Long-Range Ballistic Missiles: Background and Issues

Description: This report provides an overview of the rationale for the prompt global strike (PGS) mission and the possible deployment of conventional warheads on long-range ballistic missiles or boost-glide systems in support of this mission. It then reviews the Air Force and Navy efforts to develop these systems. It summarizes congressional reaction to these proposals, then provides a more detailed account of the issues raised by these concepts and programs.
Date: February 24, 2016
Creator: Woolf, Amy F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Court-Ordered Access to Smart Phones: In Brief

Description: This report specifically examines certain encryption issues that have been raised in the investigation of the December 2, 2015, terrorist attack in San Bernardino, CA. This report highlights certain issues that policymakers may examine as they follow the ongoing dispute between law enforcement and technology companies, and it focuses on questions related to the government's request.
Date: February 23, 2016
Creator: Finklea, Kristin; Thompson, Richard M., II & Jaikaran, Chris
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Death of Justice Scalia: Procedural Issues Arising on an Eight-Member Supreme Court

Description: This report provides an overview of the Supreme Court's procedural rules and requirements when the Court is staffed with fewer than nine members. It includes an overview of the Court's quorum requirements, rehearing procedures, and vote count practices, with a focus on how the Court has traditionally responded to a change of composition during a term. The report concludes by highlighting over a dozen cases from the current term that could result in an evenly divided Supreme Court.
Date: February 25, 2016
Creator: Nolan, Andrew
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Deficits and Debt: Economic Effects and Other Issues

Description: This report explores distinctions in the concept and composition of deficits and debt, explains how these two measures interact, and discusses their possible effects on the economy. The combination of persistent budget deficits and a large and increasing federal debt has generated discussions over the long-term sustainability of current budget projections. Federal debt totaled $18.922 trillion at the end of calendar year 2015, and as a percentage of GDP is at its highest value since the end of … more
Date: February 17, 2016
Creator: Driessen, Grant A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Frequently Asked Questions

Description: This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), including the DGA development process, as well as specific recommendations contained in the 2015-2020 DGA. The DGA provides federally-developed food-based recommendations for Americans two years of age and older, designed to promote health and prevent disease.
Date: February 2, 2016
Creator: Dabrowska, Agata
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Disposal of Unneeded Federal Buildings: Legislative Proposals in the 114th Congress

Description: This report begins with an explanation of the real property disposal process and then discusses some of the factors that have made disposition relatively inefficient and costly. It then examines key provisions of three real property reform bills introduced in the 114th Congress: the Civilian Property Realignment Act (CPRA, S. 1750); the Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act (FAST Act, S. 2375); and the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act (H.R. 4465).
Date: February 12, 2016
Creator: Hatch, Garrett
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE): A Primer, with Appropriations for FY2016

Description: This report discusses the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), which is tasked with the lead role to address electric infrastructure needs and issues, such as: increased use of distributed (mostly renewable energy) resources, Internet-enabled demand response technologies, growing loads from electric vehicle use, continued expansion of natural gas use, and integration of energy storage devices.
Date: February 9, 2016
Creator: Sissine, Fred
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report provides an overview of the key issues for Congress related to Egypt and U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. The United States has provided significant military and economic assistance to Egypt since the late 1970s. U.S. policymakers are now debating complex questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations, and these debates and events in Egypt are shaping consideration of appropriations and authorization legislation in the 114th Congress.
Date: February 25, 2016
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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