Congressional Research Service Reports - 29 Matching Results

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Attorney General's Memorandum on Federal Marijuana Enforcement: Possible Impacts

Description: This report discusses Attorney General Jeff Sessions' memorandum on federal marijuana enforcement policy sent to all U.S. Attorneys that immediately rescinds guidance documents specific to marijuana enforcement. It provides background on the memorandum, the relevant regulations, and implications of withdrawing previous guidance.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Garvey, Todd & Yeh, Brian T.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Facing the FAST Act: Abortion and Free Speech (Part 1)

Description: First part of a report regarding the Supreme Court case: "National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra;" it involves a California state law that requires certain pregnancy centers to distribute particular information to clients which they contend violates their free speech rights. This report provides an overview of the challenged law, followed by an analysis of how the Supreme Court might categorize the speech at issue.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Killion, Victoria L.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Facing the FAST Act: Abortion and Free Speech (Part 2)

Description: Second part of a report regarding the Supreme Court case: "National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra;" it involves a California state law that requires certain pregnancy centers to distribute particular information to clients which they contend violates their free speech rights. This report discusses the potential implications of any Supreme Court decision in "NIFLA" for First Amendment jurisprudence and legislatures seeking to regulate in this area.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Killion, Victoria L.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Introduction to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress

Description: This report introduces the main steps through which a bill (or other item of business) may travel in the legislative process--from introduction to committee and floor consideration to possible presidential consideration. This report outlines each of the common stages through which a bill may move, with references to sources of additional information regarding complications and variations that occur in practice.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Heitshusen, Valerie
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Transatlantic Relations in 2018

Description: This report discusses the current state of transatlantic relations between the U.S. and Europe and especially the European Union (EU). It also outlines various European concerns over the direction of the Trump Administration and future issues for Congress to consider.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Morelli, Vincent L. & Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Venezuela's Economic Crisis: Issues for Congress

Description: This report discusses the economic crisis in Venezuela including its origins of the crisis and current attempts at debt restructuring by the Venezuelan government. The report also outlines U.S. interests in the Venezuelan economy and trade, the outlook for U.S. holders of Venezuelan oil company bonds, ownership of CITGO (the biggest shareholder is the Venezuelan state-oil company), and the prospects of U.S. support of economic recovery in the future.
Date: January 10, 2018
Creator: Nelson, Rebecca M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Balanced Budget Amendments

Description: This report discusses proposed balanced budget amendments to the Constitution and their content.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Lynch, Megan S. & Saturno, James V.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and an FY2019 Budget Resolution

Description: This report discusses the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 2018, P.L. 115-123) and the inclusion in it of an FY2019 budget resolution. The report then discusses the differences between a traditional budge resolution and a substitute budget resolution like the one found in the BBA.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Lynch, Megan S.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Mississippi Court Halts Enforcement of New Abortion Law

Description: This report discusses a federal district court's decision to halt a new Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks unless the the life of the mother was in danger.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Shimabukuro, Jon O.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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OMB and Treasury Disagree over Process for Issuing New Tax Rules

Description: This report discusses the disagreement between the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Treasury Department on how to issue new tax regulations. It discusses the historical roots and nature of the disagreement and potential implications.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Carey, Maeve P.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Smart Grid: Status and Outlook

Description: This report discusses the effort to build a "smart" electricity grid across the the U.S. which can be run with digital technologies that control most of the major functions of a power plant. The current state of the movement and concerns regarding cyber-security are also discussed.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Campbell, Richard J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Tort and Litigation Reform in the 115th Congress

Description: This report discusses "tort reform" which refers to whether (and to what extent) legislatures should limit lawsuits concerning negligence, personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, and other similar causes of action. The report surveys several major tort and litigation reform bills pending in the 115th Congress and discusses some of the legal issues raised by each bill.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Lewis, Kevin M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Trade Promotion Authority (TPA): Frequently Asked Questions

Description: This report discusses the Trade Promotion Authority program which allows the President to request an expedited procedure for an international trade deal that meets certain requirements. The report answers a variety of frequently asked questions regarding TPA's functions and purpose and Congressional power over it.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Fergusson, Ian F. & Davis, Christopher M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel

Description: This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and analysis of current issues.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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When the City Goes Broke: Pensions, Retirees, and Municipal Bankruptcies

Description: This report first explains how, under current bankruptcy law, Chapter 9 (municipalities) debtors have significant freedom to modify their outstanding pension obligations through the bankruptcy process. The report then explores proposals to alter the legal principles governing the adjustment of municipal pensions in bankruptcy.
Date: April 10, 2018
Creator: Lewis, Kevin M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Iran: U.S. Economic Sanctions and the Authority to Lift Restrictions

Description: This report identifies the legislative bases for sanctions imposed on Iran, and the nature of the authority to waive or lift those restrictions. It includes two tables that present legislation and executive orders that are specific to Iran and its objectionable activities in the areas of terrorism, human rights, and weapons proliferation.
Date: May 10, 2018
Creator: Rennack, Dianne E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Mongolia

Description: This report provides an overview of U.S.-Mongolia relations and the politics and economy of Mongolia.
Date: July 10, 2018
Creator: Lum, Thomas & Dolven, Ben
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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President Trump Nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh: Initial Observations

Description: This report discusses the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and what his confirmation to the Court would mean. The report includes seven noteworthy opinions written by Judge Kavanaugh while serving on the D.C. Circuit Court.
Date: July 10, 2018
Creator: Nolan, Andrew
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Can the President Pardon Contempt of Court? Probably Yes.

Description: This report provides a brief background of contempt of court, explores the various arguments regarding whether a pardon can relieve an individual of criminal liability for contempt, and discusses potential congressional responses to the perceived abuse of the pardon power.
Date: August 10, 2018
Creator: Thompson, Richard M., II
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Glider Kit, Engine, and Vehicle Regulations

Description: This report examines EPA's and selected other federal agencies' requirements on glider kits and glider vehicles and outlines the congressional response.
Date: August 10, 2018
Creator: Lattanzio, Richard K. & Lowry, Sean
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Military Child Development Program: Background and Issues

Description: This report traces the development of DOD-sponsored childcare services and discusses these issues in greater depth in order to support Members of Congress in their oversight role. The next section gives an overview of DOD's justification for the CDP program and demand for services. Next is a discussion of current CDP components, policies, and funding. This is followed by the legislative history of DOD-sponsored childcare in the military. The final section discusses issues and options for Congre… more
Date: August 10, 2018
Creator: Kamarck, Kristy N.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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