Congressional Research Service Reports - 82 Matching Results

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Acceptance Of Foreign Gifts By Members Of Congress, 1968: This report consists of acceptance of foreign gifts by members of congress.
AIDS in Africa: This report discusses the AIDS issues in Africa and the Bush administration call to double U.S. international funding for AIDS.
AIDS in the Caribbean and Central America: This report considers the AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean and Central America. The report measures the support the region has received from countries outside of it along with which agencies within the U.S. have been leading the charge. Moreover, the report examines the additional consequences an epidemic of this size could have on the region.
Airline Passenger Rights Legislation in the 107th Congress: This report examines legislation pertaining to airline consumer protection in the 107th Congress. For background it first summarizes legislation proposed in the 106th Congress and the airlines’ response. The report then briefly examines the findings of the Department of Transportation Inspector General’s February 13, 2001 report on airline customer service. It then discusses the legislative remedies proposed in the 107th Congress. Finally, a side-by-side presentation of provisions from six airline passenger rights bills is set forth.
The Amending Process in the Senate: This report summarizes many of the rules, precedents, and practices of the Senate affecting the consideration of amendments to measures on the floor. Much of the information presented here has been extracted from Riddick’s Senate Procedure (Senate Document 101-28) the published collection of Senate precedents.
Changes to the OMB Regulatory Review Process by Executive Order 13422: This report comments on Executive Order 12866 for Regulatory Planning and Review, along with describing background information, implications of change, congressional notes, and taking on on unclear areas of the document.
Child Care Issues in the 108th Congress: This report discusses the federal child care-related programs and tax provisions, FY2003 Appropriations, FY2004: Comparing President Bush's Budget Proposals and Hearings.
China, Congress, and Sanctions - Findings of a Workshop-Seminar: The People's Republic of China (PRC)'s provocative use of military force in the Taiwan Strait has appeared to subside, but not before convincing many in the Congress that the PRC regime continues to flout international norms sensitive to the United States. In addition to challenging stability in the Taiwan Strait, the PRC is seen recently to undermine important U.S. interests regarding nuclear proliferation, intellectual property rights, and missile proliferation. As a result, many in the Congress are pressing for actions -- including economic and other sanctions
China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy: This report addresses relevant policy questions in current U.S-China relations, discusses trends and key legislation in the current congress, and provides a chronology of development and high-level exchanges.
Clean Air Act Amendments And The 97th Congress: This report concerns the 97th Congress reviewing proposals for substantive amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the re-authorization of the CAA.
Clean Air Act Issues in the 108th Congress: Clean air issues were discussed at length in the 107th Congress, but legislation was not enacted, leaving the same issues for possible consideration in the 108th. With new leadership in the Senate, the prospects for such legislation and its content are likely to change. Further, the Senate committee of jurisdiction (Environment and Public Works) will almost certainly focus first on consideration of highway and transit funding (the authorization for which, known as TEA21, expires at the end of FY 2003). Thus, although there is some interest in considering broad changes to the Clean Air Act, the more immediate prospect is for targeted proposals that might be attached to re-authorization of TEA21.
Commemorative Observances: A Chronological List: This report mainly discusses a Chronological List on Commemorative Observances for 2003 and 2004,indicating the proclamation number and its federal registration citation.
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS): The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is an interagency committee that serves the President in overseeing the national security implications of foreign investment in the economy. Since it was established by an Executive Order of President Ford in 1975, the committee has operated in relative obscurity.1 According to a Treasury Department memorandum, the Committee originally was established in order to placate Congress, which had grown concerned over the rapid increase in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) investments in American portfolio assets (Treasury securities, corporate stocks and bonds), and to respond to concerns of some that much of the OPEC investments were being driven by political, rather than by economic, motives.
Committee System Rules Changes in the House, 108th Congress: This fact sheet details changes in the committee system contained in H. Res. 5, the rules of the House for the 108th Congress, adopted by the House January 7, 2003. It contains information on the committee organization and structure, committee procedure, and committee staff.
Compensatory Time vs. Cash Wages: Amending the Fair Labor Standards Act?: Since the mid-1980s, certain employer-oriented groups and individuals have urged amendment of the Fair Labor Standards Act to alter current overtime pay requirements. This report contains information on the structure of the issue, compensatory time proposals of the 108th Congress, issues in the debate, and more relating to the issue.
Congress and Procedures for Protecting Security And/Or Intelligence Information : A Brief Overview: No Description Available.
Congressional Access to Executive Branch Information: Legislative Tools: This report begins by reviewing the precedents established during the Washington Administration for withholding documents from Congress. Close examination reveals that the scope of presidential privilege is often exaggerated. Congress had access to more documentation than is commonly believed and might have had more had it pressed for it. Subsequent sections focus on various forms of congressional leverage: the power of the purse, the power to impeach, issuing congressional subpoenas, holding executive officials in contempt, House resolutions of inquiry, GAO investigations, and blocking nominations, all of which may force executive officials to release documents they would otherwise want to keep private and confidential. Even if Presidents announce perfectly plausible grounds for withholding documents, they may have to comply with the congressional will to achieve other more important goals.
The Congressional Budget Process Timetable: The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 established the congressional budget process, which coordinates the legislative activities on the budget resolution, appropriations bills, reconciliation legislation, revenue measures, and other budgetary legislation. This report provides a timetable in which the congressional budget process takes place.
The Congressional Budget Process Timetable: The Congressional Budget Act (CBA) of 1974 (Titles I-IX of P.L. 93-344, 88 Stat. 297-332) established the congressional budget process, which coordinates the legislative activities on the budget resolution, appropriations bills, reconciliation legislation, revenue measures, and other budgetary legislation. Section 300 of this act provides a timetable (see Table 1) so that Congress may complete its work on the budget by the start of the fiscal year on October 1.
Congressional Gifts and Travel: Legislative Proposals for the 109th Congress: The House and Senate examined their rules on the acceptance of gifts and travel expenses. Press accounts of alleged excesses in privately funded congressional travel and gifts, particularly from lobbyists, have provided an impetus for proposed changes in the 109th Congress. This report provides an analysis of the proposals for change introduced or discussed in the 109th Congress and will be updated as events warrant.
Congressional Liaison Offices of Selected Federal Agencies: This list of about 200 congressional liaison offices is intended to help congressional offices in placing telephone calls and addressing correspondence to government agencies. Entries are arranged alphabetically in four sections: legislative branch; judicial branch; executive branch; and agencies, boards, and commissions.
Congressional Liaison Offices of Selected Federal Agencies: This report provides a list of roughly 200 congressional liaison offices with phone numbers, addresses, and other contact information.
Congressional Record: Its Production, Distribution, and Accessibility: Congressional Record.This report provides information about the Production, Distribution, and Accessibility of Congressional Record. The Congressional Record is the most widely published account of the debates and activities in congress.
Congressional Record: Its Production, Distribution, and Accessibility: The Congressional Record is the most widely recognized published account of the debates and activities in Congress. The Record often reflects the intent of Congress in enacting legislation. This fact sheet is one of a series on the legislative process.
Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) (H.R. 701) and a Related Initiative in the 106th Congress: This report compares existing law with H.R. 701, as passed by the House(HP) and H.R. 701, as reported by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (SCR). Both versions, also known as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), would have created a new fund, the CARA Fund. Both bills would have created and funded a new coastal energy impact assistance program, amended and funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), funded the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program and the Historic Preservation Fund, increased funding for wildlife conservation, funded land restoration and easement programs, and funded the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.1 The SCR version would also have funded additional programs to protect natural and cultural resources.
Constitutional Points of Order in the Senate: In general, the Senate's presiding officer does not take the initiative in enforcing Senate rules and precedents. Instead, a Senator may raise a point of order if he or she believes the Senate is taking (or is about to take) an action that violates the rules. In most circumstances, the presiding officer rules on the point of order on advice of the Parliamentarian; that ruling is typically subject to an appeal on which the Senate votes (unless the appeal is tabled or withdrawn). Pursuant to Rule XX, however, in certain circumstances a point of order is not ruled on by the presiding officer but is instead submitted to the Senate for its decision. A point of order that a pending matter (a bill or amendment, for example) violates the U.S. Constitution presents one such circumstance. This report explains Senate rules, precedents, and practices in regard to these constitutional points of order, including an analysis of recent cases in which such a point of order has been raised, and will be updated as events warrant.
Continuing Resolutions: Latest Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices: This report is divided into two segments. The first section provides the most recent information on the FY2011 continuing resolution. The second segment focuses on the (1) history and recent trends, including the nature, scope, and duration of CRs during the past 35 years; (2) CR types by duration; (3) major substantive legislative provisions included in some CRs; and (4) funding gaps.
Criminal Restitution Proposals in the 110th Congress: Restitution legislation in the 110th Congress falls into three categories. Some proposals, such as the gang crime bills, create new federal crimes or amend specific existing federal offenses and in doing so include restitution provisions particular to those offenses. Other proposals address a particular aspect of the law such as abatement which limits restitution collection after the defendant's death.
Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress: Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raul was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. This report contains information on U.S. policy as related to Cuba, legislative action, and more related information.
Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances: Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Under the Bush Administration, enforcement of U.S. restrictions on Cuba travel has increased, and restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba have been tightened. Several legislative initiatives have been introduced in the 109th Congress that would ease restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba. These bills would, among other things, lift overall restrictions on travel to Cuba, lift the overall embargo, and ease restrictions on exporting agricultural commodities to Cuba.
Current Debates over Exchange Rates: Overview and Issues for Congress: This report provides information on current debates over exchange rates in the global economy. It offers an overview of how exchange rates work; analyzes specific disagreements and debates; and examines existing frameworks for potentially addressing currency disputes. It also lays out some policy options available to Congress, should Members want to take action on exchange rate issues.
Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications: This report provides historical background on the enactment of declarations of war and authorizations for the use of force and analyzes their legal effects under international and domestic law. It also sets forth their texts in two appendices. The report includes an extensive listing and summary of statutes that are triggered by a declaration of war, a declaration of national emergency, and/or the existence of a state of war. The report concludes with a summary of the congressional procedures applicable to the enactment of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of force and to measures under the War Powers Resolution.
Digital Television: An Overview: This report provides an overview about Digital Television.Digital Television is a new telivision service representing the most significant development in telivision technology since the advent of color telivision.
The Discharge Rule in the House: Recent Use in Historical Context: This report discusses the "discharge rule" of the House of Representatives, which provides a means by which a majority of Members may bring to the floor for consideration a measure that has not been reported from committee.
The Discharge Rule in the House: Recent Use in Historical Context: The discharge rule of the House of Representatives affords a way for Members to bring to the floor a measure not reported from committee. Before a motion to discharge may be made, 218 Members must sign a petition for that purpose. This report provides summary data on discharge petitions filed since adoption of the present form of discharge rule in 1931. It also identifies the 32 occasions since 1967 on which a committee report or floor action occurred on a measure against which a petition was filed (or an alternative measure on the same subject).
Election of the President and Vice President by Congress: Contingent Election: The 12th Amendment to the Constitution requires that candidates for President and Vice President receive a majority of electoral votes (currently 270 or more of a total of 538) to be elected. If no candidate receives a majority, the President is elected by the House of Representatives, and the Vice President is elected by the Senate. This process is referred to as contingent election and is the topic of discussion in this report.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA): A Summary: This report summarizes the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the major regulatory program that mandate reporting by industrial facilities of releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment, as well as local planning to respond in the event of significant, accidental releases.
Energy Policy: Comprehensive Energy Legislation (H.R. 6, S. 10) in the 109th Congress: The House passed H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, on April 21, 2005 (249-183). The legislation includes a “safe harbor” provision to protect methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) refiners from product liability suits, which was retained after a close vote on an amendment to drop the language (213-219). In the 108th Congress, there was opposition to this provision in the Senate. It is unclear how its inclusion may affect Senate passage of an energy bill in the 109th Congress. House Republicans have indicated that a compromise will be sought to satisfy the other body. Language in the House-passed bill would also authorize opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to exploration and development. An amendment to delete the ANWR provisions from H.R. 6 was defeated (200-231).
Environmental and Natural Resources Affairs of the 92nd Congress: This report provides an overview of Congressional activity in the 92nd Congress related to environmental affairs and natural resources.
Fast-Track Trade Authority Proposals: Which Environmental Issues are Included in the Principal Negotiating Objectives?: This report discusses fast-track negotiating authority, which provides that Congress will consider trade agreements within mandatory deadlines, with limited debate, and without amendment. Environmental provisions are eligible for the fast-track procedure only if they meet at least one of the principal trade negotiating objectives.
The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor: The House of Representatives follows a well established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. The proceedings include election of the Speaker, swearing in its members, election of administrative officers, and adoption of rules of procedure. Also, resolutions assigning its members to committees may be adopted. The House must take these actions at the beginning of each new Congress because it is not a continuing body. Article 1, Section 2 of Constitution sets terms for Members of the House at two years. Thus, the House ends at the conclusion of each two-year Congress and must reconstitute itself at the beginning of a new Congress. This report focuses on the floor activities of the House during its first formal session in a new Congress, and serves as a guide for participating in or watching those proceedings.
Fluoridation: A modern paradox in science and public policy: This report contains information on Fluoridation, dental care issues, scientific studies related to fluoridation, and related information.
GAO: Government Accountability Office and General Accounting Office: This report explains the establishment and evolution of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and its resources. The Government Accountability Office is the largest of three agencies that provides support staff, research, review, and analysis of congress.
Grants Work in a Congressional Office: The discussion describes some basics about the grants process and some of the approaches and techniques used by congressional offices in dealing with this type of constitutional service
Grants Work in a Congressional Office: Members of Congress often get requests from constituents for information and help in obtaining funds for projects. Many state and local governments, nonprofit social service and community action organizations, private research groups, small businesses, and individuals approach congressional offices to find out about funding, both from the federal government and from the private sector. The success rate in obtaining federal assistance is not high, given the competition for federal funds. A grants staff’s effectiveness often depends on both an understanding of the grants process and on the relations it establishes with agency and other contacts. The following report does not constitute a blueprint for every office involved in grants and projects activity, nor does it present in-depth information about all aspects of staff activity in this area. The discussion is aimed at describing some basics about the grants process and some of the approaches and techniques used by congressional offices in dealing with this type of constituent service.
Health Benefits for Members of Congress and Designated Congressional Staff: This report summarizes the provisions of the final rule and describes how it affects current and retired Members and congressional staff.
Health Care Spending: Past Trends and Projections: This report focuses on trends in personal health care spending, which includes spending on health care goods and services provided to individuals and excludes expenditures for administrative costs, research, and public health activities. Personal health care expenditures have grown considerably over the past 40 years. Between 1960 and 2003 (the most recent year available), personal health care spending increased from $23.4 billion to $1.4 trillion.
Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Appropriations: This report describes the FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. The Administration requested a net appropriation of $35.5 billion in net budget authority for FY2008. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Homeland Security.
Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Request for Appropriations: This report describes the FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. The Administration requested a net appropriation of $35.5 billion in net budget authority for FY2008. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Homeland Security.
House Committees: Categories and Rules for Committee Assignments: This report discusses rules for committee assignments in the House of Representatives. House rules address the election and membership of committees, especially limitations on membership. The Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference rules designate categories of committees and specify service limitations in addition to those in the House rules.

Congressional Research Service Reports - 82 Matching Results

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