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open access

Comparison of Climate Change Adaptation Provisions in S. 1733 and H.R. 2454

Description: This report summarizes and compares climate change adaptation-related provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454) and the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Power Act (S. 1733). Both H.R. 2454 and S. 1733 include adaptation provisions that seek to better assess the impacts of climate change and variability that are occurring now and in the future; and support adaptation activities related to climate change, both domestically and internationally.
Date: November 12, 2009
Creator: Ho, Melissa D.
open access

Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation

Description: This report discusses in more detail the evolution of a national critical infrastructure policy and the institutional structures established to implement it. The report highlights five issues of Congressional concern: identifying critical assets; assessing vulnerabilities and risks; allocating resources; information sharing; and regulation.
Date: November 12, 2009
Creator: Moteff, John D.
open access

Iran's Nuclear Program: Status

Description: This report looks at the background of Iran's nuclear policy. It covers the current status of Iran's nuclear facilities, and current controversy surrounding them, as well as the effects of international sanctions on Iran, recent sabotages on the Iran Enrichment Program, an estimated timeline of Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities, and whether or not Iran even has a nuclear weapons program.
Date: November 12, 2009
Creator: Kerr, Paul K.
open access

Afghanistan: Narcotics and U.S. Policy

Description: This report provides current statistical information, profiles the Afghanistan narcotics trade's participants, explores linkages between narcotics, insecurity, and corruption, and reviews U.S. and international policy responses since late 2001. The report also considers ongoing policy debates regarding the counternarcotics role of coalition military forces, poppy eradication, alternative livelihoods, and funding issues for Congress.
Date: August 12, 2009
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy

Description: This report discusses issues related to peace in the Middle East, including post-Gulf War negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon; U.S. interest in these and continuing negotiations and peacetalks between Middle Eastern countries; and the role of the U.S., the U.N., the European Union, and Russia in Middle Eastern relations.
Date: August 12, 2009
Creator: Migdalovitz, Carol
open access

The 2009 Influenza Pandemic: An Overview

Description: This report first provides a synopsis of key events, actions taken, and authorities invoked by WHO, the U.S. federal government, and state and local governments. It then discusses the WHO process to determine the phase of a flu pandemic, and selected actions taken by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, and by state and local authorities. Next, it lists congressional hearings held to date, and provides information about appropriations and funding for pandemic flu … more
Date: June 12, 2009
Creator: Lister, Sarah A. & Redhead, C. Stephen
open access

Employment-Based Health Coverage and Health Reform: Selected Legal Considerations

Description: It is estimated that nearly 170 million individuals have employer-based health coverage. As part of a comprehensive health care reform effort, there has been support (including from the Obama Administration) in enacting comprehensive health insurance reform that retains the employer-based system. This report presents selected legal considerations inherent in amending two of the primary federal laws governing employer-sponsored health care: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and… more
Date: June 12, 2009
Creator: Staman, Jennifer & Liu, Edward C.
open access

Human Rights in China: Trends and Policy Implications

Description: This report analyzes China's mixed record on human rights -- major human rights problems, new human rights legislation, and the development of civil society, legal awareness, and social and political activism. This report discusses major areas of interest but does not provide an exhaustive account of all human rights abuses or related incidents.
Date: June 12, 2009
Creator: Lum, Thomas & Fischer, Hannah
open access

North Korean Counterfeiting of U.S. Currency

Description: The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of what is known from open sources on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK or North Korea), alleged counterfeiting of U.S. currency, examine North Korean motives and methods, and discuss U.S. interests and policy options.
Date: June 12, 2009
Creator: Nanto, Dick K.
open access

Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation and Security Issues

Description: This report outlines Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and continued fissile material production for weapons. Pakistan does not have a stated nuclear policy but its "minimum credible deterrent" is thought to be primarily a deterrent to Indian military action. Pakistani and US officials argue that Islamabad has taken a number of steps to prevent further proliferation of nuclear related technologies. Although instability in Pakistan has called the extent and durability of these reforms into question.
Date: June 12, 2009
Creator: Kerr, Paul K. & Nikitin, Mary Beth
open access

Canada-U.S. Relations

Description: This report provides a short overview of Canada's political scene, its economic conditions, and its recent security and foreign policy, focusing particularly on issues that may be relevant to U.S. policymakers. This brief country survey is followed by several summaries of current bilateral issues in the political, trade, and environmental arenas. The report is updated annually.
Date: May 12, 2009
Creator: Ek, Carl
open access

Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report provides an overview of Egyptian politics and current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations. It briefly provides a political history of modern Egypt, an overview of its political institutions, and a discussion of the prospects for democratization in Egypt.
Date: May 12, 2009
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Background and Policy Issues

Description: This report provides an overview of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child's (CRC) background and structure and examines evolving U.S. policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. It also highlights issues for the 112th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on federal and state laws, U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, and U.S. family planning and abortion policy.
Date: May 12, 2009
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa
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