Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs articles from December 2009

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs archives from December 2009

Transatlantic regulatory cooperation: a possible role for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Transatlantic Regulatory Barriers Creation of the Transatlantic Economic Council The Role of the Legislatures Rationale for Including the Legislatures Concerns with the Legislatures The Transatlantic Legislators'...

The overseas private investment corporation: background and legislative issues.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... Contents Background Programs Finance Insurance Investment Development OPIC's Budget Recent Developments Legislative Issues Economic and Policy Issues December 1, 2009 Summary The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)...

Lobbying the executive branch: current practices and options for change.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Statutory Coverage for Executive Branch Officials Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 Lobbying Disclosure Technical Amendments Act of 1998 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 Obama Administration Lobbying...

Key issues in derivatives reform.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents General Background Market Structure and Regulation.. Derivatives Reform.. End Users Exemptions for End Users Safeguards Applicable to Uncleared OTC Swaps December 1, 2009 Summary Financial derivatives allow users to manage or...

European union enlargement: a status report on Turkey's accession negotiations.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents The EU Accession Process The Cyprus Dilemma Turkey's Initial Path to European Union Accession Current Status of Turkey's Accession Possible Scenarios U.S. Perspectives Assessment December 1, 2009 Summary October 2009 marked the...

U.S. arms sales: agreements with and deliveries to major clients, 2001-2008.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents U.S. Agreements with Leading Purchasers, 2001-2008 U.S. Deliveries to Leading Purchasers, 2001-2008 December 2, 2009 Summary This report provides background data on United States arms sales agreements with and deliveries to its...

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: background and policy issues.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Evolution of the Convention Objectives and Structure Committee on the Rights of the Child Optional Protocols on Children in Armed Conflict and the Sale of Children U.S. Actions Obama Administration Previous...

Taiwan: major U.S. arms sales since 1990.(Congressional Research Service)(Author abstract)(Report)
December 1, 2009... December 2, 2009 Summary This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to Taiwan, or Republic of China (ROC), including policy issues for Congress and legislation. Congress has oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act...

U.S. policy.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990)(Brief article)
December 1, 2009... This CRS Report discusses U.S. security assistance for Taiwan, formally called the Republic of China (ROC), particularly policy issues for Congress. It also lists sales of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the...

Role of Congress.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)
December 1, 2009... Congress passed and exercises oversight of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, the law that has governed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan since 1979, when the United States recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) instead of the ROC. The...

Broad indicators of arms transfers.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)(Brief article)
December 1, 2009... As for U.S. arms transfers to Taiwan, they have been significant despite the absence of a diplomatic relationship or a treaty alliance. The value of deliveries of U.S. defense articles and services to Taiwan totaled $4.0 billion in the 2000-2003...

Military relationship.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)
December 1, 2009... "Software Initiative" In addition to transfers of hardware, beginning after the crisis in the Taiwan Strait in 1995-1996 during which President Clinton deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups near Taiwan in March 1996, the Pentagon...

April 2001 arms requests and status of arms sales.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... April 2001 Decisions In 2001, arms sales talks took place on April 24 in Washington, DC, and Taiwan was represented by its Vice Chief of General Staff, General Huoh Shou-yeh. According to the Administration and news reports, (40) President...

Policy issues for Congress.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Since the early 1990s, and accelerated after the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1995-1996, the PLA has modernized with a missile buildup and foreign arms acquisitions, primarily from Russia. (130) As a result of the PLA's provocative exercises and...

Major congressional action.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990: U.S. Policy)(National Defense Authorization Act)(Report)
December 1, 2009... 105th Congress In the 105th Congress, the FY1999 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 105-261) required the Secretary of Defense to study the U.S. missile defense systems that could protect and could be transferred to "key regional...

Major U.S. arms sales as notified to congress.(Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990)(Report)
December 1, 2009... The following table provides information on U.S. sales (not deliveries) of major defense articles and services to Taiwan, as approved by the President and formally notified to Congress since 1990. Based on unclassified notices and news reports,...

Latin America and the Caribbean: fact sheet on leaders and elections.(Congressional Research Service)(Table)
December 1, 2009... December 2, 2009 Summary This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national...

Afghanistan: post-Taliban governance, security, and U.S. policy.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... December 2, 2009 Summary Upon taking office, the Obama Administration faced a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, despite a build-up of U.S. forces there in preceding years. Signs of deterioration have included an expanded...

Background.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
December 1, 2009... From Early History to the 19th Century From the third to the eighth century, A.D., Buddhism was the dominant religion in Afghanistan. In the 10th century, Muslim rulers called Samanids, from Bukhara (in what is now Uzbekistan), extended their...

Post-Taliban nation building.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... With Afghanistan devastated after more than 20 years of warfare, the fall of the Taliban raised questions about what would be the extent and duration of a U.S. presence in Afghanistan, and for what purpose. With memories of leaving the...

Security policy and force capacity building.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... The U.S. definition of "success" in Afghanistan, articulated during the Bush Administration, was to build an Afghan government and security force that can defend itself as economic growth and development takes hold. The Obama Administration's...

Regional context.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Most of Afghanistan's neighbors believed that the fall of the Taliban would stabilize the region, but like-minded militants now threaten the government of Pakistan. Six of Afghanistan's neighbors signed a non-interference pledge (Kabul...

U.S. and international aid to Afghanistan and development issues.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Many experts have long believed that accelerating economic development would do more to improve the security situation--and to eliminate narcotics trafficking--than intensified anti-Taliban combat. This belief appears to underpin the Obama...

Residual issues from past conflicts.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
December 1, 2009... A few issues remain unresolved from Afghanistan's many years of conflict, such as Stinger retrieval and mine eradication. Stinger Retrieval Beginning in late 1985 following internal debate, the Reagan Administration provided about 2,000...

Appendix. U.S. and international sanctions lifted.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Virtually all U.S. and international sanctions on Afghanistan, some imposed during the Soviet occupation era and others on the Taliban regime, have now been lifted. * P.L. 108-458 (December 17, 2004, referencing the 9/11 Commission...

War in Afghanistan: strategy, military operations, and issues for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... December 3, 2009 Summary With a deteriorating security situation and no comprehensive political outcome yet in sight, most observers view the war in Afghanistan as open-ended. By early 2009, a growing number of Members of Congress,...

Overview.(War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Unlike the war in Iraq, which, many argue, has entered its endstate, the war in Afghanistan--where the security situation has deteriorated and no comprehensive political outcome is yet in sight--appears to many observers to be open-ended. By...

Background: context and early history of the war.(War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress)
December 1, 2009... Current efforts to support security, governance and development in Afghanistan take place in the aftermath of thirty grueling years of conflict and unrest, followed by OEF military operations that removed the Taliban regime and the rapid...

Counterinsurgency war in Afghanistan to date.(War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress)
December 1, 2009... Both the security climate--including the composition, strategy, and tactics of the insurgency--and the structure and focus of international efforts designed to support the Afghan government have changed substantially since the end of the major...

Future options for the war in Afghanistan.(War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Integrating the Overall Approach: Strategy and Implementation Most Afghanistan observers have pointed to weaknesses in the coordination of the many disparate efforts to support Afghan security, governance or development, including ensuring...

U.S. aerospace manufacturing: industry overview and prospects.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Aerospace Manufacturing Industry Overview Aerospace Manufacturing Workforce Economic Impact of Aerospace Manufacturing Aerospace Trade The Commercial Jet Aircraft Market The Regional Jet Market The General...

Privacy: an overview of federal statutes governing wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Summary This report provides an overview of federal law governing wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping. It also appends citations to state law in the area and contains a bibliography of legal commentary as well as the text of the...

Introduction.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping)(Brief article)
December 1, 2009... Depending on one's perspective, wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping are either "dirty business," essential law enforcement tools, or both. This is a very general overview of the federal statutes that proscribe wiretapping and electronic...

Background.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping)
December 1, 2009... At common law, "eavesdroppers, or such as listen under walls or windows, or the eaves of a house, to hearken after discourse, and thereupon to frame slanderous and mischievous tales, are a common nuisance and presentable at the court-leet; or...

Prohibitions.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping)
December 1, 2009... Unless otherwise provided, Title III/ECPA outlaws wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping; possession of wiretapping or electronic eavesdropping equipment; use or disclosure of information obtained through illegal wiretapping or electronic...

Procedure.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Each of the prohibitions mentioned above recognizes a procedure for government use notwithstanding the general ban, usually under judicial supervision. Although Fourth Amendment concerns supply a common theme, the procedures are individually...

Appendix A. State statutes outlawing the interception of wire(w), oral(o) and electronic communications(e).(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alabama: Ala.Code [section][section] 13A-11-30 to 13A-11-37(w/o); Alaska: Alaska Stat. [section][section]42.20.300 to 42.20.390 (w/o/e); Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section][section] 13-3001 to 13-3009 (w/o/e); Arkansas: Ark.Code...

Appendix B. Consent interceptions under state law.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alabama: Ala.Code [section] 13A-11-30 (one party consent); Alaska: Alaska Stat. [section][section] 42.20.310, 42.20.330 (one party consent); Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section] 13-3005 (one party consent); Arkansas: Ark.Code [section]...

Appendix C. Statutory civil liability for interceptions under state law.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section] 12-731; California: Cal. Penal Code [section][section] 637.2; Colorado: Colo.Rev.Stat. [section] 18-9-309.5; Connecticut: Conn.Gen.Stat.Ann. [section][section] 54-41r, 52-570d; Delaware: Del.Code...

Appendix D. Court authorized interception under state law.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alaska: Alaska Stats. [section][section] 12.37.010 to 12.37.900; Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section][section] 13-3010 to 13-3019; California: Cal.Penal Code [section] 629.50 to 629.98; Colorado: Colo.Rev.Stat. [section][section]...

Appendix E. State statutes regulating Stored Electronic Communications (SE), Pen Registers (PR) and Trap and Trace Devices (T).(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alaska: Alaska Stats. [section][section] 12.37.200 (PR&T), 12.37.300(SE); Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section][section] 13-3016 (SE); 13-3005, 13-3017 (PR&T); Arkansas: Ark. Code Ann. [section] 5-60-120(g) (PR&T); Colorado:...

Appendix F. State computer crime statutes.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alabama: Ala.Code [section][section] 13A-8-100 to 13A-8-103; Alaska: Alaska Stat. [section] 11.46.740; Arizona: Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. [section][section] 13-2316 to 13-2316.02; Arkansas: Ark.Code [section][section] 5-41-101 to 5-42-206; ...

Appendix G. Spyware.(Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping: Appendixes)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Alaska: Alaska Stat. [section][section] 45.45.471 to 45.45.798; Arizona: Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. [section][section] 44-7301 to 44-7304; Arkansas: Ark. Code [section][section] 4-110-101 to 4-110-105; California: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code...

Appendix H. Text of ECPA and FISA.(Part I)(Electronic Communications Privacy Act)(Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). 18 U.S.C. 2510. Definitions. As used in this chapter-- (1) "wire communication" means any aural transfer made in whole or in part through the use of facilities for the transmission of...

Appendix H. Text of ECPA and FISA.(Part II)(Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act)(Law overview)
December 1, 2009... Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) 50 U.S.C. 1801. Definitions. As used in this subchapter: (a) "Foreign power" means-- (1) a foreign government or any component thereof, whether or not recognized by the United States; ...

Appendix H. Text of ECPA and FISA.(Part III)(Electronic Communications Privacy Act)(Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act)(Appendix)
December 1, 2009... 50 U.S.C. 1843. Authorization during emergencies. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, when the Attorney General makes a determination described in subsection (b), the Attorney General may authorize the installation and...

NATO in Afghanistan: a test of the transatlantic alliance.(Congressional Research Service)(North Atlantic Treaty Organization)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction A Test of U.S. Leadership New U.S. Strategy Toward Afghanistan and Pakistan Goals Resources Reconciling With Insurgents Pakistan The International Dimension NATO Summit Evolution of...

United nations system funding: congressional issues.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Most Recent Developments Current Funding Information Introduction U.N. System Financing: Brief Overview Assessed Contributions Voluntary Contributions Current U.S. Funding FY2010 Funding Summary Assessed...

U.S. foreign aid to Israel.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents U.S.-Israeli Relations and the Role of Foreign Aid Qualitative Military Edge (QME) U.S. Bilateral Military Aid to Israel A 10-Year Military Aid Agreement Foreign Military Financing (FMF) Early Transfer FMF for...

Gangs in Central America.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Background on Violent Crime in Central America Scope of the Gang Problem in Central America Defining Gangs Transnational Gangs in Central America Factors Exacerbating the Gang Problem in Central America ...

The trans-pacific strategic economic partnership agreement.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Origins Existing and Potential Membership Some Congressional Reactions to the TPP U.S. Objectives and Interests Context with Other Regional Architectures A Comprehensive Trade Agreement U.S. Trade with Current Trans-Pacific Partner...

Strategic arms control after START: issues and options.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction The START Treaty Key Provisions Central Limits Counting Rules Collateral Constraints Monitoring and Verification Access Measures Information Exchanges On-site...

Iran: U.S. concerns and policy responses.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... December 7, 2009 Summary President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous Administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Administration has not changed the previous...

Political history.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
December 1, 2009... Much of the debate over U.S. policy toward Iran has centered on the nature of the current regime; some believe that Iran, a country of about 70 million people, is a threat to U.S. interests because hardliners in Iran's regime dominate and set a...

Regime structure, stability, and elections.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Report)
December 1, 2009... About a decade after founding the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died on June 3, 1989. Iran's regime is still widely considered to be authoritarian, but there has traditionally been popular input and a degree of checks and...

Human rights and dissent.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Report)
December 1, 2009... The sections below discuss a number of activists and dissident groups that have been repressed or exiled since long before the June 12, 2009, election and related unrest. Table 4 discusses the regime's record on a number of human rights issues...

Iran's strategic capabilities and weapons of mass destruction programs.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Many in the Obama Administration view Iran, as the Bush Administration did, as one of the key national security challenges facing the United States. (8) This assessment is based largely on Iran's growing weapons of mass destruction (WMD)...

Foreign policy and support for terrorist groups.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Iran's foreign policy is a product of the ideology of Iran's Islamic revolution, blended with longstanding national interests. Some interpret Iran's objectives as the overturning of the power structure in the Middle East, which Iran believes...

U.S. policy responses, options, and legislation.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Report)
December 1, 2009... The February 11, 1979, fall of the Shah of Iran, a key U.S. ally, opened the long and deep rift in U.S.-Iranian relations. On November 4, 1979, radical "students" seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held its diplomats hostage until minutes...

China's Currency: A Summary of the Economic Issues
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction China Reforms the Peg U.S. Concerns Over China's Currency Policy China's Concerns Over Modifying Its Currency Policy Implications of China's Currency Policy for its Economy Implications of China's Currency Policy for the...

Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Overview of the Political Transition January 2005 National Assembly and Provincial Elections Permanent Constitution December 15, 2005, Elections Benchmarks, Reconciliation, and Provincial and Future Elections The...

The G-20 and international economic cooperation: background and implications for congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction The Rise of the G-20 as the Premier Forum for International Economic Cooperation Economic Coordination in Formal Institutions and Informal Forums 1970s-1990s: Developed Countries Dominate Financial Discussions ...

Status of the Copenhagen climate change negotiations.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Overview Background Two Tracks on the Way to Copenhagen: One Agreement or Two? Key Topics Under Negotiation A Shared Long-Term Vision to 2050 Obligations to Mitigate GHG Emissions Mid-Term Targets for GHG Reductions ...

Spyware: background and policy issues for congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Background FTC Advice to Consumers State Laws Legislative Action--111th Congress Legislative Action--110th Congress H.R. 964--Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act H.R. 1525--Internet Spyware Prevention Act S....

Pakistan's nuclear weapons: proliferation and security issues.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Background Nuclear Weapons Responding to India? Delivery Vehicles Nuclear Doctrine Command and Control Security Concerns U.S. Assistance and Pakistani Nuclear Security Proliferation Threat Pakistan's...

Kuwait: security, reform, and U.S. policy.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Governmental Changes and Political Reform Executive-Legislative Disputes 2009 Political Crises and Elections Human Rights Issues U.S.-Kuwait Relations and Cooperation on Iraq Foreign Policy Issues Iraq ...

Iran sanctions.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Overview The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) Key Provisions/'Triggers" and Available Sanctions Waiver and Termination Authority Effectiveness and Ongoing Challenges Energy Routes and Refinery Investment ...

Economic stimulus: issues and policies.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction The Current State of the Economy The 2009 Stimulus Package Preliminary Discussions House Proposal Senate Proposal The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Discussion Issues Surrounding Fiscal...

Cars and climate: what can EPA do to control greenhouse gases from mobile sources?(Congressional Research Service)(United States Environmental Protection Agency)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Option 1: Cap-and-Trade Option 2: A Carbon (or GHG) Tax Option 3: Regulation Under Existing Authority The Entry Point: Massachusetts vs. EPA The ANPR The Obama Administration's Approach Going After...

Prospects for democracy in Hong Kong: the 2012 election reforms.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Overview Historical Background The Basic Law and Hong Kong Elections The Proposed Reforms of 2005 The Decision of December 2007 The 2008 Legco Elections The 2012 Elections The Consultation Document The Initial Response...

Nuclear energy policy.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Most Recent Developments Nuclear Power Status and Outlook Possible New Reactors Federal Support Nuclear Production Tax Credit Standby Support Loan Guarantees Global Climate Change Nuclear Power Research and...

Iran's nuclear program: Tehran's compliance with international obligations.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Background Iran and the IAEA Potential Noncompliance Since September 2005 Iran and the U.N. Security Council Authority for IAEA and U.N. Security Council Actions IAEA Statute U.N. Charter and the...

Chile: political and economic conditions and U.S. relations.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Political and Economic Background Independence through Allende Pinochet Era Return to Democracy Recent Political and Economic Developments Bachelet Administration Education Demonstrations Mapuche Activism...

China's economic conditions.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Most Recent developments An Overview of China's Economic Development China's Economy Prior to Reforms The Introduction of Economic Reforms China's Economic Growth Since Reforms: 1979-2008 Causes of China's Economic Growth...

Who regulates whom? An overview of U.S. financial supervision.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Financial Crises, Regulatory Jurisdiction, and Systemic Risk Processes Within the Financial Sector Honoring Claims of Depositors and Investors Performance of Loans from Banks to the Economy Capital Requirements ...

United Nations assistance mission in Afghanistan: background and policy issues.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction Setting the Context Mandate, Structure, and Funding Mandate Organization Budget Framework for Afghanistan's Reconstruction Strategy Bonn Agreement--Bonn 2001 Afghanistan Compact--London 2006 Afghanistan...

The United Nations Human Rights Council: issues for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
December 1, 2009... Contents Background Overview of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights The United States and U.N. Human Rights Efforts The U.N. Human Rights Council and U.N. Reform Council Mandate, Structure, and Procedures Mandate and Responsibilities...

The National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility: Issues for Congress
December 1, 2009... Contents Introduction NBAF Research Goals NBAF Site Selection NBAF Funding Site Specific and Additional Costs NBAF Appropriations Policy Issues Need for and Scope of NBAF Adequacy of Protection Against Pathogen Release Biosafety...

Defense: FY2010 authorization and appropriations.(Congressional Research Service)
December 1, 2009... December 14, 2009 Summary For the Department of Defense (DOD) in FY2010, the Administration requested a total of $663.8 billion in discretionary budget authority. This includes $533.8 billion for the so-called "base budget"--all DOD...

Most recent developments.(Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations)
December 1, 2009... The conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2010 defense authorization bill (H.R. 2647), as well as both the House-passed and Senate-passed versions of the FY2010 defense appropriations bill (H.R. 3326), largely support...

Overview of the administration's FY2010 request.(Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations)
December 1, 2009... The President's FY2010 request of $533.7 billion for the DOD base budget is $20.4 billion higher than the total of $513.3 billion the Obama Administration cites as the total appropriated for the DOD base budget in the regular FY2009...

Status of legislation.(Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations)(Brief article)
December 1, 2009... Although the Administration's detailed budget request was not transmitted to Congress until May 7, 2009, Congress began acting on the annual defense authorization bill only about a month later than it typically does. The House Armed Services...

War costs and issues.(Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations)(Report)
December 1, 2009... The Obama Administration's request for $130 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during FY2010 was submitted to Congress with the FY2010 base budget request on May 7, 2009 and has been considered as part of DOD's overall request for...

Base budget: comparison and context.(Defense: FY2010 Authorization and Appropriations)
December 1, 2009... In recent years, some senior military officers (50), as well as research groups and advocacy organizations, have argued that defense spending needs to be substantially higher in the next few years to avoid drastic cuts in major weapons programs...