Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs articles from March 2006

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs archives from March 2006

India's nuclear separation plan: issues and views.
March 1, 2006... Summary On July 18, 2005, President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the creation of a "global partnership," which would include "full" civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and India. Such cooperation...

Fatah and Hamas: the new Palestinian factional reality.
March 1, 2006... Summary For the first time in its history, the Palestinian parliament is set to be led by Hamas, which the United States and European Union have designated a foreign terrorist organization. Although some lauded the generally free and fair...

Lobbying and related reform proposals: consideration of selected measures, 109th Congress.
March 1, 2006... Summary Numerous measures related to the reform of lobbying activities, including lobbying disclosure laws, campaign finance provisions, and congressional ethics and procedural rules have been introduced in the House and Senate in the...

Fuel ethanol: background and public policy issues.
March 1, 2006... Summary Ethanol plays a key role in policy discussions about energy, agriculture, taxes, and the environment. In the United States it is mostly made from corn; in other countries it is often made from cane sugar. Fuel ethanol is generally...

India: chronology of recent events.
March 1, 2006... Summary This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving India and India-U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, major newswires, the U.S. Department of State, and Indian news outlets. For a substantive...

Renewable energy: tax credit, budget, and electricity production issues.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Renewable Energy Concept Contribution to National Energy Supply Role in Long-Term Energy Supply History Tax Credits Public Utility...

U.S.-European Union Trade relations: issues and policy challenges.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background And Analysis Overview Closer Economic Ties Growing Strains Major Issues and Policy Challenges Complying With WTO Rulings U.S. Tax Benefits...

U.S. International Trade: data and forecasts.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis U.S Merchandise Trade Balance Merchandise Trade Balance in Volume Terms Current Account Balance Forecasts U.S Bilateral and Sectoral Trade...

The group of eight summits: evolution and possible reform.
March 1, 2006... Summary The Group of Eight (G8) summit is a forum to informally discuss and create policies on major foreign policy issues among the heads of state of the United States, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and...

Russia.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Post-Soviet Russia and Its Significance for the United States Political Developments Chechnya Economic Developments Economic Reform ...

Nuclear weapons: comprehensive test ban treaty.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis History National Positions on Testing and the CTBT The CTBT: Negotiations and Key Provisions Preparing for Entry into Force Stockpile...

Nuclear energy policy.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Overview of Nuclear Power in the United States Nuclear Power Research and Development Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Regulation Safety ...

NATO and energy security.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary Energy security is becoming an issue of increasing importance to the United States and its European allies, as some energy producers are showing a tendency to use oil and gas as political leverage. Although most European allies...

Jordan: U.S. relations and bilateral issues.(CRS Issue Brief for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background And Analysis Jordanian Issues of U.S. Interest Stability of the Regime and Succession Course of Domestic Reforms Jordan and the War on Terrorism ...

Global climate change.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Global Climate Change Science Greenhouse Gases: Sources and Trends Climate System Response The Policy Context Clinton Administration...

China-U.S. trade issues.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background And Analysis U.S. Trade with China Major U.S. Exports to China Major U.S. Imports from China Major U.S.-China Trade Issues China's Currency Policy ...

China's trade with the United States and the world.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary As imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC) have surged in recent years, posing a threat to some U.S. industries and manufacturing employment, Congress has begun to focus on not only access to the Chinese market and...

Central Asia: regional developments and implication for U.S. interests.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Historical Background Overview of U.S. Policy Concerns Post-September 11 and Afghanistan Support for Operation Iraqi Freedom Fostering Pro-Western Orientations...

Campaign finance.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Evolution of the Current System Campaign Finance Practices and Related Issues Enduring Issues: Overall Costs, Funding Sources, and Competition ...

Lebanon.(CRS Issue Brief for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis United States and Lebanon Overview Lebanon: Demography and Politics Political Profile Sectarianism Political...

Syria: U.S. relations and bilateral issues.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Syrian-U.S. Bilateral Issues Arab-Israeli Peace Negotiations Syrian Role in Lebanon Resolution 1559 Assassination of...

China's economic conditions.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis An Overview of China's Economic Development China's Economy Prior to Reforms The Introduction of Economic Reforms China's Economic Growth...

Afghanistan: post-war governance, security, and U.S. policy.
March 1, 2006... Summary Afghanistan's planned political transition was completed with the convening of a parliament in December 2005, but insurgent threats to Afghanistan's government persist. A new constitution was adopted in January 2004, and successful...

Iraq: U.S. regime change efforts and post-Saddam governance.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary Operation Iraqi Freedom succeeded in overthrowing Saddam Hussein, but Iraq remains violent and unstable because of Sunni Arab resentment and a related insurgency, as well as increasing sectarian violence. According to its November...

Women in Iraq: background and issues for U.S. policy.
March 1, 2006... Summary The issue of women's rights in Iraq has taken on new relevance, following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, efforts to reconstruct Iraq, and recent elections for a Transitional National Assembly (TNA). Over the past three...

Iraq: elections, government, and constitution.
March 1, 2006... Summary Elections for a transitional National Assembly and government (January 30, 2005), a permanent constitution (October 15), and a permanent (four year) Council of Representatives and government (December 15) have been concluded...

China's currency: a summary of the economic issues.
March 1, 2006... Summary In response to international pressure over its policy of pegging its currency (the yuan) to the U.S. dollar, the Chinese government on July 21, 2005, announced it would immediately appreciate the yuan to the dollar by 2.1% and...

United Nations system funding: congressional issues.( )
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis U.N. System Financing U.N. Assessed Budgets Scale of Assessments U.N. Reform U.S. Role in U.N. Reform Task Force on...

United Nations peacekeeping: issues for Congress.(CRS Issue Brief for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis Current Funding Situation Basic Information Other Peacekeeping Issues A Peacekeeping Response to International Humanitarian Distress ...

U.S. trade deficit and the impact of rising oil prices.
March 1, 2006... Summary Petroleum prices have risen sharply since early 2004. At the same time the average amount of imports of energy-related petroleum products has fallen slightly. The combination of sharply rising prices and a slightly lower level of...

Trade negotiations during the 109th Congress.
March 1, 2006... CONTENTS SUMMARY MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS U.S. Negotiating Strategy Notification and Consultation Requirements Before the Start of Negotiations During Negotiations ...

Taiwan: recent developments and U.S. policy choices.
March 1, 2006... CONTENTS SUMMARY MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Taiwan's Political Liberalization Political Pluralization Split Government, Competing Ideologies Key Current Issues in Taiwan ...

Saudi Arabia: current issues and U.S. relations.
March 1, 2006... CONTENTS SUMMARY MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Current Issues Royal Succession September 11 Terrorist Attacks and Aftermath Allegations Saudi Responses Joint...

Peacekeeping and related stability operations: issues of U.S. military involvement.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis The Definitional Problem Current U.S. Military Participation in Peacekeeping and Related Stability Missions Reduced Numbers Serve in...

Iraq: post-Saddam governance and security.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary Operation Iraqi Freedom succeeded in overthrowing Saddam Hussein, but Iraq remains violent and unstable because of Sunni Arab resentment and a related insurgency, as well as growing sectarian violence. According to its November 30,...

Iraq: elections, government, and constitution.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary Elections in 2005 for a transitional National Assembly and government (January 30, 2005), a permanent constitution (October 15), and a permanent (four year) Council of Representatives and government (December 15) were concluded...

The European Parliament.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary The 732-member, directly-elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 25-member European Union (EU). Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Currently, it plays a...

Energy efficiency: budget, oil conservation, and electricity conservation issues.
March 1, 2006... CONTENTS SUMMARY MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Energy Efficiency Concept History DOE's Strategic and Performance Goals Energy Efficiency in the 109th Congress Efficiency Standards for...

Energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation in the 109th Congress.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary This report reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 109th Congress. Action in the first session focused on omnibus energy policy bill H.R. 6, omnibus transportation bill H.R....

Central Asia: regional developments and implication for U.S. interests.(CRS Issue Brief for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Historical Background Overview of U.S. Policy Concerns Post-September 11 and Afghanistan Support for Operation Iraqi Freedom Fostering Pro-Western Orientations ...

Bringing peace to Chechnya? Assessments and implications.
March 1, 2006... Summary Russia's then-Premier (and current President) Vladimir Putin ordered military, police, and security forces to enter the breakaway Chechnya region in September 1999, and these forces occupied most of the region by early 2000. The...

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: overview of internal and external challenges.
March 1, 2006... Summary On January 15, 2005, Mahmoud Abbas was sworn in as President of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Many believe that the Abbas victory marks the end of an autocratic era dominated by the late Yasir Arafat and the increased possibility...

U.S. nuclear cooperation with India: issues for Congress.
March 1, 2006... Summary On July 18, 2005, President Bush announced a global partnership with India to promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace. The desire to transform relations with India, according to Administration officials, is "founded upon...

Immigration related border security legislation in the 109th Congress.
March 1, 2006... Summary Border security is considered a central aspect of the United States' overall homeland security. Securing the border involves controlling the official ports of entry (POE) through which legitimate travelers and commerce enter the...

Generalized System of Preferences.
March 1, 2006... Summary The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) extends duty-free treatment to certain products that are imported from designated developing countries. The primary purpose of the program, which the United States and other industrial...

Japan-U.S. relations: issues for Congress.
March 1, 2006... Contents Summary Most Recent Developments Background and Analysis The Role of Congress in U.S.-Japan Relations Major Diplomatic and Security Issues Global Issues Counterterrorism Cooperation Support...

United States-Canada trade and economic relationship: prospects and challenges.
March 1, 2006... Summary The United States and Canada conduct the world's largest bilateral trade relationship, with total merchandise trade (exports and imports) exceeding $499.3 billion in 2005. The U.S.-Canadian relationship revolves around the themes...

Latin America and the Caribbean: issues for the 109th Congress.
March 1, 2006... Summary The Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in terms of political and economic development. While the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it rebounded in 2004,...

U.S. agricultural policy response to WTO cotton decision.
March 1, 2006... Summary In March 2005, a World Trade Organization (WTO) appellate panel ruled against the United States in a dispute settlement case (DS267) brought by Brazil against certain aspects of the U.S. cotton program. (1) To comply with the...

Agricultural biotechnology: the U.S.-EU dispute.
March 1, 2006... Summary In May 2003, the United States, Canada, and Argentina challenged in World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement the European Union's (EU's) de facto moratorium on biotechnology product approvals in place since 1998. Although...

Coastal Louisiana ecosystem restoration after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.(Report)
March 1, 2006... Summary Prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had been seeking congressional approval for a $1.1 billion multi-year program to both construct five projects that would help to restore specified sites in the...

Avian influenza: agricultural issues.
March 1, 2006... Summary Since the fall of 2003, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has spread throughout Asia, infecting mostly poultry but also a limited number of humans. The virus reached Europe in 2005, and the Middle East and Africa...

Treatment of "battlefield detainees" in the war on terrorism.(Law overview)
March 1, 2006... Summary In June 2004, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Rasul v. Bush that U.S. courts have jurisdiction to hear challenges on behalf of persons detained at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in connection with the war against...

Taiwan: major U.S. arms sales since 1990.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... 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. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), P.L. 96-8, has governed U.S. arms...

Lobbying reform: background and legislative proposals, 109th congress.
March 1, 2006... Summary In the decade since enactment of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA), concerns have been raised about the capacity of Congress to oversee the activities of professional lobbyists. Lobbyists and others who seek to participate...

Lobbying disclosure and ethics proposals related to lobbying introduced in the 109th Congress: a comparative analysis.
March 1, 2006... Summary The regulation of lobbying activities by lobbyists, and the actions that certain members of the executive branch and legislative branch may take in their interactions with lobbyists, are governed by laws and congressional rules....

North Korean counterfeiting of U.S. currency.
March 1, 2006... Summary The United States has accused the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) of counterfeiting U.S. $100 Federal Reserve notes (supernotes) and passing them off in various countries. This is one of several illicit...

Lobbying, ethics and related procedural reforms: comparison of current provisions of S. 2349 and H.R. 4975.(CRS Report for Congress: Received through the CRS Web)
March 1, 2006... Summary This report provides a table to summarize and provide a side-by-side comparison of the provisions concerning lobbying, ethics, and related congressional procedural reforms that are currently being considered in S. 2349 and H.R....

U.S. occupation assistance: Iraq, Germany and Japan compared.
March 1, 2006... Summary This report provides aggregate data on U.S. assistance to Iraq and compares it with U.S. assistance to Germany and Japan during the seven years following World War II. U.S. aid allocations (all grant assistance) for Iraq...

USA PATRIOT improvement and reauthorization act of 2005: a legal analysis.
March 1, 2006... Summary Several sections of the USA PATRIOT Act and one section of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 were originally scheduled to expire on December 31, 2005. In July 2005, both Houses approved USA PATRIOT...

Transnational organized crime: principal threats and U.S. responses.
March 1, 2006... Summary This report examines the growing threat of transnational organized crime to U.S. national security and global stability. The end of the Cold War--along with increasing globalization beginning in the 1990s--has helped criminal...

Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Sunset Amendments in brief.
March 1, 2006... Summary Section 6603 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 amends two federal terrorist assistance prohibitions. Those amendments were to expire on December 31, 2006, P.L. 108-458, 118 Stat. 3762-764 (2004). P.L....

National Security Letters in foreign intelligence investigations: a glimpse of the legal background and recent amendments.
March 1, 2006... Summary Five statutory provisions vest government agencies responsible for certain foreign intelligence investigations (principally the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI]) with authority to issue written commands comparable to...