Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs articles from March 2010

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports and Issue Briefs archives from March 2010

War bonds in the second world war: a model for a new Iraq/Afghanistan war bond?(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction War Bonds in the Second World War Current Savings Bonds Patriot Bonds Conclusion March 1, 2010 Summary The high costs of fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have rekindled congressional interest in the...

Afghanistan: post-Taliban governance, security, and U.S. policy.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... March 1, 2010 Summary During 2009, the Obama Administration addressed a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan. Despite an increase in U.S. forces there during 2006-2008, insurgents were expanding their area and intensity of...

Background.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... From Early History to the 19th Century It took Alexander the Great three years (330 B.C.E. to 327 B.C.E) to conquer what is now Afghanistan. From the third to the eighth century, A.D., Buddhism was the dominant religion in Afghanistan. At the...

Post-Taliban stability and nation-building efforts.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... 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)
March 1, 2010... The U.S. definition of "success" in Afghanistan, articulated since the ouster of the Taliban in late 2001, has been to build an Afghan government and security force that can defend itself as economic growth and development takes hold. The Obama...

Regional context.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... Most of Afghanistan's neighbors believed that the fall of the Taliban would stabilize the region, but like-minded militants have been battling the government of Pakistan, dashing hopes for long term stability. Six of Afghanistan's neighbors...

U.S. and international aid to Afghanistan and development issues.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... 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 constitute a major...

Residual issues from past conflicts.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... 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)
March 1, 2010... 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...

Government collection of private information: background and issues related to the USA PATRIOT Act reauthorization.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Constitutional Limitations Fourth Amendment First Amendment History of Congressional Action Statutory Framework Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Subpoena Authorities Electronic Communications Privacy Act...

Chile: political and economic conditions and U.S. relations.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents February 27, 2010, Earthquake Current Conditions Chilean Government Response Political and Economic Background Independence through Allende Pinochet Era Return to Democracy Recent Political and Economic Developments ...

The European Union: leadership changes resulting from the Lisbon Treaty.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... Contents The United States and the European Union. The Lisbon Treaty and Key EU Leadership Changes Differences Between the European Council and the Council of Ministers The Rotating Presidency Changes Regarding the European Council...

Iraq: politics, elections, and benchmarks.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Overview of the Political Transition January 2005 National Assembly and Provincial Elections Permanent Constitution December 15, 2005, Elections Political Reconciliation and Subsequent Elections The Strengthening of Maliki...

Afghanistan: U.S. foreign assistance.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Most Recent Developments Introduction U.S. Assistance Programs Development Assistance Programs Infrastructure National Solidarity Program Economic Growth Agriculture Health Education ...

Visa security policy: roles of the departments of state and homeland security.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Overview on Visa Issuances Immigrant Visas Nonimmigrant Visas Statutory Basis of Current Visa Policy Immigration and Nationality Act Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 [section]428 of...

Legislative Options after Citizens United V. FEC: Constitutional and Legal Issues
March 1, 2010... Contents Background Impact of Citizens United on Current Federal Campaign Finance Law Legislation and Proposals in Response to Citizens United Increased Disclaimer Requirements Disclosure of Donors to [section] 501(c)...

FY2011 budget documents: Internet and GPO availability.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction The President's Budget Documents, Fiscal Year 2011 The Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2011 The Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2011 (CD-ROM) Analytical Perspectives, Budget of the United...

Afghanistan casualties: military forces and civilians.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... March 8, 2010 Summary This report collects statistics from a variety of sources on casualties sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which began on October 7, 2001, and is ongoing. OEF actions take place primarily in...

The FY2011 federal budget.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Overview Budget Cycle Revenues, Outlays, and Deficits for FY2009 Trends Federal Spending Federal Revenue Deficits, Debt, and Interest Federal Deficits Federal Debt and Debt Limit Net Interest...

Immigration visa issuances and grounds for exclusion: policy and trends.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Policy Context Background Visa Issuance Policy [section]221(g) Disqualification [section]212(a) Exclusion Permanent Admissions (Immigrant Visas) Procedures Trends Temporary Admissions...

Trade agreements: impact on the U.S. economy.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Background An Overview of the Major Agreements Multilateral Agreements Regional Trade Agreements Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) U.S.-Southern African Customs...

Iran: U.S. concerns and policy responses.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... March 11, 2010 Summary President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous Administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Obama Administration has not changed the Bush...

Political history.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... 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 opposition.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... About a decade after founding the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died on June 3, 1989. Iran's regime has always been considered authoritarian, but with a degree of popular input and checks and balances among power centers. The...

Human rights practices.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... The sections below discuss various aspects of Iran's human rights record. These issues are related to analysis of the regime's response to the Green movement's protests, but substantial international criticism of Iran's human rights practices...

Iran's strategic capabilities and weapons of mass destruction programs.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... Many in the Obama Administration view Iran, as the Bush Administration did, as one of the key national security challenges facing the United States. (10) This assessment is based largely on Iran's weapons of mass destruction (WMD)...

Foreign policy and support for terrorist groups.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... 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 and options.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... 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. Some experts maintain that, since that time, the United States has lacked a comprehensive and consistent strategy to limit...

Conclusion.(Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses)
March 1, 2010... Mistrust between the United States and Iran's Islamic regime has run deep for almost three decades. This mistrust has contributed to the difficulty in resolving international concerns about Iran's nuclear program and intentions. However, some...

Central Asia's security: issues and implications for U.S. interests.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... March 11, 2010 Summary The Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) face common security challenges from crime, corruption, terrorism, and faltering commitments to economic and democratic...

Introduction.(Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... The Central Asian region--bordering regional powers Russia, China, and Iran--is an age-old east-west and north-south trade and transport crossroads. (1) After many of the former Soviet Union's republics had declared their independence by late...

Central Asia's external security context.(Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests)
March 1, 2010... Central Asia's states have slowly consolidated and extended their relations with neighboring and other countries and international organizations that seek to play influential roles in Central Asia or otherwise affect regional security. These...

Security problems and progress.(Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests)
March 1, 2010... The problems of authoritarian regimes, crime, corruption, terrorism, and ethnic and civil tensions jeopardize the security and independence of all the new states of Central Asia, though to varying degrees. Kazakhstan has faced the potential of...

Implications for U.S. interests.(Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests)
March 1, 2010... After the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the former Bush Administration stated that U.S. policy toward Central Asia focused on three inter-related activities: the promotion of security, domestic reforms, and energy...

Appendix. Selected outside players.(Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests)(Appendix)
March 1, 2010... Russia For the Central Asian states, the challenge is to maintain useful ties with Russia without allowing it undue influence. This concern is most evident in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan, because of its shared 4,200 mile border with...

Nanotechnology: a policy primer.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Overview The National Nanotechnology Initiative Structure Funding Selected Issues U.S. Competitiveness Global Funding Scientific Papers Patents Environmental, Health, and Safety Implications ...

Economic effects of a budget deficit exceeding $1 trillion.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction At What Point Does the Public Debt Become Unsustainable? Are Financial Markets Treating the Debt as Unsustainable? Evidence from Abroad Will Future Budget Deficits Remain at Unsustainable Levels Under Current...

Ongoing government assistance for American International Group (AIG).(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Current Status of Government Assistance to AIG Ultimate Cost of Assistance to AIG? Legal Authority for Assistance to AIG Sources of AIG Losses AIG Financial Products AIG Securities Lending Program Forms of Assistance...

International terrorism and transnational crime: security threats, U.S. policy, and considerations for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... March 18, 2010 Summary The involvement of insurgent and extremist groups in criminal activity is an issue that has been a concern of U.S. administrations for decades. In recent years, some observers have claimed that interactions between...

Introduction.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... Terrorist and transnational criminal groups have long shared similar characteristics and borrowed tactics and techniques commonly ascribed to the other. (1) Historical examples also indicate that such groups may drift, evolve, converge,...

Crime-terrorism partnerships and transformations.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... The following sections explore the underlying rationale for criminal and terrorist group partnerships as well as the conditions that may facilitate the evolution or transformation of a criminal or terrorist group into the other. Organizations...

The crime-terrorism toolbox.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... The following sections expand on the variety of criminal activities associated with terrorist groups. Such activities fall into three main categories: fundraising through crimes; materials and logistics support; and exploitation of corruption...

Interaction of terrorism and crime: case studies.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... There is no single model for interaction between terrorist groups and transnational criminal enterprises. Relationships between these two can take many forms, based on the various actors' differing motivations, objectives, and challenges. Myriad...

Selected U.S. government actions addressing the confluence of international terrorism and transnational organized crime.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... U.S. efforts to combat the relationship between crime and terrorism are a subset of broader policy responses to transnational crime and international terrorism individually. While numerous U.S. strategies and programs are designed to combat...

Policy considerations.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Policy issues related to the interaction of international crime and terrorism are inherently complex. The crime-terrorism nexus encompasses a range of illicit activities, actors, and venues that span multiple countries and jurisdictions and link...

Congressional activity.(International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress)
March 1, 2010... Earlier this decade, especially in the immediate wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Congress maintained active interest in the intersection of terrorism and crime. Between December 2000 and July 2005, Congress held a total of...

Federal efforts to address the threat of bioterrorism: selected issues for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Strategic Planning Options for Congress Risk Assessment Options for Congress Biosurveillance Options for Congress Medical Countermeasures Research and Development Options for Congress Procurement ...

Guinea: background and relations with the United States.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Recent Developments U.S. Relations with the Unity Government Overview U.S. Interests in Guinea Recent Congressional Actions The Conte Regime: Final Years The CNDD and the Transitional Government December 2008 Coup:...

Europe's preferential trade agreements: status, content, and implications.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Status and Primary Motivations of Europe's PTAs Agreements with Future EU Members or Close Neighbors Acceding Countries European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Western Balkans Other European Agreements...

The impact of major legislation on budget deficits: 2001 to 2009.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Federal Budget Deficits: 2001 to 2009 Mandatory Spending and Federal Revenues: 2001 to 2009 Mandatory Spending Federal Revenues Impact of Major Legislation on Budget Deficits: 2001 to 2009 EGTRRA, JGTRRA and Other Major Tax...

Foreign science and engineering presence in U.S. institutions and the labor force.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Foreign Students in U.S. Institutions Participation Rates in Science and Engineering Support of Foreign Students in Graduate School Perceived Benefits and Problems Foreign Scientists and Engineers in the U.S. Labor Force Policy...

The future of U.S. trade policy: an analysis of issues and options for the 111th Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents The Current Economic and Political Climate for Trade Policy Political Factors Public Opinion Congressional Perspective Presidential Perspective Executive-Legislative Partnership/Tension Economic Factors ...

Deforestation and climate change.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Congressional Interest Forests and Climate Forest Cover Linkages Between Forests and Climate Soil Impacts Wood Utilization/Wood Waste Burning--Natural and Anthropogenic Other Relationships Between Deforestation and Climate...

Guantanamo detention center: legislative activity in the 111th Congress.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Background Enacted Laws Restrictions on Transfer and Release Restrictions on the Use of Funds to Release Detainees into the United States 15-Day Reporting Requirements for Release in or Transfer to ...

Afghanistan: post-Taliban governance, security, and U.S. policy.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... March 25, 2010 Summary Following two high-level policy reviews and the appointment of a new overall U.S. commander in Afghanistan in 2009, the Obama Administration says it is pursuing a fully resourced, integrated military-civilian...

Background.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
March 1, 2010... From Early History to the 19th Century Alexander the Great three years (330 B.C.E. to 327 B.C.E) conquered what is now Afghanistan in three years. From the third to the eighth century, A.D., Buddhism was the dominant religion in Afghanistan....

Post-Taliban stability and nation-building efforts.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... 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 how extensive a U.S. and international commitment would...

Security policy and force capacity building.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... The U.S. definition of "success" in Afghanistan, articulated since the ouster of the Taliban in late 2001, has been to build an Afghan government and security force that can defend itself as economic growth and development takes hold. The Obama...

Regional context.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... Most of Afghanistan's neighbors believed that the fall of the Taliban would stabilize the region, but like-minded militants have been battling the government of Pakistan, dashing hopes for long-term stability. Six of Afghanistan's neighbors...

U.S. and international aid to Afghanistan and development issues.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)(Report)
March 1, 2010... 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 constitute a major...

Residual issues from past conflicts.(Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy)
March 1, 2010... 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)
March 1, 2010... 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...

"Don't ask, don't tell:" the law and military policy on same-sex behavior.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Recent Developments Background and Analysis Discharge Statistics Recent Legislation Appendixes Appendix. 10 USC [section] 654 Contacts Author Contact Information March 25, 2010 Summary In 1993, new laws and regulations...

The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement: effects after five years.(Congressional Research Service)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Trade in Goods Trade and Market Access in Services Financial Services Legal Services Electronic Commerce Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection Investments U.S. Imports from Singapore Balance of Trade by Sectors Labor...

The U.S. motor vehicle industry: confronting a new dynamic in the global economy.(Congressional Research Service)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... March 26, 2010 Summary This report provides an in-depth analysis of the 2009 crisis in the U.S. auto industry and its prospects for regaining domestic and global competitiveness. It also analyzes business and policy issues arising from the...

Introduction.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... This report provides an in-depth analysis of the 2009 crisis in the U.S. auto industry and its prospects for regaining domestic and global competitiveness. It also analyzes business and policy issues arising from the unprecedented restructurings...

State of the economy: auto production and sales outlook.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... U.S. auto manufacturing takes place primarily along a north-south axis that runs from Michigan south to Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, dubbed Auto Alley by some observers. Its backbone is comprised of the north-south interstate...

GM and Chrysler: rescue and rebirth.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... Executives from all three Detroit automakers testified several times before congressional committees in the fall of 2008. Initially, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler presented a unified front, calling for federal financial assistance to help...

Ford Motor Company: a different path.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... Ford Strengthens Capital Base and Market Share As previously discussed, Ford was able to take an independent path because of seemingly fortuitous planning in 2006 when credit markets were still strong. At that point, Ford was engaged in a...

Forms of federal support.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... The federal government has provided various forms of support for the U.S. auto manufacturing sector. Shape of Federal Support TARP funds used for GM and Chrysler. More than $80 billion in TARP funds were used to provide financial support...

Foreign-owned automakers adjust and expand.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... In the 1970s, U.S. consumers bought cars that were either made domestically by the Detroit automakers or imported from Japan or Europe. Until 1978, there were no foreign-owned plants producing automobiles in the United States. The first such...

New environmental standards: will they remake the auto industry?(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards: Opportunities and Challenges In the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, P.L. 110-140), Congress mandated a significant increase in corporate average fuel economy ("CAFE") standards....

Advanced technology: competitive game changer?(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... Electric Vehicles Promise Remake of the Industry As noted above, there is growing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks. Regardless of whether federal legislation establishing an...

Appendix A. Locations of North American auto manufacturing.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)(Appendix)
March 1, 2010... Table A-1. North American Vehicle Assembly Plants Maior Manufacturers, as of October 14, 2009 Manufacturer Plant Location United States General Motors Arlington, TX Detroit-Hamtramck, MI ...

Appendix B. The global automakers.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)(Appendix)
March 1, 2010... Table B-1. Who Owns What Maior Global Automakers and Their Brands as of June 2009 Owner Brands BMW BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce Chrysler Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and...

Appendix C. Top U.S. "cash for clunkers" sales.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)(Appendix)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... Table C-1. Top 10 Sales Under "Cash for Clunkers" Cars and Light Trucks Sold During July and August 2009 Make of Vehicle Share of New Vehicle Sales Toyota 17.8% Ford 13.3%...

Appendix D. Many suppliers for every vehicle.(The U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry: Confronting a New Dynamic in the Global Economy)
March 1, 2010... [FIGURE D-1 OMITTED] Bill Canis Specialist in Industrial Organization and Business bcanis@crs.loc.gov, 7-1568 Brent D. Yacobucci Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy byacobucci@crs.loc.gov, 7-9662 (1) Ward's...

Congressional oversight of intelligence: current structure and alternatives.(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction House and Senate Select Committees on Intelligence Jurisdiction and Authority Membership and Leadership Secrecy Controls Joint Committee on Atomic Energy as a Model Proposed Joint Committee on Intelligence...

Immigration of foreign workers: labor market tests and protections.(Report)
March 1, 2010... Contents Introduction Key Elements Brief History of Labor Certification Permanent Employment-based Admissions LPR Labor Certification Process Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) Temporary Employment-Based Admissions ...

Changes in the Arctic: background and issues for Congress.(Congressional Research Service)
March 1, 2010... March 30, 2010 Summary The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened concerns about the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has...

Introduction.(Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened concerns about the region's future. Issues such as Arctic sovereignty claims; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and...

Background.(Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Definitions of the Arctic There are multiple definitions of the Arctic that result in differing descriptions of the land and sea areas encompassed by the term. Policy discussions of the Arctic can employ varying definitions of the region, and...

Issues for Congress.(Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress)(Report)
March 1, 2010... Climate Change and Loss of Arctic Sea Ice26 Record low extent of Arctic sea ice in 2007 focused scientific and policy attention on its linkage to global climate change, and to the implications of projected ice-free (27) seasons in the Arctic...

CRS reports on specific Arctic-related issues.(Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress)(Brief article)
March 1, 2010... CRS Report RL34266, Climate Change: Science Highlights, by Jane A. Leggett CRS Report RS21890, The U.N. Law of the Sea Convention and the United States: Developments Since October 2003, by Marjorie Ann Browne CRS Report RL32838, Arctic...