CRS Reports

Research Tax Credit: Current Status, Legislative Proposals, and Policy Issues

Dec 22, 2005

Terrorism Risk Insurance Legislation: Issue Summary and Side-by-Side

Dec 5, 2005

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress

This report focuses on the implications that certain elements of China’s military modernization may have for future required U.S. Navy capabilities. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China’s military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? Congress’s decisions on this issue could significantly affect future U.S. Navy capabilities, U.S. Navy funding requirements, and the U.S. defense industrial base, including the shipbuilding industry.

Nov 18, 2005

The National Environmental Policy Act: Background and Implementation

Nov 16, 2005

Libya: Background and U.S. Relations

This report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; profiles Libyan leader Muammar al Qadhafi; discusses Libya’s political and economic reform efforts; and reviews current issues of potential congressional interest.

Nov 4, 2005

Social Security Survivors Benefits

Oct 6, 2005

The United Kingdom: Issues for the United States

This report assesses the current state of U.S.-UK relations. It examines the pressures confronting London as it attempts to balance its interests between the United States and the EU, and the prospects for the future of the U.S.-UK partnership. It also describes UK views on political, security, and economic issues of particular importance to the United States, and their implications for U.S. policy.

Sep 23, 2005

Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations

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, U.S.-Egyptian relations are complex and multi-faceted, and this report addresses the following current topics: the Arab-Israeli peace process, Iraq, terrorism, democratization and reform, human rights, trade, and military cooperation.

Sep 21, 2005

Legislative Branch: FY2006 Appropriations

The President signed H.R. 2985, the FY2006 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, into P.L. 109-55 on August 2, 2005 (119 Stat. 565). The act provides $3.804 billion in new budget authority, a 4.49% increase of $163.61 million over current budget authority. Going into conference, the House bill contained $2.87 billion, a 1.7% increase over the current budget, excluding funds for Senate items, which were determined by the Senate after House consideration of the bill. The Senate bill contained $3.83 billion, a 6.3% increase, including funds for House items. The level of funding is less than the outlay of $3.809 billion projected by the House Budget Committee. The difference is to be offset by the use of prior year funds made available primarily for projects under jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol. As enacted into law, H.R. 2985 contained new discretionary budget authority of $3.804 billion, exceeding the 302(b) allocation by $85 million. One of the more controversial issues, House language providing for continuity of representation in the House of Representatives pursuant to an emergency situation, was retained by conferees. The Senate bill did not contain the language. Actions on the FY2006 bill follow last year’s approval by the Committees on Appropriations of a virtual funding freeze. Congress eventually agreed to a 1.2% increase, which fell below the 1.3% increase agreed to by both houses for discretionary funds. Among other issues that were under consideration during discussions on the FY2006 budget were requests by the chairman of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for agencies to identify further their FY2006 objectives in an effort to reduce their requests to more closely mirror the President’s call for a 2.1% on discretionary appropriations; funding for the U.S. Capitol Police budget (the House bill contained a 0.7% decrease; the Senate bill, a 9.6% increase; and the conference report, a 3.31% increase; funding for the Capitol Visitor Center (the House bill contained $36.9 million; the Senate bill, $44.2 million, with conferees agreeing to the Senate figure); language in the House bill terminating the Capitol Police mounted horse unit, which was retained in conference; the Senate bill did not contain the provision; language regarding management of the Capitol Police; language in both the House and Senate bill limiting the pay of a legislative branch employee to that received by a Member of Congress, which was dropped during conference; and, language in the Senate report encouraging the application of performance standards for the legislative branch similar to those now statutorily required by the executive branch.

Aug 30, 2005

Agriculture: Previewing a Farm Bill

Most provisions of the current “farm bill,” the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA) of 2002 (P.L. 107-171), do not expire until 2007. Nonetheless, various policy developments have brought farm bill programs into play during the 109th Congress. For example, the FY2006 budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 95) directs the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to find five-year savings of $3 billion from programs under their jurisdiction. Hearings on a 2007 farm bill itself could begin later in 2005. This report will be updated if events warrant; for a more extensive discussion of the issues, see CRS Report RL33037, Previewing a 2007 Farm Bill.

Aug 29, 2005

Community Services Block Grants (CSBG): Funding and Reauthorization

Community Services Block Grants (CSBG), administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provide federal funds to states, territories and Indian tribes for distribution to local agencies to reduce poverty. Several related national activities — Community Economic Development, Rural Community Facilities, National Youth Sports, Community Food and Nutrition, Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) — also provide grants to local communities for a variety of anti-poverty initiatives.

Jul 20, 2005

Military Aircraft, the F/A-18EF Super Hornet Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Jul 13, 2005

Regular Vetoes and Pocket Vetoes: An Overview

Jul 11, 2005

Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: Committee and Floor Procedure

May 24, 2005

Trade Remedies: A Primer

May 2, 2005

Social Security: Raising or Eliminating the Taxable Earnings Base

May 2, 2005

The Endangered Species Act: A Primer

The Endangered Species Act (ESA)1 receives significant congressional attention. The associated power and reach of its comprehensive protection for species identified as endangered or threatened with extinction has ignited concern that there be appropriate bounds on this power. The following discussion provides an overview and background on the various features of the ESA that contribute to its stature and yet spark an ongoing debate over its implementation.

Mar 31, 2005

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

Mar 31, 2005

The European Union: Questions and Answers

This report provides answers to key questions related to the European Union (EU). It describes the EU’s evolution, its governing institutions, trade policy, and efforts to forge common foreign and defense policies. The report also addresses the EU-U.S. and EU-NATO relationships.

Mar 7, 2005

Campus-Based Student Financial Aid Programs Under the Higher Education Act

Feb 11, 2005

The Federal Rulemaking Process: An Overview

Feb 7, 2005

Health Insurance: A Primer

Feb 3, 2005

North Korea: A Chronology of Events, October 2002-December 2004

This report provides a chronology of events relevant to U.S. relations with North Korea from October 2002 through December 31, 2004. The chronology includes significant meetings, events, and statements that shed light on the issues surrounding North Korea's nuclear weapons program. An introductory analysis provides background on U.S. policy preceding October 2002 as well as an overview of developments and dynamics among the major players in the North Korea nuclear dispute: South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, and the United States. Particular attention is paid to the demise of the Agreed Framework, the ongoing six-party talks, China's prominent role in the negotiations, inter-Korean relations, and the Japanese abductee issue. Also discussed is Congress's role in dealing with North Korea, including the passage of the North Korea Human Rights Act ( P.L. 108-333 ). This report will not be updated.

Jan 24, 2005

Social Security: Calculation and History of Taxing Benefits

Jan 14, 2005

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides monetary assistance to individuals unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits. DUA is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). DUA is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) through each state’s UC agency. In the 109th Congress, P.L. 109-176 was signed into law on March 6, 2006, extending the duration of DUA benefits from 26 to 39 weeks for victims of the Hurricane Katrina and Rita disasters.

Jan 10, 2005

An Overview of the Section 8 Housing Program

Jan 10, 2005

V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft

Jan 7, 2005

The U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate

Dec 16, 2004

Appropriations for FY2005: Legislative Branch

Congress agreed to a 1.2% increase in its budget authority for FY2005, appropriating $3.57 million, subject to a 0.80% rescission. Although legislative branch agencies requested an overall 12.5% increase, the chairmen and some members of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Legislative Branch indicated early in budget discussions the probability of a fairly flat FY2005 budget. Subsequently, during markup the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations approved a freeze on FY2005 legislative branch budget authority. The House bill ( H.R. 4755 ) contained a -0.1% change from FY2004, excluding Senate items; the Senate's version of H.R. 4755 , amended to contain the language of S. 2666 , contained a +0.33% change, excluding House items. Both bills fell below the 1.3% increase agreed to earlier this year by the House and Senate for discretionary agencies and programs under jurisdictions of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Legislative Branch. Among elements under consideration during discussions on the FY2005 budget were impact of a flat budget funded at the FY2004 level with additional appropriations to pay for mandatory expenses (annual salary increases and related increased personnel costs), and for costs of goods and services increased due to inflation; impact of a budget funded at the FY2004 level with no additional funds for mandatory expenses and inflationary increases; impact of a tight budget on funding to equip and startup the Capitol Visitors' Center (CVC) (the House bill did not contain funds, while the Senate bill contained $7.6 million; conferees authorized a transfer up to $10.6 million to the CVC; impact of funding restrictions on implementation of additional security enhancements within and around the Capitol complex, including funding for the Capitol Police; elimination of the Joint Economic Committee (proposed but postponed in House Subcommittee markup; not considered in full committee markup); authorization for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), formerly named the General Accounting Office, to study statutory jurisdictions of the joint economic and taxation committees to determine possible overlap (included in the House bill, but specifically not supported in the Senate bill); elimination of the Capitol Hill mounted police force (adopted during House Subcommittee markup, but supported in Senate report language); and extension of dental and vision benefits to Members and House employees (proposed for employees but postponed during House Subcommittee markup); considered and agreed to in full committee markup (applicable to both employees and Members).

Dec 13, 2004

Military Benefits for Former Spouses: Legislation and Policy Issues

This report discusses the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), which treats military personnel former spouses eligibility to receive certain military benefits or privileges.

Dec 9, 2004

Northern Ireland: The Peace Process

This report provides background information regarding political violence and the peace process in Northern Ireland. It includes further information about the devolved government and recurrent crises (1999-2002, 2003-2007 and 2008-2010), implementation of police reforms, recent events and ongoing challenges, relevant U.S. policy, and recent legislation.

Dec 9, 2004

The Federal Excise Tax on Gasoline and the Highway Trust Fund: A Short History

Nov 18, 2004

Agricultural Credit: Institutions and Issues

Nov 18, 2004

Potential Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress

Nov 8, 2004

Temporary Protected Status: Current Immigration Policy and Issues

Nov 4, 2004

Navy DD(X), CG(X), and LCS Ship Acquisition Programs: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress

Oct 28, 2004

Congressional Oversight Manual

Throughout its history, Congress has engaged in oversight of the executive branch — the review, monitoring, and supervision of the implementation of public policy. The first several Congresses inaugurated such important oversight techniques as special investigations, reporting requirements, resolutions of inquiry, and use of the appropriations process to review executive activity. Contemporary developments, moreover, have increased the legislature’s capacity and capabilities to check on and check the Executive. Public laws and congressional rules have measurably enhanced Congress’s implied power under the Constitution to conduct oversight.

Oct 21, 2004

An Overview of USDA Rural Development Programs

Aug 26, 2004

Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens: Current Policy and Legislation

Jul 22, 2004

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

Jul 20, 2004

Information Warfare and Cyberwar: Capabilities and Related Policy Issues

Jul 19, 2004

Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding

Jul 15, 2004

Social Security: The Government Pension Offset (GPO)

This report discusses the social security benefits and the spousal benefits of individuals who are not financially dependent on their spouses because they receive benefits based on their own work records.

Jul 6, 2004

Federal Employees’ Retirement System: The Role of the Thrift Savings Plan

Jun 10, 2004

Navy Attack Submarine Force-Level Goal and Procurement Rate: Background and Issues for Congress

Jun 2, 2004

Federal Employee Retirement Programs: Budget and Trust Fund Issues

Retirement annuities for civilian federal employees are provided mainly through two programs: the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). These annuities are financed through a combination of employee contributions and payments made by the federal government to the civil service retirement trust fund. This report discusses the two programs, how they work, and how they are financed.

May 24, 2004

The Congressional Budget Process: A Brief Overview

Jan 28, 2004

Reorganization of the House of Representatives: Modern Reform Efforts

On January 7, 2003, the House created a Select Committee on Homeland Security. One of its responsibilities is to conduct a "thorough and complete study of the operation and implementation of the rules of the House, including Rule X, with respect to the issue of homeland security." The select committee is required to submit its recommendations on possible changes to the Committee on Rules not later than September 30, 2004. Numerous official and unofficial reviews by Congress have been conducted in the past 60 years. Three joint committees, two select committees, two commissions, and party caucuses and conferences have studied various aspects of the House and its committee system. The contemporary system is primarily a product of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, which, among other things, codified committee jurisdictions, streamlined the committee system, and instituted a professional committee staffing structure. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 opened Congress to public scrutiny, modified committee and floor procedures, and enhanced Congress's research and budget capabilities. The Committee Reform Amendments of 1974 (Bolling committee) recommended major changes in House committee jurisdiction and referral procedures, although an alternative plan was adopted. The work of the Commission on Administrative Review (Obey commission) and the Commission on Information and Facilities (Brooks commission) focused on the administrative structure of the House. The Select Committee on Committees (Patterson committee) recommended modifications in House energy jurisdiction, committee assignment process, and committee procedures. The Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress altered aspects of congressional organization and operations. Many decisions affecting committee and floor operations are within the purview of the respective party caucuses; they too have modified party and House rules on several occasions since 1946. This report discusses the reform efforts to reorganize the House committee system since the 1940s. This report will be updated if events warrant. For related information on congressional reorganization efforts, see CRS Report RL32112(pdf) , Reorganization of the Senate: Modern Reform Efforts , by Judy Schneider, Colton Campbell, Christopher M. Davis, and Betsy Palmer.

Oct 20, 2003

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Program and Funding Issues

Oct 16, 2003

Small Business Expensing Allowance Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 : Changes and Likely Economic Effects

Jun 24, 2003