| Navy Shipboard Lasers for Surface, Air, and Missile Defense: Background and Issues for Congress |
08 Apr 2011 |
56 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
 | Department of Defense (DOD) development work on high-energy military lasers, which has been underway for decades, has reached the point where lasers capable of countering certain surface and air targets at ranges of about a mile could be made ready for installation on Navy surface ships over the next few years. More powerful shipboard lasers, which could become ready for installation in subsequent years, could provide Navy surface ships with ... |
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| The Army's Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) and Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) Programs: Background and Issues for Congress |
07 Apr 2011 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Feickert; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| In April 2009, Secretary of Defense Gates announced that he intended to significantly restructure the Army's Future Combat System (FCS) program. The FCS was a multiyear, multibillion dollar program that had been underway since 2000 and was at the heart of the Army's transformation efforts. In lieu of the cancelled FCS Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV), the Army was directed to develop a Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) that would be relevant ... |
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| Tort Suits Against Federal Contractors: An Overview of the Legal Issues |
07 Apr 2011 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
Vivian S Chu; Kate M Manuel; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Pending litigation and judicial decisions in recent tort suits filed by U.S. civilian and military personnel, other U.S. persons, and other parties against federal contractors have prompted congressional and public interest. Many of these suits allege that contractors were negligent or committed fraud or intentional torts (e.g., false imprisonment, infliction of emotional distress) in the course of providing services in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There has ... |
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| Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress |
07 Apr 2011 |
72 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 12, 2009, the George W. Bush Administration released a presidential directive, called National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25), ... |
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| Covert Action: Legislative Background and Possible Policy Questions |
06 Apr 2011 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Alfred Cumming; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Published reports have suggested that in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Pentagon has expanded its counterterrorism intelligence activities as part of what the Bush Administration termed the global war on terror. Some observers have asserted that the Department of Defense (DOD) may have been conducting certain kinds of counterterrorism intelligence activities that would statutorily qualify as covert actions, and thus require a presidential finding and the notification ... |
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| Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians |
06 Apr 2011 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Susan G Chesser; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| 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 Afghanistan; however, OEF casualties also includes American casualties in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Yemen. Casualty data of U.S. military forces are compiled by the ... |
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| Sensitive Covert Action Notifications: Oversight Options for Congress |
06 Apr 2011 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Alfred Cumming; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Legislation enacted in 1980 gave the executive branch authority to limit advance notification of especially sensitive covert actions to eight Members of Congress--the Gang of Eight--when the President determines that it is essential to limit prior notice in order to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting U.S. vital interests. In such cases, the executive branch is permitted by statute to limit notification to the chairmen and ranking minority members of the two ... |
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| Continuing Resolutions: Latest Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices |
06 Apr 2011 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Sandy Streeter; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Most routine operations of federal departments and agencies are funded each year through the enactment of 12 regular appropriations acts. Because these bills are annual, expiring at the end of the fiscal year (September 30), regular appropriations bills for the subsequent fiscal year must be enacted by October 1. Final action on most regular appropriations bills, however, is frequently delayed beyond the start of the fiscal year. When this occurs, ... |
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| Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress |
05 Apr 2011 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Feickert; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is being developed by the Army and the Marine Corps as a successor to the 11 different versions of the High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) that have been in service since 1985. On October 28, 2008, three awards were made for the JLTV Technology Development (TD) Phase, which is scheduled to conclude in the June 2011 timeframe to three industry teams: (1) BAE Systems, ... |
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| Locally Operated Levees: Issues and Federal Programs |
05 Apr 2011 |
35 pages |
| Authors:
Natalie Keegan; Rawle O King; Nicole T Carter; Megan Stubbs; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Locally operated levees and the federal programs that assist and accredit them are receiving increasing congressional attention. Congressional authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), expires on September 30, 2011. The pending reauthorization has increased congressional awareness of the link between the condition of locally operated levees, FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and levee accreditation (which determine which NFIP requirements ... |
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| No-Fly Zones: Strategic, Operational, and Legal Considerations for Congress |
04 Apr 2011 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Jeremiah Gertler; Christopher M Blanchard; Stephen Daggett; Catherine Dale; Jennifer K Elsea; Richard F Grimmett; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| In conflicts in Kosovo, Iraq, and Libya, the United States has taken part in establishing and maintaining no-fly zones. As no-fly zones represent a significant commitment of U.S. forces, and may prove a precursor to other military actions, Congress may wish to consider issues surrounding the strategy, international authorization, congressional authorization, operations, and costs of establishing and maintaining no-fly zones. The military strategy designed to support U.S. grand strategy, it ... |
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| Iran Sanctions |
04 Apr 2011 |
70 pages |
| Authors:
Kenneth Katzman; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| There appears to be a growing international consensus to adopt progressively strict economic sanctions against Iran to try to compel it to verifiably confine its nuclear program to purely peaceful uses. In January 2011, Secretary of State Clinton claimed that sanctions have accomplished a core objective of slowing Iran's nuclear program. However, nuclear talks in December 2010 and in January 2011 made virtually no progress. There has been little evidence ... |
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| Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress |
01 Apr 2011 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something ... |
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| Veterans and Homelessness |
01 Apr 2011 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
Libby Perl; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought renewed attention to the needs of veterans, including the needs of homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that in FY2008 it assessed more than 1,500 veterans who served in the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom theater of operations for participation in its Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program. Both male and female veterans have been over represented ... |
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| Government Shutdown: Operations of Department of Defense During a Lapse in Appropriations |
01 APR 2011 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Stephen Daggett; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Funding for the Department of Defense, as for most other federal agencies, is being provided through a Continuing Resolution that may expire after April 8, 2011. If additional funding is not provided after then, DOD, like other agencies, may be subject to a lapse in appropriations during which agencies are generally required to shut down. In the past, however, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has identified a number ... |
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| Rare Earth Elements in National Defense: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress |
31 MAR 2011 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
Valerie B. Grasso; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Some Members of Congress have expressed concern over U.S. acquisition of rare earth elements that are used in various components of defense weapon systems. Rare earths are a collection of 17 elements on the periodic table, including a series of 15 elements beginning with atomic number 57 (lanthanum) and extending through number 71 (lutetium), as well as two other elements, yttrium and scandium, which have similar properties. These elements are ... |
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| Supreme Court Appellate Jurisdiction Over Military Court Cases |
30 Mar 2011 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
R C Mason; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Military courts, authorized by Article I of the U.S. Constitution, have jurisdiction over cases involving military servicemembers, including, in some cases, retired servicemembers. They have the power to convict for crimes defined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), including both uniquely military offenses and crimes with equivalent definitions in civilian laws. For example, in United States v. Stevenson, military courts prosecuted a retired serviceman for rape, a crime ... |
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| Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress |
29 Mar 2011 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Feickert; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Congress has played a central role in the MRAP program by suggesting to defense and service officials that MRAPs would provide far superior protection for troops than did the up-armored High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs ). Congressional support for MRAPs, as well as fully funding the program, has been credited with getting these vehicles to Iraq and Afghanistan in a relatively short timeframe, thereby helping to reduce casualties. Congress may ... |
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| The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11 |
29 Mar 2011 |
60 pages |
| Authors:
Amy Belasco; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| With enactment of the sixth FY2011 Continuing Resolution through March 18, 2011, (H.J.Res. 48/P.L. 112-6) Congress has approved a total of $1.283 trillion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans' health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan and other counter terror operations; Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), providing enhanced security at military bases; and Operation Iraqi Freedom ... |
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| Department of Defense Contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq: Background and Analysis |
29 Mar 2011 |
35 pages |
| Authors:
Moshe Schwartz; Joyprada Swain; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The critical role contractors play in supporting military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq necessitates that the Department of Defense (DOD) effectively manage contractors during contingency operations. Lack of sufficient contract management can delay or even prevent troops from receiving needed support and can also result in wasteful spending. Some analysts believe that poor contract management has played a role in permitting abuses and crimes committed by certain contractors against local ... |
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| Libya: Unrest and U.S. Policy |
29 MAR 2011 |
38 pages |
| Authors:
Christopher M. Blanchard; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Over forty years ago, Muammar al Qadhafi led a revolt against the Libyan monarchy in the name of nationalism, self-determination, and popular sovereignty. Opposition groups citing the same principles are now revolting against Qadhafi to bring an end to the authoritarian political system he has controlled in Libya for the last four decades. The Libyan government's use of force against civilians and opposition forces seeking Qadhafi's overthrow sparked an international ... |
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| Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2012 |
29 MAR 2011 |
50 pages |
| Authors:
Jr Sargent John F.; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| President Obama has requested $147.911 billion for research and development (R&D) in FY2012, a $772 million (0.5%) increase from the FY2010 actual R&D funding level of $147.139 billion. Congress will play a central role in defining the nation's R&D priorities, especially with respect to two overarching issues: the extent to which the federal R&D investment can grow in the context of increased pressure on discretionary spending and how available funding ... |
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| Closing the Guantanamo Detention Center: Legal Issues |
28 Mar 2011 |
59 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J Garcia; Jennifer K Elsea; R C Mason; Edward C Liu; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Congress passed the Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF), which granted the President the authority to use all necessary and appropriate force against those ... [who] planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks against the United States. Many persons subsequently captured during military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere were transferred to the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for detention and possible ... |
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| Veterans Affairs: The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims - Judicial Review of VA Decision Making |
28 Mar 2011 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Douglas R Weimer; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Congress, through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), extends various benefits to veterans and certain of their family members. Sometimes veterans may not agree with the VA's initial decisions concerning the award and/or the amount of these benefits. Within the VA, there is an extensive appeal/review process that concludes with the decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). Final decisions of the BVA may be appealed to the U.S. ... |
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| Veterans Affairs: Presumptive Service Connection and Disability Compensation |
28 Mar 2011 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Sidath V Panangala; Christine Scott; Douglas R Weimer; Umar Moulta-Ali; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The United States has provided benefits in varying degrees to those who have worn the uniform and suffered disabilities in service to the nation. In general, a veteran is entitled to compensation for disabilities incurred in or aggravated during active military, naval, or air service. It should be noted that not all persons who served in the military are considered veterans for purposes of veterans benefits. Veterans could meet the ... |
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| Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance |
28 Mar 2011 |
58 pages |
| Authors:
Kenneth Katzman; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The limited capacity and widespread corruption of all levels of Afghan governance are factors in debate over the effectiveness of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and in planning for the July 2011 beginning of a transition to Afghan security leadership. That transition is to be completed by the end of 2014, a timeframe agreed to by the United States, its international partners, and the Afghan government. Afghan governing capacity has increased ... |
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| U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress |
28 MAR 2011 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Feickert; Thomas K. Livingston; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations, and the Administration has given U.S. SOF greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has close to 60,000 active duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four components, and one sub-unified command. The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review ... |
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| The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and Appropriations Issues |
25 Mar 2011 |
54 pages |
| Authors:
Sargent; John F Jr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Nanotechnology-a term encompassing the science, engineering, and applications of submicron materials-involves the harnessing of unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoscale substances in fundamentally new and useful ways. The economic and societal promise of nanotechnology has led to substantial and sustained investments by governments and companies around the world. In 2000, the United States launched the world's first national nanotechnology program. From FY2001 through FY2010, the federal government invested ... |
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| War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance |
25 Mar 2011 |
24 pages |
| Authors:
Richard F Grimmett; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Two separate but closely related issues confront Congress each time the President introduces armed forces into a situation abroad that conceivably could lead to their involvement in hostilities. One issue concerns the division of war powers between the President and Congress, whether the use of armed forces falls within the purview of the congressional power to declare war and the War Powers Resolution (WPR). The other issue is whether or ... |
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| Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2011 |
25 Mar 2011 |
54 pages |
| Authors:
Sargent; John F Jr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| President Obama has requested $147.696 billion for research and development (R&D) in FY2011, a $343 million (0.2%) increase from the estimated FY2010 R&D funding level of $147.353 billion. Congress will play a central role in defining the nation's R&D priorities, especially with respect to two overarching issues: the extent to which the federal R&D investment can grow in the context of increased pressure on discretionary spending and how available funding ... |
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| Senegal: Background and U.S. Relations |
25 Mar 2011 |
24 pages |
| Authors:
Alexis Arieff; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Senegal is a small, Francophone nation with a population of 13 million, located on West Africa's Atlantic coast. It has experienced steady, if limited, economic growth in recent years, but remains one of the world's least developed countries. Over 90% of Senegal's population is Muslim, the majority of whom adhere to an indigenous Sufi order. A semi-arid country in Africa's Sahel region, Senegal has struggled with food insecurity and the ... |
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| Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy |
24 Mar 2011 |
97 pages |
| Authors:
Kenneth Katzman; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Stated U.S. policy is to ensure that Afghanistan will not again become a base for terrorist attacks against the United States. Following three policy reviews on Afghanistan, the latest in December 2010, the Obama Administration asserts that it is pursuing a well-resourced and integrated military-civilian strategy intended to pave the way for a gradual transition to Afghan leadership beginning in July 2011 and to be completed by the end of ... |
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| Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress |
24 Mar 2011 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
Emma Chanlett-Avery; William H Cooper; Mark E Manyin; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The post-World War II U.S.-Japan alliance has long been an anchor of the U.S. security role in East Asia. The alliance facilitates the forward deployment of about 36,000 U.S. troops and other U.S. military assets in the Asia-Pacific, thereby undergirding U.S. national security strategy in the region. For Japan, the alliance and the U.S. nuclear umbrella provide maneuvering room in dealing with its neighbors, particularly China and North Korea. U.S.-Japan ... |
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| The Proposed U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA): Provisions and Implications |
24 Mar 2011 |
58 pages |
| Authors:
William H Cooper; Mark E Manyin; Remy Jurenas; Michaela D Platzer; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| On June 30, 2007, U.S. and South Korean trade officials signed the proposed U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) for their respective countries. If approved, the KORUS FTA would be the second-largest FTA that South Korea has signed to date, after the agreement with the European Union (EU). It would be the second-largest (next to North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA) in which the United States participates. South Korea ... |
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| Arms Control and Nonproliferation: A Catalog of Treaties and Agreements |
23 Mar 2011 |
72 pages |
| Authors:
Amy F Woolf; Mary B Nikitin; Paul K Kerr; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| Arms control and nonproliferation efforts are two of the tools that have occasionally been used to implement U.S. national security strategy. Although some believe these tools do little to restrain the behavior of U.S. adversaries, while doing too much to restrain U.S. military forces and operations, many other analysts see them as an effective means to promote transparency, ease military planning, limit forces, and protect against uncertainty and surprise. Arms ... |
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| The Technology Innovation Program |
23 Mar 2011 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Wendy H Schacht; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was established in 2007 to replace the Advanced Technology Program (ATP). This effort is designed to support, promote, and accelerate innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research in areas of critical national need, according to the authorizing legislation. Grants are provided to small and medium-sized firms for individual projects or joint ventures with other ... |
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| State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2011 Budget and Appropriations |
23 Mar 2011 |
36 pages |
| Authors:
Marian L Lawson; Susan B Epstein; Tamara J Resler; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill has been the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews the U.S. international affairs budget and influences executive branch foreign policy making in recent years, as Congress has not regularly considered these issues through a complete authorization process for State Department diplomatic activities since 2003 and for foreign aid programs since 1985. Funding for Foreign Operations and State Department/Broadcasting programs ... |
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| Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa |
22 Mar 2011 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Lauren Ploch; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| In recent years, analysts and U.S. policymakers have noted Africa's growing strategic importance to U.S. interests. Among those interests are the increasing importance of Africa's natural resources, particularly energy resources, and mounting concern over violent extremist activities and other potential threats posed by under-governed spaces, such as maritime piracy and illicit trafficking. In addition, there is ongoing concern for Africa's many humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, and more general challenges, such ... |
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| Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations |
22 Mar 2011 |
52 pages |
| Authors:
Jeremy M Sharp; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Unrest in the Arab world has amplified existing political tension in Yemen. Sustained mass protests and President Ali Abdullah Saleh's attempts to preempt a broad crisis with concessions have concentrated U.S. and international attention on the daunting array of political and development challenges facing Yemen. President Saleh now faces senior level defections from his regime and his departure may be imminent. Congress and U.S. policymakers may be concerned with prospects ... |
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| Impact on the Federal Budget of Freezing Non-Security Discretionary Spending |
22 Mar 2011 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Mindy R Levit; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| As economic recovery continues, the focus on the federal budget has shifted, in part, towards deficit reduction. The federal budget deficits over the last several fiscal years, relative to the size of the economy, reached levels not seen since the end of World War II. Deficit levels are projected to remain elevated through FY2012. The budget deficit for FY2012 is estimated to be $1,480 billion. As concern over the long-term ... |
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| Veterans Medical Care: FY2011 Appropriations |
21 Mar 2011 |
44 pages |
| Authors:
Sidath V Panangala; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. Benefits to veterans range from disability compensation and pensions to hospital and medical care. The VA provides these benefits through three major operating units: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). This report focuses on the VHA. The VHA is primarily a direct service provider of ... |
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| Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress |
18 Mar 2011 |
53 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The term Deepwater refers to more than a dozen separate Coast Guard acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft. Until April 2007, the Coast Guard pursued these programs as a single, integrated acquisition program that was known as the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program or Deepwater program for short. The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new ... |
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| No-Fly Zones: Strategic, Operational, and Legal Considerations for Congress |
18 Mar 2011 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Jeremiah Gertler; Christopher M Blanchard; Stephen Daggett; Catherine Dale; Jennifer K Elsea; Richard F Grimmett; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The ongoing uprising in Libya against the government of Muammar al Qadhafi has been the subject of ongoing domestic and international debate about potential international military intervention, including the proposed establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya. Congress may wish to consider issues surrounding the strategy, international authorization, congressional authorization, operations, and costs of establishing and maintaining no-fly zones. The military strategy designed to support the grand strategy, it has ... |
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| Colombia: Issues for Congress |
18 Mar 2011 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
June S Beittel; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| This report provides an overview of recent political developments in Colombia. It reviews the administration of President Uribe (2002-2010), continuing into the election of President Juan Manuel Santos and his first months in office. The report then provides background on the longstanding conflict with internal armed groups that has marked Colombia's modern development, examining the roots of the conflict and its major actors as well as their present status. The ... |
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| Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress |
18 Mar 2011 |
69 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a relatively inexpensive Navy surface combatant equipped with modular plug-and-fight mission packages. The Navy wants to field a force of 55 LCSs. The first two LCSs (LCS-1 and LCS-2) were procured in FY2005 and FY2006 and were commissioned into service on Nov 8, 2008, and Jan 16, 2010. Another two (LCS-3 and LCS-4) were procured in FY2009 and are under construction. Two more (LCS-5 ... |
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| The Marines' Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV): Background and Issues for Congress |
14 Mar 2011 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Andrew Feickert; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) is an armored amphibious vehicle program that originated two decades ago to replace the 1970s-era Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV). Like current AAVs, the EFV is designed to roll off a Navy amphibious assault ship, move under its own power to the beach, and cross the beach and operate inland. The EFV has experienced a variety of developmental difficulties, resulting in significant program delays and cost ... |
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| Navy SSBN(X) Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress |
10 Mar 2011 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Ronald O'Rourke; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| The Navy's ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) form one leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent force, or triad, which also includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and land-based long-range bombers. The Navy currently operates 14 Ohio (SSBN-726) class SSBNs, also known as Trident SSBNs, the first of which is projected to reach the end of its service life in 2027. The Navy is conducting development and design work on a ... |
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| War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Operations, and Issues for Congress |
09 Mar 2011 |
90 pages |
| Authors:
Catherine Dale; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States launched and led military operations in Afghanistan in order to end the ability of the Taliban regime to provide safe haven to al Qaeda and to put a stop to al Qaeda's use of the territory of Afghanistan as a base of operations for terrorist activities. Many observers argue that in succeeding years, as U.S. and ... |
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| Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. Policy |
09 Mar 2011 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Steven Woehrel; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia. On February 18, the United States recognized Kosovo as an independent state. Of the 27 EU countries, 22 have recognized Kosovo, including key countries such as France, Germany, Britain, and Italy. Seventy five countries in all have recognized Kosovo. When it declared independence, Kosovo pledged to implement the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement, drafted by U.N. envoy Martti ... |
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| Chemical Facility Security: Issues and Options for the 112th Congress |
08 Mar 2011 |
30 pages |
| Authors:
Dana A Shea; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
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| The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has statutory authority to regulate chemical facilities for security purposes. The 112th Congress extended this authority through March 18, 2011. The 111th Congress debated the scope and details of reauthorization. Some Members of Congress supported an extension, either short or long term, of the existing authority. Other Members called for revision and more extensive codification of chemical facility security regulatory provisions. The tension between ... |
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