WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12453) on the American Confidence in Elections Act on July 21, 2023, by legislative attorney L. Paige Whitaker: * * * H.R. 4563, the American Confidence in Elections Act (ACE Act): Legal Background On July 11, 2023, H.R. 4563, the American Confidence in Elections Act (ACE Act), was introduced in the 118th Congress. The ACE Act proposes to amend federal election law primarily in the areas more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10567) on the Arms Trade Treaty on July 24, 2023, by Nonproliferation specialist Paul K. Kerr: * * * The Arms Trade Treaty On December 9, 2016, President Barack Obama transmitted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to the Senate. The United States signed the ATT, which is a multilateral treaty of unlimited duration, on September 25, 2013. The treaty's objectives are to "[e]stablish the  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12454) on bank failures and congressional oversight on July 21, 2023, by macroeconomic policy specialist Marc Labonte: * * * Bank Failures and Congressional Oversight The failures of three large banks in spring 2023--Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature, and First Republic - has resulted in congressional attention on how the federal banking agencies - the Federal Reserve (the Fed), Feder more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12461) on casino gambling and economic development on July 27, 2023, by economic development policy analyst Adam G. Levin. Here are excerpts: * * * Casino Gambling and Economic Development In recent decades, some officials and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels have argued that gambling - in particular, casino gambling, but also online and sports betting - can help fac more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10880) on Chile on July 26, 2023, by Peter J. Meyer, Latin American and Canadian affairs, and Ramon Miro, Latin American affairs analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * Chile: An Overview Chile, located along the Pacific coast of South America, traditionally has been one of the United States' closest partners in Latin America. In 2023, the two countries are commemorating 200 years of official more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12459) on electric bicycles on federal lands on July 27, 2023, by natural resources policy analyst Mark K. DeSantis. Here are excerpts: * * * Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) on Federal Lands In recent years, the sale and usage of electric bicycles (or e-bikes) in the United States has increased rapidly. Although numbers vary, some industry experts estimate that more than 1 million e-bikes w more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12439) on energy tax credits and the global minimum tax on July 21, 2023, by economic policy senior specialist Jane G. Gravelle and public finance specialist Donald J. Marples. Here are excerpts: * * * Energy Tax Credits and the Global Minimum Tax The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) (often referred to simply as the tax code) contains a number of credits to encourage certain investments. The more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12457) on federal employee travel - per diem reimbursement rates on July 26, 2023, by Taylor N. Riccard, government organization and management analyst: * * * Federal Employee Travel: Per Diem Reimbursement Rates Background In the course of their duties, federal employees may engage in official travel within the continental United States (CONUS), outside of the continental United State more PR

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12456) on introduction to Trademark Law in the U.S. on July 24, 2023, by legislative attorney Christopher T. Zirpoli: * * * An Introduction to Trademark Law in the United States Trademarks are a form of intellectual property that serve to identify the sources of goods. Trademarks have attracted renewed attention since the U.S. Supreme Court decided two cases regarding the main federal t more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12106) on Iran and nuclear weapons production on July 28, 2023, by nonproliferation specialist Paul K. Kerr: * * * Iran and Nuclear Weapons Production Background Iran's nuclear program has generated widespread concern that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Tehran has the capacity to produce nuclear weapons at some point, but has halted its n more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IN11989) on legislative changes to the EB-5 immigrant investor program on July 26, 2023, by immigration policy analyst Holly Straut-Eppsteiner: * * * Legislative Changes to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program The EB-5 immigrant investor program provides lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to foreign investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under age 21) who invest a specified more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11614) on long-term care insurance on July 21, 2023, by health and aging policy specialist Kirsten J. Colello. Here are excerpts: * * * Long-Term Care Insurance: Overview What Is Long-Term Care Insurance? Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the future costs of care associated with a chronic condition or disability that requires extended or lo more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12454) on North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs on July 21, 2023, by nonproliferation specialist Mary Beth D. Nikitin: * * * North Korea's Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs Overview North Korea continues to advance its nuclear weapons and missile programs despite UN Security Council sanctions and high-level diplomatic efforts. Recent ballistic missile tests and military more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12455) on race discrimination at school on July 21, 2023, by legislative attorney Jared P. Cole: * * * Race Discrimination at School: Title VI and the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance. While that bar applies broa more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12458) on the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program on July 26, 2023, by R. Corinne Blackford, small business and economic development policy analyst: * * * The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program Background Through the 8(a) Business Development Program, Congress aims to help small "socially and economically disadvantaged" business owners overcome barriers to participating in fede more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12462) on social media algorithms on July 27, 2023, Kristen E. Busch, science and technology policy analyst: * * * Social Media Algorithms: Content Recommendation, Moderation, and Congressional Considerations Social media plays an integral role in modern life for many. It facilitates the spread of information and serves as a key source of news, entertainment, and financial opportunity. I more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10155) on Somalia on July 27, 2023, by African affairs specialist Lauren Ploch Blanchard. Here are excerpts: * * * Somalia Somalia has been plagued by instability and humanitarian crises for decades. After the authoritarian Siad Barre regime fell in 1991, the country was characterized for years as a failed state. The formation of a federal government in 2012 was a turning point, and wit more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10710) on the State Department Country Reports on Terrorism, 2001-2021, on July 21, 2023, by John W. Rollins, terrorism and national security specialist: * * * State Department Country Reports on Terrorism: 2001-2021 Overview By April 30 of each year, 22 U.S.C Sec.2656f requires the Secretary of State to provide Congress an annual country report on terrorism. The report must contain "d more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12460) on tribal disaster risk and selected federal resources on July 27, 2023. The white paper was written by Mariel J. Murray, natural resources policy specialist, Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist and Erica A. Lee and Elizabeth M. Webster, emergency management and disaster recovery analysts. Here are excerpts: * * * Tribal Disaster Risk and Selected  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10733) on the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement and bilateral trade relations on July 21, 2023, by Asian affairs specialist Mark E. Manyin and international trade and finance analyst Liana Wong. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S.-South Korea (KORUS) FTA and Bilateral Trade Relations The U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement (KORUS FTA) entered into force in March 2012. The agreement has more PR

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12204) on the FBI headquarters site selection process on July 24, 2023, by American national government specialist Garrett Hatch: * * * FBI Headquarters Site Selection Process Identification of Potential Sites On February 8, 2016, the General Services Administration (GSA) submitted a prospectus to Congress for the construction of a new headquarters facility for the Federal Bureau of Inve more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12018) on the federal small business contracting goals on July 27, 2023, by R. Corinne Blackford, small business and economic development policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * Federal Small Business Contracting Goals Origins Since 1988, the federal government has maintained annual goals for small and small "disadvantaged" business participation in federal contracting. At that time, C more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12206) entitled "House-Passed FAA Bill Leaves Existing Reagan National Airport Slot and Perimeter Rules Intact" on July 27, 2023, by transportation and industry analyst Rachel Y. Tang: * * * House-Passed FAA Bill Leaves Existing Reagan National Airport Slot and Perimeter Rules Intact On July 20, 2023, the House of Representatives passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorizatio more PR

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12205) on Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps matters on July 24, 2023, by military manpower specialist Kristy N. Kamarck. Here are excerpts: * * * FY2024 NDAA: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Matters Background The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a congressionally mandated and funded Department of Defense (DOD) program of instruction with participatio more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11701) on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation of employee exposure to heat on July 25, 2023, by disability policy analyst Scott D. Szymendera. Here are excerpts: * * * Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulation of Employee Exposure to Heat Employees who work outdoors, including those in industries such as construction and agriculture more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11663) on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program on July 24, 2023, by telecommunications policy analyst Jill C. Gallagher: * * * Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program: Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program? On March 12, 2020, the Secure and Trusted Communica more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11570) on the U.S. Capitol Police on July 25, 2023, by Congress specialist Ida A. Brudnick. Here are excerpts: * * * The U.S. Capitol Police: Brief Background U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) The U.S. Capitol Police is a department within the legislative branch with security, protection, and administrative responsibilities. The USCP is responsible for law enforcement and security wit more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11012) on Louisiana court rules on government communications with social media companies on July 26, 2023, by legislative attorney Valerie C. Brannon: * * * Louisiana Court Rules on Government Communications with Social Media Companies On July 4, 2023, a Louisiana federal district court entered a preliminary injunction in Missouri v. Biden, preventing a number of executive branch a more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11010) on Mountain Valley Pipeline litigation tests Congress's power to limit federal court jurisdiction on July 21, 2023, by legislative attorney Joanna R. Lampe: * * * Mountain Valley Pipeline Litigation Tests Congress's Power to Limit Federal Court Jurisdiction The Mountain Valley Pipeline (Pipeline), currently under construction, is planned as a 303-mile natural gas transmissio more PR

WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11010) entitled "Mountain Valley Pipeline Litigation Tests Congress's Power to Limit Federal Court Jurisdiction" on July 27, 2023, by legislative attorney Joanna R. Lampe: * * * Mountain Valley Pipeline Litigation Tests Congress's Power to Limit Federal Court Jurisdiction The Mountain Valley Pipeline (Pipeline), currently under construction, is planned as a 303-mile natural gas tra more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB10730) on Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration for COVID-19 countermeasures on July 21, 2023, by legislative attorney Kevin J. Hickey: * * * The PREP Act and COVID-19, Part 2: The PREP Act Declaration for COVID-19 Countermeasures To encourage the expeditious development and deployment of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency, the Public Rea more PR

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11011) on the recent appellate decisions of interest to lawmakers July 17 - July 23, 2023, on July 24, 2023. The white paper was written by deputy assistant director Michael John Garcia and legislative attorneys Alexander H. Pepper, Jimmy Balser and Justin C. Chung: * * * Congressional Court Watcher: Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (July 17, 2023-July 23, 2023)  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11013) on state regulation of foreign ownership of U.S. Land on July 28, 2023. The white paper was written by law librarian Jason J. Hawkins and legislative attorneys April J. Anderson and Stephen P. Mulligan. Here are excerpts: * * * State Regulation of Foreign Ownership of U.S. Land: January to June 2023 State and federal lawmakers have expressed interest in legislative options more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47634) on July 26, 2023, entitled "Belts and Suspenders: Analysis of Large Bank Capital Standards" by financial economics analyst Andrew P. Scott. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY One way regulators ensure that banks operate in a safe and sound manner is by establishing capital requirements that banks must meet. Bank capital serves as a layer of protection against losses, and in doing so it p more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47634) on July 26, 2023, entitled "Belts and Suspenders - Analysis of Large Bank Capital Standards:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Analysis of Large BHC Capital Levels The main finding of this report is that there is evidence that leverage requirements at some of the largest banking organizations are potentially binding, which may mean that prudential regulation is actually incentivizin more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47235) on July 27, 2023, entitled "The Congressional Budget Process Timeline" by Drew C. Aherne, Congress and legislative process analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, granting the House and Senate power over spending, revenue, and borrowing decisions. The Constitution does not, however, specify how, when, and in what order Congress  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL30631) on July 21, 2023, entitled "The Federal Communications Commission's Spectrum Auction Authority: History and Options for Reinstatement" by Patricia Moloney Figliola, internet and telecommunications policy specialist, and Jill C. Gallagher, telecommunications policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Radio spectrum ("spectrum") is the continuum of frequencies used to provide wire more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47174) on July 21, 2023, entitled "Lesser Prairie Chicken Listing Under the Endangered Species Act" by natural resources policy specialist Pervaze A. Sheikh and legislative attorney Benjamin M. Barczewski. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY On November 25, 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) listed two populations of the lesser prairie chicken (LPC) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA more PR

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47174) on July 21, 2023, entitled "The Pillar 2 Global Minimum Tax: Implications for U.S. Tax Policy" by economic policy senior specialist Jane G. Gravelle and economics specialist Mark P. Keightley. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY In response to concerns about multinational corporations shifting profits to low-tax countries, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL30631) on July 25, 2023, entitled "Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress" by income security specialist Katelin P. Isaacs. Here are excerpts: * * * Summary Prior to 1984, neither federal civil service employees nor Members of Congress paid Social Security taxes, nor were they eligible for Social Security benefits. Members of Congress and other federal employees were instead covered by  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 26 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL30631) on July 25, 2023, entitled "The Role of Earmarks in Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Appropriations in the 117th Congress" by environmental policy analyst Elena H. Humphreys. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY National attention to municipal water infrastructure has stemmed from, among other things, water infrastructure damage from extreme weathe more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47635) on July 26, 2023, entitled "The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy: Issues and Options for the 118th Congress" by Emily G. Blevins, science and technology policy analyst, and Rachael D. Roan, senior research librarian. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Congress has a longstanding interest in the development and implementation of science and technology (S&T) policies acr more PR

WASHINGTON, July 27 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47635) on July 26, 2023, entitled "The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy - Issues and Options for the 118th Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * OSTP Staffing Levels OSTP's ability to perform its statutory duties depends, in part, on the size of its budget and staff. To increase staff levels beyond what annual congressional appropriations support, OSTP has long reli more PR