WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following fact sheet (No. R43419) on Aug. 7, 2024, by Rachel Lindbergh, science and technology policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * NASA Appropriations and Authorizations: Fact Sheet Overview Congressional deliberations about the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) often focus on the availability of funding. This fact sheet provides data on past and current NASA appropriations, as well as the President' more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12158) on Aug. 6, 2024, by immigration policy analyst Holly Straut-Eppsteiner. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S. Immigration Courts: Access to Counsel in Removal Proceedings and Legal Access Programs Immigration courts are administered by the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). During removal proceedings in immigration courts, immigration judges (IJs) dete more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10932) on Aug. 5, 2024, by foreign affairs analyst Joshua Klein: * * * Argentina: An Overview Located on the Atlantic coast of South America's Southern Cone, Argentina is the third-largest economy in Latin America (after Brazil and Mexico). U.S.-Argentina relations have traditionally been strong, and many Members of Congress maintain interest in security and commercial ties, among other a more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11667) on Aug. 9, 2024, by Michael D. Sutherland, international trade and finance analyst, and Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * China's Economy: Current Trends and Issues The International Monetary Fund (IMF) assesses that the People's Republic of China's (PRC's or China's) real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2% in 2023 and projects 5 more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12732) on Aug. 7, 2024, by economic development policy analyst Adam G. Levin: * * * The Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program Although cybercrimes against large companies often attract attention, criminals also frequently attack small businesses online. One 2022 report found that an average employee at a small business will be the target of 350% more "social engineering" cyberat more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11953) on Aug. 8, 2024, by Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist, and Michael D. Sutherland, international trade and finance analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * Evergrande Group and China's Debt Challenges Since 2021, some Members of Congress have raised concerns about the People's Republic of China (PRC or China)'s debt levels and the solvency of PRC property developers. Th more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12733) on Aug. 7, 2024, by environmental policy analyst Jonathan D. Hasket. Here are excerpts: * * * Extreme Heat and Climate Change Scientific consensus supports a causal relationship between increasing global temperatures and the incidence of extreme heat. Extreme heat can have a range of serious consequences, with record-breaking temperatures and heatwaves occurring in recent years. F more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12731) on Aug. 6, 2024, by agricultural policy analyst Christine Whitt. Here are excerpts: * * * Federal Agricultural Assistance for Extreme Heat The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported June 2023 to May 2024 as 12 consecutive months of record-high monthly average global surface temperatures (Figure 1). The U.S. Global Change Research Program's Fifth National Cli more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12519) on Aug. 8, 2024, by education policy specialist Rebecca R. Skinner and research assistant Isobel Sorenson. Here are excerpts: * * * Funding for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools Congress provides annual appropriations and periodically provides supplemental appropriations for public elementary and secondary schools through many agencies and programs. Of these funds, the lar more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10932) on Aug. 5, 2024, by Clare Y. Cho, industrial organization and business policy specialist: * * * Kids Online Safety Act On July 30, 2024, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (S. 2073). Title I of the act includes provisions similar to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA; S. 1409), and Title II includes provisions similar to the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Ac more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11679) on Aug. 5, 2024, by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * Navy DDG(X) Next-Generation Destroyer Program: Background and Issues for Congress Introduction The Navy's DDG(X) program envisages procuring a class of next-generation guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) to replace the Navy's Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers and older Arleigh Burke (DDG-51 more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11674) on Aug. 5, 2024, by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * Navy Light Replenishment Oiler (TAOL) Program: Background and Issues for Congress Introduction The Navy's Light Replenishment Oiler (TAOL) program, previously called the Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program, envisages procuring a new class of potentially 13 at-sea resupply ships for th more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11826) on Aug. 5, 2024, by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * Navy Next-Generation Attack Submarine (SSN[X]) Program: Background and Issues for Congress Introduction The Navy has been procuring Virginia-class nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs) since FY1998. The Navy's envisaged successor to the Virginia-class design is the Next-Generation Attack Sub more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12736) on Aug. 8, 2024, by Congress specialist Jacob R. Straus. Here are excerpts: * * * Nominee Financial Disclosure During a Presidential Transition Every four years, the United States conducts a presidential election. In instances where a transition from one presidential Administration to another occurs, one of the President-elect's tasks is to fill approximately 1,000 Senate-confirmed more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12734) on Aug. 8, 2024, by financial economics analysts Karl E. Schneider and Paul Tierno. Here are excerpts: * * * Rapidly Growing "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) Financing: Market Developments and Policy Issues "Buy now, pay later" (BNPL) is a form of point-of-sales financing. With BNPL financing, a consumer can purchase an item now and pay for it later on a predetermined payment schedule. more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12672) on Aug. 6, 2024, by defense policy analyst Anya L. Fink: * * * Russia's Nuclear Weapons Russia presents an "acute threat" to the United States and its allies, according to the 2022 National Defense Strategy. The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, a Biden Administration review of U.S. nuclear policy, states: 'Russia remains the U.S. rival with the most capable and diverse nuclear forces. more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12685) on Aug. 5, 2024, by health policy analyst Alexandria K. Mickler. Here are excerpts: * * * Title V State Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grants Overview Title V of the Social Security Act (SSA; P.L. 74-121, as amended; 42 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.701-709) permanently authorizes the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant, which aims to improve the health of pregnant wom more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12483) on Aug. 9, 2024, by nonproliferation specialist Paul K. Kerr: * * * U.S. Arms Transfer Restrictions and AUKUS Cooperation On September 15, 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States announced an "enhanced trilateral security partnership," named AUKUS after the participating countries. The partnership consists of two lines of effort, known as pillars: Pillar O more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12735) on Aug. 8, 2024, by defense policy analyst Anya L. Fink: * * * U.S. Extended Deterrence and Regional Nuclear Capabilities One of the stated goals of U.S. nuclear weapons policy is to extend deterrence to over 30 U.S. "allies and partners" and assure these countries that the United States will come to their aid, including potentially by using U.S. nuclear weapons, if they are atta more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12452) on Aug. 7, 2024, by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Clayton Thomas: * * * U.S. Sanctions on Iran Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the United States has used sanctions of various types as key tools of U.S. policy toward the government of Iran. The U.S. government uses sanctions to deter, constrain, and encourage change in the adversarial behavior of the Iranian regime, inclu more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11284) on Aug. 8, 2024, by Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S.-China Trade Relations The People's Republic of China (PRC or China) is the second-largest global economy and has been a top U.S. and global trading partner since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001. China is a key export market for U.S. aircraft, agriculture, semiconduct more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10256) on Aug. 9, 2024, by Karen M. Sutter, Asian trade and finance specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Economic Relations Taiwan is a top U.S. trade partner and a key link in global technology and manufacturing supply chains, supporting the United States, the People's Republic of China (PRC or China), and other global markets. Taiwan's economy is highly dependent more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12307) on Aug. 7, 2024. The white paper by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist, Erica A. Lee, emergency management and disaster recovery specialist, Eva Lipiec and Anne A. Riddle, natural resources policy specialists: * * * Understanding Linked Climate and Weather Hazards and the Challenges to Federal Emergency Management The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmos more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12581) on Aug. 5, 2024, by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Christopher M. Blanchard. Here are excerpts: * * * Yemen: Conflict, Red Sea Attacks and U.S. Policy Yemen is a conflict-afflicted nation along the strategic Bab al Mandab Strait, one of the world's most active shipping lanes. Since 2015, a civil war has pitted the Iran-backed Houthi movement against Yemen's internationally reco more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11187) on Aug. 6, 2024, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist: * * * Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Introduction The majority of funding in the United States for both pre- and post-disaster mitigation comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which defines mitigation as "any sustained action to reduc more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12402) on Aug. 9, 2024, by Cameron M. Keys, defense logistics and resource management policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * FY2025 Department of Defense Appropriations Act: Status of Legislative Activity On March 11, 2024, the Biden Administration released an FY2025 budget requesting $7.484 trillion in net budget authority, initiating the annual congressional appropriations cycle. The more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12309) on Aug. 6, 2024, by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Christopher M. Blanchard. Here are excerpts: * * * Iraq: Attacks and U.S. Strikes Reopen Discussion of U.S. Military Presence After a months-long pause (Figure 1), the recurrence of attacks on facilities in Iraq hosting U.S. personnel and U.S. defensive measures could affect U.S.-Iraqi talks on the future of U.S. forces in Iraq. more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11215) on Aug. 8, 2024, by legislative attorneys Hannah-Alise Rogers and Alexander H. Pepper: * * * Private Equity Investments in Health Care: Selected Enforcement Issues A 2021 report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) found that private equity investments in health care substantially expanded in the preceding 20 years, particularly with respect to acquisitions  more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48148) on Aug. 5, 2024, entitled "Coastal Blue Carbon as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Approach: Selected Issues for Congress" by natural resource policy specialists Caitlin Keating-Bitonti and Eva Lipiec. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Recent Congresses and Administrations have shown increased interest in the ability of certain coastal and marine ecosystems to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide ( more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48148) on Aug. 5, 2024, entitled "Coastal Blue Carbon as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Approach - Selected Issues for Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Issues for Congress Congress has shown interest in the services of coastal ecosystems, including the ability of these ecosystems to capture and store CO2./94 Congress also may consider several issues that address coastal blue carbon eco more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48149) on Aug. 6, 2024, entitled "Critical Minerals and Materials for Selected Energy Technologies" by energy policy analyst Emma Kaboli. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Partly in response to rising global temperatures, domestic and international policymakers have pursued alternative energy sources as an energy transition from fossil fuels. Some countries have set climate goals, such as balan more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48149) on Aug. 6, 2024, entitled "Critical Minerals and Materials for Selected Energy Technologies:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Critical Mineral and Material Demand Critical minerals are in demand for use in energy technologies and in other industries across the economy. The increase in demand for new technologies corresponds with an increase in demand for the raw materials and resour more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48150) on Aug. 8, 2024, entitled "Foreign Assistance: Where Does the Money Go?" by foreign assistance analyst Nick M. Brown. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Congress provided $66.1 billion in foreign assistance appropriations in FY2023. In allocating foreign assistance and overseeing agencies' execution of those funds, some Members of Congress have focused on the countries, international orga more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48150) on Aug. 8, 2024, entitled "Foreign Assistance - Where Does the Money Go?:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Policy Issues Partnering decisions affect foreign aid effectiveness, U.S. relations with foreign governments, and where U.S. funds ultimately are spent. As the 118th Congress weighs its foreign policy priorities, lawmakers may consider whether aid agencies' implementation mechan more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R45811) on Aug. 7, 2024, entitled "Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress" by Kelley M. Sayler, advanced technology and global security specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons--maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5--as a part of its conventional prompt global strike program sinc more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R45811) on Aug. 7, 2024, entitled "Hypersonic Weapons - Background and Issues for Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Russia Although Russia has conducted research on hypersonic weapons technology since the 1980s, it accelerated its efforts in response to U.S. missile defense deployments in both the United States and Europe, and in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballis more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48088) on August 5, 2024, entitled "Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant: Overview and Issues for Congress" by health policy analyst Alexandria K. Mickler. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant program aims to support and improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families, particularly those with low income or limi more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48088) on August 5, 2024, entitled "Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant - Overview and Issues for Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Application and Reporting Requirements All block grant recipients must annually submit a combined application for the forthcoming fiscal year along with an annual report for the prior fiscal year (hereinafter referred to as the Application/ more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL33745) on Aug. 6, 2024, entitled "Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program: Background and Issues for Congress" by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy, gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operat more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL33745) on Aug. 6, 2024, entitled "Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program - Background and Issues for Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Issues for Congress Annual Funding Request One issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify MDA's annual procurement and research and development funding requests for the program. In considering this issue, Congress may consi more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R42631) on Aug. 8, 2024, entitled "Retirement Benefits for Federal Law Enforcement Personnel" by income security specialist Katelin P. Isaacs. Here are excerpts: * * * Summary Certain federal employees who perform specific duties, as defined in statute, are classified as law enforcement officers (LEOs) for the purpose of federal retirement benefits. LEOs and a few legislatively designated group more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RS21852) on Aug. 8, 2024, entitled "The United Arab Emirates: Issues for U.S. Policy" by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Jeremy M. Sharp. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven principalities or "emirates." Its population is 10 million, of which nearly 90% are expatriates from within and outside the region who work in its economy. The UAE is a more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RS21852) on Aug. 8, 2024, entitled "The United Arab Emirates - Issues for U.S. Policy:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Foreign Policy and Defense Issues The UAE has sought to influence regional affairs using its significant financial resources, as well as the expertise and equipment gained in its security partnership with the United States and other international partners. The United State more PR