WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13072) on July 25, 2025, by financial economics specialist Rena S. Miller: * * * Artificial Intelligence and Derivatives Markets: Policy Issues AI Use and Derivatives: Background The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in derivatives markets has ballooned in recent decades, creating new policy issues as well as amplifying existing ones. As of 2023, 99% of leading financial ser more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48609) on July 25, 2025, entitled "District of Columbia FY2025 Budget Status: In Brief" by economic development policy analyst Joseph V. Jaroscak. Here are excerpts: * * * Contents Introduction ... 1 District of Columbia Budget Process ... 1 Local Budget Autonomy ... 2 District of Columbia FY2025 Local Budget ... 3 District of Columbia Government ... 3 Financial Services and General Gov more PR

WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13064) on July 17, 2025. The white paper is written by transportation policy analyst Ali E. Lohman and public finance analysts Nicholas E. Buffie and Anthony A. Cilluffo: * * * Electric Vehicle Taxes and the Federal Highway Trust Fund Like other vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) may use federally funded roads. Unlike other vehicles, EVs do not consume gasoline or other fuels, more PR

WASHINGTON, July 29 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R44413) on July 25, 2025, entitled "Energy and Water Development Appropriations for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation: In Brief" by nonproliferation specialist Mary Beth D. Nikitin. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Department of Energy's (DOE's) nonproliferation and national security programs provide technical capabilities to support U.S. efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons pro more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R45997) on July 31, 2025, entitled "Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities: Structural Features and Function" by economic development policy analyst Julie M. Lawhorn. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities: Structural Features and Function This report describes the structure, activities, legislative history, and funding history of the 10 federal r more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47911) on Aug. 1, 2025, entitled "Freight Rail Safety Issues in the 119th Congress" by transportation policy analyst Ben Goldman. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The February 3, 2023, train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, OH, raised the profile of rail safety issues. Railroad labor organizations and some state and local governments have voiced concerns about railroad busines more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47911) on Aug. 1, 2025, entitled "Freight Rail Safety Issues in the 119th Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Prevention of Train Derailments Derailments account for roughly two-thirds of rail safety incidents (not including grade crossing incidents). In raw terms and on a per-train-mile basis, most derailments tend to occur on yard, siding, or industry tracks, as opposed to occurre more PR

WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R43397) on July 30, 2025, entitled "Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions" by Congress specialist Ida A. Brudnick. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY This report responds to frequently asked questions about legislative branch appropriations. Frequently asked questions include the items that are funded within this bill; development, presentation, and consideration of the  more PR

WASHINGTON, July 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48605) on July 22, 2025, entitled "Safety Considerations for Automated Passenger Vehicles:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * State and Federal Interactions Federal and state agencies have separate regulatory authority over vehicle safety and regulate many aspects of automated vehicle safety differently. Among other responsibilities, NHTSA generally sets vehicle standards, ensures complian more PR

WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47324) on July 15, 2025, entitled "Seabed Mining in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Issues for Congress" by natural resources policy specialist Caitlin Keating-Bitonti. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY On April 24, 2025, as part of a broader national effort to secure reliable supplies for critical minerals, the Trump Administration issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14285, "Unleashing America more PR