WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11681) on Aug. 7, 2025, by defense policy analyst Anya L. Fink. Here are excerpts: * * * Defense Primer: LGM-35A Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile The LGM-35A Sentinel is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system that is expected to replace the Minuteman III (MMIII) ICBM in the U.S. nuclear force structure. MMIII has served as the ground-based leg of the U.S more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (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 economic development policy analyst Joseph V. Jaroscak. 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 weapon more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10795) on Aug. 4, 2025, by foreign affairs analyst Michael A. Weber. Here are excerpts: * * * Global Human Rights: The Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Introduction The State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are an annual U.S. government account of human rights conditions in countries around the globe. The reports characteri more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11679) on Aug. 7, 2025, 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 Bur more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11838) on Aug. 7, 2025, by naval affairs specialist Ronald O'Rourke. Here are excerpts: * * * Navy TAGOS-25 Ocean Surveillance Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress Introduction The Navy in FY2022 procured the first of a planned class of seven new TAGOS-25 class ocean surveillance ships. The Navy's proposed FY2026 budget requests $612.2 million for the procu more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R41542) on July 29, 2025, entitled "The State of Campaign Finance Policy - Recent Developments and Issues for Congress:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Potential Policy Considerations and Emerging Issues for Congress Recent Legislative Activity As discussed above, recent Congresses generally have not made substantial amendments to federal campaign finance law. Since the 115th Congress, C more PR

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48608) on July 24, 2025, entitled "Department of Veterans Affairs FY2025 Appropriations." The report is written by health policy analyst Jared S. Sussman and veterans policy specialists Sidath Viranga Panangala and Madeline E. Moreno. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers numerous programs that provide benefits and services to eligible veterans more PR