WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Congressional Budget Office issued the following cost estimate for the Pipeline Security Act (H.R. 5062). * * * H.R. 5062 would codify the role of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as the lead agency responsible for protecting pipelines from terrorists and cybersecurity threats. The bill would require TSA to develop a personnel strategy to carry out the pipeline security program and report to the Congress biennially on its efforts. Finally, the bill wou more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12259) on Sept. 30, 2025, by Congress specialist Ida A. Brudnick: * * * Government Shutdowns and Legislative Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions This Insight provides brief answers to selected questions related to legislative branch operations during a lapse in appropriations. For a general explanation of the Antideficiency Act, including Title 31, Sections 1341-1342 a more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R41759) on Sept. 30, 2025, entitled "Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources" by senior research librarians Justin Murray and Carol Wilson: * * * Summary When federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of either full-year or interim appropriations, they experience a "funding gap." Under the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.1341 et seq.), they must  more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12615) on Sept. 30, 2025, by Kelley M. Sayler, advanced technology and global security specialist: * * * Realignment of DOD's Chief Digital and AI Officer (CDAO) On August 14, 2025, Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, who is now using "Deputy Secretary of War" as a "secondary title" under Executive Order 14347 dated September 5, 2025, issued a memo "[directing] the strate more PR

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL32794) on Sept. 24, 2025, entitled "The Renewable Fuel Standard: An Overview" by Kelsi Bracmort, natural resources and energy policy specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires U.S. transportation fuel to include a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year. The RFS - established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct05; P.L. 109-58) and expande more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. RL31980) on Oct. 1, 2025, entitled "Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: Committee and Floor Procedure" by Elizabeth Rybicki and Michael Greene, Congress and legislative process specialists. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution provides that the President shall appoint officers of the United States "by and with the Advice and Consent of the S more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10199) on Sept. 29, 2025. The white paper is written by Asian affairs specialist Mark E. Manyin, foreign affairs analyst Daniel J. Longo and international trade and finance specialists Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs and Kyla H. Kitamura. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S.-Japan Relations Overview Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1952, is an important U.S. partner in security, trade, and more PR

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10230) on Sept. 30, 2025, by Latin American affairs specialist Clare Ribando Seelke: * * * Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy Over the past several Congresses, some Members have expressed concerns about authoritarian rule under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (2013-present). Maduro took office after a narrow electoral victory following the death of Hugo Chavez (in o more PR