WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10524) on Nov. 13, 2025, by Michael E. DeVine, intelligence and national security analyst: * * * Defense Primer: Budgeting for National and Defense Intelligence Introduction Intelligence Community (IC) programs include the resources (i.e., money and personnel) to accomplish intelligence-related goals and responsibilities as defined in Title 50 of the United States Code (U.S.C. more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13121) on Nov. 14, 2025, by natural resources policy specialist Carol Hardy Vincent. Here are excerpts: * * * Bureau of Land Management: FY2026 Appropriations The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in the Department of the Interior (DOI), manages 244 million acres of federal land, nearly all in the West. Under its multiple-use mission, BLM manages lands for diverse purposes, inc more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R41873) on Nov. 13, 2025, entitled "The Child Tax Credit: How It Works and Who Receives It" by public finance analyst Brendan McDermott. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY This report provides an overview of the child tax credit under current law, including a review of changes made by P.L. 115-97 (also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act or TCJA) and P.L. 11921 (the FY2025 reconciliation law).  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12959) on Nov. 14, 2025, by cybersecurity policy specialist Chris Jaikaran: * * * The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015: Expiring Provisions A decade ago, Congress authorized a cybersecurity information sharing structure that allows the federal government to collect and disseminate threat information, and enabled private sector entities to voluntarily share that inf more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13120) on Nov. 13, 2025, by social policy specialist Alexandra Hegji. Here are excerpts: * * * Direct Loan Program Student Loans: Loan Discharge and Forgiveness Outstanding Direct Loan program debt currently totals about $1.5 trillion, which is owed by over 40 million borrowers. When borrowing a loan, a borrower assumes a contractual obligation to repay the debt over a period  more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10151) on Nov. 14, 2025, by natural resources policy specialist Carol Hardy Vincent. Here are excerpts: * * * Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act: Overview and Issues Related to Recreation Fees Overview The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA; 16 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.6801-6814), enacted in 2004, authorizes five agencies to charge and collect recreation fees on fede more PR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47639) on Nov. 14, 2025, entitled "Presidential Medal of Freedom" by senior research librarian Ben Leubsdorf. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government's highest civilian honor. Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or o more PR