This report provides background information concerning the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), discusses air and water quality issues associated with it, and reviews options available to congressional and other policy-makers concerned about its continued use. It includes a discussion of legislation considered in the 106th Congress, which may serve as a starting point for legislation in the 107th.

This report discusses various issues surrounding federal deposit insurance. A key concern is maintaining a balance between providing the benefits of deposit insurance and promoting sound management practices at banks, thrifts, and credit unions.

This report discusses the violent crime control and law enforcement act of 1994, the federal death penalty that became available as a possible punishment for a substantial number of new and existing civilian offenses.

This report addresses some of the frequently asked historical, constitutional, procedural, and legal questions concerning the federal income tax.

This report provides an overview of health conditions in the NIS, U.S. aid efforts in recent years, and issues which Congress might consider in providing health assistance to the NIS.

This report covers the most recent U.S. - Iraq confrontation, which began in the fall of 1998.

This report discusses one of the major trade issues in the 107th Congress: whether or not Congress approves authority for the President to negotiate trade agreements with expedited, or "fast track" procedures. Under this authority, Congress agrees to consider legislation to implement the nontariff trade agreements under a procedure with mandatory deadlines, no amendment, and limited debate. The President is required to consult with congressional committees during negotiation of nontariff trade agreements and notify Congress before entering into any such agreement. The President was granted fast-track authority almost continuously from 1974 to 1994, but the authority lapsed and has not been renewed.