Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) reached agreement on July 31, 2004 on a framework for negotiating agricultural trade liberalization in the multilateral trade round known as the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). The framework, part of a work program for all negotiating issues in the DDA (nonagricultural market access, services, trade facilitation, etc.), sets the stage for negotiations, now underway, to determine specific targets or formulas (“modalities”) for curbing trade-distorting domestic support, reducing trade barriers and eliminating export subsidies. If agreed to, the agriculture modalities report would be on the agenda of the WTO’s Sixth Ministerial Conference in December 2005, and negotiations could be completed during 2006. In the meantime, the President has requested a two-year extension of trade promotion authority procedures (TPA, also known as fast-track) for considering legislation to implement trade agreements.

The report discusses the most recent developments, Backgrounds and Analysis, Federal Oversight of Amtrak, Finances, Congressional Hearing, Reports and Documents.

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Update of previous report on Honduras' political and economic issues, as well as criticism and consequences that may arise from the United States intervening.

Under House Rule X, clause 6, each standing and select committee of the House (except the Appropriations Committee) is required to submit an operating budget request for its necessary expenses over the two years of a Congress. Each committee chair normally introduces a House resolution to provide his or her committee with the requisite funds for the two years of the Congress.

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This report includes key questions and answers regarding military pay and benefits.

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This report discusses five allegations toward Palestinian education. The allegations are: (1) Negative depictions of the other, (2) Historical Inaccuracy, (3) Geography and Non-Recognition of Israel, (4) Palestinian Islamism and Inciting Violence and (5) Limited Value on Peace. The report then discusses how these allegations pose concerns for the Palestinian-Israel peace process.

One of the most contentious issues in budget procedure in recent years has involved proposed changes in the Senate’s “pay-as-you-go” (PAYGO) rule and efforts to establish a similar rule in the House. This controversy led to an impasse between the House and Senate over the FY2005 budget resolution and surfaced again during consideration of the FY2006 budget resolution. The issue focuses principally on whether tax-cut legislation, even though it may worsen the deficit, should be exempted from a deficit-neutral PAYGO requirement.

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