This report provides a basic overview of interim continuing resolutions (CRs) and highlights some specific issues pertaining to operations of the Department of Defense (DOD) under a CR.

This report describes the current federal tax structure and provides some statistics on the tax system as a whole, as of 2017.

This report provides a general overview of the child and dependent care tax benefits, focusing on eligibility requirements and benefit calculation. The report also includes some summary data on these benefits which highlight some of the characteristics of claimants.

This report discusses the the case "House of Representatives v. Hargan" which was a case by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appealing the House's decision to end cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments. Questions regarding the status of the case and possible legal and legislative methods of restoring CSR payments are addressed.

This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress regarding the Navy's FFG(X) program, a program to procure a new class of guided-missile frigates. The FFG(X) program was initiated as part of the Navy's FY2018 budget submission. The Navy wants to procure the first FFG(X) in FY2020. The Navy's proposed FY2018 budget requests $143.5 million in research and development funding for the program. The FFG(X) program presents several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress's decisions on the program could affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the shipbuilding industrial base.

This report discusses the changing international security environment and how the new realities should effect U.S. defense spending and strategy.

This report discusses the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security and the upcoming COLA set to begin in January 2018. Calculations used to determine COLA amounts and a brief history of their use is also included.

This report highlights a series of Supreme Court rulings that have examined separation-of-powers-based limitations on the Exceptions Clause, congressional jurisdiction stripping, and the ability of Congress to amend laws with the purpose of directly impacting litigation. The Court's jurisprudence largely begins with the Reconstruction-era case "United States v. Klein", and leads to "Patchak v. Zinke", which is scheduled for oral argument before the Supreme Court in November 2017.

This report discusses the Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) and three programs meant to address identified needs for improved transport, reconnaissance, and firepower. The three new initiatives are all concerned with developing and acquiring new vehicles of three types known as the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV), the Light Reconnaissance vehicle (LRV), and the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle. Issues of Congressional interest include affordability and funding sources, deployability, and sustainability.

Annual financial report of the Texas Seventh Court of Appeals documenting income, expenditures, and other relevant financial information for fiscal year 2017.

This report provides an overview of U.S.-China commercial ties, identifies major issues of contention, describes the Trump Administration's trade policies toward China, and reviews possible outcomes.

This report discusses the recent developments in the Cuba's political and economic environment. It also discusses the U.S. - Cuba relations and U.S. policy toward Cuba.

This report discusses deeming resolutions which are used by Congress as a substitute when budget resolution bills are not passed.

Internal audit at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission of the licensing application and processing, including recommendations for improving controls.

This report discusses the dispute between Qatar and several of its Gulf State and Arab neighbors led by Saudia Arabia which has resulted in the isolation of Qatar by Saudia Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt. The Saudi-led coalition has accused Qatar of supporting terrorism because of their support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Potential implications of the dispute for the United States are then discussed.

This report discusses Qatar disputes with the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt.

This report discusses the case "United States v. Ubaldo" which concerns whether a gun smuggler who smuggled guns from a foreign country through the United States and then into another foreign country can be charged with a federal crime. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction for conspiracy and causing the importation of weapons in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and ban on importing military firearms.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to an unlawful employment practice by an employer whose leave policy does not permit an employee to use leave to care for the employee's foster child.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 380 in Young and Jack Counties as the Henry H. King Memorial Highway.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding the transition from military service to employment.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the issuance of "Back the Blue" specialty license plates.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to appointment of a receiver for a water or sewer utility.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the use of the rural water assistance fund.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the operation of certain vehicles used for package delivery; authorizing a fee.