This report discusses the U.S. concern about China that appeared driven by security calculation at the Pentagon and in congress. It also points out key issues, Hong Kong Governance and Major Legislation.

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This report describes the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), specifically revenue effects of modifying the AMT and Legislative Initiatives.

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This report provides an overview of U.S. relations with Latin American and the Caribbean, focusing on the role of Congress and congressional concerns in the 109th Congress.

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This report discusses U.S.-Cuba relations since the early 1960s. There are several schools of thought on how to achieve the objective of bringing democracy and respect for human rights to Cuba: some advocate maximum pressure on Cuba until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions judged to be hurting the Cuban people; and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations.

Fish and marine mammals are important resources in open ocean and nearshore coastal areas. Many laws and regulations guide the management of these resources by federal agencies. This report contains information on commercial and sport fisheries, aquaculture, and marine mammals and issues related to the 109th Congress.

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Legislative initiatives to comprehensively amend the Clean Water Act had stalled for some time as interested parties debated whether and exactly how to change the law. Congress had instead focused legislative attention on narrow bills to extend or modify selected Clean Water Act programs, rather than taking up comprehensive proposals. This report contains information on the most recent developments on related issues as it its writing, background and analysis, and legislative issues with the 109th Congress as relating to the Clean Water Act and programs.

This report discusses four bills introduced in the 109th Congress. This report also discusses several key issues within the bills.

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This report provides an abridged look at Capital Punishment Legislation in the 109th Congress regarding the Death Penalty.

This report discusses legislation regarding the death penalty in the 109th Congress. The USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act (Reauthorization Act) contains a number of death penalty related provisions. Some create new federal capital offenses; some add the death penalty as a sentencing option in the case of preexisting federal crimes; some alter the procedural attributes of federal capital cases. Other proposals offered during the 109th Congress would have followed the same pattern: some new crimes; some new penalties for old crimes; and some procedural adjustments. Only one of the other proposals, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, passed, although at least one House approved several others. Three proposals do not fit the pattern; they either would have abolished the death penalty as a federal sentencing alternative or would have imposed a moratorium upon executions.

Report detailing issues and legislative concerns regarding immigration during the 109th Congress, with a focus on security concerns.

This report presents a profile of the membership of the 109th Congress. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age and length of service, occupation, religious affiliation, female and minority Members, foreign-born Members, and military service.

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This report provides the summary of two approaches related to internet gambling in the 109th Congress.

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The 109th Congress is considering proposals to amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA; P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. §§1531-1543). Major issues in recent years have included changing the role of science in decision-making, modifying critical habitat (CH) procedures, incorporating further protection and incentives for property owners, and increasing protection of listed species, among others. In addition, many have advocated enacting as law some ESA regulations promulgated during the Clinton Administration. This report identifies other bills that have been introduced in the 109th Congress to address specific concerns related to how the ESA is implemented and how endangered species are managed.

This report discusses potential changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act that may occur during the 109th Congress.

Report detailing issues and legislative concerns regarding immigration during the 109th Congress, with a focus on security concerns.