Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: Background and Analysis (open access)

Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: Background and Analysis

This report is intended to serve as an introduction and primer on a complicated, broad, and often highly technical set of issues. It is presented in seven parts: the first section describes the nature and scope of U.S.-EU regulatory barriers; the second section explains the rationale for regulatory cooperation; the third section highlights the differences in U.S.-EU regulatory approaches; the fourth section examines the various forms of regulatory cooperation; the fifth section evaluates the results of past initiatives at regulatory cooperation; the sixth section analyses the creation and operation of the Transatlantic Economic Council; and the last section highlights the role of Congress in transatlantic regulatory cooperation.
Date: October 22, 2008
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Does the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Listing Provide More Protection of the Polar Bear? (open access)

Does the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Listing Provide More Protection of the Polar Bear?

None
Date: October 16, 2008
Creator: Alexander, Kristina
System: The UNT Digital Library
Gray Wolves Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): Distinct Population Segments and Experimental Populations (open access)

Gray Wolves Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): Distinct Population Segments and Experimental Populations

This report looks at the distinct population segments (DPSs) process as it is applied to the gray wolf. It also reviews experimental populations of wolves under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and their protections.
Date: October 20, 2008
Creator: Alexander, Kristina & Corn, M. Lynne
System: The UNT Digital Library
Architect of the Capitol: Appointment, Duties, and Current Issues (open access)

Architect of the Capitol: Appointment, Duties, and Current Issues

This report discusses the responsibilities of the AOC, traces the statutory evolution of the office, summarizes the status of current and recent projects, and reviews selected issues before the 110th congress.
Date: October 16, 2008
Creator: Amer, Mildred
System: The UNT Digital Library
The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor (open access)

The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor

This report focuses on the floor activities of the House during its first formal session in a new Congress, and serves as a guide for those participating in or watching these proceedings.
Date: October 31, 2008
Creator: Amer, Mildred
System: The UNT Digital Library
The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor (open access)

The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor

The Senate follows a well-established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. This report discusses the various opening-day procedures, including the swearing in of new members, administrative business, and election of the President pro tempore.
Date: October 29, 2008
Creator: Amer, Mildred L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Auction Basics: Background for Assessing Proposed Treasury Purchases of Mortgage- Backed Securities (open access)

Auction Basics: Background for Assessing Proposed Treasury Purchases of Mortgage- Backed Securities

This report discusses the administrations' proposal to use reverse Dutch auctions to purchase troubled assets -- primarily mortgage-related securities from financial institutions.
Date: October 14, 2008
Creator: Austin, D. Andrew
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases (open access)

The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases

This report contains the history and increases of the debt limit for the second time in 2008.
Date: October 6, 2008
Creator: Austin, D. Andrew & Levit, Mindy R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Specialty Metal Provision and the Berry Amendment: Issues for Congress (open access)

The Specialty Metal Provision and the Berry Amendment: Issues for Congress

This report examines the specialty metal provision which was originally part of the Berry Amendment, the potential oversight issues for Congress, and options that Congress may wish to consider.
Date: October 28, 2008
Creator: Bailey Grasso, Valerie
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Farm Promotion ("Check-off") Programs (open access)

Federal Farm Promotion ("Check-off") Programs

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 affirmed the constitutionality of the so-called beef check-off program, one of the 18 generic promotion programs for agricultural products that are now active nationally. Supporters view check-offs as economically beneficial self-help activities that need minimal government involvement or taxpayer funding. Producers, handlers, and/or importers are required to pay an assessment, usually deducted from revenue at time of sale - thus the name check-off. However, some farmers contend they are being "taxed" for advertising and related activities they would not underwrite voluntarily. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the beef check-off is considered significant for the future of the other programs, although the Court left open the possibility of additional challenges.
Date: October 20, 2008
Creator: Becker, Geoffrey S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Extending NASA's Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (open access)

Extending NASA's Exemption from the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act

This report discusses the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (INA), which was enacted to help stop foreign transfers to Iran of weapons of mass destruction, missile technology, and advanced conventional weapons technology, particularly from Russia.
Date: October 1, 2008
Creator: Behrens, Carl & Nikitin, Mary Beth
System: The UNT Digital Library
Energy and Water Development: FY2009 Appropriations (open access)

Energy and Water Development: FY2009 Appropriations

None
Date: October 6, 2008
Creator: Behrens, Carl E.; Andrews, Anthony; Bearden, David M.; Carter, Nicole T.; Holt, Mark; Lane, Nic et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11 (open access)

The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11

This report analyzes war funding for the Defense Department and tracks funding for USAID and VA Medical funding.
Date: October 15, 2008
Creator: Belasco, Amy
System: The UNT Digital Library
Tax Gap: Proposals in the 110th Congress to Require Brokers to Report Basis on Publicly Traded Securities (open access)

Tax Gap: Proposals in the 110th Congress to Require Brokers to Report Basis on Publicly Traded Securities

Recent and projected large deficits and the need for revenue to offset spending or tax reduction proposals generated congressional and executive branch interest in different proposals to reduce the tax gap; and consequently, raise additional revenue. Proposals in the 110th Congress to require brokers to report adjusted basis on publicly traded securities sold by individuals are examined in this report.
Date: October 8, 2008
Creator: Bickley, James M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iraq: Oil and Gas Legislation, Revenue Sharing, and U.S. Policy (open access)

Iraq: Oil and Gas Legislation, Revenue Sharing, and U.S. Policy

This report reviews policy proposals and interim contracts, analyzes the positions of various Iraqi political actors, and discusses potential implications for U.S. foreign policy goals in Iraq.
Date: October 1, 2008
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Gulf Security Dialogue and Related Arms Sale Proposals (open access)

The Gulf Security Dialogue and Related Arms Sale Proposals

This report describes the structure and objectives of the Gulf Security Dialogue; briefly assesses its regional implications; summarizes related proposed arms sales; provides an overview of congressional notification and review procedures; and analyzes recent related activity in the Administration and Congress.
Date: October 8, 2008
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M. & Grimmett, Richard R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues (open access)

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues

This report provides an overview of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and describes its background, objectives, and structure, including the role of the Convention's monitoring body, the CEDAW Committee. It examines U.S. policy and issues in the U.S. ratification debate, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, its effectiveness in combating discrimination, and its role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy.
Date: October 28, 2008
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa
System: The UNT Digital Library
Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is the Navy's highest priority aviation modernization program. The Super Hornet has been approved for international export, but no sales have been made as of June 2006. Key issues surrounding the program relate to the total number of Super Hornets to be procured.
Date: October 2, 2008
Creator: Bolkcom, Christopher
System: The UNT Digital Library
Military Airlift: C-17 Program Background (open access)

Military Airlift: C-17 Program Background

The C-17 Globemaster III is a long-range cargo aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. To date, Congress has funded 190 C-17s for the Air Force. The C-17 program remains a key issue as Congress evaluates the needs of DOD's strategic airlift force. This paper provides program background for the C-17. For more detailed analysis of current issues regarding the C-17 acquisition, see CRS Report RL34264, Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues.
Date: October 22, 2008
Creator: Bolkcom, Christopher & Knight, William
System: The UNT Digital Library
Interim Continuing Resolutions (CRs): Potential Impacts on Agency Operations (open access)

Interim Continuing Resolutions (CRs): Potential Impacts on Agency Operations

None
Date: October 6, 2008
Creator: Brass, Clinton T.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Congressional Salaries and Allowances (open access)

Congressional Salaries and Allowances

This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances. First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress, limits on their outside earned income and honoraria, and applicable health insurance and retirement benefits.
Date: October 1, 2008
Creator: Brudnick, Ida A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Legislation in the 110th Congress (open access)

Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Legislation in the 110th Congress

Aquaculture — the farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic animals and plants in a controlled environment — is expanding rapidly abroad, with more modest advances in the United States. This report discusses the federal laws and regulations that guide the management of resources in open ocean and near-shore coastal areas.
Date: October 8, 2008
Creator: Buck, Eugene H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 110th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices (open access)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 110th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices

None
Date: October 29, 2008
Creator: Buck, Eugene H.; Corn, M. Lynne; Sheikh, Pervaze A. & Meltz, Robert
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 110th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices (open access)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 110th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices

None
Date: October 8, 2008
Creator: Buck, Eugene H.; Corn, M. Lynne; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meltz, Robert & Alexander, Kristina
System: The UNT Digital Library