A Brief History of Attorney General Recusal (open access)

A Brief History of Attorney General Recusal

This report lists the fifteen previous instances of U.S. Attorney General's recusing themselves from an investigation since 1989 after the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions that he was recusing himself from and any investigations regarding President Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
Date: March 8, 2017
Creator: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Broadband Data Privacy and Security: What's Net Neutrality Got to Do With It? (open access)

Broadband Data Privacy and Security: What's Net Neutrality Got to Do With It?

This report is the third in a series discussing the potential impact of the Federal Communications Commission's proposal to reclassify broadband Internet access services (BIAS). This report focuses on the proposal's possible effect on the regulation of BIAS providers' privacy practices.
Date: June 8, 2017
Creator: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Broadband Data Privacy and Security: What's Net Neutrality Got To Do With It? (open access)

Broadband Data Privacy and Security: What's Net Neutrality Got To Do With It?

This report is the third in a series discussing the potential impact of the Federal Communication Commission's proposal to reclassify broadband internet access services (BIAS). This report focuses on the regulations of BIAS provider's privacy practices.
Date: June 8, 2017
Creator: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Clean Power Plan: Legal Background and Pending Litigation in West Virginia v. EPA (open access)

Clean Power Plan: Legal Background and Pending Litigation in West Virginia v. EPA

This report provides legal background on the Clean Power Plan rule (CPP) to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), its Clean Air Act (CAA) framework under Section 111, and climate-related lawsuits that have preceded the present litigation over the CPP. It then gives an overview of the participants in the current litigation, including two groups of Members of Congress, who have offered briefs in support of the petitioners and the respondents, respectively.
Date: March 8, 2017
Creator: Tsang, Linda & Wyatt, Alexandra M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies (open access)

Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies

This report provides information to aid policymakers as they navigate the many levels of responsibility, and numerous policy pressure points that occur after a disaster. It describes the laws and administrative policies governing the disaster response and recovery process. The report also reviews the legislative framework that exists for providing federal financial assistance following disasters, as well as the policies the executive branch employs to provide supplemental help to state, tribal, and local governments during time of disasters.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Brown, Jared T.; Lindsay, Bruce R. & Petruzzelli, Jaclyn
System: The UNT Digital Library
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies (open access)

Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies

This report provides information to aid policymakers as they navigate the many levels of responsibility, and numerous policy pressure points; it describes the laws and administrative policies governing the disaster response and recovery process. The report also reviews the legislative framework that exists for providing federal financial assistance following disasters, as well as the policies the executive branch employs to provide supplemental help to state, tribal, and local governments during time of disasters.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Brown, Jared T.; Lindsay, Bruce R. & Petruzzelli, Jaclyn
System: The UNT Digital Library
Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy (open access)

Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy

This report discusses the Dakota Access Pipeline including background on the project and information about siting approval, as well as opposition and litigation against the pipeline.
Date: February 8, 2017
Creator: Parfomak, Paul W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Discretionary Spending Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (open access)

Discretionary Spending Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

This report examines the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) effects on discretionary spending. It first discusses all the ACA authorizations (and reauthorizations) of appropriations for grant and other programs; this information, along with actual funding amounts, is summarized in a series of tables. The report then reviews the ACA administrative costs borne by CMS and the IRS.
Date: February 8, 2017
Creator: Redhead, C. Stephen; Colello, Kirsten J.; Heisler, Elayne J.; Lister, Sarah A. & Sarata, Amanda K.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Education-Related Regulatory Flexibilities, Waivers, and Federal Assistance in Response to Disasters and National Emergencies (open access)

Education-Related Regulatory Flexibilities, Waivers, and Federal Assistance in Response to Disasters and National Emergencies

This report is intended to inform Congress of existing statutory and regulatory provisions that may aid in responding to future disasters and national emergencies that may affect the provision of or access to education and highlight the actions of previous Congresses to provide additional recovery assistance. This report reflects the most recently available guidance, as of the date of publication, related to education-related disaster response and flexibilities. It will be updated should new or additional statutes be enacted or guidance be issued.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Granovskiy, Boris & Hegji, Alexandra
System: The UNT Digital Library
The End of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program: Some Immediate Takeaways (open access)

The End of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program: Some Immediate Takeaways

This report outlines some of the major implications of ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, including common questions about what happens to current DACA recipients, and possibilities for Congress to consider.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Energy Tax Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (H.R.1) (open access)

Energy Tax Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (H.R.1)

This report discusses energy-related tax provisions in the The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1). These changes are summarized in Table 1. H.R. 1 includes a broad restructuring of the federal income tax system. A full analysis of the consequences of this proposal for the energy sector, or various subsets of the energy sector, is beyond the scope of this insight.
Date: November 8, 2017
Creator: Sherlock, Molly F. & Hughes, Joseph S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
European Security and Islamist Terrorism (open access)

European Security and Islamist Terrorism

This report briefly discusses the current security climate in Europe, as well as policy considerations for the U.S. Over the last two years, European governments and the European Union (EU) have grown increasingly alarmed by the rise of the Islamic State terrorist organization, its ability to attract European citizens to join the fighting in the Syria-Iraq region, and its use of violent extremist propaganda to inspire others.
Date: June 8, 2017
Creator: Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul & Mix, Derek E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
"Extraordinary Measures" and the Debt Limit (open access)

"Extraordinary Measures" and the Debt Limit

This report briefly examines the statutory debt limit and the use of extraordinary measures by the Treasury Department when Congress does not modify the debt limit by the deadline.
Date: December 8, 2017
Creator: Driessen, Grant A. & Hughes, Joseph S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Agricultural Recovery Resources for Hurricane-Related Losses (open access)

Federal Agricultural Recovery Resources for Hurricane-Related Losses

This report provides a short overview of select agricultural recovery resources related to hurricanes such as Harvey and Irma. It is not a comprehensive list (see "CRS Resources" below for more information about programs) and is not intended to provide up-to-date information on unfolding events. For additional support, please contact available CRS experts in hurricane-related issue areas.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Stubbs, Megan
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Financial CHOICE Act in the 115th Congress: Selected Policy Issues (open access)

The Financial CHOICE Act in the 115th Congress: Selected Policy Issues

This report highlights major proposals included in the Financial CHOICE Act (FCA) but is not a comprehensive summary. In general, the bill proposes changes that can be divided into two categories: (1) changes to financial policies and regulations and (2) changes to the regulatory structure and rulemaking process. Major policy-related changes proposed by the FCA include the following: Leverage Ratio, Regulatory Relief, To Big To Fail, Funding, Rulemaking, Judicial Review, Enforcement, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Reserve.
Date: September 8, 2017
Creator: Labonte, Marc; Carpenter, David H.; Davis, Christopher M.; Perkins, David W.; Shorter, Gary & Webel, Baird
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (open access)

Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act

This report discusses the FY2018 defense budget request and provides a summary of congressional action on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2018. The annual NDAA authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related nuclear energy programs of the Department of Energy and typically includes provisions affecting DOD policies or organization. Unlike an appropriations bill, the NDAA does not provide budget authority for government activities.
Date: November 8, 2017
Creator: Towell, Pat & Williams, Lynn M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Government Printing, Publications, and Digital Information Management: Issues and Challenges (open access)

Government Printing, Publications, and Digital Information Management: Issues and Challenges

This report examines three areas related to the production, distribution, retention, and management of government information in a primarily digital environment. These areas include the Joint Committee on Printing; the Federal Depository Library Program; and government information management in the future.
Date: November 8, 2017
Creator: Petersen, R. Eric & Manning, Jennifer E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant (open access)

Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant

This report analyzes the special immigrant visas (SIVs) classifications for Iraqis and Afghans within the context of both the larger special immigrant category and selected other permanent admissions categories. It discusses the legislative changes to the individual Iraqi and Afghan special immigrant programs since their initial authorization, provides statistics on visa issuances, and considers challenges that have faced the programs.
Date: February 8, 2017
Creator: Bruno, Andorra
System: The UNT Digital Library
Jerusalem: U.S. Recognition as Israel's Capitol and Planned Embassy Move (open access)

Jerusalem: U.S. Recognition as Israel's Capitol and Planned Embassy Move

This report discuses President's Trump's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel and stating that the U.S. embassy would be moved there from Tel Aviv "as soon as practicable". It includes an overview of policy questions and concerns, international reactions, and Congressional reactions.
Date: December 8, 2017
Creator: Zanotti, Jim
System: The UNT Digital Library
Judge Neil M. Gorsuch: His Jurisprudence and Potential Impact on the Supreme Court (open access)

Judge Neil M. Gorsuch: His Jurisprudence and Potential Impact on the Supreme Court

This report provides an overview of Judge Gorsuch's jurisprudence and discusses how the Supreme Court might be affected if he were to succeed Justice Scalia. It begins by discussing the nominee's views on two cross-cutting issues -- the role of the judiciary and statutory interpretation -- then addresses fourteen separate areas of law, arranged in alphabetical order, from "administrative law" to "takings." The report includes a table that notes the cases where the Supreme Court has reviewed majority opinions written or joined by Judge Gorsuch.
Date: March 8, 2017
Creator: Nolan, Andrew; Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux; Manuel, Kate M.; Cole, Jared P.; Elsea, Jennifer K. & Murrill, Brandon J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions (open access)

Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

This report responds to frequently asked questions about legislative branch appropriations. Frequently asked questions include the items that are funded within this bill; development, presentation, and consideration of the legislative branch budget requests; the legislative branch budget in historical perspective; and recent actions.
Date: August 8, 2017
Creator: Brudnick, Ida A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses issues surrounding the funding for development of Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) and Marine Personnel Carriers (MPCs). The Marines are required by law to have the necessary equipment to conduct amphibious operations and land operations.
Date: March 8, 2017
Creator: Feickert, Andrew
System: The UNT Digital Library
Medicare Temporary Payment Adjustments for Ground Ambulance Scheduled to Expire (open access)

Medicare Temporary Payment Adjustments for Ground Ambulance Scheduled to Expire

This report discusses the Medicare program which allows for adjustments in payment for ambulances due to the location of the service and level of service provided. A chart is provided showing the number of zip-codes in urban, rural, and super-rural areas for each state and territory.
Date: December 8, 2017
Creator: Villagrana, Marco A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress

This report provides background information and issues for Congress on multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting (BBC),1 which are special contracting mechanisms that Congress permits the Department of Defense (DOD) to use for a limited number of defense acquisition programs. Compared to the standard or default approach of annual contracting, MYP and BBC have the potential for reducing weapon procurement costs by several percent.
Date: August 8, 2017
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald & Schwartz, Moshe
System: The UNT Digital Library