Flooding Events: CRS Experts (open access)

Flooding Events: CRS Experts

This table provides access to names and contact information for Congressional Research Service (CRS) experts on policy concerns relating to flooding events in the United States. Policy areas identified include impacts, response and recovery, mitigation, and federal financing.
Date: June 27, 2012
Creator: Abel, Amy
System: The UNT Digital Library
OPIC, USAID, and Proposed Development Finance Reorganization (open access)

OPIC, USAID, and Proposed Development Finance Reorganization

This report discusses a proposed reorganization of U.S. developmental aid programs that would consolidate several agencies into one central agency. Various pros and cons of the proposal are also included.
Date: April 27, 2018
Creator: Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias & Tarnoff, Curt
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Gray Wolf and the Endangered Species Act (ESA): A Brief Legal History (open access)

The Gray Wolf and the Endangered Species Act (ESA): A Brief Legal History

This report provides a brief history of the laws, regulations, and lawsuits related to the wolf's protected status.
Date: July 27, 2011
Creator: Alexander, Kristina
System: The UNT Digital Library
Department of Defense Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits Under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (open access)

Department of Defense Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits Under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012

Report that looks at the background of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (NDAA), the Department of Defense's (DOD) electrical use, and DOD electricity use versus state electricity use.
Date: November 27, 2012
Creator: Andrews, Anthony
System: The UNT Digital Library
The European Union (EU): Current Challenges and Future Prospects in Brief (open access)

The European Union (EU): Current Challenges and Future Prospects in Brief

This report provides a brief history of the EU and the major simultaneous challenges currently facing the EU as an institution. It also discusses the potential implications both for the EU itself and for U.S.-EU relations.
Date: October 27, 2015
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases (open access)

The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases

This report discusses how the total debt of the federal government can increase, provides an historical overview of debt limits, and explains how the current economic slowdown has led to higher deficits and thereby a series of debt limit increases, also discusses the legislation related to these increases.
Date: August 27, 2013
Creator: Austin, D. Andrew & Levit, Mindy R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Defense Logistical Support Contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan: Issues for Congress (open access)

Defense Logistical Support Contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan: Issues for Congress

This report examines logistical support contracts for troop support services in Iraq and Afghanistan (for Afghanistan, beginning with LOGCAP IV) administered through the U.S. Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP). LOGCAP is an initiative designed to manage the use of civilian contractors that perform services during times of war and other military mobilizations.
Date: January 27, 2010
Creator: Bailey Grasso, Valerie
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding (open access)

Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding

This report discusses the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) that authorizes the President to issue major disaster, emergency, and fire management declarations, which in turn enable federal agencies to provide assistance to state and local governments overwhelmed by catastrophes.
Date: January 27, 2010
Creator: Bea, Keith
System: The UNT Digital Library
FY2010 Supplemental for Wars, Disaster Assistance, Haiti Relief, and Other Programs (open access)

FY2010 Supplemental for Wars, Disaster Assistance, Haiti Relief, and Other Programs

This report provides an overview of FY2010 supplemental appropriations and discusses this year's supplemental focused on the effect on the deficit of additional spending.
Date: July 27, 2010
Creator: Belasco, Amy; Else, Daniel H.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Margesson, Rhoda; Nakamura, Kennon H.; Taft-Morales, Maureen et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Covert Action: Legislative Background and Possible Policy Questions (open access)

Covert Action: Legislative Background and Possible Policy Questions

Published reports have suggested that in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Pentagon has expanded its counter-terrorism intelligence activities as part of what the Bush Administration termed the global war on terror. This report discusses the Department of Defense's (DOD) various counter-terrorist intelligence activities, whether or not they constitute classification as "covert action," and the challenge of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various intelligence activities with regard to clandestine activities. This report examines the statutory procedures governing covert action and associated questions to consider.
Date: December 27, 2011
Creator: Best, Richard A., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Intelligence Appropriations Process: Issues for Congress (open access)

The Intelligence Appropriations Process: Issues for Congress

The intelligence appropriations process remains complicated and not well understood, but intelligence is an important and sizable part of the federal budget and will undoubtedly be addressed as Congress considers various alternatives for spending. This report reviews the intelligence appropriations process, describes various changes that have been proposed, and analyzes the issues associated with the proposals.
Date: October 27, 2011
Creator: Best, Richard A., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges (open access)

Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges

This report assesses the effects of the absence of intelligence authorization legislation since FY2005. Since FY2005, no annual intelligence authorization bill has been enacted. Although the National Security Act requires intelligence activities to be specifically authorized, this requirement has been satisfied in recent years by one-sentence catch-all provisions in defense appropriations acts authorizing intelligence activities.
Date: January 27, 2010
Creator: Best, Richard A., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The National Intelligence Council (NIC): Issues and Options for Congress (open access)

The National Intelligence Council (NIC): Issues and Options for Congress

It is the purpose of this report to describe the statutory provisions that authorize the NIC, provide a brief history of its work, and review its role within the federal government. The report will focus on congressional interaction with the NIC and describe various options for modifying congressional oversight.
Date: December 27, 2011
Creator: Best, Richard A., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Sessions, Adjournments, and Recesses of Congress (open access)

Sessions, Adjournments, and Recesses of Congress

This report first describes how pertinent rules and practices regulate the daily sessions of Congress and their adjournments and recesses, including discussion of the "legislative day." It then develops a corresponding discussion for the annual sessions of Congress, which addresses, among other things, the use of "pro forma sessions." The report clarifies certain situations in which terms may simultaneously apply in different ways in relation to the daily session and to the annual session. Finally, the report notes some of the most important implications of the occurrence of sessions, adjournments, and recesses in relation to such matters as presidential action on legislation, recess appointments by the President, the operation of statutory expedited procedures ("fast track" procedures), and "lame duck" (post-election) sessions.
Date: February 27, 2013
Creator: Beth, Richard S. & Tollestrup, Jessica
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations (open access)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations

This report provides background information on key elements of the FBI terrorism investigative process based on publicly available information. This report sets forth possible considerations for Congress as it executes its oversight role. These issues include the extent to which intelligence has been integrated into FBI operations to support its counterterrorism mission and the progress the Bureau has made on its intelligence reform initiatives.
Date: April 27, 2011
Creator: Bjelopera, Jerome P. & Randol, Mark A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations (open access)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations

This report provides background information on key elements of the FBI terrorism investigative process based on publicly available information. This report sets forth possible considerations for Congress as it executes its oversight role. These issues include the extent to which intelligence has been integrated into FBI operations to support its counterterrorism mission and the progress the Bureau has made on its intelligence reform initiatives. In addition, these issues will also be relevant during confirmation hearings for a new director.
Date: April 27, 2011
Creator: Bjelopera, Jerome P. & Randol, Mark A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Proposed Train and Equip Authorities for Syria: In Brief (open access)

Proposed Train and Equip Authorities for Syria: In Brief

This report reviews the authority granted in H.J.Res. 124 and explores similarities and differences among the H.J.Res. 124 authority, the President's requests, and other proposals that may be considered by Congress, including during anticipated consideration of FY2015 full-year appropriations or defense authorization (H.R. 4435/S. 2410) legislation.
Date: October 27, 2014
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M. & Belasco, Amy
System: The UNT Digital Library
The United Nations Human Rights Council: Issues for Congress (open access)

The United Nations Human Rights Council: Issues for Congress

This report provides background on the U.N. Human Rights Council, including the role of the previous U.N. Commission on Human Rights. It discusses the Council's current mandate and structure, as well as Administration policy and congressional actions. Finally, it highlights policy aspects of possible interest to the 115th Congress, including U.S. options for funding the Council, possible drawbacks and benefits of U.S membership, and the Council's focus on Israel.
Date: September 27, 2017
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa
System: The UNT Digital Library
The International Labor Organization (ILO): Background in Brief (open access)

The International Labor Organization (ILO): Background in Brief

This report discusses the International Labor Organization (ILO), and describes the ILO's mission, structure, and functions; presents case studies on how the ILO offers assistance to countries in promoting worker rights; and identifies issues for Congress.
Date: August 27, 2015
Creator: Bolle, Mary Jane
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Renewable Fuel Standard: In Brief (open access)

The Renewable Fuel Standard: In Brief

This report provides a basic description of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), including some of the widely discussed issues.
Date: November 27, 2013
Creator: Bracmort, Kelsi
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Tip Credit Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): In Brief (open access)

The Tip Credit Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): In Brief

This report discusses the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938 (P.L. 75-718), which is the federal legislation that establishes the general minimum wage that must be paid to all covered workers.
Date: March 27, 2014
Creator: Bradley, David H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the One-Stop Delivery System (open access)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the One-Stop Delivery System

This report provides details of WIOA Title I state formula program structure, services, allotment formulas, and performance accountability, a program overview for national grant programs, and a brief overview of the Employment Service (ES), which is authorized by separate legislation but is an integral part of the One-Stop system created by WIOA.
Date: October 27, 2015
Creator: Bradley, David H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects (open access)

Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects

This report discusses the causes of funding gaps and shutdowns of the federal government, processes that are associated with shutdowns, and how agency operations may be affected by shutdowns. The report concludes with a discussion of potential issues for Congress.
Date: September 27, 2010
Creator: Brass, Clinton T.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Members Representational Allowance: History and Usage (open access)

Members Representational Allowance: History and Usage

This report provides a history and overview of the Members Representational Allowance (MRA) for running their congressional offices and examines spending patterns in recent years. Information is provided on total spending and spending for various categories, including personnel compensation; travel; rent, utilities, and communications; printing and reproduction; other services; supplies and materials; equipment; and franked mail. The data collected demonstrate that, despite variations when considering all Members, many Members allocate their spending in a similar manner, and spending allocation patterns have remained relatively consistent over time.
Date: August 27, 2017
Creator: Brudnick, Ida A.
System: The UNT Digital Library