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Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. Policy (open access)

Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. Policy

This report discusses the current political state of Kosovo, which, on February 7, 2008, declared its independence from Serbia. Since then, Serbia has contested Kosovo's declaration of independence, leading to parallel governing institutions and ongoing talks between the two nations. This report discusses challenges Kosovo faces regarding international recognition and the status of its ethnic minorities. This report also discusses Kosovo's relationship with the United States, and U.S. foreign aid efforts to Kosovo.
Date: March 9, 2011
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy (open access)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

This report describes the open economy and society of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as U.S. concern over proliferation of advanced technology due to said open economy and the UAE's lax export controls. This report describes these issues in relation to a recently-signed U.S.-UAE civilian nuclear agreement. It also provides a general description of the UAE's government and political structure, as well as the effects of the recent global economic downturn on the UAE in general and on the city of Dubai in particular.
Date: March 10, 2011
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Overview of Major Tax Proposals in the President's FY2012 Budget (open access)

An Overview of Major Tax Proposals in the President's FY2012 Budget

The Obama Administration released the President's FY2012 budget proposal on February 14, 2011. According to the Administration's estimates, the tax proposals in the budget would increase revenues $280 billion over the next 10 years. This report provides a broad overview of the provisions included in the President's FY2012 budget request.
Date: March 17, 2011
Creator: Keightley, Mark P.; Bickley, James M.; Guenther, Gary; Hungerford, Thomas L.; Maguire, Steven; Marples, Donald J. et al.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
No-Fly Zones: Strategic, Operational, and Legal Considerations for Congress (open access)

No-Fly Zones: Strategic, Operational, and Legal Considerations for Congress

The ongoing uprising in Libya against the government of Muammar al Qadhafi has been the subject of ongoing domestic and international debate about potential international military intervention, including the proposed establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya. This report discusses several related issues for Congress surrounding the strategy, international authorization, congressional authorization, operations, and costs of establishing and maintaining no-fly zones.
Date: March 18, 2011
Creator: Gertler, Jeremiah; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Daggett, Stephen; Dale, Catherine; Elsea, Jennifer K. & Grimmett, Richard F.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
FY2011 Appropriations: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Proposals (open access)

FY2011 Appropriations: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Proposals

FY2011 funding levels were not enacted in the 111th Congress. Thus, the debate over FY2011 appropriations has continued into the 112th Congress. This report is intended to facilitate comparison of three key spending proposals for FY2011-the Administration's budget request, H.R. 1, and S.Amdt. 149 to H.R. 1-to FY2010 enacted funding levels. The report begins with a brief analysis of how each proposal may impact the federal budget deficit. The bulk of the report consists of a funding table that details the recommended appropriations in these proposals, by subcommittee and bill title, and compares them with FY2010 appropriations.
Date: March 18, 2011
Creator: Hatch, Garrett & Lawson, Marian Leonardo
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Overview of Immigration Issues in the 112th Congress (open access)

Overview of Immigration Issues in the 112th Congress

This report synthesizes immigration issues as a multi-tiered debate. It breaks down the U.S. immigration law and policy into key elements: border control and visa security; legal immigration; documentation and verification; interior immigration enforcement; integration, status, and benefits; and refugees and other humanitarian populations. This report also delineates the debate in the 112th Congress for a range of issues, including border security, criminal aliens, and worksite enforcement.
Date: March 21, 2011
Creator: Wasem, Ruth Ellen
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2010 (open access)

Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2010

Members of Congress and their staff frequently ask questions concerning the nature, history, and contemporary application of the process for awarding Gold Medals. This report responds to congressional inquiries concerning this process, and includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards. It is intended to assist Members of Congress and staff in their consideration of future Gold Medal proposals, and will be updated as Gold Medals are approved.
Date: March 14, 2011
Creator: Glassman, Matthew Eric
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
NATO Common Funds Burdensharing: Background and Current Issues (open access)

NATO Common Funds Burdensharing: Background and Current Issues

This report discusses North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) burdensharing--the funding, via individual contributions from NATO member states, of certain commonly conducted activities. The report discusses how each NATO member state's contribution is negotiated, and how member states are reconsidering their defense budgets (and, thereby, their willingness and ability to contribute to NATO operations) in light of the global financial crisis.
Date: March 10, 2011
Creator: Ek, Carl
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 (open access)

Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011

This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 274 women who have served in Congress.
Date: March 18, 2011
Creator: Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J. & Smelcer, Susan Navarro
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Continuing Resolutions: Latest Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices (open access)

Continuing Resolutions: Latest Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices

This report is divided into two segments. The first section provides the most recent information on the FY2011 continuing resolution. The second segment focuses on the (1) history and recent trends, including the nature, scope, and duration of CRs during the past 35 years; (2) CR types by duration; (3) major substantive legislative provisions included in some CRs; and (4) funding gaps.
Date: March 23, 2011
Creator: Streeter, Sandy
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy (open access)

Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy

This report discusses the current political state of Afghanistan, focusing particularly on the influence of the Taliban and other militant groups and on the leadership of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. This report also discusses the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship, in both the short and long term, and U.S. efforts under the Obama Administration to provide military, reconstructive, and stabilization aid.
Date: March 8, 2011
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S. National Science Foundation: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) (open access)

U.S. National Science Foundation: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) was authorized by Congress in 1978, partly in response to concerns in Congress and the concerns of some in academia and the scientific community about the geographic distribution of federal research and development (R&D) funds. Some have questioned the length of time states should receive EPSCoR support. It continues to be called an experimental program after 28 years, and observers have noted that no state has yet to graduate, or leave the program. This report discusses current policy involving EPSCoR, as well as budget requests.
Date: March 17, 2011
Creator: Matthews, Christine M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications (open access)

Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications

This report provides historical background on the enactment of declarations of war and authorizations for the use of force and analyzes their legal effects under international and domestic law. It also sets forth their texts in two appendices. The report includes an extensive listing and summary of statutes that are triggered by a declaration of war, a declaration of national emergency, and/or the existence of a state of war. The report concludes with a summary of the congressional procedures applicable to the enactment of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of force and to measures under the War Powers Resolution.
Date: March 17, 2011
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer K. & Grimmett, Richard F.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses background information on the V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft, as well as procurement issues for FY2012 and related oversight issues for Congress.
Date: March 10, 2011
Creator: Gertler, Jeremiah
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Origination Clause of the U.S. Constitution: Interpretation and Enforcement (open access)

The Origination Clause of the U.S. Constitution: Interpretation and Enforcement

Article I, Section 7, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution is known as the Origination Clause because it provides that "All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives." The meaning and application of this clause has evolved through practice and precedent since the Constitution was drafted. The Constitution does not provide specific guidelines as to what constitutes a "bill for raising revenue." This report analyzes congressional and court precedents regarding that constitutes such a bill. Second, this report describes the various ways in which the Origination Clause has been enforced. Finally, this report looks at the application of the Origination Clause to other types of legislation.
Date: March 15, 2011
Creator: Saturno, James V.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Appropriations Subcommittee Structure: History of Changes from 1920-2011 (open access)

Appropriations Subcommittee Structure: History of Changes from 1920-2011

This report details the evolution of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees' subcommittee structure, from the 1920s to the present.
Date: March 8, 2011
Creator: Tollestrup, Jessica
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Disaster Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries (open access)

Federal Disaster Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries

This report summarizes federal disaster assistance programs for use by Members of Congress and their staff in helping address the needs of constituents. This report includes a list of CRS reports on disaster assistance and assistance for victims of recent hurricanes. It also includes a list of federal agencies' websites that were established to provide information on disaster responses, updates on recovery efforts, and resources on federal assistance programs.
Date: March 14, 2011
Creator: Torsell, Carolyn V.
Object Type: Report
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, an historical overview of debt limits, and how the current economic slowdown has led to higher deficits and thereby a series of debt limit increases, as well as legislation related to these increases.
Date: March 7, 2011
Creator: Austin, D. Andrew & Levit, Mindy R.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress

This report discusses issues Congress faces regarding the Navy's proposed FY2012 budget, particularly as relating to destroyer procurement plans and programs.
Date: March 14, 2011
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding (open access)

Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding

This report discusses the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, also known as fire grants of the FIRE Act grant program, which was established by Title XVII of the FY2001 National Defense Authorization Act. The program provides federal grants directly to local fire departments and unaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to help address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. This report also discusses the possible reauthorization of AFG and the related Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) program. Current debates on the issue revolve around a competition for funding between career/urban/suburban departments and volunteer/rural departments. Complicating the issue is the recent economic downturn, which has left many local communities increasingly hard pressed to allocate funding for their local fire departments.
Date: March 11, 2011
Creator: Kruger, Lennard G.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Multilateral Development Banks: U.S. Contributions FY2000-FY2011 (open access)

Multilateral Development Banks: U.S. Contributions FY2000-FY2011

This report shows in tabular form how much the Administration has requested and how much Congress has appropriated for U.S. payments to the multilateral development banks (MDBs) since 2000. It also provides a brief description of the MDBs and the ways they fund their operations.
Date: March 11, 2011
Creator: Nelson, Rebecca M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iran Sanctions (open access)

Iran Sanctions

This report focuses on the United States' relationship with Iran and how the Obama Administration is handling prior administration's economic sanctions against Iran. The Obama Administration's policy approach toward Iran has contrasted with the Bush Administration's by attempting to couple the imposition of sanctions to an active and direct U.S. effort to negotiate with Iran on the nuclear issue. That approach was not initially altered because of the Iranian dispute over its June 12, 2009, elections. However, with subsequent negotiations yielding no firm Iranian agreement to compromise, since early 2010 the Administration has focused on achieving the imposition of additional U.N., U.S., and allied country sanctions whose cumulative effect would be to compel it to accept a nuclear bargain.
Date: March 1, 2011
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) Status for Russia and U.S.-Russian Economic Ties (open access)

Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) Status for Russia and U.S.-Russian Economic Ties

Granting Russia permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status requires a change in law because Russia is prohibited from receiving unconditional and permanent NTR under Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision includes the so-called Jackson-Vanik amendment. Extension of PNTR has implications for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This report examines this legislative issue in the context of Russian accession to the WTO and U.S.-Russian economic ties.
Date: March 7, 2011
Creator: Cooper, William H.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mandatory Vaccinations: Precedent and Current Laws (open access)

Mandatory Vaccinations: Precedent and Current Laws

This report provides an overview of the legal precedent for mandatory vaccination laws, and of state laws that require certain individuals or populations, including school-aged children and health care workers, to be vaccinated against various communicable diseases. Also discussed are state laws providing for mandatory vaccinations during a public health emergency or outbreak of a communicable disease.
Date: March 10, 2011
Creator: Swendiman, Kathleen S.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library