Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: A Possible Role for Congress (open access)

Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: A Possible Role for Congress

This report focuses on the creation of the Transatlantic Economic Council; the role of legislatures in the regulatory process; and the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and its new role as an advisor to transatlantic regulatory efforts.
Date: January 4, 2010
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J. & Morelli, Vincent
System: The UNT Digital Library
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Negotiations (open access)

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Negotiations

This report provides: (1) context for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations; (2) analysis of possible trade and investment issues in the negotiations; and (3) discussion of issues for Congress. The U.S.-EU negotiations on TTIP are not public, however, the information and analysis in this report on issues in the negotiations are based on publicly-available information.
Date: February 4, 2014
Creator: Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias & Jones, Vivian C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S. Trade and Investment in the Middle East and North Africa: Overview and Issues for Congress (open access)

U.S. Trade and Investment in the Middle East and North Africa: Overview and Issues for Congress

This report provides background and analysis for policymakers considering re-evaluating U.S. trade and investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in light of recent political developments. In particular, the report examines the economic challenges facing many countries in the region and the area's limited integration in the world economy, including relatively weak economic ties with the United States. It also analyzes various policy options for increasing trade and investment with MENA countries. The report concludes by discussing: 1) the premise of the policy agenda, specifically whether increased trade and investment can support or lead to successful democratic transitions and political stability; and 2) if such a policy agenda is pursued, possible implementation questions that policymakers in Congress and the Administration may face.
Date: March 4, 2013
Creator: Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Bolle, Mary Jane & Nelson, Rebecca M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The 2010 Oil Spill: The Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (open access)

The 2010 Oil Spill: The Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

This report will review environmental procedures after an exploratory oil well in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, killing 11 people and causing an oil spill.
Date: June 4, 2010
Creator: Alexander, Kristina
System: The UNT Digital Library
The European Parliament (open access)

The European Parliament

This report provides background on the Congress-European Parliament (EP) relationship and the role of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD). It also explores potential future options that coukd strengthen ties between the two bodies.
Date: February 4, 2014
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
European Union Enlargement (open access)

European Union Enlargement

This report discusses the evolution of the European Union and its process for enlargement. The EU has long viewed the enlargement process as an historic opportunity to further the integration of the continent by peaceful means.
Date: February 4, 2013
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
European Union Enlargement (open access)

European Union Enlargement

The European Union (EU) has long viewed the enlargement process as an extraordinary opportunity to promote political stability and economic prosperity in Europe. U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have long backed EU enlargement, believing that it serves U.S. interests by advancing democracy and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. Some U.S. officials are concerned that "enlargement fatigue" as well as the EU's ongoing financial crisis could hinder EU expansion. The status of EU enlargement and its implications for both the EU itself and U.S.-EU relations may be of interest to the second session of the 112th Congress.
Date: April 4, 2012
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
The European Union: Questions and Answers (open access)

The European Union: Questions and Answers

This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 113th Congress.
Date: March 4, 2013
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
The European Union: Questions and Answers (open access)

The European Union: Questions and Answers

This report serves as a primer on the European Union and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 114th Congress.
Date: September 4, 2015
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism (open access)

U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism

This report examines the evolution of counterterrorism cooperation between the United States and the European Union (EU), particularly since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It includes a discussion of U.S.-EU cooperation progress and ongoing challenges, as well as perspectives and issues for Congress.
Date: September 4, 2013
Creator: Archick, Kristin
System: The UNT Digital Library
Europe's Migration and Refugee Crisis (open access)

Europe's Migration and Refugee Crisis

This report discusses the migration and refugee crisis in Europe, as people flee conflict and poverty in neighboring regions. Many are from the Middle East and Africa; others come from Ukraine, as well as Kosovo and elsewhere in the Western Balkans. Experts have characterized the influxes as mixed migration, defined as flows of different groups of people--such as economic migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, trafficked persons, and unaccompanied children--who travel the same routes and use the same modes of transportation.
Date: September 4, 2015
Creator: Archick, Kristin & Margesson, Rhoda
System: The UNT Digital Library
The European Union: Questions and Answers (open access)

The European Union: Questions and Answers

This report provides a brief overview of the European Union (EU), an economic and political partnership between 27 sovereign member states. The report describes the formation of the EU, the three main institutions of the EU, and the EU's relationship with the United States.
Date: May 4, 2011
Creator: Archick, Kristin & Mix, Derek E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Political Transition in Tunisia (open access)

Political Transition in Tunisia

This report discusses Tunisia's "Jasmine Revolution," the common term for President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's flight from the country following weeks of mounting anti-government protests. This report discusses how the Jasmine Revolution appears to have added momentum to anti-government sentiment in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and other countries. This report discusses Tunisia's pro-democracy movement; concerns over potential instability in a previously secure, pro-Western area; and U.S.-Tunisian relations.
Date: March 4, 2011
Creator: Arieff, Alexis
System: The UNT Digital Library
Domestic Food Assistance: Summary of Programs (open access)

Domestic Food Assistance: Summary of Programs

This report gives an overview of the federal programs that provide food assistance within the United States and the territories, including a discussion of common concepts and themes across the network of domestic food assistance programs.
Date: February 4, 2015
Creator: Aussenberg, Randy A. & Colello, Kirsten J.
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: November 4, 2010
Creator: Austin, D. Andrew & Levit, Mindy R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mental Disorders Among OEF/OIF Veterans Using VA Health Care: Facts and Figures (open access)

Mental Disorders Among OEF/OIF Veterans Using VA Health Care: Facts and Figures

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Date: February 4, 2013
Creator: Bagalman, Erin
System: The UNT Digital Library
Traumatic Brain Injury Among Veterans (open access)

Traumatic Brain Injury Among Veterans

This report discusses traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans receiving care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, with particular attention to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans.
Date: January 4, 2013
Creator: Bagalman, Erin
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S. Energy: Overview and Key Statistics (open access)

U.S. Energy: Overview and Key Statistics

This report presents a current and historical view of the supply and consumption of various forms of energy including oil, electricity, coal, and renewable energies. It includes compiled statistics and charts.
Date: April 4, 2011
Creator: Behrens, Carl E. & Glover, Carol
System: The UNT Digital Library
Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2017 (open access)

Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2017

This report provides data on elections of the Speaker in each Congress since 1913, when the House first reached its present size of 435 Members. During that period (63rd through 115th Congresses), a Speaker was elected five times with the votes of less than a majority of the full membership.
Date: January 4, 2017
Creator: Beth, Richard S. & Heitshusen, Valerie
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iraq: Issues in the 115th Congress (open access)

Iraq: Issues in the 115th Congress

This report discusses issues in Iraq, including remaining Islamic State fighters, the May 2018 election, economic challenges, humanitarian issues and stabilization.
Date: October 4, 2018
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Libya: Transition and U.S. Policy (open access)

Libya: Transition and U.S. Policy

This report discusses current political and security dynamics in Libya following the fall of Muammar al Qadhafi in 2011. As of early 2016, a United Nations-facilitated agreement to form a Government of National Accord (GNA) remains under consideration by Libyan factions.
Date: March 4, 2016
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Qatar: Background and U.S. Relations (open access)

Qatar: Background and U.S. Relations

This report presents an overview of Qatar's history and recent economic and political developments. The report discusses U.S. relations with Qatar, U.S. military cooperation and foreign assistance, political reform and elections, as well as human rights and social issues.
Date: November 4, 2014
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
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 historical background of the United Nations Human Rights Council, including the role of the previous Commission. It discusses the Council's current mandate and structure, as well as U.S. policy and congressional actions. Finally, it highlights possible policy issues for the 112th Congress, including the overall effectiveness of the Council in addressing human rights, implications for U.S. membership, and U.S. financial contributions to the Council.
Date: February 4, 2014
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa
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 historical background of the Council, including the role of the previous Commission. It discusses the Council's current mandate and structure, as well as U.S. policy and congressional actions.
Date: May 4, 2010
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa
System: The UNT Digital Library