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Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports
672
Congressional Research Service Reports
148
Government Accountability Office Reports
73
Texas State Publications
54
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25
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5
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4
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1
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985 Matching Results
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What Is Systemic Risk? Does It Apply to Recent JP Morgan Losses?
Systemic risk refers to the possibility that the financial system as a whole might become unstable, rather than the health of individual market participants. Stable financial systems do not transmit or magnify shocks to the broader economy. A firm, person, government, financial utility, or policy might create systemic risk if (1) its failure causes other failures in a domino effect; (2) news about its assets signals that others with similar assets may also be distressed, called contagion; (3) it contributes to fire sales during price declines; or (4) its absence prevents other firms from using an essential service, called critical functions. This report discusses how systemic risk may apply to JP Morgan's recent losses.
Date:
May 24, 2012
Creator:
Murphy, Edward V.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Cybercrime: Conceptual Issues for Congress and U.S. Law Enforcement
This report gives an overview of cybercrime, which can include crimes such as identity theft, payment card fraud, and intellectual property theft. The report discusses where the criminal acts exist (in both the real and digital worlds), motivations for cybercrimes, and who is committing them, as well as government definitions, strategies, and methods of tracking cybercrime.
Date:
May 23, 2012
Creator:
Finklea, Kristin M. & Theohary, Catherine A.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Mexico's 2012 Elections
This report provides an overview of the parties and candidates competing in the Mexican federal elections, with a focus on the presidential contest, followed by a discussion of key issues in the campaign that could have implications for U.S.-Mexican relations.
Date:
May 23, 2012
Creator:
Ribando Seelke, Clare
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
The U.S. Postal Service's Use of Contractors to Deliver Mail: Background and Recent Developments
Currently, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is collectively bargaining with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA). One issue that may or may not be settled is the Postal Service's use of non-USPS employees (i.e., contractors) to deliver mail. If the parties cannot come to a satisfactory arrangement, Congress may be approached to consider the matter.
Date:
May 29, 2012
Creator:
Kosar, Kevin R.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Countering Violent Extremism in the United States
In August 2011, the Obama Administration announced its counter-radicalization strategy. It is devised to address the forces that influence some people living in the United States to acquire and hold radical or extremist beliefs that may eventually compel them to commit terrorism. This is the first such strategy for the federal government, which calls this effort “combating violent extremism” (CVE). This report provides examples of recent Administration CVE activity and examines some of the risks and challenges evident in the SIP's three objectives. The report also diagrams and briefly discusses the “future activities and efforts” outlined in the SIP for each of these three objectives. A number of areas may call for oversight from Congress. These include the following: picking partners and establishing "rules of the road," intervention with at-risk individuals, identifying programs to assist grassroots CVE efforts, countering extremist ideas, the lack of a lead agency, and transparency.
Date:
May 31, 2012
Creator:
Bjelopera, Jerome P.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
U.S.-China Diplomacy Over Chinese Legal Advocate Chen Guangcheng
The case of blind Chinese legal advocate Chen Guangcheng, who escaped from illegal house arrest in China's Shandong Province on April 20, 2012, and made his way to Beijing, the United States Embassy, and, ultimately, the United States, has generated strong congressional interest. This report begins by examining implications of the Chen case for the place of human rights in U.S.-China relations. It then discusses why Beijing may have been willing to negotiate with the United States at all over the fate of a Chinese citizen inside China. The report highlights the remaining issues in the case, details the understandings reached between the two governments, and then provides background on Chen Guangcheng and a list of his family and other associates in China who may be at risk. The report includes a map showing Chen's home district and Beijing, the city to which he escaped. It also includes a timeline of developments in the case from April 20, 2012, until May 19, 2012, based upon information available at the time of publication.
Date:
May 29, 2012
Creator:
Lawrence, Susan V. & Lum, Thomas
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Trade Reorganization: Overview and Issues for Congress
On January 13, 2012, President Obama asked Congress for authority to reorganize and consolidate into one department the business- and trade-related functions of six federal entities. U.S. policymakers' interest in the organizational structure of U.S. government trade functions has grown in recent years, stimulated by congressional and federal efforts to promote U.S. exports and employment, including through the National Export Initiative (NEI). Interest also has been stimulated by national debates on reducing federal spending and the size of the U.S. government. This report looks at the policy debate and role of Congress in such a move.
Date:
May 31, 2012
Creator:
Ilias, Shayerah
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
EU-U.S. Economic Ties: Framework, Scope, and Magnitude
This report provides background information and analysis of the U.S.-EU economic relationship for members of the 112th Congress as they contemplate the costs and benefits of closer U.S. economic ties with the EU. It examines the economic and political framework of the relationship and the scope and magnitude of the ties based on data from various sources. In addition, the report analyzes the implications these factors have for U.S. economic policy toward the EU.
Date:
May 30, 2012
Creator:
Cooper, William H.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding
This report discusses the firefighting activities that are traditionally the responsibility of states and local communities. The report also talks about the funding for firefighters, which is provided mostly by state and local governments. However, during the 106th Congress, many in the fire community asserted that local fire departments require and deserve greater support from the federal government.
Date:
May 17, 2012
Creator:
Kruger, Lennard G.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives
This report describes the current select committees on intelligence; characteristics and a model for a possible joint committee; recent actions by Congress; and obstacles affecting legislative oversight in the field.
Date:
May 14, 2012
Creator:
Halchin, L. Elaine & Kaiser, Frederick M.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
U.S.-Japan Economic Relations: Significance, Prospects, and Policy Options
This report discusses issues regarding U.S.-Japan economic relations, since the economic condition of each nation can affect the world economy and a U.S.-Japan bilateral economic relationship could influence economic conditions in other countries. U.S. and Japanese leaders have several options on how to manage their relationship, including stronger reliance on the World Trade Organization; special bilateral negotiating frameworks and agreements; or a free trade agreement.
Date:
May 29, 2012
Creator:
Cooper, William H.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
U.S. Nuclear Cooperation with India: Issues for Congress
India, which has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and does not have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all of its nuclear material, exploded a “peaceful” nuclear device in 1974, convincing the world of the need for greater restrictions on nuclear trade. The United States created the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as a direct response to India's test, halted nuclear exports to India a few years later, and worked to convince other states to do the same. India tested nuclear weapons again in 1998. This report looks at how the relationship between the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration with India in regards to nuclear power.
Date:
May 7, 2012
Creator:
Kerr, Paul K.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
The post-World War II U.S.-Japan alliance has long been an anchor of the U.S. security role in East Asia. The alliance facilitates the forward deployment of about 36,000 U.S. troops and other U.S. military assets in the Asia-Pacific, thereby undergirding U.S. national security strategy in the region. For Japan, the alliance and the U.S. nuclear umbrella provide maneuvering room in dealing with its neighbors, particularly China and North Korea. This report looks at the relations post-2011 earthquake and tsunami hit in Japan, as well as issues with U.S. marines stationed in Okinawa and economic relations.
Date:
May 4, 2012
Creator:
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Cooper, William H. & Manyin, Mark E.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Syria: Unrest and U.S. Policy
Syria remains mired in political confrontation and violence, and is perched on the edge of civil war. U.S. officials and many analysts believe that President Bashar al Asad, his family members, and his supporters will ultimately be forced from power. President Obama and his Administration have been calling for Asad's resignation since August 2011, and have been vocal advocates for United Nations Security Council action to condemn the Syrian government and end the bloodshed. The United States has closed its embassy in Damascus, and Ambassador Robert Ford has left Syria. In the face of intense domestic and international pressure calling for political change and for an end to violence against civilians, the Asad government has offered limited reforms while also meeting protests and armed attacks with overwhelming force. After a year of unrest and violence, Syria's political crisis is characterized by dilemmas and contradictions, which are discussed in this report.
Date:
May 24, 2012
Creator:
Sharp, Jeremy M. & Blanchard, Christopher M.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Federal Taxation of Aliens Working in the United States
This report outlines issues regarding the taxation of aliens since several pieces of current legislation have been introduced that would impose restrictions for claiming child tax credits or for claiming credits and refunds. The report includes an overview of immigration status, resident or nonresident aliens, taxation of income for various classifications, and Social Security and medicare taxes.
Date:
May 18, 2012
Creator:
Lunder, Erika K.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights
This report discusses the situation immediately following the completion of the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq on December 18, 2011, when relations among major political factions worsened substantially, threatening Iraq's stability and the legacy of the U.S. intervention in Iraq. It includes an overview of historical and current political, military, and governance issues as well as an analysis of Iraq in relation to the other nations in the region.
Date:
May 16, 2012
Creator:
Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges
A look at the background of annual intelligence authorization acts until 2005. Discussion of the FY2005 Intelligence Authorization bill signed by President Bush, the FY2011 Intelligence Authorization Act passed by Congress and signed into P.L. 112-18 by President Obama, and the Intelligence Authorization for FY2012, which was signed into law by President Obama as P.L. 112-87.
Date:
May 21, 2012
Creator:
Grimmett, Richard F.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011
A resolution of inquiry is a simple resolution making a direct request or demand of the President or the head of an executive department to furnish the House with specific factual information in the Administration's possession. Under the rules and precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives, such resolutions, if properly drafted, are given a privileged parliamentary status. This means that, under certain circumstances, a resolution of inquiry can be brought up on the House floor even if the committee to which it was referred has not reported it and the majority party leadership has not scheduled it for consideration. This report discusses the background, purpose, and efficiency of these inquiries.
Date:
May 15, 2012
Creator:
Davis, Christopher M.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians
This report collects statistics from a variety of sources on casualties sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which began on October 7, 2001, and is ongoing. OEF actions take place primarily in Afghanistan, but OEF casualties also include American casualties in other countries, listed within this report.
Date:
May 31, 2012
Creator:
Chesser, Susan G.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Tax Reform: An Overview of Proposals in the 112th Congress
This report gives an overview of tax reform issues. The President and leading members of Congress have stated that fundamental tax reform is a major policy objective for the 112th Congress. Some Members have said that fundamental tax reform is needed in order to raise a large amount of additional revenue, which is necessary to reduce high forecast budget deficits and the sharply rising national debt. Congressional interest has been expressed in both a major overhaul of the U.S. tax system and the feasibility of levying a consumption tax.
Date:
May 31, 2012
Creator:
Bickley, James M.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Water Quality Issues in the 112th Congress: Oversight and Implementation
This report discusses water quality legislation. A number of Clean Water Act issues have been the subject of congressional oversight and legislation, including the environmental and economic impacts of Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, federal promulgation of water quality standards in Florida, regulation of surface coal mining activities in Appalachia, and other CWA regulatory actions. Congressional interest in several of these issues has been reflected in debate over policy provisions of legislation providing FY2012 appropriations for EPA (P.L. 112-74).
Date:
May 30, 2012
Creator:
Copeland, Claudia
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
The U.S. Export Control System and the President's Reform Initiative
This report discusses some of the proposed legislation and other issues related to the U.S. export control system. In considering the future of the U.S. export control system, Congress may weigh the merits of a unified export control system—the end result of the President's proposal—or the continuation of the present bifurcated system by reauthorizing the present Export Administration Act (EAA) or writing new legislation. In doing so, Congress may debate the record of the present dual-use system maintained by emergency authority, the aims and effectiveness of the present non-proliferation control regimes, the maintenance of the defense industrial base, and the delicate balance between the maintenance of economic competitiveness and the preservation of national security.
Date:
May 18, 2012
Creator:
Fergusson, Ian F. & Kerr, Paul K.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Federal Laws Relating to Cybersecurity: Discussion of Proposed Revisions
This report discusses how the current legislative framework for cybersecurity might need to be revised.
Date:
May 10, 2012
Creator:
Fischer, Eric A.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources
This report provides links to selected authoritative resources related to cybersecurity issues, including: legislation, hearings in the 112th Congress, data and statistics, and cybersecurity glossaries.
Date:
May 8, 2012
Creator:
Tehan, Rita
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library