Executive Summaries of All CRS Reports

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Scientific Basis of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Actions: H.R. 1422 and H.R. 4012 – IN10182

The scientific basis of regulation is a long-standing issue. In the 113th ... http://p.ost.im/jkq3Mc

Repatriation of Foreign Treasures of Antiquity: Forfeiture Limitations – NB2014111079

Federal authorities have enjoyed some success using customs forfeiture pr ... http://p.ost.im/jhrReG

If a Government Warning Causes Serious Economic Loss, is There a Taking of Property Rights? – NB2014111078

Government actions may reduce property value in countless ways. Even when ... http://p.ost.im/jrnKUF

Proposed Suspension Agreements Would End Dispute with Mexico over Sugar Trade – IN10178

The U.S. Department of Commerce, the Mexican government, and representati ... http://p.ost.im/jAC9Sg

The Battle over Cable Boxes – IN10180

Disagreement over requirements for the set-top boxes in viewers homes is ... http://p.ost.im/j6sWj8

Ebola: 2014 Outbreak in West Africa – IF00044

In March 2014, an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) began in Guinea. ... http://p.ost.im/jrBkU5

Would Congressional Inaction on Initiative 71 be Consistent with International Treaty Commitments? – NB2014111081

On Election Day, Oregon, Alaska, and the District of Columbia (the Distri ... http://p.ost.im/jYr8Yt

Untimely U.S. Filing Does Not Doom Forfeiture – NB2014111080

The government’s confiscation efforts sometimes survive its failure to ... http://p.ost.im/jrGhwb

Jerusalem: Recent Israeli-Palestinian Tensions and Violence – IN10183

The status of Jerusalem and its holy sites has been a long-standing issue ... http://p.ost.im/jhCq97

Proposals to Change the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Definition of “Full Time” – IF00064

For the purposes of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA; P.L. 111-148, as am ... http://p.ost.im/jhed87

U.S. Citizens Kidnapped by the Islamic State – IN10167

On November 16, 2014, the terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, ... http://p.ost.im/2E3e3x

Foreign Affairs Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO): Background and Current Issues – IF00063

Some Members of Congress are examining foreign affairs funding designated ... http://p.ost.im/2wUpsv

Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – IF00001

What is the current status? The negotiations remain ongoing. TPP Minister ... http://p.ost.im/jAYL5H

The G-20 Summit: Brisbane, November 15-16, 2014 – IN10174

The Group of Twenty (G-20) is a multilateral forum for advancing internat ... http://p.ost.im/jhYyrC

Monday, November 24, 2014

Federal Proposals to Tax Marijuana: An Economic Analysis – R43785

The combination of state policy and general public opinion favoring the l ... http://p.ost.im/jBeDcJ

School Meals Programs and Other USDA Child Nutrition Programs: A Primer – R43783

“Child nutrition programs” is an overarching term used to describe th ... http://p.ost.im/jA63xC

Keystone XL Pipeline: Overview and Recent Developments – R43787

TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands c ... http://p.ost.im/jrXmGu

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process: A Primer – R43784

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (refe ... http://p.ost.im/jdGDhp

Legislative Branch: FY2015 Appropriations – R43557

The legislative branch appropriations bill provides funding for the Senat ... http://p.ost.im/jreNGh

Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress – RL33745

The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out b ... http://p.ost.im/jFHJsH

Executive Discretion as to Immigration: Legal Overview – R43782

President Obama announced in June 2014 that he would seek “to fix as mu ... http://p.ost.im/jByyuC

Federal Deductibility of State and Local Taxes – RL32781

Under current law, taxpayers who itemize can deduct state and local real ... http://p.ost.im/jBn5bR

Security Assistance Reform: “Section 1206″ Background and Issues for Congress – RS22855

Section 1206 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal ... http://p.ost.im/jdU2sm

Juvenile Justice Funding Trends – RS22655

Although juvenile justice has always been administered by the states, Con ... http://p.ost.im/jMcqQe

The Office of the Parliamentarian in the House and Senate – RS20544

The House and the Senate each has an Office of the Parliamentarian to pro ... http://p.ost.im/jMsdjD

Veterans and Homelessness – RL34024

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan brought renewed attention to the needs o ... http://p.ost.im/jhyjp6

Agriculture in the WTO Bali Ministerial Agreement – R43592

At the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Ninth Ministerial Conferenc ... http://p.ost.im/jkFNfB

The “Islamic State” Crisis and U.S. Policy – R43612

The Islamic State is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrori ... http://p.ost.im/jSrwGE

Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the House of Representatives – 98-307

The Speaker usually does not take the initiative to prevent the House fro ... http://p.ost.im/jAeYgS

State and Local Government Series (SLGS) Treasury Debt: A Description – R41811

As part of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-46), the Uni ... http://p.ost.im/jkjUMQ

EPA Regulations: Too Much, Too Little, or On Track? – R41561

Since Barack Obama was sworn in as President in 2009, the Environmental P ... http://p.ost.im/jFFB9f

Resources for Key Economic Indicators – R43295

An understanding of economic indicators and their significance is seen as ... http://p.ost.im/jeckC3

The Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction – R42388

Congress annually considers several appropriations measures, which provid ... http://p.ost.im/jAJuKk

The Small Business Lending Fund – R42045

Congressional interest in small business access to capital has increased ... http://p.ost.im/jJvPcr

Guide to Individuals Seated on the House Dais – 98-396

The House of Representatives meets in the House chamber of the Capitol. I ... http://p.ost.im/jrs4c6

Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Primer: Benefit Basics and Issues – R42401

A Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) is an institution, or distinct ... http://p.ost.im/jkBBHP

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Lessons Learned and Issues for Policymakers – R41836

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the nation’s first man ... http://p.ost.im/jS5hUB

Senate Consideration of Treaties – 98-384

The consideration of treaties and nominations constitutes the executive b ... http://p.ost.im/jkfybt

Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate – R40616

As congressional policy makers continue to debate telecommunications refo ... http://p.ost.im/jrJjVk

Committee Types and Roles – 98-241

Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative ... http://p.ost.im/jY722p

Constitutional Points of Order in the Senate – R40948

In general, the Senate’s presiding officer does not take the initiative ... http://p.ost.im/jNsGgA

Medicaid Coverage of Long-Term Services and Supports – R43328

Long-term services and supports (LTSS) refer to a broad range of health a ... http://p.ost.im/jhyACS

Chemical Facility Security: Issues and Options for the 113th Congress – R42918

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has statutory authority to regu ... http://p.ost.im/jhqr7Q

Implementation of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS): Issues for Congress – R43346

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implements the Chemical Facilit ... http://p.ost.im/jkevJh

Voter Identification Requirements: Background and Legal Issues – R42806

Some states require voters at a polling place to produce identification b ... http://p.ost.im/jMGM4D

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Resources for Frequently Asked Questions – R43215

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148, as ame ... http://p.ost.im/2wndnq

Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Data Brief – R41420

In children and adolescents, obesity is defined as being at or above the ... http://p.ost.im/jkyxyu

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Three Parties, Two Cases, One Set of Documents: Continued – NB2014111074

This is part two of a two-part series discussing efforts in federal court ... http://p.ost.im/23xAM6

Oxfam Sues SEC Over Not Yet Issuing New Resource Extraction Disclosure Rule – NB2014111072

On September 18, 2014, Oxfam America, a self-described “global organiza ... http://p.ost.im/2w6eWL

Three Parties, Two Cases, One Set of Documents; Not a Fast and Furious Resolution – NB2014111075

This is part one of a two-part series discussing efforts in federal court ... http://p.ost.im/jJq7ts

UPDATED: Sixth Circuit Creates Circuit Split by Upholding State Same-Sex Marriage Bans – NB2014111076

On November 6, 2014, a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit upheld—2 to ... http://p.ost.im/jFe7Fu

Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Federal Whistleblower Case – NB2014111073

On November 4, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in DHS v. MacLean, w ... http://p.ost.im/jJscq2

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Battle over Cable Boxes – IN10180

Disagreement over requirements for the set-top boxes in viewers homes is ... http://p.ost.im/j8FFR2

Ebola: 2014 Outbreak in West Africa – IF00044

In March 2014, an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) began in Guinea. ... http://p.ost.im/jLRBGK

When Will DOD Modernize its Electronic Health Records Systems? – IN10179

In January 2013, the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (V ... http://p.ost.im/2TK2gx

The World Trade Organization at 20 – IF00028

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, fo ... http://p.ost.im/jdEg3q

Agriculture in the Bali Agreement: A Way Forward – IN10163

At the World Trade Organizations (WTOs) Ninth Ministerial Conference in B ... http://p.ost.im/2TrCrj

Proposed Suspension Agreements Would End Dispute with Mexico over Sugar Trade – IN10178

The U.S. Department of Commerce, the Government of Mexico, and representa ... http://p.ost.im/2vqgru

Monday, November 17, 2014

Country-of-Origin Labeling for Foods and the WTO Trade Dispute on Meat Labeling – RS22955

Most retail food stores are now required to inform consumers about the co ... http://p.ost.im/2ErdXQ

An Introduction to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit – RS22389

The low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program is one of the federal g ... http://p.ost.im/j8Vkbr

Nuclear Cooperation with Other Countries: A Primer – RS22937

In order for the United States to engage in civilian nuclear cooperation ... http://p.ost.im/jemveB

Economic Recovery and Jobs: CRS Experts – R40922

The following table provides access to names and contact information for ... http://p.ost.im/jLQde6

Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance – RS21922

The capacity, transparency, legitimacy, and cohesiveness of Afghan govern ... http://p.ost.im/j8yNxg

Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy – RL33964

The U.S. government considers its relationship with Nigeria, Africa’s l ... http://p.ost.im/2wG2bd

Women in the United States Congress, 1917-2014: Biographical and Committee Assignment Information, and Listings by State and Congress – RL30261

One hundred two women currently serve in the 113th Congress: 82 in the Ho ... http://p.ost.im/2wWTDN

Research Tax Credit: Current Law and Policy Issues for the 113th Congress – RL31181

Technological innovation is a primary engine of long-term economic growth ... http://p.ost.im/2K6jsA

Staff Pay Levels for Selected Positions in House Member Offices, 2009-2013 – R43775

This report provides pay data for 13 staff position titles that are typic ... http://p.ost.im/2w3pWg

The Debt Limit: History and Recent Increases – RL31967

Congress has always restricted federal debt. The Second Liberty Bond Act ... http://p.ost.im/2wcH7b

Child Support Enforcement and the Hague Convention on Recovery of International Child Support – R43779

The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and O ... http://p.ost.im/2wSEUa

Qatar: Background and U.S. Relations – RL31718

Qatar, a small peninsular country in the Persian Gulf, emerged as a partn ... http://p.ost.im/jRfySt

Medicaid Prescription Drug Pricing and Policy – R43778

Medicaid is a federal-state entitlement program that pays for health care ... http://p.ost.im/j84YgG

Wetlands: An Overview of Issues – RL33483

Recent Congresses have considered numerous policy topics that involve wet ... http://p.ost.im/2wtNqm

Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions – R43780

Recent reports that certain entities continued to receive federal governm ... http://p.ost.im/jLw5j4

Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation Expensing Allowances: Current Law, Legislative Proposals in the 113th Congress, and Economic Effects – RL31852

Expensing is the most accelerated form of depreciation for tax purposes. ... http://p.ost.im/2EjTjd

The Tibetan Policy Act of 2002: Background and Implementation – R43781

The Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (TPA) is a core legislative measure guidin ... http://p.ost.im/je6eLJ

Clean Air Permitting: Implementation and Issues – RL33632

The 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments required major industrial sources ... http://p.ost.im/jLb2gN

Congressional Action on FY2015 Appropriations Measures – R43776

The congressional appropriations process, which provides discretionary sp ... http://p.ost.im/j8WnvX

Oman: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy – RS21534

The Sultanate of Oman has been a strategic ally of the United States for ... http://p.ost.im/jdAQQV

U.S. Geological Survey: Background, Appropriations, and Issues for Congress – R43777

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aims to provide unbiased scientific inf ... http://p.ost.im/jeaLV3

Monetary Policy and the Federal Reserve: Current Policy and Conditions – RL30354

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) defines monetary policy as its actions to i ... http://p.ost.im/jdURDx

Child Support Enforcement: Program Basics – RS22380

The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program was enacted in 1975 as a fede ... http://p.ost.im/jevMfV

Animal Waste and Water Quality: EPA’s Response to the Waterkeeper Alliance Court Decision on Regulation of CAFOs – RL33656

In October 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a regul ... http://p.ost.im/jLbutk

Wilderness: Legislation and Issues in the 113th Congress – R41610

The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservati ... http://p.ost.im/jdQt4J

Federal Agency Actions Following the Supreme Court’s Climate Change Decision in Massachusetts v. EPA: A Chronology – R41103

In 2007, the Supreme Court rendered one of its most important environment ... http://p.ost.im/2Kt84R

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress – R42694

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agr ... http://p.ost.im/jd5APt

Small Business Administration Trade and Export Promotion Programs – R43155

According to Census Bureau data, approximately 1% of small businesses in ... http://p.ost.im/jeJDrC

Bee Health: Background and Issues for Congress – R43191

Bees, both commercially managed honey bees and wild bees, play an importa ... http://p.ost.im/2KN7mN

Summary of the Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit Under ACA – R41158

This report provides a brief description of the small business health ins ... http://p.ost.im/2EBhxX

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill): Primer and IssuesThe Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill): Primer and Issues – R42755

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill ... http://p.ost.im/2Tpvmc

Rural Water Supply and Sewer Systems: Background Information – 98-64

The Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act impose requirements r ... http://p.ost.im/jLXaQU

The G-20 and International Economic Cooperation: Background and Implications for Congress – R40977

The Group of Twenty (G-20) is a forum for advancing international coopera ... http://p.ost.im/2cWUKS

Voter Identification Requirements: Background and Legal Issues – R42806

Some states require voters at a polling place to produce identification b ... http://p.ost.im/jewCvh

Unemployment Insurance: Legislative Issues in the 113th Congress – R42936

The 113th Congress continues to face numerous issues related to unemploym ... http://p.ost.im/2cx8Xb

Expired and Expiring Temporary Tax Provisions (“Tax Extenders”) – R43124

Dozens of temporary tax provisions expired at the end of 2013, and severa ... http://p.ost.im/jLYy9S

GI Bills Enacted Prior to 2008 and Related Veterans’ Educational Assistance Programs: A Primer – R42785

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), previously named the Vetera ... http://p.ost.im/j8HWGt

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant: An Overview – R40946

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant provides g ... http://p.ost.im/jNBX2C

Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Federal Civil Service Annuities – 94-834

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for the Civil Service Retirement Syste ... http://p.ost.im/2TuKgx

Thursday, November 13, 2014

When Does a Government Claim Accrue for Purposes of the Contract Disputes Act? – NB201411070

A recent decision by the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) ... http://p.ost.im/2cf5Xq

Supreme Court Agrees to Consider Whether a State Prohibition on Judicial Campaign Fundraising Violates the First Amendment – NB201411069

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a prohibition on ca ... http://p.ost.im/2TLtnQ

Federal Taxation of Marijuana Sellers – NB201411067

As several states have permitted the use of marijuana for medical and rec ... http://p.ost.im/2wEJeD

Judicial Deference to Science-Based Agency Decisions: A Likely Supreme Court Example – NB201411068

A firm principle of administrative law is that judicial deference is owed ... http://p.ost.im/jJGr2C

Abortion Provider Challenges Changes to Judicial Bypass Procedure for Unemancipated Minors – NB201411064

In April, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley approved a measure that changed ... http://p.ost.im/2wT7pF

Federal District Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage Ban – NB201411066

On October 21, the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico (d ... http://p.ost.im/jJtLfx

WTO Rules That U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Requirements Are Not COOL – NB201411071

In late October, the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued another ruling ... http://p.ost.im/2wTyjM

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Treating Ebola Patients in the United States: Health Care Delivery Implications – IN10173

On September 30, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD ... http://p.ost.im/2pLFtw

EPA’s Clean Power Plan Proposal: Are the Emission Rate Targets Front-Loaded? – IN10172

On June 18, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regu ... http://p.ost.im/2tnaRM

Tax Extenders Legislation in the 113th Congress: A Status Update – IN10177

The 113th Congress is expected to address the issue of expired and expiri ... http://p.ost.im/2v44Ud

Cybersecurity Issues and Challenges – IF00053

Information and communications technology (ICT) is ubiquitous and increas ... http://p.ost.im/2v4JLM

The G-20 Summit: Brisbane, November 15-16, 2014 – IN10174

The Group of Twenty (G-20) is a multilateral forum for advancing internat ... http://p.ost.im/2T3Xeh

Nigeria: Current Issues – IF00030

Nigeria is considered a key country in Africa because of its size and pol ... http://p.ost.im/2cTsXA

Leverage Ratios in Bank Capital Requirements – IF00062

This In Focus provides a summary of leverage ratios used in bank capital ... http://p.ost.im/2cXu7Y

The Administration’s Supplemental Request for Ebola and Other Infectious Diseases – IN10176

On November 5, 2014, the Administration submitted to Congress its FY2015 ... http://p.ost.im/2cvSsM

Coup in Burkina Faso? – IN10175

It has been a tumultuous week for the small West African nation of Burkin ... http://p.ost.im/2tystq

Monday, November 10, 2014

Ocean Dumping Act: A Summary of the Law – RS20028

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act has two basic aims: ... http://p.ost.im/27k9qC

U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress – RL32496

This CRS Report, updated through the 113th Congress, discusses policy iss ... http://p.ost.im/2t7t79

House Committee Chairs: Considerations, Decisions, and Actions as One Congress Ends and a New Congress Begins – RL34679

A committee chair serves as the leader of a committee, with responsibilit ... http://p.ost.im/27X3vu

Guam: U.S. Defense Deployments – RS22570

Since 2000, the U.S. military has been building up forward-deployed force ... http://p.ost.im/2bJXtF

Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights – RS21968

Since the 2011 U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, sectarian and ethnic d ... http://p.ost.im/2VLFh5

Water Infrastructure Projects Designated in EPA Appropriations: Trends and Policy Implications – RL32201

Designating funds within appropriations legislation for specified project ... http://p.ost.im/27X3R2

Heritage Areas: Background, Proposals, and Current Issues – RL33462

Over 30 years, Congress has established 49 national heritage areas (NHAs) ... http://p.ost.im/2tjefh

Wastewater Treatment: Overview and Background – 98-323

The Clean Water Act prescribes performance levels to be attained by munic ... http://p.ost.im/2gXP9q

The OSH Act: A Legal Overview – R43768

Through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (“OSH Act” or ... http://p.ost.im/2sR7Xp

The Internet Tax Freedom Act: In Brief – R43772

The Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA; P.L. 105-277), enacted in 1998, imple ... http://p.ost.im/2CPfKM

Aiding, Abetting, and the Like: An Overview of 18 U.S.C. 2 – R43769

Virtually every federal criminal statute has a hidden feature; primary of ... http://p.ost.im/2XyGMd

Spectrum Policy: Provisions in the 2012 Spectrum Act – R43256

The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96, si ... http://p.ost.im/2bUxTv

Federal Funding for Health Insurance Exchanges – R43066

Pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111 ... http://p.ost.im/2swHyu

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange – R43771

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148, as ame ... http://p.ost.im/2WjWrp

Zivotofsky v. Kerry: The Jerusalem Passport Case – R43773

The Supreme Court has agreed to review an important separation-of-powers ... http://p.ost.im/2XJAB3

Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables – 97-1011

Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to dete ... http://p.ost.im/2788sy

Discretionary Spending Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – R41390

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act, or A ... http://p.ost.im/2GKESd

Broadband Internet Access and the Digital Divide: Federal Assistance Programs – RL30719

The “digital divide” is a term that has been used to characterize a g ... http://p.ost.im/2VFQJW

Proposed Train and Equip Authorities for Syria: In Brief – R43727

The FY2015 continuing appropriations resolution (H.J.Res. 124, P.L. 113-1 ... http://p.ost.im/2GhWa7

U.S.-Taiwan Relationship: Overview of Policy Issues – R41952

This CRS Report, updated through the 113th Congress, provides an overview ... http://p.ost.im/2vJVhv

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Legislation in the 113th Congress – R43763

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit available ... http://p.ost.im/2bJ7b5

Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2014 – 97-615

The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation f ... http://p.ost.im/24JX6A

Social Security: Cost-of-Living Adjustments – 94-803

To compensate for the effects of inflation, Social Security recipients us ... http://p.ost.im/27UuST

U.S. and International Health Responses to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa – R43697

In March 2014, an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak was reported in Guin ... http://p.ost.im/2CvGYp

Permanent Legal Immigration to the United States: Policy Overview – R42866

The pool of people who are eligible to immigrate to the United States as ... http://p.ost.im/27HX8W

Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979-2014 – RL30011

The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the nation’s highest award for military val ... http://p.ost.im/2nThEQ

Small Business Administration HUBZone Program – R41268

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs to s ... http://p.ost.im/2XtmD8

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Supreme Court Drops from Docket Case concerning Securities Act’s Limitation of Actions Time Period – NB2014101062

On September 29, 2014, the Supreme Court dropped from its docket Public E ... http://p.ost.im/2Cb5pA

The Ebola Outbreak: Quarantine and Isolation Authority – NB2014101063

Recent quarantine policies announced by several states, including New Yor ... http://p.ost.im/2G8bSH

State Considers Amendment to Protect Human Life at Any Stage of Development – NB2014101061

Next week, voters in North Dakota will consider a proposal that would ame ... http://p.ost.im/2gQ2pA

Can Marriage Conquer “Consular Nonreviewability” for a Spouse’s Visa Denial? – NB2014101059

In essence, this is the question that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed t ... http://p.ost.im/2XA8GA

Legal Issues Relating to Nazis and Social Security Benefits – NB2014101060

Can the Social Security Administration (SSA) suspend a beneficiary’s So ... http://p.ost.im/2sAg8e

Bankruptcy for Marijuana Businesses? – NB2014101058

Much ink has been spilled about the disparity between state and federal m ... http://p.ost.im/2XmfRs

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Drought Policy, Response, and Preparedness – IF00058

Congress and other federal, state, and local policymakers are considering ... http://p.ost.im/2VEyKd

U.S. Dairy Programs After the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79) – IF00060

The 2014 farm bill makes significant changes to the structure of U.S. dai ... http://p.ost.im/2XK3Wt

How Will the Federal Reserve “Normalize” Monetary Policy After QE? – IN10170

Since 2009, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has conducted three rounds of what ... http://p.ost.im/2C3xex

Does the Transparent Airfares Act Bring Clarity to Consumers? – IN10169

On July 28, 2014, the House of Representatives passed the Transparent Air ... http://p.ost.im/2bGUDG

QRM: Risk Retention and the Mortgage Market – IF00061

In October 2014, federal regulators issued a final rule implementing the ... http://p.ost.im/2nRhfY

New Path for Air Traffic Controller Hiring Leads to Turbulence – IN10171

Sweeping changes in the process for hiring air traffic controllers have d ... http://p.ost.im/2Xfk94

U.S. International Food Aid Programs – IF00059

For over six decades, the United States has played a leading role in glob ... http://p.ost.im/2CPgWH

Spectrum Needs of Self-Driving Vehicles – IN10168

Among the technologies that are emerging from laboratory environments to ... http://p.ost.im/2bGVGv

Ebola: 2014 Outbreak in West Africa – IF00044

In March 2014, an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) began in Guinea. ... http://p.ost.im/2bU74r

Monday, November 3, 2014

Recently Expired Community Assistance Related Tax Provisions (“Tax Extenders”): In Brief – R43541

The Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act (S ... http://p.ost.im/2gRuDP

House and Senate Floor and Committee Action to Reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act: 1966 to Present – R43761

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was initially enacted i ... http://p.ost.im/2gDysP

Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2015 Appropriations – R43669

The Agriculture appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of Agricult ... http://p.ost.im/2qqAEQ

Clean Air Issues in the 113th Congress: An Overview – R42895

As the 113th Congress has considered air quality issues, oversight of Env ... http://p.ost.im/2tPEnd

Land and Water Conservation Fund: Overview, Funding History, and Issues – RL33531

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965 was enacted to he ... http://p.ost.im/24F9Hj

Poverty in the United States: 2013 – RL33069

In 2013, 45.3 million people were counted as poor in the United States un ... http://p.ost.im/2bEYrK

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): An Overview – RL31768

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC) began in 1975 as a temporary p ... http://p.ost.im/2GPYmf

Securing U.S. Diplomatic Facilities and Personnel Abroad: Legislative and Executive Branch Initiatives – R43195

The September 11, 2012, attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, pro ... http://p.ost.im/2nCWYw

History of the Clery Act: Fact Sheet – R43759

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime St ... http://p.ost.im/2pD7PG

Sexual Violence at Institutions of Higher Education – R43764

In recent years, a number of high-profile incidents of sexual violence at ... http://p.ost.im/2qkmSB

Political Transition in Tunisia – RS21666

Tunisia is in its fourth year of transition after the 2011 “Jasmine Rev ... http://p.ost.im/24GvYF

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act: Current Issues for Reauthorization – R43766

The Runaway and Homeless Youth program is authorized by the Runaway and H ... http://p.ost.im/2VDLwa

House Committee Jurisdiction and Referral: Rules and Practice – 98-175

Committee jurisdiction is determined by a variety of factors. Paramount i ... http://p.ost.im/2Xn7qy

Iran Sanctions – RS20871

Strict sanctions on Iran’s key energy and financial sectors harmed Iran ... http://p.ost.im/2Cfg7r

Intelligence Whistleblower Protections: In Brief – R43765

Intelligence whistleblowers are generally Intelligence Community (IC) emp ... http://p.ost.im/2ts9Jf

The Appointment Process for U.S. Circuit and District Court Nominations: An Overview – R43762

In recent decades, the process for appointing judges to the U.S. circuit ... http://p.ost.im/2gQjR6

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A Primer on Eligibility and Benefits – R42505

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the ... http://p.ost.im/2qddHY

Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990 – RL30957

This report, updated through the 113th Congress, discusses U.S. security ... http://p.ost.im/2XjPkA

Water Infrastructure Financing: The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program – R43315

Policy makers have recently been considering several legislative options ... http://p.ost.im/2s8GLy

Navy Ship Names: Background For Congress – RS22478

Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the ... http://p.ost.im/2sn7ge