Executive Summaries of All CRS Reports

Monday, March 31, 2014

Forestry Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill – R43431

The Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, the 2014 farm bill) was signed ... http://p.ost.im/858r8c

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/31/2014

Monday March 31, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division 97 ... http://p.ost.im/857JMr

Federal Grand Juries: The Law in a Nutshell – S20214

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently held th ... http://p.ost.im/8yD5Ak

Internet Domain Names: Background and Policy Issues – 97-868

Navigating the Internet requires using addresses and corresponding names ... http://p.ost.im/8mUcBR

The Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and Medicare Physician Payments: Frequently Asked Questions – R43430

This report responds to frequently asked questions about the sustainable ... http://p.ost.im/85t7yC

U.S. Circuit and District Court Judges: Profile of Select Characteristics – R43426

This report addresses ongoing congressional interest in select characteri ... http://p.ost.im/8ygmrD

Federal Lands and Natural Resources: Overview and Selected Issues for the 113th Congress – R43429

The Property Clause in the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, § 3, Clause 2 ... http://p.ost.im/8PNAFp

In Brief: U.S. Nuclear Weapon “Pit” Production: Background and Options – R43428

Congress is involved in the long-running and costly decision regarding th ... http://p.ost.im/8yuvTP

Friday, March 28, 2014

Restrictions on Itemized Tax Deductions: Policy Options and Analysis – R43079

The President and leading Members of Congress have indicated that income ... http://p.ost.im/85peyF

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/85KpjM

The Help America Vote Act and Election Administration: Overview and Issues – RS20898

The deadlocked November 2000 presidential election focused national atten ... http://p.ost.im/8fekEJ

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions – RL32760

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds a wi ... http://p.ost.im/85w8Wf

Canadian Oil Sands: Life-Cycle Assessments of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – R42537

Recent congressional interest in U.S. energy policy has focused in part o ... http://p.ost.im/8adXHP

Tax-Preferred College Savings Plans: An Introduction to Coverdells – R42809

In the face of the rising cost of higher education, families may consider ... http://p.ost.im/8ykFwA

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/28/2014

Friday March 28, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4 ... http://p.ost.im/8PgeY2

The Financial Action Task Force: An Overview – RS21904

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, or t ... http://p.ost.im/8aQQFf

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

As the 113th Congress continues consideration of air quality issues, over ... http://p.ost.im/8ay8M4

Air Quality Issues and Animal Agriculture: A Primer – RL32948

From an environmental quality standpoint, much of the public and policy i ... http://p.ost.im/8yrEkh

National Park System: Units Managed Through Partnerships – R42125

In recent decades, it has become more common for the National Park Servic ... http://p.ost.im/8a9kNS

The Congressional Arts Caucus and the Congressional Art Competition: History and Current Practice – R42487

Sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus, and known in recent years as ... http://p.ost.im/8yQcCa

Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile – R42964

This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2 ... http://p.ost.im/8PcWw8

The Article V Convention to Propose Constitutional Amendments: Contemporary Issues for Congress – R42589

Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides two methods of proposing amen ... http://p.ost.im/8akabj

Private Health Insurance Market Reforms in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – R42069

The Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended) establishes feder ... http://p.ost.im/8yUnWv

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A History of NIH Funding: Fact Sheet – R43341

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency cha ... http://p.ost.im/8yfBAJ

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/27/2014

Thursday March 27, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division ... http://p.ost.im/8PKMky

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations: FY2014 Overview and Summary – R43193

This report provides a brief outline of the FY2014 appropriations legisla ... http://p.ost.im/8y58aR

Mountaintop Mining: Background on Current Controversies – RS21421

Mountaintop removal mining involves removing the top of a mountain in ord ... http://p.ost.im/8yk2kV

Medicare: Part B Premiums – R40082

Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care ... http://p.ost.im/8PHnQu

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Categorical Eligibility – R42054

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to ... http://p.ost.im/8y3q6x

Nuclear Energy: Overview of Congressional Issues – R42853

The policy debate over the role of nuclear power in the nation’s energy ... http://p.ost.im/8PjN2N

IMF Reforms: Issues for Congress – R42844

In December 2010, the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fu ... http://p.ost.im/8yDFks

The Distribution of Household Income and the Middle Class – RS20811

Although not itself a subject of legislation, the shape of the income dis ... http://p.ost.im/852fU7

The First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next- Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress – R42543

Since September 11, 2001, when communications failures contributed to the ... http://p.ost.im/8fvKRk

Vulnerable Youth: Overview of Issues Affecting Youth Programs Authorized Under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) – R42583

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA, P.L. 105-220) is the primary f ... http://p.ost.im/8fUTMe

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers – R42012

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (TAA) provides federal assistance ... http://p.ost.im/8yqWw6

Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future – R42613

This report surveys existing law for legal issues that have arisen, or ma ... http://p.ost.im/8yUX3h

The Ability-to-Repay Rule: Possible Effects of the Qualified Mortgage Definition on Credit Availability and Other Selected Issues – R43081

On January 10, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rele ... http://p.ost.im/8PBXWj

State Small Business Credit Initiative: Implementation and Funding Issues – R42581

Congressional interest in small business access to capital has increased ... http://p.ost.im/8PQAD2

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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

The 113th Congress may face a number of issues related to unemployment in ... http://p.ost.im/8yh39V

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/26/2014

Wednesday March 26, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division ... http://p.ost.im/8yLgyd

Higher Education Tax Benefits: Brief Overview and Budgetary Effects – R41967

For decades biologists, water users, and lawmakers (both federal and stat ... http://p.ost.im/8y5yrD

Taxation of Unemployment Benefits – RS21356

Unemployment compensation (UC) benefits have been fully subject to the fe ... http://p.ost.im/8yQ5Cf

Terrorism Risk Insurance: Issue Analysis and Overview of Current Program – R42716

Prior to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, insurance coverage fo ... http://p.ost.im/8fvHt4

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – R41137

New federal tax credits, authorized under the Patient Protection and Affo ... http://p.ost.im/8fVexY

Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive – R41136

Frequent and often intense reunification negotiations that had begun in 2 ... http://p.ost.im/8fhT65

Medicare Physician Payment Updates and the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) System – R40907

The Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) is the statutory method for determining ... http://p.ost.im/8yGWXw

Water Infrastructure Financing: History of EPA Appropriations – 96-647

The principal federal program to aid municipal wastewater treatment plant ... http://p.ost.im/8ygxKB

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/8ypw7j

Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status and Issues – R41296

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) is designed to assist the bioe ... http://p.ost.im/8yVRCC

Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate – R40616

As congressional policymakers continue to debate telecommunications refor ... http://p.ost.im/8ynead

Congressional Liaison Offices of Selected Federal Agencies – 98-446

This list of about 200 congressional liaison offices is intended to help ... http://p.ost.im/8ySKHf

Cars, Trucks, and Climate: EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases from Mobile Sources – R40506

On February 18, 2014, President Obama directed the Environmental Protecti ... http://p.ost.im/8ferke

Biological Opinions for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: A Case Law Summary – R41876

For decades biologists, water users, and lawmakers (both federal and stat ... http://p.ost.im/8fyjB7

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Supreme Court’s Climate Change Decision: Massachusetts v. EPA – RS22665

In 2007, the Supreme Court handed down Massachusetts v. EPA, its first pr ... http://p.ost.im/8DXW8Y

What is the Farm Bill? – RS22131

The farm bill is an omnibus, multi-year piece of authorizing legislation ... http://p.ost.im/8kVLbh

Climate Change Legislation in the 113th Congress – R43230

In the 113th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that includ ... http://p.ost.im/8yrQFw

“Report from SIGAR: Challenges to Securing Afghan Women’s Gains in a Post-2014 Environment” – M-102913

Many experts measure gains for Afghan women relative to the situation for ... http://p.ost.im/8DJ3XP

Medicaid Financing – MS-022207

This Memorandum (presentation) covers Medicaid spending, financing Medica ... http://p.ost.im/8ydbtg

Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2014 and FY2013 (Post-Sequestration) Appropriations – R43110

The annual Agriculture appropriations bill provides funding for all of th ... http://p.ost.im/8D4jfJ

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: Programs and Policy Issues – R42770

As communities face a variety of economic challenges, some are looking to ... http://p.ost.im/8kcV7f

Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy – RL33460

The Ukrainian government’s effort in November 2013 to violently dispers ... http://p.ost.im/8hDUc3

The Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress – R43240

The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army’s proposed replace ... http://p.ost.im/8Duprj

Mandatory Spending Since 1962 – RL33074

Federal spending is divided into three broad categories: discretionary sp ... http://p.ost.im/8DDgCn

Unemployment Compensation (UC) and the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): Funding UC Benefits – RS22077

This report provides a summary of how Unemployment Compensation (UC) bene ... http://p.ost.im/8kdWhe

Animal Waste and Hazardous Substances: Current Laws and Legislative Issues – RL33691

The animal sector of agriculture has undergone major changes in the last ... http://p.ost.im/8DnsFu

Video Relay Service: Program Funding and Reform – R42830

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates a number of disabil ... http://p.ost.im/8B2rQV

National Monuments and the Antiquities Act – R41330

The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorizes the President to proclaim national ... http://p.ost.im/8UuJ32

The Education of Students with Disabilities: Alignment Between the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – R42070

The largest sources of federal funding for elementary and secondary educa ... http://p.ost.im/8AKDBb

Monday, March 24, 2014

NASA Appropriations and Authorizations: A Fact Sheet – R43419

In the current fiscal environment, congressional deliberations about the ... http://p.ost.im/8ktGvw

Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress – RL33741

A total of 20 Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) have been funded through FY201 ... http://p.ost.im/8UGppC

Veterans and Homelessness – RL34024

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan brought renewed attention to the needs o ... http://p.ost.im/8URBrV

Older Americans Act: FY2014 Appropriations Overview – R43423

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the major federal vehicle for the delive ... http://p.ost.im/8UMTS3

Missing Adults: Background, Federal Programs, and Issues for Congress – RL34616

Adults may go missing due to choice, an abduction, foul play, a mental or ... http://p.ost.im/8hwK47

Medicare Trigger – RS22796

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 200 ... http://p.ost.im/8hfhsn

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress – RS22942

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is being developed by the Army an ... http://p.ost.im/8DfhcT

Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79) – R43416

Title IX, the Energy title of the 2014 farm bill (Agricultural Act of 201 ... http://p.ost.im/8UNvCn

Considering Legislation on the House Floor: Common Practices in Brief – R43424

This brief overview explains the most common ways legislation is consider ... http://p.ost.im/8Sa7UF

Medicare Advantage: Proposed Benchmark Update and Other Adjustments for CY2015 in Brief – R43421

Medicare Advantage (Part C or MA) is an alternative way for Medicare bene ... http://p.ost.im/8hhjCC

The Taxation of Dividends: Background and Overview – R43418

The tax treatment of dividends has changed numerous times over the past c ... http://p.ost.im/8U694C

U.S. Diplomatic Missions: Background and Issues on Chief of Mission (COM) Authority – R43422

“Chief of Mission,” or COM, is the title conferred on the principal o ... http://p.ost.im/8UtHwS

Keystone XL: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessments in the Final Environmental Impact Statement – R43415

On June 25, 2013, President Obama announced a national “Climate Action Pla ... http://p.ost.im/8D4j5M

Forest Service Appropriations, FY2010-FY2014: In Brief – R43417

The Forest Service (FS) is responsible for managing 193 million acres of ... http://p.ost.im/8U2Erj

Friday, March 21, 2014

The First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next- Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress – R42543

Since September 11, 2001, when communications failures contributed to the ... http://p.ost.im/8DysE6

The Violence Against Women Act: Overview, Legislation, and Federal Funding – R42499

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been of ongoing interest to Con ... http://p.ost.im/8kTVyK

The President’s Budget: Overview of Structure and Timing of Submission to Congress – R43163

The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, as amended and later codified in t ... http://p.ost.im/8DKNRV

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/8kAfaW

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006: Background and Performance – R42863

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 200 ... http://p.ost.im/8DMtNv

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/21/2014

Friday March 21, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4 ... http://p.ost.im/8DyE8Y

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

The purpose and scope of this CRS report is to provide a succinct overvie ... http://p.ost.im/8rwpLm

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP): Operations and Budget – R42486

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was established in 1930 to house federal inma ... http://p.ost.im/8D9maS

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy – RL30588

The United States and its partner countries are reducing military involve ... http://p.ost.im/8De87C

Budgetary and Distributional Effects of Adopting the Chained CPI – R43347

This report examines the budgetary and distributional effects of using wh ... http://p.ost.im/8AGrb7

Cooling Water Intake Structures: Summary of EPA’s Proposed Rule – R41786

Thermoelectric generating plants and manufacturing facilities withdraw la ... http://p.ost.im/8DVVSg

Biological Opinions for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: A Case Law Summary – R41876

For decades biologists, water users, and lawmakers (both federal and stat ... http://p.ost.im/8Bw2tK

DNA Testing in Criminal Justice: Background, Current Law, Grants, and Issues – R41800

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the fundamental building block for an i ... http://p.ost.im/8AvLWd

Votes on Measures to Adjust the Statutory Debt Limit, 1978 to Present – R41814

Almost all borrowing by the federal government is conducted by the Treasu ... http://p.ost.im/8BFmMe

Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations – R43239

While historically the United States has had close relations with Venezue ... http://p.ost.im/8hU2NU

An Analysis of the Geographic Distribution of the Mortgage Interest Deduction – R43385

This report analyzes variation in the mortgage interest deduction tax exp ... http://p.ost.im/8hhFsq

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/20/2014

Thursday March 20, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division ... http://p.ost.im/8DDVK8

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Independence of Federal Financial Regulators – R43391

Conventional wisdom regarding regulators is that the structure and design ... http://p.ost.im/8Sx6Wa

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

This report, updated as warranted, discusses U.S. security assistance to ... http://p.ost.im/8ARe8P

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/19/2014

From: Penny Hill Press, Inc. [mailto:alerts@pennyhill.com] Sent: Friday, ... http://p.ost.im/8AFM2U

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses – RL32048

A priority of Obama Administration policy has been to reduce the perceive ... http://p.ost.im/8rE4bL

American Jihadist Terrorism: Combating a Complex Threat – R41416

This report analyzes homegrown violent jihadist plots and attacks that ha ... http://p.ost.im/8k6vQN

Foreign Investment in U.S. Securities – RL32462

Foreign capital inflows play an important role in the U.S. economy by bri ... http://p.ost.im/8S4xVb

Efforts to Delay the Gradual Elimination of Flood Insurance Premium Subsidies – R43395

On July 6, 2012, President Barack Obama signed into law the Biggert-Water ... http://p.ost.im/8hafp5

Refugee Admissions and Resettlement Policy – RL31269

A refugee is a person fleeing his or her country because of persecution o ... http://p.ost.im/8S7GAv

Individual Mandate under ACA – R41331

Beginning in 2014, ACA requires most individuals to maintain health insur ... http://p.ost.im/8rE9e2

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) – RL33388

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is compr ... http://p.ost.im/8AJ5kp

Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests – RL33407

Russia made uneven progress in democratization during the 1990s, but this ... http://p.ost.im/8SFrkp

The Military Commissions Act of 2009 (MCA 2009): Overview and Legal Issues – R41163

On November 13, 2001, President Bush issued a Military Order (M.O.) perta ... http://p.ost.im/8hP4Cf

China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities — Background and Issues for Congress – RL33153

China is building a modern and regionally powerful Navy with a modest but ... http://p.ost.im/8S5Kjp

Medicare Physician Payment Updates and the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) System – R40907

The Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) is the statutory method for determining ... http://p.ost.im/8BvS6a

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act: History, Impact, and Issues – R40957

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) culminated years of effor ... http://p.ost.im/8StA56

Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding – RL33243

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of prog ... http://p.ost.im/8SQtBy

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/18/2014

Tuesday March 18, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4090 ... http://p.ost.im/8kf8C3

Federal Trust Funds and the Budget – R41328

The federal budget consists of four basic fund groups—the general fund, ... http://p.ost.im/8ShjSE

Monday, March 17, 2014

Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background and Issues for Congress – RL33741

A total of 20 Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) have been funded through FY201 ... http://p.ost.im/8hnARR

Highway and Public Transportation Infrastructure Provision Using Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) – R43410

Growing demands on the transportation system and constraints on public re ... http://p.ost.im/8kpf4d

An Introduction to the Design of 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/8rEyUF

Older Americans Act: In Brief – R43414

Originally enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) supports a wide ... http://p.ost.im/8B9qjb

Federal Minimum Wage, Tax-Transfer Earnings Supplements, and Poverty – R43409

Pending before Congress is legislation (S. 1737 and H.R. 1010) that would ... http://p.ost.im/8hC3Hf

The Budget Control Act of 2011: Legislative Changes to the Law and Their Budgetary Effects – R43411

Following a lengthy debate over raising the debt limit, the Budget Contro ... http://p.ost.im/8hWyPJ

Federal Land Ownership: Current Acquisition and Disposal Authorities – RL34273

The federal government owns roughly 640 million acres, heavily concentrat ... http://p.ost.im/8hFk8u

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/17/2014

Monday March 17, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4 ... http://p.ost.im/8h5HqM

Costs of Government Interventions in Response to the Financial Crisis: A Retrospective – R43413

In August 2007, asset-backed securities (ABS), particularly those backed ... http://p.ost.im/8h84hT

Genetic Testing: Scientific Background for Policymakers – RL33832

Congress has considered, at various points in time, numerous pieces of le ... http://p.ost.im/8k24q3

Taxation of Hedge Fund and Private Equity Managers – RS22689

Private equity and hedge funds are investment pools generally available o ... http://p.ost.im/8hBNK4

Friday, March 14, 2014

U.S. Farm Income – R40152

According to USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), national net farm ... http://p.ost.im/8BRUUs

U.S.-South Korea Relations – R41481

Overview South Korea is one of the United States’ most important strat ... http://p.ost.im/8kLfkT

Vulnerable Youth: Employment and Job Training Programs – R40929

In an increasingly global economy, and with retirement starting for the B ... http://p.ost.im/8hfveB

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations – R41780

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, the Bureau) is the lead federal ... http://p.ost.im/8hvJ5N

Federalism Issues in Surface Transportation Policy: A Historical Perspective – R40431

P.L. 112-141, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) ... http://p.ost.im/8hFTAd

Introduction to Public Housing – R41654

“Public housing” is often used as a generic term to refer to all publ ... http://p.ost.im/8kJmTf

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/13/2014

Thursday March 13, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division ... http://p.ost.im/8hUhLb

The Lacey Act: Compliance Issues Related to Importing Plants and Plant Products – R42119

The Lacey Act regulates the trade of wildlife and plants and creates pena ... http://p.ost.im/8hm8n2

The Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress – R41597

In April 2009, then-Secretary of Defense Gates announced he intended to s ... http://p.ost.im/8hSmSg

FBI Director: Appointment and Tenure – R41850

The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is appointed by ... http://p.ost.im/8hYR5A

Domestic Food Assistance: Summary of Programs – R42353

This report gives an overview of the federal programs that provide food a ... http://p.ost.im/8hafHM

Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress – R41153

The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities ... http://p.ost.im/8hNLTk

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/14/2014

Friday March 14, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R40152 ... http://p.ost.im/8hy7EQ

Congressional Redistricting and the Voting Rights Act: A Legal Overview – R42482

The Constitution requires a count of the U.S. population every 10 years. ... http://p.ost.im/8hBRU7

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC): Background and Issues for Congress – R42723

On January 6, 2011, after spending approximately $3 billion in developmen ... http://p.ost.im/8hgRms

Prevalence of Mental Illness in the United States: Data Sources and Estimates – R43047

Determining how many people have a mental illness can be difficult, and p ... http://p.ost.im/8r3gA9

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

The 113th Congress may face a number of issues related to unemployment in ... http://p.ost.im/8k4epC

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/13/2014

Thursday March 13, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R424 ... http://p.ost.im/8htv6c

The Domestic Terrorist Threat: Background and Issues for Congress – R42536

The emphasis of counterterrorism policy in the United States since Al Qae ... http://p.ost.im/8hRpJN

Coast Guard Cutter Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress – R42567

The Coast Guard’s program of record (POR) calls for procuring 8 Nationa ... http://p.ost.im/8kFGLE

The Federal Excise Tax on Motor Fuels and the Highway Trust Fund: Current Law and Legislative History – RL30304

The federal government levies an excise tax on various motor fuels. Under ... http://p.ost.im/8hnCWG

Army Drawdown and Restructuring: Background and Issues for Congress – R42493

On January 26, 2012, senior DOD leadership unveiled a new defense strateg ... http://p.ost.im/8kLPNn

Submission of Mental Health Records to NICS and the HIPAA Privacy Rule – R43040

Questions about the scope and efficacy of the background checks required ... http://p.ost.im/8kTEQs

Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation – RL30153

The nation’s health, wealth, and security rely on the production and di ... http://p.ost.im/8hLFdX

The Obama Administration’s Proposal to Establish a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation – R42625

Manufacturing plays an important role in the nation’s economy, employme ... http://p.ost.im/8h5ke2

Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions – R42747

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), within the Department of Vetera ... http://p.ost.im/8h8cGU

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA): Background and Funding – R42838

Family violence broadly refers to acts of physical and sexual violence an ... http://p.ost.im/8kmswN

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/12/2014

Wednesday March 12, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R43 ... http://p.ost.im/8h3cqN

The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor – RL30725

Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution sets a term of office of two yea ... http://p.ost.im/8ha5Pn

SBA Assistance to Small Business Startups: Client Experiences and Program Impact – R43083

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs to s ... http://p.ost.im/8haQNV

Democratic Republic of Congo: Background and U.S. Policy – R43166

Conflict, poor governance, and a long-running humanitarian crisis in the ... http://p.ost.im/8hrxHQ

Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response – R43119

The ongoing conflict in Syria that began in March 2011 has created one of ... http://p.ost.im/8hyVEa

Tax Reform in the 113th Congress: An Overview of Proposals – R43060

Many agree that the U.S. tax system is in need of substantial reforms. Th ... http://p.ost.im/8haDgb

Free Trade Agreements: Impact on U.S. Trade and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy – RL31356

Free trade areas (FTAs) are arrangements among two or more countries unde ... http://p.ost.im/8hvCMx

EU-U.S. Economic Ties: Framework, Scope, and Magnitude – RL30608

The United States and the European Union (EU) economic relationship is th ... http://p.ost.im/8kUw9Y

Energy and Water Development: FY2014 Appropriations – R43121

The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill provides funding for ... http://p.ost.im/8hY4dv

The Buy American Act in Brief: Preferences for "Domestic" Supplies and Construction Materials in Federal Procurements – R43140

The Buy American Act of 1933 is the earliest and arguably the best known ... http://p.ost.im/8hyb7Y

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The Affordable Care Act and Small Business: Economic Issues – R43181

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148 and P.L ... http://p.ost.im/8MQbck

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/8MADCQ

The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor – RS20722

The Senate follows a well-established routine on the opening day of a new ... http://p.ost.im/8MWddC

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/11/2014

Tuesday March 11, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4 ... http://p.ost.im/8MW2u3

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/8Mtw4g

Mountaintop Mining: Background on Current Controversies – RS21421

Mountaintop removal mining involves removing the top of a mountain in ord ... http://p.ost.im/8MM6nC

Independence of Federal Financial Regulators – R43391

Conventional wisdom regarding regulators is that the structure and design ... http://p.ost.im/8r6xec

Marine Corps Drawdown, Force Structure Initiatives, and Roles and Missions: Background and Issues for Congress – R43355

The Marine Corps characterizes itself as a crisis response expeditionary ... http://p.ost.im/8MY4FB

FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues – R43184

Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from ma ... http://p.ost.im/86EMmY

Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy – RL33460

Many observers have expressed concern about Ukraine’s democratic develo ... http://p.ost.im/8Mxrd7

Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress – RL33436

Japan is a significant partner for the United States in a number of forei ... http://p.ost.im/86KwR4

Monday, March 10, 2014

Disclosure of FISA Opinions-Select Legal Issues – R43404

In response to the disclosure of various National Security Agency (NSA) s ... http://p.ost.im/8FwAsE

FY2014 Continuing Resolutions: Overview of Components – R43405

Four continuing resolutions (CRs) were enacted during the FY2014 appropri ... http://p.ost.im/8FX8hW

U.S. Nuclear Weapon “Pit” Production Options for Congress – R43406

A “pit” is the plutonium core of a nuclear weapon. Until 1989, the Ro ... http://p.ost.im/8Faa79

Israel: Background and U.S. Relations – RL33476

Since Israel’s founding in 1948, successive U.S. Presidents and many Me ... http://p.ost.im/8YKa99

Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance – RS21922

The capacity, transparency, and legitimacy of Afghan governance are consi ... http://p.ost.im/8FXVud

Offender Reentry: Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism – RL34287

The prison population in the United States has been growing steadily for ... http://p.ost.im/8FKjAQ

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/10/2014

Monday March 10, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R43 ... http://p.ost.im/8YfY2e

Emergency Water Assistance During Drought: Federal Non-Agricultural Programs – R43408

Drought conditions often fuel congressional interest in federal assistanc ... http://p.ost.im/8Fd7dF

Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues – RL34306

Youth mentoring refers to a relationship between youth—particularly tho ... http://p.ost.im/82dpcA

The National Directory of New Hires – RS22889

The National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) is a database that contains pe ... http://p.ost.im/8jNfbY

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy – RS21852

The UAE’s relatively open borders and economy have won praise from advo ... http://p.ost.im/8YwPMm

Friday, March 7, 2014

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/8FW2tj

Whether Logging Road Runoff Requires a Clean Water Act Permit: Decker v. Northwest Environmental Defense Center – R42587

U.S. forests are crisscrossed by thousands of miles of logging roads. Whe ... http://p.ost.im/8FtdSm

Countering Violent Extremism in the United States – R42553

In August 2011, the Obama Administration announced its counter-radicaliza ... http://p.ost.im/8Fanhw

Small Business: Access to Capital and Job Creation – R40985

The SBA administers several programs to support small businesses, includi ... http://p.ost.im/8YbbxW

U.S. Manufacturing in International Perspective – R42135

The health of the U.S. manufacturing sector has long been of great concer ... http://p.ost.im/8Yes6M

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/07/2014

Friday March 7, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R409 ... http://p.ost.im/8Fwbh6

EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases: Congressional Responses and Options – R41212

As a direct result of the Environmental Protection Agency’s promulgatio ... http://p.ost.im/8FgT56

Table Egg Production and Hen Welfare: Agreement and Legislative Proposals – R42534

The United Egg Producers (UEP), the largest group representing egg produc ... http://p.ost.im/8FjDpM

PILT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes): Somewhat Simplified – RL31392

Under federal law, local governments (usually counties) are compensated t ... http://p.ost.im/8YwdRB

Federal Labor Relations Statutes: An Overview – R42526

Since 1926, Congress has enacted three major laws that govern labor-manag ... http://p.ost.im/82JdMH

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/8Ygw4X

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Corporate Income Tax System: Overview and Options for Reform – R42726

Many economists and policymakers believe that the U.S. corporate tax syst ... http://p.ost.im/88MY8V

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/06/2014

Thursday March 6, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R4 ... http://p.ost.im/8LFFH4

Lebanon: Background and U.S. Policy – R42816

Lebanon’s small geographic size and population belie the important role ... http://p.ost.im/8877av

Laws Affecting the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) – R42741

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) has been in existen ... http://p.ost.im/8NaJMK

Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity – RL32725

Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and is of the same plant ... http://p.ost.im/8RWry3

U.S.-Japan Economic Relations: Significance, Prospects, and Policy Options – RL32649

Japan and the United States are two major economic powers. Together they ... http://p.ost.im/8NHnMT

Employment for Veterans: Trends and Programs – R42790

Veterans’ employment outcomes in the civilian labor market are an issue ... http://p.ost.im/8888mW

Medicaid Financing and Expenditures – R42640

Medicaid is a means-tested entitlement program that finances the delivery ... http://p.ost.im/8RD3rH

An Overview of USDA Rural Development Programs – RL31837

More than 88 programs administered by 16 different federal agencies targe ... http://p.ost.im/8LYpty

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy – RL33460

Many observers have expressed concern about Ukraine’s democratic develo ... http://p.ost.im/8LfXmw

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/8NcyyE

Membership of the 113th Congress: A Profile – R42964

This report presents a profile of the membership of the 113th Congress (2 ... http://p.ost.im/88tKgU

Latin America and the Caribbean: Key Issues for the 113th Congress – R42956

Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United State ... http://p.ost.im/8FjGuS

Motorized Recreation on National Park Service Lands – R42955

In managing its lands, the National Park Service (NPS) seeks to balance a ... http://p.ost.im/88BF8R

The U.S. Science and Engineering Workforce: Recent, Current, and Projected Employment, Wages, and Unemployment – R43061

The adequacy of the U.S. science and engineering workforce has been an on ... http://p.ost.im/8RE5gh

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/05/2014

Wednesday March 5, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R ... http://p.ost.im/8LcyV2

Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2014 – R43086

Congress completed action on the FY2014 regular appropriations bills with ... http://p.ost.im/8LD7sF

Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs – RL33243

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of prog ... http://p.ost.im/8LYaaJ

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests – RL33453

The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and ... http://p.ost.im/8L2PyC

Researching Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Resources for Congressional Staff – RL33895

This report is designed to introduce congressional staff to selected gove ... http://p.ost.im/88c8VN

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Corporation for National and Community Service: Overview of Programs and FY2012 Funding – RL33931

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is an independe ... http://p.ost.im/88MKFt

The Debt Limit Since 2011 – R43389

The Constitution grants Congress the power to borrow money on the credit ... http://p.ost.im/8LxvVC

Health Benefits for Members of Congress and Certain Congressional Staff – R43194

The federal government, as an employer, offers health benefits to its emp ... http://p.ost.im/8NP2vD

Gangs in Central America – RL34112

Congress has maintained an interest in the effects of gang violence in Ce ... http://p.ost.im/88bx8S

Women in the United States Congress: Historical Overview, Tables, and Discussion – R43244

A record 102 women currently serve in the 113th Congress: 82 in the House ... http://p.ost.im/8NKEtC

Status of the WTO Brazil-U.S. Cotton Case – R43336

The so-called “Brazil cotton case” is a long-running World Trade Orga ... http://p.ost.im/8LDtd7

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/04/2014

Tuesday March 4, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R43 ... http://p.ost.im/88UYrx

Commercial Filming and Photography on Federal Lands – R43267

Federal lands such as national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, ranges, ... http://p.ost.im/8Ru3VH

Teenage Pregnancy Prevention: Statistics and Programs – RS20301

In 2012, U.S. teen births accounted for 7.8% of all births and 17.1% of a ... http://p.ost.im/884AH3

Reducing Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Military Retirees and the Bipartisan Budget Act: In Brief – R43393

In addition to raising budget caps in FY2014 and FY2015, the Bipartisan B ... http://p.ost.im/88vRhX

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act: Overview and Issues – RS20764

Members of the uniformed services and U.S. citizens who live abroad are e ... http://p.ost.im/8LbTnU

Monday, March 3, 2014

The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: Background and Issues – RL34470

The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on May 15, ... http://p.ost.im/8NJdLc

Crude Oil Properties Relevant to Rail Transport Safety: In Brief – R4340

The dramatic increase in U.S. crude oil production, coupled with the incr ... http://p.ost.im/88Hw4M

A Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics: Operation New Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom – RS22452

This report presents statistics regarding U.S. military casualties in the ... http://p.ost.im/8RQ3cG

Trends in Discretionary Spending – RL34424

Discretionary spending is provided and controlled through appropriations ... http://p.ost.im/8LJAJL

Work Requirements, Time Limits, and Work Incentives in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance – R43400

Congress is again debating work requirements in the context of programs t ... http://p.ost.im/88cHEY

Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic – R42507

This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity fr ... http://p.ost.im/8LXEBy

U.S. and EU Motor Vehicle Standards: Issues for Transatlantic Trade Negotiations – R43399

In March 2013, President Obama notified Congress that his Administration ... http://p.ost.im/8Rts38

European Union Enlargement – RS21344

The European Union (EU) has long viewed the enlargement process as an ext ... http://p.ost.im/8RHqS2

The Education Sciences Reform Act – R43398

The Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA, Title I of P.L. 107-279) establi ... http://p.ost.im/8R4MbK

Daily Report of CRS Documents 03/03/2014

Monday March 3, 2014 Order ID Title Pages Issue Date Author/Division R425 ... http://p.ost.im/88wHyD