The Obama Administration’s Proposed AUMF against the Islamic State: Some Immediate Takeaways – NB2015021142

For several months, the United States has been engaged in offensive airst ... http://p.ost.im/6HUH8W

Proposed Sentencing Guideline Amendments – NB2015021141

On January 9, the United States Sentencing Commission issued, and sought ... http://p.ost.im/6up2Qr

Invoking Taft-Hartley in the West Coast Labor Dispute – NB2015021139

At recent meetings in San Francisco, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez ... http://p.ost.im/6Cmw5v

Federal District Court Bars Implementation of the Obama Administration’s Latest Deferred Action Initiatives (Part 1): States’ Standing to Challenge the Initiatives – NB2015021137

On February 16, 2015, two days before the Obama Administration began acce ... http://p.ost.im/6XntCn

Key Court Challenges to EPA in 2015, Part Two: Clean Water Act – NB2015021140

An earlier Legal Sidebar post described significant Clean Air Act cases a ... http://p.ost.im/6Q27Ma

Federal District Court Bars Implementation of the Obama Administration’s Latest Deferred Action Initiatives (Part 2): Reviewability and Rulemaking under the APA – NB2015021138

As Part 1 of this Sidebar discussed, on February 16, 2015, a federal dist ... http://p.ost.im/6H8DUB

Overview of EPA and the Army Corps’ Proposed Rule to Define “Waters of the United States” – IF10125

In April 2014, the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and the Environmen ... http://p.ost.im/65nM5w

USCIS Funding and Accountability to Congress – IN10233

The President's executive actions of November 20, 2014, included, among o ... http://p.ost.im/69Whgc

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

Both the Administration and Congress expect that regulation of greenhouse ... http://p.ost.im/6UvtsV

The National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Appropriations Overview – R43908

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a laboratory o ... http://p.ost.im/6QB2Lr

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/6Qt6Nb

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

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is an independe ... http://p.ost.im/6XkxnX

Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): A Primer – RL34397

In response to concerns over the adequacy of retirement savings, Congress ... http://p.ost.im/6QgKvY

Political Transition in Tunisia – RS21666

Tunisia has taken key steps toward democracy since the Jasmine Revolution ... http://p.ost.im/6QTYpN

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

Adults may go missing due to personal choice, an abduction, foul play, a ... http://p.ost.im/6uKxQL

The Community Health Center Fund: In Brief – R43911

The Health Center Program, which is administered by the Health Resources ... http://p.ost.im/6xTc5v

Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations – RL34170

This report provides an overview and analysis of U.S.-Yemeni relations am ... http://p.ost.im/6xdFEn

Veterans’ Benefits: Pension Benefit Programs – RS22804

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers several pension benef ... http://p.ost.im/6PquQW

Trafficking in Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean – RL33200

Trafficking in persons (TIP) for the purpose of exploitation is a lucrati ... http://p.ost.im/6XxXAN

Legal Services Corporation: Background and Funding – RL34016

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a private, nonprofit, federally f ... http://p.ost.im/6Pv9cn

Water Resource Issues in the 114th Congress – R43910

The 114th Congress faces many water resource development, management, and ... http://p.ost.im/6PnBNW

Community Services Block Grants (CSBG): Background and Funding – RL32872

Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) provide federal funds to states, t ... http://p.ost.im/6XyMUV

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF): Program Overview and Issues – RS22037

In the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996, Congress author ... http://p.ost.im/6HFHsL

CHIP and the ACA Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Requirement: In Brief – R43909

State Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a means-tested program ... http://p.ost.im/6QGRhW

How Legislation Is Brought to the House Floor: A Snapshot of Parliamentary Practice in the 113th Congress (2013-2014) – R43912

The House of Representatives has several different parliamentary procedur ... http://p.ost.im/6XNVJn

The Palestinians: Background and U.S. Relations – RL34074

This report covers current issues in U.S.-Palestinian relations. It also ... http://p.ost.im/6HDbUc

U.S.-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues, and Implications – RL32934

During the 114th Congress, policy makers will likely maintain an interest ... http://p.ost.im/6DnXfR

The Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation Expensing Allowances: Current Law and Issues for the 114th Congress – RL31852

Expensing is the most accelerated form of depreciation for tax purposes. ... http://p.ost.im/6QJqta

The Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF): State Insolvency and Federal Loans to States – RS22954

Although states have a great deal of autonomy in how they establish and r ... http://p.ost.im/6QJhvH

Public Trust and Law Enforcement-A Brief Discussion for Policy Makers – R43904

Recent events involving conflict between the police and citizens have gen ... http://p.ost.im/6aaPXE

Department of Housing and Urban Development: FY2015 Appropriations – R43548

In FY2015, the Department of Housing and Urban Development was funded as ... http://p.ost.im/6Q7gfu

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (H.R. 3230; P.L. 113-146) – R43704

On August 7, 2014, the President signed the Veterans Access, Choice, and ... http://p.ost.im/6CSxeN

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

The Islamic State (IS, aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL ... http://p.ost.im/6CSAEK

FY2016 Budget Documents: Internet and GPO Availability – R43475

Every year the President submits a series of volumes to Congress containi ... http://p.ost.im/6awXQk

The Measles: Background and Federal Role in Vaccine Policy – R43899

The earliest accounts of measles date back over 1,000 years. This report ... http://p.ost.im/6QmXKH

Navy TAO(X) Oiler Shipbuilding Program: Background and Issues for Congress – R43546

The TAO(X) oiler shipbuilding program is a program to build a new class o ... http://p.ost.im/6Ctgdy

Cuba Sanctions: Legislative Restrictions Limiting the Normalization of Relations – R43888

In December 2014, President Obama announced major changes in U.S. policy ... http://p.ost.im/6CPJvA

EPA and the Army Corps’ Proposed Rule to Define “Waters of the United States” – R43455

On March 25, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. ... http://p.ost.im/69GWEY

Bee Health: The Role of Pesticides – R43900

Over the past few decades there has been heightened concern about the pli ... http://p.ost.im/6H34AQ

Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations – R43702

In FY2014, there was a sharp increase in the number of unaccompanied alie ... http://p.ost.im/69xVSB

Nigeria’s 2015 Elections and the Boko Haram Crisis – R43881

The Nigerian government has controversially decided to delay its planned ... http://p.ost.im/6XCPJ2

House Committee Reports: Required Contents – 98-169

House rules and statutes detail several substantive requirements for item ... http://p.ost.im/6QYKnd

Points of Order in the Congressional Budget Process – 97-865

The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Titles I-IX of P.L. 93-344, as amen ... http://p.ost.im/6xmMss

Legislative Actions to Repeal, Defund, or Delay the Affordable Care Act – R43289

Congress remains deeply divided over implementation of the Patient Protec ... http://p.ost.im/6mPH59

Peace Talks in Colombia – R42982

In August 2012, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced that the ... http://p.ost.im/6mJjTu

Older Americans Act (OAA): In Brief – R43414

Originally enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) supports a wide ... http://p.ost.im/69XPje

Discretionary Budget Authority by Subfunction: An Overview – R41726

This report provides a graphical overview of historical trends in discret ... http://p.ost.im/6aPnxn

Small Business Administration HUBZone Program – R41268

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs to s ... http://p.ost.im/6P56Wq

Veterans’ Benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Survivors – R40757

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers directly, or in conju ... http://p.ost.im/6yJhkp

Evaluating the “Past Performance” of Federal Contractors: Legal Requirements and Issues – R41562

Poor performance under a federal contract can have immediate consequences ... http://p.ost.im/696aWj

Congressional Member Organizations: Their Purpose and Activities, History, and Formation – R40683

This report examines the historical development and contemporary role of ... http://p.ost.im/6PQTMQ

Food Safety Issues for the 114th Congress – R42885

Congress passed comprehensive food safety legislation in December 2010 (F ... http://p.ost.im/69S7n6

Who is a “Veteran”?-Basic Eligibility for Veterans’ Benefits – R42324

A broad range of benefits are offered to veterans of the U.S. Armed Force ... http://p.ost.im/6QdFtC

Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program – R41146

Both the Administration and Congress expect that regulation of greenhouse ... http://p.ost.im/6f49hp

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/69nTBm

Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic – R42507

This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity fr ... http://p.ost.im/6CMpqc

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/6yR8ky

Federal Sentences: Marijuana Accounts for One of Every Four Drug Convictions – NB2015021132

In spite of legalization efforts in some states and adjustments in federa ... http://p.ost.im/6H2EcT

Military Commission Conviction Rejected – NB2015021134

Former Guantanamo detainee Noor Uthman Muhammed had already served his se ... http://p.ost.im/6xMRvG

Municipal Broadband and Federal Preemption – NB2015021135

In January 2015, President Obama announced his support for greater deploy ... http://p.ost.im/6Hjkhe

Judicial Deference to EPA’s Final Greenhouse Gas Rule—Not a Foregone Conclusion – NB2015021133

Few things are more certain than that when EPA finalizes its proposed rul ... http://p.ost.im/6uBUxr

Supreme Court Will Not Hear Challenge to Fed’s Debit Card Swipe Fee Rule – NB2015021136

On January 20, 2015, the Supreme Court refused a petition to review a dec ... http://p.ost.im/6uchfW

U.S. Secret Service Protection – IF10130

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) conducts two missions criminal investigati ... http://p.ost.im/6uvceC

Introduction to Financial Services: International Supervision – IF10129

The financial crisis of 2007-2008 and subsequent global economic turmoil ... http://p.ost.im/695CSj

U.S. Global Health Assistance: The FY2016 Budget – IF10131

The Presidents FY2016 budget request includes nearly $9.1 billion for glo ... http://p.ost.im/6untfY

The President’s FY2016 Military Construction Budget Request – IF10132

President Barack Obama submitted his FY2016 budget request to Congress in ... http://p.ost.im/6H6ND5

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) – IF10128

Many stakeholders recognize the Great Lakes ecosystem as an international ... http://p.ost.im/6uqFxx

California Drought: Water Supply and Conveyance Issues – IF10133

Approximately 93% of the state of California is experiencing severe droug ... http://p.ost.im/6HAH9N

The Swiss National Bank’s Recent Currency Actions – IN10230

In what has been characterized as one of the most significant currency de ... http://p.ost.im/6BVy83

International Tax Reform Proposals in the President’s FY2016 Budget Proposal – IN10228

On February 2, 2015, President Obama submitted his FY2016 budget to Congr ... http://p.ost.im/6BxU2g

Congress Faces Calls to Address Expiring ACA Funds for Primary Care – IN10185

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in March 2010, appropriated billio ... http://p.ost.im/6B6pRP

Protests in Hong Kong: New Groups, New Tactics – IN10232

The U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 states that the United States suppo ... http://p.ost.im/6ycWb3

FY2016 Budget Request: Increasing Support for Medical Research, Combatting Public Health Threats, and Expanding Access to Primary Health Care – IN10231

Funding increase requests in the President's FY2016 budget for the Public ... http://p.ost.im/6rxKMW

Spectrum Needs of Self-Driving Vehicles – IN10168

Baby you can drive my car (unless it drives itself). Among the technologi ... http://p.ost.im/6r7dnp

The 2015 National Security Strategy (NSS) – IN10229

On February 6, 2015, the Administration released its new National Securit ... http://p.ost.im/6yHDEw

Introduction to Financial Services: New Series of CRS Products and Seminars – IN10225

CRS has created a new series of written products and seminars providing a ... http://p.ost.im/6r9pS9

WIC and White Potatoes: Understanding Recent News from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) – IN10226

On February 3, the National Academies' Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued ... http://p.ost.im/6B22gA

The Precision Medicine Initiative – IN10227

On January 20, 2015, in his State of the Union address, President Barack ... http://p.ost.im/6hkhmB

Availability of Legislative Measures in the House of Representatives (The “Three-Day Rule”) – RS22015

House rules govern the length of time legislative measures must be availa ... http://p.ost.im/6Pssve

Kuwait: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy – RS21513

Kuwait has been pivotal to U.S. efforts to secure the Persian Gulf region ... http://p.ost.im/6h3e8g

The United States and Europe: Current Issues – RS22163

Due to extensive cooperation on a wide range of issues, the relationship ... http://p.ost.im/6ftQct

Medicare Trigger – RS22796

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 200 ... http://p.ost.im/65xYHG

Qualified Charitable Distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts: Features and Legislative History – RS22766

A provision of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-280) allows t ... http://p.ost.im/6B2cpk

Farm Credit System – RS21278

The Farm Credit System (FCS) was created to provide a permanent, reliable ... http://p.ost.im/6hjs3v

Nigeria’s 2015 Elections and the Boko Haram Crisis – R43881

On January 25, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Nigeria to ... http://p.ost.im/6r5AmP

A Guide to Describing the Income Distribution – R43897

The distribution of income in the United States features heavily in congr ... http://p.ost.im/6khvTK

Asset Forfeiture: Selected Legal Issues and Reforms – R43890

From its beginning in the First Congress, Congress has viewed asset forfe ... http://p.ost.im/6BpH5v

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): FY2016 Budget Request Overview and Resources – R43896

This report provides a brief overview of the FY2016 budget request for th ... http://p.ost.im/6mfXCG

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

The Navys Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)/Frigate program is a program to proc ... http://p.ost.im/6Ph5CA

Legislative Planning: Considerations for Congressional Staff – RS20991

The Congressional Research Service frequently receives inquiries about le ... http://p.ost.im/6yKu6h

Presidential Appointments to Full-Time Positions on Regulatory and Other Collegial Boards and Commissions, 112th Congress – R43893

The President makes appointments to positions within the federal governme ... http://p.ost.im/6BY7ju

Tax Provisions that Expired in 2014 (“Tax Extenders”) – R43898

In the past, Congress has regularly acted to extend expired or expiring t ... http://p.ost.im/6Bb4Qh

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

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of prog ... http://p.ost.im/6mPe8W

Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program: In Brief – RL34413

The Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) program provides three differe ... http://p.ost.im/6hRACe

China’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) – R43894

In November 2013, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC, or China) announced ... http://p.ost.im/6kcRva

U.S. Sanctions on Russia: Economic Implications – R43895

In response to Russias annexation of the Crimean region of Ukraine and on ... http://p.ost.im/6fgjQu

Funding for EPA Water Infrastructure: A Fact Sheet – R43871

Federal funding to assist communities with capital projects to meet the w ... http://p.ost.im/6M966s

Alien Removals and Returns: Overview and Trends – R43892

The ability to remove foreign nationals (aliens) who violate U.S. immigra ... http://p.ost.im/6hKBNJ

Worker Participation in Employer-Sponsored Pensions: A Fact Sheet – R43439

This fact sheet provides data on the percentage of American workers who h ... http://p.ost.im/6fkMBU

U.S. Travel and Tourism: Industry Trends and Policy Issues for Congress – R43463

The U.S. travel and tourism industry accounted for 2.6% of gross domestic ... http://p.ost.im/6B5Lvy

Energy and Water Development: FY2015 Appropriations – R43567

The Energy and Water Development appropriations bill provides funding for ... http://p.ost.im/6BJtrr

The Target and Other Financial Data Breaches: Frequently Asked Questions – R43496

In November and December of 2013, cybercriminals breached the data securi ... http://p.ost.im/6UPXXV

Recently Expired Charitable Tax Provisions (“Tax Extenders”): In Brief – R43517

The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295) temporarily extend ... http://p.ost.im/6fqec3

How Social Security Benefits Are Computed: In Brief – R43542

With about $900 billion in benefit outlays projected to be made in 2015, ... http://p.ost.im/6yfkvj

Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2015 – R43580

President Obamas budget request for FY2015 included $135.352 billion for ... http://p.ost.im/6y7AyG

Cybersecurity: Data, Statistics, and Glossaries – R43310

This report describes data and statistics from government, industry, and ... http://p.ost.im/65vC7k

Army Corps of Engineers: Water Resource Authorizations, Appropriations, and Activities – R41243

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertakes activities to maintain naviga ... http://p.ost.im/65px9W

Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic – R42507

This report provides references to analytical reports on cybersecurity fr ... http://p.ost.im/6PrXSd

International Climate Change Financing: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) – R41889

Over the past several decades, the United States has delivered financial ... http://p.ost.im/6DP2cQ

“Disadvantaged” Small Businesses: Definitions and Designations for Purposes of Federal and Federally Funded Contracting Programs – R40987

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs ... http://p.ost.im/65WS29

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Answers to Frequently Asked Questions – R42826

The federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the ... http://p.ost.im/6BsPpW

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/6AgQHM

Common Questions About Federal Records and Related Agency Requirements – R43072

Federal departments and agencies create federal records in the course of ... http://p.ost.im/6aBvKk

Small Business Administration Trade and Export Promotion Programs – R43155

According to Census Bureau data, approximately 1% of small businesses in ... http://p.ost.im/6aLDbg

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/6rT5bq

The Presidential Libraries Act and the Establishment of Presidential Libraries – R41513

The Presidential Libraries Act (P.L. 84-373; 69 Stat. 695), as originally ... http://p.ost.im/6Bh5my

Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents – R43317

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and indi ... http://p.ost.im/6B8pSY

Small Business: Access to Capital and Job Creation – R40985

Three primary categories of disadvantaged small businesses are currently ... http://p.ost.im/6fkTFE

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): A Primer – 95-118

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is a federal government a ... http://p.ost.im/6k687V

Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate – R40616

As congressional policy makers continue to debate telecommunications refo ... http://p.ost.im/6Brq4p

Legislative Actions to Repeal, Defund, or Delay the Affordable Care Act – R43289

Congress remains deeply divided over implementation of the Patient Protec ... http://p.ost.im/6MDNY5

Small Business Size Standards: A Historical Analysis of Contemporary Issues – R40860

Small business size standards are of congressional interest because the s ... http://p.ost.im/6PsLvM

Iran: Interim Nuclear Agreement and Talks on a Comprehensive Accord – R43333

On November 24, 2013, Iran and the six powers that have negotiated with I ... http://p.ost.im/6kG2Np

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/6SXfMD

Forest Service Appropriations: Five-Year Trends and FY2016 Budget Request – R43417

The Forest Service (FS) is responsible for managing 193 million acres of ... http://p.ost.im/6f2wAd

Federal Spending on Programs Targeted Toward Low-Income People – IN10223

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) regularly receives requests abou ... http://p.ost.im/6SRyGH

U.S. Sanctions on Russia in Response to Events in Ukraine – IN10048

After pro-Western groups overthrew a pro-Russian government in Ukraine, R ... http://p.ost.im/6BcQpM

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Clean Water Act Penalty Developments – IN10217

On January 15, 2015, a judge in the federal district court for the Easter ... http://p.ost.im/6k9dMt

MetLife’s SIFI Designation Goes to Court – NB2015021130

On December 19, 2014, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) de ... http://p.ost.im/6rKRu9

President Obama’s FY2016 Budget: Discretionary Spending and the Budget Deficit – IN10219

The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; P.L. 112-25) placed caps on discreti ... http://p.ost.im/6kc3Nf

U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: The Animal Welfare Act and Farm Animal Research – IN10224

On January 19, 2015, the New York Times (NYT) published an expos of resea ... http://p.ost.im/6SwMcs

Election in Greece: Outcome and Implications – IN10222

In parliamentary elections on January 25, Greece's far-left, anti-establi ... http://p.ost.im/6hNuCc

EPA’s Win-Loss Record for 2014 in Decisions of the Supreme Court and D.C. Circuit – NB2015021129

In recent years, EPA has borne a goodly number of accusations, from the r ... http://p.ost.im/6hb7PS

Suing the Government: Interpreting Filing Deadlines – NB2015021131

You may not sue the federal government in court unless Congress has waive ... http://p.ost.im/6k4uST

Comparing TRICARE to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program – IN10220

The final report of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernizatio ... http://p.ost.im/6hC5Sm

Do Certain Applications of the Endangered Species Act Exceed Congress’ Commerce Power? A New Decision Goes Against the Judicial Trend – NB2015021128

Supreme Court decisions in 1995 and 2000 made clear that while Congress p ... http://p.ost.im/6rRwYY

“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility:” Supreme Court Grants Cert in Spiderman case – NB2015021127

When should the Supreme Court overrule a 50-year-old precedent? The parti ... http://p.ost.im/6Byxaw

Information Warfare: Cyberattacks on Sony – IN10218

The Department of Defense defines Information Operations (IO) as the inte ... http://p.ost.im/6hrBaY

The Robot Did It: Spectrum Policy and the Internet of Things – IN10221

The Internet is often referred to as "the web," and that image of an intr ... http://p.ost.im/6MD9W8

Introduction to Financial Services: The Housing Finance System – IF10126

A loan that uses real estate as collateral is typically referred to as a ... http://p.ost.im/6kW5KJ

Global Health System Strengthening: Issues for Congress – IF10124

The ongoing West Africa Ebola outbreak has generated interest among some ... http://p.ost.im/6kYNHQ

Overview of EPA and the Army Corps’ Proposed Rule to Define “Waters of the United States” – IF10125

In April 2014, the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and the Environmen ... http://p.ost.im/6YfY46

Judiciary Budget Request, FY2016 – IF10123

The FY2016 judiciary budget request totals $7.53 billion, an increase of ... http://p.ost.im/6YXS7y

Options to Manage the Growth in the Disability Insurance Rolls – IF10053

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to nonelder ... http://p.ost.im/6reNPp

Bank Failures and the FDIC – IF10055

This In Focus introduces the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations (FDIC ... http://p.ost.im/6jFfu4

U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia – IN10129

The United States and the 28-member European Union (EU) have pursued simi ... http://p.ost.im/66r9eu

Dynamic Scoring – IN10215

H.R. 5, which provides rules for the House of Representatives, requires t ... http://p.ost.im/66UeNL

Withdrawal of the EPA-Army Corps Interpretive Rule for Agriculture – IN10212

The FY2015 omnibus appropriations act (P.L. 113-235) includes a policy pr ... http://p.ost.im/6rXFSn

Derivatives Provision in H.R. 26 and H.R. 37 Bars Regulators from Requiring Margin in Certain Swap Trades – IN10211

H.R. 26, which extended the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), was enac ... http://p.ost.im/6rLNhV

National Park Service (NPS): FY2015 Appropriations – IF10122

The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National Park System, whi ... http://p.ost.im/6r3BW9

U.S. International Investment Agreements (IIAs) – IF10052

In recent decades, the United States, the largest source of and destinati ... http://p.ost.im/6jMncW

Tax Proposals in the 2015 State of the Union Address – IN10216

On January 20, 2015, in the State of the Union Address, President Obama o ... http://p.ost.im/66GSmA

Post-9/11 Evolution of the United States’ Defining of the Terrorist Threat from Al Qaeda – IN10214

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda-related entit ... http://p.ost.im/6rDmJx

U.S.-China Relations – IF10119

The U.S.-China relationship is currently one of the worlds most consequen ... http://p.ost.im/6h9kGg

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Compliance and Penalties – IF10121

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires that renewable fuel be blended ... http://p.ost.im/6LPjde

Mali: Transition from Conflict? – IF10116

With substantial international assistance, Mali began to emerge in 2013 f ... http://p.ost.im/6k6kF3

The Palestinians and the International Criminal Court: Potential Effects on U.S. Aid – IN10213

Actions by the Palestinians related to the International Criminal Court ( ... http://p.ost.im/6deTQL

Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) – IF10120

What is it? The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) is ... http://p.ost.im/6kwwTa

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms: Economic, Program, and Policy Issues – RS20210

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs were authorized by Congres ... http://p.ost.im/685QC8

Major Disaster Assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund: State Profiles – R43883

The costs associated with providing assistance following a major disaster ... http://p.ost.im/66bqar

Health Policy: Resources for Congressional Staff – R43889

This report is intended to serve as a starting point for congressional st ... http://p.ost.im/6RR4JE

Homeland Security Appropriations: FY2015 Action in the 114th Congress – R43884

This report provides a brief outline of the FY2015 appropriations legisla ... http://p.ost.im/66uUxj

Iran Sanctions – RS20871

International sanctions on Irans key energy and financial sectors harmed ... http://p.ost.im/jE4x8a

Cuba Sanctions: Legislative Restrictions Limiting the Normalization of Relations – R43888

In December 2014, President Obama announced major changes in U.S. policy ... http://p.ost.im/6YVLUE

Unemployment Insurance: Programs and Benefits – RL33362

The federal-state Unemployment Compensation (UC) program provides income ... http://p.ost.im/6jXM2F

LIHEAP: Program and Funding – RL31865

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), established in 19 ... http://p.ost.im/62htrj

U.S. Trade Concepts, Performance, and Policy: Frequently Asked Questions – RL33944

Congress plays a major role in U.S. trade policy through its legislative ... http://p.ost.im/664UCh

House Committee Funding Requests and Authorizations, 104th-113th Congresses – RL32794

Pursuant to House Rule X, clause 6, the Committee on House Administration ... http://p.ost.im/6jg54h

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/6rku3K

Points of Order Limiting the Contents of Reconciliation Legislation: In Brief – R43885

The budget resolution as established under the Congressional Budget Act o ... http://p.ost.im/6Yhc9Y

Multilateral Development Banks: U.S. Contributions FY2000-FY2015 – RS20792

This report shows in tabular form how much the Administration requested a ... http://p.ost.im/62N57m

Latin America and the Caribbean: Key Issues for the 114th Congress – R43882

U.S. Interests and Policy Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkag ... http://p.ost.im/jEW26D

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

Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, a priority of U.S. policy h ... http://p.ost.im/66cR3c

Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights – RS21968

Since the 2011 U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, sectarian and ethnic d ... http://p.ost.im/62uCVu

Same-Sex Marriage: A Legal Overview – R43886

Same-sex marriage has engendered heated debate throughout the country. Th ... http://p.ost.im/j344d2

Older Americans Act: FY2015 Appropriations Overview – R43887

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the major federal vehicle for the delive ... http://p.ost.im/6RU5DM

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/66DTkE

Congressional Membership and Appointment Authority to Advisory Commissions, Boards, and Groups – RL33313

Over the past several decades, Congress, by statute, has established a wi ... http://p.ost.im/jEemgS

Recent Developments in the Job Corps Program: Frequently Asked Questions – R43611

The Job Corps program is a job training and academic program for youth ag ... http://p.ost.im/6LE2CP

FHA Single-Family Mortgage Insurance: Recent Policy Changes and Proposed Legislation – R43531

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency of the Department of ... http://p.ost.im/jEabX7

Defense: FY2015 Authorization and Appropriations – R43788

In contrast with the debate over the FY2014 defense budget, congressional ... http://p.ost.im/6NSVMF

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: FY2015 Appropriations – R43617

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill inclu ... http://p.ost.im/6RgLnT

Child Welfare: An Overview of Federal Programs and Their Current Funding – R43458

Child welfare services are intended to prevent the abuse or neglect of ch ... http://p.ost.im/jTA9Lf

Older Americans Act (OAA): In Brief – R43414

Originally enacted in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) supports a wide ... http://p.ost.im/6JTDFD

Firearms at Army Corps Water Resource Projects: Proposed Legislation and Issues for Congress – R42602

As part of its civil works mission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mana ... http://p.ost.im/6dm9ER

Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents – R43317

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and indi ... http://p.ost.im/66uHYK

U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing: Industry Trends, Global Competition, Federal Support – R42509

Every President since Richard Nixon has sought to increase U.S. energy su ... http://p.ost.im/6jn5EU

Health Care for Veterans: Suicide Prevention – R42340

This report focuses on suicide prevention activities of the Veterans Heal ... http://p.ost.im/6YSr2t

Who Regulates Whom and How? An Overview of U.S. Financial Regulatory Policy for Banking and Securities Markets – R43087

Financial regulatory policies are of interest to Congress because firms, ... http://p.ost.im/6NM8hn

Bitcoin: Questions, Answers, and Analysis of Legal Issues – R43339

Bitcoin first appeared in January 2009, the creation of a computer progra ... http://p.ost.im/jKDyJN

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/6876bm

Mexico’s Oil and Gas Sector: Background, Reform Efforts, and Implications for the United States – R43313

The future of oil and natural gas production in Mexico is of importance f ... http://p.ost.im/6FLaLp

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/6YNKeW

FHA Single-Family Mortgage Insurance: Financial Status of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMI Fund) – R42875

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures private lenders against ... http://p.ost.im/6d5BEY

Border Security: Immigration Inspections at Ports of Entry – R43356

About 362 million travelers (citizens and non-citizens) entered the Unite ... http://p.ost.im/6dcHyH

Aereo and FilmOn X: Internet Television Streaming and Copyright Law – R43359

Aereo and FilmOn X were created to stream television programming over the ... http://p.ost.im/62YBcH

Medical Loss Ratio Requirements Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Issues for Congress – R42735

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148) r ... http://p.ost.im/6YNj6p

U.S. Natural Gas Exports: New Opportunities, Uncertain Outcomes – R42074

As estimates for the amount of U.S. natural gas resources have grown, so ... http://p.ost.im/68FqFA

Wartime Detention Provisions in Recent Defense Authorization Legislation – R42143

In recent years, Congress has included provisions in annual defense autho ... http://p.ost.im/6F6DvW

EPA’s Vessel General Permits: Background and Issues – R42142

In November 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed two C ... http://p.ost.im/62wFXp

Sex Trafficking of Children in the United States: Overview and Issues for Congress – R41878

The trafficking of individuals within U.S borders is commonly referred to ... http://p.ost.im/6jam7V

House Office of Congressional Ethics: History, Authority, and Procedures – R40760

The House Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) was established on March 1 ... http://p.ost.im/6MRpeW

Small Business: Access to Capital and Job Creation – R40985

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs ... http://p.ost.im/6YvwBH

Small Business Administration and Job Creation – R41523

The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several programs to s ... http://p.ost.im/6jVjFk

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/6dsayE

Congressional Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Legislative Considerations – R40076

Congressional advisory commissions are formal groups established to provi ... http://p.ost.im/6jELrp

Government Assistance for GMAC/Ally Financial: Unwinding the Government Stake – R41846

Ally Financial, formerly known as General Motors Acceptance Corporation o ... http://p.ost.im/6NHqa8