WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12094) on the Army's XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle on Nov. 29, 2023, by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert. Here are excerpts: * * * The Army's XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (Formerly Known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle [OMFV]) Background The Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is being designed to replace the M-2 Bradley In  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12096) on beginning and underserved producers on Nov. 27, 2023, by agricultural policy specialist Renee Johnson: * * * Farm Bill Primer: Beginning and Underserved Producers U.S. food and agriculture policy provides support for farms and ranches operated by beginning, small and limited resource, and historically underserved farmers and ranchers. Although these producers generally are eli  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12537) on a brief introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program on Nov. 27, 2023, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist: * * * A Brief Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary source of flood insurance coverage for residential properties in the United States. The NFIP has two ma  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11151) on Central American migration on Nov. 30, 2023, by Peter J. Meyer, Latin American and Canadian affairs specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy U.S. policy toward Central America has been a subject of significant debate and oversight over the past decade as Congress has sought to address the underlying factors driving migration   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12047) on the Farm Bill on Nov. 28, 2023, by agricultural policy specialists Renee Johnson and Jim Monke. Here are excerpts: * * * Farm Bill Primer: What Is the Farm Bill? The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. It provides an opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues.  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12047) on the Farm Bill Programs without baseline beyond fiscal 2024 on Nov. 28, 2023, by agricultural policy specialist Jim Monke. Here are excerpts: * * * Farm Bill Primer: Programs Without Baseline Beyond FY2024 The one-year farm bill extension during FY2024 (P.L. 11822, Division B, Sec.102) provided $177 million of mandatory funding to 19 of the 21 programs without a budget baselin  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12537) on Hamas and cryptocurrency fundraising on Nov. 27, 2023. The white paper was written by financial economics specialists Paul Tierno and Rena S. Miller and international crime and narcotics specialist Liana W. Rosen: * * * Terrorist Financing: Hamas and Cryptocurrency Fundraising Policymakers, including some Members of Congress, are scrutinizing U.S. efforts to counter the role   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12106) on Iran and nuclear weapons production on Nov. 27, 2023, by nonproliferation specialist Paul K. Kerr: * * * Iran and Nuclear Weapons Production Background Iran's nuclear program has generated widespread concern that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Tehran has the capacity to produce nuclear weapons at some point, but has halted its n  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12436) on the National Park Service's fiscal 2024 appropriations on Nov. 27, 2023, by natural resources policy specialist Laura B. Comay. Here are excerpts: * * * National Park Service: FY2024 Appropriations The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National Park System, which includes 425 units valued for their natural, cultural, and recreational importance. System lands cover 81  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12278) on selected hemp industry issues on Nov. 29, 2023, by agricultural policy specialist Renee Johnson. Here are excerpts: * * * Farm Bill Primer: Selected Hemp Industry Issues Hemp is a variety or cultivar of Cannabis sativa - the same plant as marijuana - grown to produce non-psychoactive food, beverage, consumer, and industrial products. The 2018 farm bill (Agriculture Improvement  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11934) on terrorist and other militant groups in Pakistan on Dec. 1, 2023, by South Asian affairs specialist K. Alan Kronstadt. Here are excerpts: * * * Terrorist and Other Militant Groups in Pakistan U.S. officials have identified Pakistan as a base of operations and/or target for numerous armed, nonstate militant groups, some of which have existed since the 1980s. Notable terrorist and  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11991) on the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon on Nov. 30, 2023, by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert. Here are excerpts: * * * The U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) What Is the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon? The Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) (Figure 1), with a reported range of 1,725 miles, consists of a ground-launched missile   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12436) on the U.S. Army's Strategic Mid-Range Fires System on Nov. 28, 2023, by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert. Here are excerpts: * * * The U.S. Army's Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System (Formerly Mid-Range Capabilities [MRC] System) What Is the Army's Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System? Reported improvements to Russian and Chinese artillery systems presen  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12540) on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fiscal 2024 appropriations on Nov. 29, 2023, by natural resources policy specialists Caitlin Keating-Bitonti and Carol Hardy Vincent. Here are excerpts: * * * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: FY2024 Appropriations Introduction The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), an agency within the Department of the Interior (DOI), has a mission to c  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12150) on Ukrainian military performance and outlook on Dec. 1, 2023, by Russian and European affairs analyst Andrew S. Bowen: * * * Ukrainian Military Performance and Outlook Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have successfully defended against and pushed back Russian forces in many regions, despite several apparent  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12275) on the USDA support for aquaculture operations on Nov. 27, 2023, by agricultural policy specialist Renee Johnson. Here are excerpts: * * * Farm Bill Primer: USDA Support for Aquaculture Operations Aquaculture facilities that grow aquatic animal and plant species in controlled or selected environments (as defined as 7 U.S.C. Sec.3103) are generally eligible for support from the U  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12282) entitled "OMB Releases 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act Guidance" on Nov. 27, 2023. The white paper was written by government organization and management analysts Meghan M. Stuessy, Natalie R. Ortiz and Dominick A. Fiorentino: * * * OMB Releases 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act Guidance On September 22, 2023, the White House Office of Management and Bud  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11049) on a brief introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program in the 118th Congress on Nov. 27, 2023, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * A Brief Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program in the 118th Congress Introduction The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is authorized by the National Flood Insura  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12198) on the Federal Election Commission Administrative Fine Program on Nov. 28, 2023, by American national government specialist R. Sam Garrett. Here are excerpts: * * * Federal Election Commission Administrative Fine Program Statutory authorization for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) Administrative Fine Program (AFP, sometimes called the Administrative Fines Program) expires on   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11911) on flood buyouts on Nov. 29, 2023, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * Flood Buyouts: Federal Funding for Property Acquisition Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in the United States and experts expect effects to intensify in the future. Buyouts offer one way to reduce flood risk. Unlike other approaches to flo  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN10835) on National Flood Insurance Program on Nov. 27, 2023, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * What Happens If the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Lapses? This Insight provides a short overview of what would happen if the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were not to be reauthorized by February 2, 2024, and allow  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN10784) on National Flood Insurance Program borrowing authority on Nov. 27, 2023, by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist. Here are excerpts: * * * National Flood Insurance Program Borrowing Authority This Insight evaluates the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) borrowing authority to receive loans from the Treasury and the current financial situation of  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN10450) on private flood insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program on Nov. 28, 2023, by Baird Webel, acting section research manager, and Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management specialist: * * * Private Flood Insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The National Flood Insurance Program The NFIP was first authorized by the National Flood Insurance  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12269) on siting challenges for carbon dioxide pipelines on Nov. 30, 2023, by energy policy specialist Paul W. Parfomak. Here are excerpts: * * * Siting Challenges for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Pipelines Carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines are an essential part of carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems, promoted by the Biden Administration and some in Congress to reduce emissions of CO2 - a green  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB10920) entitled "Is ATF's Bump-Stock Ban Lawful? The Supreme Court Will Review" on Dec. 1, 2023, by legislative attorney Todd Garvey Dave S. Sidhu and section research manager Michael A. Foster: Here are excerpts: * * * Is ATF's Bump-Stock Ban Lawful? The Supreme Court Will Review Congressional interest in "bump-stock" devices--accessories that allow semiautomatic rifles effectivel  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11083) on Impeachment Investigations, Part II: Access on Nov. 30, 2023, by legislative attorney Todd Garvey: * * * Impeachment Investigations, Part II: Access The House has opened a "formal impeachment inquiry" into whether President Joe Biden "abused his public office for his family's financial gain." The inquiry, which is being led by the Committee on Oversight and Accountability   more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11082) on kratom regulation on Nov. 28, 2023, by legislative attorney Jason O. Heflin: * * * Kratom Regulation: Federal Status and State Approaches Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree related to the coffee plant and is native to parts of Southeast Asia. Peoples indigenous to the tree's range have traditionally consumed the leaves of the tree for medicinal and other purposes. U  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11081) on the recent appellate decisions of interest to lawmakers, Nov. 20 - Nov. 26, 2023, on Nov. 27, 2023, by deputy assistant director Michael John Garcia and section research manager Christina L. Shifton: * * * Congressional Court Watcher: Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (November 20-November 26, 2023) The federal courts issue hundreds of decisions every we  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47717) on Nov. 6, 2023, entitled "Lead Service Lines (LSLs) Replacement: Funding Developments" by environmental policy analyst Elena H. Humphreys. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Lead's adverse health effects, particularly on children's development, have continued to generate interest in reducing exposures to lead through drinking water. Various efforts, such as the regulation of lead in tap  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47753) on Oct. 12, 2023, entitled "Liability for Algorithmic Recommendations" by attorney-advisor Eric N. Holmes. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY A key feature of many websites and online services is the use of algorithm-based systems to select content that may be of interest to the website's users (recommendation systems or recommender systems). These systems rely on a variety of inputs, in  more

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47753) on Oct. 12, 2023, entitled "Liability for Algorithmic Recommendations:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Considerations for Congress While few courts have explored Section 230's application to algorithmic recommendations in depth, the decisions in Force and Gonzalez may indicate judicial reluctance to limit the broad reach of Section 230 embraced by Zeran and subsequent decisions. Co  more