Policy Library

8 documents

Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Resources · 1,689 words · PDF available
Thailand is a long-time military ally and economic partner of the United States. The United States operates numerous regional offices from the Bangkok Embassy, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic missi...
Social Security Administration (SSA): FY2024 Annual Limitation on Administrative Expenses (LAE) Appropriation: In Brief
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Reports · 3,080 words · PDF available
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for administering the nation’s primary income support programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities: Social Security and Supplemen...
FY2025 NDAA: Department of Defense Small Business Contracting
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Posts · 1,024 words · PDF available
Congress has authorized the Department of Defense (DOD) to promote small business contracting, including set-asides under certain conditions, and to award sole-source contracts to small businesses, of...
The Sahm Rule Trigger: Is the United States in a Recession?
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Posts · 1,016 words · PDF available
The cooling labor market has fueled speculation that the United States could be in or headed for a recession. The unemployment rate has been gradually rising from a low of 3.4% in April 2023, and the ...
Direct Loan Program Student Loans: Terms and Conditions
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Resources · 1,495 words · PDF available
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) program is the largest source of federal financial aid supporting students’ postsecondary educational pursuits. As of March 31, 2024, $1.4 trillio...
Israel, Iran, Hamas, and Lebanese Hezbollah: Various Strikes amid Regional Turmoil
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Posts · 1,052 words · PDF available
Since the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas (a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, or FTO), conflicts between Israel and Iran and/or its allies have spread across the Middle East. Afte...
The U.S. Mining Industry and the Rosemont Decision
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Reports · 9,108 words · PDF available
The General Mining Act of 1872 (Mining Act) formed the bedrock of U.S. mining policy during westward expansion in the 19th century. The law remains in effect. Among other provisions, it allows parties...
Effect of Rescheduling Marijuana on Access to Financial Services
Congressional Research Service · 2024-08-26 · Posts · 2,454 words · PDF available
Although federal law prohibits most marijuana-related activities, a majority of U.S. states and territories have adopted laws permitting certain types of marijuana sales and other marijuana-related ac...