Policy Library

7,020 documents

National Park Service: FY2025 Appropriations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Resources · 1,378 words · PDF available
The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National Park System, which includes 433 units valued for their natural, cultural, and recreational importance. System lands cover 81 million federal ac...
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA): Overview and Ongoing Role in Election Administration Policy
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Reports · 17,278 words · PDF available
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) was enacted in response to issues with the administration of the 2000 elections. The highest-profile issues in those elections were in Florida—where disputes a...
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Living Resources Provisions
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Reports · 11,140 words · PDF available
The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) established a comprehensive international legal framework to govern activities related to the global oceans. UNCLOS often is referred ...
Dismissals of Members of Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Posts · 1,330 words · PDF available
On Friday, August 1, 2025, President Trump dismissed five of the seven members of Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB or Oversight Board): Arthur J. Gonzalez, Cameron McKenzie...
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations for FY2026
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Reports · 13,930 words · PDF available
The House and the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittees are charged with providing annual appropriations for the U.S. Departmen...
Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Reports · 6,137 words · PDF available
When federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of either full-year or interim appropriations, they experience a “funding gap.” Under the Antideficiency Act (3...
Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Reports · 1,726 words · PDF available
This fact sheet tracks current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It provides dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national...
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-30 · Resources · 1,918 words · PDF available
Title III of the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 301-310, 19 U.S.C. §§2411-2420), titled “Relief from Unfair Trade Practices,” is often collectively referred to as “Section 301.” Under Section 301, Congre...
Pete Hegseth’s faux diagnosis of a crisis in America’s warrior spirit
Brookings Institution · 2025-09-29 · Article · 969 words
Hegseth’s first instinct should be to follow the Hippocratic Oath and do no harm to a system and an institution that remain excellent.
Trump to meet top Dems on shutdown
Substack Newsletters · 2025-09-29 · Newsletter Article · 89 words
House continues to jam the Senate on 7-week CR
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Overview of FY2025 Appropriations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 6,576 words · PDF available
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill—often called the Interior bill—contains funding for about three dozen agencies and entities. They include most of the Department of ...
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Overview of FY2026 Appropriations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 6,493 words · PDF available
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill—often called the Interior bill—contains funding for about three dozen agencies and entities. They include most of the Department of ...
National Park Service: FY2026 Appropriations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Resources · 1,525 words · PDF available
The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National Park System, which includes 433 units valued for their natural, cultural, and recreational importance. System lands cover 81 million federal ac...
Amendments to the Higher Education Act Made by P.L. 119-21, the FY2025 Budget Reconciliation Law
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 17,774 words · PDF available
Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) authorizes the primary federal financial assistance programs to aid students and their families in gaining access to and financing a postsecondary education....
Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s Acts, Policies, and Practices
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Posts · 1,056 words · PDF available
In July 2025, the second Trump Administration initiated its first investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, into Brazil’s practices related to digital trade and electronic payment serv...
Iraq
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Resources · 1,602 words · PDF available
The Republic of Iraq (Figure 1) sits at an intersection within the Middle East region, with ties to Iran, Turkey, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula shaping its interests, constraints, and opportun...
Sanctuary Isn’t What You Think
Third Way · 2025-09-29 · Memo · 2,158 words
The White House has painted so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions as lawless safe havens that “harbor criminals” and “block” federal enforcement. The reality is far different. In fact, no state or city ...
Defense Primer: The Golden Dome for America
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Resources · 1,677 words · PDF available
The Golden Dome for America (initially known as the Iron Dome for America) is an initiative of the second Trump Administration to develop an integrated air and missile defense system. President Donald...
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Who Is a Veteran?
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 4,135 words · PDF available
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a broad range of benefits to uniformed services veterans and certain family members. Among these benefits are monthly, tax-free payments to disabl...
Social Security Administration (SSA) Staffing Levels: Data Brief
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 4,070 words · PDF available
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency in the executive branch headed by the commissioner of Social Security. It is responsible for administering Social Security and Supplem...
U.S.-Japan Relations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Resources · 1,754 words · PDF available
Overview Japan, a U.S. treaty ally since 1952, is an important U.S. partner in security, trade, and other areas. Shared bilateral goals include meeting the challenge of an assertive People’s Republic ...
National Park Service: Government Shutdown Issues
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Resources · 1,781 words · PDF available
Like other federal agencies, the National Park Service (NPS) has halted most operations during occasional government shutdowns resulting from lapses in appropriations. In the past three decades, such ...
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A Primer on Eligibility and Benefits
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-29 · Reports · 12,029 words · PDF available
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp Program, is designed primarily to increase the food purchasing power of eligible low-income households to help them...
Trump floats new round of farm bailouts
Substack Newsletters · 2025-09-26 · Newsletter Article · 2,232 words
Latest Trump tariffs to hit imported drugs, trucks, and furniture
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program Included in P.L. 119-21, the FY2025 Reconciliation Law
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Reports · 4,648 words · PDF available
On July 4, 2025, the FY2025 reconciliation act (P.L. 119-21), commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law. Among its provisions, the law created a federally funded tax ...
Expanded Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Posts · 1,388 words · PDF available
In 2025, President Trump has expanded and increased existing steel and aluminum tariffs, imposed since 2018 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. §1862, as amended). Section ...
North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Resources · 1,792 words · PDF available
Overview Over the past decade, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea) has advanced its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, raising the threat Pyongyang poses to t...
The Rights of Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Reports · 31,520 words · PDF available
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) each play a part in federal efforts t...
Atomlink: Unlocking Civil Nuclear Expansion at the Western Frontier
Third Way · 2025-09-26 · Report · 266 words
Third Way is a center-left think tank that champions modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US public policy, including the economy, climate and energy, national security, social policy,...
DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office in the 119th Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Posts · 998 words · PDF available
The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) executes funding for research and development (R&D) of vehicle technologies (e.g., engines, motors, batteries), alternative fuels, ...
Agricultural Conservation After Enactment of the FY2025 Budget Reconciliation Law (P.L. 119-21)
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Resources · 1,263 words · PDF available
In July 2025, Congress passed the FY2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21). This was a reconciliation act pursuant to directives included in the FY2025 budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 14). Title 1...
Federal Reserve Board: Current and Historical Membership
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-26 · Reports · 3,824 words · PDF available
The Federal Reserve (Fed), the U.S. central bank, is led by a seven-member Board of Governors based in Washington, DC. The President appoints governors for 14-year terms with the advice and consent of...
White House ready to use shutdown for mass firings
Substack Newsletters · 2025-09-25 · Newsletter Article · 1,664 words
Dems sharpen budget attacks in advance of Oct. 1 funding deadline
Arms Control and Nonproliferation: A Catalog of Treaties and Agreements
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Reports · 44,380 words · PDF available
Arms control and nonproliferation are two of the policy tools that the United States has used to implement its national security strategy. Although some believe these tools do little to restrain the b...
The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Infographics · 522 words · PDF available
/ The Vacancies Act The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 When a Senate-confirmed executive officer “dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office,” the Fe...
What Happens If the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Lapses?
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 1,037 words · PDF available
This Insight provides a short overview of what would happen if the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were not to be reauthorized by September 30, 2025, and allowed to lapse. Expiration of Certa...
Congressional Redistricting Criteria and Considerations
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 1,096 words · PDF available
Congressional redistricting involves creating geographic boundaries for U.S. House districts within a state. Following each decennial census, House districts are first allocated among states through a...
Pocket Rescissions and the Impoundment Control Act: Background and History
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 3,240 words · PDF available
On July 24, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Rescissions Act of 2025. The statute marks the first time since 1992 that a President has successfully invoked the Impoundment Control A...
Pocket Rescissions and the Impoundment Control Act: Legal Authority and Options for Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 2,296 words · PDF available
On July 24, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Rescissions Act of 2025. The statute marks the first time since 1992 that a President has successfully invoked the Impoundment Control A...
Ninth Circuit Rules on FDA Regulation of HCT/Ps
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 2,670 words · PDF available
Human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) consist of human cells or tissues that are intended for use in a human recipient. These products include stem cells and may be used ...
The Potential Increase in Federal Student Loan Defaults in Fall 2025 (“Default Cliff”)
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Resources · 1,483 words · PDF available
Recently, multiple news outlets and advocacy organizations have asserted that borrowers of federal student loans will soon face a so-called “default cliff.” The default cliff anticipates a significant...
Expiration and Carryforward Rules for the Residential Clean Energy Credit
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 921 words · PDF available
P.L. 119-21, the FY2025 reconciliation law commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, repealed the residential clean energy credit (RCEC) for expenditures made after calendar year 2025. Since t...
Federal Energy Efficiency Standards Program: Background and Recent Developments
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Posts · 1,922 words · PDF available
The federal Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, a national program setting minimum efficiency standards for a variety of consumer and industrial products, was first authorized as a voluntary pr...
Offshore Wind: Status and Issues for the 119th Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Resources · 1,749 words · PDF available
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended (OCSLA, 43 U.S.C. §1337(p)), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease submerged lands on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS) for developme...
Water Resources Development Acts: Primer and Action in the 119th Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Resources · 1,538 words · PDF available
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is an agency that develops water resource projects, among other civil and military missions. Congress often considers omnibus legislation to authorize USACE wa...
Congressional and Executive Authority Over Foreign Trade Agreements
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Reports · 20,820 words · PDF available
This report examines the constitutional powers of Congress and the President over foreign trade agreements, the respective roles the legislative and executive branches have played in selected trade ag...
Status of FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations: In Brief
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Reports · 4,494 words · PDF available
This report provides an overview of FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations, including relevant congressional actions and a top-line comparis...
Export-Import Bank: Overview and Issues for Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Resources · 1,824 words · PDF available
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank, or the Bank) is the U.S. government’s export credit agency (ECA) and is among at least 117 ECAs across more than 90 economies globally. A wholl...
The Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Resources · 1,425 words · PDF available
The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is responsible for the oversight and direction of the 18 elements of the intelligence community (IC). This includes managing the allocation and expenditure ...
Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress
Congressional Research Service · 2025-09-25 · Reports · 23,991 words · PDF available
The Navy’s Columbia (SSBN-826) class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) aims to design and build a class of 12 new SSBNs to replace the Navy’s current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, t...