Status of FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations: In Brief
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...
Colombia’s Antidrug Efforts and the “Failed Demonstrably” Designation
On September 15, 2025, President Trump determined Colombia had “failed demonstrably,” for the first time in nearly 30 years, to meet its international counternarcotics obligations and to take the meas...
Ellingburg v. United States: Supreme Court to Hear Ex Post Facto Clause Challenge to Criminal Restitution Statute
On October 14, 2025, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral argument in Ellingburg v. United States, a case presenting the question whether criminal restitution under the Mandatory Victim Restitu...
DOD Replicator Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress
Introduction
Replicator, unveiled on August 28, 2023, is a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative, led by DOD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to field thousands of uncrewed systems by August 2025. (...
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act: The Supreme Court Recognizes Statutory Immunity for Firearm Companies in Case Brought by the Government of Mexico
Enacted in 2005, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) generally bars lawsuits in federal or state court against firearm manufacturers, distributors, importers, and dealers when a thir...
The Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act: Summary and Analysis
The federal government owns or leases 2.7 billion square feet in nearly 266,000 buildings that serve various purposes, including courthouses, laboratories, warehouses, and office space. Federal regula...
Executive Order 14248: Action by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission on Voting System Testing and Certification Provisions
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, Executive Order (E.O.) 14248, that addresses federal guidelines, testing, and certification for voting systems, among other topics. ...
U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Considerations for Congress
Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations. In 1986, Congress, concerned about the status of SOF within overall U.S. defense planning, passed legislation (P.L....
Proposals to Limit Member of Congress Financial Activities: Analysis of Introduced Legislation in the 119th Congress
In recent years, some Members of Congress have proposed reforms that would prohibit the purchase, sale, or ownership of certain financial instruments by Members of Congress and other specified congres...
FY2024 Sources of Federal Funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities
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Information as of September 17, 2025. Prepared by Cassandria Dortch, Specialist in Education Policy; Eleni G. Bickell, Analyst in
Agricultural Policy; Lisa Benson, Specialist in Agricultural Policy;...
Thailand’s Political Crisis: Issues for Congress
On August 29, 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court—which historically has favored the military, the monarchy, and traditional elites—formally removed prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office...