Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA): Overview and Issues for Congress
The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA; P.L. 92-583, 16 U.S.C. §§1451-1466), enacted in 1972 and since amended, set up a national framework for states and territories to consider and manage coastal res...
The Appointments Clause: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
The Appointments Clause is a provision in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution that provides the “exclusive means” of appointing “Officers of the United States,” as distinct from “mere ...
Telecommunications and the 119th Congress: A Primer on Programs, Authorities, and Emerging Issues
The development and implementation of U.S. telecommunications policy involves a complex array of technologies, federal agencies, and private companies with varying goals and interests. Potential telec...
Generative Artificial Intelligence: Overview, Issues, and Considerations for Congress
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) refers to AI models, in particular those that use machine learning (ML) and are trained on large volumes of data, that are able to generate new content. In c...
Introduction to U.S. Economy: Monetary Policy
The Federal Reserve (Fed), the nation’s central bank, is responsible for monetary policy. This In Focus explains how monetary policy works. Typically, when the Fed wants to stimulate the economy, it m...
The FERS Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) and the Equal COLA Act (H.R. 491 and S. 624)
The Equal COLA Act was introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 491 on January 16, 2025, and as S. 624 on February 18, 2025. This bill, which has also been introduced in prior Congresses, would make c...
Introduction to U.S. Economy: Inflation
What Is Inflation?
Inflation is defined as a general increase in the price of goods and services across the economy, or, in other words, a general decrease in the value of money. Conversely, deflation...
Introduction to Financial Services: Banking
Banks serve an important role in the financial system and the broader economy. They accept deposits, make loans, and facilitate payments. Economic output would be lower if, instead of banks, businesse...
Introduction to Financial Services: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Issues
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues remain a highly debated concept among investors and public policy officials. As ESG is not a legally defined term and it encompasses a wide array of ...
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act, H.R. 22/S. 128) and Federal Voter Registration Policy and Law
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act, H.R. 22/S. 128), would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA, 52 U.S.C. ch. 205) to require documentary proof of U.S. citizens...
Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress
The current and future size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the prospective affordability of the Navy’s shipbuilding plans, the capacity of the U.S. shipbuilding...
Department of Defense Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Background and Issues for Congress
U.S. policymakers have expressed growing concern over the military threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, commonly known as drones). The size, speed, and altitude at which many drones fly, a...
Inflation Reduction Act Methane Emissions Charge: Overview and Developments
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed H.R. 5376 (P.L. 117-169), a budget reconciliation measure commonly referred to as the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (IRA). Among other provisions, IRA am...
Reconciliation Instructions in the House and Senate FY2025 Budget Resolutions: In Brief
On February 21, 2025, the Senate adopted S.Con.Res. 7, a budget resolution for FY2025. The House adopted a different budget resolution for FY2025, H.Con.Res. 14, on February 25, 2025. Although both in...