Congressional Research Service Modified Annual Report FY 2009

2009·8.1 MB·English

by  CRS

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The Library of Congress C
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20540-7000
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Modified Annual Report of the Congressional Research
Service of the Library of Congress for Fiscal Year 2009
to the Joint Committee on the Library, United States
Congress, pursuant to Section 321 Public Law 91-510
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Fiscal year 2009 was
an eventful one for the
nation and Congress,
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Research Service.
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As Congress addressed major issues and issues such as the financing of current public users to more easily find products, services,
enacted historic legislation, CRS was there programs, potential legislative alternatives, and and experts. CRS implemented its Authoring
every step of the way, analyzing problems the role and effectiveness of prevention and and Publishing system, featuring a customized
and assessing policy options in support of an wellness programs. Experts prepared analyses authoring tool and an improved process for
informed national legislature. of five different versions of health care reform displaying PDF and HTML versions of products.
The beginning of the fiscal year coincided considered by lawmakers. The Service also launched Mercury, a client
with the peak of a financial crisis. The CRS assisted Congress on a long list of management system that supports research
Service analyzed the effectiveness of methods other critical issues, including unemployment management and increases responsiveness to
of economic stimulus and closely assisted compensation, employment and training, congressional needs. CRS began a data program
Members and their staffs during the formula- H1N1 influenza pandemic, food safety, that expands the realm of quantitative analysis
tion, deliberation, and implementation of the climate change, energy policy, the automobile across geospatial and graphical applications,
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of crisis, national security, missile defense, and delivering new tools in support of policy analy-
2009. As Congress debated measures to address terrorism. sis. Also of note, the Service and the Library
the weaknesses of the financial system, CRS In addition to this legislative support, the jointly initiated a major, multi-year initiative to
analyzed key elements of consumer finance and Service held programs and seminars for Mem- develop a strategic direction for the Legislative
legal issues to support its reform efforts. bers and staff. A prominent and successful one Information System (LIS).
Foreign affairs continued to be of consider- was Legislative Issues and Procedures: The CRS At CRS we consider it an honor and privilege
able congressional interest as events unfolded Seminar for New Members, which the House to serve Congress throughout the legislative
in Afghanistan and Iraq. Analysts examined and CRS cosponsored in January 2009. This process by providing comprehensive and reliable
U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, includ- bipartisan policy seminar, held at the start of legislative research and analysis that are timely,
ing formal oversight, funding, and troop levels. every new Congress under the auspices of the objective, authoritative, and confidential. This
Experts on Iraq contributed during milestones Committee on House Administration, helped report highlights our accomplishments in sup-
including the signing of the U.S.-Iraq Security 81 percent of newly elected Members of the port of that mission.
Agreement, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from 111th Congress prepare for their new roles by
major Iraqi cities, and the handover of major providing objective, nonpartisan analysis on
security missions to Iraqi forces. Iran was critical policy issues and an overview of House
also a focus of lawmakers’ concerns, and CRS procedures and rules and the federal budget
informed debates on Iran’s electoral dynamics, process. Daniel P. Mulhollan
nuclear ambitions, sanctions, and neighbor CRS undertook several significant manage-
relations. ment initiatives to support its service to
Health care reform was a major policy issue. Congress. CRS launched a redesigned site
The Service assisted Congress from the begin- for Congress, with a new, updated look and
ning of the health care debate, with a focus on improved navigation that enables congressional
3 Annual Report Fiscal Year 2009
The Congressional
Research Service
s serves Congress
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r by providing
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o comprehensive and
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reliable legislative
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e
c research and analysis
i
v
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e that are timely,
S
objective, authoritative,
and confidential
and contribute to an
informed national
legislature.
CRS experts meet congressional needs for analy- quences. CRS constantly adjusts its research and publications and by transmitting research
sis of public policy issues in an interdisciplinary, agenda to align with changing congressional and analysis done largely by other government
integrated manner, and through consultative needs. Members of Congress know they can rely agencies, private organizations, and individual
relationships that ensure immediacy and on CRS specialists in the financial markets, just scholars.
offer options for direct interaction as well as as they rely on the Service’s foreign relations In 1970 Congress enacted the Legislative
formal written analyses. CRS support for the specialists with regional expertise to recognize Reorganization Act, which changed the name of
111th Congress in Fiscal Year 2009 took place the political and cultural forces at work in the the support unit from the Legislative Reference
throughout all steps of the legislative process world today, and its health finance experts as Service to the Congressional Research Service.
across the full range of active public policy areas. well as health care specialists to understand the The Act increased its resources and directed the
CRS assisted in examining the nature and extent factors contributing to growing health care costs. Service to devote more of its efforts to research
of problems facing the Congress, identified and Members rely on this CRS expertise, not only to and analysis that assisted Members of Congress
assessed policy options, assisted with hearings on assess independently the outside expert opinions in direct support of the legislative process. With
policy proposals and on implementation of exist- advocated before them, but also to complement this legislation, a new category of service was to
ing policies, and supported congressional review their own experience and knowledge, and that be performed by CRS: assisting committees with
of nominations and treaties. of their staff, to ensure that the judgments they the research and other assistance they need.
CRS is structured to ensure that its work is make are as well informed as possible. Today CRS provides a full range of research and
well focused, well designed, and well executed; information services to both Members and com-
The CRS Tradition
and that data are sound, that assumptions and mittees of Congress.
qualifications have been clearly identified, and
Outline of this Report
that findings inform the legislative issue at hand, The CRS tradition of providing assistance to
with implications and options set out systemati- Congress continued in FY2009, a reflection
cally and lucidly. Throughout all its deliberations of the unique, supportive mission that has The following pages summarize the highlights of
Congress has come to rely on CRS for this struc- remained unchanged since its inception nearly FY2009 to illustrate CRS contributions to meet-
ture as well as the Service’s capacity to integrate a century ago. The supportive role began in ing congressional needs for legislative assistance
the insights of various disciplines into a coherent 1914 when Senator Robert La Follette and as well as outline management initiatives to
whole. Representative John M. Nelson, both of Wis- enhance the efficiency of the Service. Appended
Whether it is determining the impact of consin, promoted the establishment of a special are budget components, descriptions of human
changes in financial market regulations or reference unit in the Library of Congress devoted resources and staff development, summaries of
examining a proposal to balance interests in solely to respond to congressional requests for types of support provided, and an overview of
a contentious region of the world, Congress information. The creation of this unit was a the Service’s organizational structure.
is challenged to address issues that are grow- product of progressive era ideas about the impor-
ing more complex and technical and that are tance of acquiring knowledge for an informed
increasingly interrelated. The Service must offer and independent legislature. The Legislative
what its charter statute states, namely, to antici- Reorganization Act of 1946 gave the Legislative
pate the consequences of alternative proposals Reference Service permanent authorization to
and in doing so, foresee unintended conse- assist Congress primarily by providing facts
5 Annual Report Fiscal Year 2009
This summary of CRS
highlights for FY2009
illustrates the breadth
t
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p and depth of CRS
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u
services that meet
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ongoing congressional
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needs for legislative
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assistance.
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Major Issues of the Year Reform of Financial Sector and analysis because of growing congressional
As Congress deliberated on measures to address interest in the influence of Iran’s policies on the
Economic Stimulus weaknesses of the financial system, CRS sup- security of the Middle East region. CRS experts
ported congressional efforts to reform key continued to inform congressional debates
In the fall of 2008, as the financial crisis peaked
elements of consumer finance, including credit with timely and authoritative responses to
and the U.S. economy continued to stall, CRS
card markets, mortgage finance, and predatory lawmakers’ concerns about electoral dynamics,
experts focused on options for economic stimu-
lending. Experts provided analyses and briefings including the dramatic crackdown following
lus under consideration by Congress; specifically,
on systemic risk, resolution of problems of the June 2009 elections, examinations of Iran’s
analysts and information professionals across
banks deemed “too big to fail,” mark-to-market nuclear ambitions, analysis of U.S. policies and
the Service offered assistance in understanding
accounting, and credit rating agencies. In a options regarding sanctions, and assistance in
the effectiveness of federal spending increases,
series of seminars CRS experts explored the understanding motivations and policies of Iran’s
income tax cuts, and monetary policy as alterna-
background and origin of the financial crisis; neighbors.
tive methods of stimulating the economy.
current market structures and regulatory regimes
During formulation, deliberation, and
of banking, insurance, and securities and deriva- Afghanistan Stabilization
implementation phases of the stimulus bill, the
tives; as well as the future disposition of Fannie In FY2009 the United States and NATO
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
Mae and Freddie Mac. CRS experts also testified continued to pursue their overall strategy in
2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), CRS assisted Congress
at congressional hearings on insurance regula- Afghanistan of stabilizing and strengthening
by assessing how the provisions could provide
tory reform. its economic, social, political, and security
stimulus, in what ways they could be utilized,
CRS attorneys analyzed various legal issues environment to blunt local support for extremist
and by whom. In other work related to the
regarding reform proposals, mortgages and forces. As part of this effort, Congress considered
stimulus, analysts addressed debt and deficit
foreclosures, mortgage fraud and discrimination, increases in foreign assistance spending for
issues and measures of economic recovery.
and protection of renters in foreclosures. As the Afghanistan to fund security sector assistance,
CRS assisted with numerous congressional
Troubled Asset Relief Program funds became development and humanitarian-related
requests pertaining to legislative provisions:
available to various entities, Congress became activities, and counter-narcotics support.
increasing the federal share of Medicaid costs;
interested in executive compensation. Other CRS examined U.S. policy and foreign aid to
subsidizing health insurance through temporary
attorneys briefed Members on ways that existing Afghanistan, the Department of Defense’s role
subsidies of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
law limits executive compensation and analyzed in foreign assistance to Afghanistan, the United
Reconciliation Act premiums and expanded
the constitutionality of proposals to tax or limit Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and
health coverage tax credits for unemployed work-
certain bonuses. They also addressed legal issues Afghan participation in international narcotics
ers; funding education and training, including
raised by revision of the first-time home buyer trade. CRS supported congressional examina-
K-12 education reform and Workforce Invest-
tax credit, the “Buy American” requirements in tion of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan,
ment Act programs; increasing the Temporary
spending provisions, and the constitutionality of including formal oversight, funding, and ques-
Assistance for Needy Families block grant to
some grant conditions. tions related to troop levels. CRS also examined
help states finance costs of more caseloads and
resource and policy considerations of the
emergency aid; and preventing unauthorized
Iran Administration’s strategic view.
immigrants from obtaining tax credits under
Iran was a prominent focus of CRS research
ARRA legislation.
7 Annual Report Fiscal Year 2009
Iraq for example, implications for expanding Med- short-time compensation (work sharing) as a
CRS continued to provide authoritative research icaid coverage, treatment of noncitizens and possible provision to alleviate unemployment,
and analysis to Congress as the dynamic their eligibility for health reform credits, and the and state loan procedures.
situation in Iraq further unfolded. Experts in current market structure of the health insurance
the Service contributed during many of the industry. Experts prepared analyses of the five Employment and Training
milestones of the year including the signing different versions of health care reform being With increasing concern over the severity of
of the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement (Status of considered by lawmakers. the recession, Congress sought information
Forces Agreement, or SOFA), the withdrawal of CRS legal experts examined numerous on job creation and the relative depth of the
U.S. forces from major Iraqi cities, the handover proposals such as those to establish incentives current recession compared to past recessions.
of major security missions to Iraqi forces, and for “wellness” programs, health care fraud, In response, CRS analyzed employment trends
the appointment of a new U.S. Ambassador to health information technology, medical records before and after the end of previous recessions,
Iraq. CRS analysts, calling on a cross-section of privacy, antitrust considerations, medical mal- countercyclical job creation programs, employ-
expertise and close attention to developments, practice, government funding of abortion, and ment effects of infrastructure spending, and
both within Iraq and in the surrounding region, unauthorized alien eligibility. These attorneys programs available for unemployed workers.
supported numerous congressional oversight, also analyzed the constitutionality of enacting Experts examined jobs in the renewable energy
advisory, appropriations, and related legislative an individual health insurance purchase require- efficiency sectors of the economy (“green jobs”).
activities. Support also included expert testimony ment, whether enforced by tax, spending, or As Congress considered reauthorizing the Work-
on SOFA and briefings for congressional leader- commerce clause powers, and reviewed consti- force Investment Act (WIA, P.L. 111-8), CRS
ship delegations to Iraq. tutional issues related to religious exemptions to analysts examined issues such as performance
health care coverage and treatment. accountability systems, performance outcomes,
Health Care Reform benefits for dislocated workers, summer youth
Health care reform has been a major policy issue Unemployment Compensation employment programs, the relationship between
of the 111th Congress, driven by the number of As a bleak employment situation worsened, WIA youth programs and the secondary educa-
Americans without health insurance coverage, Congress focused attention on providing a more tion system, and federal training programs for
increases in health care costs, a potential short- generous and targeted extension of Emergency green jobs.
age of providers, and concerns about quality of Unemployment Compensation benefits, as well
care. Experts throughout CRS assisted Congress as relieving the financial distress experienced H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
from the beginning of the health care debate, by state Unemployment Compensation (UC) When the World Health Organization declared
with a focus on such issues as financing of cur- programs. CRS analysts considered how various the outbreak of a new strain of influenza,
rent public programs (Medicare and Medicaid) legislative proposals might alleviate the eco- “H1N1,” to be the first pandemic in forty years,
and potential legislative alternatives, and the nomic slowdown, provided comparative analyses CRS quickly analyzed key policy aspects of the
role and effectiveness of prevention and wellness of these proposals, and assisted in targeting new public health threat, including issues such
programs for population subgroups such as the provisions to best meet the intent of Congress. as the scope of federal and state quarantine
elderly. Hearings support included analyses of Experts also analyzed the financing structure authority and product liability associated with
health care quality and long-term care. As legis- of the UC program, the status of the states’ UC the use of a vaccine to protect against the new
lation moved forward, experts reviewed, accounts with the Unemployment Trust Fund, flu strain. CRS analysis showed that emergency
Congressional Research Service 8