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Agricultural Biotechnology: Background and Recent Issues

Description: Since the first genetically engineered (GE) crops (also called GM [genetically modified] crops, or GMOs, genetically modified organisms) became commercially available in the mid-1990s, U.S. soybean, cotton, and corn farmers have rapidly adopted them. As adoption has spread, there have been policy debates over the costs and benefits of GE products. Issues include the impacts of GE crops on the environment and food safety, and whether GE foods should be specially labeled. Congress generally has b… more
Date: September 5, 2006
Creator: Becker, Geoffrey S. & Cowan, Tadlock
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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AIDS in Africa

Description: Sub-Saharan Africa has been far more severely affected by AIDS than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 25.8 million adults and children are infected with the HIV virus in the region, which has about 11.3% of the world's population but more than 64% of the worldwide total of infected people. This report discusses this issue in detail, including the cause of the African AIDS epidemic, the social and economic consequences, response and treatment, and U.S. policy.
Date: May 5, 2006
Creator: Cook, Nicolas
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Air Force Aerial Refueling Methods: Flying Boom versus Hose-and-Drogue

Description: Decisions on the composition of the Air Force aerial refueling fleet were made decades ago, when the primary mission was to refuel long-range strategic bombers. Modifications have been made to many of these tanker aircraft (KC-135s and KC-10s) to make them more effective in refueling fighter aircraft. This report examines the balance between two different refueling methods in today's refueling fleet -- "flying boom" and "hose-and-drogue."
Date: June 5, 2006
Creator: Bolkcom, Christopher
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept

Description: The Air Force has expressed interest in developing a bomber variant of the F-22A Raptor to "bridge the gap" between today's bombers and a follow-on bomber in 2037. Questions exist regarding the FB-22's feasibility, cost, and combat potential.
Date: June 5, 2006
Creator: Bolkcom, Christopher
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Army Officer Shortages: Background and Issues for Congress

Description: This report assesses the extent of the Army officer shortfall, examines perceived causes, reviews recent retention initiatives, identifies other possible retention incentives, and concludes with a review of possible options for Congress. This report is focused on the Army’s “line” or basic branch officers.
Date: July 5, 2006
Creator: Henning, Charles A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Army's Future Combat System (FCS): Background and Issues for Congress

Description: The Future Combat System (FCS) is the U.S. Army’s multiyear, multibillion dollar program at the heart of the Army’s transformation efforts. The FCS program exists in a dynamic national security environment which could significantly influence the program’s outcome. The FCS is experiencing a number of program development issues - with some technologies advancing quicker than anticipated, others progressing along predicted lines, while still others not meeting the Army’s expectations. Congress, in… more
Date: May 5, 2006
Creator: Feickert, Andrew
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Budget for Fiscal Year 2006

Description: The Senate and the House each passed spending reduction reconciliation bills. A conference agreement of approximately $40 billion in reductions was reached on December 19, but has yet to clear Congress. The Senate passed a five-year revenue reduction reconciliation bill on December 8. The net effect of the legislation on the budget would be to raise the deficit in fiscal year 2006 and over the five-year period covered in the legislation.
Date: January 5, 2006
Creator: Winters, Philip D.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Capitol Visitor Center: An Overview

Description: On June 20, 2000, congressional leaders of both parties gathered to participate in a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The center has been designed to enhance the security, educational experience, and comfort of those visiting the U.S. Capitol when it is completed. The cost of the center is estimated to be at least $555 million. This report details the different methods of funding for the center, as well as the design and development process for the center.
Date: July 5, 2006
Creator: Stathis, Stephen W.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Capitol Visitor Center: An Overview

Description: This report presents the cost of the center, the most extensive addition to the Capitol since the Civil War, and the largest in the structure’s more than 200-year history, is now estimated to be at least $555 million. The project is being financed with appropriated funds, and a total of $65 million from private donations and revenue generated by the sale of commemorative coins.
Date: July 5, 2006
Creator: Stathis, Stephen W.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Capitol Visitor Center: An Overview

Description: This report presents the cost of the center, the most extensive addition to the Capitol since the Civil War, and the largest in the structure’s more than 200-year history, is now estimated to be at least $555 million. The project is being financed with appropriated funds, and a total of $65 million from private donations and revenue generated by the sale of commemorative coins.
Date: July 5, 2006
Creator: Stathis, Stephen W.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests

Description: After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asia states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. After September 11, 2001, U.S. policy emphasized bo… more
Date: June 5, 2006
Creator: Nichol, Jim
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests

Description: This report provides an overview of U.S. policy concerns and relations with countries in central Asia. The report discusses issues such as Fostering Pro-Western Orientations, Obstacles to Peace and Independence, Democratization and Human Rights, Security and Arms Control, Trade and Investment, and provides an Aid Overview.
Date: June 5, 2006
Creator: Nichol, Jim
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Changing Demographic Profile of the United States

Description: As noted by the Population Reference Bureau, “The U.S. is getting bigger, older, and more diverse.” The objective of this report is to highlight some of the demographic changes that have already occurred since 1950 and to illustrate how these and future trends will reshape the nation in the decades to come (through 2050). This report discusses the current and projected demographic changes if policymakers accelerate efforts to address and adapt to the changing population profile as it relates to… more
Date: May 5, 2006
Creator: Shrestha, Laura B.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues

Description: Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the national interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. China has taken some steps to mollify U.S. concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Skeptics question whether China's cooperation in weapons nonproliferation has warranted President Bush's pursuit of stronger bilateral ties. This report discus… more
Date: January 5, 2006
Creator: Kan, Shirley A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities: The Opinions of Judge Alito

Description: This report examines the opinions written by Judge Alito relating to civil rights for individuals with disabilities and includes a discussion of cases relating to the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA), the individuals with disabilities education Act (IDEA), SECTION 504 of the Rehabilitation ACT of 1973, and the Fair Housing Amendments Act.
Date: January 5, 2006
Creator: Jones, Nancy Lee
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Clean Water Act Section 401: Background and Issues

Description: Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant for a federal license or permit provide a certification that any discharges from the facility will comply with the Act, including water quality standard requirements. Disputes have arisen over the states' exercise of authority under Section 401. Until recently, much of the debate over the Section 401 certification issue has been between states and hydropower interests. A 1994 Supreme Court decision which upheld the states' authority … more
Date: October 5, 2006
Creator: Copeland, Claudia
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Conditions on U.S. Aid to Serbia

Description: In each of the past five fiscal years (FY2001-FY2005), Congress has conditioned U.S. aid to Serbia on a presidential certification that Serbia has met certain conditions, including cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The 1 Ogth Congress is considering similar certification provisions in the FY2006 foreign aid bill. Supporters of aid conditionality say such provisions may have spurred Serbia's cooperation with the Tribunal. While the certificati… more
Date: January 5, 2006
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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