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Daily Archives: July 2, 2013

CRS – Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations

Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations – Jeremy M. Sharp, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs – June 27, 2013:

“This report provides a brief overview of the key issues for Congress related to Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. The United States has provided significant military and economic assistance to Egypt since the late 1970s. U.S. policy makers have routinely justified aid to Egypt as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and on sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed Egypt’s government as generally influencing developments in the Middle East in line with U.S. interests. U.S. policy makers are now grappling with complex questions about the future of U.S.-Egypt relations, and these debates and events in Egypt are shaping consideration of appropriations and authorization legislation in the 113th Congress.”

Federal Reserve Board approves final rule to help ensure banks maintain strong capital positions

News release: “The Federal Reserve Board on [July 2, 2013] approved a final rule to help ensure banks maintain strong capital positions that will enable them to continue lending to creditworthy households and businesses even after unforeseen losses and during severe economic downturns. The final rule minimizes burden on smaller, less complex financial institutions.; It… Continue Reading

CRS – Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt

Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt, Marc Labonte – Specialist in Macroeconomic Policy; Jared Conrad Nagel, Information Research Specialist. June 24, 2013 “This report presents current data on estimated ownership of U.S. Treasury securities and major holders of federal debt by country. Federal debt represents the accumulated balance of borrowing by the federal government. To finance… Continue Reading

CDC – Prescription Painkiller Overdoses

Prescription Painkiller Overdoses- A growing epidemic, especially among women – CDC Vital Signs, July 2013 – “About 18 women die every day of a prescription painkiller overdose in the US, more than 6,600 deaths in 2010. Prescription painkiller overdoses are an under-recognized and growing problem for women. Although men are still more likely to die… Continue Reading

CRS – Criminal Prohibitions on the Publication of Classified Defense Information

Criminal Prohibitions on the Publication of Classified Defense Information – Jennifer K. Elsea, Legislative Attorney, June 24, 2013 “The publication of classified information related to National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance activity is the latest in a series of leaks to the press that has riveted Congress’s attention. Press reports describing classified U.S. operations abroad have… Continue Reading

CRS – The Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Background and Current Issues

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Background and Current Issues – Rena S. Miller – Analyst in Financial Economics, June 24, 2013 “The CFTC witnessed a major expansion of its role in overseeing derivatives markets following passage of the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. This act br ought previously unregulated over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, called swaps, under the… Continue Reading

Report – Sustainability for the Nation: Resource Connection and Governance Linkages

A “sustainable society,” according to one definition, “is one that can persist over generations; one that is far-seeing enough, flexible enough, and wise enough not to undermine either its physical or its social system of support.” As the government sector works hard to ensure sufficient fresh water, food, energy, housing, health, and education for the… Continue Reading

Commentary – Technology, Not Law, Limits Mass Surveillance

Technology, Not Law, Limits Mass Surveillance, by Ashkan Soltani – MIT Technology Review July 2013 “Recent revelations about the extent of surveillance by the U.S. National Security Agency come as no surprise to those with a technical background in the workings of digital communications. The leaked documents show how the NSA has taken advantage of the increased… Continue Reading

Pew – Newspaper newsrooms suffer large staffing decreases

“The American Society of News Editors released its annual newsroom census figures [June 25, 2013] showing a severe decline in the size of newspaper staffs. In all, there were about 2,600 fewer full-time professional editorial jobs at newspapers in 2012, a 6.4% decline from 2011. That leaves the industry at 38,000 full-time professional editorial employees… Continue Reading