Topic: U.S. Congressional Research Service

If a government shutdown occurs, what actually happens?

Here’s what to expect if Republicans and Democrats in Congress don't reconcile their differences on spending for the last half of this fiscal year ... and a government shutdown ensues.

Why Qaddafi is losing parts of Libya

As Qaddafi's rule frays, so do some of the ties that bind Libya together. Geography is one force that could pull the country apart. But the promise of oil profits might help it stick together.

Decoder Wire
US aid to Egypt: What does it buy?

Since 1979, Egypt has averaged $2 billion a year in US aid. Lately, the military has received at least half that, using it to cover most of its weapons purchases.

Decoder Wire
How does seating at the State of the Union speech work?

For the most part, seating at the State of the Union is first come first serve, so even members of Congress must camp out for prime seating

Decoder Wire
The scoop on what really occurs at swearing-in for new members of Congress

The swearing-in of new members of Congress can be a moving scene, but it's not actually how it appears in pictures. What are the rules for taking the oath of office?

Top 5 overlooked stories of 2010

Here are five 2010 developments that probably didn't get as much attention as they should have, given their potential import to America in the years ahead.

Decoder Wire
Federal pay freeze? Here's the flip side.

Obama's proposal for a pay freeze for federal employees meets with approval of most Americans. But not too long ago, the problem was lagging pay.

Stuxnet 'virus' could be altered to attack US facilities, report warns

Stuxnet 'virus,' a cyberweapon aimed at Iran's nuclear facilities, could be redirected to launch a broad attack on US basic services, such as water and power supplies, says a report to Congress.

North Korea: Cold-war legacy

Africa Monitor
Congress talks about the Congo

At a hearing on the Congo, time spent framing the conflict as a US national security issue would have been better spent showing ways that the US can aid resolution.

North Korean attack on South Korea: 8 provocations of the past decade

North Korea shelled South Korea Tuesday, killing two South Korean marines and injuring at least two other marines and four civilians. History shows the North is often an instigator.

North Korean attack: What are US options for response?

North Korean attack presents America with a sudden and serious geopolitical challenge. The overriding US goal is to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The Vote
Now that Mitch McConnell is aboard, how much would earmark ban save?

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to back a ban on earmarks. 'Pork barrel' projects in appropriations bills account for between 1 and 2 percent of total federal spending.

'Obamacare' tackles health care costs. Will Congress?

The president's health care reform plan includes tools to restrain rising health-care costs, but they may not survive future political battles.

Rogue security companies threaten US gains in Afghanistan war

The Pentagon is dependent upon contractors in the Afghanistan war. But many of the security companies are undermining – or even working against –the US war effort.

Senate passes small-business jobs bill, opening tax cut battle

The bill includes a $30 billion fund to increase access to lending for small businesses, and $12 billion in tax cuts. It also sets off debate on whether to extend the Bush tax cuts to more than the just 'middle class.'

Editorial Board Blog
Gulf oil spill helps put a cap on climate-change debate over using more natural gas

As the EPA and Congress move toward emission caps on utility power plants, the coal and gas industries launch a PR war against each other. Which one is greener? Neither, and that shouldn't be lost in the climate-change debate.

Decoder Wire
Tighter sanctions on North Korea: Like squeezing lemon juice from a walnut?

The US wants to tighten sanctions on North Korea. Can it tighten economic sanctions on a country without much of an economy?

Why FBI is following the money in Times Square bomb case

Three Pakistani men arrested Thursday in Massachusetts and Maine may have used an informal network known as hawala to channel funds to alleged Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad, officials say. Counterterrorism efforts have made it increasingly difficult to transfer money by traditional means.

Sinking South Korea's ship wouldn't be North Korea's first provocative act

Since South Korea's ship the Cheonan went down, Seoul has been careful not to jump to conclusions about North Korean involvement. But the list of provocative acts by the north is long.

US can raise the pressure on Israel without cutting aid

The Obama administration sees Israel's recent decision to build more housing in Jerusalem as an impediment to Middle East peace talks. But threatening to cut off the $2.8 billion in aid the US gives Israel each year is not the answer.

Senate passes $140 billion package to aid job creation, state budgets

The bill gained bipartisan support and passed Wednesday 62 to 36. Among other things, the measure extends popular tax breaks for companies that take part in high-tech job creation.

Obama administration shifts gears on Iran sanctions

On Iran sanctions, the Obama administration shifts gears to focus less on UN sanctions and more on modifying measures before Congress.

Healthcare reform: Obama's march is still on

President Obama is pushing for passage of healthcare reform by month’s end. Is ‘reconciliation’ that obscure?

Tax VOX
Senators Wyden and Gregg climb aboard the tax reform bandwagon

Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR.) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) rolled out their version of a simplified, relatively low-rate individual and business tax system.