History

“Agency Rescissions of Legislative Rules,” CRS Report R46673

Federal administrative agencies carry out their statutorily prescribed responsibilities in many ways. Perhaps most significantly, agencies may, pursuant to congressionally delegated authority, promulgate rules with the force of law, commonly known as “regulations,” “substantive rules,” or “legislative rules.” The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) establishes the procedural framework with which agencies generally must comply when issuing … Read more

James Madison Bobblehead

  James Madison Bobblehead James Madison Bobble Head 7 inches tall Limited edition of 1000 Individually numbered Full color collector’s edition box included Styrofoam packaging inside box Montpelier on base in front Each James Madison Bobblehead includes 5 copies of our Pocket Constitution James Madison, Father of the Constitution (1751-1836) $27.95 Order online. James Madison … Read more

How America Governs: Essentials of U.S. Governance – For Foreign Diplomats, Embassy Staff, and Interested Citizens

A Capitol Learning Audio CourseTM     For Interested Citizens and Foreign Diplomats and Embassy Staff Three Courses As a foreign diplomat or embassy staff member based in the United States (or as an interested citizen) you need a good understanding of the U.S. government to work effectively. This three-part series of courses introduces you … Read more

Consumer Credit Reporting, Credit Bureaus, Credit Scoring, and Related Policy Issues (CRS R44125)

The consumer data industry—generally referred to as credit reporting agencies or credit bureaus—collects and subsequently provides information to firms about the behavior of consumers when they participate in various financial transactions. Firms use consumer information to screen for consumer risks. For example, lenders rely upon credit reports and scores to determine the likelihood that prospective … Read more

Presidential Elections: Vacancies in Major-Party Candidacies and the Position of President-Elect (CRS R44648)

What would happen in 2020 if a candidate for President or Vice President were to die or leave the ticket any time between the national party conventions and the November 3 election day? What would happen if this occurred during presidential transition, either between election day and the December 14, 2020, meeting of the electoral … Read more

Judge Amy Coney Barrett: Her Jurisprudence and Potential Impact on the Supreme Court (CRS R46562)

On September 26, 2020, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to the Supreme Court of the United States to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on September 18, 2020. Judge Barrett has been … Read more

Subsidizing Replacement of Motor Vehicles: An Analysis of “Cash for Clunkers” Programs (CRS R46544)

Some Members of Congress have suggested developing a rebate program either to address effects of the 2020 pandemic on the automotive industry, including the temporary closures of all U.S. vehicle manufacturing plants, or as part of a long-range effort to remove older internal combustion vehicles with high greenhouse gas emissions from the roads. Rebates were … Read more

Facial Recognition Technology and Law Enforcement: Select Constitutional Considerations (CRS R46541)

Facial recognition technology (FRT) is a biometric technology that compares two or more images of faces to determine whether they represent the same individual. Automated FRT is increasingly used by law enforcement to help identify criminal suspects and other persons of interest. Law enforcement may use FRT and associated image databases to compare and match … Read more

Selected Privileges and Courtesies Extended to Former Members of Congress (CRS R41121)

After Members of the House or Senate leave office, they are afforded certain courtesies and privileges. Some are derived from law and chamber rules, but others are courtesies that have been extended as a matter of custom. Some of these privileges and courtesies include the following: – access to the floor of the chamber in … Read more

Understanding Federal Legislation: A Section-by-Section Guide to Key Legal Considerations (CRS R46484)

Federal bills are increasingly complex, making them difficult to understand for the average reader and the seasoned practitioner alike. What a congressional drafter understands to be the import of a given provision could later be discussed and interpreted in committee or on the floor of the House or the Senate. If the bill is enacted, … Read more