CRS on CrossGov.com

CRS Report on Appropriations for Rural Development Programs, Proposals for FY2027

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Government Accountability Office report examined appropriations proposals for Rural Development programs for fiscal year 2027. These programs are administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Rural Housing Service within the Department of Agriculture. Congress funds these programs through annual appropriations acts.

GAO Findings on RUS Programs

Appropriations for water and waste disposal programs administered by RUS decreased from $478.5 million in FY2025 to $445.9 million in FY2026. Loan authority for these programs rose from $910 million in FY2025 to $1.1 billion in FY2026. The President’s FY2027 budget requested lower levels for both appropriations and loan authority compared to FY2026. H.R. 8646 proposed decreasing overall appropriations for rural water programs by $385.3 million in FY2027 versus FY2026. Congress may consider the role of Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending in project selection for these programs.

CRS Report on Defense Primer, US Special Operations Forces

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Government Accountability Office issued a report on U.S. Special Operations Forces. The report detailed how these forces are selected, trained, and equipped for special operations in sensitive environments. Congress enacted legislation in 1986 to strengthen SOF’s position in defense planning and budgeting.

Special Operations Forces Structure

U.S. Special Operations Forces are active duty and reserve military components designated as SOF by the Secretary of Defense. These forces are selected, organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Special operations often occur in sensitive environments requiring unique tactics and equipment. These operations can involve time sensitivity, low visibility, or high risk. Operators undergo screening and mission-specific training to gain proficiency. Selected personnel possess regional, cultural, and linguistic expertise.

CRS Report on Israel, 2026 Elections and Government Formation

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Government Accountability Office report examined changes to Israel’s government following the October 27, 2026, Knesset elections. These changes could affect the country’s future direction and relations with the United States. The Likud party won the most seats, but neither bloc had a clear majority to form a government.

Uncertainty about election results could lead to a power-sharing arrangement. Netanyahu could use renewed U.S.-Israel military action against Iran to pressure rivals into a unity government. Eisenkot’s bloc had influence in power-sharing talks due to potential legislation limiting Netanyahu’s time as prime minister after another election. Before the election, Eisenkot rejected a deal allowing Netanyahu to remain prime minister. The parties in Eisenkot’s bloc considered partnering with the Arab-led Ra’am party for a minority government. Eisenkot reportedly required Ra’am to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.

CRS Report on Credible Fear and Defensive Asylum Processes, Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A Congressional Research Service report examined credible fear and defensive asylum processes for non-U.S. nationals seeking removal from the United States. The report detailed how asylum can be granted based on persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. It also reviewed the expedited removal process and credible fear screenings used during these proceedings.

Asylum and Removal Processes

Non-U.S. nationals may seek asylum during standard or expedited removal processes. Asylum is granted to individuals unable or unwilling to return due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on specific grounds. The Department of Homeland Security charges aliens with immigration violations and processes them for removal. Aliens in removal proceedings can apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection from removal under the Convention Against Torture. Section 235(b) of the INA allows for an expedited removal process if an alien lacks valid documents or used fraud. During expedited removal, individuals expressing fear of persecution may undergo credible fear screenings.

CRS Report on FY2026 District of Columbia Budget and Appropriations

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Government Accountability Office report covered the FY2026 District of Columbia Budget and Appropriations. The report examined how congressional approval affects the local operating budget and legislation for the District of Columbia. This process involves federal payments and controls on DC funds through annual appropriations legislation.

District of Columbia Budget Process

The Trump Administration submitted a discretionary budget request for FY2026 on May 2, 2025. This request included a proposed $728.5 million in federal payments to the District of Columbia. The DC government passed a budget of $22 billion in gross funds on September 4, 2025. In the House, a bill providing $823.9 million for DC was reported on September 5, 2025. A continuing resolution provided funding through January 30, 2026. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 provided $879 million in federal payments for DC.

CRS Report on Decommissioning Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Issues for Congress

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

GAO found that, of roughly 1,600 platforms and 8,000 wells in the Gulf of Mexico at the time, more than 500 platforms and 2,700 wells were overdue for decommissioning under DOI regulations. Congress and successive presidential administrations have been considering how to address these offshore decommissioning needs and reduce federal financial liability.

Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Challenges

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that, in 2024, over half of the platforms and wells in the Gulf of Mexico were overdue for decommissioning. Many offshore operators have not fulfilled their responsibilities to remove facilities from the seafloor or plug all wells and pipelines. This has left federal authorities responsible for decommissioning some infrastructure, which can be costly due to insufficient financial bonds provided by lessees. Congress and previous administrations are looking at ways to improve how these structures are decommissioned, including considering less expensive options like leaving some structures in place.

CRS Report on Equity and Good Conscience Debt Waiver Statutes

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Congressional Research Service report examines federal debt waiver statutes, known as equity and good conscience (EGC) authorities. These laws allow agencies to waive debts owed to the U.S. when enforcing collection would violate fairness or public policy considerations. The report covers dozens of such statutes, detailing their similarities and differences, and how they are implemented by various agencies.

Overpayments in Government Programs

The federal government spends trillions of dollars annually through various programs. This money is used for hiring staff, renting offices, buying goods or services from private firms, and providing grants, loans, and direct payments to beneficiaries. Sometimes these payments are made incorrectly, meaning the recipient was not eligible for all or part of what was paid. Overpayments can be due to fraud by recipients or errors within the government itself, such as incorrect calculations in determining payment amounts.

CRS Report on Foreign Relations Reauthorization, Background and Issues

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Congressional Research Service report on Foreign Relations Reauthorization covers the constitutional powers of Congress to provide funding and authorize programs related to foreign policy. This report highlights how Congress uses authorizing bills to address policies, make changes, and establish reporting requirements, emphasizing the role of congressional committees in budgetary decisionmaking.

Congressional Powers and Appropriations

Congress has the power to provide funding, authorize programs, and oversee foreign policy implementation as outlined in the Constitution. To manage these powers effectively, Congress passes laws requiring that appropriations for foreign affairs be authorized before spending can occur. This includes specific sections of law such as Section 504(a)(1) from the National Security Act of 1947, Section 15 from the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, and others. These laws help Congress control how foreign affairs are funded and managed by setting guidelines for spending and oversight.

CRS Report on Military Memorials, Monuments, and Museums, Selected Resources for Federal, State, and Local Funding

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This Congressional Research Service report identifies potential funding opportunities for military-related historic preservation and commemoration projects at the federal, state, and local levels. It includes resources such as museum collections, exhibitions, monuments, and memorials to honor servicemembers and veterans, providing a guide for constituents seeking grants for these initiatives.

Military Funding Resources

This report offers resources to help constituents find potential funding for projects related to military history. It lists federal, state, and local sources for grants on historic preservation and commemoration of military-related initiatives. The report also includes private organization funding options and general grant resources to identify suitable organizations. However, it’s not meant to cover every possible funding source.

CRS Tells Congress to Weigh Icebreaker Funding and Command Coordination as Russia Rebuilds Its Arctic Forces

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A Congressional Research Service report of October 14, R49487, asks Congress to judge Russia’s Arctic build-up against what Washington is funding: icebreakers, command coordination and allied plans.

The report, “Russia’s Arctic Military Posture: Considerations for Congress”, is mostly about Russia. Its value for Washington is in what it lists as open questions for lawmakers, and in what it leaves out.

Federal Pressure on State Elections Is Testing the Boundaries of American Governance

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An election office needs clear rules, reliable funding and enough time to prepare. A federal policy dispute can unsettle all three before a single voter reaches a polling place. When Washington announces new requirements for registration, ballot handling or voting equipment, state and local officials must determine whether those requirements have legal force, whether funding depends on compliance and whether a court has already suspended implementation. That is a substantial administrative burden in its own right. Election workers still have to run an election while lawyers argue over who is entitled to tell them how.

After Trump v. Slaughter: The Election Commission Is Empty, the SEC and FTC Are All-Republican, and Lisa Cook Faces a For-Cause Hearing

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 in Trump v. Slaughter that the President can remove members of the Federal Trade Commission at will. It overruled Humphrey’s Executor, the 1935 case that let Congress protect commissioners of independent agencies from removal except for cause.

Three months later, several agencies that Congress designed to be bipartisan have no members from one party, or none at all. The Election Assistance Commission has had no commissioners since July 9, when the White House fired its two Democrats and its Republican resigned. A White House official said “the Slaughter decision gives the President precedence to do so.”

FY2027 Appropriations: The House Has Passed 3 of 12 Bills, the Senate None, With Funding Running Out December 11

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ten days into fiscal 2027, Congress has finished none of the twelve bills that fund the government. The House has passed three: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs on May 15 by 400 votes to 15, Agriculture on June 4 by 213 to 210, and National Security and State on July 15 by 217 to 209. The Senate hasn’t marked up a single one. Everything runs on a stopgap that expires on December 11.

No New US Aid for Ukraine Since 2024: Weapons Now Flow Through NATO-Funded PURL Sales

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Congress hasn’t approved significant new money for Ukraine since April 2024, the Congressional Research Service noted in its update of August 31, 2026. The US has committed more than $68 billion in weapons and equipment since February 2022. About $4.96 billion in authority to send weapons from US stocks remained unused at the end of June.

US weapons still reach Ukraine. Since July 2025 they’ve mostly come through PURL, the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, under which European and other allies pay for US equipment. On October 8 the chair of NATO’s Military Committee said Ukraine had received $10 billion worth of US weapons that way.

Trump's Elections Order at 18 Months: Courts Block Proof of Citizenship and DOJ Loses 26 Voter Roll Suits

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Executive Order 14248, signed in March 2025, told the Election Assistance Commission to require documentary proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form. Eighteen months later, that requirement is permanently blocked by two federal courts, and the commission that would have to carry it out has no members.

A Congressional Research Service update published on October 9 sets out where the order and its follow-ups stand before the midterms.

Interest on US Debt Hits $1.14 Trillion in FY2026, More Than Defense or Medicare, With the Debt Limit $800 Billion Away

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The federal government spent $1.143 trillion on net interest in fiscal 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s monthly review of October 8. That’s $115 billion, or 11%, more than in fiscal 2025. It’s more than the Defense Department spent on the military, $916 billion, and more than Medicare, $1.069 trillion. Only Social Security, at $1.654 trillion, cost more.

Interest now takes about 15 cents of every federal dollar spent, and about 21 cents of every dollar collected.

Pocket Rescissions Explained: How a 1974 Law Against Nixon's Impoundments Became the 2025-26 Budget Fight

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

On September 25, 2026, five days before the fiscal year ended, the White House sent Congress a special message proposing to cancel $810 million across 11 accounts in seven departments. The biggest item was $567 million for refugee and entrant assistance at HHS. The House had already said it would be out until November.

That timing is the whole point of a pocket rescission. Under the 1974 law that governs it, the President can hold back money he has proposed to cancel for 45 days while Congress considers it. If the money expires before the 45 days are up, it’s gone, whatever Congress does. On September 29 GAO ruled that the President may not force the expiry of money Congress enacted and didn’t rescind. The money appears to have expired on September 30 anyway.

US Arms Sales in 2026: Saudi F-35s Approved, Taiwan's $14 Billion Air Defense Package Frozen After the Xi Summit

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

On September 17 the State Department notified Congress of a proposed sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia, worth $24.3 billion. It would make Saudi Arabia the second country in the Middle East, after Israel, to fly the jet. The same month brought a $5 billion sale of more than 10,000 bombs and $750 million in tank engines to Riyadh.

Meanwhile a record $14 billion package for Taiwan, mostly Patriot interceptors and an integrated air defense command system, has been on hold since the President’s summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing in May. Taiwan’s defense minister said on September 29 that it was still pending.

US Debt Limit of $41.1 Trillion Expected to Bind in 2027: How Denmark, Germany and the EU Handle Borrowing Limits

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The US federal debt limit stands at $41.1 trillion. The July 2025 budget reconciliation law raised it by $5 trillion. That bought about two years. The Congressional Budget Office’s February 2026 outlook says the Treasury will reach the limit sometime in 2027. The Bipartisan Policy Center expects it between late winter and mid-summer of 2027, with the Treasury’s accounting maneuvers, known as extraordinary measures, adding another six to nine months.

CRS on CrossGov.com

CRS Report on Appropriations for Rural Development Programs, Proposals for FY2027

GAO Findings on RUS Programs

CRS Report on Defense Primer, US Special Operations Forces

Special Operations Forces Structure

CRS Report on Israel, 2026 Elections and Government Formation

Election Uncertainty and Power Sharing

CRS Report on Credible Fear and Defensive Asylum Processes, Frequently Asked Questions

Asylum and Removal Processes

CRS Report on FY2026 District of Columbia Budget and Appropriations

District of Columbia Budget Process

CRS Report on Decommissioning Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Issues for Congress

Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Challenges

CRS Report on Equity and Good Conscience Debt Waiver Statutes

Overpayments in Government Programs

CRS Report on Foreign Relations Reauthorization, Background and Issues

Congressional Powers and Appropriations

CRS Report on Military Memorials, Monuments, and Museums, Selected Resources for Federal, State, and Local Funding

Military Funding Resources

CRS Tells Congress to Weigh Icebreaker Funding and Command Coordination as Russia Rebuilds Its Arctic Forces

Federal Pressure on State Elections Is Testing the Boundaries of American Governance

After Trump v. Slaughter: The Election Commission Is Empty, the SEC and FTC Are All-Republican, and Lisa Cook Faces a For-Cause Hearing

FY2027 Appropriations: The House Has Passed 3 of 12 Bills, the Senate None, With Funding Running Out December 11

No New US Aid for Ukraine Since 2024: Weapons Now Flow Through NATO-Funded PURL Sales

Trump's Elections Order at 18 Months: Courts Block Proof of Citizenship and DOJ Loses 26 Voter Roll Suits

Interest on US Debt Hits $1.14 Trillion in FY2026, More Than Defense or Medicare, With the Debt Limit $800 Billion Away

Pocket Rescissions Explained: How a 1974 Law Against Nixon's Impoundments Became the 2025-26 Budget Fight

US Arms Sales in 2026: Saudi F-35s Approved, Taiwan's $14 Billion Air Defense Package Frozen After the Xi Summit

US Debt Limit of $41.1 Trillion Expected to Bind in 2027: How Denmark, Germany and the EU Handle Borrowing Limits