Noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service that have not been made publicly accessible online include the following (all pdf).
“Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations,” May 5, 2008.
“Second FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations for Military Operations, International Affairs, and Other Purposes,” updated May 8, 2008.
“Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals,” updated April 17, 2008.
“Congress’s Contempt Power: Law, History, Practice, and Procedure,” updated April 15, 2008.
“Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress,” May 6, 2008.
“U.S.-French Commercial Ties,” updated April 7, 2008.
“Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues,” updated April 15, 2008.
Satellite imagery of RAF Lakenheath reveals new construction of a security perimeter around ten protective aircraft shelters in the designated nuclear area, the latest measure in a series of upgrades as the base prepares for the ability to store U.S. nuclear weapons.
It will take consistent leadership and action to navigate the complex dangers in the region and to avoid what many analysts considered to be an increasingly possible outcome, a nuclear conflict in East Asia.
Getting into a shutdown is the easy part, getting out is much harder. Both sides will be looking to pin responsibility on each other, and the court of public opinion will have a major role to play as to who has the most leverage for getting us out.
How the United States responds to China’s nuclear buildup will shape the global nuclear balance for the rest of the century.