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The Defense Production Act of 1950, and More from CRS

07.16.13 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

A new report from the Congressional Research Service provides a detailed review of the Defense Production Act of 1950, which “confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense.”

“The authorities can be used across the federal government to shape the domestic industrial base so that, when called upon, it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.”  But unless extended by Congress, nearly all of these presidential authorities will expire next year.  See The Defense Production Act of 1950: History, Authorities, and Reauthorization, June 14, 2013.

Other new and updated CRS reports that have not been made publicly available by Congress include the following.

Reserve Component Personnel Issues: Questions and Answers, updated July 12, 2013

The New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions, updated July 12, 2013

ESEA Reauthorization Proposals in the 113th Congress: Comparison of Major Features, July 12, 2013

Broadband Loan and Grant Programs in the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, updated July 12, 2013

Oman: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy, July 12, 2013

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