FAS

FBI Terrorism Investigations, and More from CRS

04.29.13 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

“Intelligence activity in the past decades has, all too often, exceeded the restraints on the exercise of governmental power that are imposed by our country’s Constitution, laws, and traditions,” according to the Congressional Research Service.

The CRS, which shuns polemical claims, presents that assertion as a simple statement of fact (although cautiously sourced to the 1976 Church Committee report) in a newly updated report on FBI terrorism investigations.

The report reviews the FBI investigative process, the statutory framework within which it operates, and the tools at its disposal, along with oversight considerations for Congress.  See The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Terrorism Investigations, April 24, 2013.

Other new or newly updated CRS reports include the following.

Terrorism, Miranda, and Related Matters, April 24, 2013

Terrorism Risk Insurance: Issue Analysis and Overview of Current Program, April 26, 2013

U.S. Air Force Bomber Sustainment and Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress, April 23, 2013

Multiyear Procurement (MYP) and Block Buy Contracting in Defense Acquisition: Background and Issues for Congress, April 25, 2013

U.S.-South Korea Relations, April 26, 2013

Iran Sanctions, April 24, 2013

Intelligence Issues for Congress, April 23, 2013

Inflation-Indexing Elements in Federal Entitlement Programs, April 24, 2013

Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress, April 25, 2013

Prevalence of Mental Illness in the United States: Data Sources and Estimates, April 24, 2013

publications
See all publications
Environment
Issue Brief
Collaborative Action in Massachusetts to Counter Extreme Heat

Promising examples of progress are emerging from the Boston metropolitan area that show the power of partnership between researchers, government officials, practitioners, and community-based organizations.

11.24.25 | 17 min read
read more
Government Capacity
day one project
Policy Memo
Tax Filing as Easy as Mobile Banking: Creating Product-Driven Government

Americans trade stocks instantly, but spend 13 hours on tax forms. They send cash by text, but wait weeks for IRS responses. The nation’s revenue collector ranks dead last in citizen satisfaction. The problem isn’t just paperwork — it’s how the government builds.

11.20.25 | 15 min read
read more
Clean Energy
Report
Report: When Ambition Meets Reality — Lessons Learned in Federal Clean Energy Implementation, and a Path Forward

In a new report, we begin to address these fundamental implementation questions based on discussions with over 80 individuals – from senior political staff to individual project managers – involved in the execution of major clean energy programs through the Department of Energy (DOE).

11.19.25 | 6 min read
read more
Environment
Public Comment
Position on Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act

FAS supports the bipartisan Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act under review in the House, just as we supported the earlier Senate version. Rep. David Min (D-CA) and Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) are leading the bill.

11.19.25 | 1 min read
read more