Presidential authority to seek modifications to NAFTA independent of Congress was addressed by the Congressional Research Service last week in Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): What Actions Do Not Require Congressional Approval?, CRS Legal Sidebar, January 26, 2017.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is visiting Washington today. See Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations, updated January 25, 2017.
Other new and updated reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following.
Cross-Border Energy Trade in North America: Present and Potential, January 24, 2017
Clean Air Act Issues in the 115th Congress: In Brief, January 24, 2017
President Trump Freezes Federal Civil Service Hiring, CRS Legal Sidebar, January 26, 2017
Keystone Revival: Executive Memorandum Paves Way for Possible Approval of Keystone XL Pipeline, CRS Legal Sidebar, January 26, 2017
Dakota Access Pipeline: Siting Controversy, CRS Insight, updated January 26, 2017
House Office of Congressional Ethics: History, Authority, and Procedures, updated January 24, 2017
Affordable Care Act Executive Order: Legal Considerations, CRS Legal Sidebar, January 24, 2017
Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy, updated January 24, 2017
The First Responder Network (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety: Issues for Congress, updated January 26, 2017
National Special Security Events: Fact Sheet, updated January 25, 2017
The incoming presidential administration of 2025 should champion a policy position calling for strengthening of the connection between K-12 schools and community workplaces.
With tensions and aggressive rhetoric on the rise, the next administration needs to prioritize and reaffirm the necessity of regular communication with China on military and nuclear weapons issues to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
By acting now, the Administration can create clear career pathways for workers and better equip federal agencies with critical workforce insights to optimize national investments.
Congress and the incoming Trump Administration should work together to reinforce the U.S. position in the regions, recognizing the role Antarctica in particular may have in a changing global order and its significance for sea-level rise.