CRS

CRS releases new report on Constellation-class frigate program

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) on Dec. 19 released an updated report “Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress.”

The CRS reports provides a very detailed big picture view of the program but, with Congress ultimately calling the shots on what gets spent on any Navy shipbuilding program, it’s the “issues for Congress” part of the report that deserves special attention.

Here’s the summary of the CRS report:

The Navy began procuring Constellation...

https://www.marinelog.com/shipbuilding/shipyards/shipyard-news/crs-releases-new-report-on-constellation-class-frigate-program/

CRS says Houthis pose a long term threat

After Israel responded massively to an attack on the Port of Eilat with an attack on the Houthi-held Yemeni Port of Hodeida on July 20, there was a lull in the Houthi attacks on merchant shipping.

But not for long, indicating that the Houthis pose a long term threat that won’t go away any time soon, with a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) “In Focus” briefing saying that “Yemen’s underlying conflict remains unresolved and the long-term threats the Houthis could pose present a vexing...

https://www.marinelog.com/legal/safety-and-security/crs-says-houthis-pose-a-long-term-threat/

Summary of China’s Political System

The following is the July 1, 2024, Congressional Research Service In Focus report, China Primer: China’s Political System.

From the report

The People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) is the only Communist Party-led state either among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council or among the members of the G-20 grouping of major economies. As Congress has intensified its focus on China in the context of U.S.-China strategic competition, Members have increasingly sought to...

https://news.usni.org/2024/07/02/summary-of-chinas-political-system

Report to Congress on AUKUS Pillar 2

The following is the May 21, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, AUKUS Pillar 2 (Advanced Capabilities): Background and Issues for Congress.

From the report

AUKUS Pillar 2 refers to a suite of cooperative activities conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to develop and field “advanced capabilities” under the AUKUS security partnership. To date, Pillar 2 activities have been coordinated among the three governments by a number of means, including topic-specific...

https://news.usni.org/2024/05/22/report-to-congress-on-aukus-pillar-2

Report to Congress on Polar Security Cutter Program

The following is the April 29, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress.

From the report

Required number of polar icebreakers. A 2023 Coast Guard fleet mix analysis concluded that the service will require a total of eight to nine polar icebreakers, including four to five heavy polar icebreakers and four to five medium polar icebreakers, to perform its polar (i.e., Arctic and Antarctic) missions in...

https://news.usni.org/2024/05/02/report-to-congress-on-polar-security-cutter-program

Report to Congress on Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Sub

The following is the April 29, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress.

From the report

The Navy’s Columbia (SSBN-826) class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program is a program to design and build a class of 12 new SSBNs to replace the Navy’s current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy’s top priority...

https://news.usni.org/2024/05/01/report-to-congress-on-columbia-class-ballistic-missile-sub

Report to Congress on Niger Unrest

The following is the July 31, 2023, Congressional Research Service In Focus Report, Niger: In Focus.

From the report

On July 26, 2023, military officers detained elected President Mohamed Bazoum and asserted that they had seized power. On July 30, West African leaders announced sanctions and threatened military action if Bazoum is not reinstated, while pro-junta protesters attacked the French embassy in Niamey. U.S. officials had previously characterized Niger as an emerging democracy and...

https://news.usni.org/2023/08/03/report-to-congress-on-niger-unrest

Report to Congress on Arms Control Agreements

The following is the July 11, 2023, Congressional Research Service report, Arms Control and Nonproliferation: A Catalog of Treaties and Agreements.

From the report

Arms control and nonproliferation efforts are two of the tools that the United States has occasionally used to implement its national security strategy. Although some believe these tools do little to restrain the behavior of U.S. adversaries, while doing too much to restrain U.S. military forces and operations, many others see them as...

https://news.usni.org/2023/07/14/report-to-congress-on-arms-control-agreements

Report to Congress on Marine Corps Force Design 2030

The following is the June 30, 2023 Congressional Research Service report, U.S. Marine Corps Force Design 2030 Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress.

From the report

On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) announced a major force design initiative referred to as “Force Design 2030.” As part of this initiative, intended to occur over the next 10 years, the Marine Corps would redesign the service for naval expeditionary warfare and to better align itself with the National Defense...

https://news.usni.org/2023/07/03/report-to-congress-on-marine-corps-force-design-2030

+ More