US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues

This report examines the trends and budget impacts of supplemental appropriations since 1981.  In addition, the impact of supplemental appropriations on budget deficits and federal debt is estimated.The report does not focus on the reasons why supplemental appropriations have followed a particular trend (although some reasons are offered), but rather focuses on the budgetary impacts of supplemental appropriations.

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Supplemental Appropriations: Trends and Budgetary Impacts Since 1981

Excerpt: The Department of Defense (DOD) has long played a role in U.S. efforts to assist foreign populations, militaries, and governments. The use of DOD to provide foreign assistance stems in general from the perception that DOD can contribute unique or vital capabilities and resources because it possesses the manpower, materiel, and organizational assets to respond to international needs. Over the years, Congress has helped shape the DOD role by providing DOD with its mandate for such activities through a wide variety of authorities.

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CRS on the Military in Development (Wikileaks).pdf

Excerpt: A major issue facing the United Nations, the United States, and the 110th Congress is the extent to which the United Nations has the capacity to restore or keep the peace in the changing world environment. Associated with this issue is the expressed need for a reliable source of funding and other resources for peacekeeping and improved efficiencies of operation.This report serves as a tracking report for action by Congress on United Nations peacekeeping.

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United Nations Peacekeeping: Issues for Congress

Excerpt: On June 30, 2008, President Bush signed into law a bill, H.R. 2642 (P.L. 110-252), that makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 and FY2009, extends unemployment payments, and expands veterans’ educational benefits. The House approved the measure on June 19 and the Senate on June 26. As enacted, the bill reflects compromises with the White House on several key issues.

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FY2008 Spring Supplemental Appropriations and FY2009 Bridge Appropriations for Military Operations , International Affairs, and

Excerpt: A primary avenue for exercising Congress’s power of the purse is the authorization and appropriation of federal spending to carry out government activities. While the power over appropriations is granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, the authorizationappropriation process is derived from House and Senate rules.

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Overview of the Authorization-Appropriations Process

Excerpt: A review of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization's (S/CRS’s) efforts to improve (1) interagency planning and coordination for stabilization and reconstruction operations, and (2) the deployment of civilians to these operations.

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GAO Civilian Reserve Corps_Nov 2007

From GAO: As of June 2007, more than 100,000 military and civilian personnel are engaged in UN peacekeeping operations in 15 locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. In 2006, the United States provided the UN with about $1 billion to support peacekeeping operations. Given that thousands of U.S. troops are intensively deployed in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, UN peacekeeping operations are an important element in maintaining a secure international environment.

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GAO_Peacekeeping - Observations on Costs, Strengths, and Limitations of U.S. and UN Operations.pdf

Excerpt: The main body of this report is a series of tables and an Appendix that summarize and cite bill language that was intended to end or restrict U.S. military operations in Vietnam and Indochina, Somalia, and Kosovo. The report covers enacted provisions as well as those where there were roll call votes but the provision was not ultimately enacted. The first table outlines proposals that restrict funding and the second table describes other types of restrictions.

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Congressional Restrictions on U.S. Military Operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, and Kosovo: Funding and Non-Funding

Excerpt: This report provides background on the EDA program. It gives the rationale for the program, discusses the key elements of the program, and how it operates. It provides data on recent EDA transactions, and also discusses the means by which Congress oversees the program and its uses. The report will be updated only if significant developments occur regarding the EDA program.

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Excess Defense Articles: Grants and Sales to Allies and Friendly Countries