Congress
Just Security’s expert authors offer analysis of U.S. Congress’ role in national security, foreign affairs, the rule of law, and rights. Coverage includes analysis and informational resources related to the legislative process, oversight and investigations of the executive branch, and major debates on the separation of powers and Congress’ constitutional role.
Highlights:
Timeline of Vessel Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
U.S. Boat Strike Campaign: Questions Congress Should Ask Executive Branch Officials
A list of questions that should be answered by U.S. government officials regarding the lethal campaign against suspected drug trafficking individuals, groups, and vessels.
Questions Lawmakers Should Ask About Inspector General Report on Signalgate
The OIG report on the "Signalgate" incident is far from the “total exoneration” claimed by Hegseth and his aides.
Global Corruption, Local Hypocrisy: The Promises and Pitfalls of the U.S. Combating Global Corruption Act
The Combating Global Corruption Act presents an imperfect but useful opportunity to rebuild the U.S. government’s anti-corruption practices.
Legal and Policy Options for a U.S-South Korea Nuclear Submarine Program
Trump’s announcement 'approving' a nuclear-powered submarine plan with South Korea contradicts U.S. law requiring specific terms, agreements, and congressional review.
What Tariffs and the Argentina Bailout Can Tell Us About the Perils of Financial Statecraft
When the U.S. doesn't appreciate the role of finance in geopolitics, it risks mismanaging its responsibilities—and in the process creating economic and political instability.
2,465 Articles
How to End the Shadow Budget and Protect Congress’s Power of the Purse
Unless Congress reasserts control over federal spending, the balance the framers designed could collapse into a self-financing presidency.
Trump’s Nuclear Testing Remark Was a Signal — Not a Strategy
The science is sound, the stockpile is strong, and the call to test a nuclear bomb has no technical foundation. Resuming testing would not make America safer.
Hypothetical Legal Review of Narcotrafficking Strikes
A mock “operational legal review” depicting what a staff judge advocate’s advice should have been prior to the first reported strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel.
The Political Theater Behind Trump’s “Guns-a-Blazing” Nigeria Threat
Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria may be intended more for domestic audiences and wouldn't address the drivers of the country's conflict.
Before Enforcing the New Foreign Data Law (PADFAA), Congress Must Fix These Five Things
PADFAA was enacted with the right intent but the wrong architecture. Congress must adopt five targeted amendments before enforcement begins.
U.S. Saber Rattling and Venezuela: Lawful Show of Force or Unlawful Threat of Force?
Clearly, U.S. actions are threatening to Venezuela. But do they amount to an unlawful threat under international law, or are they merely a lawful show of force?
A SCOTUS Bench Memo for the Trump Tariff Case: Separation of Powers, Delegation, Emergencies, and Pretext
By enacting IEEPA, did Congress authorize the president to impose tariffs? If so does, is that delegation of authority lawful?
The Use of Tariffs to Raise Revenue is a Choice for Congress, not the President
Congress did not write IEEPA to allow a President to replace the income tax system with a patchwork of tariffs that they can impose, adjust, or suspend at will.
Dissecting the Trump Administration’s Effort to Circumvent the War Powers Resolution for Boat Strikes
The administration's legal argument is both "incorrect and dangerous," writes Finucane.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Expert Backgrounder on War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock for Boat Strikes Expiring Monday
Expert backgrounder on how War Powers Resolution works in application to U.S. military operations against suspected drug cartels.
Will the Intelligence Committees Meet the Challenge of CIA Covert Action in Venezuela?
U.S. law provides the congressional Intelligence Committees with tools to evaluate covert action programs and spur potential legislative action.