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:
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nominee Waltz Faces Senate Vote as the Global Body Reels
If confirmed, Michael Waltz will send crucial signals about the Trump administration's plans, beyond big budget cuts, for the world body.
Whistleblower Documents Implicate Emil Bove in Criminal Contempt Order by Chief Judge Boasberg
Email released by whistleblower would presumably implicate Bove in the “contumacious conduct” identified by Chief Judge Boasberg.
The U.S. Attack on Iran Was Unconstitutional
Trump’s strike on Iran violated constitutional limits on the president's unilateral power to take the nation to war—an authority the Framers reserved for Congress.
Court of International Trade’s Flawed Ruling in Striking Down Trump’s Tariffs
On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Trump's tariffs exceed IEEPA's scope; the court's analysis is weak. These cases show limits of constitutional avoidance.
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.
Intelligence Implications of the Shifting Iran Strike Narrative
How the growing politicization of the U.S. intelligence community undermines the integrity of decision-making on Iran and national security more broadly.
2,413 Articles
Nondelegation and Major Questions Doctrines Can Constrain Power Grabs by Presidents of Both Parties
Enforcing the nondelegation and major questions doctrines can help curb the danger posed by sweeping authority concentrated in a president of either party.
The Trump Administration’s Flawed War Powers Report on Iran and the Need for a Congressional Rebuttal
The White House’s legal justifications for attacking Iran are unconvincing and raise concerns about unauthorized use of force. Congress should push back.
Posse Comitatus Act Meets the President’s “Protective Powers”: What’s Next in Newsom v. Trump
"Congress has been far more clear than is widely believed about what its view is..."
Top Experts’ Backgrounder: Military Action Against Iran and US Domestic Law
Experts who advised a president on use of force answer a full range of basic questions on the conditions under which action against Iran would be lawful, and what options Congress…
When Intelligence Stops Bounding Uncertainty: The Dangerous Tilt Toward Politicization under Trump
In a system where assessments are filtered to support policy, the next intelligence failure will not be a surprise, but a choice.
Mass Deportation Policy and the Constitution: My Testimony Before the Senate Spotlight Forum
McCord's remarks for Senate panel address the administration’s mass deportation policy and constitutional rights of citizens and noncitizens.
If McDonald’s Can Fix Its Own Machines, Why Can’t the U.S. Military?
Congress should pass legislation to give U.S. service members the tools and the authority to repair their own equipment.
What Just Happened: The Tariff Litigation Advances
A recent U.S. Court of International Trade ruling may distract more than it changes the course of U.S. President Trump's trade policy.
The FTC’s Concerning Inaction on a New Data Protection Law
Inaction on PADFA means that the personal information of U.S. citizens can continue to be transferred to adversarial nations without consequences.
AI Governance Needs Federalism, Not a Federally Imposed Moratorium
Congress should reject the proposed “AI preemption moratorium.” It is bad policy and is likely unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment.
Why Lawmakers Want to Block Arms Sales to the United Arab Emirates
Lawmakers have an opportunity to use U.S. leverage to pressure the UAE to stop fueling devastating harm to Sudanese civilians – they should take it.
How Trump’s Law Firm Settlements Circumvent Congress and Violate Federal Spending Laws
The Trump administration has operated outside the appropriations process and congressional oversight through its law firm settlements.