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.

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2,460 Articles
Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) chairs the House Oversight Committee as Michael Cohen, former attorney and fixer for President Donald Trump testifies on Capitol Hill February 27, 2019 in Washington, DC.

The House Oversight Committee Squeeze on White House Security Practices

Over the last several weeks, the House Oversight and Reform Committee has been busy documenting allegations from a whistleblower who stepped forward to raise concerns about security…
U.S. Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies at his confirmation hearing as his image is shown on a television monitor behind him January 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.

How Barr May Interpret What It Means to Withhold “Grand Jury Information”

While federal rules govern grand jury secrecy, they contain room for interpretation. Here's how the Attorney General may interpret them broadly to hide a large swath of Mueller's…
People cross the street near a protest sign reading "Khashoggi way" across the street from the White House in Washington, DC, on December 23, 2018.

The Khashoggi Killing at Six Months: How Congress Should Move Forward

Tomorrow marks six months from the day agents of Saudi Arabia murdered Virginia resident, Washington Post columnist, and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom’s consulate…
The National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland, as seen from the air, January 29, 2010.

Fulfilling the Promise of the USA Freedom Act: Time to Truly End Bulk Collection of Americans’ Calling Records

The new Section 215 "call detail records" program is still ineffective and doesn't justify the privacy threats it poses.
A person walks past a Huawei customer service center on March 12, 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

The Hidden Issue in Huawei’s Suit Against the United States

Huawei v. U.S. is more than simply a publicity stunt or moral appeal by the Chinese company — unfair legislative targeting is a claim that courts and commentators should take…
President Donald Trump holds an executive veto, his first as president, in the Oval Office of the White House March 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.

What to Do with Vetoed Bills

Applying a Youngstown canon to vetoed bills respects Congress’s clearly expressed position while also complying with the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in…

Now Mueller’s Probe is Over, Should and Will His Findings Be Made Public? Law and Past Practice

The first waiting game is over. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has completed his role as Special Counsel and delivered his findings to Attorney General William Barr. Now, the…
Phone app icons for Snapchat and WhatsApp

Trump and the Demise of the Presidential Records Honor System

News broke yesterday that Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior policy advisor, has been using the private messaging application WhatsApp for official…

Why it’s a mistake to be a-waitin’ “the” Mueller Report (and why you should instead focus on two other reports)

OLC’s governing view of the constitutionality of a grand jury indictment of a sitting president therefore doesn't stand in the way of DOJ providing a comprehensive account to…
People walk by a board advertising the refurbishment of Mitrovica bridge by the European Union on February 20, 2019 in Mitrovica, Kosovo.

The U.S. Congress, a Voice for the Balkans In the 1990s Wars, Needs to Step Up Again

President Donald Trump and National Security Advisor John Bolton are engaged in a campaign to pressure a close American ally into ceding parts of its territory to a historic adversary.…
View of Tata Power Plant (on the left) and Adani Power Plant (on right) at sun set. Both these power plants share coal and water which is used in generating the electric.

What Comes Next: After Supreme Court Reduced Obstacles to Suing International Organizations

Suing international organizations just got a little bit easier, as a result of a 7-1 U.S. Supreme Court decision issued last week in Jam v. International Finance Corporation. The…
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) speaks during a news conference about the resolution he has sponsored to terminate President Donald Trump's emergency declaration February 25, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Time to Rehabilitate the Legislative Veto: How Congress Should Rein in Presidents’ “National Emergency” Powers

How to create a realistic process for a president to take extraordinary action when truly needed, while preserving Congress' ability to check abusive executive action and protect…
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