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.
2,468 Articles
Congress, Saudi Arabia, and the Conflict in Yemen: Where do We Go from Here?
Congress has strong options to constrain U.S. involvement in Yemen's civil war and hold Saudi Arabia's leadership accountable for human rights abuses, including the killing of…
The Whitaker Hearing: Potential Executive Privilege and Subpoena Fireworks
It appears acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker allowed an important deadline to pass on the eve of his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Jerrold Nadler…
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Does the McConnell amendment provide a justification for military operations against Iran?
The Senate’s rebuke of President Trump announcing a precipitous withdrawal from Syria creates dangerous ambiguity as to whether confronting Iran should be considered part of…
Avoiding the Next Yemen: Applying Hard Lessons for Security Partnerships
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, wrought by a conflict entering its fourth year, has called into question the nature and purpose of American security partnership with Saudi Arabia.…
Norms Watch: Damage to Democracy and Rule of Law in January 2019
Welcome to the latest installment of Norms Watch, our series tracking both the flouting of democratic norms by the Trump administration and the erosion of those norms in reactions…
The Threat That Mustn’t Be Named
On Tuesday, America’s national security leaders took part in a rite of congressional oversight — the annual Worldwide Threats hearing. This session — featuring the…
To Roger Stone: Witness Intimidation Is Not Protected Speech
Roger Stone, arraigned today, is not accepting the Mueller indictment passively. He is, not surprisingly, loudly and publicly attacking the charges — decrying the “inquisition,”…
Schiff’s First Order of Business for the House Intelligence Committee
The start of a new Congress wipes the slate clean for the House of Representatives, which must adopt new rules, establish new committees, and write new legislation. One major opportunity…
What the Constitution Says About Trump’s Obstruction of Pelosi’s Afghanistan Trip
President Donald Trump’s retaliation against Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s withdrawing the State of the Union invitation — denying Pelosi’s use of military aircraft to travel…
Pentagon’s Climate Change Report Lacks Analysis the Law Requires
Hurricanes and wildfires in the U.S. and humanitarian crises abroad illustrated the national security impact of climate change in 2018. Yet the Pentagon’s congressionally required…
Why Trump’s Directing Cohen, Others to Lie Would Be Far Worse Than Watergate
The threats to U.S. national security make these alleged acts of suborning perjury, false statements, and obstruction of justice much worse than Watergate.
New House Rules Promote Aggressive Congressional Oversight
The new Democratic majority has taken formal control of the House and has fortified congressional oversight power in its new rules package. At the same time, a lot of additional…