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
Warning Signs: President Trump May Violate Federal Law in Absolving Saudi Crown Prince
Congress required President Trump to engage in a good faith determination of responsibility for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Is the President violating the law?
The Votes Are There for a Congressional Reckoning on Yemen
Democratic control of the House opens the door to real action and accountability for U.S. policy in Yemen next year.
Americans Have Right to Know if US Failed to Warn Khashoggi—A New Lawsuit May Get Answers
Now is a good time to return to the question what the US government knew about Saudi plot beforehand. A lawsuit may answer that question.
A Congressional Cybersecurity To-Do List
With a lame duck session pending, Congress may address a number of cybersecurity and data security issues before the end of the calendar year. Since it passed the “Cybersecurity…
Initial Reactions to OLC’s Opinion on the Whitaker Designation as “Acting” Attorney General
Two former Office of Legal Counsel officials analyze OLC's opinion on Matthew Whitaker's legal status as Acting Attorney General.
Congress Must Do More to Safeguard Mueller than Simply Protecting His Job
Matt Whitaker (or his successor) can do damage to Russia probe in more ways than just firing Mueller, and that's why new legislation is needed to protect the investigation.
Whistleblowers: The New “Insider Threat”
Thanks to information recently released by the Senate Judiciary Committee, we now have fresh, incontrovertible evidence that elements of the Intelligence Community (IC) have monitored…
Conference Roundup: National Security and Shifting Geopolitics – Challenges at Home and Abroad
Leading scholars, senior policymakers and award-winning journalists discussed key national security challenges of our era in a daylong conference Oct. 22, 2018, hosted by the Reiss…
From Brunson to Khashoggi, Global Magnitsky Sanctions Score a Mixed Record of Firsts
In the last 30 days, we’ve witnessed a number of important firsts concerning Global Magnitsky sanctions, the targeted pro-human rights and anti-corruption penalties increasingly…
Russia Investigation Leads Back in Play under Democrats
Following the Democratic takeover of the House in January, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is expected to chair the House intelligence committee. His leadership will come after a spectacle…
A Thousand Cuts: How the Acting Attorney General Could Kill Russia Investigations Without Firing Mueller—and Only “Norms” Could Stop Him
Matt Whitaker could try to kill off Russia investigations long before American public becomes aware of what he's done. Here's how and here's what's (not) stopping him.
The Constitutional Challenge to Robert Mueller’s Appointment (Part V): If Mueller is an Inferior Officer, Was Rosenstein’s Appointment Constitutional?
[With minor oral argument update; Nov. 8] In this final post, I’ll briefly describe the other two Appointments Clause arguments that appellant Andrew Miller makes in his challenge…