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.
2,460 Articles
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…
The Constitutional Challenge to Robert Mueller’s Appointment (Part IV): Morrison, Edmond, and the DOJ Special Counsel Regulations
[With relatively minor oral argument updates; Nov. 8] In my previous post in this series, I explained that Special Counsel Mueller is (at most) an “inferior officer” for…
Election Security is an Immediate National Security Concern
Democracy isn’t in the casting of the votes -- it’s in the counting. Georgia State Rep. Scott Holcomb says we need to ensure that our system is secure and every ballot is counted…
The Constitutional Challenge to Robert Mueller’s Appointment (Part III): What Would be “Good Cause” to Remove Mueller?
[UPDATED to reflect November 8 oral argument] In the case that’ll be argued November 8 before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, appellant Andrew Miller’s…
How Dangerous—and How New—Is the Defense Department’s “Collective Self-Defense” Theory?
The Defense Department’s reliance on a broad interpretation of “collective self-defense” appears to authorize military operations further removed from congressional approval…
Jam v. International Finance Corp.: May International Organizations Violate Rights with Impunity?
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in a case that will decide the scope of immunity for international organizations in our courts. This issue facing the Supreme…
The Constitutional Challenge to Robert Mueller’s Appointment (Part II): Is Mueller Even an Officer Subject to the Appointments Clause?
[With minor oral argument update; Nov. 8] As I explained in my introductory post, in the case challenging the legality of Robert Mueller’s appointment, Miller v. United States,…
(Not So) Fast and Furious Settlement in Congressional Subpoena Case
Efforts to settle lengthy litigation over congressional subpoena power and executive privilege hit a snag this week. Judge Amy Berman Jackson declined to vacate her executive privilege…
U.S. Military’s “Collective Self-Defense” of Non-State Partner Forces: What Does International Law Say?
Earlier this month, Senator Tim Kaine made public a letter he wrote to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis asking for clarification on the meaning of “collective self-defense of…