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
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…
The Constitutional Challenge to Robert Mueller’s Appointment (Part I): Introduction
[Minor Update after Oral Argument below–November 8] Two weeks from today, on Thursday, November 8, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (Judges Henderson,…
Two New Reports Expose How Black Americans Are Targeted by Russian Disinformation
Russian disinformation exploits American racial divisions. But Russian manipulation of both sides of political spectrum may, in the end, galvanize social media companies and Congress…
Letter to the Editor: How About Some Regulation of the Mercenary Industry?
Following Sarah Knuckey and Ryan Goodman’s post on U.S. mercenaries in Yemen, I’d like to provide a bit of international legal background to the urgent discussion of whether…
Options for Congress to Respond to Saudi Transgressions: Here’s What Works according to Former Senior U.S. Officials
Former senior officials weigh in on options for Congress to respond to Khashoggi crisis, Yemen War, and US-Saudi policy more generally.