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
What Would National Security Oversight Look Like in a Democratic House?
If Democrats assume control of the House of Representatives after the midterms, there's likely to be a torrent of oversight activity. Andy Wright, a former staff director and counsel…
Conscientious Objectors and Whistleblowers: Sentencing Should Recognize First Amendment Interests
Whistleblower Terry James Albury, a former FBI agent in Minneapolis, will be sentenced for violations of the Espionage Act on Thursday, October 17, at 11:00 am Central Time. The…
MBS and the Torture Victims Protection Act–His travel to the United States may no longer be an option
As each day brings new developments in the murder of Jamal Kashoggi, one of the questions I’ve been wondering about is what role, if any, US courts might play in helping…
Annotation of Sec. Pompeo’s Certification of Yemen War: Civilian Casualties and Saudi-Led Coalition
Former special counsel to Pentagon critiques Pompeo's memo which claimed Saudis have taken sufficient steps to reduce civilian casualties.
An Explainer: Senate’s Letter on Khashoggi and the Global Magnitsky Act
Here are answers to a few common questions concerning the Global Magnitsky Act as it relates to the disappearance and alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
What Due Diligence Backs U.S. Denial of Advance Knowledge of the Khashoggi Plot?
State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino's categorical denial that the US government knew of threat to Khashoggi may be a mistake that lasts a long time.
Contempt Prosecutions Require Comity Between Branches of Government, Now Add Trump
The campaign season for the midterm elections is in full swing, with the Republican majorities in the House and, to a lesser extent, Senate in some peril. Should we have a divided…
Taking Stock of the FBI’s Role in Senate Confirmations after Kavanaugh
I previously wrote that at least some of Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation challenges are symptomatic of the White House’s general disdain of the vetting process. That may seem…
The Social Meaning of Confirming Kavanaugh is Inescapable
The social significance of what it would mean, especially for certain Senators, to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh is now set.
Biodefense: Coordinating Our Response to Deadly Disease with a Strategy and Policy Memo
The FBI arrested a Navy veteran for sending two letters to a Pentagon distribution center that tested positive for ricin, providing a test run on the effectiveness of interagency…
Here Are the 30 People the FBI Needs to Interview in its Kavanaugh Investigation
There are 30 witnesses who are known and who must, at a minimum, be included in any serious FBI inquiry of the sexual assault allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
Letter to the Editor: Belief, Proof and a Plea for Mutual Understanding
If the past several years have shown us anything, it’s that the only viable path back to civil discourse and functional politics involves at least entertaining the possibility…