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
A Rush to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh at the Expense of Senate Interests
The Senate is now considering President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. Whoever replaces Justice Kennedy,…
A Call to Former Intelligence Community Employees Who Are Subject to a Prepublication Review Requirement
Millions of former public servants who once had access to classified information—and many who didn’t—are subject to a requirement of prepublication review. They are generally…
Guantanamo is No Answer–But Here’s What Can Work
While there are real challenges and difficult tradeoffs to be made, one question should not be difficult at all: nobody should be sent to Guantanamo. It would be bad policy,…
Security Clearance Records, FOIA, and Privacy: What Went Wrong for Abigail Spanberger
How did an unredacted copy of a security clearance application for a former CIA officer-turned Democratic candidate land in the hands of a GOP super PAC?
Zero Tolerance for Border Families but Welcome to Myanmar Military Perpetrators
Amidst the multitude of ongoing Trump administration scandals, the United States government has failed to develop a comprehensive approach to bring an end to or accountability…
Condolence Payments for Civilian Casualties: Lessons for Applying the New NDAA
The new National Defense Authorization Act can help improve the way the U.S. responds to civilian casualties. FOIA requests and interviews with DoD officials, U.S. soldiers, judge…
The Case for Legislative Security Clearance Reform
One thing everyone can agree on is that President Donald Trump is a master at exposing the cracks in our political and legal landscape, whether he intends to or not. He refuses…
Why Impeachment Isn’t the Solution
Breathless talk about impeachment is unlikely to ever lead to Trump’s ouster, and that road has many dangers. The most viable path remains the voting booth.
The Trials of White House Counsel Don McGahn
Over the weekend, Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman published a remarkable story in the New York Times chronicling White House Counsel Donald F. McGahn’s substantial cooperation…
Trump Administration’s Terrorism Claims Omit Crucial Available Data
More information is needed to better understand how the federal government prosecutes terrorism. That’s why the Brennan Center – along with UNC Professor Charles Kurzman –…
Brett Kavanaugh and the Risk of a Return to Torture
Brett Kavanaugh, holds a stark view of the role of international law, which could threaten the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be tortured.
Trump Could Learn from Gore on How to Handle an Election Interference Scandal
Replace Russia with China, the 2016 election with 1996, and Trump with Gore, and there are disturbing parallels. The stark difference is in how the White House handled the case.