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.
2,559 Articles
Trump Administration Must Publicly Disclose the Truth About Khashoggi Murder
The Open Society Justice Initiative has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the CIA and other federal agencies seeking the disclosure of all records relating to the…
How the “Arms Sales Oversight Act” Could Prevent American Arms from Contributing to the Next Overseas Crisis
The debate over U.S. complicity in Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe is coming to a head in the Senate, with a series of votes on the Sanders-Lee-Murphy war powers resolution.…
Explainer: The Comey Subpoena Fight–A Face-Saving Surrender and Testimony Deal
Former FBI Director James Comey appears to have capitulated in his legal effort to fight a congressional subpoena to give a closed deposition, but he also walked away with some…
How the Senate Should Move Forward on Resolution to Withdraw from Yemen War
The Senate Resolution on Saudi Arabia and US support for the Yemen war is a most welcome development, but it has flaws that need fixing to avoid unintended consequences -- and…
U.S. House Investigations v. White House Slow-Walk: Scenarios
Democrats in the U.S. House are preparing to wield their new majority power in January. While they lack the control of both chambers necessary to push through legislation, they…
Can Congress Subpoena Trump to Testify?
Now that the Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives, there will be a flood of congressional investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse within the Trump administration,…
Legal Analysis of “Cabinet Memo” on the Military’s Role at Southern Border
Avoidance of military involvement in civil society is part of America's political culture and heritage. The new White House order on U.S. Army role at the southwest border threatens…
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.