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
Gina Haspel and the Elusive Shadow of CIA Torture: A Response to Ben Wittes
"At Lawfare, Ben Wittes has a long post up titled 'Why I Support Gina Haspel—Despite a Big Reservation.' ... But the core of Ben's post is based on a point on which he and I…
Just Security Podcast: Mike Breen on the US Abandoning the Iran Nuclear Deal
President Donald Trump announces his decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in the Diplomatic Room at the White House May 8, 2018. (Photo by Chip…
The Haspel Nomination as a Referendum on (Un-)Accountability
One of the consistent themes of the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence over the past few decades has been aggressive hostility to “judge-made” remedies, i.e., the…
Gina Haspel’s Nomination to Head the CIA: Why the Controversy & What is at Stake?
The Senate has recently confirmed Mike Pompeo to be Secretary of State, after Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) dropped his objections and several Democrats indicated that they would support…
What Questions Should Congress Be Asking DoD About Civilian Casualties?
The Trump administration is due to submit today two important reports on civilian casualties—one to Congress and one to the public. Here are the questions Congress should be…
New Evidence of Obstruction of Justice in House Intelligence Committee Minority Report
Witnesses to James Comey's phone calls with the President, "veiled threats" by Mr. Trump against the FBI Director and Deputy Director, and more.
Kompromising Congress?
"Given what appears to be the low level of information security on the Hill, we probably don't need to ask whether such information has been gathered by foreign intelligence services.…
Historic Moment for Liberians: Warlord Sentenced to 30 Years
Above: Mohammed Jabbateh in court. Image: Chase Walker/Civitas Maxima On April 19, a federal judge in Philadelphia handed down one of the most severe penalties ever imposed by…
How to Ensure New Congressional War Authorization Is Not a Blank Check
A look at the most contested elements of the draft war authorization proposed by Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., along with alternatives for Congress that would…
If Mattis Meant to Assert Self-Defense for the Syria Strike, He Was Wrong
Since the United States conducted a military strike on various targets associated with the Syrian government’s chemical weapons program last week, prominent voices in the legal…
Gina Haspel Threatens Intelligence Cooperation: Yet Another Reason for Senators to Vote Her Down As CIA Director
Gina Haspel’s morally indefensible role in the CIA’s torture program makes her unqualified to be the new CIA director. What’s worse, if confirmed as CIA director, she would…
What the Senate Needs to Ask Gina Haspel
Without full declassification of her involvement in American torture and rendition programs during the George W. Bush administration, Gina Haspel’s confirmation hearing will…