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.
2,549 Articles
Letter to the Editor: Why Larger Defense Budgets Don’t Need to Come at the Expense of “Soft Power”
In his recent post (“The National Security Threat of Trump’s Defense Budget”) Bishop Garrison argues that the Trump administration’s proposed increases to the defense budget…
The Department of Defense’s Report on Civilian Casualties: A Step Forward in Transparency?
While the Pentagon's new report on civilian casualties is a step in the right direction, future DoD reports should include more detail on specific incidents, including discrepancies…
Testimony from the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Hearing on Election Interference
Ryan Goodman, Just Security‘s co-editor-in-chief, is testifying on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of its hearing on, “Election Interference:…
Will the Supreme Court’s Understanding of the First Amendment Thwart Laws Aimed at Limiting Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections?
Calling attention to perhaps the greatest impediment to effective limits on foreign influence on our elections: the United States Supreme Court.
Loopholes in Public Corruption Laws Benefit Swamp Dwellers
If we are to deter corruption and hold accountable officials who breach the public’s trust, some changes in the law are needed.
Will Trump Administration Claim Congress Authorized Force against Iran?–Analysis of Existing Statutory Authority and New Proposals
Could recent Trump administration comments indicate an attempt to justify war on grounds beyond Iran’s nuclear program? If so, would the administration be able to make a serious…
Can You Sue International Organizations? The Supreme Court Decides to Weigh In
Last week, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Jam v. the International Finance Corporation, that may pare back immunities from lawsuits for international organizations. The…
A Model for Improving Cooperation in Cyber – the Highway Safety Act?
A new piece of bipartisan legislation—the “Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act” (HR 5240)—was reported out of the House Energy and Commerce…
The National Security Threat of Trump’s Defense Budget
As a former military officer and national security appointee under President Barack Obama, I know firsthand the value of U.S. defense spending for securing the United States and…
No, Making the Iran Deal a Treaty Wouldn’t Have Stopped Trump from Withdrawing from It
Since President Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, legal scholars, elected officials, and political commentators have suggested that the non-binding…
Senator Merkley’s Smart New Alternative AUMF Proposal
Yesterday, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) released a new proposal for an authorization to use military force, or “AUMF.” As Merkley explained in last week’s AUMF hearing before…
With New U.S. Arms Sale Pending–What Happened to Saudi Assurances on Civilian Casualties in Yemen?
To get an arms sale past Congress last year, Saudi Arabia promised $750 million to prevent civilian casualties in Yemen. The civilian death toll has since risen.