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.
2,449 Articles

Congress Should Protect Americans from Transnational Repression
U.S. Congress should support the Transnational Repression Reporting Act to make clear that cross-border authoritarian repression will not be tolerated in the United States.

Frictionless Government and the National Security Constitution
Layering different kinds of friction is crucial. Checks that may restrain a unilateralist Executive, such as empowering Congress structurally to push back effectively, can still…

Much Ado About Nothing: Recent Changes to Department of Defense Directive 5240.01
Recent changes to this Defense Department directive do not reflect any change in policy and provide no new authority to deploy the military domestically or to use lethal force…

Don’t Let Military and Overseas Voters Become the Next Targets for Voter Suppression
We hope Americans from both sides of the aisle will recognize the peril in withholding the right to vote from active-duty military personnel, from U.S. diplomats, and from all…

Confronting the War on International Law in the United States
Widespread ignorance and even fear of international law only cede the territory to those willing to wield it. For the interests of the United States, it is essential that Congress,…

Symposium on Harold Hongju Koh’s ‘The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century’
Just Security is pleased to hold a symposium of leading experts engaging with Professor Harold Hongju Koh's recently-released The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century.

Proportional Representation Could Reduce the Risk of Political Violence in the U.S.
There is no single cause of political violence in democracies. But one critical source is often overlooked: electoral system design.

Natural Disasters, Terrorist Disruptions and Presidential Elections
A bipartisan, synchronized response to elections taking place during emergencies would address the rights of affected voters and candidates.

Proud Boys Threat Assessment: From the Planning of January 6th to Future Scenarios
The Proud Boys, more than any other organized extremist group, planned the January 6th attack on the US Capitol and led the charge. If they can harness the capacity to do it again,…

Lifting Russia Sanctions – What Can a President Do Unilaterally?
Congress has imposed significant constraints on the president's ability to unilaterally lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine in increasingly specific…

The “War Game” Documentary, and Simulating a Worse January 6th
How would – and how should – our most senior government leaders respond?

The Threat from Unlawful Private Militias Has Evolved. The Federal Government’s Response Must Evolve Too.
Federal legislation, like the Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act, offers a pathway to disrupt unlawful militia activity while safeguarding constitutional rights.