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
The competing 2015 NDAA bills–A sign of hope for closing GTMO
On May 22, the House approved its version of the 2015 Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 325-98. This Monday, Senator Levin introduced the version of the 2015 NDAA recently…
Benghazi Oversight: The Composition of the Select Committee
This post provides an initial assessment of the composition of the newly formed House Select Committee on Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi. Over several…
Stepping back from the precipice in Bond
[Also posted on Opinio Juris.] The Supreme Court has finally issued its decision in United States v. Bond. Although it appeared the Court might be on the brink of a momentous…
The Administration’s explanation for why it was lawful not to wait 30 days to complete the Bergdahl exchange
National Security Council Caitlin Hayden just issued this statement concerning “why it was lawful for the Administration to proceed with the [Bergdahl] transfer notwithstanding…
The Bergdahl Exchange [Fifth UPDATE (with clarification)]
This is truly wonderful news. The five Taliban detainees transferred to Qatar apparently are: Abdul Haq Wasiq (ISN 004) Mullah Norullah Noori (ISN 006) Mullah Mohammad Fazl (ISN…
A(nother) Procedural Roadblock for Drone Casualty Reporting Requirements
Yesterday, efforts to bring greater transparency to the U.S. drone program hit a(nother) legislative procedural roadblock, as the House Rules Committee voted to not include an…
Civilian Casualty Rates in CIA vs. DOD Drone Programs: Apples and Oranges
Much attention has been given to whether CIA-directed or DOD-directed drone strikes result in fewer civilian casualties. Last week I wrote about the mixed evidence when it comes…
Declassification of the CIA interrogation program: Developments on three fronts
Last month I published a post setting forth the state of play regarding the declassification and disclosure of the executive summary, and findings and conclusions, of the Senate…
Ending the Forever War: One Year After President Obama’s NDU Speech
Today, May 23, 2014, marks the one-year anniversary of President’s important speech at the National Defense University (NDU) setting forth his proposed framework for post-9/11…
NDAA Followup: Outcome on Amendments a Mixed Bag
Here’s a quick follow-up on what happened to the five proposed amendments to the House version of the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that I flagged yesterday.…
Summary of Key Developments from Yesterday’s SFRC Hearing
[Editor’s Note: Nathalie Weizmann, an Associate Research Scholar and Senior Director of the Counterterrorism and Human Rights Project at Columbia Law School’s Human Rights…
The one news item from today’s AUMF hearing
Consistent with the President’s recent War Powers reports, DOD General Counsel Stephen Preston confirmed that Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is the only “associated…