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.

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2,546 Articles
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Lt. Gen. James Adams III, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, acting Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and acting Director of the National Security Agency Lt. Gen. William Hartman and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

A Mid-Life Crisis for Senate Intelligence?

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, prompting reflection on lessons learned and potential new directions.
In this handout photo provided by U.S. Central Command, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) implements a maritime blockade against an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, on April 26, 2026 in the Arabian Sea. Rafael Peralta is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (Handout photo by U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

Is the United States (Still) at War? How Wars Begin and End

Armed conflict is not a matter of political branding, rhetorical convenience, or domestic law positioning. It is a legal status that turns on objective facts.
Illustration of a man handing an envelope to Uncle Sam in front of the U.S. Capitol Buildingn (via Getty Images)

State and Administrative Law Backstops to Federal Corruption

How the Administrative Procedure Act and state unfair competition laws could be used to punish, deter, or expose corruption in the federal government.
A congressional hearing room with multiple U.S. defense and military officials seated at a table beneath the U.S. Department of Defense seal and service emblems on the wall, with portraits, flags, and the nameplate “HON Hegseth” visible in the foreground.

The Armed Forces Need the Military Justice Review Panel

Rather than some new handcrafted DoD entity, it is crucial that the Military Justice Review Panel (MJRP) be restored as required under statute.
Close-up of Benjamin Franklin on scattered one hundred dollar bills.

The United States: Sanctions Implementer and Sanctions Safe Haven?

For decades, the United States has stood as the greatest leader in the sanctions space, as well as the greatest provider of tools for sanctioned entities to circumvent them.
Close up of dollar bill with capitol building and the words we trust (via Getty Images)

Will Congress Throw Out a Tool to Fight Money Laundering and Corruption?

A vote to repeal the CTA would discard, at considerable cost to U.S. law enforcement and national security, a tool before it has been put to use.

The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part V

Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to examine escalating U.S. strikes on suspected drug traffickers.
Collage of the Israel-Iran conflict

Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)

Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law.
In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, the Iran-flagged tugboat Basim sails near a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards on May 4 denied that any commercial ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US military earlier said two US-flagged merchant vessels had transited through the vital waterway. (Photo by Amirhossein KHORGOOEI / ISNA / AFP via Getty Images) /

What the Iran War Reveals About the War Powers Resolution and How Congress Can Act

It is Congress’s responsibility to assert its constitutional prerogatives with respect to the use of force and to rein in a lawless executive.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on June 18, 2025 in Washington, DC.

At the 60-Day Mark, the Iran War is Triply Illegal

Under the War Powers Resolution, Trump must now terminate the hostilities against Iran he began two months ago. He seems set against doing so.
The reverse side of a US twenty dollar bill matched up with the north side of the White House in Washington, DC. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images)

Pioneering Plunder: How to Stop Modern Profiteering in Public Office

An examination of Trump-era profiteering and a bold proposal to ban presidential self-enrichment, arguing systemic reform is needed to curb corruption and rebuild trust.

Fool’s Gold: Speaker Johnson’s Section 702 proposal would place no limits on backdoor searches

"Members can recognize the Johnson proposal for what it is: a transparent attempt to preserve the status quo rather than answer the bipartisan calls for needed reform."
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