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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2,549 Articles
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."

Former FBI General Counsel Weissmann on FISA Reforms

Ryan Goodman sits down with Andrew Weissmann, former FBI General Counsel and DOJ veteran, to unpack FISA reauthorization.
U.S. Army soldiers in uniform s​it in formation, with their legs and boots visible in the foreground and American flags hang in the background.

The Constitution’s Forgotten Term Limit on Military Power

Most constitutional experts have never given the Two-Year Clause a second thought. The circumstances that made that neglect tolerable are in the process of dissolving.
Federal agents block people protesting an ICE immigration raid at a nearby licensed cannabis farm on July 10, 2025 near Camarillo, California. Protestors stood off with federal agents for hours outside the farm in the farmworker community in Ventura County. A Los Angeles federal judge is set to rule Friday on a temporary restraining order which would restrict area immigration enforcement operations. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Is the Government Using Counterterrorism Surveillance Tools to Surveil American Companies?

Section 702 surveillance and parallel construction may be quietly driving aggressive ICE workplace raids, hiding constitutional violations from workers and businesses.
A U.S. ​flag flies on the side of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters building on September 15, 2024, in Washington, DC.

The Presidential Records Act is Constitutional

Presidents have complied with the Act without serious objection, and there is essentially no scholarly or other commentary questioning the Act’s constitutionality.
The U.S. Capitol is seen after the House narrowly passed a bill forwarding President Donald Trump's agenda at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Bogus “Antifa” Designations and FBI Warrantless Access to Americans’ Communications

"Any expert of national security surveillance law following the government’s escalating actions on “antifa” can connect the dots to FISA electronic surveillance."
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (L) speaks alongside Assistant Attorney General for Fraud Enforcement Colin McDonald during a news conference at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building on April 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. Blanche addressed the department's work on anti-fraud efforts and announced the creation of a National Fraud Enforcement Division. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Trump Administration’s Fraud Problem

The Trump administration invokes “fraud” to justify freezing Medicaid, SNAP, and family aid, sidestepping legal safeguards and turning vital programs into political weapons.
(L/R) US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio look on as US President Donald Trump holds up a resolution document that he signed during the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

Some Questions for Congress About Trump’s Request for Funding for the Board of Peace

Close scrutiny of the administration’s plans for contributions to the Board of Peace is warranted in light of the large dollar amounts involved.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images)

The Dangers of Hegseth’s “Warfighter” Ethos

Hegseth may present his version of a warfighter as the paragon of U.S. military power, but for all his talk, he fails to recognize the true strengths of the armed forces.
Magnifying glass over computer code (vie Getty Images)

Myths and Facts About Section 702 Backdoor Searches: A Reply to George Croner

A rebuttal to George Croner’s critique of the Brennan Center’s “Myths and Facts” on FISA Section 702 backdoor searches and why RISAA falls short.
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