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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2,449 Articles

11 Takeaways from Senate Hearing on Expanding War Crimes Act and a Crimes Against Humanity Statute

Bipartisan hearing with takeaways for Ukraine War, International Criminal Court, war crimes and torture prosecutions and more.
Overhead shot of people in suits seated at a portion of circular table, all watching individual screens with the same image of a person speaking.

The United Nations in Hindsight: The Long and Winding Road to Security Council Reform

The UN Security Council's inability to address Russia's war against Ukraine has generated renewed interest in ideas for Security Council reform -- but "the path to reform may be…
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) (R-SC) listens as Sen. Richard Blumenthal (L) (D-CT) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. Blumenthal and Graham introduced a Senate resolution affirming that the Senate views the actions of the Russian Federation, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, as sponsoring acts of terrorism, and calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

How Congress Should Designate Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism

A better approach would be for Congress to impose additional targeted sanctions on Russia, but not through the one-size-fits-all state sponsor of terrorism designation.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Lessons Learned from the January 6th Intelligence Failures

The Jan. 6 paradox: Domestic intelligence agencies lack the tools they need, while agencies with the tools lack the authorities to act.
A row of dark green tanks roll down the street during a military parade in Nicaragua. The sky is light blue with red flags above the tanks.

Human Rights Due Diligence: A Defense Industry Business Necessity

An upfront investment in such practices can not only improve human rights outcomes but also save companies substantial downstream costs.
An airplane flies over a line of national flags.

National Security Creep in Cross-Border Investments

There has been a recent bipartisan shift to frame economic issues—among many others—in national security terms.
A child stands near two US army vehicles, which carry American flags. Nearby is a male American military officer.

How the FY23 NDAA Can Strengthen Oversight and Transparency of U.S. Security Assistance and Civilian Harm (Part II)

The draft NDAA contains a number of important provisions for preventing and responding to civilian harm.
A line of US soldiers walk in the countryside of the town of al-Malikiya in Syria.

Tit-for-Tat Hostilities In Syria: War Powers and International Law Implications

The Biden administration's latest war powers report to Congress and letter to the UN Security Council raise questions about the domestic and international legal basis for hostilities…
A man and a woman stand at a microphone, holding a sign that says "March for Our Lives" and a poster of their deceased child. Behind the couple, many protestors who also hold signs sit on the steps of the Texas Capitol building.

Ensuring Access to Courts for Gun Victims: The Case for Repealing PLCAA

Victims of gun violence have the right to a remedy according to U.S. and international human rights law. Congress should repeal PLCAA in order to dismantle the inordinate legal…
US Representative Liz Cheney speaks flanked by US Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House committee investigating the Capitol riot.

Citizens Guide to January 6th Hearings: Comprehensive Account of the Evidentiary Record

A 28-page guide to the January 6th Committee’s findings to date and other publicly available information.
US President Joe Biden addresses the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate from the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington, DC on June 17, 2022. - Biden hosts the virtual summit of major economies.

The Biden Administration Should Begin its “War on Secrecy” by Releasing Key War Powers Reports

Providing a meaningful report to Congress - and the American public - on legal and policy frameworks governing the use of force and related national security operations is not…
Man in Saudi dress, a member of the Saudi delegation, stands in foreground, Jared Kushner in suit in background, picture of historical figure on wall, taken in the Oval Office of the White House.

Need for US Ethics Reform Is Far from History: Kushner-MBS Deal Reflects Broken System

Recommended reforms include a two-year post-employment ban preventing senior and very senior officials from working on behalf of foreign governments, plus exploring options for…
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