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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2,468 Articles

Surveying Evidence of How Trump’s Actions Activated Jan. 6 Rioters

A triangulation of evidence that extremists treated then-President Trump's words as instructions for the events on Jan. 6.
Tanker ship with "Rudolf Samoylovich" printed on blue hull. Smoke stack with flaring gas above.

Climate Security, Energy Security, and the Russia-Ukraine War

Shifting away from fossil fuels from Russia and other petrostrates "offers a rare geopolitical 'win-win'" on climate and energy security.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 07, 2021: Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., stand after reading the final certification of Electoral College votes cast in the November 2020 presidential election during a joint session of Congress, after working through the night, at the Capitol on January 7, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress reconvened to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump, hours after a pro-Trump mob broke into the U.S. Capitol and disrupted proceedings. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite - Pool/Getty Images)

Trump’s Next Presidential Coup Attempt Could Work

Flawed laws, enacted in 1845 and 1887, create a dangerous opportunity.
US President Joe Biden provides updates on the Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 21, 2022. - President Biden on Thursday vowed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would never take control of Ukraine, as the United States announced new military aid for Kyiv.

The “Leahy Laws” and U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

For practical and principled reasons, human rights compliance will continue to be paramount for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.
FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a hearing before Senate Judiciary Committee at Hart Senate Office Building on March 2, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. He speaks into a microphone and gestures with a hand.

Facebook Provided Warning to FBI Before January 6, GAO Report Reveals

The GAO report's findings raise questions about statements by FBI Director Christopher Wray in previous testimony to Congress.
US vehicle is pictured at a military base in Rumaylan (Rmeilan) in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on July 28, 2020. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP) (Photo by DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Still at War: The United States in Syria

It is time to reconsider U.S. strategic objectives in Syria and the legal basis for the use of force there.

The United Nations in Hindsight: Challenging the Power of the Security Council Veto

Understanding the new U.N. General Assembly resolution — in light of historical uses of the veto power and previous efforts to curtail it.
Low angle view of a dome, Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA - stock photo

Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part I

Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Low angle view of a dome, Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA - stock photo

Congressional Action on Civilian Harm Resulting from U.S. Military Operations: Part II

Congress has introduced two landmark bills aimed at addressing systemic problems with civilian harm.
Former Facebook employee sits at a desk whilst testifying during a Senate committee hearing.

As Congress Debates Social Media Harms, Here’s How to Make Online Consent Meaningful

"Reform the law so that companies must provide more meaningful information in their privacy notices and terms of service."
A dark shadow strikes Steve Bannon across his face. An obscure figure stands behind him.

What Kind of Guilty Mind is Needed for the Criminal Contempt of Congress Statute?

An expert backgrounder on the Steve Bannon criminal case and the law of what prosecutors need to prove to get a conviction for contempt of Congress.

Strengthening Democracy With the Global Fragility Act: Getting Political Transformation Right

US planning teams are preparing for a focus on Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and the Littoral West Africa region.
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