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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2,462 Articles

The Absence of “The Donald”

The curious omission of a notorious social media site in the FBI's criminal case files on January 6th.
Voting rights activists hold signs at protest

As It Convenes a Global Democracy Summit, the United States Must Commit To Defending Democracy at Home

Heading into the Summit for Democracy, the United States has yet to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation at home.
Razor wire tops the fence of the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay on October 23, 2016 at the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. An American flag waves in the background.

The Biden Administration’s Moment of Truth on Torture Evidence

US prosecutors claim the authority to use torture-derived evidence in Al-Nashiri's case, contrary to U.S. domestic and international legal obligations.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 23: Chairman Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) gives an opening statement as FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia, SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna and Microsoft President Brad Smith testify at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on February 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. The hearing focused on the 2020 cyberattack that resulted in a series of major data breaches within several U.S. corporations and agencies and departments in the U.S. federal government. (Photo by Demetrius Freeman-Pool/Getty Images)

Artificial Intelligence in the Intelligence Community: Oversight Must Not Be an Oversight

Congressional oversight of AI in the IC must evolve into a more adaptive approach that builds trust, transparency, and ultimately partnership.
Taiwanese military vehicles take part in a national day parade in front of the Presidential Palace in Taipei on October 10, 2021.

Unilateral Use of Force in the “National Interest”: Taiwan Doesn’t Meet the Test

Can the President use force to protect Taiwan in the "national interest" without congressional authorization?
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan listens to the President of the Special Peace Jurisdiction Eduardo Cifuentes during a press conference in Bogota, October 27, 2021.

Uncertain Future for the ICC’s Investigation into the CIA Torture Program

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has "deprioritized" investigation of CIA torture in Afghanistan. But Julian Elderfield, a former attorney in the OTP, says the stated reasons for…
Bill Browder, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and two others speak while sitting at a press conference in London on November 20, 2018. People sit facing them with recording equipment.

Abuse of Interpol for Transnational Repression: Assessing the FY22 NDAA’s Provisions for Prevention

The act needs work, but could set a new standard in limiting Interpol abuse for assassinations, abductions, financial blacklisting and more.
Mo Brooks talks at a podium with the sign “Save America” and gestures into the air. American flags stand on either side of him.

Timeline: Rep. Mo Brooks, January 6, and the Effort to Overturn an Election

A comprehensive timeline of Rep. Mo Brooks’ reported actions and public statements in trying to overturn the American election.
A sign for Camp Justice in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. Five flags waive from posts.

A Torture Survivor Speaks at the Guantanamo Military Commissions

Majid Khan described his torture by the United States for the first time in a case that also shows how plea agreements are the only realistic path for those charged in Guantanamo…
Trump boards Marine One as he departs the White House on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. A person in military uniform salutes him as he passes.

No, Former Presidents Cannot Assert Executive Privilege. At Least Not Meaningfully.

"Former President Trump’s authority, if any, would be at the 'lowest conceivable ebb' by asserting a claim that is incompatible with Congress’s explicit act plus incompatible…
Young boys, children soldiers sit on February 10, 2015 lay down their arms at a ceremony of the child soldiers disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in Pibor overseen by UNICEF and partners.

Sanctions Review Fails to Review Sanctions: Congress Should Step In

US sanctions policy should account for peacebuilding and other crucial civic and development activities.
An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (commonly known as a drone) flown by 163d Attack Wing pilot Lt. Col. Paul Brockmeier, with sensor operator Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez (neither shown), views the smoky San Gabriel Mountains of southern California in transit to a fire mission in northern California, late August, 2020.

The Longest War is Over the Horizon

"The sheer number of over-the-horizon operations in the past two decades indicates significant mission creep in the war on terror."
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