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.

× Clear Filters
2,449 Articles
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Afghan all-female robotics team members at Qatar's Education City Club House in Doha on September 7, 2021.

The Last Days in Afghanistan Should Not Deter Biden from Looking Beyond the 9/11 Paradigm

It's time to get off this loop. But ending “endless wars” should not be equated with simplistic solutions.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) listen during the Select Committee investigation of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, during their first hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on July 27, 2021.

Congress’ Access to Individuals’ Private Communications: The Jan. 6 Committee’s Troubling Precedent

How and why federal law — Stored Communications Act — and Constitution may block January 6 Committee’s ability to subpoena telecommunications content.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) listen to testimony from DC Metropolitan Police Department Officer Michael Fanone before the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on US Capitol on July 27, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.

In the Wake of the January 6 Attacks, Will Congress and the Administration Heed the Lessons of 9/11?

The need to respond forcefully to the insurrection should not be conflated with the need for new legal authorities.
Two tall greyscale rectangles cast dark shadows representing the Twin Towers. Text reads, “How Perpetual War Has Changed Us: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11”

Paradigm Shift: The Consequences of Choosing a War Path, and Leaving It

We owe it to the next generation to grapple now with the consequences of remaining at war -- as well as the consequences of choosing not to be -- lest we find ourselves reflexively…
Two tall greyscale rectangles cast dark shadows representing the Twin Towers. Text reads, “How Perpetual War Has Changed Us: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11”

Crossing Back Over: Time to Reform Legal Culture and Legal Practice of the “War on Terror”

As the conflict has grown and changed, responsibility for these changes has too often been thrust on the shoulders of executive lawyers.
Two tall greyscale rectangles cast dark shadows representing the Twin Towers. Text reads, “How Perpetual War Has Changed Us: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11”

The Forever War on the Homefront

Military families have lived with the direct impact of “forever wars” for 20 years and will continue to do so for a lifetime. War is not something you can take off and hang…
Two tall greyscale rectangles cast dark shadows representing the Twin Towers. Text reads, “How Perpetual War Has Changed Us: Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11”

Five Principles to End the Forever War

A comprehensive and detailed guide to ending the Forever War and enhancing American security.
In this photo taken on March 3, 2019, Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers take part in a drill exercise at a military base in the Guzara district of Herat province. Two soldiers stand on top of a building with guns while the others surround the base of the building with guns.

Afghanistan: A Tragic Lesson of the US Military’s Flawed Approach to Capacity Building

To avoid failing in other counterterrorism training missions, the US needs to invest in and empower assessment, monitoring, and evaluation.
Side by side photographs of law enforcement in full riot gear with helmets, shields, bullet proof vests, and camouflage clothing marching near Lafayette Park on June 1, 2020 and considerably less law enforcement in less imposing gear and without shields at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The second photograph also shows white supremacists carrying flags and greatly outnumbering law enforcement. Law enforcement in the first photograph tear gassed protestors (not shown) who were protesting the murder of George Floyd and larger racial injustices. Law enforcement in the second photograph used minimal force against violent Trump supporters as they stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The National Guard at Lafayette Square and the January 6th Attempted Insurrection: Fixes for the FY2022 NDAA

Congress should close the loopholes that allow the federal government to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act.
Trump leaves the Manhattan Supreme Court where he serves on jury duty on August 17, 2015 in New York City. Reporters gather around him with cameras and microphones.

Why a Trump Lawsuit to “Protect” Executive Privilege Could Backfire

Trump may unintentionally invite the DC court and Justice Dept to consider whether the crime-fraud exception applies to his activities relating to Jan. 6.
A collage of Jim Jordan speaking on multiple news channels.

Timeline: Rep. Jim Jordan, a Systematic Disinformation Campaign, and January 6

Starting in August 2020, Jim Jordan's coordinated effort to shape Trump supporters' belief in a stolen presidential election and January 6 as the "ultimate date of significance"…
Former chief prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz addresses guests during the inauguration of the new information and documentation center "Memorial Nuremberg Trials", in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on November 21, 2010.

Nuremberg Prosecutor says Guantanamo Military Commissions Don’t Measure Up

In an upcoming filing, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, Benjamin B. Ferencz, says there is "very limited comparison" between the Guantanamo military commissions and the Nuremberg…
1-12 of 2,449 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: