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.
2,459 Articles
Stopping Torture: Why Professional Governance Failed, and How It Can Do Better
Professionals -- psychologists, physicians, lawyers -- played key parts in enabling post-9/11 torture programs. Yet professionalism can also constrain state power. Gregg Bloche…
Biden’s First 100 Days on Immigration: A Test of Leadership
The president may ultimately be judged not on any so-called border “crisis,” but for whether he remains true to his principles in the face of opposition.
At 100 Days, Grading Biden’s Progress Toward a More Responsible US Arms Trade Policy
As we near the 100-day mark of this administration, and with the president delivering a “State of the Union”-like address this evening, now is a good moment to assess its arms…
Key Takeaways From Latest FISA Court Opinion on Section 702 and FBI Warrantless Queries
A recently declassified FISA Court opinion shows how serious the threat is that Section 702 could be exploited as a loophole for warrantless surveillance in domestic policing.
A Jan. 6 Commission is Crucial to Understand the Reality of the Attack, and the Alternate Reality of the Attackers
The United States needs a definitive account, not just of the reality of that deadly day, but of the alternate reality that produced it.
An Opportunity for Congress to Require Transparency of the Executive’s International Agreements
The newly introduced bipartisan legislation would constitute the most significant improvement in the transparency of international agreements since the enactment of the Case Act…
Federal Agencies Face April Deadline on Secret JFK Files
Congress has mandated that agencies update the public on thousands of files related to the JFK assassination by April 26. Previous disclosures have been incomplete. Will agencies…
Congress Must Reform Sanctions Law to Avoid ICC Penalties from Happening Again
Reversing the sanctions the Trump administration placed on International Criminal Court leaders is not enough to prevent something like that from happening again.
Investigating a Crisis: A Comparison of Six U.S. Congressional Investigatory Commissions
A report that surveys the design, powers, and outcomes of significant congressionally created investigative commissions.
Overlooking the Policy Connections: Fragility, Democracy, and Geopolitical Competition
To reinforce global democracy and compete with rivals, the US must prevent conflict and stabilize fragile states. The issues are intertwined.
Getting US-Africa Relations Back on Track With a Focus on Human Rights
The Biden administration needs to ensure that solutions it offers for the continent's challenges are Africa-led, inclusive, multilateral, and multifaceted.
In Absence of Foreign Agents Registration Reform, DOJ Tweaks Could Make a Big Difference
Its core obligations have not been comprehensively updated since the 1960s. Until they are, the executive branch could address key shortcomings.