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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
Side-by-side photos of Biden and Trump

Trump’s War Powers Legacy and Questions for Biden

Will Biden rein in near-limitless claims of presidential authority to use force without congressional authorization and commit to restoring the balance of war powers between the…
White House Counsel Don McGahn stands behind Trump during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House October 17, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Unpacking Biden Administration vs. Congressional Tension in the McGahn Case

Awkward transitions to “unified government” and what it portends.
A member of the Syrian Civil Defence (The White Helmet) checks the rubble and debris at a medical centre following reported shelling by the Syrian government, in the Syrian town of Hbeit in the southern countryside of the rebel-held Idlib province on April 30, 2019.

How the Biden Administration Can Better Protect Health Care in War

The health consequences of violence against hospitals, clinics, ambulances, health workers, and patients in war have become ever more evident in conflicts throughout the world.
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld gives his opening remarks before the 9-11 Commission on March 23, 2004. He sits next to two others testifying.

Lessons from the 9/11 Commission

Written by Ambassador Tim Roemer, member of the 9/11 Commission.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), confer during a ceremony awarding former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol on January 17, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Civil Society Orgs’ Letter to Schumer: Disqualify Trump via 14th Amendment

Group of leading civil society organizations urge Congress to disqualify Trump under 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause."
Workers extinguish flames at a warehouse, after it was reportedly hit in an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition, in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on July, 2, 2020.

Fulfilling Biden Campaign Pledge on Saudi-UAE Policy Will Require a Full Overhaul

Regular and direct US criticism of Saudi and UAE human rights abuses should be a fundamental part of a Biden administration reassessment.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz; and U.S. Secretary of Defense The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, listen and answer questions for members of the 9-11 Commission, on Capitol Hill, March 23, 2004.

Comparison of (Similar) Republican and Democratic Draft Legislation on Jan. 6 Commission

Highly similar proposals, including subpoena power, in the Republican and Democratic bills to create Jan. 6 Commission (HR 275 v HR 410).
A U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), awaits a mission at an air base in the Persian Gulf region on January 7, 2016.

To End the Forever Wars, Rein in the Drones

In drawing down the U.S. conventional military footprint, policymakers should resist relying reflexively on drone strikes in its place. Biden has a unique opportunity to chart…
Statues in front of the US capitol building. Behind the statues, flags at the US Capitol fly at half-mast to honor US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, on January 8, 2021, in Washington, DC. Sicknick died from injuries sustained during the attempted coup on January 6th.

Their Fourteenth Amendment, Section 3 and Ours

A preeminent legal historian writes about original understanding of 14th Amendment; how it can disqualify President Trump from future office.
A circle chart shows the Senate’s votes during Trump’s second impeachment. 57% convict; 13% critical of Trump on merits, but did not convict; 19% neutral on Trump on merits and did not convict; and 11% support Trump on merits and did not convict.

In Their Own Words: The 43 Republicans’ Explanations of Their Votes Not to Convict Trump in Impeachment Trial

We catalogued the pubic explanations of the 43 Senate Republicans on conclusion of the Impeachment Trial. See what you find in them.
A mobile phone displays the logos for Chinese apps WeChat and TikTok in front the flags of the United States and China.

Biden Paused Trump’s WeChat and TikTok Bans: Now What?

Trump’s extreme uses of IEEPA have backfired, resulting in a narrower interpretation of executive powers under IEEPA and a firmer articulation of how the Berman Amendment protects…
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a youth-led climate strike organized by environmental groups including Extinction Rebellion and Sunrise Movement near City Hall on December 6, 2019 in New York City.

Why President Biden Should Not Declare a Climate Emergency

A national emergency is not an effective way to address the real threats posed by climate change - and it would damage our democracy.
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