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
Antony Blinken rests his chin in his hand during his confirmation hearing to be Secretary of State before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Blinken Sails Through Queries on Iran, China, Russia, NATO, and More in Secretary of State Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Republicans and Democrats alike were mostly welcoming as they probed his approach to the world's trouble spots.
People walk past missiles manufactured by Lockheed Martin displayed during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA)Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, DC, October 13, 2014.

Toward A More Responsible US Arms Trade Policy: Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration

Biden pledged a foreign policy that would restore U.S. moral leadership. Ending U.S. complicity in human rights abuses, civilian harm, and humanitarian crises through the structural…
U.S. Army (retired) General Lloyd Austin speaks after being formally nominated to be Secretary of the Department of Defense by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden at the Queen Theatre on December 09, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. Behind him is a banner with the seal of the President-Elect.

What Should Be Addressed in Austin’s Confirmation Hearing for Defense Secretary?

Some of the top defense experts and thinkers offer their thoughts on what issues they’d like to see addressed and what questions they’d like to see asked at retired Gen. Lloyd…
The dome of the U.S. Capitol building is seen behind a barbed wire fence on January 14, 2021. The barbed wire was installed after the attempted coup on January 6, 2021.

History Shows the Senate Can Hold an Impeachment Trial After Trump Leaves Office

The suggestion that impeachment applies only when officials are in office is not consistent with the uniform practice of impeachments in US history.

Ousted Autocratic Presidents and Their Backers in the Legislative Branch

Machinations of hardliners from Sri Lanka to Hungary, Colombia and more signal the trouble Trump and his supporters could make for the Biden administration.

What Should Congress Focus on for the DNI Confirmation Hearing?

The key policy and topic areas that should be covered in Friday's confirmation hearing for Avril Haines, Biden's nominee to be director of national intelligence.
The dome of the US Capitol Building against a blue sky.

Impeachment Defense, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights

The question at the moment isn’t whether the president could be charged with incitement to violence in criminal court.
US Vice President Joe Biden holds a file folder and talks with US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, August 4, 2015.

How Samantha Power Can Restore USAID’s Crucial Role in US Foreign Policy

The nomination signals that international cooperation is back in the toolbox for America's pursuit of an equitable, prosperous, and just world.
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. The insurgents do not wear face masks and carry Trump banners.

Questions to Guide an Investigation of the Capitol Attack

The invasion of the United States Capitol was an entirely predictable event, which makes the wholesale security collapse all the more unconscionable.
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.

Q&A with Steve Vladeck and Rolf Mowatt Larssen on Democracy, Insurrection, and Where We Go From Here

In the aftermath of the certification of Biden’s victory and the insurrection at the Capitol, a discussion about how institutions and norms withstood the assault and what weaknesses…
US Capitol police officers speak with supporters of US President Donald Trump inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.

The Attack on the Capitol: Why It’s Not a Surprise

The Trump-inspired mob who launched an unprecedented siege of the Capitol is a permanent stain on American democracy. What’s worse, it was not unexpected.
Members of the National Guard, holding shields, form a line during the night of January 6. Behind them is the Capitol building.

Why D.C.’s Mayor Should Have Authority Over the D.C. National Guard

Congress should give the mayor of D.C. control over the D.C. National Guard, absent federalization, to prevent the president both from misusing the DCNG as his own personal army…
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