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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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wears a face mask as she speaks at her weekly news conference one day after Congress passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-related stimulus package at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on March 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. Two flags of the House of Representatives can be seen behind her.

Pluses and Minuses of Pelosi’s Draft Jan. 6 Commission Proposal

"The draft text has some subtle virtues that are being missed by many commentators, and also some weaknesses."
U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi wears a face mask as she speaks at a weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. Behind her are American flags and flags for the House of Representatives.

Chart: Comparing Pelosi’s Draft Legislation on Jan. 6 Commission to Other Bills and Prior Commissions

On Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly released a discussion draft of legislation to establish a “9/11-type Commission” to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.…
A Yemeni child standing under a damaged building looks out of a missing wall at buildings that were heavily damaged in an air strike in the southern Yemeni city of Taez.

Legally Sliding into War

"We need to grapple with the legal mechanisms through which presidential administration after administration has legally justified escalating, elongating, and expanding conflicts…
Silhouettes of U.S. Army soldiers from the 2-82 Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, walk to where they will board buses to fly home to Fort Hood, Texas after being one of the last American combat units to exit from Iraq on December 15, 2011 at Camp Virginia, near Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Making Inclusive Uniform Service More Resilient through Congressional Support

Ensuring transgender individuals can serve their country in uniform will improve military readiness and resilience in recruitment and retention.
A ball of yarn colored to depict the globe. The side of the yarn with Africa and part of South America is shown.

The Global Fragility Act Could Give US Assistance and Diplomacy a New Start for Countries in Conflict

The Biden administration should draw on lessons from previous successes in Central America, and Congress must provide sufficient funding.
President Jovenel Moise sits at the Presidential Palace during an interview with AFP in Port-au-Prince, October 22, 2019.

In Haiti’s Political Crisis, US Should Support Democracy and Human Rights

Activists say the Biden administration should reverse its support of President Moïse's illegal, abusive rule and consult civil society on a way ahead.
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby stands behind a podium as he briefs the press at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 2021.

Knowns and Unknowns of US Syria Strike: Looming Int’l and Domestic Law Issues

Key legal questions that remain unanswered about the legality of the Syria strike under domestic and international law.
Sri Lanka Army Commander Shavendra Silva reviewing troops headed to Mali as U.N. peacekeepers on Nov. 6, 2019, at the at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) Headquarters at Boyagane, Sri Lanka.

UN Should Suspend Sri Lanka from Peacekeeping Over Human Rights Abuses

The government has failed in its international obligations to investigate and prosecute crimes, and has promoted alleged war criminals to high levels.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) sits with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden during a meeting that included Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) (not shown) at the Queen Theater on November 20, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. They sit at a large horse-shoe or square table allowing ample room for social distancing. An American flag stands behind the table near President-elect Biden.

Principles for a 2021 Authorization for Use of Military Force

The Biden administration and new Congress have an opportunity to fundamentally rethink authorization of military force against terrorist groups. Here are seven principles for what…
A woman crosses a street with her child during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in the northern city of Tripoli, on January 29, 2021.

Robust Gender Analysis Will Be Key to Effective US Policy Development

Securing equality in foreign policy and national security means implementing requirements and ensuring they apply to all government decision-making.
US soldiers in Bradley tanks carrying American flags patrol an area near Syria's northeastern Semalka border crossing with Iraq's Kurdish autonomous territory, on January 12, 2021.

Just Security Obtains Overseas Troop Counts That the Pentagon Concealed from the Public

Through FOIA litigation, Just Security obtained records that provide a fuller picture of U.S. troop commitments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria over the last three years.
The empty courtroom of the Commissions building where on Tuesday preliminary hearings will begin for four detainees held on the Naval Base is seen August 22, 2004 in Guantanamo, Cuba. Six flags stand at the front of the room.

Upcoming Cases Provide Opportunities to Reassess the Application of the Due Process Clause at Guantanamo

Recognizing the Due Process Clause’s application at Guantanamo will help refocus litigation on the question of whether the remaining detainees pose such a significant threat…
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