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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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…
A newspaper illustration of the vote on the Impeachment of President Johnson in 1868.

The Constitution’s Option for Impeachment After a President Leaves Office

Top impeachment law scholar discusses the options for the 117th Congress.

The Incapacitation of a President and the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: A Reader’s Guide

An authoritative analysis of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment on the incapacitation of a president, and how it was intended to function.
The cap of the United States Capitol Building

How New Congress Can Shine Light on Trump Era and Persisting Abuses

Three kinds of information Congress should get from Biden administration.
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