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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2,459 Articles
Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee January 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.

“He’s Lying.” New Book Reveals Havoc Bill Barr Wrought Inside Congress

On Tuesday, when Barr testifies, a book will be released covering one of his most controversial and most consequential actions to date.
Russian and US flags

The Best Way to Improve on New START Is By Extending It

An extension of New START would provide the United States the time and space to negotiate a follow-on arms control accord with Russia, China, and other nuclear powers.
William Barr, nominee to be US Attorney General, takes the oath before testifying during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, January 15, 2019.

Four Topics the Judiciary Committee Must Focus on in Barr Hearing

On July 28, U.S. Attorney General William Barr is expected to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee. If he follows through on his agreement to appear before Congress…
Federal officers in full camo gear with gas masks and guns prepare to disperse the crowd of protestors outside the Multnomah County Justice Center on July 17, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

The President’s Private Army

How did we get here? Goitein discusses legal and political obstacles that faced President Trump's resort to other federal forces, why DHS is now his weapon of choice, what it may…
Soldiers handing out water and supplies during Operation HAWKEYE

Bill Barr’s Playbook: His False Claims About Prior Military Force on U.S. Soil

The Insurrection Act, Operation Hawkeye and what really happened
USTR Robert Lighthizer swears in Deputy USTR C.J. Mahoney, who is accompanied by his wife Becca.

Questions the Senate Should Ask State Legal Adviser Nominee CJ Mahoney

The State Department Legal Adviser is the most senior U.S. lawyer responsible for ensuring the United States upholds its international legal obligations, which is now, more than…
Federal officers use tear gas and other crowd dispersal munitions on protesters outside the Multnomah County Justice Center on July 17, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Portland’s Pretext: Barr’s Long History Manipulating Law to Put Federal Forces on U.S. Streets

In a 2001 interview, Bill Barr boasted that he came up with the idea in 1989.
Trump waves as he and US Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, disembark from Air Force One upon arrival at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin, April 27, 2019, as he travels to hold a Make America Great Again rally.

The Life and Adventures of Ron Johnson: His Journey Through “Multiple Untruths” to the Fable of Obamagate

The Lugar Center is a fairly recent addition of the sort of traditional institute in Washington that prevailed before Donald Trump. Its mission is to advance an internationalist…
U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Makan Delrahim testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing on the enforcement of antitrust laws in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill October 03, 2018 in Washington, DC.

What’s Missing in Current and Former Officials’ Responses to DOJ Antitrust Whistleblower

"Delrahim, in particular, should be asked by Congress and reporters about this apparent omission in the letter he submitted to the House Judiciary Committee."
Police and military personnel in full riot gear stand blocking protestors at a demonstration protesting the Mount Rushmore National Monument and the visit of US President Donald Trump.

Congress Must Seize This Chance to Help Demilitarize Law Enforcement

A bipartisan Senate amendment would restrict the transfer of US military equipment to law enforcement, including items from bayonets to weaponized drones.
World map with golden threads indictaing global connectivity.

Trail Smelter Arbitration Offers Little Guidance for COVID-19 Suits against China

On June 23, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary held an extraordinary hearing on whether to amend the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) in order to permit domestic lawsuits…
The head offices of Unitel as seen on January 28, 2020 in Luanda, Angola.

How the Financial Systems America Built Enable Oppression Abroad

Congress may have a new opportunity to tackle this complicity with a proposed amendment to the NDAA on beneficial ownership.
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