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
House Republicans gather to speak at a press conference organized by Rep. Matt Gaetz, (R-FL), on Capitol Hill on October 23, 2019 in Washington, DC.

GOP “Storming” of Secure Facility for Impeachment Proceedings: An Explainer

How does a "SCIF" work, and can members of Congress be penalized for their en masse protest of testimony in the House impeachment investigation?
Trump signs a dollar bill for a supporter during a campaign rally at the Richmond International Raceway October 14, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia.

Trump Views U.S. Taxpayer Dollars As His Personal Checkbook

For Trump, congressionally appropriated taxpayer dollars are his to do with as he pleases.
Sri Lankan Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa rides in a jeep during a Victory Day parade rehearsal in Colombo on May 17, 2013. Military personnel in uniform surround him.

Suit Against Sri Lankan Presidential Candidate Rajapaksa Dismissed on Common Law Immunity Grounds

Among other deficiencies, the ruling failed to acknowledge jurisprudence from other courts indicating that jus cogens violations can never constitute “official” acts entitling…

“With a Little Help from Our Friends”: Prosecuting the ISIL “Beatles” in U.S. Courts

Civilian prosecution in U.S. courts remains by far the best option for reliably bringing the two ISIL detainees in U.S. custody to justice. The DoJ should look closely at whether…
Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and US Vice President Joe Biden acknowledge the crowd at Riverfront Sports athletic facility on August 15, 2016 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The Missing Link: Getting Dirt on Biden Was Key Part of “Investigation into 2016 Election” Too

Set aside Trump-Giuliani pressure on Ukraine to investigate Burisma. Their pressure on Ukraine to investigate 2016 election was also targeting Biden.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch is surrounded by lawyers, aides and journalists as she arrives at the U.S. Capitol October 11, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Career U.S. Officials Testifying to Congress: A Guide from Co-Equal

For over 100 years, federal statutes have protected the right of federal employees to communicate with Congress. Career employees across agencies and positions have routinely provided…
Air Force Reserve Capt. Matthew Lee Stanley prepares to have a blood sample taken by Air Force Sgt. Tracey Harris on June 3, 2003 at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Whistleblowing in Washington: Lessons Learned and Unlearned

A compelling first-hand account illustrates the institutional headwinds facing whistleblowers. To create the space they need to help increase accountability in government will…
The dome of the U.S. Capitol Buidling and the US flag.

The Need for a Bipartisan Stand Against the White House Counsel Letter 

Former general counsel to Sen. Marco Rubio and senior Republican counsel on Senate Judiciary Committee writes about impeachment inquiry.
A newspaper illustration of the vote on the Impeachment of President Johnson in 1868.

White House Letter Distorts Both Law and History on Impeachment

Leading historian on impeachment heavily criticizes White House Counsel's representation of cases and historical practice.
Supporters of former secretary to the ministry of defence and presidential candidate, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, celebrate outside Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal in Colombo on October 4, 2019, after a petition challenging his Sri Lankan nationality was taken to court and then dismissed.

Sri Lankan War Criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa May Escape Accountability Yet Again, This Time by Running for President

Recent developments in a pair of human rights cases in U.S. federal court against former Sri Lankan Defense Minister and current presidential hopeful Gotabaya (“Gota”) Rajapakse…
Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley listen during a Rose Garden event at the White House May 7, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Two Major Distortions in the White House’s Scorched Earth Letter to Congress

White House Counsel Cipollone's letter to Congress is a profoundly troubling document with a political purpose: stonewalling Congress while trying to muddy the waters with pretextual…
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

A Formal Vote to Authorize Impeachment Won’t Fix White House Obstruction — And Could Create More Roadblocks

A full vote by the House to support the ongoing impeachment inquiry could end up creating more roadblocks for Congress.
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