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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2,449 Articles
A pro-democracy protester engages with police while holding a flag in Hong Kong.

Trump’s China Tariff Now Treats Hong Kong the Same as the Mainland, a First in US Policy

Trump's tariffs treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from China, disregarding Hong Kong’s status as an autonomous territory.
From left to right, standing in the back row are Lewis F. Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Harry Blackmun, and William Rehnquist

No, the Defense Department Did Not “Ignore” a Judicial Order in 1973 Cambodia Bombing Case

I argued the Holtzman case. Nothing in Holtzman v. Schlesinger suggests that the military, acting under Presidential instructions, is empowered to ignore court orders.
Russell Vought sits at his Senate Confirmation Hearing

The Trump Administration Cannot Use Award Terms and Conditions to Impound Funds

The Impoundment Control Act may prohibit agencies from freezing or terminating funding based on changing policy priorities.
The Pentagon logo and an American flag are lit up in the briefing room of Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

How the Pentagon Personnel Firings Threaten Our Apolitical Military

This unprecedented purge of the nation’s top brass suggests that Trump may attempt to fill these roles with officers he perceives as loyal.
US Marine Corps hang barbed wire

U.S. Military Action in Mexico: Almost Certainly Illegal, Definitely Counterproductive

U.S. military action in Mexico would not only be illegal, it would sabotage Trump’s stated immigration policy priorities and could lead to retaliation against Americans.
Members of the national guard move a red ladder.

Trump’s Doubly Flawed “Invasion” Theory

The president is wrong about what an invasion is—and what powers it triggers.
Cropped closeup shot of a transgender flag on a soldier's uniform

The Attempt to Purge Trans Members from the Armed Forces

The effort to purge all trans people from the military is not merely a repeat of the struggle that played out during the first Trump administration; it is an attack of a different…
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: What Just Happened Series, Understanding Federal Employee Rights

Labor and employment expert Suzanne Summerlin discusses the protections available to federal employees if their rights are violated.
Department of Education Building facade

Can the President Dismantle the Department of Education by Executive Order?

An Executive Order that purports to dismantle the Department of Education or any of its key functions is sure to be challenged in court but would still create disruptions and other…
A poster of the US Agency for International Development, USAID, is stuck to a light pole

The Disastrous Costs of the Foreign Aid Freeze on US Interests in the Middle East and North Africa

The Trump administration's dismantling of USAID poses significant threats to security in the Middle East and North Africa.
The photo shows the silhouette of a man on a motorbike in the foreground riding past a faded yellowish concrete building in the background with a red banner across it with yellow Chinese lettering across it.

Freezing Support to Democracy and Human Rights Activists Undermines US Interests

Ending aid for democracy and human rights struggles inflicts long-term harm on American security and prosperity.
Donald Trump signs an executive order at his desk in the Oval Office

President Trump Is Ignoring the Impoundment Control Act, Welcoming a Fight in the Courts

The Impoundment Control Act makes clear that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally impound billions in federal funds.
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