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.
2,549 Articles
Rube Goldberg and Military Justice
The decisional layer cake that Congress has put in place over the years, including on sexual assault, is rife with potential for yet more command influence.
A Chance to Fix FISA
"When Congress does finally take up the issue again, this most recent compromise bill will be the baseline for further improvements—and improvements are sorely needed."
The Right Way to Reform the U.S. President’s International Emergency Powers
Strong procedural checks and balances would improve oversight and limit the scope for abuse.
We Badly Need Congress to Act. We Don’t Need Congress to Act in Person.
Remote voting critically helps ensure that Americans are not effectively disenfranchised if and when their representative becomes unable to show up in person.
Use the Defense Production Act to Flatten the Curve
James Baker, former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and Legal Adviser to the National Security Council, urges the President to take more decisive…
The Espionage Act Reform Bill Addresses Key Press Concerns
On March 5, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced sorely needed legislation to reform the Espionage Act.
Blowing the Transatlantic Whistle
U.S. courts have been reluctant to extend the same protections they afford domestic informants to employees of American companies based abroad.
The “Interests of Justice” at the ICC: A Continuing Mystery
David Luban explains how the ICC Appeals Chamber missed an opportunity to clarify what "interests of justice" the Prosecutor must consider in authorizing an investigation in the…
The Coronavirus, Emergency Powers, and the Military: What You Need to Know
The global coronavirus crisis continues to unfold at lightning speed, disrupting travel, the economy, and everyday life. In response to the pandemic, President Donald Trump declared…
Explainer: National Emergency Declarations and COVID-19
A brief backgrounder on the Stafford Act and other emergency authorities President Trump has invoked to address coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Soleimani Strike and the Case for War Powers Reform
With passage of historic war powers legislation on Iran, a leading authority homes in on what deep reform of the war powers should look like.
Balancing Syria Advocacy and Witness Safety: Have We Lost Sight?
Groups documenting war crimes and other violations must revisit their methods of evidence collection and improve compliance with “do no harm” principles.