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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Carl Voss, Des Moines City Councilman and a precinct chair, returns to his car after he unsuccessfully attempted to drop off a caucus results packet from Precinct 55 at the Iowa Democratic Party headquarters February 4, 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa. He is surrounded by reporters.

The Simple Lessons from a Complicated Iowa Caucus

There's a role for everyone in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of election results -- states, Congress and the public.
Student protesters call for a strike as they gather during an anti-government demonstration in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah in Dhi Qar province on February 8, 2020.

As ISIS Regroups, No Time to Cut U.S., U.N. Assistance to Iraq

Iraq is teetering, and the U.S. presence is uncertain. All the more reason to retain the kinds of U.N. and other civilian programs that prevent backsliding.
The cap of the United States Capitol Building

Congressional Science and Technology Capacity Must Be Revitalized

The time is now for Congress to build out its own expert capacity so that it can oversee — and, if necessary, try to compensate for the loss of — the highly technical expert…
The White House as seem from outside the West Wing. A guard stands at the entrance.

Timeline: Trump, Giuliani, Biden, and Ukrainegate

A comprehensive chronology of events involving "Ukrainegate" and President Trump and Rudy Giuliani's efforts to persuade the Ukrainian government to investigate former Vice President…
A stack of newspapers.

Lessons for Life: The Obituaries of Republicans Who Opposed Nixon’s Impeachment

"If the reference is not made in the obituary’s headline, it still appears as a central point in the narrative of their lives as that single decision affected the course of history."
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) arrive to the Senate chamber for impeachment proceedings at the U.S. Capitol on January 16, 2020 in Washington, DC.

Hearsay and the Impeachment Trial

How big an issue is it that the Senate will allow hearsay objections as a basis to exclude evidence from the record?
A Reiss Center on Law and Security panel with Liza Goitein, Andrew McCabe, Julian Sanchez, Andrew Weissmann, and Adam Serwer.

Video of Expert Panel: Reforming the FISA Process — Proposals for the Future

Full video of public conversation featuring Liza Goitein, Andrew McCabe, Julian Sanchez, Adam Serwer (moderator), and Andrew Weissmann.
A collage of photos of Les Parnas meeting with various people in the Trump administration, including, Trump, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Kellyanne Conway, Pence, and more.

15 Questions the Media Should Be Asking Lev Parnas

A list of specific questions reporters (and perhaps members of Congress, if the time comes) should be asking Lev Parnas.
William Colby points at a map using a pointer stick.

How Late DCI William Colby Saved the CIA, and What That Can Teach Us Today

His willingness to tell truth to power and the challenges he faced in overseeing previously unimagined institutional reforms offer important lessons at this momentous juncture…
Side by side photos of Gina Haspel and Joseph Maguire both giving testimony at separate meetings.

Three Things to Look For in the 2020 “Worldwide Threat Assessment” from the U.S. Intelligence Community

A year ago, very few Americans had ever heard of the U.S. intelligence community’s annual worldwide threats assessment and briefing to Congress. This year, the country should…
Marik String on July 24 2019 at a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing.

What the State Department Legal Adviser Promised Congress on Iran

Will Mr. Marik String keep his word?
The number 30 on a calendar is surrounded by a big red box.

The 30-Day Clock: Recent Law Requires Trump Admin. to Make Full Public Report on Soleimani and Shahlai Strikes

A classified war powers report won't do it. A formal, public explanation of the facts and legal justifications is legally required thanks to Congress’ having recently passed…
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