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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The damaged interior of the hospital in which the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) medical charity operated is seen on October 13, 2015 following an air strike in the northern city of Kunduz.

Congress Expands Oversight of U.S. Payments for Civilian Deaths

The payments are among the only ways the U.S. military acknowledges and responds to civilian deaths or injuries in its operations, and previous reporting exposed significant gaps…
US Attorney General William Barr (L) and US President Donald Trump

A National Security Impeachment

"What this standoff also reveals is a deeper threat to our constitutional system, and a pathway forward for legislators to guard against abuses by this and future presidents."
A soldier sits in an U.S. Army helicopter as it flies outside of Camp Shorab on a flight to Camp Post on September 11, 2017 at Camp Shorab in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Hidden Gems: Civilian Casualties and Use of Force Reporting Provisions in the Annual Defense Bill

For all the ways that the NDAA falls short on various human rights issues, there are some bright spots that should not be overlooked.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) takes questions during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill December 12, 2019 in Washington, DC.

The House Should Pause Impeachment

"It’s better for the House and for the country to hit pause, and turn now to the courts for resolution."
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk to Marine One, departing from the White House on December 2, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Federal Criminal Offenses and the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump

Experts conclude President's conduct involves multiple federal crimes.
The Taedong river and city skyline of Pyongyang prior to the annual Pyongyang marathon on April 8, 2018.

Recent North Korea Sanctions Arrest Raises Questions About Free Speech Rights

Virgil Griffith, it’s safe to assume, did not have a happy Thanksgiving. On arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from abroad, he was arrested that day. An unsealed criminal…
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), speaks at a press conference while Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Devin Nunes (R-CA), and Doug Collins (R-GA), stand with him on stage.

Republican Leaders are Playing a Dangerous Game

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, recently told an NBC News reporter, “Every elected official in the Ukraine was for Hillary Clinton.…
Ranking member Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) watches minority counsel Steve Castor and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) confer during a House Intelligence Committee meeting in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill November 19, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Seven Outright Falsehoods in GOP Staff Report on Impeachment

"In order to depict the events at the heart of the Trump-Ukraine impeachment inquiry in a light that could at all be construed as a defense of President Trump’s conduct, it appears…
Gordon Sondland, the U.S ambassador to the European Union, testifies before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill November 20, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Why Does Gordon Sondland Still Have a Job?

The Ambassador should resign or be removed and the best timing for that is now, writes Ryan Goodman.
The U.S. Supreme Court at night.

With Supreme Court Mired in Dark Money, Time for Large Dose of Transparency

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse writes that there is a dual problem with the Supreme Court: not only the web of special-interest, secret donor influence surrounding it; but an extraordinary…
Gordon Sondland (L), the U.S ambassador to the European Union, confers with his attorney Bob Luskin (L) while testifying before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill November 20, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Here’s the Proof that Trump’s “No Quid Pro Quo” Call Never Happened

Congress may have been mistakenly led to believe there were two phone calls. There was only one. It was on Sept. 7, and it was highly incriminating.
Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney answers questions during a briefing at the White House October 17, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Trump’s Hold on Ukrainian Military Aid was Illegal

The Trump White House created an irregular budgetary process to match its irregular foreign policy process on Ukraine. Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine was illegal…
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