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.

× Clear Filters
2,559 Articles
Fiona Hill, the former top Russia expert on the National Security Council, testifies during the House Intelligence Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on November 21, 2019. David Holmes sits next to her.

Fiona Hill: A “Domestic Political Errand” Eclipsed the “Regular Channel” on Ukraine Policy

Hill’s testimony clarified that what had appeared to be the secretive “irregular” channel actually had sign-off from the president. And while several career officials charged…
Fiona Hill, former Special Assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the United States National Security Council, arrives on Capitol Hill on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC.

White House Counsel Sends Fiona Hill Letter on “Executive Privilege” on Eve of Public Hearing

On Thursday, Deputy White House Counsel Michael M. Purpura sent a letter to Fiona Hill’s attorney setting out the administration’s views of executive privilege. The letter…
Ranking member Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) questions National Security Council Director for European Affairs Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Jennifer Williams, adviser to Vice President Mike Pence for European and Russian affairs during testimony before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill November 19, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Trump and GOP Call to ID Whistleblower Exposes Glaring Gaps in Protections

There are punishments for disclosing a whistleblower's identity in such a case. But the entire system is a patchwork of laws that needs to be rethought.
Former Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker is surrounded by officers and staff as he departs a closed-door deposition led by the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill on October 3, 2019 in Washington, DC. Volker resigned from his position on September 27.

Chart: Side-by-Side Comparison of Kurt Volker’s vs Other Witnesses’ Testimony in Impeachment Inquiry

It appears that Ambassador Volker lied to Congress in violation of federal law for denying knowledge or involvement in President Trump and Giuliani’s efforts to press Ukraine…
Antique Vintage Map of Europe

Trump Repudiates a Century of U.S. Policy

The United States has consistently held that it was in our national security interest to ensure that only peaceful means were used to alter political boundaries in Europe. The…
Amb. William Taylor and Deputy Assistant Secretary Of State George Kent testify at Impeachment Hearing

Highlights of Taylor-Kent Hearing and Connections to Other Witnesses

Key takeaways from the first day of public hearings in the House impeachment inquiry, with crucial insights from top experts on Ukraine, congressional oversight, and rule of law.
A collage of witnesses called to testify during the Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry.

A Who’s Who of Ukraine Witnesses

A guide to all of the witnesses who have either testified or have been requested to testify in the impeachment inquiry.
Will Hurd, Elissa Slotkin, Andy Kim, and Lisa Monaco speak at the Reiss Center on Law and Security event “From the Executive Branch to Congress: National Security Leaders Who Crossed the Divide.”

Event Roundup: From the Executive Branch to Congress – National Security Leaders Who Crossed the Divide

What is it like to go from working in the executive branch – whether it’s in the White House, the Pentagon, or the CIA – to being a lawmaker on Capitol Hill? That was the…
A Coalition member hangs an 81-millimeter mortar prior to launching it at a known ISIS location near the Iraqi-Syrian border, May 13, 2018.

Congress Must Act to Protect Those Who’ve Supported Us in Syria

Congress should pass comprehensive legislation mirroring the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act to provide similar options for our Kurdish partners and others in Syria who are in danger.…
Laura Cooper, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia arrives for a closed-door deposition at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on October 30, 2019.

Executive Privilege is No Bar to Testimony Before Impeachment Investigators

Impeachment is different from regular congressional oversight. Witnesses summoned to appear before the House Intelligence Committee should not view executive privilege as standing…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky leaves a search and rescue ship in the port city of Mariupol on June 15, 2019, after a military exercises in the Sea of Azov.

Why Does Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Say He Felt No Pressure From Trump?

Ukraine’s new president has played along with Trump -- in their July 25 phone call and in remarks since then. That has allowed the Trump-Giuliani camp to cite his statements…
Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House in Washington, DC, October 23, 2019 as US Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo look on.

How Trump Could Really End “Endless Wars”

If Trump were serious about his professed desire to end endless wars, he would offer a responsible plan for repealing the statutory authorization that three successive administrations…
1-12 of 2,559 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: