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.
2,460 Articles
Tax/Audit Reform Could Be the Legislative Purpose for Obtaining Trump’s Tax Returns
Recent congressional testimony reveals a legislative purpose for obtaining President Donald Trump's tax returns: reforming the taxing and auditing of high-income taxpayers.
When Is a “Literally True” Statement False and a Crime
"Reluctant witnesses, perhaps taking a cue from Attorney General William Barr’s April 9 testimony before a House committee, may think that so long as their testimony is literally…
The Three-Level Game in the White House Effort to Block McGahn’s Testimony
"It is a wonder that the attorney general is gambling on this case, to be brought on this record, to vindicate his constitutional theory."
Why the Fight for the Supreme Court Became So Ugly
In a new documentary, called “Supreme Revenge,” airing Tuesday night on PBS, FRONTLINE goes back decades to tell the story of how the Supreme Court confirmation process has…
New Legislation Offers Opportunity to Address 2001 Authorization for Use of Force, Amid Fears of War with Iran
Thanks to a new amendment that will be introduced today to must-pass legislation, Congress will have the opportunity to wrest greater control over its authorization of war under…
Bill Barr’s Extreme Views on War Powers Mean Congress’s Window to Stop War with Iran is Now
Attorney General Barr’s extreme past positions on unilateral presidential power could cut out any required role for Congress in authorizing or rejecting war. Here's what Congress…
McGahn’s Chief of Staff, Annie Donaldson May Be Congress’ Prized Witness
Don McGahn's chief of staff had a front seat at the Trump White House during the Russia investigation, and has reasons to comply with Congress' subpoena.
Why Robert Mueller Is Right that the Obstruction Statutes Apply to the President
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has a better argument than Attorney General William Barr about whether obstruction statutes apply to the president. They do, and here's why.
Lesson from Nixon: With Today’s Facts, Impeaching Trump Won’t Work
Impeachment of a president is a political act by Congress requiring time, facts, and bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. The Nixon impeachment had all that. Trump's…
The Precedent for Impeachment: Nixon, Not Clinton
[Editor’s note: Just Security is publishing a series in conversation with Sidney Blumenthal’s “An Open Memo: Comparison of Clinton Impeachment, Nixon Impeachment and…
An Open Memo: Comparison of Clinton Impeachment, Nixon Impeachment and Trump Pre-Impeachment
Blumenthal writes, "The Clinton example as a predictor should be dispensed with in considering Trump. ... Trump proceeds from a much weaker position than Nixon. He depends entirely…
Enforcing Congressional Subpoenas: A Modest Proposal
A change in the law that would enhance Congress’s ability to extract information from the executive branch is a heavy lift, particularly in the current climate. With that in…