Congressional Investigation
29 Articles

Congress Spotlight: The Minority’s Toolbox and a Possible Way Forward
The minority’s powers in Congress are limited—they cannot call hearings or issue subpoenas. But they do have a wide menu of options.

The State Department Should Provide Congress the Dissent Channel Cable on the Afghanistan Withdrawal
An ambassador responds to a colleague: release, with appropriate redaction, would support, not inhibit, State Department accountability.

Congress Can Investigate the Afghanistan Withdrawal Without Compromising a Vital Dissent Channel
Forcing release of such material would chill candor, intimidate potential dissenters from speaking up, and inject an element of gamesmanship.

A Pandemic Isn’t the Only Kind of “Catastrophic Risk.” It’s Time to Prepare More Seriously for the Next.
If any good is to come of this crisis, it must be an increased awareness of America’s vulnerability -- and what it takes to prepare.

Investigating a Crisis: A Comparison of Six U.S. Congressional Investigatory Commissions
A report that surveys the design, powers, and outcomes of significant congressionally created investigative commissions.

Iran’s Murder of an American, CIA Contractor Bob Levinson, Suggests Impunity at Home Too
In light of the internal power struggle that turned Levinson into a tragic pawn on the bureaucratic chessboard, fundamental questions remain unanswered.

The Trump-Giuliani Election Plan: Manipulating Voters
The public debate has included frequent reference to the potential destructive effects: illegal foreign interference in a presidential election that damages America’s democracy…

Understanding the Two Mazars Subpoena Cases Before the Supreme Court [UPDATED to reflect 11/25 stay of mandate]
Two cases currently before the Supreme Court involve whether the Constitution prohibits subpoenas issued to Donald Trump’s accounting firm, Mazars USA, LLP, requiring Mazars…

GOP “Storming” of Secure Facility for Impeachment Proceedings: An Explainer
How does a "SCIF" work, and can members of Congress be penalized for their en masse protest of testimony in the House impeachment investigation?

The Barr-Nadler Subpoena Standoff: Still Room for Accommodation?
In its standoff with the House Judiciary Committee over the Mueller report, the Justice Department’s assertions when it comes to protecting its law enforcement equities, are…

On Mueller Report, Barr Says No Executive Privilege Redactions. But Look for Assertion Later.
The release of the redacted version of the Mueller Report may not signal the end of debates over Executive Privilege, and is likely only the beginning of congressional activity…

The White House Counsel’s Flawed Response to Congress on Security Clearances
Intensifying congressional oversight activity prompted President Donald Trump to accuse Democrats of “presidential harassment.” He complained — falsely — that President…