Congressional Oversight

× Clear Filters
418 Articles
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rubio testified on the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of State. (Photo by John McDonnell/Getty Images)

How the Proposed State Department Reorganization Guts U.S. Human Rights Diplomacy

"Congress should urge Secretary Rubio to modify the proposed plan in ways that would sustain bipartisan U.S. efforts to advance democracy and human rights across the globe."
Secretary Noem posts an Instagram reel on April 8, 2025 with the text message: "Human traffickers. Drug Smugglers. 18th Street Gang members. Spent the morning in Phoenix with our brave @icegov and Arizona law enforcement arresting these dirtbags and getting them off of our streets."

What are “Wartime Authorities” and When Can the President Use Them? An Expert Q&A

It is essential to understand the line between war and peace, scrutinize the application of wartime powers, and interrogate the president’s assertions when he triggers them.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), accompanied by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) (L) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) (2nd-L)

In Congress, a Welcome, But Flawed, Step to Stop Trump’s Transfers to Torture

The El Salvador 502B resolution risks falsely drawing distinctions about the applicability of human rights based on immigration status.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele

The Dirty Deal with El Salvador

What’s known about the agreement between the United States and El Salvador when it comes to CECOT prison, and why sworn testimony may be needed to fill in the gaps.
Tank and soldiers shown on Mexico border

The New “National Defense Area” at the Southern Border: What You Need to Know

NSPM-4 creates a military area that is twice the size of Washington, D.C. and expands the military’s role in stopping cross-border migration.
U.S. President Donal Trump shakes hands with El Salvador Presidnet Nayib Bukele next to an American flag.

The New Transparency Rules and the El Salvador Detention Agreement

A 2022 statute could force disclosure of any U.S.-El Salvador agreements connected to the facility where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is detained
A person wearing a Panamanian flag steps on a U.S. flag.

Upending the International Order: Why Undermining the UN Charter and US Defense Commitments is Self-Defeating

The President should understand that bellicose threats and unreliability as an ally may leave the United States poorer and more vulnerable on his watch and will frustrate his nuclear…
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) (C) and fellow Senate Democrats hold photographs of constituents they say are negatively impacted by President Donald Trump's actions during his first month in office outside U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Weme, NATO Headquarters, salutes the American flag during a Veterans Day ceremony

Veterans Can’t Sit This One Out

Veteran Services Organizations and veterans should be leading the charge to defend our constitutional system
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: Understanding the Congressional Investigations Landscape

Ronak D. Desai explains what to expect for congressional investigations and oversight with unified Republican control of both chambers.
A pro-democracy protester engages with police while holding a flag in Hong Kong.

Trump’s China Tariff Now Treats Hong Kong the Same as the Mainland, a First in US Policy

Trump's tariffs treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from China, disregarding Hong Kong’s status as an autonomous territory.
The photo shows a white cargo plane almost obscured by pallets covered with large bundles wrapped in brown paper, clear plastic and crisscrossed rope.

The Legal Problem with Trump’s WHO Order: The US Cannot Withdraw Until It Pays Its Dues

US and international law haven't changed since the last time Trump tried mandating withdrawal and nonpayment during his first term.
1-12 of 418 items

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