Congressional Oversight
418 Articles

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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…

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.

Veterans Can’t Sit This One Out
Veteran Services Organizations and veterans should be leading the charge to defend our constitutional system

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.

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 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.