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.
Highlights:
Before Enforcing the New Foreign Data Law (PADFAA), Congress Must Fix These Five Things
PADFAA was enacted with the right intent but the wrong architecture. Congress must adopt five targeted amendments before enforcement begins.
Expert Backgrounder on War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock for Boat Strikes Expiring Monday
Expert backgrounder on how War Powers Resolution works in application to U.S. military operations against suspected drug cartels.
Will the Intelligence Committees Meet the Challenge of CIA Covert Action in Venezuela?
U.S. law provides the congressional Intelligence Committees with tools to evaluate covert action programs and spur potential legislative action.
Timeline of Vessel Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
U.S. Saber Rattling and Venezuela: Lawful Show of Force or Unlawful Threat of Force?
Clearly, U.S. actions are threatening to Venezuela. But do they amount to an unlawful threat under international law, or are they merely a lawful show of force?
Dissecting the Trump Administration’s Effort to Circumvent the War Powers Resolution for Boat Strikes
The administration's legal argument is both "incorrect and dangerous," writes Finucane.
2,455 Articles
A SCOTUS Bench Memo for the Trump Tariff Case: Separation of Powers, Delegation, Emergencies, and Pretext
By enacting IEEPA, did Congress authorize the president to impose tariffs? If so does, is that delegation of authority lawful?
The Use of Tariffs to Raise Revenue is a Choice for Congress, not the President
Congress did not write IEEPA to allow a President to replace the income tax system with a patchwork of tariffs that they can impose, adjust, or suspend at will.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
The $550 Billion Shadow Budget: Trump’s Japan Deal and the Disappearing Appropriations Clause
The deal circumvents the Appropriations Clause and congressional safeguards designed to enforce it, creating a system answerable only to the White House.
The Caribbean Strikes and the Collapse of Legal Oversight in U.S. Military Operations
Congress and the public must do more to address the dangerous pressures imposed on servicemembers and defend the guardrails that protect both U.S. forces and democracy.
Should Inspectors General be Moved to the Legislative Branch?
Almost immediately upon taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump unlawfully fired 17 inspectors general (IGs), and over the course of this year has taken actions…
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part III
Tess Bridgeman is joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to assess the latest strikes, the brief detention of two survivors, where the campaign may be headed, and what…
Global Fragility Act 2.0? Amid a Possible Bipartisan Revival, a Chance to Make U.S. Peace Efforts More Effective
If the administration seizes this moment, GFA 2.0 could help the U.S. prevent costly wars and compete effectively with rivals abroad.
Some Questions About Trump’s Order Pledging to Defend Qatar’s Security
Trump's Executive Order on Qatar raises a number of important legal and policy questions that merit careful consideration by Congress and the public.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part II — What We Know about U.S. Vessel Strikes One Month In
Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to analyze the facts, the law, and implications of U.S. killings in the Caribbean.
What the Senate Judiciary Committee Should Ask A.G. Bondi on Drug Cartel Strikes
Annotated questions Congress should be asking about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
Legal Flaws in the Trump Administration’s Notice to Congress on “Armed Conflict” with Drug Cartels
The Trump administration’s “armed conflict” justification, however, is groundless.