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.

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2,465 Articles
Acting US Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell whispers in US Vice President Mike Pence's ear as US President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 4, 2020. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

US Democracy’s Survival Requires a More Powerful Response to January 6th

Team Trump's shocking efforts to manipulate government institutions to overturn the 2020 election results echo despots abroad.
US soldiers stand to attention at the United States Army military training base in Grafenwoehr, southern Germany, on July 13, 2022.

In Support of Sunsets: Easy Yes Votes on AUMF Reform

Congress and the Biden administration should support inclusion of a reauthorization requirement in any new authorization for use of military force.
Image: A group of about 12 men, all wearing white cowboy hats, sit around a conference table. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sits at the end of the table, speaking, in front of the seal of the state of Texas and flanked by American and Texas flags. AUSTIN, TX - JULY 10: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a border security briefing with sheriffs from border communities at the Texas State Capitol on July 10, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images)

The Biden Administration’s Options for Responding to Abbott’s Unconstitutional Border Enforcement Executive Order

The Texas governor has invoked war powers to respond to migrant arrivals at the border - potentially usurping federal prerogatives.
Committee members attend the fifth hearing held by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol on June 23, 2022 in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC.

Strongest Evidence of Guilt: Chart Tracking Trump’s Knowledge and Intent in Efforts to Overturn the Election

Key facts — concerning President Trump’s knowledge and beliefs when trying to overturn the election — based on Jan 6 hearings.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (L) (R-SC) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (R) (D-CT) arrive for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Russia Should Not be Designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism

An analysis of why designating Russia a state sponsor of terrorism could harm the interests of the Ukrainian government and the people of Ukraine.
Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., stand after to reading the final certification of Electoral College votes cast in November's presidential election during a joint session of Congress, after working through the night, at the Capitol on January 7, 2021 in Washington, DC.

A Historical Perspective on Alternate Electors: Lessons from Hayes-Tilden

The attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election has raised questions about a historical example in which self-proclaimed electoral votes were sent to, and considered by,…
Children look on as smoke billows above the residential area following airstrikes of the Saudi-led coalition targeting Houthi-held military positions on March 07, 2021 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Assessing Civilian Casualties Linked to U.S.-Made Weapons in Yemen

Mechanisms are needed to assess civilian harm resulting from U.S. arms sales to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
A collage of images featuring Marjorie Taylor Green, Allen West and Roger Stone with right-wing militia groups.

The GOP’s Militia Problem: Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and Lessons from Abroad

Scholar of comparative politics and expert on descent of political parties into use of violence/militia discusses the danger signs in United States.
A video featuring White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and deputy Pat Philbin is played during the fifth hearing by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon House Office Building on June 23, 2022 in Washington, DC.

The Law Requires Pat Cipollone to Answer the Jan. 6 Committee’s Questions

Former White House Counsel W. Neil Eggleston writes about the legal and professional implications for Trump's White House Counsel if Cipollone refuses to appear and fully answer…
Three CSX Transportation coal trains sit in a rail yard June 3, 2014 in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Greenhouse Gaslighting: Deceptive Moderation and West Virginia v. EPA

"Big federal legislation like the Clean Air Act ... [is] the direct and fundamental product of American democracy. Unlike the major questions doctrine."
Cassidy Hutchinson, a top former aide to Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, testifies during the sixth hearing by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon House Office Building on June 28, 2022 in Washington, DC.

The January 6th Hearings: Criminal Evidence Tracker Sixth Edition

The January 6th Select Committee’s sixth public hearing on Tuesday featured explosive testimony from Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows. She…
Cassidy Hutchinson, former aide to Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, is sworn in to testify as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, DC, June 28, 2022. (Photo by SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

For US Independence Day, January 6th Hearings Reveal Authoritarianism’s Achilles Heel

Donald Trump’s failure to overturn the 2020 election wasn’t inevitable. It depended on individual decisions amid mass mobilization.
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