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Congressional undersight: Congress’s low capacity in foreign affairs and war-making

November 12, 2019  ·  Casey Burgat
Currently, however, Congress’s oversight capacity is alarmingly lacking. The legislative branch simply does not have the levels of staff resources, funding or expertise to conduct effective oversight of the executive… Read More

Recommendation to the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to bolster remote and district office technology for First Branch Continuity of Government

November 9, 2019  ·  Lorelei Kelly and Marci Harris
Aftermath of the 1915 bombing of the Capitol. Source: Library of Congress. The ability to receive and convey secure information is a constitutional imperative for Members of Congress and… Read More

Congressional Capacity and Endless War in Afghanistan & Syria

November 8, 2019  ·  Kevin Kosar
Source: Defense.gov. RSVP here. U.S. military personnel invaded Afghanistan almost two decades ago, and the U.S government began supplying aid to Syrian rebels in 2012. In… Read More

Groups ask Pelosi and McCarthy to extend the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress

November 6, 2019  ·  Kevin Kosar
The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress’ charter expires in two months. Plainly, there is a ton more that needs to be done to reform and reinvigorate Congress. A diverse… Read More

A dynamic relationship: How Congress and the presidency shape foreign policy

November 6, 2019  ·  James Wallner
To better understand what happens when the pendulum of power swings back and forth between Congress and the president, this paper examines the procedural and strategic dynamics that underlie the… Read More

Democrats signal they may be ready to play hardball on the impeachment process

November 5, 2019  ·  Casey Burgat
Those following the unfolding impeachment drama have turned their eyes to Thursday’s much-anticipated vote in the House on a resolution that formalizes procedures for the House’s inquiry into… Read More

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about educational pipelines to Capitol Hill

November 4, 2019  ·  Casey Burgat and Trey Billing
Paths from college to the Capitol for every DC-based congressional staffer. What schools produce the most staffers on Capitol Hill? Do certain colleges or universities have established pipelines to the… Read More

Testimony on zombie programs, aka unauthorized appropriations

October 31, 2019  ·  Kevin Kosar
Written testimony of Kevin R. Kosar Vice President of Policy, R Street Institute Before the U.S. Senate, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs,… Read More

Last time Congress got its mojo back

October 30, 2019  ·  Philip Wallach
Ever since they retook control of the House of Representatives last November, Democrats have been itching for a proper fight with President Trump. Still, at the behest of their leaders,… Read More

Why Congress can’t sue to end military conflicts

October 29, 2019  ·  Anthony Marcum
Despite significant military engagement, Congress did not directly authorize hostilities in either Libya or Syria. And both instances were criticized by scholars and members of Congress as an… Read More