Congressional Affairs at CSIS

As a bipartisan think tank, CSIS strives to provide a platform for leaders in Congress to engage with the broader policy community on issues affecting U.S. national security and foreign affairs.

Expert Support for Congress

For more than 50 years, CSIS has prioritized outreach to Members of Congress and their staff to provide in-depth, strategic analysis and guidance from the world’s leading experts in defense and security policy, global challenges, and regional studies. More recently, CSIS has also prioritized outreach on issues related to economic security and technology.

Through speaking events, topical briefing series, participation in policy conferences, and membership on commissions and task forces, CSIS helps leaders in Congress effectively engage the broader policy community.

CSIS’s expertise in providing grounded, actionable, and bipartisan policy solutions uniquely positions CSIS to help Congress address the national security, development, and foreign policy challenges facing the United States.

CSIS Provides:

  • A bipartisan platform from which members of Congress can powerfully engage the wider policy community
  • In-office briefings from top policy experts with government, academic, and field experience
  • Staff-focused policy discussions
  • Hill briefs, short digests of key issues for congressional staff
  • Commentaries, Critical Questions, and other timely analysis on current issues
  • In-depth reports with realistic policy recommendations
  • Testimony
  • Opportunities for Members and staff to participate in CSIS events, projects, and initiatives

Are you a congressional staff wanting to contact a CSIS expert? Are you interested in CSIS public or private events for Members of Congress and staff? Connect with our team!

Chloe Himmel

Chloe Himmel

Director, Congressional and Government Affairs
Christian Hyde

Christian Hyde

Associate Director, Congressional and Government Affairs
Daniel Bengard

Dylan Bengard

Program Manager, Congressional and Government Affairs

Featured Testimony

All Congressional Affairs at CSIS Content

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Gregory B. Poling: Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources

Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing is a nontraditional, but important national security consideration. The U.S. is equipped to take stronger action to limit IUU fishing and its consequences of abetting crime networks and violating international sovereignty.

Congressional Testimony by Gregory B. Poling — June 12, 2025

Whitley Saumweber: Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources

The issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is central to questions of national wealth, sovereignty, and market stability in the U.S. and our global partners. Adequate solutions to the escalating IUU problem will require interagency and international cooperation on this bipartisan topic.

Transcript by Whitley Saumweber — June 12, 2025

Barriers to Supply Chain Modernization and Factor Productivity Enhancements

Rebuilding U.S. manufacturing is essential for economic competitiveness and national security. Innovation without production weakens America’s industrial base. Sustained investment in talent, infrastructure, and tech leadership will bolster U.S. manufacturing leadership.

Congressional Testimony by Sujai Shivakumar — June 5, 2025

After Assad: The Future of Syria

Syria is at a critical crossroads, with its future still uncertain. A strategy focused on coordination with allies in the region, cautious engagement, and internal policy alignment is key to advancing U.S. interests and engaging with the new Syrian government.

Congressional Testimony by Jon B. Alterman — June 5, 2025

A Dire Crisis in Sudan: A Global Call to Action

Sudan's war is spiraling into a regional proxy conflict, with drones, foreign fighters, and arms flows reshaping the battlefield. Without urgent U.S.-led engagement to rein in external actors, Sudan and the region risks wider destabilization.

Congressional Testimony by Cameron Hudson — May 22, 2025

Trade in Critical Supply Chains

The U.S. must act urgently to secure critical minerals vital to national security and economic competitiveness. This includes collaboration with allies, which will be key to competing with China’s dominance and building resilient supply chains.

Congressional Testimony by Gracelin Baskaran — May 14, 2025