Today's Headlines and Commentary

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has asked President Trump to either delay his State of the Union address—scheduled to take place on Jan. 29—or submit a written message, amid security concerns due to the government shutdown, reports the New York Times.

Four Americans were among those killed in Wednesday’s suicide explosion in Syria, claimed by the Islamic State; the attack highlighted the debate surrounding Trump’s decision last month to order a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, reports the Washington Post.

Republican senators blocked a resolution to overturn the Trump administration’s plan to lift sanctions on companies controlled by Oleg Deripaska, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, although eleven Republicans voted with the Democrats in support of the resolution, according to the Post.

Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said that possible “collusion” could have taken place between Trump’s presidential campaign and Russian officials, but added that Trump himself would not have been involved, says Politico.

British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a vote of no confidence by Parliament, following the defeat of her Brexit proposal a day earlier, according to the Times.

ICYMI: Yesterday on Lawfare

On a special edition of the Lawfare Podcast, Matthew Kahn shared attorney general nominee Bill Barr’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, focusing on the national security questions asked by the senators.

Thomas E. Kellogg analyzed China’s use of exit bans and the questions it raises about the country’s commitment to international law.

Bobby Chesney provided a guide on the three Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provisions set to expire in December, exploring the provisions themselves and what could occur if they are not renewed.

Amanda Sloat explored the plans for Brexit following the defeat of Prime Minister Theresa May’s proposal on Tuesday.

Bob Bauer analyzed the dilemma of the Barr nomination and the risks associated with minimizing the political pressure and conflict created by President Trump.

Jen Patja Howell shared this week’s episode of Rational Security, in which Tamara Cofman Wittes, Shane Harris and Susan Hennessey discuss attorney general nominee Bill Barr’s comments on the Mueller probe, President Trump’s troubling relationship with Russia and the possibility of pulling out of NATO.

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