Foreign Policy: International Relations

Congress plays a critical role in shaping and overseeing U.S. foreign policy.

Here’s a deep dive into how Congress influences international relations:

Legislative Authority:

1. War Powers:
   • Congress has the power to declare war, as outlined in the Constitution. While the President commands the military, Congress authorizes the use of military force through declarations of war or authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF).
2. Treaty Ratification:
   • The Senate ratifies treaties negotiated by the President with foreign nations, ensuring their legal validity and international standing.

Oversight and Checks:

1. Congressional Oversight:
   • Committees in both the House and Senate oversee foreign policy through hearings, investigations, and reviews of executive actions. These committees monitor and influence diplomatic initiatives, international agreements, and foreign aid.
2. Budgetary Authority:
   • Congress controls the federal budget, including funding for diplomatic missions, foreign aid programs, and military assistance to foreign allies. This provides a powerful tool for shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Legislation and Policy Formulation:

1. Legislation and Resolutions:
   • Congress passes laws and resolutions that impact foreign policy, covering a wide range of issues such as sanctions, trade agreements, human rights, and international alliances.
2. Advice and Consent:
   • The Senate provides “advice and consent” on key appointments, including ambassadors, cabinet-level officials, and heads of international organizations, ensuring scrutiny and approval of key diplomatic roles.

Influence on Executive Action:

1. Limiting Presidential Actions:
   • Congress can restrict or curtail the President’s ability to conduct foreign policy by passing legislation, resolutions, or using the power of the purse to restrict funding for certain activities.
2. Political Influence and Diplomacy:
   • Through public statements, resolutions, and official delegations, members of Congress can exert political influence, shape public opinion, and engage in informal diplomacy.

For all this:

Congress’s role in foreign policy is fundamental to the U.S. system of checks and balances.

While the President conducts foreign relations, Congress actively shapes, monitors, and influences U.S. international engagements through legislative action, oversight, budgetary control, and the ratification of treaties, ensuring a collaborative and accountable approach to global affairs.