Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate. Throughout its history, the committee has been instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy, at different times supporting and opposing the policies of presidents and secretaries of state. The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation, ranging from the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It also holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations. Through these powers, the committee has helped shape foreign policy of broad significance, in matters of war and peace and international relations. Members of the committee have assisted in the negotiation of treaties, and at times have helped to defeat treaties they felt were not in the national interest.
Leadership
Roster (22)
- ChairmanID
- Ranking MemberNH
MemberNE
MemberPA
MemberMT
MemberTN
MemberWY
MemberUT
MemberKY
MemberTX
MemberFL
MemberUT
MemberTX
MemberDE
MemberCT
MemberVA
MemberOR
MemberNJ
MemberHI
MemberMD
MemberIL
MemberNV
Subcommittees (7)
- Africa and Global Health Policy
- East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy
- Europe and Regional Security Cooperation
- Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions, and International Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy
- Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism
- State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development
- Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues