United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is a standing committee of the United States Senate. It is charged with leading foreign-policy legislation and debate in the Senate. The Foreign Relations Committee is generally responsible for overseeing (but not administering) and funding foreign aid programs as well as funding, arms sales and training for national allies. The committee is also responsible for holding confirmation hearings for high-level positions in the Department 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.[1] Along with the Finance and Judiciary Committees, the Foreign Relations Committee is one of the oldest in the Senate, going back to the initial creation of committees in 1816. Its sister committee in the House of Representatives is the Committee on Foreign Affairs (renamed from International Relations by the 110th Congress in January 2007).
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[edit] Members, 111th Congress
The Committee is chaired by Democrat John Kerry of Massachusetts, and the Ranking Member is Republican Richard Lugar of Indiana.
| Majority | Minority |
|---|---|
|
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Source: 2009 Congressional Record, Vol. 155, Page S729 , S879, S7807
[edit] Subcommittees
| Subcommittee | Chair | Ranking Member |
|---|---|---|
| Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics Affairs | Christopher Dodd (D-CT) | John Barrasso (R-WY) |
| Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs | Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) | Jim Risch (R-ID) |
| African Affairs | Russ Feingold (D-WI) | Johnny Isakson (R-GA) |
| East Asian and Pacific Affairs | Jim Webb (D-VA) | James Inhofe (R-OK) |
| International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues | Barbara Boxer (D-CA) | Roger Wicker (R-MS) |
| European Affairs | Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) | Jim DeMint (R-SC) |
| International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection | Bob Menendez (D-NJ) | Bob Corker (R-TN) |
[edit] Chairmen (1816-present)
[edit] References
- Congresspedia (2006). Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
[edit] External links
- U.S. Senate Committee of Foreign Relations Official Website
- U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) Page for the Committee of Foreign Relations
