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 (= foreign office). 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).

Members, 112th Congress

The Committee is chaired by Democrat John Kerry of Massachusetts, and the Ranking Member is Republican Richard Lugar of Indiana.

Source: 2011 Congressional Record, Vol. 157, Page S557

Subcommittees

Chairmen (1816-present)

References

1. ^ History of the Committee

• Congresspedia (2006). Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

External links

• U.S. Senate Committee of Foreign Relations Official Website
• U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) Page for the Committee of Foreign Relations
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee member profiles at WhoRunsGov at The Washington Post