CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Foreign Policy and International Affairs

Foreign policy legislation covers treaties, foreign aid, diplomatic relations, sanctions, and the State Department's authority and budget. The Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs committees lead, with constant coordination with Armed Services and Intelligence on national-security dimensions.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • House Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Military and Foreign Affairs

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

61 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • HCONRES. 86 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

    Sponsor:
    Gregory W. Meeks · Democratic · NY
    Latest action:
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  • HR. 8168 — Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act

    Sponsor:
    Matt Van Epps · Republican · TN
    Latest action:
    Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 2.

  • HR. 8595 — National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027

    Sponsor:
    Mario Diaz-Balart · Republican · FL
    Latest action:
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1377 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1181, H.R. 9022, H.R. 8595 and H.R. 9237. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1181 and H.R. 9237 under a closed rule and H.R. 9022 and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

  • HRES. 1375 — Reaffirming the importance of the United States promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world.

    Sponsor:
    Ted Lieu · Democratic · CA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  • HR. 8290 — China Exchange Rate Accountability Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Pete Sessions · Republican · TX
    Latest action:
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 611.

  • S. 4610 — Pacific POWER Act

    Latest action:
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  • SRES. 777 — A resolution designating May 1, 2026, as "United States Foreign Service Day" in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States, and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty.

    Sponsor:
    Dan Sullivan · Republican · AK
    Latest action:
    Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2886; text: CR S2899)

  • S. 3733 — A bill to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application.

    Latest action:
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Frequently asked

How does Congress shape foreign policy?

Through treaty ratification (Senate only), foreign aid appropriations, sanctions authority, and confirmation of ambassadors. Congress also frequently passes resolutions expressing the sense of the body on specific international situations.