Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Scope and purpose

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.

Subcommittees

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

Bills

H.R. 1744 Passed Senate
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026
S. 4009 Passed Senate
Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act
S. 5611 In committee
SRBIJA Act
S. 5623 In committee
Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act of 2026
S. 5637 In committee
STRATA Act of 2026
S.Res. 932 In committee
A resolution requesting information on Venezuela's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
S. 5589 In committee
No United States Aid for Terrorism Act
S. 5595 In committee
Weapons Resupply, Stockpile, and Assurance Act
S.Res. 852 In committee
A resolution requesting information on Israel's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
H.Con.Res. 89 Passed House
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

See all 533 bills