U. S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives has jurisdiction over issues involving the United States and other countries and international organizations. While the U.S. Senate has the unique authority to advise and consent to treaties, the House exerts checks and balances there, both with opinions of the House, and the House's unique authority to initiate legislation involving spending.

Its responsibilities include:

• foreign assistance (including development assistance, Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Account, HIV/AIDS in foreign countries, security assistance, and Public Law 480 programs abroad); the Agency for International Development
• the Peace Corps
• national security developments affecting foreign policy
• strategic planning and agreements; war powers, treaties, executive agreements, and the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces; peacekeeping and peace enforcement, and enforcement of United Nations or other international sanctions
• arms control, counterproliferation and disarmament issues
  • the United States activities and policies of the State, Commerce and Defense Departments and other agencies related to the Arms Export Control Act, and the Foreign Assistance Act including export and licensing policy for munitions items and technology and dual-use equipment and technology
• international law
• democracy promotion
  • International broadcasting Broadcasting Board of Governors
  • public diplomacy including international communication, information policy, international education, and cultural programs;
  • international law enforcement issues, including narcotics control programs and activities

The Full Committee will have jurisdiction over legislation with respect to the administration of the Export Administration Act, including the export and licensing of dual-use equipment and technology and other matters related to international economic policy and trade not otherwise assigned to a subcommittee and with respect to the United Nations, its affiliated agencies and other international organizations, including assessed and voluntary contributions to such organizations.