How does congress have role in foreign policy

In the United States, Congress has a significant role in foreign policy. The Constitution of the United States divides foreign policy powers between the President and Congress to ensure checks and balances. Some of the key roles Congress plays in foreign policy are:

1. Advice and Consent: The Senate has the power to provide "advice and consent" on treaties and international agreements. This means that for a treaty to be ratified, it not only has to be negotiated and signed by the President but also must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

2. War Powers: Congress has the authority to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and regulate captures on land and water. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 further attempted to define and limit the President's powers to engage U.S. armed forces in hostilities without the consent of Congress.

3. Funding and Budgeting: Congress controls the purse strings of the federal government, including funding for defense and foreign aid. This allows Congress to influence foreign policy by approving or withholding funds for certain initiatives or programs.

4. Oversight and Investigation: Congressional committees, such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, conduct oversight of the executive branch's conduct of foreign policy. They can call hearings, request reports, and investigate foreign policy decisions and engagements.

5. Legislation: Congress can pass laws that direct or influence foreign policy. For example, it can impose economic sanctions on other countries, regulate trade, or define the terms and conditions under which the U.S. engages with other nations.

All these mechanisms ensure that Congress has a voice in shaping and directing the nation's foreign policy, thus providing a balance to the executive branch's power.