Committee on Foreign Relations

Established in 1816, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, influencing key decisions in matters of war, peace, and diplomacy. The committee has dealt with significant treaties, such as the purchase of Alaska and the creation of the United Nations, and oversees diplomatic nominations. It was instrumental in rejecting the Treaty of Versailles and approving the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan. Since the 1960s, the committee has worked to rebalance the distribution of power between Congress and the Executive in foreign affairs.