US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

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Message from the Chairman

Thank you for visiting the website of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Since the Committee’s founding in 1816, it has played a vital role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, ranging from approving the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the creation of the United Nations in 1945 to present day.

This committee is responsible for overseeing the foreign policy agencies of the U.S. government, including the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the Peace Corps. The Committee reviews and considers all diplomatic nominations and international treaties, as well as legislation relating to U.S. foreign policy.

In the coming months and years, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will address some of the most pressing challenges this nation faces. America faces momentous challenges: wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, climate change, the spread of nuclear weapons, global terrorism, and an unfolding financial crisis with global implications. Senator Lugar and I are dedicated to making the committee a vital forum for a spirited exchange of ideas. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has historically been a place for bipartisanship—a place where both parties and all members come together to advance America’s interests in the world. I am confident that the 111th Congress will reinforce and build on that legacy. I hope you find this website useful. Come back often!

Sincerely,

John F. Kerry

Chairman: John F. Kerry
Ranking Member: Richard G. Lugar

Upcoming Hearings

Committee Members

Subcommittees

Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs

Subcommittee on African Affairs

Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy, and Global Women’s Issues

Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection

Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs

Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Subcommittee on European Affairs