Committee Oversight Plan

Committee on Foreign Affairs Oversight Plan of the Committee 114th Congress

Adopted January 21, 2015

1.   INTRODUCTION

Pursuant to the requirements of House Rule X(2)(d)(1), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (“the Committee”) has adopted an oversight plan for the 114th Congress which will be shared with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration. This plan summarizes the Committee’s oversight priorities for the next two years, subject to the understanding that new developments will undoubtedly affect priorities and work assignments in the months ahead.

Congressional oversight remains one of the key responsibilities of the legislative branch. Committee Rule 15 requires each Subcommittee to hold regular oversight hearings.  Oversight activities will thus be coordinated between the Committee and the Subcommittees, in order to facilitate comprehensive and strategic oversight of the programs and agencies within the Committee’s jurisdiction.

Oversight activities may include hearings, briefings, investigations, Member or staff-level meetings, correspondence, fact-finding travel, reports, and public statements. They may also include effective use and review of reports by the Government Accountability Office and by statutory Inspectors General, as well as Congressional Notifications submitted by executive branch agencies.  The Committee will also consult, as appropriate, with other committees of the House that may share jurisdiction.

The Committee’s oversight activities will emphasize:

·      effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy;

·      effective implementation of U.S. law;

·      the review of agencies and programs operating under permanent statutory authority;

·      the  elimination  of  programs  and  expenditures  that  are  inefficient,  duplicative,  or outdated; and

·      institutional reform, efficiency, and fiscal discipline.

2.   PRIORITY OVERSIGHT MATTERS

a.   ISIS & Syria: The Committee will scrutinize U.S. efforts to combat the terrorist group known as ISIS, as well as the larger crisis unfolding in Iraq and Syria, including the latter country’s ongoing civil war. Particular attention will be paid to U.S. military and diplomatic efforts to fight ISIS, the organization’s funding and recruitment, international efforts to eliminate the presence and use of chemical weapons in Syria, and efforts to document potential war crimes by parties to the conflict.

b.   International  Terrorism  and  Transnational  Organized  Crime:   The  Committee  will examine the current status of al-Qaeda and its affiliates, with a specific focus on recruitment efforts, evolving save havens, and efforts to obtain WMDs.  The Committee will conduct oversight of the State Department’s various counterterrorism programs.  The Committee will also examine the growing links between organized crime, illicit drugs, and global terrorism.   Other transnational criminal issues of interest include maritime piracy, human, arms and wildlife trafficking, money laundering and intellectual property piracy issues.

c.   Iran:  The Committee will  continue to  closely review U.S.  policy toward  Iran,  with special focus on the P5+1 negotiations regarding the status of Iran’s nuclear program. The Committee will also analyze the threat posed by Iran’s state sponsorship of terrorism and growing influence in Iraq and the region, along with the regime’s human rights abuses.

d.   Middle  East  and  North  Africa:    In  addition  to  the  conflict  in  Iraq  and  Syria,  the Committee will carefully review U.S. policy toward the Middle East and North Africa, to include: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the overall status of the Middle East peace process, as well as international efforts to rebuild Gaza; the broader transitions and/or reform efforts taking place in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Libya, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan and other countries in the region; and United States policies, programs, authorities and funding to address these challenges.

e.   Afghanistan:   The   Committee   will   comprehensively   review   U.S.   policy   toward Afghanistan, including the update and implementation of the internationally-negotiated Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework.   Particular focus will be paid to efforts to tackle corruption, improve governance, and strengthen security.  This review will assess the  effectiveness  of  U.S.  assistance  programs,  the  broader  political-military  and associated counterterrorism strategies, and the full range of policies related to the post-2014 transition, including programs and budgeting processes.

f.    Pakistan:  The  Committee  will  review  all  elements  of  U.S.  policy  toward  Pakistan, including efforts to eliminate safe havens for violent extremists and establish a stable, democratic  country.   This  review  will  encompass  both  U.S.  civilian  and  security assistance to Pakistan, in order to assess the extent to which such programs effectively advance U.S. national interests.  The Committee will also conduct ongoing oversight of matters relating to Pakistan’s nuclear program, including issues relating to nonproliferation, such as the legacy of the A.Q. Khan network.

g.   North Korea: The Committee will review the nuclear, missile and cyber threat posed by North Korea, its proliferation activities and weapon sales involving rogue regimes, its illicit  activities,  continuing human rights  violations,  and  U.S.  efforts  to  assist  North Korean refugees. The Committee will review U.S. diplomatic efforts and will examine next steps in U.S. policy to address the North Korean threat.

h.   State Department Oversight, Authorization, and Reform:   The Committee will monitor and examine the operations, budget, programs, planning, human resources, building, and security policies of the Department of State, with an eye toward authorization and reform legislation for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016 that promotes U.S. national interests in a cost- effective and accountable manner.  Special emphasis will be placed on reforming and streamlining  the bureaucracy of  the  Department  of  State  –  increasing  programmatic functions while lowering overhead costs.  Emphasis will also be placed on improving the Department’s collection and use of data to inform management decisions, including but not limited to: improving operational effectiveness, alignment of budgets and strategic priorities, program evaluation, and human resource policies.  In addition to hearings with the Secretary of State and other Administration officials regarding their budget proposals for the upcoming year, such efforts may include: revisions to the Department’s policies of recruitment, training, retention, and merit based pay compensation in the Excepted and Competitive Services; consideration of reforms to Executive Branch reporting requirements; and a reduction or consolidation of offices with duplicative mandates and overlapping responsibilities. In the wake of increasing threats to U.S. personnel serving overseas, the Committee will continue to evaluate the security of our embassies and consulates, along with proposed reforms to the State Department’s diplomatic security service.

i.    Asia-Pacific  Region:  The  Committee  will  review  the  U.S.’s  significant  political, economic, and security interests in the Asia-Pacific, including East and Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.   The Committee will conduct oversight of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacific, including foreign policy, foreign assistance funding, security  cooperation,  territorial  disputes,  and  trade  relations.    The  Committee  will examine the State Department’s participation in multilateral organizations such as the Asia-Pacific  Economic  Cooperation  (APEC)  forum  and  the  East  Asia  Summit,  and closely monitor the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.  The Committee will monitor the needs  of Taiwan  for defensive  weapons  systems  as  provided  for in  the Taiwan Relations Act.

j.    India: The Committee’s review of U.S. policy towards India will aim to reinvigorate bilateral cooperation. Particular attention will be paid to the U.S.-India security relationship, including cooperation on counterterrorism efforts and developments since the 2005 defense framework agreement.  The Committee will also focus on efforts to enhance U.S.-India economic relations, including discussions surrounding a possible bilateral investment treaty.  Stalled efforts to initiate civil nuclear cooperation will also be subject to review.

k.   U.S. International Broadcasting: The Committee will continue to actively monitor and review the operations and organization of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) and the full range of U.S. government-supported, civilian international broadcasting to respond more effectively to the challenges presented by state and non-state actors using modern communication platforms.  The Committee will again look to pass the United States International Communications Reform Act, which would have reformed the BBG, and which passed the House unanimously in July of 2014.

l.   China: The Committee will examine China’s role in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.Particular focus will be placed on China’s assertiveness in territorial  disputes, rapid military modernization, and human rights abuses.   The Committee will also examine China’s role in the global economy, including trade, technology, and currency issues that affect the American workforce.   The Committee will review China’s cooperation on international  nonproliferation  efforts  against  North  Korea,  Iran,  and  Syria.     The Committee will monitor the State Department’s participation in the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue and other related bilateral mechanisms.   The Committee will investigate China’s increasing use of cyber and economic espionage to affect foreign trade, and other policy outcomes.

m.  Economic Policy and Trade: The Committee will play a vigorous role in overseeing international economic policy, including U.S. leadership in trade, finance, energy, technology,  and  development  policy  to  promote  economic  prosperity  and  national security.  This will include, but is not limited to, oversight of, and potential legislation relating to the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Export Administration Act.

n.   Export Control Reform: The Committee will oversee proposed Executive Branch reforms of U.S. strategic export controls.  In particular, the Committee will assess the extent to which proposed changes to the U.S. Munitions List and the Commerce Control List effectively safeguard critical technologies and national security, while supporting the defense industrial base and advancing U.S. commercial interests.   The Committee will consider legislation on these and related matters as may be necessary and appropriate.

o.   U.S. Nonproliferation Policy.  The Committee will examine the effectiveness of U.S. nonproliferation policy and the international nonproliferation regime in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction.  The Committee will address opportunities to strengthen existing nonproliferation organizations, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency, increase cooperation with other countries, and enhance international nonproliferation agreements and mechanisms.  Prominent issues will include the global expansion of civil nuclear power and the potential spread of technology, equipment and material useful in the development of nuclear weapons capabilities.  The Committee will closely examine proposed and existing bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with other countries, including their potential to promote U.S. nonproliferation objectives and commercial interests.

p.   Africa. The Committee will review political, economic and security developments on the African continent.  Key issues will include efforts to eliminate safe havens for violent extremists, economic development – including implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act - effective use of aid, human rights and democracy promotion, responsible energy development, and efforts to contain Ebola and ensure a sustainable post-outbreak health and economic recovery in West African countries affected by the disease.  Particular attention is to be paid to the developments in Mali, Nigeria, Sudanand South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.

q.   Western Hemisphere: The Committee will conduct oversight regarding the content and effectiveness of U.S. political, defense, counternarcotics and economic policy toward the countries of the Western Hemisphere.  Special emphasis will be placed on the prospects for expanding trade and other forms of economic cooperation, especially with Canada, Mexico, and the emerging Pacific Alliance, as well as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and ongoing regional energy developments.  The Committee will address continuing threats from drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, gangs, and terrorist organizations.  Attention will also be paid to the implications of Iran, Russia and China’s increasing presence and influence in the region.  The Committee will continue to closely monitor the stability of, and cooperation between, the governments in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador and Cuba.  The Committee will also closely monitor U.S. implementation of sanctions against human rights violators in Venezuela. The Committee will continue its oversight of State Department and USAID assistance for reconstruction efforts in Haiti, as well as U.S. energy, security and diplomatic cooperation with the countries of the Caribbean.   Finally, the Committee will assess the Administration’s strategy to address the influx of unaccompanied alien children from Central America, in addition to reviewing U.S. foreign assistance priorities in the region.

r.    Security  Assistance  and  Arms  Transfer  Policy:   The  Committee  will  assess  the effectiveness of security assistance programs authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act in advancing U.S. national interests.  In addition, the  Committee  will  review  those  security  cooperation  programs  funded  by  the Department  of  Defense  but  which  require concurrence of the Secretary of State,  or otherwise give rise to the Committee’s jurisdiction.  The Committee will also review law and policy relating to U.S. arms transfers and related end-use monitoring, as well as various counterterrorism tools that impact foreign policy. The Committee will also continue to  carefully review proposed  arms  sales  to  ensure they comport  with  U.S. foreign  and  national  security policy and  benefit  the legitimate defense needs  of the recipient countries,  as well as the process by which the Administration consults with the Committee and the Congress on such sales to ensure proper oversight.

s.    Russia:  The Committee will address  the impact of Russia’s foreign policy on  U.S. political, economic, and other interests, especially as a result of its aggression and related hostile actions regarding Ukraine and other countries in Europe and Central Asia.  It will examine the range of options available to the U.S., including legislation to impose sanctions on Russia and provide assistance to vulnerable countries.  The Committee will review the deteriorating domestic situation in Russia regarding democracy, civil society, the rule of law, and human rights and consider measures to reinforce these against further erosion by the regime.   It will also examine ways to reduce Russia’s ability to use its energy exports for political and economic coercion.  In addition, the Committee will monitor the ongoing Kremlin-driven propaganda campaign, assess its impact in Russian- speaking communities along the Russian frontier and among broader audiences, and consult with Executive Branch agencies on the response to propaganda by the U.S. government and other partners.

t.    Ukraine:  The Committee will closely monitor Russian-supported separatist activity and the presence of Russian armed forces in Ukraine.  It will actively oversee efforts to work with Ukraine’s elected government to stabilize its economy, expand relations with the West, fight corruption, and protect Ukrainian sovereignty.

u.   Europe/Eurasia:  The Committee will review U.S. relations with European countries, with an emphasis on the European Union and NATO.  Key issues will include the impact of Russian aggression on Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union, especially the potential consequences for NATO.   Other key issues include a potential Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Area, the ongoing deployment of a regional ballistic missile defense system, the impact of the European financial crisis, diversification of energy sources and reducing reliance on Russian energy.   The Committee will also examine, Turkey’s evolving foreign policy orientation  and domestic political trends, including efforts to combat ISIS and the spread of extremism.  The Committee will also conduct oversight of U.S. policy in Central Asia.

v.   Foreign  Assistance:   The Committee will  review  the underlying  authorities  for U.S. foreign assistance with an eye towards reducing duplication, and increasing transparency and effectiveness. It will also review issues related to the implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programs and projects, including the role of U.S. missions and embassies. In addition, the Committee will review issues related to coordination between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. Government agencies and departments that are involved in carrying out U.S. foreign assistance.   Among a broad range of issues, the Committee will review U.S. foreign assistance initiatives aimed at addressing food security and  global health challenges, including food aid reform, maternal health and child survival issues, Ebola containment efforts, and the implementation of the PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act of 2013.   Assistance provided through the Millennium Challenge Corporation will also receive close scrutiny.

w.  Human Rights and Democracy:  The Committee will examine U.S. activities to promote democracy and protect human rights around the world, including in post-transition environments.  The Committee will critically assess U.S. involvement with multilateral human rights organizations, to ensure that U.S. diplomacy serves to promote fundamental human rights and freedoms.

x.   United Nations and International Organizations:  The Committee will closely review all aspects of U.S. funding of, and participation in, international organizations.   Close attention will be paid to whether such funding and participation advances U.S. interests and values, protects the integrity of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and leads to increased transparency, accountability,  and reform of those organizations. The Committee will closely monitor the work of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and  Department  of  Field  Support,  and  particularly  efforts  to  improve  performance, enhance  accountability,   and   combat   waste,   fraud   and   abuse  in   United  Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

3.   GENERAL REVIEW OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY

The Committee intends to exercise its oversight jurisdiction concerning the relations of the United States with foreign nations to the fullest extent allowed by House Rule X(1)(i). This means taking cognizance of events and circumstances in every region of the world outside of U.S. national borders, as well as U.S. foreign policy responses thereto, as developments warrant. According to Committee Rules, those responsibilities are divided among the Full Committee, its one functional subcommittee, and its five regional subcommittees, as follows:

Full Committee.   The full Committee is responsible for oversight and legislation relating to: 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); 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,  peace  enforcement,  and  enforcement  of United Nations or other international sanctions; arms control and disarmament issues; the United States Agency for International Development; 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; promotion of democracy; international law enforcement issues, including narcotics control programs and activities; Broadcasting Board of Governors; embassy security; international broadcasting; public diplomacy, including international communication and information policy, and international education and exchange programs; and all other matters not specifically assigned to a subcommittee.  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. The full Committee may conduct oversight and investigations with respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the Committee as defined in the Rules of the House of Representatives.

Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.  This subcommittee has oversight and legislative responsibilities over the United States’ efforts to manage and coordinate international programs to combat terrorism as coordinated by the Department of State and other agencies, and efforts to bring international terrorists to justice. With the concurrence of the Chairman   of   the   full   Committee,   it   has   oversight   of,   and   legislation   pertaining   to, nonproliferation matters involving nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction, except for legislation involving the Foreign Assistance Act, the Arms Export Control Act, the Export Administration Act, and sanctions laws pertaining to individual countries and the provision of foreign assistance (which is reserved to the full Committee). It has oversight of matters relating to international economic and trade policy; commerce with foreign countries; international investment policy; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and

Development Agency; commodity agreements; and special oversight of international financial and monetary institutions; the Export-Import Bank, and customs. With the concurrence of the Chairman of the full Committee, it also has legislative jurisdiction over measures related to export promotion and measures related to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency.

Regional Subcommittees.  The five subcommittees with regional jurisdiction are:

·    The Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International

Organizations

·    The Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific

·    The Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats

·    The Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa

·    The Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere

As detailed below, two of the regional subcommittees also have functional jurisdiction.

Each of the regional subcommittees has jurisdiction over the following within their respective regions:

(1) Matters affecting the political relations between the United States and other countries and regions, including resolutions or other legislative measures directed to such relations.

(2) Legislation with respect to disaster assistance outside the Foreign Assistance Act, boundary issues, and international claims.

(3) Legislation  with  respect  to  region-  or  country-specific  loans  or  other  financial relations outside the Foreign Assistance Act.

(4) Legislation and oversight regarding human rights practices in particular countries.

(5) Oversight of regional lending institutions.

(6) Oversight of matters related to the regional activities of the United Nations, of its affiliated agencies, and of other multilateral institutions.

(7) Identification and development of options for meeting future problems and issues relating to U.S. interests in the region.

(8) Oversight of base rights and other facilities access agreements and regional security pacts.

(9) Concurrent oversight jurisdiction with respect to matters assigned to the functional subcommittees insofar as they may affect the region.

(10) Oversight of foreign assistance activities affecting the region, with the concurrence of the Chairman of the full Committee.

(11) Such other matters as the Chairman of the full Committee may determine.