Who makes foreign policy in the USA?

[Sava]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker
We're not going to war with Syria. That's the extent of Pelosi's influence on foreign policy. And if we were, it's questionable whether our own legislators ought to be touring the country beforehand.

As Speaker of the House, she oversees the House of Representatives. I'm not going to educate you on her responsibilities; you can do your own research.

The House of Representatives has important oversight responsibilities. The House Committee on Foreign Relations is a committee that deals with such affairs.

http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/

Perhaps you ought to learn more about your own government.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Sava
As Speaker of the House, she oversees the House of Representatives. I'm not going to educate you on her responsibilities; you can do your own research.

I will educate you, on the other hand. The Constitutional powers of the House wrt foreign relations is limited to declarations of war.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Ecthy
By this logic we can maintain:

1. Her trip might have been politically incorrect though within her right to TRAVEL and TALK to people.

2. Whatever political result she achieves, the US government (executive) can act in contrary to it in freedom from criticism as her doing is not binding, as it is not official policy but just exploiting her right to TRAVEL and TALK to people.

Does this sum it up?

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Sava
Oh... I understand now. You weren't paying attention in American government class when you took it in high school. You don't understand what Congress's role was intended to be.

My mistake. I should have assumed you were a bit less informed before I started posting. That would explain why responses like these are confusing to me.

You see, some of us understand the difference between the House and the Senate, whereas some of us are college dropouts.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker


You see, some of us understand the difference between the House and the Senate, whereas some of us are college dropouts.

You dropped out? I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm starting an internship at the Council of Foreign Relations... hopefully next fall, it depends if I am studying abroad that term.

BTW, after you complete a 100 level PolySci/American Government course, you should understand the House's role regarding oversight. Until then, try to take my advice. I know much more than you.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Sava
You dropped out? I'm sorry to hear that.

Oh, I'm sorry, you went back to some community college after a while.

[Kuciwalker]

And if we're playing that game, I personally know several people who regularly write for the CoFR.

[Kuciwalker]

btw, the power to make treaties isn't even mentioned in Article 1.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker


Oh, I'm sorry, you went back to some community college after a while.

No, I'm going to a smaller school close to my house. I received $8,000 in scholarships for Winter and Spring term.

http://www.noctrl.edu/

The average class size is 19. I am taking graduate style courses and getting the opportunity to travel starting next fall. I'll go to 2 or 3 different international locations before I get my undergrad, staying for 8 weeks per term.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Ecthy


By this logic we can maintain:

1. Her trip might have been politically incorrect though within her right to TRAVEL and TALK to people.

2. Whatever political result she achieves, the US government (executive) can act in contrary to it in freedom from criticism as her doing is not binding, as it is not official policy but just exploiting her right to TRAVEL and TALK to people.

Does this sum it up?

Not entirely. She is pressuring the President by opening this dialogue with Syria. This is about Congress re-asserting its power. The Democrats believe they are acting with a mandate.

In our system of government, we are supposed to have a balance of power. For the last 6+ years, that balance has been shifting more and more away from Congress in part because the Republican Congress has allowed the President to enact his policies without much oversight.

This is a political powerplay, but it is also about the larger goal of establishing a dialogue with Syria.

The comments I find interesting are the one's aimed at Pelosi. The Speaker is not out of line traveling to a foreign nation like this. Speakers have taken such trips in the past.

Honestly, I don't know why anyone wants to make this about Pelosi. Opening a dialogue with Syria is the right play.

[Kuciwalker]

Not entirely. She is pressuring the President by opening this dialogue with Syria.

i.e. political posturing

This is about Congress re-asserting its power.

The House doesn't have any such power.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker

The House doesn't have any such power.

Do you not understand what "congressional oversight" is?

House Committees and Subcommittees?


I feel like I'm trying to teach math to my cat.

[Kuciwalker]

They can oversee as much as they like, but Pelosi can't do anything about what she finds.

[Sava]

Except initiate foreign policy resolutions in the House Committees and Subcommittees... enact legislative directives (which compels the executive branch to execute such directives)... exert legislative pressure (which you have called "political posturing")...

Or how about legislative restrictions and issues with funding?

It was Congress who compelled Clinton to leave Somalia. Congress passed legislation calling for sanctions against Libya in 1996 (which Clinton signed into law).


But wait... Congress has no power over foreign policy, right?

Also, don't play down the importance of Congressional oversight. Congressional oversight played a huge role in bringing an end to the war in Vietnam by shaping public opinion.

[Kuciwalker]

Oooh scary nonbinding resolutions... political posturing.

But wait... Congress has no power over foreign policy, right?

Can you read?

Also, don't play down the importance of Congressional oversight. Congressional oversight played a huge role in bringing an end to the war in Vietnam by shaping public opinion.

As I said before, the House has the power to declare war. No more.