Tue Oct 01 04:01:31 UTC 2024: ## Congress Must Reclaim Its Constitutional Role in Foreign Policy: Op-ed
**Washington, D.C.** – In a powerful op-ed published by Foreign Policy magazine, former national security advisor Geo Saba argues that Congress needs to reclaim its constitutional role in foreign policy, particularly in matters of war and peace.
Saba highlights the historical context, noting that the Founders were wary of unchecked executive power, specifically in war-making. He argues that while the president retains the role of commander-in-chief, Congress holds the power to declare and fund war.
Saba criticizes the erosion of this balance in the post-World War II era, with the rise of the executive branch and presidents increasing their foreign policy influence. He cites examples like the Vietnam War, where the United States entered a prolonged conflict without a formal declaration of war.
Saba emphasizes that Congress has the ability to check presidential power through mechanisms like the War Powers Resolution and Arms Export Control Act, but these measures have not effectively prevented unauthorized military actions.
He criticizes the overuse of outdated authorizations for military force, pointing to the 2001 and 2002 authorizations as examples of presidents exploiting past legislation to justify ongoing conflicts.
Saba addresses concerns about Congress’s ability to effectively manage foreign policy, arguing that while slowdowns in policymaking may occur, the legislative branch provides crucial oversight and checks on the executive. He emphasizes that Congress, directly accountable to the people, is vital to ensuring that U.S. foreign policy aligns with the will of the American people.
Saba proposes several actions for Congress to reclaim its role:
* **Repealing outdated authorization bills** and requiring sunset clauses for any new authorizations, forcing presidents to seek congressional approval for long-term conflicts.
* **Passing annual authorization bills** for all foreign policy-related departments, not just the Defense Department, to ensure comprehensive oversight.
* **Expanding access to sensitive information** for congressional staff to better equip members in making informed decisions on complex foreign policy issues.
Saba points to recent examples of Congress successfully asserting its power, such as the passage of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, the Yemen war powers resolution, and the Uyghur Forced Labor Act. He emphasizes that Congress has the ability to shape U.S. foreign policy and holds the potential to prevent ill-advised wars by ensuring proper oversight and public debate.
Saba concludes by stating that regardless of who becomes the next president, Congress must take a more active role in war and peace decisions, ensuring that the American people have a voice in shaping the nation’s foreign policy.
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