The U.S. Constitution gives federal legislators a strong voice in shaping American foreign policy. It was designed that way. Congress has the exclusive power to declare war, and to fund its prosecution. Senators also approve key executive branch officials and ambassadors, and ratify treaties.
Yet, in recent decades, Congress has retreated from the powers and responsibilities that allow it to help shape key national security decisions. Congressional leadership has dodged accountability. The result is a subtle, but profound shift that has harmed national security significantly by undermining the sustainability of U.S. global commitments.
How did we get here? And what steps must we take to reverse this dangerous trend and to enact essential reforms?
