Congress’s Role in Foreign Policy
U.S. Passports and the Fight Over Jerusalem
Common perception is that the President, as commander in chief, is the sole determiner of U.S. foreign policy. The reality, however, is more nuanced. Congress plays an important part in steering the American ship of state, through such means as oversight, appropriations, and confirmation of Executive appointees. Sometimes, however, Congress attempts to take a more active role in specific issues of foreign affairs. One such area is the Arab-Israeli conflict, and it is the source of a power struggle that is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. The city of Jerusalem, an important holy place for both Jews and Muslims,…
