The Constitution assigns Congress the power to declare war, fund the military, approve treaties and regulate commerce with other nations. Yet, over the past century, presidents have taken the leading role in foreign affairs. Today, the president heads an expanding executive branch security apparatus—one which has found itself mired in controversy many times.

What role does Congress play in foreign affairs in the 21st century? What duties should it have? Does Congress have the resources it needs? The Legislative Branch Capacity Working Group recently hosted a panel on the questions, moderated by R Street’s Kevin Kosar and featuring Kurt Couchman of the Defense Priorities Foundation and Katherine Kidder of the Center for a New American Security. Video of the panel is embedded below:

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