Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit a strategy to Congress for countering Iranian and Hezbollah influence operations in Latin America.

The State Department would be required to develop and present a detailed plan to Congress for how the U.S. will counter efforts by Iran and Hezbollah to expand their political and military influence in Latin American countries. The strategy would address how these groups are trying to gain power and resources in the region, and what steps the U.S. government should take to prevent or limit their activities. This affects U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere and could influence how American diplomats and agencies work with Latin American governments.

A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 relating to the recall and reappointment of career members.

The bill would change the rules for how the State Department can recall and rehire career diplomats and foreign service officers. It would give the government more flexibility in bringing back experienced diplomats who have left their positions, potentially allowing them to return to work without going through the full hiring process again. This affects professional diplomats and foreign service workers who represent the United States abroad.

A resolution reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan Taiwan policy.

Congress would formally reaffirm its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, a 1979 law that guides U.S. relations with Taiwan and commits the U.S. to provide Taiwan with defensive military equipment and maintain unofficial diplomatic ties. The resolution expresses support for the longstanding bipartisan approach to Taiwan policy that has been followed by both Democratic and Republican administrations. This affects U.S. foreign policy toward Taiwan and China, as well as American defense contractors and Taiwan's security interests.

A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy for crisis management in the South China Sea, and for other purposes.

The Pentagon would be required to create a detailed plan for how the U.S. military should respond to crises and conflicts that might occur in the South China Sea, a strategically important shipping route where multiple countries have competing territorial claims. This strategy would help guide military decision-making and coordination if tensions escalate in the region, affecting military personnel, defense policy, and potentially international relations with countries like China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.

This resolution would require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from any military operations or conflicts involving Cuba that Congress has not specifically approved. It affects military personnel and could impact U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba by limiting the President's ability to conduct unauthorized military actions in that region. The measure is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A bill to promote the development and use of geothermal resources in the Pacific, and for other purposes.

The legislation aims to encourage the development and use of geothermal energy—heat from within the Earth used to generate electricity and heating—in Pacific island nations and territories. This would help these communities reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and create jobs in renewable energy sectors. The bill affects Pacific island residents, energy companies, and U.S. interests in the region by potentially providing technical support and resources for geothermal projects.

South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026

The federal government would be required to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for diplomatic engagement in the South China Sea, a region where multiple countries have competing territorial claims and significant trade routes. This strategy would guide how the U.S. government communicates and negotiates with countries in the region to address disputes and protect American interests. The bill affects U.S. foreign policy and international relations, particularly with countries in Southeast Asia and China.

A bill to incentivize, streamline, and sustain United States foreign government partner procurement of United States-origin cyber and digital technologies.

The bill would make it easier and more attractive for foreign governments that are U.S. allies to buy American-made cybersecurity and digital technology products and services. It aims to streamline the approval process for these sales while offering incentives to encourage foreign partners to choose U.S. technology over competitors from other countries. This would benefit American tech companies by expanding their international markets while strengthening the technological ties between the U.S. and its allies.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

A bill to reassess the United States-Tanzania bilateral relationship, and for other purposes.

The legislation would direct the U.S. government to review and evaluate its relationship with Tanzania, examining areas of cooperation and potential concerns between the two countries. The review would likely assess trade, security, diplomatic ties, and other bilateral matters to inform future U.S. policy decisions toward Tanzania.

Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026

The federal government would create a new program to help more college students study abroad and gain international experience, which supporters argue is important for competing in the global job market. The program would be run by the State Department and named after former Senator Paul Simon, who was an advocate for international education. Students from all backgrounds would have better access to overseas learning opportunities that might otherwise be too expensive or difficult to arrange.

WATER for Farmers Act

This bill would guarantee that the United States receives its full water allocation under a 1944 treaty with Mexico and create a compensation program for American farmers who lose crops or income when water deliveries fall short. The measure aims to protect agricultural communities that depend on cross-border water supplies by providing financial assistance during shortages. It has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for review.

Save Our Shrimpers Act

Save Our Shrimpers Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions (e.g., the International Monetary Fund) for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farms. The bill also requires an annual report on compliance by U.S. leadership of international financial institutions with policies to oppose financing for certain commodities or minerals. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of the Treasury to condition any provision of federal funds to an international financial institution on the requirement that the funds not be used to finance any activity related to shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or the export of shrimp in any foreign country. Under current law, Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose providing financial assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if (1) the commodity or mineral is in surplus on world markets, and (2) the export of such commodity or mineral will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a competing commodity or mineral (or of the same or a similar commodity or mineral). This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to investigate and annually report to Congress on the extent to which U.S. leadership at these institutions have carried out Treasury's instructions.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act

The federal government would increase its diplomatic efforts to work with other countries on biotechnology development and biosecurity issues, including how to safely manage biological research and prevent dangerous pathogens from being misused. This would affect scientists, government agencies, and international partners by establishing clearer communication channels and coordinated policies around biological research standards and safety protocols. The goal is to ensure countries work together to advance beneficial biotechnology while protecting public health and security.

A resolution supporting the United States dollar as the reserve currency of the world and combating the economic influence of the People's Republic of China.

This resolution expresses support for maintaining the U.S. dollar's position as the world's primary currency for international trade and reserves, while opposing efforts by China to reduce reliance on the dollar in global commerce. The measure aims to protect American economic influence and competitiveness by countering Chinese initiatives to promote alternative currencies and payment systems. It affects American businesses, investors, and policymakers by signaling congressional intent to defend the dollar's dominant role in international finance.

A resolution expressing concern about the increasing influence of the People's Republic of China in Latin America and the Caribbean and calling for strengthened United States economic, security, and diplomatic engagement in the region.

Congress is expressing concern that China is gaining too much economic and political influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, and is calling on the U.S. government to increase its own economic partnerships, military cooperation, and diplomatic efforts in the region to counter that influence. The resolution urges American policymakers to strengthen relationships with countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean to maintain U.S. interests and leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

China-Africa Mining Transparency Act

The State Department would be required to publish an annual list of Chinese companies operating mines in African countries that either use forced labor or cause serious environmental damage. This list would help identify problematic mining operations and could inform U.S. policy decisions and business practices regarding trade and investment in Africa. The measure aims to increase transparency about labor and environmental practices in African mining industries dominated by Chinese firms.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

A resolution addressing the politicization of war crimes allegations against allied special operations forces.

This resolution expresses concern about allegations of war crimes being made against special operations forces from allied nations and calls for careful examination of how these allegations are being investigated and reported. It aims to address what supporters view as potential politicization of such serious charges, which could affect military personnel and international relationships with allied countries. The measure has been sent to the Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.