The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced on March 23 that it will hold a series of events this week, including a policy hearing, a classified briefing, and a nominations hearing.
These events are significant as the committee plays an important role in shaping U.S. foreign policy through legislative oversight and examination of international matters. The committee’s activities influence how the United States engages with global issues.
The first event is a full committee hearing titled “Arms Control and Transforming International Security Functions at The State Department,” scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 10:30am in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Thomas DiNanno is listed as a witness for this session. A livestream will be available for public viewing, while members of the press wishing to attend must RSVP to the Senate Press Gallery.
On Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00am, the committee will receive a closed classified briefing on developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. Witnesses include Brendan Hanrahan from the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; Christopher Smith, deputy assistant secretary from the same bureau; and Eugene Fishel from the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. This event will take place in SVC-217 at the United States Capitol without public livestream access.
A nominations hearing chaired by Senator Hagerty is planned for Thursday, March 26 at 10:00am in Dirksen SD-419. Nominees are expected to be announced soon. This session will also be available via livestream with similar press attendance requirements as other open sessions.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee focuses on developing and influencing U.S. foreign policy through examining treaties and legislation according to its official website. It operates within government as a legislative body focused on international relations according to its official website.
Historically, it has shaped major policies such as supporting measures like the Truman Doctrine in 1947 and Marshall Plan in 1948 per its official website, while also playing pivotal roles such as rejecting the Treaty of Versailles in both 1919 and 1920 as noted on its official website. Established in 1816 as one of the original standing committees according to its official website, it designates its Chairman to lead majority members and Ranking Member for minority members as detailed on its official website.
Observers can expect these hearings to address ongoing international security challenges while continuing longstanding traditions of oversight.
