The Foreign Affairs Division of the Legislative Reference Service: Organization and Functions of a Professional Staff

Abstract

T HE POST-WORLD WAR II balance of power thrust the United States into a position of leadership in the conduct of world diplomacy. Problems of awesome complexity and variety resulted from the assumption of global responsibilities. In large measure, these new obligations were met through the creation of multilateral defense organizations and the development of foreign assistance programs. Treaties, of course, required Senate approval before ratification. The allocation of funds was dependent upon authorization by both houses of Congress. This consideration or review of pacts and aid programs by the legislative branch increased its relative importance vis-a-vis the executive in the shaping of foreign policy. Such a growth of legislative responsibility, coupled with the expansion of the American role in world affairs, necessitated the strengthening of congressional staffs. Every member of Congress found many of his constituents increasingly concerned with questions of foreign policy. The members of the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees required assistance in digesting the overwhelming mass of information produced in the executive branch. Only an informed Congress could serve as a responsible check upon executive formulation and conduct of American foreign policy. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 made it possible to establish the excellent professional staffs which now function to assist the Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs committees. It also formalized and expanded the Legislative Reference Service and laid the groundwork for the evolution of the Foreign Affairs Division. The staff of the Division was primarily designed to provide service to the members of Congress who were not members of the committees.