Report of Committee IV

Abstract

The committee took the view that bridges are needed to permit more effective cooperation between the two branches of government in foreign affairs. Three areas for change were considered. The first involves decisions to use military force. Concern was expressed that the War Powers Resolution does not go far enough. The committee also saw a need for legal restraints upon the use of nuclear weapons. Members of the committee endorsed exploration of mechanisms to involve Congress in decisionmaking on this particularly momentous problem. The second area of change concerns, specifically, state secrets and the problem of executive privilege. It was felt that confidentiality and secrecy are invoked too often by the Executive branch, though some confidentiality is necessary. The third area concerns legislative oversight after the event. The committee would endorse constitutional amendment, if necessary, to permit sharing of authority in foreign affairs.