{"id":57490,"date":"2019-08-23T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T09:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2019\/08\/23\/one-step-at-a-time-congress-charge-to-reshape-american-foreign-policy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T09:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T09:53:11","slug":"one-step-at-a-time-congress-charge-to-reshape-american-foreign-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2019\/08\/23\/one-step-at-a-time-congress-charge-to-reshape-american-foreign-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"One step at a time: Congress\u2019 charge to reshape American foreign policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In today\u2019s hyper-partisan climate, it is rare for a majority of Americans to agree on anything, let alone something as important to our country\u2019s future as foreign policy. Yet, it\u2019s happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our organizations, Concerned Veterans for America and VoteVets, are doing just that. We have historically clashed during election cycles<\/a> and bitterly debated how the Department of Veterans Affairs can best serve our nation\u2019s veterans. Yet, we are setting differences aside to advance a more restrained American foreign policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the U.S. role in the world at the forefront of public discussion, it is clearer than ever the majority of Americans support a new approach abroad<\/a>. Much like the partnership between our two organizations, we believe Americans are willing to reject partisan labels in favor of resolving endless wars, removing troops from Syria and Afghanistan, and pursuing a foreign policy that deters threats and encourages mutually beneficial trade and diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And not only do many Americans agree our military should be less engaged abroad<\/a>, but this sentiment transcends even the deepest of partisan divides, manifesting itself in a growing movement<\/a> in the halls of Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To further these goals, we are urging Congress to reclaim its constitutional role in authorizing military action abroad and to ensure such a weighty responsibility does not rest solely with the executive branch. With elected representatives vigorously debating U.S. involvement in the world, American interests and the well-being of its citizens will be more thoroughly considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, an engaged Congress is more accountable to its constituents, more responsible for American security, and more invested in our economic prosperity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, we are seeing hopeful signs that Congress may begin to reassert itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\t