Resolutions and Policy Statements: In each session of Congress there are numerous resolutions introduced relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These resolutions do not carry the force of law, but express the "sense of Congress" on specific events (typically taking the format of H.Res.XXXX, or S.Res.XXXX). For example, during the Lebanon War in the summer of 2006, a number of resolutions were introduced that expressed the sense of Congress on the conflict -- some solely defending Israel's right to defense and others calling for a ceasefire. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Susan Davis has introduced a resolution calling on President Bush to appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East peace that Brit Tzedek is strongly supporting.

Legislative Directives: Congress can initiate a foreign policy by using legislation to establish a new program, set objectives and guidelines, authorize and direct the executive branch to undertake specified activities, and by earmarking appropriations to be used in a specified way. An example of this occurred in the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, S. 2370, which includes $20 million for the creation of an "Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Reconciliation and Democracy Fund."

Legislative Restrictions/Funding Denials: Congress can enact legislation that places prohibitions or other limitations on the President's freedom of action in foreign affairs. A recent example was the House version of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, H.R. 4681, which was significantly modified before being passed. This bill would have prohibited the Administration from pursuing diplomacy with moderate Palestinians and drastically limited the amount of humanitarian assistance that goes to the Palestinian people.

Informal Advice: Often Members of Congress seek to influence the direction of foreign policy by meeting directly with the President or by sending him letters signed by groups of Representatives or Senators. For example, in December 2005, Representative Lois Capps and Representative Henry Hyde, the chair of the House International Relations Committee, and 106 other Representatives sent a letter to Secretary Rice commending her for negotiating an agreement on the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Congressional Oversight: Through hearings, investigations and placing reporting requirements on the Administration, Congress is able to effectively raise public awareness and inject public pressure on foreign policy areas. For example, as part of the Bush Administration's 2005 request for $200 million in funds for the Palestinian Authority, Congress enacted amendments requiring the Administration to submit periodic reports concerning the Palestinian Authority's progress on security and financial reforms.