Number: RL34362
Title: Congressional Oversight and Related Issues Concerning the Prospective Security Agreement Between the United States and Iraq
Authors: Michael John Garcia, R. Chuck Mason, and Jennifer K. Elsea, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report begins by discussing the current legal framework governing U.S. military operations in Iraq. The report then provides a general background as to the types of international agreements that are binding upon the United States, as well as considerations affecting whether they take the form of a treaty or an executive agreement. Next, the report discusses historical precedents as to the role that security agreements have taken, with specific attention paid to past agreements entered with Afghanistan, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The report then discusses the oversight role that Congress plays with respect to entering and implementing international agreements involving the United States. Finally, the report describes legislation proposed in the 110th Congress to ensure congressional participation in the conclusion of a security agreement between the United States and Iraq, including the engrossed amendment to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008, which passed the House on May 15, 2008; S. 2426, the Congressional Oversight of Iraq Agreements Act of 2007; H.R. 4959, Iraq Strategic Agreement Review Act of 2008; H.R. 5128, disapproving of any formal U.S.-Iraq security agreement absent congressional authorization; and H.R. 5626, the Protect Our Troops and Our Constitution Act of 2008. The White House has suggested that the President would veto legislation that attempted to define the legal effect or content of any agreement with Iraq prior to the completion of diplomatic negotiations.
Pages: 42
Date: Updated May 28, 2008