ABSTRACT
The US Congress has greater influence over foreign policy than its counterpart organizations in other nations. This influence extends to the formulation of international narcotics control policy, in which the Congress has chosen to take an active and often leading role. Congress exercises informal influence on the drafting and conduct of international narcotics policy through oversight and investigative hearings, consultation, informal advice, public education, and legislative prodding. The congressional role in making foreign "narcopolicy" is notably affected by a congressional committee structure that permits numerous committees to exercise jurisdiction over narcotics-related issues. Congress confronts national problems through a flexible system of standing committees, select committees, special caucuses, working groups and task forces. Congress monitors and influences foreign narcopolicy by regular oversight of executive branch implementation of international narcotics control policy. Members of Congress often influence international narcotics control policy by providing advice to both the executive branch and representatives of foreign governments through informal contacts.
