Which body of Congress is responsible for approving treaties negotiated by the President?

The Senate is the body of Congress responsible for approving treaties negotiated by the President. The U.S. Constitution, in Article II, Section 2, expressly states that the President has the power to make treaties, provided that two-thirds of the Senators present concur. This requirement ensures a significant level of support from the legislative branch for international agreements, reflecting a system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches of government.

The House of Representatives does not play a direct role in the treaty approval process, making it unnecessary for them to vote on treaties; their focus is more on legislative matters like appropriations and taxation. Joint Committees are temporary committees composed of members from both the House and Senate that typically address specific issues or tasks. They do not have the authority to approve treaties. The Supreme Court, as the judicial branch, interprets laws and treaties but does not take part in the treaty approval process. Thus, the Senate's role is crucial in maintaining that treaties align with the interests and consensus of the legislative body of the government.