Senator Thad Cochran conversed on the extra legislative responsibilities of the U.S. Senate, speaking specifically about the constitutional responsibilities of the Senate to join with the Executive Branch in negotiation and ratification of treaties. The Senator pointed out that it is written in the United States Constitution that the President, shall by and with the "advice and consent" of the Senate, ratify treaties. Thus, the Senate has a function involving the security of the United States and for determining its foreign policies. While the Senate does not ratify treaties, its members approve the treaties for ratification by the President. The Senate does not directly negotiate treaties but has an Observer Group that is a permanent oversight body.

Senator Cochran also said that the Senate protects America's foreign policy interests through its hearing processes. The Senate confirms ambassadors, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense and other high level positions within the Executive branch of government. In this way the Senate serves as an important check and balance against executive power.

Senator Cochran concluded with the remark that even from the earliest days of the Republic, the Senate has continued to participate in an active and effective way in the development and formulation of American foreign policy through confirmation of treaty negotiations and approval. In Bosnia, for example, where the U.S. has a NATO commitment, American foreign policy is being developed, refined, modified and monitored by the Senate on an active and constant basis.