" The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" — Psalm 27:1
Vice President Kamala Harris recently made a statement claiming that she had personally negotiated and signed hundreds of treaties during her tenure in office. This claim has drawn scrutiny because, under the United States Constitution, the authority to make treaties rests solely with the president, who must act with the advice and consent of the Senate. The vice president, while a key adviser and representative of the executive branch, does not possess independent treaty-making power.
Historically, the vice presidency has been a role focused on legislative oversight as Senate presiding officer and executive consultation, rather than direct international negotiations. Any formal treaties negotiated or signed require presidential approval and Senate ratification, making it constitutionally implausible for the vice president to unilaterally engage in treaty-making.
Public records and official documentation from the State Department show no evidence that Harris signed treaties in the capacity she described, suggesting that her statement may reflect either an exaggeration of her involvement in diplomatic discussions or a misunderstanding of the formal procedures involved.
While the vice president may participate in international meetings, advise on foreign policy, and support diplomatic initiatives, the legal and procedural framework clearly delineates the limits of her authority.
Therefore, the assertion that she personally signed "hundreds of treaties" does not align with constitutional and historical practice. The claim, while perhaps intended to highlight her diplomatic engagement, conflicts with verifiable records of U.S. treaty-making authority and protocol.
[Partially Generated by AI, always verify.]
