In addition to the areas that Max has pointed to, there is much Congress can do both rhetorically and with the power of the purse regarding Obama’s wholly ineffective efforts to stop Iran from going nuclear. Rigorous oversight hearings, resolutions declaring that the U.S. remains committed to denying Iran nuclear weapons, and full funding for human rights and dissident groups would all be useful. Next, defund the UN Human Rights Council. As to Israel specifically, here too oversight hearings and the power of the bully pulpit can be employed to confront and hopefully modify Obama’s aggressive stance toward the Jewish state.

None of these suggestions are suitable substitutes for a wise commander in chief, but Congress can do its best to curb the Obami’s worst instincts.