About HCFR

The Houston Committee on Foreign Relations was organized in 1937 by former Secretary of Commerce and prominent Houston businessman Jesse Jones and businessman Will Clayton, with the assistance of the Council on Foreign Relations. Though the Houston Committee is no longer formally associated with the Council, a number of Committee members are also active in the Council and joint Committee/Council meetings are held periodically.

The Committee's members are leaders in business, academics, and the professions. The number of members fluctuates, but generally remains in the range of several hundred. Members attend regular meetings and may be accompanied by guests from outside the Houston area. In order to encourage a full and frank presentation of subject matter and exchange of views, meetings are generally off-the-record and opinions expressed are not-for-attribution.

The Houston Committee on Foreign Relations addresses an array of issues. The Committee has hosted discussions focusing on bioterrorism, the future of the international economy, international oil production, and traditions in U.S. foreign policy.

The Houston Committee on Foreign Relations leverages its available resources to:

• Add value to public debate on international issues  

• Energize foreign policy discussions by making the Committee an organization with a broad based membership 

• Make the Committee a leading source for ideas and clear and accurate information on key international issues affecting the United States and Houston 

NOTE: Tax return and exemptions are available for public inspection by contacting our Treasurer at hcfr@houstoncfr.org.