United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations ( ranking)
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Recent News About United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations ( ranking)
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Ranking Member Risch Delivers Opening Statement on Iran’s Proxy Network in the Middle East
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered a statement during a hearing on Iran’s proxy network in the Middle East. Risch expressed concerns about the Biden Administration's approach to Iran and outlined key strategies for addressing the challenges posed by the Iranian regime.Risch acknowledged the witnesses at the hearing, Dr. Suzanne Maloney and The Honorable Brian H. Hook, and highlighted their expertise on the subject. He criticized the administration's focus on rejoining the Iran nuclear deal, stating, "The...
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Risch, McCaul, Scott, James Criticize Temporary Appointment of Perriello as Special Envoy for Sudan
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, Senator Tim Scott, and Representative John James have expressed their concerns regarding the Biden Administration's temporary appointment of former Congressman Tom Perriello as special envoy for Sudan.In a joint statement, the lawmakers emphasized their disappointment in the delayed response to the crisis in Sudan, stating, "The temporary appointment of a special envoy to Sudan, 10 months into the war, should not be viewed as a recognition by the Biden Administration of the significance of this crisis. Instead,...
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Risch on Sweden’s Accession to NATO
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today commented on Sweden's accession to NATO. Risch expressed gratitude for Hungary's ratification of Sweden as a NATO member after nineteen months since the accession protocol was signed. He noted, "While it is disappointing it took this long, Sweden has a strong dedication to security in the North Atlantic and its submarine capabilities will be a great help to NATO defenses. In recent years, Sweden has rapidly increased its defense expenditures and now spends over 2%...
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Risch on Second Anniversary of Russia’s Brutal Invasion of Ukraine
BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine:In his statement, Senator Risch expressed concerns about the global stability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating, "The full-scale attack on Ukraine two years ago is a clear indication that the world is becoming less stable." He emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in military supply chains and burden sharing among allies to...
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Risch, Crapo on Senate Passage of Supplemental
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) have released a statement regarding the Senate's recent passage of the national security supplemental funding package. The senators emphasize their commitment to the safety and security of Idaho and the United States, stating that their "first and primary responsibility as senators is the safety and security of Idaho and the United States of America."In their statement, Risch and Crapo highlight the importance of a strong national defense and the need for capable and equipped allies. They stress the...
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Risch, Cardin, T. Scott, Booker Introduce Resolution Recognizing Genocide in Sudan
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), have introduced a resolution recognizing the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militia in the Darfur region of Sudan against non-Arab ethnic communities as acts of genocide."The United States must do all it can to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan and the genocide in Darfur. This includes holding the belligerents accountable and supporting the needs of the Sudanese people and their efforts to lead their country,"...
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Risch: New Arms Transfer Policy is Shortsighted, Will Hurt Allies
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the Biden Administration's new arms transfer policy, calling it shortsighted and potentially detrimental to the United States and its allies. In a statement released today, Risch expressed concern over the prioritization of political appeasement over national security.Risch highlighted the burdensome reporting requirements of the new policy, stating that they would only add layers of red tape and further slow down the delivery of security assistance to...
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Risch in Washington Times: Time to end UNRWA
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for the disbandment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In an op-ed published in the Washington Times, Senator Risch highlighted the corruption and ineffectiveness of UNRWA, stating that it violates the principle of humanitarian aid.Senator Risch pointed out that UNRWA facilities, including schools, have been used by Hamas as hideouts for rockets and tunnels, rather than serving the needs of vulnerable...
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Ranking Member Risch Urges Nominees to Uphold U.S. Interests in Nominations Hearing
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered his opening remarks at a nominations hearing for three important positions in the State Department. The nominees included Dr. Dafna Hochman Rand for assistant secretary of State for democracy, human rights, and labor, Donna Ann Welton for ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and Stephan A. Lang for U.S. coordinator for international communications and information policy.Senator Risch emphasized the significance of the position of assistant secretary of State for...
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Risch, Hagerty, Hirono, Colleagues Request Speaker Johnson Invite Japanese Prime Minister to Give Joint Address to Congress
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, along with Senators Bill Hagerty, Mazie Hirono, and a bipartisan group of 26 colleagues, have sent a letter to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson, urging him to invite Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address a joint session of Congress during his official visit to the United States in April 2024.The letter highlights the significance of the U.S.-Japan relationship, particularly in the context of the 64th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the 5th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and...
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Risch, Ricketts, Tim Scott Lead 21 Colleagues in Demanding Supplemental Bill Ban U.S. Aid to UNRWA Given Hamas Ties
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have taken the lead in demanding a ban on U.S. aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). They have written a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, urging them to include "an immediate and permanent prohibition" of U.S. aid to UNRWA in the national security supplemental bill.The senators' call for a ban on U.S. aid to UNRWA comes in the wake of recent revelations that 12 UNRWA staff members were...
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Risch: New START Treaty is Dead, Biden Admin Must Adapt
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed his concerns regarding the State Department's annual report on the New START Treaty (NST). In a statement released today, Senator Risch criticized the Department's conclusion that Russia's violations of the treaty do not harm U.S. interests."The State Department's determination that Russia has failed to comply with its NST obligations is hardly shocking," Senator Risch stated. "What is shocking, however, is the Department's conclusion that Russia's violations do not...
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Risch, Rubio, Hassan, Colleagues to Biden: Strengthen Enforcement of Iran Sanctions
U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Marco Rubio, Maggie Hassan, and a bipartisan group of colleagues have sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to enforce current law and take action against Iran's illicit oil trade through sanctions. The senators also expressed support for proposed legislation pending in the U.S. Senate.The letter comes in response to the more than 140 attacks against U.S. troops since the start of Hamas's assault against Israel on October 7, 2024. The senators emphasized that strengthening sanctions on Iranian oil is crucial, especially in light of the...
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Risch Condemns Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops in Jordan
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his deep sorrow and condolences for the loss of three U.S. service members and the injuries sustained by dozens more in an Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan over the weekend.In a statement, Senator Risch said, "I am devastated to hear three U.S. service members were killed and dozens were wounded in an Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan over the weekend. Vicki and I are praying for their families and communities during this difficult time."Senator Risch then criticized...
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Risch, McCaul, Salazar: Biden Must Reinstate Sanctions on Murderous Maduro Regime
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), and U.S. Representative Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) have called on the Biden Administration to reinstate sanctions on the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The politicians released a statement expressing their concern over the regime's failure to uphold its commitments to the Biden Administration.In their statement, the lawmakers condemned the disqualification of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and the ongoing arrests of Venezuelan opposition members. They highlighted that these...
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Risch on Turkey’s Ratification of Sweden’s Accession to NATO
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his satisfaction with Turkey's ratification of Sweden's accession to NATO. However, he also raised concerns about the delay in this process, questioning Turkey's commitment to the alliance.In a statement, Senator Risch stated, "After months of inaction, I am glad Turkey finally acted to bring Sweden into NATO. It’s unfortunate Sweden had to wait so long for this outcome. This long delay calls into question Turkey’s commitment to the alliance. I hope Turkey...
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Risch Calls for Immediate Cease of Funding to UNRWA
BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for an immediate halt to funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This comes in response to reports that UNRWA staff were allegedly complicit in the kidnapping of Israelis on October 7.Senator Risch expressed his outrage, stating, "It is unconscionable that UNRWA staff allegedly participated in the attacks and kidnapped Israelis on October 7. For years, I have warned the Biden Administration...
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Risch, Grassley, Rubio Call on DOJ to Relinquish Investigative File on Maduro Crony Alex Saab
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release the investigative file on Alex Saab. Saab, an alleged money launderer and close ally of Venezuelan narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro, was recently pardoned by the Biden Administration in a prisoner swap with Venezuela. The senators are requesting transparency and want to know the extent of Saab's crimes.In their letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the senators stated, "U.S....
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Risch, Whitehouse Applaud Committee Passage of REPO Act
WASHINGTON – The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act, a bipartisan legislation that aims to provide additional assistance to Ukraine using assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other sovereign assets of Russia.The bill, introduced by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), has garnered support from a wide range of senators from both parties. Risch expressed his satisfaction with the committee's passage of the bill, stating, "Today's...
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Risch, Cardin, Bipartisan Group of Senators Host American and Israeli Families of Hostages Abducted by Hamas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with a bipartisan group of senators, hosted American and Israeli families of hostages abducted by Hamas terrorists. The press conference focused on the urgent need for continued U.S. efforts to bring home their loved ones who have been in captivity for over 100 days since the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.Ranking Member Risch emphasized the commitment of the senators to ensure the safe return of all 136 remaining hostages, including 6 Americans. He stated, "We have not forgotten the...