United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations ( ranking)
U.S. Government: Elected Officials | U.S. Congressional Committees
Recent News About United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations ( ranking)
-
Ranking Member Risch Expresses Concerns Over USAID FY2025 Budget Request
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his concerns during a full committee hearing on the FY2025 budget request for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).Ranking Member Risch opened the hearing by acknowledging the challenges faced by Administrator Power and emphasizing the importance of their work. He highlighted the delayed budget processes and the ongoing crises around the world that USAID is dealing with, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan,...
-
Risch: Biden Admin Should Deliver on AUKUS Promises Before Expanding
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his concern over the Biden Administration's decision regarding the expansion of the AUKUS alliance without fulfilling certain obligations.In a statement released today, Senator Risch criticized the administration for announcing the inclusion of Japan in AUKUS before fully implementing the legislation passed in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. Risch highlighted his support for AUKUS but emphasized the need for the administration to prioritize...
-
Risch Applauds Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has commended the Liberian senate's decision to establish a war and economic crimes court. Senator Risch stated, “Liberian President Boakai and the legislature's recent move to establish a war and economic crimes court marks a significant step towards healing the wounds from Liberia’s civil wars. I urge President Boakai to quickly implement this historic resolution. The United States and international partners should also provide support for this critical process,...
-
Senators Risch and Coons Call for Release of Ekpar Asat on 8th Anniversary of Detention
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Chris Coons have released a statement on the eighth anniversary of the arbitrary detention of Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur who remains imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).In their statement, Senators Risch and Coons expressed their concern for Ekpar Asat's wellbeing and condemned his arbitrary detention. They called for his immediate and unconditional release, highlighting the severe impacts on his health after spending multiple years in solitary confinement in a prison camp in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Uyghur Region....
-
Risch, McCaul: PA Request for Full UN Membership is Opportunistic, Dangerous
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have strongly criticized the Palestinian Authority's (PA) request for full membership at the United Nations (UN).Risch expressed his concerns stating, “The PA’s request for full membership at the UN endangers international security. The PA has not made substantive reforms, continues to implement pay-for-slay, and there is no negotiated solution between the PA and Israel....
-
Risch, Cardin Lead Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing U.S.-Japan Alliance, Welcome Prime Minister Kishida to the U.S.
Washington - A bipartisan resolution recognizing the strength and significance of the U.S.-Japan alliance has been introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Ben Cardin, among others, in anticipation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida's official state visit to Washington this week.Ranking Member Risch emphasized Japan's leadership and support for Ukraine, stating, “Japan is a leader in the world and a strong and steadfast ally of the United States. Japan’s support for Ukraine under Prime Minister Kishida shows its willingness to step up as we face a difficult geopolitical...
-
Risch, Shaheen Condemn Georgia's Reintroduction of Foreign Agents Law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, expressed strong condemnation after Georgia's ruling party reintroduced a Russian-style foreign agent law."It is incredibly disheartening to see the Georgian government bring back the foreign agents law. All this does is further divide the country. It is similar to laws Russia uses to restrict civil society and suppress political opposition. A democratic government in...
-
Risch, Romney, Ricketts Send Letter to DEA Concerning Marijuana Rescheduling and Treaty Obligations
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), along with Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), have sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram expressing concerns regarding the possible rescheduling of marijuana and its implications on U.S. treaty obligations.The senators emphasized the importance of basing any efforts to reschedule marijuana on factual and scientific evidence rather than favored policies of an administration. They highlighted the necessity for the DEA to comply with the Controlled Substances Act and the United...
-
Ranking Member Risch Urges Focus on Anti-Corruption Efforts in Senate Hearing
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the critical importance of addressing corruption on a global scale during a recent committee hearing. Risch highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption on societies worldwide, stating, “Corruption is an issue that undermines the health, safety, security, and economic prosperity of billions of people around the globe.”Risch pointed out the strategic use of corruption by countries like Russia and China for geopolitical gain, labeling it as a significant concern. He...
-
Risch on SFRC Passage of Unqualified State Department Nominees
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his disappointment after the committee's passage of four unqualified State Department nominees on March 20, 2024.Risch criticized the decision to move forward with nominees who have significant vetting concerns, stating, "I am disappointed the chairman decided to move four nominees today that have significant vetting concerns. For months I have made my objections to these nominees known, as well as my desire for the president to nominate other,...
-
Risch Joins Sullivan, Colleagues in Delivering Message to Podesta, White House at CERAWEEK: End LNG Ban Immediately
Washington - A group of Republican senators, led by U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, recently delivered a letter to President Biden's Climate Envoy John Podesta urging the immediate reversal of the Biden Administration's ban on new LNG exports. The senators emphasized the importance of ensuring a reliable fuel supply to allied nations, especially during times of global uncertainty.In the letter, the senators expressed their concerns about the implications of halting LNG exports to non-Free Trade Agreement countries, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and escalating...
-
Risch Joins International Parliamentarians and Public Figures in Condemning Passage of Article 23 Legislation in Hong Kong
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) has joined 76 international parliamentarians and public figures in condemning the passage of Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong. The joint statement issued by the group expresses serious concerns about the implications of this new national security legislation on the city's autonomy and fundamental freedoms.In the statement, the signatories highlight their worries that the new law will further erode Hong Kong's autonomy, rule of law, and rights. They emphasize that the legislation's vague and expansive provisions could criminalize...
-
U.S. Senators Call for Accelerating Efforts to Mediate Release of Hostages
U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Ben Cardin, Ted Budd, Joni Ernst, Chris Coons, Jacky Rosen, Richard Blumenthal, and Thom Tillis have issued a joint statement regarding the bilateral relations between the United States and Qatar and the efforts to mediate the release of hostages taken by Hamas.In their statement, the Senators emphasized the importance of the relationship between the United States and Qatar, particularly in light of recent events involving the holding of hostages by Hamas. They commended Qatar for its efforts in mediating the release of hostages but urged the...
-
Risch on Schumer’s Israel Comments
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today responded to Majority Leader Schumer’s comments on Israel earlier today. Risch emphasized the importance of non-interference in the domestic politics of other countries, stating, “We should not attempt to dictate domestic politics of other countries. They will rightfully resent our efforts to do so. People in the United States are upset when foreign governments wade into our domestic politics and interfere in our elections, and the Biden Administration has warned...
-
Ranking Member Risch Addresses U.S. Strategy in the Pacific Islands Region
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently delivered a statement at a hearing focused on U.S. strategy in the Pacific Islands region. Risch emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issues at hand, particularly in relation to China. He highlighted the historical friendship between the U.S. and the Pacific Islands, noting the recent renewal of the Compacts of Free Association with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.Risch expressed concerns about the need for a stronger diplomatic presence in the region to counter...
-
Risch, McCaul Express Concern Over Lack of Transparency in U.S. Funding to Haiti
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concern over the lack of transparency in U.S. funding to Haiti. The officials issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration's accusations that Congress is withholding critical funding that would impact Haiti's future.“The human suffering and devolving crisis in Haiti is tragic. Yet, after years of discussions, repeated requests for information, and...
-
Risch Welcomes Polish President Duda to U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today welcomed Polish President Andrzej Duda to the U.S. Capitol."It was great to meet with President Duda today. The United States and Poland share a long-standing and productive relationship which has only been strengthened as we work together to push back on Russia’s aggression in eastern Europe. Our defense partnership is key to this effort, and as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Poland joining NATO, I thank Poland for all it has done to support Ukraine," said...
-
Risch: Biden’s Foreign Policy Has Made America Less Safe
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his concerns about President Joe Biden’s foreign policy in a recent statement following the State of the Union address.Risch criticized the Biden administration, stating, “Today, thanks to three years of Biden’s failed foreign policy, America’s adversaries are emboldened and our homeland is less safe. From the hazardous withdrawal of Afghanistan to the inability to deter Putin, the lack of pushback against China’s economic coercion to the failure to curb...
-
Ranking Member Risch Stresses the Importance of Improving Global Food Security Efforts
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, highlighted the ongoing challenges in global food security during a recent hearing. Risch emphasized the need for more efficient and effective strategies to address food insecurity worldwide.Risch acknowledged the efforts of his colleagues, stating, “I too would want to recognize the good work that Senator Coons is doing in this area.” He also reflected on the grim reality of the current global food crisis, noting that "783 million people around the globe suffer from food shortage."The...
-
Risch on New Global Magnitsky Sanctions on Zimbabwe
BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, shared his thoughts on the recent Global Magnitsky (GloMag) sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the Biden Administration.Risch commended the decision, stating, "Today’s GloMag designation of 14 Zimbabwean individuals and entities is a significant shift in approach on the use of sanctions related to Zimbabwe. In particular, the sanctioning of President Mnangagwa for both corruption and human rights violations is a damning indictment – he is notably the first head of...