U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a committee business meeting in Washington on October 22, 2025. During the session, members approved 17 bills, two resolutions, and two nominees.
“We are pleased with the passage of several pieces of legislation during the committee’s business meeting today,” said the senators. “Through these priorities, we will further drain Russia’s resources to continue waging war against Ukraine, deter China’s aggression towards Taiwan, and strengthen our partnership in AUKUS. America will be a safer place thanks to the bipartisan work of our colleagues, and we look forward to each bill becoming law,” concluded the senators.
The bills approved address a range of foreign policy issues. Among them are measures aimed at countering Russian activities related to Ukraine and deterring Chinese actions regarding Taiwan. The committee also advanced legislation related to strengthening U.S. partnerships in international organizations such as AUKUS and IDB, increasing transparency regarding China’s exchange rate practices, promoting accountability for scams involving compounds, supporting critical minerals partnerships, addressing criminal collusion in Haiti, and modifying security assistance rules concerning Cyprus.
Additional bills include establishing an Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs and designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The two resolutions passed by the committee recognize significant international events: one marks the anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea; another condemns China for transnational repression.
The committee also approved nominations for Mr. Joel Rayburn as assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs and Mr. Andrew Veprek as assistant secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration.
