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 called for the repeal of National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) in a letter addressed to President Biden and Secretary Blinken.In their letter, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about NSM-20, stating that it "is a redundant requirement that adds unnecessary bureaucracy and contributes to frustration from the partners and allies that count on U.S. security...
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, along with 12 of their colleagues, have penned a bipartisan letter to the Prime Minister of Georgia condemning the re-introduction of a law that would require non-governmental organizations and independent media receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign donors to register as foreign agents. The senators expressed their concerns about the potential impact of this law on free speech and the relationship between the United States and Georgia, which is built on shared democratic values.In the letter, the senators...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has unveiled a new legislative initiative aimed at streamlining the establishment of diplomatic missions abroad. The proposal, titled the Embassy in a Box Act, seeks to improve the efficiency of the State Department's processes in supporting new embassies."As the State Department moves to open small embassies to advance our diplomatic interests and counter Chinese influence, it is critical they are properly resourced and staffed," highlighted Senator Risch. He further...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, prominent figures in the Senate, have expressed their views following the Senate's approval of a national security supplemental package.Senator Risch emphasized the importance of safeguarding American security, stating, “Our first obligation as Congress is the safety and security of America.” He highlighted the significance of supporting allies in countering threats posed by expanding military capabilities of adversaries and regional instability in key regions. Senator Risch also expressed gratitude for the inclusion of...
BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the Biden Administration’s decision not to certify the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia for ITAR exemptions under AUKUS. Risch expressed his disappointment, stating, “The Biden Administration’s determination that the UK and Australia do not have a system of export controls comparable to those of the United States is deeply misguided and further delays the implementation of AUKUS."Risch pointed out that efforts to push for changes in the regulatory systems...
There were four companies in a city associated with Ada County that received four FDA inspections in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
There were two companies in a city associated with Ada County that received FDA citations as a result of two inspections conducted in the county over the first quarter of 2024, according to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
WASHINGTON – Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concerns about the U.S. alliance strategy in the Indo-Pacific during a committee hearing. Risch highlighted various issues and shortcomings in the current approach towards alliances and partnerships in the region.Senator Risch emphasized the historical strategic interest of the United States in Asia, stating, “The United States has had a strategic interest in Asia being open and free for over two centuries.” He pointed out the importance of maintaining a balance of...
U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Chris Coons, Cory Booker, and Tim Scott have expressed their satisfaction with the Senate's unanimous approval of a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Eswatini and the murder of human rights activist Thulani Maseko.Senator Risch stated, “I am pleased the Senate passed my resolution with Senator Coons condemning Eswatini's human rights record and Thulani Maseko's murder.” He further emphasized the need for the Eswatini government to investigate Maseko's murder thoroughly and engage in meaningful dialogue on democratic reforms....
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Marco Rubio have voiced their disappointment over the Biden Administration's choice not to extend a license to conduct business with Venezuela's Maduro regime. In a joint statement, the senators expressed their concerns about the decision, emphasizing the need for stronger actions against the regime.Senator Risch stated, "Today’s announcement that President Biden will not renew a general license to do business with the Maduro regime’s oil and gas sector is long-overdue and insufficient given the realities on the ground in Venezuela." He...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing global precursor chemical destruction efforts. The bill, known as the Destruction Initiative for Stored Precursors Overseas and Safe Enforcement (DISPOSE) Act, seeks to facilitate collaboration with partner countries to ensure seized precursor chemicals are destroyed.Senator Risch emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the threat posed by illicit drugs, stating, "Illicit...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the U.S. Capitol."It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Fiala in the U.S. Capitol today. The Czech Republic is an important NATO partner, and I appreciate its efforts to meet the commitment it made to spend 2% of its GDP on defense," Senator Risch expressed during the meeting.Senator Risch also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the United States and the Czech Republic in revitalizing NATO's...
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Ben Cardin commended the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for passing a resolution calling for the release of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist currently imprisoned in Russia. Senator Risch emphasized the importance of standing up for those wrongfully detained, stating, "My resolution...calls for Evan’s immediate release and serves as a reminder to all Americans wrongfully detained in Russia that we will do everything we can to ensure they return home safely."Chair Cardin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bipartisan support for...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and a group of colleagues have sent a letter to President Biden, urging the administration not to renew oil sanctions relief for Venezuela's dictatorship led by Nicolas Maduro. The senators emphasized the importance of taking a strong stance against the regime.In the letter, the senators stated, "We write to urge you to not renew General License 44 'Authorizing Transactions Related to Oil or Gas Sector Operations in Venezuela' when it comes up for renewal on April 18th." They highlighted the regime's failure to uphold promises...
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) has applauded the Committee's passage of legislation aimed at countering Iran. In a statement, Senator Risch highlighted the importance of the End Iranian Terrorism (End IT) Act and Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, stating, "It’s past time to act, and Congress has a clear role to play in countering the Iranian regime."Senator Risch expressed his satisfaction with the Committee's support for the End IT Act and SHIP Act, emphasizing the need to target Chinese purchases of Iranian oil. He stated, "These bills encourage the Biden...
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) emphasized the enduring importance of the Monroe Doctrine in the face of growing influence from foreign powers such as China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere. Speaking at an event hosted by the National Security Institute, Risch highlighted the necessity of reasserting the principles of the Monroe Doctrine to safeguard the sovereignty and national security of the United States and neighboring countries.Risch underscored the contemporary challenges posed by China, Russia, and Iran, stating, "Today, the threats from...