Boise City Wire

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 delivering on its promises before expanding the alliance.

Risch pointed out that the Biden Administration is yet to provide Congress with the necessary certification regarding the legal and regulatory systems of the United Kingdom and Australia. He stated, "Currently, the Biden Administration owes Congress a certification affirming that the United Kingdom and Australia have legal and regulatory systems comparable to ours." The Senator stressed the importance of fulfilling this requirement to ensure smooth cooperation on advanced defense technologies under AUKUS.

Furthermore, Risch urged the administration to focus on certifying the two closest allies and providing tangible defense capabilities rather than rushing to add more partners to the alliance. He stated, "Rather than take credit for things it has not yet done, the Biden Administration should certify our two closest allies and deliver tangible defense capabilities now." The Senator warned that adding more partners without fulfilling existing commitments could delay capabilities and undermine efforts to deter China.

Senator Risch's remarks reflect his belief that the Biden Administration should prioritize meeting its existing obligations within AUKUS before expanding the alliance further.