Boise City Wire

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing on American diplomacy and global leadership: review of the FY25 State Department budget request. Witnesses included The Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State.

Ranking Member Risch stated:

“Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for those remarks.

“Let me say that it appears we are at the start of a new era in global affairs – one marked by growing instability, increasing competition, and fraying economic relationships. This is a time for U.S. leadership and resolve.

“The president’s annual budget, which is what we’re talking about here today, shows his priorities and there are a couple of areas in this budget request where we agree. But, the request lacks seriousness and shows an inability to make tough choices.

“First, the budget’s biggest focus is on climate change. That focus doesn’t help Ukraine or Israel or help our allies compete against China. In fact, by rejecting low-carbon energy options like natural gas and pushing a ‘green only’ approach, the administration is doing more to enable China than ‘out-compete’ it.

“If the administration wants to ‘out-compete China,’ then it should focus on China’s growing advantages in ports, airports, digital technologies, and other critical sectors rather than advancing ideological pet projects.

“Indeed, this proposed budget does contain a poison pill, which I suspect you probably already know, Secretary Blinken, in the form of a ‘green climate fund.’ It proposes to transfer U.S. taxpayer money to China through the UN—about a billion dollars of it.

“The budget’s so-called ‘out-compete China’ initiatives might enjoy my support if the Department actually worked with this committee, but the request for your programs to be mandatory spending is inappropriate. Mandatory programs are not subject to congressional oversight; that is why these requests have failed the last three years. In fact, I would argue that the Department has perfected the art of hiding information from Congress—which you and I talked about yesterday to some degree.

“On Israel, Ukraine, China, and Congo, it is impossible to get honest and clear information from the Department. Instead, the president prioritizes funds for non-transparent initiatives like the Partnership for Global Infrastructure which focuses on climate and gender infrastructure; these funds are steered not by the Department but by the White House which is accountable to no one.

“On Iran—the administration’s policy is fatally flawed. Outreach and accommodation have failed; lack of any serious strategy has come home to roost. Iran has doubled down on its support for terrorists and flooded Russia with drones and missiles.

“The Red Sea remains contested and dangerous; U.S. Navy has spent a billion dollars on missiles to defend vessels from Houthi attacks. Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel shows Iran doubts this administration’s resolve to punish its behavior.

“I’m proud this committee passed significant Iran sanctions legislation: The End IT Act; The SHIP Act; The MAHSA Act; legislation targeting Iranian drones—all law now. Is the administration going to enforce them? Recent history suggests it won’t.

“Rather than imposing costs on Iran—the administration imposes costs on Israel—you must stop blaming Israel—and let Israel remove Hamas from Gaza—that's how we move forward.

“In Europe—instability grows—and your budget request—is tone deaf—Congress asked for Ukraine strategy—I suspect will never be delivered—if serious—funds would be in base budget—instead urging long-term policy support with short-term emergency packages—is inappropriate

“In Haiti—we talked yesterday again—I remain concerned logistics feasibility cost proposed Multinational Security Support Mission—prior international interventions dismal failures—leaving Haitian people worse off—we cannot use U.S taxpayer dollars open-ended poorly conceived mission plagued extreme gang violence political instability without assurance things different this time

“In Africa—seven coups last three years—our people kicked out countries there—in worst instance devastating conflict Sudan humanitarian needs overwhelming severe food medicine shortages near-famine conditions—it took 10 months appoint special envoy—even then Mr Perriello's appointment 180 days support office insufficient partners highlighted lack U.S engagement leadership meetings Sudan

“Mr Secretary during first conversation after confirmation discussed need coordination assistance framework help United States ahead next pandemic introduced legislation you White House supported appreciative

“Despite that this budget undermines effective coordination U.S global health security also did not will never agree negotiations World Health Assembly trade away U.S intellectual property rights give deeply flawed World Health Organization enhanced authority resources

“These challenging times United States world policies across board not helping us—we need do better

"Thank you Mr Chairman.”

These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.

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