Chairman's Press
Chairman Risch and South Africa’s Foreign Minister Meet to Discuss Strategic Partnership
Pretoria, S.A. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today met with Dr. Naledi Pandor, foreign minister of the Republic of South Africa, to discuss the strategic partnership between the U.S. and South Africa. "I was glad to have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Pandor today to discuss the historic relationship between our two great democracies," said Chairman Risch. "South Africa is a key strategic partner for the U.S., not only in the areas of tra… Continue Reading
August 17, 2019
Risch Statement on the Historic Signing of Sudan’s Power-Sharing Agreement in Khartoum
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the historic signing of a power-sharing agreement between Sudan's Transitional Military Council and the civilian opposition Forces for Freedom and Change in Khartoum. "Today's historic signing of a political agreement and the Constitutional Declaration in Khartoum comes after a tumultuous period for the Sudanese people, including nationwide protests, the toppling o… Continue Reading
August 16, 2019
Risch Statement on Proposed F-16 Sales to Taiwan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement regarding the notification to Congress of the proposed sale of F-16s to Taiwan: "I welcome the proposed sale of F-16V fighter aircraft to Taiwan. These fighters are critical to improving Taiwan's ability to defend its sovereign airspace, which is under increasing pressure from the People's Republic of China. "I commend the Trump Administration for making this decis… Continue Reading
August 12, 2019
Risch Statement on Temporary Ceasefire in Libya
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement regarding announcement of a temporary truce in Libya. The truce comes after months of clashes between the United Nations-backed backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and its rival, the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). Fighting between the rival forces has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, forcing more than 100,000 to flee their homes. "I co… Continue Reading
August 09, 2019
Congressional Foreign Policy Leaders Urge Administration Not to Cancel Funding for Diplomacy & Development
Washington, D.C. - Top foreign policy leaders in the Senate and House today called on the administration to reverse its reported plan to cancel more than $4 billion dollars in funding for American diplomacy and development efforts. Senators James E. Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Representatives Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Forei… Continue Reading
August 08, 2019
As Maduro Regime’s Repression Worsens, Senators Urge Mogherini to Strengthen E.U. Sanctions to Match Those Imposed by the U.S. and Canada
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, John Barrasso (R-WY), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) today sent a letter to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission at the European Union, exp… Continue Reading
August 01, 2019
Risch Statement on Release of Dual U.S. Citizen from Saudi Prison
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement following news that Saudi Arabia has released dual U.S. citizen Dr. Walid Fitaihi from prison as he awaits trial: "I welcome reports that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has released dual U.S. citizen Dr. Walid Fitaihi from prison after 21 months in detention. I met with Dr. Fitaihi's family earlier this year, as his case is among the many that has challenged the U.S.-… Continue Reading
August 01, 2019
SFRC Chairman Risch and SASC Chairman Inhofe Statement on End of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement ahead of the end of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, expected tomorrow: "Tomorrow, as a result of Russia's deliberate violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and its refusal to return to full and verifiable compliance, the treaty is set… Continue Reading
August 01, 2019
Chairman Risch Statement on Anniversary of Zimbabwean Military Killing of Innocent Civilians
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement on the first anniversary of the Zimbabwean military opening fire on opposition activists and innocent civilians, killing at least six of them and injuring many more. "As Zimbabweans mark this somber anniversary, we are reminded of all that can go wrong when regime preservation comes ahead of real democratic change. Zimbabwe is facing a worse political and economic… Continue Reading
July 31, 2019
Risch, Menendez, Gardner, Markey Statement on China’s Unlawful Activities in the South China Sea
Washington, DC -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, made the following statements regarding China's recent unlawful activities in the South China Sea as U.S. officials meet with ASEAN nations and other regional partners in Bangkok this week: "Sur… Continue Reading
July 31, 2019
Foreign Relations Committee Reports Nordstream 2 Sanctions Bill to Full Senate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a business meeting during which members approved one piece of legislation, S. 1441, Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act of 2019. "This bipartisan bill would sanction companies operating vessels that lay pipes for the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines," said Risch. "These pipelines could result in further destabilization of Ukraine and enrichment of the Putin regime, and… Continue Reading
July 30, 2019
Chairman Risch Statement on Chinese Threats to Hong Kong’s Autonomy
Washington, D.C. - Chairman Risch made the following statement regarding ongoing protests in Hong Kong, and in response to the Chinese government's July 29 press conference: "I am deeply concerned by the Chinese government's statements yesterday that further demonstrate a complete unwillingness to listen to the Hong Kong people. In their comments, Chinese government officials cited the importance of upholding the Basic Law - which China has routinely undermined through its growing encroachment … Continue Reading
July 25, 2019
SFRC Reports 13 Nominees and NATO Treaty, Among Other Items, to Full Senate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a business meeting during which members approved one piece of legislation, one treaty, 13 nominees, and nine Foreign Service Officer lists. "I am glad that members of my committee came together today to debate a number of relevant and pressing foreign policy issues," said Risch. "I am particularly pleased that we have reported the Treaty of Accession to NATO for North Macedonia… Continue Reading
July 24, 2019
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on Reviewing Authorities for the Use of Military Force
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a full committee hearing on "Reviewing Authorities for the Use of Military Force", with witness testimonies from The Honorable David Hale, under secretary for political affairs at the Department of State, and Mr. Marik String, acting legal adviser at the Department of State. Chairman Risch gave the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery: "Today we meet once again… Continue Reading
July 17, 2019
Risch Applauds Senate Consent to Ratify Tax Treaties
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding Senate consent to ratify four bilateral tax protocols: "I could not be more pleased that the Senate came together today with such an overwhelming majority to approve the four tax protocols between the U.S. and Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and Luxembourg, respectively," said Risch. "After nearly nine years of unnecessary delays that cost US taxpayers a… Continue Reading
July 12, 2019
Bipartisan Leadership of Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Condemn Turkey S-400 Acquisition
Washington, DC - In response to news that Turkey began receiving the first shipment of the Russian S-400 surface-to-air-missile system, U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement: "By accepting delivery of the S-400 from Russia, President Erdogan has chosen… Continue Reading
July 10, 2019
Risch, Shaheen, Rubio, Coons Introduce Bill to Address Bilateral Relationship with Saudi Arabia
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has introduced legislation to address a growing gap between the United States and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Review Act of 2019 (SADRA), along with original cosponsors Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.). The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have a history of shared strategic interests, but the kingdom's recent conduct has put the bilateral relationship un… Continue Reading
July 10, 2019
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on Defense Cooperation: Use of Emergency Authorities under the Arms Export Control Act
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a hearing on "Defense Cooperation: Use of Emergency Authorities under the Arms Export Control Act", with witness testimony from The Honorable R. Clarke Cooper, assistant secretary, political-military affairs at the Department of State. Chairman Risch gave the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery: "Thank you all for being here today. Today we are going to discus… Continue Reading
June 29, 2019
Risch Statement Ahead of Protests in Sudan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement ahead of planned protests in Sudan on June 30, 2019, which are being held to pressure the military junta to transition power to a civilian government, and also to mark the anniversary of the Islamist-backed coup that brought Omar al-Bashir to power 30 years ago: "It has been nearly one month since the violent eradication of a peaceful protest camp outside of Suda… Continue Reading
June 28, 2019
Risch Supports President's Authority to Defend U.S. Interests
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement after the Senate defeated an amendment to the NDAA that would limit the president's authority to use military force against Iran: "At a time when there are heightened tensions between the U.S. and the Iranian regime -- with reports the regime will breach its uranium stockpile limit any day now -- the president needs the support of Congress, not irresponsibl… Continue Reading
