Ranking Member's Press
Risch, Rubio Lead Senate Colleagues in Letter to Sec Def Demanding Accountability for U.S. Military Equipment Abandoned in Afghanistan
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), ranking member of the subcommittee overseeing the Western Hemisphere, led U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va… Continue Reading
August 18, 2021
Risch, McCaul Highlights Biden's Failed Policy to Stop Nord Stream 2
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following "myth vs. fact" sheet to highlight a number of the Biden Administration's discredited talking points on the Russian malign influence Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Risch and McCaul aim to set the record straight with the facts: ###… Continue Reading
August 16, 2021
Risch Statement on Zambia Elections
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on Zambia’s August 12th elections:“Last week, millions of Zambians went to the polls to exercise their democratic rights. I congratulate President-elect Hakainde Hichilema on his historic victory and look forward to a full and peaceful transfer of power.“The United States remains a committed partner to Zambia. I hope that this election will serve as a … Continue Reading
August 16, 2021
Ranking Member Risch Statement on Afghanistan
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan:“President Biden is not the first president to move toward an exit in Afghanistan, but he is the first to do so without any clear plan to protect our interests, our citizens, and our closest friends. This rushed and political decision to withdraw without consideration of our counterterrorism priorities will allo… Continue Reading
August 13, 2021
Risch: It’s Past Time We Bring American Detainees like Austin Tice Home
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement ahead of the August 14 anniversary of American citizen Austin Tice’s kidnapping in Syria:“On August 14, 2012, American journalist Austin Tice was kidnapped at a roadside checkpoint in Damascus, Syria. Nine years later, and just days after his 40th birthday, Austin sadly remains in captivity.“It is a travesty that Austin and other American citizens such… Continue Reading
August 09, 2021
Risch, Durbin Propose Further U.S. Action at the U.N. on Belarus
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield proposing further action by the United States government to respond to the increasingly concerning situation in Belarus.“The multitude of crimes committed by Alexander Lukashenka’s regime indicate that his government has no intention of protecting the fundamental human righ… Continue Reading
August 09, 2021
Risch, Menendez, Durbin, Blunt Introduce Senate Resolution in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this weekend were joined by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) in introducing a Senate resolution to honor the 70th anniversary (September 1) of the signing of the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, known as the ANZUS Treaty. In addition to celebrating the countries’ history of cooperation rooted in s… Continue Reading
August 05, 2021
Risch Meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. "I had a productive discussion with Foreign Minister Marsudi yesterday. We discussed increased Chinese aggression, ongoing instability in Burma, and efforts to combat COVID-19," said Risch. "Indonesia is an important partner of the United States, and we should prioritize strengthening our bilateral relationship in the months ahe… Continue Reading
August 05, 2021
Ranking Member Risch, Chairman Menendez Joint Statement on Political Crisis in Tunisia
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement on the political crisis in Tunisia: "Since its successful transition to democracy in 2011, Tunisia has made remarkable strides towards establishing a sound framework for democratic rule and has become an example across the region. The U.S.-Tunisia partnership has grown and deepened because it is predicated on a mutu… Continue Reading
August 04, 2021
Risch, Shaheen, Bipartisan Group of Senators Warn Polish Government Against Pursuing Legislation that Targets Free Media, Jeopardizes U.S. Investments
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Helsinki Commission Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.) in a joint statement in response to legislation being considered by Poland's parliament that would infringe on… Continue Reading
August 04, 2021
Risch, Menendez: Lebanon’s Political Leaders Must Advance Genuine Reform
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the Beirut port blast: "One year after the tragic Beirut port blast which killed more than 200 people, injured thousands, and broke an already fragile economy, Lebanon has fallen further into crisis. Political leaders have failed to form a government that can effectively respond to t… Continue Reading
August 03, 2021
Ranking Member Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on Authorizations of Use of Force
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee hearing on the authorizations of use of force: administration perspectives. The committee heard witness testimony from the Honorable Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Richard Visek, acting legal adviser to the U.S. Department of State, and the Honorable Caroline Krass, general counsel to the U.S. D… Continue Reading
July 30, 2021
Risch Applauds Announcement on U.S.-Philippine VFA
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the Philippine government’s decision to retract the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States:“The U.S.-Philippine alliance is stronger today because both nations have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the VFA. Strong defense ties through agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Enhanced Defense Cooperatio… Continue Reading
July 28, 2021
Ranking Member Risch Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to the U.S. Capitol for a meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "I was glad to welcome Prime Minister al-Kadhimi to the U.S. Capitol today to discuss our shared strategic interests," said Risch. "Iraq continues to be an important security partner in the fight against ISIS, and I strongly support efforts to expand our coo… Continue Reading
July 28, 2021
Risch Joins Shaheen, Johnson, Colleagues in Bipartisan Statement on Breakdown of Georgian April 19 Agreement
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), in a statement in response to the breakdown of the April 19th agreement reached earlier this year to addres… Continue Reading
July 28, 2021
Senate Committee Approves Resolution Reaffirming Congressional Support for Cuba’s Pro-Democracy Movement
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today were joined by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), ranking member of the subcommittee overseeing the Western Hemisphere, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in releasing the following statements lauding the committee's approval of their bipartisan resolution condemning the Cuban government's violent response to the thousands of Cuban citizens … Continue Reading
July 28, 2021
Ranking Member Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing for Assistant Secretaries, Assistant USAID Administrator, Ambassador to Mexico
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing for the Honorable Donald Lu, nominee to be assistant secretary of State for South Asian affairs, Ms. Jessica Lewis, nominee to be an assistant secretary of State for political-military affairs, the Honorable Marcela Escobari, nominee to be an assistant administrator of the United States Agency for International De… Continue Reading
July 28, 2021
Risch, Menendez, Portman, Murphy Applaud Committee Passage of Comprehensive Global Health Legislation
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) today applauded committee passage of the International Pandemic Preparedness and COVID-19 Response Act (S. 2297), comprehensive legislation to improve global health and pandemic preparedness and enhance COVID-19 response efforts. "After nearly 18 months of work, I am proud the committee was able to come … Continue Reading
July 27, 2021
Risch, Menendez, Rubio, Warner Stress Importance of Pursuing COVID Origins
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman and chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to President Biden asking the administration to take three crucial steps to get to the bottom of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to prevent a similar calamity in the future. … Continue Reading
July 27, 2021
Ranking Member Risch Meets with Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today met with Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita to discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance. "It was a pleasure to meet with Ambassador Tomita today. Japan is a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, and I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern including Chinese aggression against Taiwan and further advancing our security alliance, including extended deterrence," said Risch… Continue Reading
