Ranking Member's Press
Senator Risch Joins President Trump and Singapore Prime Minister Lee for MOU Signing Benefiting Mountain Home AFB
New York, N.Y. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore for a signing ceremony to extend a 1990 defense cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) that underpins strong and enduring U.S.-Singapore defense and security cooperation. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. "Today the U.S. and Singapore took an important step … Continue Reading
September 18, 2019
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on U.S. Policy in the Indo-Pacific: Hong Kong, Alliances and Partnerships, and Other Issues
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a full committee hearing on "U.S. Policy in the Indo-Pacific: Hong Kong, Alliances and Partnerships, and Other Issues", with witness testimony from The Honorable David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs at the Department of State. Chairman Risch gave the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery: "Good morning everyone, and tha… Continue Reading
September 16, 2019
Chairman Risch: Iran Continues to Sow Instability Across Middle East
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, which was reportedly perpetrated with Iranian weapons: "Iran continues to respond to diplomacy with violence and demonstrate the regime's refusal to act as a responsible member of the international community. The recent attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure underscore Iran's efforts to sow … Continue Reading
September 11, 2019
Risch Statement on 18th Anniversary of September 11th Terror Attacks
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks: "Today solemnly marks the 18th year since the September 11th terror attacks. It is still difficult and painful to fathom these acts of evil, and Vicki and I mourn the lives that were extinguished that fateful day. We also honor the first responders and the brave men and women who gave their lives in de… Continue Reading
September 10, 2019
Senators Urge Review of U.S. Export Controls Regarding Developments in Hong Kong
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, led a letter to Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Ross requesting an assessment of the adequacy of U.S. export controls with respect to Hong Kong. The Senators expressed two concerns: Mainland China's potential abus… Continue Reading
August 30, 2019
Chairman Risch Statement on Chinese Communist Party’s Pressure on Hong Kong
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement in advance of tomorrow's 5th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's decision to deny true universal suffrage to Hong Kong: "I am deeply concerned about recent developments in Hong Kong this past week, including the arrests and charging of pro-democracy activists," Chairman Risch said. "According to press reports, the Chinese Communist Party recently rejected a proposal … Continue Reading
August 26, 2019
Risch Statement on Anniversary of Initiation of Mass Atrocities Against the Rohingya
Washington, D.C.-U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement marking two years since the Burmese military began a series of mass atrocities against the Rohingya population: "Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the initiation of mass atrocities by the Burmese military against the Rohingya. The perpetration of murder and rape, and the destruction of entire villages, in addition to other atrocities, led to over 700,000 Rohi… Continue Reading
August 21, 2019
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
