Ranking Member's Press
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Stephen E. Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a nomination hearing for Stephen E. Biegun to be deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of State. Chairman Risch gave the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery: "Today we will consider the nomination of Mr. Stephen Biegun to be deputy secretary of State. Mr. Biegun has a long history of service, with roots here in this very committee. We thank him for the good work… Continue Reading
November 19, 2019
Risch, Rubio, Cardin, Menendez Praise Senate Passage of Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised Senate passage of their Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (S. 1838) today. The amended bipartisan bill was unanimously reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in September. "The U.S. Senate took a stand today in support of the Hong Kong people," said … Continue Reading
November 19, 2019
Bipartisan Leaders of Key Senate Committees Urge New National Security Adviser to Appoint 5G Coordinator
WASHINGTON - Today, the bipartisan leadership of several key Senate committees urged President Trump's national security adviser to designate a senior coordinator dedicated to leading the nation's effort to develop and deploy next-generation communications technologies. In a letter to Robert O'Brien, who was appointed as national security adviser in September, the top Republican and Democratic senators on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental … Continue Reading
November 15, 2019
Risch: If Erdogan Keeps the S-400, Turkey Sanctions Bill Will Move
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, earlier this week was asked by President Donald Trump to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, during his visit at the White House. Risch remains resolute in his position that Turkey cannot retain S-400 air defense systems and at the same time obtain F-35 aircraft. Risch made the following statement following reports that Erdogan has returned to Turkey and contends that he will kee… Continue Reading
November 14, 2019
Risch Meets with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty President and CEO Jamie Fly
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) President and CEO Jamie Fly yesterday to discuss RFE/RL's efforts to provide honest and accurate local news in places where the free press is under attack and journalism can be dangerous for those who seek to hold their governments accountable. "Organizations such as Radio Free Europe are on the frontlines, standing up for freedom of the press acr… Continue Reading
November 14, 2019
Risch, Rubio Move Senate to Consider Hong Kong Bill
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Marco Rubio (R-FL) initiated a process for the Senate to quickly pass their Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (S. 1838). The process, known as the hotline, allows for Senate business to be conducted by unanimous consent. The amended bipartisan bill was passed unanimously by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September. "The world needs to see that the United States will stand up an… Continue Reading
November 13, 2019
Risch Hosts NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg for Working Coffee
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today hosted a full committee working coffee with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the future of the NATO alliance and the threat of China as a global competitor. "I was glad to welcome my friend Jens Stoltenberg, secretary general of NATO, to meet with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today," said Risch. "NATO is and will continue to be the most successful political-military … Continue Reading
November 12, 2019
Risch: U.S. and Europe Must Compete with China
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke today at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on China's growing malign economic and political influence in the U.S., Europe, and across the globe, and the need for a cohesive transatlantic strategy and policy response. "The United States and Europe share a vital interest in addressing the challenges posed by China. We both recognize China is no longer a developing country.… Continue Reading
November 08, 2019
Risch Recognizes 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall, Celebrates Promotion of Democracy Across the World
BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today recognized the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of both Germany and Europe, and the end of communism in Europe. "The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a significant victory for democracy across the world," said Risch. "The crumbling of the Iron Curtain was the catalyst that made independence possible for many Eastern European countries and led to the end… Continue Reading
November 01, 2019
Senator Risch Shares Views on International Development at International Advocacy Lunch
Boise, Idaho -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on Friday at a foreign affairs lunch at the Idaho History Museum in Boise, Idaho, about the United States' role as a global leader and the challenges associated with providing foreign assistance to developing nations. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak with Idahoans who are passionate about responding to the needs of people both here at home, and across the globe," said Risch… Continue Reading
October 30, 2019
Risch Meets with Prime Minister Jüri Ratas of Estonia
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met today with Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas to discuss the strong partnership between the U.S. and Estonia, actions to strengthen NATO, and a mutual pledge to only use trustworthy technology suppliers in their respective communications networks. "I was glad to have Prime Minister Jüri Ratas join me in the U.S. Capitol today to discuss our bilateral efforts to counter Russian ma… Continue Reading
October 30, 2019
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for the Honorable John Sullivan to be U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a nomination hearing for the Honorable John Sullivan to be the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation. Chairman Risch gave the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery: "Today we will consider the nomination of the Honorable John Sullivan to be the United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation. We welcome you back to the committee, and thank you for your wi… Continue Reading
October 29, 2019
Risch, Rubio Meet with Venezuelan Delegation
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, today met with Venezuelan Commissioner for Foreign Relations Julio Borges, Venezuelan Ambassador to the U.S. Carlos Vecchio, UN Ambassador Miguel Pizarro, and Ad hoc Director Alejandro Grisanti, to discuss con… Continue Reading
October 29, 2019
Risch Discusses the Fight Against ISIS with Fox News’ Sandra Smith
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today spoke with Sandra Smith on Fox News about the impact of the U.S.-led military raid against ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the successful termination of his second in command. "America's memory is long and our reach is even longer. [ISIS'] road is going to end with either death or capture, and it's most likely death," said Risch. "We're all committed to… keeping our foot on t… Continue Reading
October 27, 2019
Risch Statement on Announcement of Death of ISIS Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has released the following statement on the announcement of the successful U.S.-led military raid against ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: "Reports of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death following a U.S. raid in Syria are welcome news and a triumph for all peace-loving people," Risch said. "I applaud the professionalism of our special operators and the steadfast devotion of our men and women in unifo… Continue Reading
October 25, 2019
Risch, Menendez, Johnson, Shaheen Introduce Resolution to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, introduced a resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of both Germany and Europe, and the spread of democracy around the world. "… Continue Reading
October 25, 2019
Bipartisan Group of Senators Sends Letter to President of Tajikistan Regarding Harassment of Tajik Journalists
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), on Friday sent a letter to President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan concerning reports that journalists affiliated with Radio Ozodi, the Tajik Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), are being harassed, threatened, and in some cases, denied accreditation to work in Tajikis… Continue Reading
October 24, 2019
Risch: Zimbabwean Leadership is the Cause of Crisis, Not Sanctions
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement regarding efforts of the government of Zimbabwe to spread misinformation and deflect blame for the dire economic conditions faced by the country: "Responsibility for the current political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe falls solely on the ruling regime that has governed the country for decades. If Zimbabwe's leaders put as much time, financial resources,… Continue Reading
October 22, 2019
Risch Applauds Senate Approval of North Macedonia Accession to NATO, Calls on European Partners to Do the Same
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve the accession of North Macedonia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): "Today's long-awaited, nearly unanimous vote to approve the accession of North Macedonia into NATO is a strong symbol of the U.S. Senate's support for the strongest and most successful political-military alliance in the history of the world… Continue Reading
October 22, 2019
Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Hearing on Turkey's Offensive in Northeast Syria
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today convened a full committee hearing on Turkey's offensive in northeast Syria, with witness testimony from the Honorable James F. Jeffrey, special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS at the Department of State, and Mr. Matthew A. Palmer, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Afairs at the Department of State… Continue Reading
