Chairman Risch Thanks Foreign Relations Committee Spring 2025 Interns

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today thanked committee interns for their work during the spring term.

“This spring, I was glad to welcome seven exceptional interns to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” said Risch. “They had the unique opportunity to witness how the Senate strategizes and responds to complex global issues. The U.S. is dealing with challenges around the world that require delicate and thorough attention. In addition, our adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are taking advantage of opportunities to undermine our national security. It is crucial we protect our American interests abroad. These interns were an exceptional component to my team and worked diligently to complete the difficult items they were tasked with. I’m grateful for their hard work and wish them luck in their next step.”

The SFRC interns this spring were:                    

Zane Rivers

Moscow, Idaho

Zane earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Boise State University. He is interested in technology transfers, non-proliferation, and Russia-NATO relations. Zane’s goal is to return to Capitol Hill or work at the State Department and fulfill a career in public service.

Mattingly Watson

Searcy, Arkansas

Mattingly will receive her bachelor’s degree next year from Hillsdale College. She is interested in American politics & history, as well as U.S.-Asia relations. Mattingly’s goal is to someday serve as a foreign service officer, or work in a communicators role messaging U.S. policy.

Joshua Browder

Austin, Texas

Josh is earning a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Baylor University. He is most interested in East Asia and Japanese strategic strategies and hopes to turn this into a career in foreign service or creating foreign policy.

Alyssa Hirai

Fujisawa, Japan/ Honolulu, Hawaii

Alyssa received a Bachelor of Science in International Security and Chinese and will receive a Master of Arts in Asian Studies this year, both from Georgetown University. Alyssa is particularly interested in East Asia, energy, and economic security. She hopes to channel those interests into a career at the NSC, in OSD policy, or at the State Department.

Zachary Claar

Aliso Viejo, California

Zachary is a 2L at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, before he received his Bachelor of Arts at California Polytechnic State University SLO. His interests include Israeli, Iranian, and American electoral history, with hopes of one day working at the State Department.

Jackson Mariani

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Jackson received a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from New York University and is currently earning his master’s degree in National Security Studies at Georgetown University. Jackson’s interest areas range from the Middle East to Latin America, and National Security to counterterrorism. He hopes his skills will someday translate to a career as a foreign service officer.

Hugh Macaulay

Seattle, Washington

Hugh is currently studying at Hillsdale College, where he is pursuing his interests in Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Hugh hopes to pursue a career in Constitutional Law.

Click here to learn more about the SFRC internship program.

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