WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statements on his priorities that were included in the Senate-passed FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
State Department Reauthorization: to exercise congressional oversight over the State Department and enable critical capabilities.
“For the fifth consecutive year, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will authorize necessary tools that enable the State Department, to more effectively leverage American taxpayers’ dollars and advance U.S. interests abroad. Now more than ever, we need a State Department that is equipped to face 21st century challenges and capable of delivering results for the American people.”
Reauthorizing the Development Finance Corporation (DFC): to sustain and empower the critical work of the Development Finance Corporation while ensuring it remains accountable to American taxpayers.
“The DFC plays a critical role in promoting private sector-led economic growth and advancing U.S. strategic interests abroad. This amendment not only reauthorizes the DFC – it gives it the tools it needs to work in more strategic areas and sectors, more effectively counter the PRC, secure American interests, and protect economic freedom. I’m proud to reauthorize the DFC in this year’s NDAA.”
The International Nuclear Energy Act: to support the U.S. domestic nuclear energy industry’s leadership and offset China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development.
“If the U.S. doesn’t lead on nuclear energy development, Russia and China will. The inclusion of this amendment in the NDAA will give us the tools we need to compete with these authoritarian aggressors and build long-lasting nuclear energy deals that benefit our economy and ensure America remains the leader on nuclear energy for generations to come,” said Chairman Risch.
The BUST FENTANYL Act: to crack down on the import of deadly fentanyl and its precursors flowing from China, to Mexico, and across our borders.
“With the support of the Chinese government, China remains the single greatest source of fentanyl and synthetic opioid precursors to Mexican cartels. These opioids then come across our southern border and kill over 100,000 Americans every year. This needs to end and the perpetrators need to be held accountable. This provision will leverage the economic might of the United States against these criminals in China to make them think twice before importing drugs that harm our communities.”
The International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act: to reauthorize and enhance critical programming essential to combating human trafficking worldwide.
“Human traffickers are the worst of the worst—whether it is smuggling people over our southern border, or the millions trapped in modern-day slavery— we must do all we can to stop this abuse and hold the perpetrators accountable. This provision will give the Trump Administration the tools to counter human trafficking both in and outside the U.S. and ensure that our allies are pulling their weight as well."
The Countering Wrongful Detention Act: to create new tools for the U.S. government to deter states from wrongfully detaining Americans abroad and support wrongful detainees upon their return home.
“President Trump is working to restore America as a leader on the world stage and ensure we are respected around the globe. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act will add firepower to his efforts by hitting countries that wrongfully detain American citizens with strong repercussions, including the potential of sanctions. We stand with those Americans who were and are wrongfully detained, and we will work to ensure that they are freed and that no other American has to endure this injustice again.”
The PAID Off Act: to help close Foreign Agents Registration Act loopholes that allow unregistered agents of foreign adversaries to lobby in the United States.
“For years, the United States’ biggest adversaries have exploited loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to influence senior government officials and advance their geopolitical goals. Well-known examples include Russia’s efforts to prevent sanctions against its Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Chinese surveillance firm Hikvision’s attempts to avoid sanctions. This provision will close key loopholes to ensure transparency and accountability of malign foreign lobbying efforts in the United States.”
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