James E. Risch
Senator for Idaho · Republican · United States
“With each batch of coffee they roast, Disciples Coffee strives to roast to perfection and brew for connection. Disciples Coffee aims to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Heath knows firsthand the lasting effects of serving our country and believes each and every one of our first responders and veterans deserves not only our gratitude, but also opportunities to heal.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“Today, I am pleased to recognize Heath Gunns as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026. Heath Gunns understands the sacrifice and mental weight of service.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“Heath finds Spoken Outdoors helps not only first responders, but the broader community as well. Each event offers first responders with the chance to create meaningful relationships and better navigate their experiences, helping them recognize they are not alone in their struggles.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home.”
Senate24 September 2026Source ↗
The complete record
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“But, nonetheless, the difficulty is there. There are also domestic industries that find creative barriers to keep U.S. products out. In the security space, Italy remains below NATO's 2 percent spending requirement. This is really hard to understand, based on both the challenges Putin has created for European security but also due to the substantial security threats Italy faces from the Mediterranean and from North Africa. I am confident that Mr. Fertitta will help address these issues and ensure the U.S.-Italian relationship only continues to grow stronger. I encourage my colleagues to support his nomination. I know this nomination vote is going to be a bipartisan vote, and there are certainly Democrats that feel very strongly about Mr. Fertitta for good reason. He is a good man. He deserves the vote.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“Turkiye also has a difficult track record on human rights and has repressed dissent both in and outside of its borders. Mr. Barrack is the right man to tackle this challenging post. He will help President Trump and Secretary Rubio protect national security interests from the many threats we face. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting the confirmation of Thomas Barrack. Next, I want to move to the nomination of Tillman Fertitta for Ambassador to Italy. Italy remains a close ally, an important partner in Europe, and is a special place for a lot of Americans. While there are deep cultural ties, there remain a number of areas where significant improvement is needed. On trade, U.S. producers have a hard time getting access to the Italian market, in part because of EU regulations--certainly, not the fault of Italy.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, on a more credible note, I hope, I am here to speak on two noms that we have coming up. There is going to be a vote on confirmation of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador for Turkiye and a vote on Tilman Fertitta for the nomination to be Ambassador for Italy. I want to speak first to the nomination of Thomas Barrack for Ambassador to Turkiye. As you know--as everyone knows--Turkiye is a critical U.S. and NATO ally. I use that word ally judiciously. They have been the recalcitrant ally, from time to time, lately and have been difficult. Nonetheless, we have gotten through those things, but it has been far from lockstep with America in supporting our mutual interests. While Turkiye hosts NATO and American forces and has supported efforts toward peace in Ukraine, it has troubling--troubling--ties to Russia and Hamas.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“No foreign government can come into our political system and use money to influence our political system, and yet a foreign government like China can go into our colleges and universities and pump in millions of dollars and use the influence of that money to influence the colleges and universities. We don't allow this in our political system because we don't want foreign influence in our political system, nor should we allow this kind of influence in the institutions that make up the education system for future Americans. We need to put a stop to this, and all of us, I hope, will be glad to partner with our friend David Perdue as he confronts these issues from Beijing. In this administration and in his first term, President Trump demonstrated that he will be tough on China. He has to be.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“The best example of that is the genocide that they commit against the Uighur Muslims in China, and the world pretty much looks the other way while they do human rights abuses that are way over the top. So, Senator Perdue--David--you have your work cut out for you. This is going to be a challenge as we go forward, particularly over the next 4 years. In addition to that, China has done everything it can to infiltrate the United States. Most people in America have no understanding about the tremendous amount and the millions of dollars that the Chinese Government pumps into our colleges and universities here in the United States. I myself and others have long been trying to put a stop to this.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“Their economy is growing rapidly, and they have done it the old fashion way: They have stolen every good idea that we have and used it to their own devices, which has brought them to the challenging position they are in for the United States. And they are a very different country than the United States is. The world, I think, is very quickly developing into a bipolar position, where, on the one hand, you have democracies and semi- democracies like the United States, made of up of free people, of capitalism, of free markets, of entrepreneurs, and of people who very much value human rights and value the individual way, ahead of the state. On the other hand, you have countries like China that are communist. They are socialists. They are not free market or capitalist motivated. And they have no regards for human rights.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I come to the floor today in support of our friend David Perdue's nomination to be Ambassador to China. This is certainly one of the most important nominations and appointments that will come across this floor, and the President is to be commended for picking David Perdue for this position. China, as we all know, is the largest, the most significant, probably the longest lasting foreign policy challenge that the United States of America has, and it is going to continue to be for some time. Today, we have seen, over the last recent decades, China move from a third-world country to a near peer to the United States.”
Senate29 April 2025Source ↗
“POLICY JUSTIFICATION Kingdom of Morocco--FIM-92K Stinger Block I Missiles The Kingdom of Morocco has requested to buy up to six hundred (600) FIM-92K Stinger Block I Missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $825 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa. The proposed sale will improve Morocco's capability to meet current and future threats.”
Senate28 April 2025Source ↗
“It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to meet current and future threats by protecting and increasing aircraft survivability. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.”
Senate9 April 2025Source ↗
“The following non-MDE items will be included: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support; weapons system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.04 billion. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific.”
Senate9 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we immediately proceed to the rollcall vote.”
Senate9 April 2025Source ↗
“To execute on President Trump's ironclad support of Israel, we urgently need a qualified ambassador in the region. I have no doubt Governor Huckabee is that person, and he will work alongside President Trump and Secretary Rubio and our friends in Israel to bring peace to a turbulent region and ensure both American and Israeli hostages are brought home from the clutches of Hamas. The other countries in the region, our Arab allies, our Arab friends, are desperate to see peace in the region. They want it as badly as anyone else does. I urge all of my colleagues to support Governor Huckabee and to fill this important national security position.”
Senate9 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I have come here today in support of President Trump's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Gov. Mike Huckabee, who was reported out of our Foreign Relations Committee recently. For years, the previous administration wrung its hands and withheld American support for Israel in the wake of the horrendous, awful October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Despite this, Israel had the courage to confront Iran, Hamas, and its other proxies, and it has decimated them. Now, thanks to President Trump's negotiations and Israel's courage, Iran is at its weakest point in decades and hostages are returning home. Israel is one of America's greatest allies, a bastion of freedom in the Middle East, and our closest partner in countering Iran's destabilizing efforts in the region.”
Senate9 April 2025Source ↗
“I invite my colleagues and all Idaho residents to join us in celebrating the Boise Depot, a historic treasure that has enriched our lives for 100 years and hopefully many more. ____________________”
Senate8 April 2025Source ↗
“The depot, now operated by the city of Boise, provides a unique and historic setting for community celebrations. Over the decades, it has served as a hub for transportation and community gatherings, welcoming countless Idahoans and Americans. In addition to the depot's beautiful gardens and koi pond, the site is home to the steam locomotive Big Mike, donated by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1956. Big Mike represents the spirit of innovation and progress that has defined our Nation's economy, infrastructure, and heritage for generations. It is an honor to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Boise Depot and the people who have contributed to its legacy--from the passengers who rode its rails, to the Idahoans who celebrated their milestones, and the families who made memories that will last a lifetime.”
Senate8 April 2025Source ↗
“Built in 1925 by the Union Pacific Railroad, the Boise Depot brought people from all over the nation to witness the wonders of Idaho. Once hailed as ``the most beautiful structure of its kind in the west,'' the depot overlooks a panoramic view of our great city and surrounding foothills. Its iconic 96-foot bell tower can be seen throughout Boise and remains as a beacon of our community. It is a favorite site enjoyed by many, and it continues to be a place where memories are made. As we celebrate its centennial anniversary, we join many Idahoans in reflecting on the depot's rich history. Since its opening day, when thousands gathered to witness the arrival of the first transcontinental steam engine, the depot has served as a testament to the Treasure Valley's growth and resilience.”
Senate8 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, today, I rise, with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Idaho's capital city: the 100th anniversary of the Boise Depot. For a century, this iconic structure, which faces our State capitol building, has stood as a prominent landmark of the Boise skyline and become a cherished symbol of our community's past and present.”
Senate8 April 2025Source ↗
“I ask for the yeas and nays.”
Senate31 March 2025Source ↗
“I yield the floor to the Senator from Iowa.”
Senate31 March 2025Source ↗
“Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that myself and the Senator from Iowa be permitted to speak each 3 minutes, and immediately upon conclusion of that, we proceed to the vote on the confirmation.”
Senate31 March 2025Source ↗
“Madam President, is the next regular order of business the confirmation of Mr. Matthew Whitaker to be NATO? Is that next order of business up?”
Senate31 March 2025Source ↗
“Madam President, is the next regular order of business the confirmation of Mr. Matthew Whitaker?”
Senate31 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Port of Lewiston, Idaho's only seaport and an economic cornerstone of north Idaho and the broader Pacific Northwest. In 1975, the Port of Lewiston opened, marked by the launch of the first barge to sail westward down the Columbia-Snake River System. Nez Perce County voters approved its creation in 1958, but it took the completion of the Lower Granite Dam in 1975 to make Idaho's seaport fully operational.”
Senate27 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor The Gangplank as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2025. Newell and Carol Walker opened The Gangplank in 1970 in Idaho Falls.”
Senate14 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following press secretary be granted floor privileges until March 6, 2025: Allison Aprahamian.”
Senate5 March 2025Source ↗
“This simply, I can assure you, Senator, is not helpful to those negotiations that are going on.”
Senate5 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I respect my friend, but I vehemently disagree that this resolution is going to cause Vladimir Putin to end this war. My good friend says that Vladimir Putin could end this war. He does not have the ability to end this war. This war is going to end when there is an agreement by the four entities involved: Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and our European allies. When those four reach an agreement, there will be an end to this war. That can be done by Donald J. Trump. I guarantee you, Vladimir Putin does not have the ability to bring those four entities together to end this war. Again, this is not helpful. You don't know what the negotiations are that are going on, and this is going in the wrong direction, and that is the reason I object.”
Senate5 March 2025Source ↗
“And to my good friend Senator Sanders, this is not helpful to the activities that are going on to try to get this resolved. You may think you know what is going on, but I can guarantee with absolute certainty, you do not know what is going on as far as the negotiations are concerned to get this over with. What you are looking at is the tip of the iceberg, and this is not going to be helpful to getting to the point that you want to get to, that I want to get to, that everyone wants to get to, and that is to get peace in Ukraine. On that basis, I object.”
Senate5 March 2025Source ↗
“Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the rollcall vote commence at this time.”
Senate24 February 2025Source ↗
“Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Driscoll and Greer nominations.”
Senate24 February 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), Woman's Century Club in Nampa, ID--a remarkable organization that has been at the forefront of community service and education since its inception in 1900. As the first service club established in Nampa, the Woman's Century Club has demonstrated commitment and dedication to enhancing the lives of Idahoans.”
Senate13 February 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of small businesses in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor the Stagecoach Inn as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2025. The Stagecoach Inn was founded in 1959 by Willie Schrier, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a trained horse jockey.”
Senate13 February 2025Source ↗
“One of the Agencies that a lot of us have had concerns about over the years is USAID and how the money was being spent. We are going to have a look at it. I have no doubt that when we are done with that, everyone is going to have a say, and at the end of the day, we will, as we do in a democracy, vote, and that will be the end of it. I yield the floor.”
Senate3 February 2025Source ↗
“There are many, many, many Agencies out there, and this is going to be coming down the pike on every amount of government spending. Elections have consequences, and this is one of the consequences, that we are going to do our best to reduce spending--do it by efficiencies, by combining where it is necessary. I will continue to be in close coordination with Secretary Rubio on this as it moves forward. As a result of that, I object to the proposed S. Res. 51.”
Senate3 February 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.”
Senate28 January 2025Source ↗
“I ask for the yeas and nays.”
Senate20 January 2025Source ↗
“Marco's qualifications and ability to stand in the shoes of Thomas Jefferson, our first Secretary of State, and the 70 who followed him-- Marco's qualifications are unchallengeable. I urge you all to join me in voting for Marco Rubio. (Applause.)”
Senate20 January 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following disposition of Calendar No. 1, S. 5, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Executive Calendar No. 2, Marco Rubio of Florida to be Secretary of State; further, that the Senate vote on confirmation of the Rubio nomination with no intervening action or debate; finally, that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. I would also ask unanimous consent that immediately prior to that vote, I be given 3 minutes to debate and my distinguished colleague from New Hampshire also be given 3 minutes to debate prior to calling the vote.”
Senate20 January 2025Source ↗
“Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of small businesses in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Idaho Air Gun as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for January 2025. Founded in 2013, Idaho Air Gun began as a firearms and reloading pro shop in Boise, offering top-quality reloading equipment and a full selection of components.”
Senate17 January 2025Source ↗