Press Releases

Interning in the U.S. Senate is an excellent way to learn about the legislative branch of government and to see where much of our nation’s early history took place. These interns are highly qualified and will serve Idaho well."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate this week passed Senate Resolution 548 (S.Res.548) to designate November 29, 2014 as “Small Business Saturday.” Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jim Risch (R-ID), the chairwoman and ranking member on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the resolution to encourage consumers during the holiday season to […]

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch issued the following statements today after voting against final passage of H.J.Res.124, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2015: “For far too long, Congress has neglected the critical budget and appropriations process, becoming almost solely reliant on irresponsible stop-gap measures,” said Crapo.  “With our […]

I have real reservations about choosing from over 200 different ethnic and religious groups within Syria and arming those that are labeled ‘moderate’ by some in our government. I am not convinced there is a group of ‘moderate’ rebels in Syria. There is no easy choice here, but President Obama has not laid out a clear strategy, instead the strategy I have seen is not in my opinion destined to succeed, but drag us further into the mire. I want to support a winning strategy, but I cannot support his $500 million proposal without a better plan.

I am proud to be named as a 'Taxpayers' Friend' another year in a row. Given the historic spending crisis and amount of debt our nation faces, saving money and eliminating waste is always a top priority. The best way to strengthen families, grow businesses and boost our national economy is to let taxpayers keep more of their money.

I am pleased to recognize Seekins Precision as an outstanding Idaho small business. Locally owned and operated, Seekins Precision builds innovative products for precision shooters. Seekins Precision is a true illustration of the American Dream, having grown and adapted for the past 10 years. It all started out of Glen and Katie Seekins' garage and since then the business has expanded from manufacturing original scope rings with just a handful of employees, to developing over ten major upper-end rifle lines and creating over 25 new jobs. I congratulate everyone at Seekins Precision on their success and wish them the very

My home state is fortunate to have the Idaho National Laboratory located in Idaho Falls, the nation's lead nuclear laboratory and a world leader in securing the ever-growing cyber network. I am glad to have the opportunity to join with Senator Durbin in co-chairing the Senate National Laboratory Caucus and furthering support for our national labs in the United States Senate.

Collin is an exceptionally bright and talented young Idahoan. It was a privilege to spend time with him and his mother and to learn more about their family's story. I'm grateful for the sacrifices they make as Collin's dad serves in the Air Force Reserve in Idaho, having been deployed four times, and proud of Collin's considerable achievements.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch and former First Lady Vicki Risch issued the following statement regarding the passing of Jacque Batt, the wife of former Governor Phil Batt: “Vicki and I express our heartfelt condolences to Phil and the entire Batt family for the loss of former First Lady Jacque Batt.  Jacque loved […]

The U.S. is experiencing a tragedy along its border which did not need to happen. President Obama can fix this, but his proposal for $3.6 billion was a bad deal. It throws good money after bad, and it ignores the policy changes that are required to solve this humanitarian crisis.