Press Releases

Budget agreements in the last Congress set the precedent that any increase in the debt ceiling should be equally matched with spending cuts. An amendment offered by our colleague, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), would have done just that, but unfortunately was defeated. Therefore, we could not support this legislation. Washington must practice financial restraint and get our spending problem under control.

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced today that Skiffington Holderness of Boise, Idaho will serve as Staff Director for the committee’s Republican office.  Holderness had been serving as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Risch on financial issues including small business. “I am […]

I will continue to advocate for a government that allows more freedom, fewer regulations, and lower spending by the federal government. I believe in the creation of an atmosphere that fosters the free enterprise spirit that will create more jobs and opportunities for all.

The new Chobani plant is a big economic boost to the Twin Falls region and to the state. As federally elected officials, we believe it is our duty to ask the USDA to add Greek yogurt, based on its great nutritional benefits. The other big benefit is increasing jobs at the plant and on Idaho dairy farms as Greek yogurt becomes even more popular in the country, the Idaho members added.

I am troubled by the continuing efforts of this president to legislate by executive order when his responsibility under the Constitution is to execute laws enacted by the legislative branch. All proposed legislation should be put before the people’s elected representatives, fully debated in Congress and then voted on under the specific procedures clearly provided by our Constitution.

The compromise that we supported protects 99-percent of all Idahoans from a tax increase and also protects the vast majority of our farm families from a permanent tax increase. This is a victory for working Idahoans, but we must now be very aggressive in finding appropriate spending reductions.

This year's nominees have met the high standards required to attend our military academies and each of them have demonstrated a level of commitment to our nation that is commendable. They are each truly deserving of this honor and I applaud them for their efforts, said Risch.

“I am appalled by this senseless act of violence that occurred against innocent children and adults in Connecticut.  There are no words that can adequately convey our sorrow for the families and friends of the victims.  As parents and grandparents, Vicki and I express our deepest sympathies to the people of Newtown.”

I strongly urge the European Union to join the United States and other allies in designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. It is well known that Hezbollah has conducted terrorist attacks around the world, and that Syria and Iran have supported Hezbollah’s violence across the Middle East and Europe. A strong message must be sent that attacks against democracy and innocent victims will not be tolerated. We must be united in our opposition to terrorism, said Senator Risch.

I'm pleased to see the final designation of critical habitat for caribou in northern Idaho is more realistic than the initial proposal. The input by private citizens and elected officials from the region was very helpful, as was the attention paid to it by Brian Kelly and Ben Conard of the Fish and Wildlife Service. This new designation protects private property, allows continued access to public lands, and provides adequate range for recovery of woodland caribou that may come into Idaho.