Press Releases

The decision by President Obama to deny the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline was flat wrong and puts politics before jobs and economic growth, said Risch. "Now it is time for Congress to take action and end the inexcusable delay of tens of thousands of new jobs and investment in our economy. This legislation will finally clear the way for this project to move forward".

Streamlining the hydropower relicensing process and retrofitting existing structures for energy production needs to happen. Hydropower remains the cleanest, most cost effective and one of the most dependable domestic sources of energy. The relicensing process should not be a hindrance to a proven clean energy resource

WASHINGTON, DC— Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) and House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today released the following statements in response to the Administration’s comments about the impact of the sequester on small business: “I am troubled the President has chosen to use scare tactics to incite small […]

One of the best sources of renewable, clean, energy is hydroelectric. If we can continue to modernize conventional water canals, conduit piping, and irrigation ditches with new conduit hydropower technology, then why is the federal government making it so difficult to expand hydropower technology in Idaho and other western states? This bill will streamline federal bureaucracy and eliminate red tape to allow Idaho canal companies and irrigation districts to expand agriculture projects, create new jobs, and generate new clean energy.

Not surprisingly, the president continued the theme from his inaugural address of more federal government involvement in all aspects of American life. His view has always been to expand the federal reach and to spend more. He looks to enforce a far-left philosophy on all matters rather than focus on individual rights and responsibilities and recognizing, as our founding fathers did, the preeminent role the states have through their sovereign status.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are once again co-sponsoring legislation to provide more stability for those who use livestock grazing permits.  Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Grazing Improvement Act (S. 258) on Thursday. “Ranchers are some of Idaho’s strongest stewards for maintaining the health of our public lands,” said […]

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.