Press Releases

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.

Boise, Idaho – The nation’s only successfully state-created roadless plan was heard today by a three judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Portland, Oregon. U.S. Senator Jim Risch attended the hearing on the plan he created as governor in 2006.  The collaborative effort led by Risch included county commissioners, tribes, timber […]

Senator Jim Risch has expressed concern over security leaks perpetrated by current and former administration officials regarding U.S. affairs in the Middle East. He led the effort and was joined by other senators in asking for information about the disclosure of classified information involving potential retaliation for the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens.

This year, Academy Day will be held in Boise and Post Falls on October 6, and in Idaho Falls on October 13. Officials from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York will be there to provide information about each service academy.

Senator Risch recently called on the administration to fully investigate the attacks on U.S. missions in the Middle East where four Americans were murdered, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens.