Committees
A brief overview of each committee on which I serve is provided below. To learn more, access each committee's website by clicking on the title of the committee.
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The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was originally known as the Committee on Public Lands, overseeing the settling of land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Since then, its oversight jurisdiction has expanded to include nuclear, hydroelectric, and other energy production; mining, grazing, and oil and gas leasing on public lands; water rights; National Parks and Indian Affairs.
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Senator Risch serves as ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee for the 117th Congress. The Committee on Foreign Relations is one of the oldest committees in the Senate, tracing its roots back to 1816. Committee members work on foreign policy legislation, provide oversight of the foreign policy agencies, confirm diplomatic nominations, and consider international treaties. The committee also oversees the operations and funding of foreign aid programs.
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The Select Committee on Intelligence oversees intelligence activities and programs of the U.S. government. The committee is made up of two members of the Appropriations, Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Judiciary committees and seven members of the general body. Its primary duties are to ensure that intelligence activities are in line with the Constitution and U.S. law, and to assure the appropriate government departments and agencies communicate intelligence information in a complete and timely fashion to the President and Congress.
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The Select Committee on Ethics is a six-person committee comprised of three Democrats and three Republicans. The committee investigates complaints and allegations of improper conduct and violations of the Senate Code of Official Conduct. The committee also suggests new rules and regulations to see that the Code of Conduct is upheld and, when appropriate, can recommend disciplinary action.
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The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee oversees proposed legislation or other matters relating to the Small Business Administration. They are also assigned to research, investigate, and report all problems relating to America's small business enterprises to the Senate.
