Press Releases
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today applauded the Department of the Interior proposal to provide new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears. “It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act to require the Bureau of Land Management to hold annual geothermal lease sales. “Idaho has long benefited from our abundant natural geothermal resources, and there is great potential to ramp up the production of this reliable energy to power our […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) shared the following statement on the 250th anniversary of American independence: “America is the greatest nation in the world. Not by a little bit, but by a whole lot. For 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, perseverance, and innovation. This American spirit is alive […]
BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today, on the 136thanniversary of Idaho statehood, announced the launch of the Idaho Service Spotlight, a new biweekly recognition of individuals whose exceptional courage, leadership, and sacrifice make a lasting difference in their communities. “Idaho is the greatest state in the nation because of the outstanding people who call […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding Idaho’s Title IX law protecting women’s sports. “Today’s ruling is a major victory for women, fairness, and the Gem State. Idaho was the first state in the nation to ban biological men from […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) celebrated the passage of his legislation to strengthen Idaho’s public lands, address important water infrastructure, and increase wildfire mitigation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The three bills now await action by the full Senate. “There is no question that Idahoans care deeply about our public lands […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) sent a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler requesting a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) be established in Idaho to provide entrepreneurial support to veterans, service members, and military spouses. “Idaho is home to more than 120,000 veterans and 12,000 veteran-owned businesses. [. . .] These […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced today the selection of seven businesses from across the state as Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. The recognition is part of Senator Risch’s seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative. “Idaho is full of […]
Invites Idahoans to Support Local Small Businesses on Friday, June 12, 2026 WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched the seventh annual Support Local Gemsinitiative, encouraging Idahoans to show their appreciation for small businesses in their community. On Friday, June 12, 2026, Idahoans are invited to Support Local Gems by shopping at […]
First Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality at the Idaho National Laboratory in Nearly 50 Years WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today celebrated the first new nuclear reactor to achieve criticality, or demonstrate a fission chain reaction, at the Idaho National Laboratory in nearly 50 years. The Antares R1 Mark-0 Reactor Project is the first of […]