Risch Assumes Chairmanship of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

WASHINGTON- US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement regarding his election to serve as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 119th Congress:

"Today, America faces threats from nearly every corner of the world.

"China presents the most significant long-term risk to the United States that I have witnessed. The Chinese government steals American intellectual property, and exploits our capitalist markets for their own gain, all while aggressively undermining American national security and expanding their military to rival our own.

"Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, fights a multi-front war against Iran and our common adversaries following a brutal and unprovoked attack. The Biden Administration failed to properly support Israel in its self defense and efforts to eradicate Hamas, which has only prolonged the terrible situation in Israel and Gaza.

"At the same time, Vladimir Putin-with the support of the Chinese government-continues his violent assault on Ukraine. Putin has escalated this war over and over again - most recently by importing more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers to fight for Russia.

"Putin's efforts to undermine NATO in all corners of the region continue to be a concern, and a reason that our NATO allies must make significantly greater financial contributions to meet today's significantly greater challenges. Biden's feckless policies have undermined security in Europe. I look forward to President Trump's strong leadership on resolving the Ukraine conflict and I have confidence that he will do just that.

"These are not isolated threats- hostile foreign powers across the globe are working together in an authoritarian axis to weaken the United States and harm our interests. Yet, in the face of this growing danger, our government has been more focused on advancing woke DEI programs than protecting the American people, defending democracy, and restoring order in the world.

"There is no better time for Republicans to take the helm and correct the shortcomings of the previous administration.

"In the 119th Congress, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will confront this authoritarian axis head-on. Our work will begin by confirming President Trump's slate of national security nominees-among them, my good friend Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State whose leadership will be important in these turbulent times. Together, we will hold the United Nations accountable, reject decisions that benefit enemies of the free world like the Iranian and Russian regimes, end the antisemitism that appears to be endemic across much of the UN, and ensure Taiwan has the right to participate and contribute throughout the UN system. Together with the new secretary, we will help conduct robust oversight of the bloated bureaucracy at the State Department to ensure it is truly serving the interests of the American people.

"The threats we face are urgent, and there is no time to waste. It's time to get to work."

In the 119th Congress, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will welcome seven new members: Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

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