James E. Risch
U.S. Senator · Idaho · Republican · Chair, Foreign Relations
Statements and posts
83 press releases, floor remarks and posts since Jan 3, 2025.
Pick a week or a day to set the dates below. One count per message: copies of one post on X and Bluesky count once, and reposts aren’t counted. Shading is scaled to Risch’s own volume over the last 12 months (a typical active day = 1). May 25, 2026 – Aug 16, 2026.
All 83 statements
Newest first-
Press release
Official
Risch, Crapo, Simpson Celebrate Idaho Nuclear Tech Hub Designation
Celebrated $31 million federal award for Idaho nuclear technology hub creating 900 jobs.
“The future of American nuclear energy is being developed in Idaho”
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Risch, Baldwin Call on FDA to Crack Down on Mislabeled Dairy Imitation Products
Called on FDA to enforce dairy labeling standards and crack down on mislabeled plant-based products.
“We urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health.”
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Risch Introduces Bill to Increase Geothermal Energy Production
Introduced bill requiring annual geothermal lease sales by Bureau of Land Management.
“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 communities”
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Risch, Crapo Applaud Move to Return Grizzly Bear Management to States
Praised Interior Department proposal to return grizzly bear management to states.
“It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals”
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Risch on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence
Released statement honoring America's 250th anniversary of 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 and well, especially in my home state of Idaho”
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Risch Launches Idaho Service Spotlight to Recognize Outstanding Idahoans
Announced new biweekly recognition program for outstanding Idahoans on state's 136th statehood anniversary.
“Idaho is the greatest state in the nation because of the outstanding people who call it home”
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Risch Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Idaho Women’s Sports Case
Applauded Supreme Court decision upholding Idaho law banning transgender athletes from 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 competing in women’s sports and uphold the opportunities Title IX promised more than 50 years ago.”
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Risch Bills to Bolster Public Lands, Idaho Water Advance to Senate Floor
Celebrated passage of three bills through committee to strengthen Idaho public lands and water infrastructure.
“There is no question that Idahoans care deeply about our public lands and water systems. The responsible, commonsense bills passed out of committee will help maintain our public lands, prevent critical water infrastructure from falling into disrepair, and mitigate wildfire risk”
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Risch Leads Request for Idaho-Based Veteran Business Outreach Center
Requested SBA establish a Veteran Business Outreach Center in Idaho.
“Idaho is home to more than 120,000 veterans and 12,000 veteran-owned businesses. [. . .] These veterans and small business owners deserve a dedicated, in-state resource with a deep understanding of Idaho’s unique economic environment and the challenges veterans face”
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Risch Names June Small Businesses of the Month During Support Local Gems Initiative
Named seven Idaho small businesses as June 2026 businesses of the month.
“Idaho is full of small businesses that drive our economy and quality of life”
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Risch Launches 7th Annual Support Local Gems Initiative
Launched seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative encouraging Idahoans to shop at small businesses.
“Small businesses and the people behind them are the lifeblood of the Gem State”
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Risch Celebrates Historic Milestone at INL, Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy
Celebrated first nuclear reactor achieving criticality at Idaho National Laboratory in nearly 50 years.
“Today’s achievement at the INL adds another chapter to Idaho’s proud leadership in nuclear innovation”
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Risch, Crapo Join Call for Investigation into Unfair Sugar Trade Practices
Called for investigation into unfair sugar trade practices by foreign countries.
“The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year.”
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Risch, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Boost Access to Precious Metal Depositories
Introduced bipartisan bill to increase geographic diversity of U.S. precious metal depositories.
“The concentration of precious metal depositories in a single region has left Idahoans at a disadvantage”
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Risch, Crapo Join Bill to Strengthen Public Lands
Announced support for America the Beautiful Act to reauthorize Legacy Restoration Fund for public lands maintenance.
“Public lands are central to who we are as Idahoans and our way of life”
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Risch Names Broken Bowl Catering as April Small Business of the Month
Named Broken Bowl Catering as Idaho Small Business of the Month for April 2026.
“Jacob Bybee has loved cooking and creating experiences from meals since he was a teenager”
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Risch, Cassidy Lead Bill to Protect American Workers, Block Harmful Biden Heat Rule
Introduced bill to block Biden-era heat standards and return authority to state and local leaders.
“One-size-fits-all federal heating standards prevent small businesses and farmers from appropriately protecting the people they employ”
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Risch on the Passing of Former Idaho Governor, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne
Risch issued a statement mourning the passing of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne.
“Vicki and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Dirk Kempthorne, a faithful public servant who made a lasting mark on Idaho and our nation. From his time as Boise Mayor, U.S.”
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Risch, Secretary Wright Tout Idaho’s Future in Nuclear Energy, Express Support for ARC Act
Discussed Idaho's nuclear energy leadership and expressed support for Advancing Reliable Capacity Act.
“And in your great state, in the few weeks before July 4th, we will have multiple small modular reactors running their entire nuclear systems. [. . .] If we can build something small and modularly in a plant, we can drive down the cost of it. We can reduce the time it takes to build them.”
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Risch, King Introduce Resolution Celebrating 154th Arbor Day
Introduced resolution designating April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day.
“Idaho is the poster child for how effective, active forest management improves forest health, supports conservation, and reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire”
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Announced $24 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for Idaho counties in Fiscal Year 2025.
“The federal government made a promise to rural communities that rely on SRS for schools, road maintenance, and other essential services”
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Risch Thanks Spring 2026 Interns in Washington, D.C. Office
Thanked spring 2026 interns in his Washington, D.C. office for their service.
“Senate internships are a great way to introduce the next generation of Idaho leaders to the legislative process and give them a behind the scenes look at public policy”
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Risch Names The Gathering Place as March Small Business of the Month
Named The Gathering Place quilt shop as Idaho Small Business of the Month.
“Located in Rupert’s historic town square, The Gathering Place quilt shop is a favorite for quilters across the Gem State”
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ICYMI: Risch Talks Nuclear, Public Lands, SAVE America Act on The Ranch Podcast
Discussed nuclear energy renaissance, small modular reactors, and the SAVE America Act in podcast interview.
“There has been a tremendous renaissance in nuclear energy in the last couple of years.”
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Risch, Crapo, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Allow Law Enforcement Officers to Purchase Retired Firearms
Introduced bill allowing federal law enforcement to purchase retired service firearms.
“Destroying a perfectly good firearm when a federal agency no longer needs it is a waste of taxpayer dollars”
Sources: members’ press releases from their official websites (since the 119th Congress began (Jan 3, 2025)), the Congressional Record (since Aug 2026), and Bluesky posts. Quotes are shown only when they match the archived source text word for word; topics are AI-read and mentions are matched from the text.