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.
Activity, last 12 weeks
0123+
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). Aug 17, 2026 – Nov 6, 2026.
45 statements
Newest first-
Press release
Official
Announced Idaho fourth-grader selected to light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
“Congratulations to Salmon fourth grader Grace Benson for being selected as the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighter!”
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Risch, Crapo, Wyden, Merkley Introduce Three-Year Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools Program
Introduced bipartisan bill to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools program for three years.
“Secure Rural Schools funding is a commitment the federal government made to Idaho’s rural counties, helping them maintain roads, schools and other essential services”
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Risch Names Disciples Coffee as September Small Business of the Month
Named Disciples Coffee in Boise as Idaho Small Business of the Month for September.
“Started in 2023, Disciples Coffee set out with the mission to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley”
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Risch Urges DOJ to Investigate ATF’s Illegal Gun Registry
Sent letter to DOJ urging investigation into ATF's maintenance of 1.4 billion firearm records.
“American citizens are entitled to exercise their Second Amendment rights without the federal government compiling searchable lists of their names and firearms”
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Risch Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing
Introduced bill to eliminate duplicative energy efficiency regulations on manufactured housing.
“Homeownership is central to the American dream, and I am committed to making that a reality attainable for every hardworking Idahoan”
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Risch Celebrates First-Ever Permit Issued Under Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Law
Celebrated EPA's first permit under Good Samaritan mine cleanup law to improve water quality.
“The first Good Samaritan permit is a momentous occasion, ending decades worth of legal battles that prevented commonsense environmental improvements from taking place at long-abandoned hardrock mines”
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Idaho Senators Seeking Idaho Student to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington
Announced statewide contest for Idaho student to light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
“Idaho’s youth is blessed to grow up and explore some of the best forests in the country”
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Risch Names Grooveberries as August Small Business of the Month
Risch named Grooveberries in Coeur d'Alene as Idaho's August Small Business of the Month.
“Since Sarah and Chase Gibson took over the frozen yogurt shop in 2021, Grooveberries has become a family favorite in the Coeur d’Alene community”
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Risch Statement on the Clarity Act
Urged Senate passage of Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to protect consumers and prevent fraud.
“On September 15th, the U.S. Senate will start the process of passing the Clarity Act. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”
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Risch Introduces Bill to Improve Veteran Access to Disability Benefits
Introduced bill allowing veterans to access disability benefits while repaying separation pay.
“Idaho veterans who answered the call to serve our country should not face delays in accessing their earned benefits”
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Risch, Warner Introduce Civil Nuclear Export Act to Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness
Introduced bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. civil nuclear export competitiveness.
“The United States and Idaho are the home of nuclear energy and ought to be the world’s source for the next generation of technology”
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Risch Names Titan Batteries as July Small Business of the Month
Named Titan Batteries as Idaho Small Business of the Month.
“After learning no drone battery could power a cross-country flight, Trent Clawson dove into the world of manufacturing”
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Press release
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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.”
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.
