Stopping illicit networks smuggling gold and other conflict minerals from DRC to benefit the Rwanda-backed M23 is key to the success of the Washington Accords, durable peace, and economic opportunity in the region. I’m pleased the Admin is sanctioning responsible actors.
News and updates from the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho.
- Great meeting with Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh to discuss the threat posed by Hezbollah. I appreciate both Lebanon and Israel’s commitment to working together to address this issue. Direct, bilateral cooperation is the only way to ensure the region’s long-term success.
- Vicki and I are praying for Venezuela after devastating earthquakes. As we always have, the United States stands with the people of Venezuela.
- China’s refusal to lift visa restrictions on American diplomats travelling to Macau is disappointing, though not a surprise. This is once again an attempt to limit the U.S. State Department’s abilities to assist American citizens abroad and a reminder that the CCP doesn't play
- For years, foreign adversaries have exploited loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to advance their own agendas. The PAID OFF Act closes those loopholes by ensuring transparency and accountability for foreign actors.
- Tax dollars should never be used to promote abortion or fund radical gender ideology and divisive DEI programs in the U.S. or abroad. The PHFFA helps ensure they never are.
- Great to see @AusAmbUSA Greg Moriarty yesterday. The U.S.-Australia relationship is iron-clad and I'm glad to have such an experienced partner in advancing our countries' shared security and economic interests in Washington.
- New sanctions on Prince and Huione Groups are welcome. Criminals use H-Pay, Huione Pay, and similar platforms to bypass U.S. financial controls and defraud Americans, enable human trafficking, and illegally sell weapons and drugs. This is an effective measure to hinder their
- China’s detention of an American citizen is deeply troubling. The Chinese Communist Party must stop its egregious use of hostage diplomacy and its efforts to export repressive practices. The U.S. will remain steadfast in protecting Americans abroad.A U.S. citizen who researched Myanmar politics was arrested in China after the country accused him of espionage. In a separate incident in Myanmar, authorities detained an American businessman who ran a security consultancy. wapo.st/4vL2LYq
- Congratulations to Colombian President-Elect @ABDELAESPRIELLA. Colombia remains one of our closest partners in the Western Hemisphere, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen security cooperation, combat malign influence, and promote regional stability.
- We cannot ignore how China is increasing its coercive efforts to harass and isolate Taiwan's diplomats around the world. Beijing bullies countries to abide by its self-serving One China Principle. When countries like Kenya agree to these demands, they undermine their own
- I commend our G7 allies for the strong statement on reducing our dependence on rare earths from China. Now we must follow up these strong words with actions that address China’s manipulation of prices and supply, which I know @USTradeRep and @UnderSecE are hard at work on.
- Congratulations to @MichelleSteelCA on her confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. I know she will work to strengthen our ironclad alliance and implement the U.S.-ROK trade and investment framework, and I look forward to working with her.





