Risch, James E.

James E. Risch is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, one of the most powerful positions in Congress. As chair, he sets the committee's agenda, schedules hearings and markups, and controls which foreign policy and diplomatic bills move forward. The committee oversees U.S. relations with other nations, confirms ambassadors and key State Department officials, and shapes America's approach to global challenges ranging from trade to national security. Risch brings decades of public service experience to this role. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he earned a bachelor's degree in forestry and a law degree from the University of Idaho. He began his career as Ada County Prosecuting Attorney at age 27, then served 22 years in the Idaho State Senate, where his peers elected him Republican Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore. He later served as Idaho's lieutenant governor and briefly as governor in 2006 before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008. He has been reelected twice and is now in his third term. As Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Risch has prioritized strategic competition with China, strengthening NATO alliances, and defending human rights. He has advanced legislation on sanctions against adversaries, including his SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act targeting Russian sanctions evasion. He has also held hearings on critical global issues including East Africa security, arms control, and international religious freedom. Risch is widely recognized as one of the Senate's most conservative members, known for his focus on protecting American security interests and opposing what he views as wasteful federal spending.