U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a committee business meeting on October 22, 2025. During the session, members approved 17 bills, two resolutions, and two nominees.
"We are pleased with the passage of several pieces of legislation during the committee’s business meeting today," said the senators. "Through these priorities, we will further drain Russia’s resources to continue waging war against Ukraine, deter China’s aggression towards Taiwan, and strengthen our partnership in AUKUS. America will be a safer place thanks to the bipartisan work of our colleagues, and we look forward to each bill becoming law," concluded the senators.
The approved bills include measures focused on countering Russian actions in Ukraine, deterring Chinese activities related to Taiwan, supporting U.S. partnerships such as AUKUS, enhancing leadership at international organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), increasing transparency regarding China's exchange rate practices, addressing critical minerals partnerships, promoting accountability for scams involving compounds, and improving security assistance with countries such as Cyprus.
Among other items passed were S.2918 (REPO Implementation Act), S.2960 (Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act), S.2424 (THINK TWICE Act), S.1744 (PORCUPINE Act), S.2626 (Strengthening United States Leadership at the IDB Act), S.2146 (China Exchange Rate Transparency Act), S.2950 (Scam Compound Accountability and Mobilization Act), S.2550 (Critical Minerals Partnership Act), S.1854 (Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act), S.2657 (STOP Russia and China Act), S.2018 regarding defense articles for Cyprus, S.2684 concerning U.S.-Taiwan partnership in the Americas with an amendment, S.2224 (Taiwan International Solidarity Act), S.1000 establishing an Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs position, S.2978 designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and S.2130 relating to improvements in AUKUS cooperation.
The committee also adopted two resolutions: one recognizing the anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines amid rising tensions in the South China Sea; another condemning transnational repression by China's government.
Additionally, nominations for Mr. Joel Rayburn as assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs and Mr. Andrew Veprek as assistant secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration were approved.
