U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement in response to President Trump’s recent military strikes on Iran.
“Today, President Trump took decisive action to neutralize the threat that the Islamic Republic of Iran has posed to the United States for 47 years. The Ayatollah’s regime has American blood on its hands and continued to present a grave threat to the American people. Unlike in previous administrations, ‘death to America’ chants, negotiations that drag on for years, and consistently unfulfilled promises will not go unchecked under President Donald Trump.
“President Trump and Republicans in Congress have said over and over that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon—it is far too dangerous. Despite repeated warnings, Iran continued to build its nuclear program and now it must face the consequences of failing to take the President of the United States seriously.
“At this juncture, Iran has a chance to change the course of its future. The Iranian people have long suffered under a brutal regime guilty of kidnapping, torturing, and killing its own people. Much like President Trump has done in Syria and Venezuela, he has given the Iranian people the chance to pursue peace and prosperity without the death and destruction of the previous regime. It is my sincere hope that the Iranian people seize this opportunity.
“I am closely monitoring attacks targeting U.S. partners and American service members in the Middle East and pray for the safety of all. Iran’s continued terrorism will not be tolerated.
“Thank you to the Administration and our brave troops for addressing this threat. May God bless the brave men and women of our armed forces and may God bless the United States of America.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is responsible for developing U.S. foreign policy by examining treaties and legislation as part of its role within Congress (official website). The committee was established in 1816 as one of the original standing committees (official website) and operates as a legislative body focused on international relations (official website). Its leadership structure includes a Chairman leading majority members while a Ranking Member leads minority members (official website).
Throughout history, this committee has influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions such as supporting major initiatives like the Truman Doctrine in 1947 or rejecting treaties including Versailles after World War I (official website).
