Jim Risch

Jim Risch
Name	Jim Risch
Birth date	January 3, 1943
Birth place	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Party	Republican Party (United States)
Alma mater	Boeing?

Jim Risch is an American politician who has served as a United States Senator from Idaho since 2009. A member of the Republican Party (United States), he previously served as the 31st Governor of Idaho and as the state's Lieutenant Governor, as well as in the Idaho Senate and the United States House of Representatives earlier in his career. Risch has been active on foreign policy, judiciary, and appropriations issues, and he holds roles on several Senate committees.

Early life and education

Risch was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Bancroft, Idaho and Boise, Idaho. He attended Boise High School before serving in the United States Air Force Reserve. Risch earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boise State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law.

Early legal and local political career

After law school, Risch practiced law in Boise, Idaho and worked as a deputy attorney in the Ada County, Idaho prosecutor's office. He became involved with the Idaho Republican Party and local civic organizations, including service on committees connected to Boise State University and regional bar associations. Risch's early political network included ties to figures in the Idaho state legislature and county officials in Ada County, Idaho.

Idaho state government

Risch was elected to the Idaho Senate where he served multiple terms and rose to leadership positions including Senate Majority Leader. During his tenure he worked on legislation touching state fiscal policy, natural resources matters involving the Snake River basin, and judicial appointments tied to the Idaho Supreme Court. Risch also served as Lieutenant Governor of Idaho under Governor Phil Batt and briefly became Governor of Idaho when Governor Phil Batt's successor left office — he subsequently won election to return to the lieutenant governorship, aligning with statewide officials such as C.L. "Butch" Otter and engaging with federal officials from Washington, D.C. on land and water issues.

U.S. House of Representatives

Risch represented Idaho's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for a term beginning in 2001. In the House, he served on committees with jurisdiction over agriculture and natural resources, interacting with lawmakers from states like Montana, Wyoming, and Washington (state). His House tenure coincided with national events including the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and legislative debates over homeland security and energy policy.

U.S. Senate

Elected to the United States Senate in 2008, Risch took office in January 2009, joining the Senate Republican Conference alongside senators such as Mitch McConnell, John McCain, and Lindsey Graham. He has been reelected and has participated in confirmation debates over Supreme Court of the United States nominees, judicial nominations tied to the Federalist Society, and legislative negotiations with Democratic leaders including Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer. Risch's Senate work has intersected with foreign policy events involving Russia, China, Iran, and NATO allies.

Political positions and legislative record

Risch's legislative record reflects conservative positions on fiscal and social policy, including votes on tax legislation that engaged leaders like Paul Ryan and on appropriations bills tied to the Appropriations Committee (United States Senate). He has supported energy development in the Intermountain West and positions favorable to agricultural stakeholders in Idaho State Department of Agriculture-related matters. On foreign policy, Risch has advocated for measures addressing China–United States relations, sanctions involving Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and oversight of intelligence matters tied to the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. He has also taken positions on healthcare debates involving the Affordable Care Act and on immigration matters involving Department of Homeland Security policy.

Committee assignments and leadership roles

Risch has served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Committee. Within the Foreign Relations Committee he has taken part in subcommittees addressing Europe, Asia, and Africa, working with counterparts such as Bob Menendez and Jim Risch (do not link) — placeholder removed; on Judiciary he has been involved in confirmation hearings for nominees to the United States District Court and United States Court of Appeals, and on Appropriations he has worked on funding bills affecting agencies like the Department of Defense and Department of State.

Category:Members of the United States Senate from Idaho Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians Category:1943 births Category:Living people