U.S. Senator · R · Idaho
James E. Risch
- Term
- 2021–2027
- Office
- 483 Russell Senate Office Building
- Bills
- 166
Issue by issue
The same issue areas we use for every senator, so you can see where Risch puts their effort — and read the record behind each one.
Foreign policy
Extensive record
Risch's work here shows up as 75 bills authored or cosponsored, tied to 3 documented commitments.
75 bills
Go deeper on foreign policy
Their stated view
- Strengthening US International Leadership — Champions legislation that asserts US leadership in global affairs, especially regarding religious freedom, human rights, and countering adversarial nations.
Commitments tracked here
- Counter China's Aggression Against Taiwan
- Advance Civil Nuclear Exports
- Combat Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking
The record (92)
- Bill authoredCivil Nuclear Export Act of 2026Latest action 2026-08-05
- Bill authoredDeter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan ActLatest action 2025-10-30
- Bill authoredInternational Nuclear Energy Act of 2025Latest action 2025-06-18
- Bill cosponsoredA resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the strong bilateral security alliance between our two nations in the wake of escalating aggression and political lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.Latest action 2025-10-30
- Bill authoredCaesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019Latest action 2020-03-11
- Bill authoredBUST FENTANYL ActLatest action 2025-04-28
- Bill authoredREPO for Ukrainians ActLatest action 2024-04-09
- Bill authoredDon’t Develop Obstructive Infrastructure on our Terrain ActLatest action 2023-10-25
Environment & energy
Extensive record
Risch's work here shows up as 49 bills authored or cosponsored, tied to 2 documented commitments.
49 bills
Go deeper on environment & energy
Their stated view
- Support for Nuclear Energy — Advocates for the expansion of civil nuclear energy as a key component of the nation's energy strategy and a tool for international influence.
- Promoting American Energy Independence — Pushes for policies that reduce regulatory burdens on energy production and promote domestic energy sources.
Commitments tracked here
- Reduce Regulatory Burden on Energy
- Streamline Water Infrastructure Projects
The record (46)
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.Latest action 2023-07-19
- Bill authoredUrban Canal Modernization ActLatest action 2024-12-20
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modify the eligibility requirements for certain small water storage and groundwater storage projects and to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.Latest action 2022-10-18
- Bill authoredZero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2025Latest action 2025-07-24
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize certain extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern.Latest action 2022-05-25
- Bill cosponsoredAmerican Voices in Federal Lands ActLatest action 2025-12-17
- Bill authoredNorthwest Energy Security ActLatest action 2025-01-22
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.Latest action 2025-04-02
Immigration & border
Extensive record
Risch's work here shows up as 25 bills authored or cosponsored, tied to 1 documented commitment.
25 bills
Go deeper on immigration & border
Commitments tracked here
- Support Law Enforcement Immigration Programs
The record (43)
- Bill authored287(g) Program Protection ActLatest action 2025-07-23
- Bill cosponsoredFederal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026Latest action 2026-06-03
- Bill authoredInternational Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025Latest action 2025-08-01
- Bill cosponsoredReligious Workforce Protection ActLatest action 2025-04-03
- Bill cosponsoredGun Owner Registration Information Protection ActLatest action 2026-02-25
- Bill cosponsoredFederal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2026Latest action 2026-03-17
- Bill authoredA resolution celebrating the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day.Latest action 2025-04-29
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Federal Power Act to protect the bulk-power system from cyber security threats.Latest action 2015-06-09
Justice & civil rights
Substantial record
Risch's work here shows up as 17 bills authored or cosponsored, tied to 1 documented commitment.
17 bills
Go deeper on justice & civil rights
Their stated view
- Protecting Second Amendment Rights — Supports legislation and resolutions that honor firearm manufacturers, promote shooting sports, and ensure access to firearms.
Commitments tracked here
- Protect Firearm Access During Shutdowns
The record (17)
- Bill authoredFirearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025Latest action 2025-10-30
- Bill authoredSporting Firearms Access Act of 2025Latest action 2025-01-14
- Bill authoredA resolution calling on the Government of Ethiopia, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and other belligerents in the conflict in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia to cease all hostilities, protect human rights, allow unfettered humanitarian access, and cooperate with independent investigations of credible atrocity allegations.Latest action 2021-05-19
- Bill cosponsoredHBOT Access Act of 2025Latest action 2025-03-05
- Bill cosponsoredProtecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses ActLatest action 2025-07-28
- Bill cosponsoredEqual Campus Access Act of 2025Latest action 2026-03-19
- Bill authoredA resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) and commending its work establishing industry standards that ensure the safe interoperability of firearms and ammunition.Latest action 2026-07-30
- Bill authoredModern Firearm Safety ActLatest action 2024-09-25
Veterans
No records matched yet
Risch has stated a position on supporting veterans and military, but we have not matched congressional records to it yet.
Go deeper on veterans
Their stated view
- Supporting Veterans and Military — Introduces bills aimed at ensuring veterans receive earned benefits and addressing issues related to their service and burial.
What Risch stands for
The issues this senator has built their public record around, drawn from their own campaign material, official statements and legislative work. Each one links to a source so you can read it yourself.
- 01Energy
Support for Nuclear Energy
Advocates for the expansion of civil nuclear energy as a key component of the nation's energy strategy and a tool for international influence.
- 02Justice
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
Supports legislation and resolutions that honor firearm manufacturers, promote shooting sports, and ensure access to firearms.
- 03Energy
Promoting American Energy Independence
Pushes for policies that reduce regulatory burdens on energy production and promote domestic energy sources.
- 04International Affairs
Strengthening US International Leadership
Champions legislation that asserts US leadership in global affairs, especially regarding religious freedom, human rights, and countering adversarial nations.
- 05Veterans
Supporting Veterans and Military
Introduces bills aimed at ensuring veterans receive earned benefits and addressing issues related to their service and burial.
What they've actually done about it
Each commitment below is something this senator has publicly said they would pursue, followed by the concrete record on it: bills they authored or cosponsored, floor speeches they gave. We describe the record — we don't grade it.
- Justice
Protect Firearm Access During Shutdowns
Seeks to ensure that individuals can continue to access firearms and ammunition during government shutdowns by keeping federal firearm licensee services open.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025 (S. 300) on 2025-10-30, which directly addresses the promise and is currently pending in the Committee on the Judiciary.
On the record: 17 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredFirearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025Latest action 2025-10-30
- Bill authoredSporting Firearms Access Act of 2025Latest action 2025-01-14
- Bill authoredA resolution calling on the Government of Ethiopia, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and other belligerents in the conflict in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia to cease all hostilities, protect human rights, allow unfettered humanitarian access, and cooperate with independent investigations of credible atrocity allegations.Latest action 2021-05-19
- Bill cosponsoredHBOT Access Act of 2025Latest action 2025-03-05
- Bill cosponsoredProtecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses ActLatest action 2025-07-28
- Bill cosponsoredEqual Campus Access Act of 2025Latest action 2026-03-19
- Bill authoredA resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) and commending its work establishing industry standards that ensure the safe interoperability of firearms and ammunition.Latest action 2026-07-30
- Bill authoredModern Firearm Safety ActLatest action 2024-09-25
- Immigration
Support Law Enforcement Immigration Programs
Works to protect and strengthen the 287(g) program, which deputizes state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored the '287(g) Program Protection Act' in the current Congress, which directly aligns with the promise to protect and strengthen the 287(g) program and is currently awaiting action in committee.
On the record: 25 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authored287(g) Program Protection ActLatest action 2025-07-23
- Bill cosponsoredFederal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026Latest action 2026-06-03
- Bill authoredInternational Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025Latest action 2025-08-01
- Bill cosponsoredReligious Workforce Protection ActLatest action 2025-04-03
- Bill cosponsoredGun Owner Registration Information Protection ActLatest action 2026-02-25
- Bill cosponsoredFederal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2026Latest action 2026-03-17
- Bill authoredA resolution celebrating the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day.Latest action 2025-04-29
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Federal Power Act to protect the bulk-power system from cyber security threats.Latest action 2015-06-09
- International Affairs
Counter China's Aggression Against Taiwan
Will enact measures to deter potential aggression from the People's Republic of China against Taiwan, ensuring regional stability.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored S.3129, the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act, which was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
On the record: 25 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredDeter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan ActLatest action 2025-10-30
- Bill cosponsoredA resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the strong bilateral security alliance between our two nations in the wake of escalating aggression and political lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.Latest action 2025-10-30
- Bill authoredTaiwan Deterrence ActLatest action 2021-11-04
- Bill cosponsoredGun Owner Registration Information Protection ActLatest action 2026-02-25
- Bill authoredGlobal Health Security and Diplomacy Act of 2020Latest action 2020-06-18
- Bill authoredEnd FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants ActLatest action 2025-02-27
- Bill authoredA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the harmful conflation of China's "One China Principle" and the United States'"One China Policy".Latest action 2025-04-28
- Bill authoredCountering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors ActLatest action 2024-07-25
- International Affairs
Advance Civil Nuclear Exports
Will facilitate the export of US civil nuclear technology and services globally, supporting allies and US strategic interests.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored the 'Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2026' which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on 2026-08-05, and the 'International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025' which is currently on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On the record: 25 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredCivil Nuclear Export Act of 2026Latest action 2026-08-05
- Bill authoredInternational Nuclear Energy Act of 2025Latest action 2025-06-18
- Bill authoredCaesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019Latest action 2020-03-11
- Bill authoredREPO for Ukrainians ActLatest action 2024-04-09
- Bill authoredDon’t Develop Obstructive Infrastructure on our Terrain ActLatest action 2023-10-25
- Bill authoredSomaliland Partnership ActLatest action 2022-06-14
- Bill authoredACES ActLatest action 2022-04-04
- Bill authoredGuaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2021Latest action 2021-12-15
- Energy
Reduce Regulatory Burden on Energy
Advocates for zero-based regulatory budgeting to reduce government oversight and foster growth in the American energy sector.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored the 'Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2025' which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On the record: 25 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredZero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2025Latest action 2025-07-24
- Bill cosponsoredAmerican Voices in Federal Lands ActLatest action 2025-12-17
- Bill cosponsoredSecuring American Agriculture ActLatest action 2025-03-10
- Bill authoredZero Based Regulations ActLatest action 2025-05-01
- Bill authoredCLEAN ActLatest action 2026-07-15
- Bill authoredARC Act of 2026Latest action 2026-02-10
- Bill authoredA resolution designating December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day".Latest action 2025-12-08
- Bill authoredUrban Canal Modernization ActLatest action 2026-06-10
- International Affairs
Combat Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking
Will implement strategies and sanctions to disrupt and combat the international trafficking of fentanyl and its precursors.
Where it stands: Senator Risch sponsored the BUST FENTANYL Act, which directly addresses the promise and is currently pending on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On the record: 25 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredBUST FENTANYL ActLatest action 2025-04-28
- Bill authoredSHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act of 2026Latest action 2026-02-10
- Bill authoredTaliban Sanctions Act of 2023Latest action 2023-05-31
- Bill authoredInternational Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025Latest action 2025-08-01
- Bill cosponsoredA resolution calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).Latest action 2025-02-13
- Bill authoredCEASE ActLatest action 2023-11-02
- Bill authoredSecure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 2022Latest action 2022-07-21
- Bill authoredAmerican Values ActLatest action 2023-01-31
- Environment
Streamline Water Infrastructure Projects
Aims to modernize and improve urban canal infrastructure and expand funding options for Carey Act projects to enhance water resource management.
Where it stands: Senator Risch has active bills in the current 119th Congress (2025-2026) that directly address the promise, including the 'Urban Canal Modernization Act' (S.XXXX, sponsored 2026-06-10) and 'A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes' (S.XXXX, sponsored 2026-07-29), both of which were recently ordered to be reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
On the record: 24 bills
See the 8 records behind this
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.Latest action 2023-07-19
- Bill authoredUrban Canal Modernization ActLatest action 2024-12-20
- Bill authoredUrban Canal Modernization ActLatest action 2026-06-10
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modify the eligibility requirements for certain small water storage and groundwater storage projects and to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.Latest action 2022-10-18
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.Latest action 2026-07-29
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize certain extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern.Latest action 2022-05-25
- Bill authoredNorthwest Energy Security ActLatest action 2025-01-22
- Bill authoredA bill to amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.Latest action 2025-04-02
Everything here is sourced from public records — Congress.gov, the Congressional Record, and the member's own statements. Nothing is scored or ranked. How we research these profiles.