Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman
@SenateForeign
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News and updates from the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho.
Washington, D.C.
Joined April 2019
The world needs to see that the U.S. will stand up and tell the #CCP that what they are doing to the people of #HongKong is wrong. @SenRubioPress and I have just initiated the process to quickly pass our #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct in the Senate.
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Today I was briefed by leading global health experts about the outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China. We learned that the risk of transmission within the U.S. is low at present. I will continue to work closely with U.S. officials to ensure Americans are protected.
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My statement on the U.S. response to Iranian missile strikes against U.S.-Iraqi bases:.
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With #Nigeria heading into state-level elections in just a few days, it's important the admin be more concerned with supporting the Nigerian people & their democratic aspirations than embracing the Nigerian gov't. Let's not rush to embrace these results.
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The U.S. Senate took a stand today and told the Chinese Communist Party they will be held accountable for the erosion of #HongKong’s autonomy and its repression of fundamental freedoms. #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct.
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I’m glad @POTUS signed the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct today. Without question, the American people support the people of #HongKong, and this law makes that abundantly clear to Hong Kongers, the international community, and the CCP.
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Hong Kong’s decision to bar Joshua Wong from democratic elections is another example of the Chinese Communist Party’s overreach. I met with Joshua & other activists earlier this year #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct.
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It's critical the U.S. use the tools under the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct, & other authorities, to make clear to Beijing that its violations of its int’l commitments & its commitments to the people of #HongKong will have consequences. More here:
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30 yrs after #HongKong’s Basic Law, the autonomy of this unique and global city is under threat. I stand with the people of Hong Kong in defending the rights & freedoms they were promised, and I look forward to the full implementation of the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct.
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I’m gratified the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct has been passed in both the Senate and the House, and that we came together with one voice to tell the people of #HongKong that the United States stands with them.
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Before a single ballot was cast, #Tanzania's polls were marred by violence & repression. Reported irregularities during yesterday's vote & arrests today of opposition leaders are unacceptable & erode the country's democratic progress. Tanzania's leaders must be held accountable.
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I am deeply concerned by the reports of escalated violence in #HongKong. I’m headed to the Senate floor around 5:30 p.m. to encourage my colleagues to stand with the people of Hong Kong and pass the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct. Watch live on
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Taiwan is a model for a free and open Indo-Pacific. As its successful containment of Coronavirus has shown, we can learn from #Taiwan and it deserves a seat at the international table.
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The arrests of Jimmy Lai and former lawmakers in #HongKong are a reminder that there has been no accountability for government actors. We must continue to stand up for the rule of law and autonomy in Hong Kong.
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The conviction of @ChademaTZ members, incl. @freemanmbowetz, on spurious charges, is more evidence of deteriorating political space & freedoms in #Tanzania. The govt's efforts to criminalize the opposition further undermines the possibility of democratic polls later this year.
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I am appalled by the Pakistani Supreme Court’s decision to free 4 individuals convicted of murdering @WSJ journalist #DanielPearl. This brutal crime, documented by the killers themselves, warrants more than just 18 years of prison time. His family deserves justice.
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I'm glad to hear that #Taiwan is donating 10 million masks to the United States, Europe & allies. Their contribution during this difficult time shows true leadership and partnership. Thank you @iingwen and the people of Taiwan for standing with us. #TaiwanCanHelp.
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The @WHO has failed not only the American people, it has failed the world w/ its flagrant mishandling of the response to COVID-19. An independent investigation is imperative, & the U.S. must consider significant reform or possible replacement of the WHO.
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#Ukraine must be allowed to defend itself, period. If that means striking a Russian bomber launching missiles at Ukrainian civilians from Russian airspace, then Ukraine should be able to take that shot.
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The credibility of #Zimbabwe’s judiciary was eroded more this week after bias shown by courts against citizens - denying bail & choice of counsel. All political prisoners including Hopewell Chin’ono & Godfrey Kurauone deserve impartial justice & due process.
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The Iranian regime executed three men last week for coming to the aid of #Iran’s women. These executions & the extraction of confessions via torture underscore Iran’s status as a pariah. We’re long-overdue for a return to maximum pressure & a more comprehensive U.S. Iran policy.
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TUNE IN NOW: I’m speaking at @CSIS regarding the threat of China’s growing economic and political influence across the globe and the need for a cohesive transatlantic strategy and policy response. Watch here:
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I was gratified to see #Taiwan represented at the inauguration for the first time since 1979 today. I commend the new admin. for this invitation, & encourage them to build upon the progress made on U.S.-Taiwan relations to reflect the challenges & geopolitical realities we face.
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The takeover of @mdcZimbabwe HQ Harvest House, assault of a youth leader & arrest of several party leaders, incl. @BitiTendai, demonstrates again that #Zimbabwe govt is focused on crushing political opposition rather than remedying economic crisis, COVID19 & humanitarian despair.
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I am deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in #HongKong, including reports of the use of live ammunition against protestors. Authorities in Hong Kong & Beijing must know the world is watching-this is a stain on China as it celebrates the 70th anniv. of its founding.
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#Ukraine's need for deep-strike capability remains urgent. The U.S. has an arsenal of ATACMS and a hot production line to backfill them. It's time the Biden Admin finish the job on ATACMS.
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China’s systematic oppression of #Uyghurs, #Mongolians, #Tibetans, and #HongKongers is appalling. We stand in solidarity with all religious & ethnic minorities facing persecution in #China, as well as all those fighting for their fundamental rights and freedoms. #HumanRightsDay.
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The Biden-Harris Administration should have sent F-16s to #Ukraine 2 years ago, but it was afraid of giving the Ukrainians the tools they needed to WIN, lest it upset Putin. I’m glad the planes are starting to arrive – let’s ensure they can finish the job.
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.@UN hosting a conference on access to the internet in #Ethiopia is wrong. The gov't has imposed an internet blackout on #Tigray for 2yrs. The @intgovforum should hold #IGF2022 in a country that respects #freespeech and doesn't regularly block its citizens from internet access.
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It was a pleasure to meet with @HHichilema today during his first visit to D.C. as president. We discussed the great opportunity before Zambians to build a stronger, more democratic nation. We are committed to supporting #Zambia in this journey.
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As Beijing increases its pressure on #HongKong with mass detentions, the Biden Administration should use the tools provided by Congress, such as the #HongKongDemocracyandHumanRightsAct, to punish those responsible for repression.
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The Biden Admin's decision to release such a significant sum to the Iranian regime runs entirely counter to our policy of not negotiating with terrorists & will only serve to encourage additional hostage taking for financial or political gain.
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It's good to see @usmissionuganda respond to ongoing reports of torture by #Uganda authorities. Harrowing accounts by @HEBobiwine in 2018 & @KakwenzaRukira this week highlight the suffering of hundreds of voices critical of the regime. U.S. action to end impunity is overdue.
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There is no excuse for POTUS to send US officials to #Ethiopia for #IGF2022. Our participation legitimizes a gov’t whose track record on internet governance includes imposing an internet blackout on #Tigray for 2 years – crushing #freespeech & hiding horrific #humanrights abuses.
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Biden sanctioned 300 #Guatemalan officials in one day, but in 3 years has not sanctioned any individual in the criminal #Maduro regime which continues to detain American citizens & destabilize our hemisphere. Biden’s priorities undermine America's security & democratic partners.
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Today's @StateDept public designation of a travel ban against Paul Makonda for gross human rights violations as the Regional Commissioner of #DarEsSalaam is a welcome start towards holding accountable those in #Tanzania responsible for the country's steep democratic decline.
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I welcome the arrest & prosecution of suspects involved in blatant corruption regarding COVID-19 procurement in #Zimbabwe, but the arrest of journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono who investigate & expose it undermines anti-corruption efforts and further erodes democratic progress.
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I was glad to work w/ @marcorubio, @SenatorCardin, & @SenatorMenendez on the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct & to see it signed into law. It is no surprise the CCP is retaliating against organizations that stand for everything it fears – freedom, democracy, & human rights.
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The #Zimbabwean regime is once again showing its true colors by arresting its critics, denying them due process, and then not being able to account for their whereabouts. It is important the 3 women from the opposition MDC are found unharmed and provided access to their lawyers.
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Today’s sentencing of Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, & Ivan Lam in #HongKong for supporting pro-democracy protests is despicable. I had the pleasure of meeting with Joshua in DC in Sept. 2019, & will continue to support the aspirations of the Hong Kong people.
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The $7M @WorldBank grant for #Zimbabwe reported today should come with strict transparency & accountability measures to ensure Zimbabweans receive services & support during #COVID19, and that these funds aren't lost to ongoing mismanagement by the Zimbabwean govt.
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#Uganda authorities continue to stifle dissent & punish critics. The house arrest of opposition leader @HEBobiwine last month & incommunicado detention of @KakwenzaRukira - despite a court order to produce him in court - are new & troubling examples.
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I’m deeply concerned by the arrests and charging of 15 former lawmakers and democratic leaders in #HongKong. The U.S. undeniably supports the people of Hong Kong, & I'll continue to push for full implementation of the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct.
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Praying for Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit, a peaceful Hong Kong activist who was brutally attacked. Violence is unacceptable, and there should be a full investigation. #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct.
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It was an honor to meet @AlinejadMasih yesterday. #Iran's attempt to kidnap her on U.S. soil proves how far the regime will go to spread its terror agenda. The admin. can't continue to view Iran as a serious negotiator - talks in Vienna must be suspended.
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The U.S. continues to be the strongest international partner of the Zimbabwean people, despite #Zimbabwe's governing party pursuing a policy of name-calling, deflection, and misinformation to justify their current economic and political crisis. Keep up the good work, Amb Nichols.
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The fact that Lukashenka’s “inauguration” had to be held in secret only further proves he has lost all legitimacy as a leader. He is not the president of #Belarus and he must step down.
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In my convo w/ new Horn of Africa U.S. Envoy Jeffrey Feltman, I reiterated the importance of Eritrean troops leaving #Tigray immediately. Securing #Eritrea's withdrawal & addressing the atrocities committed in #Ethiopia should be central to his first trip. #EritreaOutOfTigray.
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I am glad @SecAzar visited #Taiwan and shared our strong and ongoing support with @iingwen. The U.S. and Taiwan have many shared interests, including a commitment to public health. We are grateful for their partnership. #TaiwanModel.
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Today’s arrest of prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer @nickopiyo reflects the dangerous environment created by @KaguaMuseveni’s gov't to marginalize and repress civil society, political opposition, the media, and everyday #Ugandans with the aim of maintaining its grip on power.
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I'm proud to see SFRC pass the bipartisan #Ethiopia Peace & Stabilization Act. This bill provides the tools to hold all parties to the conflict accountable for the many atrocities committed & the deadly, ongoing crisis. We must help to end this brutal war.
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The economic crisis in #Zimbabwe is causing its citizens great hardship. It’s time for the #Mnangagwa government to work with, not against, its people to end corruption and implement reforms to restore the economy and end the suffering of its people.
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The recall of @BitiTendai and other members of parliament in #Zimbabwe last week is yet another example of the systematic dismantling of the elected political opposition & subversion of the will of the Zimbabwean people.
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The Knesset vote to keep UNRWA out of Israeli territory is common sense. Despite empty promises of reform, @UNRWA has kept Hamas terrorists on its payroll for years. If UNRWA & its supporters don’t like it, they should stop employing terrorists who want to kill Jews.
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It's not sanctioned individuals in #Zimbabwe exerting pressure on #SouthAfrica, but a lack of regional leadership. South Africa must hold the Zim gov't to its constitution and help the Zimbabwean people achieve their democratic aspirations and corruption-free governance.
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Tanzania's October 28 general elections provide an opportunity for President Magufuli and electoral officials to correct past errors and return #Tanzania to a positive democratic trajectory by holding free, fair, and credible elections.
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Using starvation as a weapon of war in #Ethiopia is a heinous international crime. All governments should treat these reports with the seriousness they deserve, take decisive steps to prevent further suffering, & hold perpetrators accountable. #TigrayFamine.
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The PRC’s actions with regard to #HongKong are a clear violation of its binding int'l commitments, and warrant the immediate attention of the UNSC. Today, I led a bipartisan group of members in a letter of support for an immediate UNSC meeting on this.
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The disqualification of at least a dozen pro-democracy candidates is nothing other than deliberate suppression of fundamental political rights & freedoms promised to the #HongKong people. This is not the rule of law. It's important for the US to continue supporting Hong Kongers.
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I am very concerned about the #CCP targeting US citizens & students in US schools through the HK National Security Law, & I welcome @StateDept's decision to suspend 3 bilateral treaties w/HK. As always, we stand w/the people of HK & support their right to free speech+rule of law.
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I would like to warmly congratulate @iingwen on her inauguration today following #Taiwan’s successful democratic election in January. The U.S. is committed to deepening our relationship with Taiwan – a true model of democracy in the Indo-Pacific. #Taiwan520
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#Ethiopia’s release of some political prisoners is a long-overdue but important development, as is the signaling of willingness to talk. However, the killing & starvation in Ethiopia continues, and urgent action is needed to end the lethal air strikes and humanitarian blockade.
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I send my best wishes to @iingwen & the people of #Taiwan today on 10/10, #TaiwanNationalDay. Taiwan is an important U.S. partner & model democracy in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. supports our Taiwanese friends, and I look forward to continued, close relations for years to come.
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I welcome the @StateDept's recent decision to place visa restrictions on Nigerians who are responsible for undermining #Nigeria’s democratic process. We must continue to combat corruption and seek accountability for those who try to threaten democracy.
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State capture and corruption in #Zimbabwe continue to be a concern of mine. A timely report released by @dailymaverick exposes the destructive effects that elite cartels play in robbing the country's future. Our partners, the Zimbabwean people, deserve better. #DemLoot.
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As we reflect on today's somber anniv. of the 1994 genocide in #Rwanda and recommit to 'never again' allowing such atrocities, we must put protecting innocent lives at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, including in #Ukraine, #Ethiopia and #Cameroon. #Kwibuka28.
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I condemn the terrorist attack against innocent civilians today in #Jerusalem. There is no equivalence between wanton acts of violence and Israeli military actions to eliminate terror cells plotting attacks against civilians. We stand with #Israel.
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A letter from #Zimbabwe's Catholic bishops & law society condemning govt corruption, rights abuses, and opposition repression was met with contempt & inflammatory rhetoric by ruling party officials. It's past time the govt listen to its people and pursue meaningful reform.
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The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu & Gallant is a complete disgrace. #Israel is not under the jurisdiction of the @IntlCrimCourt. The U.S. must move forward with sanctions against this corrupt organization.
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On the final day of Putin’s “plebiscite” to approve his constitutional amendments, there’s no question of the outcome. The sham vote, masquerading as a referendum, has swept away all remnants of Putin’s legitimacy & #Russia's “democracy.” The Russian people deserve better.
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Yesterday's arrests of @zittokabwe, Tanzanian opposition party leader of @ACTwazalendo, and several members of his party reflect a deeply disturbing trend of opposition party leaders and journalists in #Tanzania being arrested on contrived charges leading up to Oct. elections.
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It was an honor to escort #Greek Prime Minister @kmitsotakis to a joint session of Congress today. I look forward to meeting with him later this afternoon to discuss ways to strengthen U.S.-Greek relations, regional security, and defense technology.
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@StateDept's 2020 #humanrights report confirms #Eritrea's human rights record is among the worst in #Africa. The Eritrean govt's abuses extend to #Ethiopia's #Tigray region where its troops are linked to atrocities. We must maintain int'l pressure to ensure their full withdrawal.
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The committee worked to combat the Chinese government’s human rights abuses by approving both the #HongKongHumanRightsandDemocracyAct and the #UyghurHumanRightsPolicyAct. These bills make it abundantly clear to the int'l community that the U.S. will hold the CCP accountable.
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