senator jim risch

US Senate Democrats are increasingly divided over arms sales to Israel, with over three dozen backing Bernie Sanders' resolution to halt them. Citing Prime Minister Netanyahu's "reckless decisions" and the expanded conflict, some Democrats shifted their stance. Despite bipartisan opposition, the measures were ultimately rejected, highlighting a growing internal party debate.

Canadian General Jennie Carignan publicly criticized US senator jim risch for his outdated views on women in combat. Risch had expressed skepticism about women serving in combat roles, prompting Carignan, the first woman to lead Canada's military, to deliver a powerful rebuke.

The plan was backed by 11 Democrats, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, but its prospects were unclear because President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans control the Senate and determine which legislation it considers.

The Biden administration allocates $110 million in security aid to Haiti, bypassing Republican lawmakers' hold. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's decision, following 100+ briefings to Congress, addresses urgent gang violence in Haiti. senator jim risch and Representative Michael McCaul had initially placed a hold on the funds, involving the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee threatened on Tuesday to subpoena Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other officials if necessary to obtain their testimony about the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 deaths, Indian-American lawmakers have voiced their support for India's right to self-defense, backing Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on terror camps. While condemning the violence, lawmakers also urged de-escalation and cautioned against broader conflict, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to address its internal democratic issues.

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has called for the immediate release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich from Russia. Gershkovich has been detained for six months on spying charges that he denies. The resolution, supported by 27 senators, highlights Gershkovich's ongoing detention and emphasizes the importance of press freedom.

A top US lawmaker on Thursday described as "shameful" China picking a PLA soldier, who was part of the military command that attacked Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley in 2020, as a torchbearer for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel. The vote was largely along party lines, with Democrats supporting Lew and most Republicans opposing him. Republicans criticized Lew for his past dealings with Iran, particularly his work on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Democrats pushed to fill the vacancy quickly in the aftermath of an attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas militants. Lew's nomination was welcomed by Israel, and he only needed a simple majority to win confirmation.

US senators from both parties agree it's premature to lift sanctions on Syria despite Assad's ousting. Concerns remain about the new ruling power, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate. While some advocate for easing sanctions to aid reconstruction, others prioritize ensuring human rights and stability before any policy changes.

Tunisia's President Kais Saied said on Thursday there was "no turning back" from his decision to freeze parliament and assume executive power, moves his opponents have branded a coup. Saied also rejected calls for talks over the crisis, saying "there is no dialogue except with the honest" and that no dialogue was possible with "cancer cells".

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not be able to address the joint session of US Congress during his forthcoming trip to Washington owing to the Congressional holiday schedule, the PM could have luncheon meeting with senior US Senators and governors of important states as part of efforts to engage with a large section of the American administration.

In a show of solidarity, the US Senate has unanimously passed a legislation that would force the Trump admin to assess whether pro-democracy political unrest in Hng kong justify changing its unique treatment under the US law. The US treats semi-autonomous Hong Kong differently from the Chinese mainland when it comes to trade and export controls.

Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, nominated as US ambassador to Israel, is expected to face intense questioning about Iran during his confirmation hearing. Republicans have expressed concerns about a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran reached during Lew's time in the Obama administration. However, committee aides believe Lew will be approved with bipartisan support.

Ahead of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's intended visit to address a United Nations conference on nuclear non-proliferation next week in New York, several US Congressmen on Saturday demanded to deny his entry into the country.

It urges the US government that in close consultation with India, identify areas where it can provide diplomatic and other support as appropriate for India's efforts to address economic and security challenges posed by China in the region.

US President-elect Joe Biden has said that he wants to make sure that China plays by the rules and announced that his administration will rejoin the World Health Organisation. In April, President Donald Trump announced that the US would withdraw from the WHO, accusing the UN organisation for failing to oversee the onset of the coronavirus as it began to spread in China.

US-USA-DIPLOMACY-U.S. China ambassador nominee Burns takes tough line on dealings with Beijing