Track James's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This bill mandates that regulations from key energy and land management agencies will automatically expire unless actively reviewed and extended through a public justification process.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This Act establishes a "zero-based" review process for energy and land management regulations issued by key federal agencies like the DOE and Interior. Under this system, most existing regulations will automatically expire within one year unless actively extended by the agency. New rules will sunset after five years, requiring agencies to justify the continuation of all regulations based on public input and demonstrated necessity. This process aims to systematically reduce regulatory burdens across the energy sector.
This bill mandates that the Department of Homeland Security must approve state and local requests for immigration enforcement agreements (287(g) programs) unless there is a compelling reason, while also making termination of such agreements extremely difficult.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The 287(g) Program Protection Act mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must approve nearly all requests from state and local law enforcement agencies seeking agreements to assist with federal immigration enforcement. This legislation significantly restricts DHS's ability to deny or terminate these agreements, requiring extensive justification and advance notice for any denial or cancellation. Furthermore, the bill transfers authority over the Breached Bond Detention Fund to DHS and requires annual reporting on program performance and recruitment efforts.
This act prohibits the teaching or promotion of concepts related to "gender ideology" in elementary and secondary education.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Say No to Indoctrination Act prohibits the teaching or promotion of concepts related to "gender ideology" in elementary and secondary schools. This amendment directly restricts curriculum content under existing federal education law. The goal is to prevent instruction on specific concepts defined elsewhere as "gender ideology."
The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote the export of advanced civil nuclear technology to allies and developing nations while coordinating policy across the executive branch.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote the export of advanced civil nuclear energy technology to allies and developing nations. It creates new White House coordination roles and working groups to develop long-term export strategies and financing mechanisms. Furthermore, the bill authorizes international cooperation, training, and financial support to help partner nations adopt safe, secure, and reliable nuclear power while countering influence from competitors like Russia and China.
The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 establishes mechanisms to designate foreign states sponsoring unlawful detentions, enhances support for wrongfully detained Americans through a new advisory council, and requires a review of current government hostage recovery efforts.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 establishes mechanisms to deter foreign countries from wrongfully detaining U.S. citizens by allowing the Secretary of State to designate "State Sponsors of Unlawful Detention." The bill also improves support for detained Americans by creating an advisory council composed of former detainees and experts to shape federal policy. Furthermore, it mandates new travel advisories for high-risk destinations and requires a report detailing the structure and efficiency of current U.S. hostage recovery efforts.
This act authorizes the President to extend federal immunities and privileges under the International Organizations Immunities Act to ASEAN, CERN, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The PARTNER with ASEAN, CERN, and PIF Act grants the President the authority to extend the legal privileges and immunities of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This allows the U.S. to provide these key international partners with the same federal protections afforded to other recognized international organizations. The President will determine the specific terms and conditions for extending these benefits to each group.
This bill establishes the Energy Threat Analysis Program Act of 2025 to enhance collaboration between the government and private industry for analyzing and defending the nation's energy sector against threats.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Energy Threat Analysis Program Act of 2025 establishes a new program within the Department of Energy to enhance collaboration between government and private industry regarding energy sector security. This program will create a center to analyze threats, develop defensive strategies, and improve information sharing across critical energy infrastructure. The Act authorizes funding for five years and mandates annual reporting to Congress on the program's effectiveness.
This bill prohibits Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans from covering gender-affirming care for individuals under 18, with limited exceptions.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Protecting Minors in Federal Health Plans Act amends the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to prohibit coverage for gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 18. This restriction defines gender-affirming care broadly to include hormones and surgeries related to gender transition. The bill includes several specific medical exceptions to this prohibition, such as for disorders of sexual development or life-saving procedures. Any existing hormone therapy for minors must be phased out within one year of the Act's effective date.
This bill enhances coordination between the Small Business Administration and its resource partners to expand and streamline disaster assistance and information sharing for small businesses following a disaster.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Small Business Disaster Coordination Act aims to improve the Small Business Administration's (SBA) disaster response by allowing its resource partners to provide assistance outside their normal service areas following a disaster declaration. This legislation also mandates better coordination and information sharing between the SBA, its partners, and other agencies regarding disaster loan applications and planning. The goal is to ensure small businesses receive timely and comprehensive support when disaster strikes.
This bill restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization's status within UN agencies and limits the United States' membership status in the UN, while explicitly excluding Taiwan from its provisions.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.
This Act restricts U.S. assessed contributions to the UN from funding specific African Union missions in Somalia (AUSSOM) authorized under UN Resolution 2719, while mandating annual assessments and reporting on compliance and alternative funding.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for funding the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under UN Resolution 2719. The bill mandates that the U.S. actively oppose such funding at the UN while simultaneously requiring annual assessments of the African Union's compliance with UN peacekeeping standards. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must report annually to Congress on U.S. peacekeeping contributions, AUSSOM performance, and efforts to secure alternative funding sources.
This Act mandates a systematic, periodic review of all existing federal regulations while imposing strict conditions and trade-offs for issuing new or amended rules during a specified period.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Zero Based Regulations Act mandates a systematic, ongoing review of all existing federal regulations to ensure they remain effective and cost-efficient. This process requires agencies to repeal rules before review and subject any reinstated rule to strict cost limitations and public hearings. Furthermore, the Act temporarily restricts the creation of new rules unless they reduce the overall regulatory burden or address critical public safety needs.
This bill prohibits U.S. funding for any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.
This resolution formally celebrates the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day, recognizing its importance in promoting tree planting, sustainable forestry, and community greening efforts.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This resolution formally celebrates the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day, recognizing its historical importance in encouraging tree planting and civic engagement. It highlights the value of sustainable forestry practices in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity. The resolution encourages all Americans to participate in activities marking National Arbor Day, observed annually on the last Friday of April.
This bill clarifies that existing land access rights can be used to convey water for aquifer recharge purposes without major federal authorization, provided certain notice and use conditions are met.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This bill amends the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing land access rights, like rights-of-way, can be used to transport water for aquifer recharge purposes. It generally allows entities to use these existing paths without additional federal authorization, provided the use does not expand the original scope. The legislation also establishes notice requirements for the Bureau of Land Management and exempts these specific recharge activities from certain rental fees and environmental compliance obligations.
This bill modifies the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to increase the federal government's share of funding for conservation projects carried out by qualified youth or conservation corps.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to adjust the cost-sharing requirements for conservation projects undertaken by qualified youth or conservation corps. Specifically, it increases the federal government's share of project costs from 75% to 90%. This change reduces the required non-federal contribution for these conservation efforts from 25% down to 10%.
This resolution condemns Beijing's systematic destruction of Hong Kong's autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms through the imposition of national security legislation and the targeting of pro-democracy advocates.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This resolution condemns the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong government for systematically dismantling Hong Kong's promised autonomy and democratic freedoms. It specifically denounces the imposition and expansion of sweeping national security laws used to suppress dissent, arrest activists, and target journalists. The resolution urges international accountability for these actions and calls for the immediate release of all political detainees.
This resolution expresses the Senate's view that UN Resolution 2758 only addressed UN representation and does not validate the People's Republic of China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's status.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
This Senate resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed the PRC's representation at the UN and does not endorse China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. The resolution strongly opposes the People's Republic of China's efforts to misuse this vote to isolate Taiwan internationally. It reaffirms the U.S. position that the issue of Taiwan's final status remains unsettled and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in global organizations.
This bill mandates new reporting requirements on international drug control, directs a study on combating fentanyl trafficking from China, and expands U.S. sanctions authority against those facilitating the opioid trade.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The **Break Up Suspicious Transactions of Fentanyl Act (BUST FENTANYL Act)** mandates new reports detailing U.S. efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, particularly from China, and updates deadlines for international narcotics strategy reports. The bill significantly expands the President's authority to impose sanctions on individuals, financial institutions, and even foreign government agencies knowingly involved in opioid trafficking or money laundering. Furthermore, it requires prioritized identification of Chinese entities involved in shipping fentanyl precursors destined for Mexico and the U.S.
This Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or parts when such sales involve interstate or foreign commerce, while preserving the Pittman-Robertson Act.
James Risch
Senator
ID
James Risch
Senator
ID
The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act prohibits state and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or related parts when those sales involve interstate or foreign commerce. This measure specifically targets state-level taxation on the initial distribution of these items across state lines. Importantly, this Act does not affect the existing federal funding mechanism established by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.