What we witnessed in the White House on Friday was shameful. President Trump and Vice President Vance berated a democratically elected leader defending his country from a brutal invasion. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are dead. Thousands of innocent civilians have been raped and murdered in the most horrific terms. Thousands of Ukranian children were stolen from their parents and dispersed across Russia. Russia’s attack on peaceful Ukraine is barbaric.
Not once in this meeting did the President or Vice President recognize Russia’s brutal aggression. Not once did they call for Russia to end the conflict by withdrawing from Ukrainian territory. Instead, the White House parroted Russian propaganda, calling President Zelensky a “dictator” and accusing him of starting the war. There is, however, one person who can right the ship: Idaho Senator Jim Risch.
Sen. Risch now chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, one of the most powerful in Congress. This committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, overseeing diplomatic efforts, and ensuring national security. As chair, Sen. Risch has effective veto power over US treaties.
We know that Sen. Risch supports Ukraine. On the eve of the 2022 invasion he called the Russians liars and proposed harsh sanctions to cripple their economy. A year ago, on the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s invasion, he called for more aid to Ukraine to ensure we deny Russia victory. In December, he said, “the world’s on fire.” Sen. Risch knows full well that Ukraine’s defeat will embolden Putin to attack our NATO allies next, plunging the world into crisis. If the US abandons Ukraine, then other friendly nations under threat of invasion, like Taiwan, are at greater risk. Yesterday, the Idaho House of Representative unanimously passed a resolution of support for Idaho’s partnership with Taiwan.
We implore Sen. Risch to hold immediate hearings to reaffirm America’s commitment to both Ukraine and European security. We request that he publicly identify Russian propaganda and explain its dangers. We request that he forcefully remind Americans that Russia is a dangerous, aggressive, anti-democratic, imperialist. We request that he make clear to the White House, State Department and Defense Department that they cannot stop aid programs that Congress authorized. We request that he pause every Trump ambassadorial appointment until he receives guarantees that Ukrainian aid programs continue as intended. We request that he travel to Ukraine and Europe to reaffirm America’s NATO guarantee, commitment to democracy, and opposition to autocracy. Now is the time for Sen. Risch to step up and do his duty as the Founding Fathers expected senators to do. The safety and security of the United States demands it.
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