James Risch

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I have six requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I am going to talk for a minute about H. Con. Res. 86, the item of business that is before the U.S. Senate this morning. This is a House concurrent resolution, which states, in operative part: Congress directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. I am going to urge everyone to vote no on this. It is wrong on so many levels, starting with the fact that a concurrent resolution process, which this attempts to do, has been held unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. So whatever happens with this, it is going to have no effect. The President isn't going to pay any attention to it. That is one thing. The second thing that is wrong with this is it directs him to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities. There are no Armed Forces at this moment that are engaged in hostilities with Iran. The third thing--and the most important thing--is that voting on this, whether it passes or fails, sends a message to Iran. If this passes, the Iranians are going to simply stand up and walk away from negotiations. They are going to say: This thing is over. The Congress has told the President of the United States: Leave us alone. We can do whatever we want to do. And they will walk away. If you think that is a good idea, you should vote for this. On the other hand, if you believe in what the President of the United States has done--and that is, bring the Iranians to the table to negotiate on items that they have refused to negotiate on for a long time in the past--and that he has used the Armed Forces of the United States to bring them to the table, then you should vote no on this. Let diplomacy work. Give the President, give the Department of State, give the current administration the ability to, once again, give Iran the opportunity to do the right thing. Maybe they will. We don't know for sure yet because we have 50-some days left of the negotiations. But we ought to at least give that an opportunity to work. I urge everyone to vote no on the resolution. I yield the floor.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 5 minutes before the previously scheduled recess.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I am going to be very brief on this as I have given this speech I can't remember how many times before as the other side has attempted to help Iran and bring these resolutions forth that would stop the President from pushing back against Iran and the terrible things that they have done. Specifically, on this one, like the others, this is what they are asking Congress to vote for. The operative language says: [C]ongress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against [Iran]. Well, there are a number of problems with this. First of all, the United States Armed Forces are not engaged in hostilities within or against Iran. They have been, but it has been over for some time. So there is not--it directs the President to do nothing in that respect because it is impossible to do something that is not going on--stop something that isn't going on. But more importantly, I think, as we go forward with this, it is widely reported that an agreement has been reached between Iran and the administration, which is going to be signed here in the next few days. If a miracle happened--a miracle happened--and this passed, got through the Senate, got through the House, and the President signed it, if that miracle happened, do you think Iran would sign the deal that has been negotiated? Of course not. So, once again, what do we have? Nobody on this planet wanting to help Iran except for the 47 people on this side of the aisle. China is not helping. Russia is not helping. North Korea is not helping. Cuba is not helping. Venezuela is not helping. None of the autocracies, bad countries on this planet are helping. But you have 47 people here who are trying to help the Iranians. So I was mistaken. When the war started, I came out on this floor, and I said in closing: Iran, nobody is coming to help you. I was wrong. One entity is coming to help, and it is these 47 people over here. But the good news is, this is not going to pass. It is not well-taken. It is something that can't possibly happen because it is not going on. If it did happen, it would give tremendous aid and comfort to our enemy. I would sincerely urge all Members of this body to vote no.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, we honor Sheriff Chris Goetz of Idaho as he announces his retirement after more than 17 years as sheriff and nearly three decades of service with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office. Throughout his career, Sheriff Goetz has been a pillar of our community, exemplifying dedication and leadership and earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike. He is a lifetime member of the Western States Sheriffs Association and has served on the Idaho Sheriffs Association Board of Directors since 2010. Among his many notable accomplishments, Sheriff Goetz is one of only three sheriffs in Idaho history to serve as president of the Idaho Sheriff's Association twice. This unique distinction further demonstrates his commitment to public safety, the people of Clearwater County, and Idaho. Sheriff Goetz's contributions to his community extend far beyond law enforcement. He is a past president of the Idaho Association of Counties and has volunteered countless hours to the Sunnyside Rural Fire District, for which he serves as assistant fire chief. Sheriff Goetz is also the president of the Clearwater County 4-H Leaders Council and a member of the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee and the Weippe Rodeo Association. As Sheriff Goetz begins this next chapter, we extend our sincere appreciation for his impressive and heroic tenure in public service. He has undoubtedly made a profound impact on Clearwater County, and his dedication to keeping our citizens safe will leave a legacy that is felt across Idaho for generations to come. On behalf of the people of Idaho, we wish Sheriff Goetz many happy years in retirement filled with family, new adventures, and continued contributions to the Gem State.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statue. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed tin the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the previously scheduled rollcall vote begin forthwith.

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge in Salmon during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Established in 1965 by Ozzie and Lois Schmidt, Ram's Head began as a small cafe and gas station serving recreationalists in the Salmon- Challis National Forest. Positioned along the banks of the Salmon River, it was the perfect spot for Idahoans enjoying our public lands. Over time, the company changed ownership, expanded the cafe, and added hotel units, but eventually fell vacant for 15 years. In 2017, Chris and Brianna Reece took on the task of getting Ram's Head up and running again. By the fall of 2018, the pair had refurbished the building and hosted the grand opening of the new Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge. Now operating primarily as a hunting and fishing lodge, Chris and Brianna provide quality service and food to the surrounding downriver community, Lemhi County residents, and summer recreationalists traveling through Idaho. Through partnerships with local hunting and fishing outfitters, Ram's Head has grown to offer the best experience for locals, travelers, and adventure seekers of any kind in the Salmon- Challis National Forest. Chris and Brianna are also active members of the Salmon Chamber of Commerce and support efforts like the Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Salmon River Days. The pair attributes their ability to renovate and reopen Ram's Head in under 2 years to strong community support and plan to continue giving back to their community as businessowners and through personal endeavors. Congratulations to Chris and Brianna Reece and the entire Ram's Head team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Blue Fox Theatre in Grangeville during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Cory and Haley Koole, who also operate the local Napa Auto Parts, purchased the historic Blue Fox Theatre in 2024. The pair have worked to maintain the theatre's long legacy and keep movies running while expanding the business to serve the region beyond entertainment. Supporting a wide range of community-centered events and charitable causes, including fundraisers for the local veterans center, medical benefit dinners, and memorial gatherings, the Blue Fox is well ingrained in the fabric of the Grangeville community. Originally opened in 1930, the Blue Fox Theatre is an iconic landmark and gathering place in Grangeville for nearly a century. Its famous neon marquee won Idaho's statewide historic sign competition earlier this year, and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, emphasizing the theater's enduring role in Idaho's past and present. The Blue Fox Theatre was built during a pivotal moment in American history, as the film industry transitioned from silent movies to ``talkies'' and the Nation entered the Great Depression. The original owner Al J. Wagner took a huge financial risk in building the theater in rural Idaho. That gamble paid off. Opening night was a full town event, complete with live music and front-page coverage in the local paper. Over the decades, the Blue Fox overcame numerous challenges that forced many small-town theaters to close their doors. In the early 1940s, the building survived a fire that collapsed the roof and destroyed most of the interior. Rather than abandoning the theater, the Wagner family rebuilt it with much community support. The theatre also survived significant changes within the movie industry, competition with television and multiplex theaters, and the shift from film reels to digital projection. Through it all, the Blue Fox persevered. Cory and Haley see the theater not only as a business but as the perfect avenue to invest in the people of north central Idaho. They prioritize community over profit, using the theater to preserve history, help neighbors, strengthen community ties, and invest locally. Congratulations to Cory and Haley Koole and the entire Blue Fox team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Junkyard Jeans in Boise during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Started in 1991 by Eric Schrader, Junkyard Jeans has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to American- made products. What began with Eric's passion for designing and manufacturing quality denim has since grown into a unique and beloved Boise business. Today, Junkyard Jeans offers a curated selection of vintage goods, including custom chain-stitched and embroidered garments and one-of-a-kind collectible pieces. Partnering with another Idaho business, McKinney Monograms, Eric and his team learned the art of chain-stitching and embroidery techniques used by old-school masters who worked on vintage denim. Much of Junkyard Jeans' manufacturing work is done in-house with entirely American materials, ensuring each piece in the store has a unique character. Junkyard Jeans has also invested in the next generation, collaborating with Boise State University, BYU Idaho, and the International Business Program to start an internship program for students interested in clothing design and manufacturing. In 2013, the company participated in a traveling artisan makers project that showcased Idaho craftsmanship and custom sewing across the country. Located in the heart of Boise, Junkyard Jeans has seen dozens of storefronts come and go. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities many Main Street retailers face, Eric has dedicated much of his 30 years in operation to working with surrounding small businesses and hosting block parties and community events to encourage residents to shop small. Congratulations to Eric Schrader and the entire Junkyard Jeans team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

Mr. RISCH

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor New York Pizza Department in Post Falls during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Originally called Nate's New York Pizza, the business was founded in 2009 by Nate Banner with the goal of bringing authentic New York-style food to north Idaho. Applying what he learned from a New Yorker who had moved out West, Nate got to work crafting a menu based on quality and tradition. Today, the business is known as New York Pizza Department, or NYPD as it is often referred to by Post Falls locals. The name pays tribute not only to the pizza's New York roots but also to all the first responders that serve north Idaho. Michael Kuipers purchased the store in March of 2026 and, alongside his wife and daughter, operates the business with a passion for building connections with the community over New York-style pizza. Using the original recipes and techniques Nate passed down from New York natives, Michael has cultivated a welcoming gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors. A major priority for Michael is their work with the Post Falls community to support local schools and teachers. From donating pizzas for events to recognizing educators who go above and beyond, New York Pizza Department is heavily involved in strengthening the growing north Idaho community. The store also puts a heavy emphasis on giving back to local first responders, including the Post Falls Police Department. For Michael, these efforts are not only rewarding but a helpful way to build meaningful connections beyond delicious pizza. Congratulations to Michael and the entire New York Pizza Department team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.