Jim Risch in 2020 ID Senate race

"I appreciate the information the administration shared today," Risch said in a statement, adding, "I anticipate a more detailed briefing from the administration on this issue."

On Gun Control: Second Amendment is individual right that must be maintained

The Second Amendment is an individual right that must be maintained. Like our Founding Fathers, I oppose any abridgement of the right to keep and bear arms.

On Budget & Economy: Government cannot replicate what businesses accomplish

It is imperative that Congress find responsible ways to build a strong foundation that promotes job creation through pro-growth policies and lower taxes.

We should make permanent current research and development tax credits-while eliminating all capital gains taxes on start-up and small businesses-to assure the steady flow of investment. These investments are key to pioneering advancements and creating good, high-paying jobs.

On Civil Rights: States define marriage; Idaho prohibits same-sex

Some years ago, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allows states to refuse to acknowledge the laws of other states regarding same-sex unions and defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman as husband and wife. I oppose efforts to repeal that law.

As other states more liberal than Idaho expand their definitions of marriage to include same-sex unions, some fear courts will force states, like Idaho, to embrace broader definitions of marriage. At different times, a constitutional amendment on the legal definition of marriage has been proposed. Should an amendment defining marriage in the same way as DOMA come before the full Senate, I will support it.

On Crime: Hold criminals accountable & punish for crimes

Those who violate our laws must be held accountable for their actions and punished for their crimes. I believe the punishment imposed by our judicial system must be appropriate to the crime to discourage and deter future criminal behavior.

On Education: Local decisions on education dollars, not federal

Nevertheless, there is a proper role for the federal government in education. The federal government can assist and partner with state and local school districts and provide support for needed educational objectives.

On Environment: Manage public lands for multiple uses

There must be a balance between conservation and use. Through a common sense & collaborative approach we can find workable solutions to the challenging issues involving our environment & natural resources.

As governor I worked with a collaborative group of land users to design a plan for managing Idaho's roadless public lands. The resulting policy provided higher levels of protection for some lands that truly deserved it and allowed multiple use of other lands where it fit. That collaborative effort enjoys widespread support.

Public land management does not work when Congress passes a top-down mandate. Instead, land users in each state should be allowed to come together and craft their own plans of management like Idaho's Roadless Rule.

On Foreign Policy: Hold China accountable for erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy

Congress approved the bills last week following months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. China's foreign ministry called the laws a "naked hegemonic action" that seriously interfered in Hong Kong and China's internal affairs, violated international law and "fundamental norms of international relations."

Democratic and Republican lawmakers applauded the signing of the bills. Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the bills are "an important step forward in holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and its repression of fundamental human rights."

On Immigration: First and foremost, we need to secure our borders

On Social Security: Gradual changes now to avoid lower benefits later

To make these programs sound for future generations, we must begin reforming these entitlements now, while we are still able to make gradual changes and avoid lower benefits or massive tax increases that will severely impact beneficiaries in years to come.

On Technology: Co-sponsored bill to protect small business from cyberattack