Risch, Shaheen Lead Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Press Conference at Halifax International Security Forum
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, today led the bipartisan Senate delegation to the Halifax International Security Forum in a press conference. Risch and Shaheen were joined by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). The senators were also accompanied by U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.). Together, the lawmakers addressed the national and global security challenges discussed among leaders from around the world at the international conference. Throughout the forum, lawmakers are leading and participating in plenaries on U.S. leadership and coordination with allies to address numerous security challenges, including Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, European energy security, and an emboldened China.
“How the war in Ukraine ends is going to dictate how autocrats view their ability to erode democratic values as we go forward in the 21stcentury,” said Senator Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “This forum is more important today than ever, as we come together with likeminded allies to find a constructive path forward. It is challenging but important work.”
"I’m proud to lead this bipartisan delegation to the Halifax International Security Forum, which is the largest U.S. delegation to ever participate. While policy differences exist between us, there is little daylight when it comes to addressing the national security challenges we face. From standing by our partners in Ukraine to confronting China’s malign behavior and growing influence, our foreign policy priorities demand that we find common ground, and at this forum, we have made it perfectly clear that is what we are committed to doing,” said Shaheen, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation and co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group. “Thank you to Senator Risch for his continued partnership that makes this forum a success, and to Senators Gillibrand, Coons, Rounds and Rosen, as well as Representatives McCaul, Crow and Jacobs for their contributions that help reaffirm that message and strengthen our relationships with allies at such a pivotal time.”
“As the United States and our allies confront national security threats from Russian aggression and the rising influence of China, it is critical that we strengthen bonds with our global partners,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. “I am proud to be part of this bipartisan Senate delegation at the Halifax International Security Forum and I will bring the lessons learned in Halifax to my position on the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, where I’m working on confronting cyber and biological threats, growing our cyber workforce and protecting our critical infrastructure.”
“This weekend, we’re gathering together as likeminded countries to project a united front to the world and engage in a free and open exchange of ideas with our partners. We’re pressing the international community to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of Ukraine and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations. We’re discussing ways to work more closely with our partners to combat disinformation, and we’re promoting global respect for democracy and the rule of law. I’d like to thank Senator Shaheen, Senator Risch, and the rest of my colleagues for joining me on this delegation, and I look forward to continuing these crucial dialogues with our international colleagues in the weeks and months ahead,” said Senator Coons, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.
“I was glad to join my colleagues for an important discussion at this year's Halifax International Security Forum about how we can address the most urgent global security challenges in collaboration with our democratic partners,” said Senator Rosen. “With increased efforts by our adversaries to undermine international peace and security, it’s critical that we work together. Our conversations have been thoughtful and productive, and I look forward to continuing this work with my colleagues in Washington.”
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