ICYMI: Shaheen, Risch Lead Largest U.S. Congressional Delegation to Halifax International Security Forum, Reaffirm U.S. Bipartisan Commitment to Confront National Security Challenges

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees – and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) – ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – led the largest bipartisan congressional delegation to date to the Halifax International Security Forum over the weekend. Shaheen and Risch were joined by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The Senators were also accompanied by U.S. Representatives Mike McCaul (TX-10), Jason Crow (CO-06) and Sara Jacobs (CA-53). Throughout the forum, lawmakers held numerous bilateral meetings with U.S. allies and partners. They also led and participated in public dialogues on U.S. leadership and coordination with allies to address numerous security challenges, including Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, European energy security, an emboldened China and global issues around women, peace and security. 

Check out highlights from their visit below: 

• WMUR: New Hampshire’s WMUR highlighted Senator Shaheen’s leading role amid the forum, which in addition to the bipartisan delegation members, included U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who delivered the keynote address. Prior to the Secretary’s speech, he met with the full bipartisan delegation on Friday afternoon. 
   
• Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC): Senator Shaheen spoke with CBC’s The House about the U.S. Congress’ overwhelmingly bipartisan commitment to stand by its Ukrainian partners as they fight for their freedom against Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated invasion. Shaheen said, “…there is an overwhelming, bipartisan majority in support of the Ukrainians; we are inspired by their courage, by their willingness to fight and by the stance that they are taking to protect democracies around the world.” Listen to her full remarks here. 

• The Globe and Mail: Senator Shaheen spoke with Steven Chase about considerations for the next Secretary General of the United Nations. Shaheen is co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, which she re-established with Senator Tillis (R-NC) in 2018. Read more on that here. 
• Politico: Senator Shaheen addressed the results of the midterm elections with Andrew Desiderio and the implications for the U.S.’ reputation as a model for democracy worldwide. She said, in part, “As we look at the battle for Ukraine and support for democracies around the world, it’s really important for the United States to be able to model the aspects of democracy that we’re talking to other countries about… So many of those people who were the most extreme were defeated. That was a good sign. It was a good sign for democracy.” Read the story in full here.  
• CBC: Senator Shaheen also addressed the results of the midterm elections during her panel on Friday afternoon, entitled And So, Where is the Security beside Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, Estonian President Alar Karis and President of the World Uyghur Congress Dolkun Isa. Read more here. 

Among the numerous bilateral meetings, the delegation convened, lawmakers met with representatives from Ukraine, Taiwan, Poland, Canada, Kosovo, the Belarusian opposition, Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Australia, the 2022 Peace with Women Fellows and more.  

Follow @SenatorShaheen for additional content from the delegation visit and to access the latest updates from her office. 

###