(From the Desk of James E. Risch, October 28, 2025)
The Department of War’s announcement of the agreement to train Qatari troops at Mountain Home Air Force Base came as a surprise to many Idahoans, including myself and the rest of the congressional delegation.
This agreement must be reviewed, Idahoans deserve answers.
I sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, along with Senator Crapo, Representative Simpson, and Governor Little, requesting a briefing on the mission to address these concerns and provide clarity to those who will have to live with the consequences.
Thankfully, Secretary Hegseth has confirmed that Qatar is not building a military base in Idaho.
It would be a training facility paid for by Qatar but controlled by the United States. Any foreign pilots sent to Mountain Home would undergo rigorous vetting and be supervised by American military personnel.
Mountain Home has supported foreign training efforts in the past. Still, this agreement has understandably raised significant questions. A briefing is critical to answering Idahoans’ valid concerns.
I will continue to request more information about this agreement and ensure that Idahoans have a voice on federal decisions that impact our state.
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