WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) visited Coeur d’Alene over the weekend where he met with officials from North Idaho College, the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and former Veteran Small Business of the Month recipient, Critical Power.
Risch at a Coeur d’Alene Rotary meeting on Friday. (DEVIN WEEKS/CDA Press)
During his meetings, Risch spoke with Idahoans about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions with China, and the challenges facing Idaho business owners.
“I wholeheartedly believe that any business owner who has persevered through these last few difficult months is setting an example for and serving our state, country and future generations,” Risch told the North Idaho business community. “I am constantly reminded of this incredible resiliency when I see how Idaho’s business community is adapting to the rapidly changing environment while helping one another through these difficult times.”
When asked about the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the U.S., Risch focused his remarks on China and his newly introduced legislation to put the U.S. on a stronger path to compete with the country, the STRATEGIC Act.
“China is the single most significant threat facing the United States, and we must act swiftly to protect our sovereignty and push back against the Chinese Communist Party’s malign and increasingly dangerous conduct," said Risch. "The STRATEGIC Act will introduce tough new measures aimed at leveling the playing field to safeguard American interests and strengthen and sustain U.S. leadership.”
As it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Risch cautioned that the disease will likely remain an ongoing challenge for the country until a vaccine or treatment is widely available.
“We’re dealing with [the virus], and we are probably going to deal with it until they do make some breakthroughs on the vaccine or on therapeutics, one or the other or hopefully both,” said Risch.
To view and download photos of Senator Risch’s North Idaho visit, as well as pictures from Washington, D.C., visit Senator Risch’s Flickr account.
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