Washington, DC- Idaho Senator Jim Risch accepted a post on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship today. Risch fills a slot that was held vacant this Congress while awaiting the result of Minnesota's contested election.

"America's small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and will be a key component in getting it back on track," said Risch. "Having operated a number of small businesses, I know firsthand the challenges this sector faces, and I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to better serve our nation's small business needs."

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee oversees proposed legislation or other matters relating to the Small Business Administration. They are also assigned to research, investigate and report all problems relating to America's small business enterprises to the Senate.

"I appointed Senator Risch to this committee because of his small business experience and his ability to get things done," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "We need common sense action on the issues facing our small businesses and I am confident that Senator Risch will be proactive in finding solutions to help small businesses in these difficult economic times."

In addition to his assignment to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Risch serves on the following five committees: Energy and Natural Resources; Ethics; Foreign Relations; Intelligence and Joint Economic.

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