[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 165 (Wednesday, September 23, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      National Small Business Week

  Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, fellow Senators, I rise today in honor of 
and to speak about the importance of small businesses--in particular, 
in relation to National Small Business Week.
  Idaho's small businesses are the engine that powers our State's 
economy. They provide us with not only goods and services, local jobs, 
and growth opportunities, but also immeasurable community value.
  With the onset and spread of COVID-19, this year has presented 
Idaho's business owners with challenges not seen in our lifetime. Even 
under normal circumstances, business ownership takes remarkable courage 
and commitment. With the pandemic, the challenges associated with 
entrepreneurship have increased dramatically. Throughout 2020, Idaho's 
small businesses have shown tremendous determination as they have 
strived to serve their customers and keep their doors open to people in 
their communities.
  During this year's National Small Business Week, I want to take this 
opportunity to recognize the resilience and courage of small businesses 
throughout the Gem State and encourage Idahoans to continue to support 
the local shops, restaurants, and businesses that make our communities 
vibrant.
  I firmly believe that small business relief is a shared, bipartisan 
priority. Here in the Senate, we will continue to work to deliver 
relief to Idaho's small businesses so that we can get back on the path 
to recapturing the unprecedented prosperity our economy provided before 
this crisis began.
  Idahoans are set apart by their grit, self-reliance, and their deep 
commitment to community. I am constantly reminded of this and proud of 
it when I see Idaho's small businesses enduring and supporting one 
another through these uncertain times.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California.