Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Risch was voted to become the top Republican on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and will continue serving on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 113^th Congress.

"I look forward to serving as ranking member on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and continuing my work to protect our nation’s job creators from hurtful regulations, tax hikes and government overreach during the second term of the Obama administration.

"I also look forward to continuing my service on these other important committees. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee has jurisdiction on matters that are of great importance to Idahoans,  including nuclear, hydroelectric and other energy production; mining, grazing, and  water rights,” said Risch.  “Additionally, I am pleased to continue on the Foreign Relations Committee as we grapple with America’s leadership and competitive advantage in the world so we can compete and win anywhere."

With only four years of service in the U.S. Senate, Risch now holds the number one Republican position on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, the number three Republican slot on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the number two slot in the Foreign Relations Committee, which provides oversight of foreign policy.

Senator Risch will also continue serving on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Committee on Ethics.

"I am very pleased with my committee assignments for the 113^th Congress. These assignments will allow me to further protect and advance the interests of Idahoans in Washington, D.C., and I look forward to serving on each committee on their behalf."

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