BISMARCK – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong announced today they each received the 2020 Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). This award is given to legislators whose votes consistently align with the interests of small business owners and workers.

“Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy, which is why supporting these job creators is one of our top priorities in the Senate,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate the work of the NFIB and will continue to do all we can to assist North Dakota small businesses, especially during these challenging times.”

“Small businesses are a foundational part of North Dakota’s local communities. They exemplify the best of what our state has to offer,” said Senator Cramer, a member of the Senate Banking and Senate Budget committees. “I am honored to receive this award and grateful for the opportunity to work on behalf of our small businesses.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of North Dakota’s economy and communities. They employ over half of North Dakota’s workforce and account for almost 99% of our businesses,” said Congressman Armstrong. “I’m proud to have received this award, and will continue to work with Senators Hoeven and Cramer and NFIB to provide them support to weather the pandemic.”

NFIB North Dakota State Director Alison Ritter issued a statement applauding the congressional delegation’s work and congratulating them on receiving this award.

“The NFIB of North Dakota is grateful for the work Senators Hoeven and Cramer and Representative Armstrong have done to help North Dakota’s small businesses make it through this pandemic,” said Ritter. “They have been excellent partners and are very much deserving of this award.”

NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award goes to members who have voted with small businesses on key issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 116th Congress. Learn more here.