United States House Committee on Small Business

The United States House Committee on Small Business is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, established on December 4, 1941, as the House Select Committee on Small Business. Initially created in response to advocacy from small business activists and organizations, it lacked legislative authority but gained popularity among House members. The committee was reauthorized every Congress until January 5, 1975, when it became a permanent standing committee with expanded jurisdiction and oversight functions.

The committee is tasked with assessing and investigating problems faced by small businesses, examining the impact of general business practices and trends on them, and providing assistance and protection to small businesses. It has legislative and oversight authority over the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs, including financial aid and small business participation in federal procurement and government contracts. The committee also oversees matters related to the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act, with jurisdiction extending to other small business-related initiatives beyond these acts.

The committee's members are elected through various resolutions in each Congress, such as H.Res. 13 for the chair and H.Res. 14 for the ranking member in the 119th Congress. It operates with subcommittees, though specific details about their structure and focus are not provided in the text. The committee plays a critical role in supporting small businesses through policy development and oversight of relevant programs.