On December 4, 1941,
the U. S. House of Representatives created
the first House Select Committee on Small
Business in response to a growing number
of small business activists and organizations
advocating for more protections and better
government policies for America’s
small businesses. While it had no legislative
authority, the seclect committee became
popular with House members and was reauthorized
every following Congress until January
5, 1975, when it was made a permant standing
committee. House members then granted the
new standing committee with certain areas
of legislative jurisdiction and oversight
functions, increasing its scope and influence.
Specifically, the House
Small Business Committee is charged with
assessing and invesitigating
the problems of small businesses and examining
the impact of general business practices
and trends on small businesses. The committee
has oversight and legislative authority
over the Small Business Administration
(SBA) and its programs, as well provides
assistance to and protection of small business,
including financial aid and the participation
of small business enterprises in federal
procurement and government contracts.
The House Small Business Committee
in the 110th Congress consists of 33 members,
15 Republicans and 18 Democrats. |