The U. S. House of Representatives created the House Select Committee on Small Business in 1941 as a means to provide direct oversight and consideration of matters affecting small firms. The Committee continues to serve this original purpose as the House’s primary venue for small business policy matters. The Committee oversees assistance to and protection of small business, including financial aid, regulatory flexibility, and paperwork reduction. Participation of small-business enterprises in Federal procurement and Government contracts as well as the study and investigation of the problems of all types of small business.