Rep. William L. Owens will serve on the House Small Business Committee, adding a third panel to his congressional duties.

The assignment comes as taxes and the Obama administration's approach to the business community are debated sharply between Democrats and Republicans.

Mr. Owens also serves on the Armed Services and Agriculture committees.

In a press release, Mr. Owens said he would use the position to advocate for business-friendly policies, which occasionally has put him at odds with the party's leadership.

The committee's tilt this year, with a new Republican majority, makes it more hostile to the administration. Republicans argue that the administration has hurt small businesses through increased regulation and enforcement, labor-friendly policies and the health care reform law, which Mr. Owens supports.

On the other hand, Mr. Owens has opposed a provision in the law that increases paperwork for companies, known as the 1099 provision for the related tax form.

The committee's next hearing, Thursday, is on that issue, titled "Buried in Paperwork."

The committee's new leadership also has taken on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which it accuses of hampering job creation in rural communities with various enforcement policies.

In a press release, Mr. Owens said Congress's most important work is to help create jobs, a mantra both parties have taken on.

The chairman of the committee is Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo.

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