Latta, Bob RSS Articles

Latta Pays Tribute to Ohio Fallen Hero Edward D. Brown at Normandy American Cemetery

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) honored Ohio fallen hero First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, who was laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

Last month, Congressman Latta led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to France to evaluate the country's spent nuclear fuel recycling industry and broader nuclear energy capabilities. While in France, the delegation also traveled to Normandy to pay tribute to the brave Americans who fought to liberate Europe during World War II. At the Normandy American Cemetery, members participated in a flag-lowering ceremony and honored the sacrifice of First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown of Ohio, and the other 9,000+ American military personnel buried there.

First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown was born on July 18, 1916, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He joined the National Guard on March 5, 1941, and in 1942 was assigned to the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. The Squadron sailed for France on June 29, 1944, shortly after the Allied landings in Normandy. The unit entered combat on July 2, 1944, supporting operations to eliminate German forces isolated during the Allied advance across the Normandy Peninsula.

The Squadron later conducted offensive screening operations through Normandy and into Brittany. On July 5, 1944, Lieutenant Brown was wounded when an enemy shell made a direct hit on an armored car near which he was standing with a superior officer. He succumbed to his wounds on July 7, 1944, near La Haye-du-Puits, France. First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown rests today at the Normandy American Cemetery, where his sacrifice—and the sacrifices of thousands of other American service members—continue to be remembered and honored.

"As we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who fought to defend freedom. It was a privilege to honor First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, an Ohioan who gave his life in service to our country. We must never forget the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and those who rest at Normandy,” said Latta.

Latta, Carter Introduce Bill to Protect American Wi-Fi from Foreign Adversaries

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2) introduced the Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens coordination between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and State Department while promoting a consistent international approach to unlicensed spectrum use without binding the United States to specific technical standards or outcomes. As the United States prepares for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, it is crucial that the U.S. government adopts a clear, coordinated strategy to defend global access to this spectrum.

“As we prepare for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, congressional oversight is essential to ensure the United States is ready and speaking with one voice during these high-stakes international negotiations. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleague, Rep. Carter, to strengthen U.S. leadership in global spectrum policy ahead of this critical conference cycle. As global competition over reliable Wi-Fi and spectrum policy continues to grow, this legislation will help ensure America remains competitive and well-positioned for the future,” said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5).

"Reliable, affordable Wi-Fi is not a luxury — it is a lifeline for families, small businesses, and communities across Louisiana. As co-chair of the Wi-Fi Caucus, I know how much is at stake when foreign adversaries seek to undermine critical infrastructure that millions of Americans depend on every day. This bipartisan legislation ensures that as we head into the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, the United States shows up unified, prepared, and committed to protecting the connectivity that powers our economy and our way of life," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2).

"We commend Reps. Latta and Carter for introducing the 'Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act,' which recognizes the vital role that Wi-Fi plays in the U.S. economy and our national security. Wi-Fi is the workhorse of the internet — carrying 90% of mobile traffic — and generates over $1 trillion in economic activity every year. As China aims to dedicate all spectrum to licensed use, it is vital that the United States maintain its balanced approach, including robust unlicensed and shared spectrum. Upholding this leadership ensures continued innovation, economic growth, and affordable connectivity for Americans,” said Cory Gardner, President & CEO, NCTA - The Internet & Television Association.

Congressmen Latta and Carter are the co-chairs of the Wi-Fi Caucus.

Latta Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Medicaid HCBS Programs

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, a bill requiring states to report on efforts to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability while preserving state flexibility in administering HCBS programs.

Home and community-based services (HCBS), authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. While HCBS programs are vital to millions of Americans, their rapid growth and decentralized administration create vulnerabilities to improper payments and fraudulent activity.

Currently, there is no uniform federal requirement for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities. This bill would amend Section 1915(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to require states, on an annual basis, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a summary of any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs and a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.

“Home and community-based services (HCBS) play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used. The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively,” Latta said.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-2), Rep. Tom Barret (MI-07) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19).

This bill is supported by Americans for Prosperity, The Libre Initiative and Able Americans.

"Congratulations to Congressman Latta on offering a commonsense answer to a serious problem. Federal health care programs are rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. This bill would help reduce those improper payments, within an important part of Medicaid, by arming policymakers with better data. AFP will be urging all Members of Congress to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 because it will benefit patients and taxpayers alike without any new spending, taxes, or mandates,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, Americans for Prosperity.

"The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026. This legislation is not simply about saving taxpayer dollars, but at its core, it's about ensuring our most vulnerable fellow Americans receive the care they were promised. Over 5 million Americans rely on home and community-based services, including hundreds of thousands of Latino seniors who are the fastest growing elderly demographic in our country. In 2024 alone, Medicaid fraud units recovered over a billion dollars. When fraud goes unchecked, it is these families who suffer most,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.

“Able Americans supports Rep. Bob Latta’s HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, legislation that calls on states to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services. For millions of Americans with disabilities, HCBS is not optional—it is the support that allows them to live in their homes, remain connected to their families, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These services are a lifeline. But when waste, fraud, or abuse occurs, it threatens both taxpayers and the people with disabilities who depend on these programs for daily care. Able Americans applauds Rep. Latta for his leadership to protect Medicaid HCBS, safeguard taxpayers, and verify that states guard these critical services remain available for the people who need them most,” said Rachel Barkley, Director of Able Americans.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 would:

Establish consistent, nationwide reporting on HCBS program integrity;
Provide federal policymakers with better data to identify trends and risks;
Encourage states to enhance anti-fraud systems and safeguards.

Latta, Matsui, and 33 Members Send Letter to National Cyber Director for Plan to Coordinate AI-Discovered Software Vulnerabilities

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7), led a bipartisan letter to National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Along with 33 of their colleagues, the letter urged the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to develop a federal-industry plan in preparation for a large increase in vulnerability disclosures discovered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

The letter follows Anthropic’s recently announced Claude Mythos Preview. According to Anthropic, Mythos identified thousands of high-severity zero-day vulnerabilities in every major operating system and every major web browser, including vulnerabilities that had survived years of human review and automated testing. As of Anthropic’s April 7 announcement, more than 99 percent of those vulnerabilities remained unpatched.

Latta and Matsui warned that these new advanced AI systems could help defenders uncover serious software flaws more quickly than existing disclosure, patching, and deployment systems can keep pace.

“America’s adversaries are not waiting for us to figure this out,” said Latta. “If AI can find serious vulnerabilities in widely used software, China and other bad actors will look for ways to use similar tools against us. We need to make sure trusted American defenders have the coordination, access, and support required to stay ahead. This bipartisan letter urges ONCD to convene the agencies, software providers, and security providers who can make that happen.”

"Advanced AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape,” said Matsui. “These tools have enormous potential to help us find and fix dangerous software vulnerabilities before our adversaries use them against us, but we must prepare now. We need a coordinated strategy that brings the federal government, industry and trusted defenders together to manage disclosures, speed up patching and protect the systems Americans rely on every day, from hospitals and banks to utilities, schools and basic communications."

Background:

The letter asks ONCD to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),the Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), acting through the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO), supporting federal coordination and implementation, to convene government and industry for a coordinated response. They request that the plan assess existing efforts to identify critical software vulnerabilities; support defenders and critical infrastructure operators in finding, fixing, deploying, and verifying patches; establish a framework to handle sensitive and risky AI-generated findings; and monitor sudden increases in the capabilities of advanced AI models.

The letter requests a staff-level briefing from ONCD within 30 days; a written response within 45; and a review of any barriers demanding congressional action, such as antitrust, liability, or other statutory barriers.

Read the full letter here.

Latta Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced Sarah Mathey from Bowling Green High School as the winner of Ohio's Fifth District 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

Mathey’s winning artwork, titled "Hometown," will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Tunnel for one year. Three honorable mention winners will have their artwork displayed in one of Latta's congressional offices for the year.

Honorable mentions include:

Caine Margison from Upper Sandusky High School

Abby Kurtz from Carey High School

Amyalin Salone Galion High School

57 high school students from 13 high schools participated in this year's competition. Latta hosted a reception at Bowling Green State University today to honor all participants and to showcase each individual work of art.

“We have incredible talent across Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. Congratulations to Sarah Mathey on her winning piece, ‘Hometown,’ which beautifully showcases her artistic talent and creativity. As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, it is important to reflect on where we come from and the meaning our hometowns hold for us, and Sarah captured that message beautifully through her work. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and everyone who participated in the Congressional Art Competition,” said Latta.

Latta Recognizes Students Accepted to Military Service Academies at the 180th Fighter Wing

Sun, 03 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) recognized students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District who have been accepted to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies during a ceremony at the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. Each student was nominated by Congressman Latta and has received an appointment to the Class of 2030 at their respective academy.

“It was an honor to nominate these students to our nation’s service academies. I was privileged to spend the afternoon celebrating Adam, Jack, Michele, and Eli as they begin this new chapter in their lives. I thank each of these students for their commitment to serve our great nation, and I am confident they will thrive at their respective academies,” said Latta.

Students honored at today’s event and their respective appointments:

Adam Buell, U.S. Military Academy

Pandora Gilboa High School

Jack Buell, U.S. Military Academy

Pandora Gilboa High School

Michele Smith, U.S. Air Force Academy

Avon High School

Eli Chevalier, U.S. Naval Academy

Mohawk High School

Latta Named to Escort Committee for His Majesty King Charles III's Address to Joint Meeting of Congress

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) announced he will serve on the Congressional Escort Committee for His Majesty, King Charles III, ahead of today’s Joint Meeting of Congress.

Latta will join a bipartisan group of members, including House and Senate leadership, to escort King Charles III into the Joint Meeting. The address will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlight the enduring special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

“It is an honor to serve on the Congressional Escort Committee for King Charles III. The United States and the United Kingdom share a strong and enduring relationship, and it is a pleasure to welcome King Charles to the United States House of Representatives, to address a Joint Meeting of Congress,” said Latta.

Congressman Bob Latta is the Co-Chairman of the British-American Parliamentary Group.

Latta Welcomes His Majesty, King Charles III, to Washington, D.C. to Celebrate America's Semiquincentennial

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) welcomed His Majesty King Charles III to the United States Capitol for a Joint Meeting of Congress, where he served on the Congressional Escort Committee. King Charles III addressed the Joint Meeting in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence and to highlight the enduring special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Congressman Latta also serves as Co-Chairman of the British-American Parliamentary Group.

“The House and Senate welcomed His Majesty King Charles III as he addressed Congress ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. The United States and the United Kingdom have one of the greatest alliances in history. As Co-Chair of the British-American Parliamentary Group, I look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship for generations to come,” said Latta.

Background on the British-American Parliamentary Group

The British-American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) is an interparliamentary group for Members of both Houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom to promote closer relations and understanding with Members of both Houses of Congress of the United States of America and other US political and leading figures.

The BAPG’s origins date back to 1937 when two back-bench Members of Parliament set up an all-party American committee to extend the knowledge of the United States within the British Parliament and elsewhere.

Latta Applauds FEMA Approval of $24M for Findlay Flood Mitigation

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after it was announced that the city of Findlay will receive a $24 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for flood mitigation.

The grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was announced Wednesday for the project, which aims to reduce flood risks, restore natural ecosystems and strengthen the area's flood resistance through the construction of the Eagle Creek flood basin.

“This is great news for the city of Findlay, and I am pleased these funds are being directed to the community. My team and I worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security to help ensure this funding for the city will get to them as soon as possible. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our community to minimize future floods in Findlay,” said Latta.

Background:

Southern Hancock County is prone to flooding, and a flood in 2007 swamped the city of Findlay. City and county officials hope to prevent future disasters through the work along the Blanchard River and its tributaries.

FEMA's grant would assist in stabilizing the river's shorelines, restore 935 acres of the riverbank to native wetlands, increase the floodplain's capacity and help manage large amounts of rain.

The Washington Times: Congress must pass the SECURE Grid Act

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Read an excerpt of the op-ed below, or click here to read the piece in its entirety.

“This year, Ohio and communities across the country have faced a wave of extreme weather – tornadoes, severe windstorms, hurricanes, and deep freezes – that have tested the reliability of our electric grid. When disasters strike, families do what they can to prepare like stocking up on essentials in case the power goes out. But Americans shouldn’t have to rely on backup plans to keep the lights on. They should be able to count on a resilient, reliable electric grid that withstands these challenges from the start.

“In Ohio and across the Midwest, we have seen firsthand how prolonged outages can shutter small businesses, disrupt hospital operations, close schools and leave families without heat in the dead of winter. These are not just inconveniences. They are serious threats to public safety, economic stability and daily life...”