Latta RSS Articles

Latta Statement on the Oklahoma Tornado

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement regarding the tornado that hit the suburbs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:

"Devastation and damage at this level is heartbreaking to see and I’m grateful for the heroic response of emergency personnel, volunteers, and National Guard members who have worked tirelessly through the night. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to those who have lost their lives and their loved ones, were injured, and have lost everything they own.”

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Latta Statement on ObamaCare Repeal

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today voted in favor of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as ObamaCare. Latta issued the following statement after the bill passed on the House Floor this afternoon:

“With promises of providing health care that is more affordable and widely available, ObamaCare has proved to do just the opposite. I voted in favor to repeal the President’s health care law because hardworking Americans deserve real health care reform that decreases costs, lowers taxes, enhances the quality of care, and protects jobs. I will continue to work with my colleagues toward health care solutions that are accessible and patient-centered.”

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Committee Approves Latta Bill to Safeguard American Families Against Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The House Energy and Commerce Committee today approved legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) that will strengthen and secure the nation’s pharmaceutical distribution supply chain. The Committee, chaired by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), approved H.R. 1919, the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013 by a voice vote.

“The pharmaceutical supply chain touches every part of the health care system and it is imperative that we get the structure and segments of it connected in a safe, secure and effective manner that provides the best protection for patients,” said Congressman Latta. “H.R. 1919 will make improvements to the current supply chain, while providing a clear path for industry stakeholders towards enhanced supply chain protections, and I am pleased to see its passage out of Committee.”

Chairman Upton, offered the following opening statement during the markup of H.R. 1919:

“This bill would work to protect American families against counterfeit drugs and eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars worth of duplicative government regulations that saddle American drug manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and pharmacies.”

As approved by the Committee, H.R. 1919 will:

Establishing lot-level tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies and repackagers based on changes in ownership.
Requires the affiliates of the supply chain, including third-party logistics providers to undertake verification and notification activities regarding suspect or illegitimate products.
Require members of the supply chain to only transact with registered or licensed entities.
Requires the FDA to establish and report to Congress on pilot projects and hold biannual public meetings in order to foster collaboration with stakeholders regarding moving to unit-level traceability.

A markup refers to the Congressional committee process in which legislation is debated, amended, and voted on. To read opening statements, or watch a webcast of today’s markup, click here.

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Latta Statement on Gosnell Verdict

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement regarding the conviction of Philadelphia late-term abortionist Kermit Gosnell:

“Today’s conviction of abortionist Kermit Gosnell brings justice for three of the infants who were killed moments after their birth. The graphic accounts from the Gosnell trial have brought to light the brutality of abortion and expose the very gruesome and painful nature of abortion.

“Gosnell’s horrific actions remind us of the over 1.2 million unborn children who are aborted every year in the United States. The sanctity of human life is precious and we must never forget that all children – whether unborn or just-born, deserve protection and care.”

Congressman Latta also sent letters today to Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Health Director Dr. Theodore Wymyslo regarding the recent investigation launched by the House Judiciary and House Energy and Commerce Committees. To view the letters, click here.

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Latta Introduces Legislation to Protect American Families Against Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced H.R.1919, Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013, a bipartisan bill to strengthen and secure our nation’s pharmaceutical distribution supply chain to protect American families against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. This legislation is a result of collaboration and input from stakeholders throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. H.R. 1919 was coauthored by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT).

Currently, standards for the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain vary by state. This bill will establish a national standard of tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies and repackagers based on changes in ownership. Further, the bill establishes a collaborative, transparent process between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and stakeholders to study ways to even further secure the pharmaceutical supply chain.

“Pharmaceutical distribution occurs nationwide and it is estimated that within the United States there are more than 4 billion prescriptions filled each year. By replacing the current patchwork of multiple state laws with a uniform national standard we improve safety, eliminate duplicative regulations, and create certainty for members of the pharmaceutical supply chain,” said Congressman Latta. “When an individual takes a prescribed medication they should have full confidence that the medication is real and will not impose harm. It is of utmost importance that we implement commonsense solutions to safeguard our distribution supply chain against counterfeits and improve security and integrity throughout the supply chain. This legislation is an important step forward to ensure greater patient safety for all Americans.”

Over the past year, the FDA has issued three warnings that counterfeit drugs, including those intended for cancer patients, had infiltrated our nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain, potentially reaching some of our nation’s sickest patients.

Important provisions contained within this legislation are:

Establishing lot-level tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies and repackagers based on changes in ownership.
Requires the affiliates of the supply chain, including third-party logistics providers to undertake verification and notification activities regarding suspect or illegitimate products.
Require members of the supply chain to only transact with registered or licensed entities.
Requires the FDA to establish and report to Congress on pilot projects and hold biannual public meetings in order to foster collaboration with stakeholders regarding moving to unit-level traceability.

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Latta Applauds FAA Decision to Table Overnight Closures at Toledo Express

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the FAA announced it would to reverse its initial plan of eliminating midnight Air Traffic Control services at FAA towers. The FAA originally identified 72 facilities, including the Toledo Air Traffic Control Tower that could have its overnight shifts eliminated. Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) released the following statement regarding the FAA’s decision to keep the overnight shifts open through the fiscal year:

“This morning’s announcement from the FAA to fully keep Air Traffic Control services open at Toledo Express is good news for Toledo and the surrounding community. Maintaining full operating services at Toledo Express is important from a national security and safety standpoint as well as an economic standpoint for the businesses that depend upon the services provided by the tower at all times – this is a win for northwest Ohio.”

This March, Congressman Latta sent a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta urging the FAA to maintain the midnight shift at the Toledo Air Traffic Control Tower. To view the letter click here.

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Latta Praises House Passage of Working Families Flexibility Act

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted in favor of H.R. 1406, the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, a bill to provide employees with more flexibility in the workplace by providing them with the ability to choose between overtime pay or comp time.

“This legislation updates our outdated laws to create a fairer standard that offers private sector employees with the same options that are granted to public sector employees,” said Latta. “Let’s get Washington out of the way of working families who are trying to achieve a work-life balance and give them the flexibility to put their family first.”

Congress updated the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1985, allowing public sector employers to offer their employees the choice between paid time off as compensation for working overtime; however, this law was not extended to private sector employees and under current law such practice is prohibited.

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Latta: Congress Should Work to Exempt all Americans from Obamacare

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today issued the following statement regarding reports that certain lawmakers were working on an exemption for Members of Congress from having to enter the Obamacare exchanges in 2014:

“I did not support President Obama’s health care law because I did not believe it was the right approach to health care reform, but President Obama and his Democratic colleagues insisted upon ramming through a government takeover of our nation’s health care system against the will of the majority of Americans.

“If Members of Congress wish to exempt themselves from Obamacare so badly, then they should work to exempt all Americans through the repeal and replacement of this flawed law.

“I will continue to work towards repealing this faulty law and replacing it with meaningful health care reform that will give Americans real choices for affordable and accessible health care.”

House Speaker John Boehner tweeted this morning that House Republicans would not put “any language into bills” to solve the Democrats’ health care problem, but rather push for full repeal of the law.

Congressman Latta will cosponsor a bill, introduced by Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), which will require President Obama and Cabinet Secretaries to enter into the exchange.

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Latta Announces One-On-One Meeting with Constituents

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has announced the following Courthouse Conference at the following locations during the month of May:

Hancock County
Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Congressman Latta’s Findlay Office
318 Dorney Plaza, Room 302
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Putnam County
Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Putnam County Courthouse Assembly Hall
245 East Main Street
Ottawa, OH 45875

Williams County
Friday, May 3, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Williams County Common Pleas Courtroom #1
1 Courthouse Square, Third Floor
Bryan, OH 43506

Fulton County
Friday, May 3, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fulton County Administration Building
Commissioners’ Session Room
152 South Fulton Street, Suite 270
Wauseon, Ohio 43567

Defiance County

Friday, May 10, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Defiance County East Building
1300 East Second Street
Defiance, Ohio 43512

Paulding County

Friday, May 10, 2013 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Paulding County Carnegie Library
Conference room
205 S. Main Street
Paulding Ohio 45879

Mercer County

Friday, May 24, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
County Commissioners Conference Room A212
Central Service Building
220 West Livingston Street
Celina, Ohio 45822

Van Wert County

Friday, May 24, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
County Commissioners Conference Room
114 E. Main Street, Suite 200
Van Wert, Ohio 45891

Courthouse Conferences provide constituents the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Latta to discuss issues that are important to them, their families and communities. Congressman Latta’s district staff will also be in attendance to assist with casework or issues regarding federal government agencies.

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Latta Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) announced Dana Richards, a junior from Whitmer High School in Lucas County, as the winner of Ohio’s Fifth District 2013 Congressional Art Competition.

In a ceremony at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, Latta honored Ms. Richards and three other students for their winning art pieces. Ms. Richards’s original artwork, a pencil drawing entitled “Hopes and Dreams” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Tunnel for one year.

“I congratulate Dana for her creativity and artistic talent, and I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the tunnel of the U.S. Capitol,” said Congressman Latta. “I’d also like to thank all of our students who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition and applaud them for such outstanding work.”

The following students received Honorable Mention awards for their artwork:

· Madison Isenberg, a senior from Ottawa Hills High School in Lucas County for his watercolor/pilot precise entitled “Scissors”

· Ashley Armstrong, a senior at Whitmer High School in Lucas County for her illustrator/charcoal entitled “He is We”

· Marissa Ann Sofalvi, a senior at Anthony Wayne High School in Lucas County for her oil painting entitled “Shells From Mother Nature”

The three Honorable Mention winners will have their artwork displayed in one of Congressman Latta’s congressional offices for the year. There were 45 high school students, representing 12 high schools that participated in the competition. Members of the University of Findlay’s art department judged the artwork.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nation-wide high school art competition to recognize the artistic talents of the nation’s youth. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 and has had more than 650,000 high school students participate in the competition.

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