Latta, Bob RSS Articles

Latta Votes to Support Our Troops, Restore Peace Through Strength, and Advance the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:

“Today, I voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act because a strong national defense is essential to a strong America. This legislation strengthens our military readiness and provides the funding needed to expand domestic production capacity, rebuild critical stockpiles, modernize shipyards, and grow our skilled defense workforce, supporting thousands of good-paying American jobs in the process.

“The FY27 NDAA also restores the capabilities, technology, and production speed our Armed Forces need to defend our nation and our allies. Importantly, it delivers a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for our servicemembers while improving housing, childcare, education, and overall quality of life for the men and women who wear the uniform and their families.”

Latta's Bills to Combat Rising Synthetic Opioid Deaths Advanced by House Energy and Commerce Committee

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced two bills introduced by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) to combat the rising synthetic opioid deaths: The Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous (STOP) Nitazenes Act and Tyler’s Law. Additionally, the Committee also passed Congressman Latta's Nonprescription Drug Innovation Act (H.R.9774) as part of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R.9393).

The Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous (STOP) Nitazenes Act would schedule 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, commonly known as nitazenes, as Schedule I controlled substances. Fatal overdoses continue to rise across the United States, and nitazenes, a dangerous class of illicit synthetic opioids, are increasingly contributing to overdose deaths nationwide. Depending on the chemical formulation, some nitazenes can be up to 800 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more potent than fentanyl. Like other illegal street drugs that are often laced with fentanyl, substances may also contain nitazenes without the user’s knowledge.

Tyler's Law requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete a study on how frequently hospitals test for fentanyl in patients experiencing an overdose and to use the results of the study to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rules. Congressman Latta is the lead sponsor from the Energy and Commerce Committee and has been working on this legislation since 2023.

The Nonprescription Drug Innovation Act would establish a new “Priority Nonprescription Drug” designation to help expedite the development and review of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications to give consumers access to manage their own care in a safe and affordable manner.

“Today’s advancement of the STOP Nitazenes Act and Tyler’s Law out of committee is an important step forward in our efforts to save lives and confront the devastating impact of synthetic opioids in communities across the country. These bills will help ensure hospitals and health officials have the tools, data, and authorities they need to respond more effectively to overdoses and keep dangerous substances like nitazenes off our streets. I urge the House floor to take up this legislation immediately,” said Latta.

Congressman Latta has consistently championed legislation to fight against the opioid epidemic. His bill, the HALT Fentanyl Act, permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, was signed into law by President Trump on July 16, 2025.

Latta Applauds Energy and Commerce Committee Passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, during a full committee markup:

"This legislation protects American ratepayers from being forced to cover the cost of energy infrastructure upgrades needed to support data centers. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation as we continue to strengthen America's leadership in the AI race against Communist China while ensuring hardworking families and local communities aren't left footing the bill. Numerous states already have large load tariffs in place for data centers, including Ohio. I urge the House to bring the Ratepayer Protection Act to the floor as soon as possible so we can get this commonsense legislation across the finish line."

The Ratepayer Protection Act is bipartisan legislation that helps ensure the costs of new energy infrastructure needed to serve data centers are not unfairly shifted onto American families and businesses.

Congressman Latta spoke in support of the legislation during today's Energy and Commerce Committee markup. To watch his remarks, click here.

Latta Statement on America's Semiquincentennial

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the United States of America's 250th anniversary of independence:

"As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, we reflect on the extraordinary courage and conviction of the patriots who gathered in Philadelphia to declare that all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to preserve and strengthen the freedoms established by our Founding Fathers. From the brave men and women who have defended our nation in uniform to the countless Americans who have contributed to their communities, each generation has helped carry forward the promise of the American dream.

“The United States of America is the longest lasting, freely elected government in the world. As we commemorate this historic milestone, we honor our nation's rich history, celebrate the enduring principles that unite us, and further liberty and opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it is a tremendous honor to represent the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District and continue working to preserve the freedoms and opportunities that have made out nation the best nation in the world. May God continue to bless the United States of America, and happy Independence Day."

House Passes Latta and Matsui's Bill to Strengthen Grid Security

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Security Community Upgrades for a Resilient (SECURE) Grid Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7). This bipartisan bill would empower states to fully assess risks to the electric grid from extreme weather, physical and cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities. Congressman Latta is the co-chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus.

"America's electric grid must be secure and resilient to ensure families and businesses have reliable access to affordable energy. From extreme weather to physical and cyber threats posed by our adversaries, protecting our nation's energy infrastructure is a matter of national security. That's why I was proud to lead the SECURE Grid Act with Rep. Matsui. I thank Rep. Matsui for her partnership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the House. Together, we are taking an important step to strengthen the resilience of our electric grid, helping Ohioans and Americans across the country access reliable, affordable energy and ensuring they can count on keeping the lights on,” said Latta.

"Americans depend on reliable and affordable electricity for every aspect of their lives. Today's passage of the bipartisan SECURE Grid Act is a major step toward building a stronger, more reliable power grid that prevents blackouts, protects communities from extreme weather, and keeps electricity affordable. Californians know all too well the dangers and challenges posed by extreme weather, and we can't afford to wait until the next emergency to act. This bill takes a smarter approach by planning ahead, strengthening our energy infrastructure before problems occur, and helping ensure families across America have affordable power for years to come,” said Matsui.

Congressman Latta spoke on the House floor today in support of his bill. To watch his remarks, click here.

Background on the SECURE Grid Act:

States must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) annually to receive funds from the State Energy Program. State Energy Offices use these funds to implement energy security and resiliency plans, invest in domestic energy resources, reduce energy waste, pilot innovative energy projects, and more. A state's SESP allows it to recognize, respond to, and mitigate weaknesses in its energy infrastructure.

While SESPs are currently required to consider broad vulnerabilities, including physical and cyber-attacks, the SECURE Grid Act adds necessary detailed data to these reports, requiring states to consider:

threats posed to local distribution facilities and supporting grid infrastructure, like distribution substations;
the risks posed by increasing grid demand;
available technologies to mitigate threats to energy distribution and rising grid demand;
the distinctions between weather-related threats and threats from a physical act of violence;
the utility of public-private partnerships in meeting energy security needs;
the availability of innovative financing models that may save taxpayer dollars and increase access to digital grid technology; and
the role of vendors in maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient energy distribution system.

Latta Welcomes 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner to Capitol

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) welcomed Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, Sarah Mathey, to the U.S. Capitol. Mathey, a recent graduate of Bowling Green High School, joined fellow winners from across the country in Washington, DC, for the unveiling of their artwork displayed at the Capitol. Her piece, “Hometown,” will hang in the Capitol for the next year.

“I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the U.S. Capitol for the unveiling of her artwork. Ohio’s Fifth District is home to tremendous talent, and I am proud that her piece will be displayed here for all visitors to see,” said Latta.

“My piece, ‘Hometown,’ allowed me to showcase the charming aspects Bowling Green has to offer and the opportunities it gives to everyone who crosses its path. I am proud to represent my community in this year’s Congressional Art Competition and am extremely thankful for what Bowling Green has given me over the past 18 years,” said Mathey.

Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition encourages and recognizes the creativity of high school students across the country. Since its inception, more than 650,000 students have participated. Each year, the Congressional Art Competition provides a unique opportunity to showcase the outstanding artistic talent found throughout Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. This year, 57 students representing 13 high schools across Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District participated in the competition. In May, Latta hosted a reception at Bowling Green State University to recognize all participants and display their artwork for family members, friends, and community supporters.

Latta Pushes for Full Energy and Commerce Committee Consideration of the Ratepayer Protection Act

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after chairing a subcommittee markup on legislation aimed at protecting Americans from rising electricity costs:

“We must ensure that American families are not left footing the bill for the significant grid upgrades and increased electricity demand driven by new AI infrastructure and other large load operations.

“The Ratepayer Protection Act establishes a baseline standard to protect consumers from sudden and significant rate increases associated with data centers and other high-energy users. Following today’s Energy Subcommittee markup, I am pleased the bill advanced by a vote of the subcommittee.

“I urge the full Energy and Commerce Committee to take up this legislation immediately so we can move it through the House, secure Senate passage, and send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”

The Ratepayer Protection Act passed out of the Energy Subcommittee.

Latta Applauds FDA Approval of First New Sunscreen Ingredient in More Than 20 Years

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that bemotrizinol has been added to the list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the first new active ingredient added to the over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen monograph in more than 20 years.

"FDA's announcement in adding bemotrizinol to a list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients is a significant step forward in expanding access to innovative sunscreen products for American consumers. For too long, the FDA's approval process prevented new sunscreen ingredients that are widely used around the world from becoming available in the United States. The reforms included in the OMUFA Act helped modernize the review process, and this decision demonstrates the importance of continuing to advance innovation while ensuring consumers have access to safe and effective products,” said Latta.

In July 2025, Congressman Latta introduced the bipartisan Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (OMUFA) to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee Program, which helps provide Americans with access to safe and effective over-the-counter medicines. The legislation was signed into law in November 2025 as part of a Continuing Resolution.

A member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Latta has consistently advocated for improving the FDA's review process for sunscreen ingredients. During a recent committee hearing, he highlighted the need to modernize the agency's sunscreen approval framework and ensure Americans have access to the latest sunscreen innovations.

The Courier: What Northern Ohio Means to Me

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

“When I think of home, I think of my deep family roots in Ohio. My dad, Del Latta, was the second of six children, and was born in Weston and spent the formative years of his life growing up in McComb. My paternal grandfather had a one chair barbershop in Hoytville. The Lattas most probably came to the Ohio territory before 1800.

“My mom, Rose Mary (Kiene) Latta, was the second of seven, and was born and raised on the family homestead farm in Putnam County that our ancestors had settled on in the 1840s. Moving from McComb, my parents came to Bowling Green, and this is where our family called home. I am fortunate that so many of my relatives lived nearby. I believe I have learned much from them throughout my life. Hard work and thrift are a common thread that has been passed down from one generation to the next...”

Latta Welcomes Members of the British-American Parliamentary Group to Washington, DC

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) welcomed members of the British-American Parliamentary Group to Washington, D.C., to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom and foster dialogue on shared economic, energy, security, and technology priorities.

The British-American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) serves as an important forum for promoting closer relations and greater understanding between Members of the United Kingdom Parliament and the United States Congress. Throughout the visit, participants will engage in discussions on issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities to further enhance the special relationship between our two nations.

As Co-Chair of the British-American Parliamentary Group, Congressman Latta is committed to strengthening transatlantic cooperation and advancing the enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

“The United States and the United Kingdom share one of the strongest partnerships in the world. I am pleased to welcome members of the British-American Parliamentary Group to Washington as we continue working together to strengthen our economic, energy, security, and technology ties. These discussions are important to advancing our shared interests and reinforcing the special relationship between our two nations,” said Latta.

In April of 2026, Congressman Latta served on the Escort Committee for His Majesty, King Charles III, for his Joint Meeting of Congress.