Latta, Bob RSS Articles

Latta Delivers Keynote Address on Autonomous Vehicles, SELF DRIVE Act

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) was the keynote speaker at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce's Future Forum at the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio where he spoke on the importance of autonomous vehicles, the need for federal standards on AVs, and Ohio's leadership in the future of transportation. Congressman Latta released the following statement after the event:

"I was honored to deliver the keynote address in East Liberty at the Ohio Chamber’s Future Forum event focused on autonomous vehicles. From the traffic light to the self starter, Ohio has led the world in transportation and historically has played a major role in the evolution of this industry. This work is being done right here at the Transportation Research Center, the largest multi-user automotive testing facility in North America. Autonomous vehicles are the next chapter of this transformation, and it must be written here in Ohio.

"With autonomous vehicles becoming increasingly prevalent on streets across America, it's paramount that Congress acts to ensure the safety of these vehicles and all who encounter them. As co-chair of the Autonomous Vehicle Caucus in the House of Representatives and as a legislator who has been working on this issue for nearly a decade, safety is at the heart of all I do.

"Thousands of Americans die each year in traffic crashes. We lose family members, friends, and loved ones every day to these horrible incidents, but tragedies like these are not inevitable, and autonomous vehicles can help. It's critical that we write the law correctly to ensure safe and positive deployments for the ushering in of this new technology that will help us lower crash fatalities.

"That's why, since 2017, I have worked tirelessly on the SELF DRIVE Act, holding hundreds of meetings with stakeholder groups, co-founding the AV caucus alongside my friend, Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan, and working on numerous discussion drafts. While the legislation has evolved, my priorities have not. Safety first, a single federal framework, and American leadership are at the forefront of this work.

"This legislation would require companies to prove that their self-driving vehicles are safe before they deploy onto our roads. The bill would also establish a national crash reporting repository so the public knows how these vehicles perform. While setting a federal standard, the bill would also preserve the role of the states, allowing their longstanding authorities on traffic laws, vehicle registration, and insurance to continue.

"In addition to saving lives by lowering crashes, this new technology can enable mobility for millions of Americans including seniors and those with disabilities. This industry will offer many new jobs, especially in manufacturing, which flourishes in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Additionally, we cannot cede the future of auto manufacturing to Communist China who is working to out-compete us in AV production.

"Until a federal AV framework becomes law, I will not stop working on this issue, and I am confident that we will eventually be able to find a bipartisan path forward."

Latta Visits Savannah River Site, Nuclear Facility

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, visited the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) to receive an in-depth tour of the facilities and receive updates on the process for the disposal of nuclear waste. Congressman Latta released the following statement after his visit:

"It was great to see the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, where the Department of Energy is taking on the federal government's statutory responsibility to clean up nuclear waste.

"The site plays a vital role in advancing our nation's nuclear interests, both domestically and internationally, and SRS's focus on cleaning up nuclear components is critical for protecting the health and well-being of every American.

"As a member of the Environment Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I understand how important it is for our country to safely dispose of nuclear waste so that surrounding communities are protected from environmental hazards.

"Seeing the site's comprehensive process for safe disposal, and watching the expert professionals who operate this facility has given me even further confidence in our ability as a nation to handle complex energy waste issues.

"Last month, the Energy Subcommittee held a hearing with the Department of Energy and industry professionals to discuss the future of spent nuclear fuel storage and how we can support every stage of our nuclear fuel cycle moving into the future.

"With tremendous support for nuclear power, it's critical that we continue to focus on generating more affordable, and reliable power in efficient and safe ways. Advancing safe nuclear power for America is paramount to our national security and environmental safety."

Details of the visit:

During his time at the facility, Congressman Latta focused on SRS's integrated radioactive liquid waste treatment facility that handles by-products from the processing of nuclear materials.

Congressman Latta first visited the H tank farm, one of two tank farms, where SRS stores about 32 million gallons of radioactive waste in 43 underground carbon-steel waste tanks.

The Congressman also visited the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF), where SRS treats the radioactive salt components that make up more than 90% of the contents of the tanks. Congressman Latta also participated in a sampling discussion at the SWPF.

At the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), Congressman Latta viewed where SRS takes radioactive sludge from the tanks, and combines it with higher activity salt waste components to be turned into glass for storage and disposal.

The Congressman's final facility viewing was a drive through the Saltstone Disposal Units (SDUs) where lower level salt solutions from the nuclear waste are permanently stored.

Once a tank from the farm is emptied and the contents are treated and safely disposed of or stored, the tank is cleaned and operationally closed.

To learn more about SRS's facility and nuclear waste treatment processes, click here.

Latta Recognizes National Manufacturing Day

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement in recognition of National Manufacturing Day to honor the millions of Americans, including the tens of thousands across Ohio's Fifth Congressional District who help build America's future:

"On National Manufacturing Day, it’s important that we take the time to honor and recognize the millions of Americans who work in manufacturing and build vital products and components here in the United States.

"Our country is a manufacturing powerhouse, and in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, I’m proud that we are home to more than 1,000 manufacturing businesses that employ more than 86,000 hardworking Ohioans. I visit these facilities all the time, and it’s amazing to see the production going on at each facility.

"From programming to robotic machinery, our highly skilled manufacturing professionals are building America’s future, and I’m grateful for their devotion to innovation. Thanks to new investments, comprehensive workforce development programs, and a focus on strengthening domestic supply chains, we’re seeing an increase in American manufacturing activity across the country.

"As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, I will continue to champion policies that provide affordable, reliable energy to support small and large manufacturers in Northern Ohio and across our country."

Latta Commends Department of Energy Funding for Ohio Electric Grid Upgrades

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, commended the Department of Energy (DOE) for its recent decision to award more than $135 million in federal funding for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to help modernize the electric grid, upgrade transmission capacity, and lower expenses for Ohio ratepayers.

"Ohio is a key hub for multi-directional power transfer and faces many of the nation's grid challenges," said Rep. Latta. "This funding will help maximize existing infrastructure, replace old assets, reduce congestion, and unlock constrained capacity within the grid. With rising electricity demand, our state must add capacity quickly to help ensure grid reliability and integrity while also lowering expenses for ratepayers. I was proud to lead a letter in support of this project, and I'm grateful to the Department of Energy for recognizing this need and awarding this funding that will greatly benefit Ohio's electric grid and the surrounding communities."

"As we work collectively to meet the moment, the Department of Energy funding will play an important role in the deployment of advanced transmission technologies across the country," stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. "The PUCO is so appreciative of the Department of Energy for choosing Ohio for this funding and we look forward to seeing the difference it can make in Ohio’s communities."

Background:

The announcement comes after PUCO applied for DOE's SPARK program funding earlier this year. Congressman Latta led members of the Ohio delegation in sending a letter of support for the project to the Department of Energy. Read the letter of support for the funding application here.

DOE's Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program seeks to enable large-scale, rapidly deployable grid modernization to expand transmission capacity. Read more about the program here.

Latta Applauds House Passage of Ratepayer Protection Act

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to protect Americans from rising costs due to data centers:

"Yesterday's passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act is a significant step forward in protecting American families from rising costs associated with data center development, and I was proud to move this legislation through the Energy Subcommittee.

"Across the country, communities are seeing proposals for new data centers that will bring valuable economic growth, but also raise important questions about how these facilities will affect local electric grids and the nearby communities.

"The Ratepayer Protection Act ensures states can hold data centers responsible for their own energy costs, and hardworking American families aren't on the hook for the bill. One question should have a clear answer: Americans should not have to pay more for electricity so large technology companies can build and operate data centers.

"This is not a choice between American innovation and affordable, reliable energy. We can, and must have both."

Latta Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001:

“September 11, 2001, is a day forever etched into the history of our nation. For those of us who lived through that day, the images and emotions remain as vivid as they were 25 years ago. We watched as our country was attacked, innocent lives were taken, and families received news that would change their lives forever. 2,977 of our fellow Americans never had the opportunity to return home that day.

“But September 11 is also a day that reminds us of the extraordinary courage and strength of the American people. First responders ran into the burning buildings to save others. Ordinary Americans aboard Flight 93 made the ultimate sacrifice to stop the terrorists from causing even greater destruction. In the days that followed, Americans came together to support one another and demonstrated a patriotism and unity that will forever be a part of our nation’s story.

“On this 25th anniversary, we remember the lives lost and the families who continue to carry their absence. We honor the first responders, survivors, recovery workers, members of our military, and all those who answered the call in the aftermath of that terrible day. And as another generation grows up without personal memories of September 11, we must continue to tell their stories and teach the lessons of that day. May we always remember the lives we lost, the heroes who emerged, and the strength of a nation that refused to be broken. We will never forget.”

Latta to Host Military Academy Informational Nights for Students and Families

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) announced his office will host two informational meetings for students and families from Ohio’s Fifth District regarding the United States Military Service Academy nomination and appointment process.

Elyria Informational Meeting:

September 21, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Transportation and Community Center

40 East Avenue, Elyria, Ohio 44035

Findlay Informational Meeting:

September 24, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Owens Community College, Findlay-area Campus

3200 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio 45840

Education Center, Conference Room 111

These meetings serve as opportunities for potential student candidates to be advised of the congressional nomination process and meet with representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London.

Potential candidates may also obtain an application for a military service academy nomination by attending one of the informational meetings or on Congressman Latta’s website at latta.house.gov. Completed applications are due October 9, 2026, with all supporting documents to be turned in by October 23, 2026.

For Questions, Congressman Latta’s office may be contacted at (419) 422-7791.

Latta, Dingell Introduce Bipartisan BEDROCK Act to Reshore American Manufacturing

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6) introduced the bipartisan Biomanufacturing Excellence, Domestic Resilience, Output, and Competitive Know-how Act, or the BEDROCK Act. This legislation would help turn products invented in America into products made in America—supporting American manufacturing jobs, strengthening American supply chains, and reducing American dependence on Communist China.

Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District is home to over 1,000 manufacturers and more than 86,000 manufacturing jobs. From small family-owned shops to major production facilities, manufacturing offers Ohioans the opportunity to work, support their families, and build the products that the rest of the world needs. The BEDROCK Act would help bring that manufacturing tradition to the next generation of American industry.

Biomanufacturing uses biology to make products at industrial scale, such as new materials and medicines. American companies lead the world in discovering these new products, but all too often, the factories, suppliers, and jobs required to produce them at scale move overseas. Communist China has repeatedly made biomanufacturing a national priority; they now dominate the world’s fermentation capacity.

“Northern Ohio knows that manufacturing is the lifeblood of our economy,” Latta said. “For far too long, America has pioneered new inventions, only for Communist China to build the facilities—stealing the jobs that come with them. The BEDROCK Act would help reshore that work. This bipartisan legislation would create new opportunities for Ohio workers, strengthen the biomanufacturing supply chain, and make it easier for American manufacturers to produce at home.”

“America's manufacturing might has been hollowed out for decades,” Dingell said. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen and create good-paying jobs, as well as reduce our reliance on China. I am proud to support this effort to invest in America's workers and ensure we do not cede our competitive edge to our adversaries.”

The BEDROCK Act would:

Designate a senior Department of Commerce official to lead efforts to strengthen U.S. biomanufacturing competitiveness;
Assess critical supply-chain inputs, domestic production capacity, commercialization barriers, and reliance on China and other foreign adversaries;
Develop a prioritized action plan and consolidate existing federal resources to address the most significant risks and barriers; and
Map federal commercialization processes, establish FDA and EPA points of contact, and publish industry-led practices to help companies scale production.

“For too long, biomanufacturing's importance to both national security and industrial policy has been overlooked,” said Sam Dorn, Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, the New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA). “By developing a critical biomanufacturing action plan, streamlining government coordination, and mapping key supply chains, the BEDROCK Act would begin to address that dangerous oversight. Rep. Latta and Rep. Dingell are to be commended for their leadership in this important effort.”

“This legislation gives biomanufacturing the clear federal leadership, honest risk assessment, and streamlined pathways it has long needed,” said Brooke Coleman, Executive Director, the American Alliance for Biomanufacturing. “It's a critical piece of the broader push to accelerate commercial deployment here at home and ensure America—not our competitors—leads the world in biomanufacturing. Federal agencies must treat this as the strategic priority it is, and the Department of Commerce must be at the forefront of this effort.”

“A strong domestic biomanufacturing base helps ensure that innovative medicines can be developed and produced reliably in the United States while creating high-value jobs and economic opportunity,” said Dr. Kelvin H. Lee, Institute Director, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals. “The BEDROCK Act supports these goals by strengthening the capabilities and supply chains that underpin modern biopharmaceutical manufacturing.”

“ITIF supports the BEDROCK Act as a practical step toward strengthening U.S. biomanufacturing competitiveness and reducing reliance on China,” said Stephen Ezell, Executive Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. “As China rapidly expands its state-backed biomanufacturing capacity, the United States needs a clearer picture of its supply-chain vulnerabilities and a more coordinated federal pathway for companies to commercialize. By directing Commerce to assess critical supply-chain dependencies, identify reliance on foreign adversaries, and streamline the federal commercialization process, the BEDROCK Act would help address these gaps and strengthen America’s biomanufacturing ecosystem.”

“LanzaTech’s gas fermentation platform is headquartered in the United States and has been successfully commercialized around the world, proving that U.S.-developed technology can compete, scale, and lead in international markets,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer, LanzaTech. “That global leadership would be reinforced by a stronger domestic biomanufacturing base. Expanding deployment here at home would strengthen U.S. economic and national security, support domestic manufacturing of critical products such as sustainable aviation fuel and other strategic supply chain materials, and create high-quality American jobs across engineering, construction, operations, and advanced manufacturing. By providing a single federal point of coordination, a clear pathway to commercialization, and greater visibility into supply chain dependencies, the BEDROCK Act would help accelerate biomanufacturing investment in the United States while ensuring that American innovation continues to set the pace globally.”

Read the full bill HERE.

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.