Latta, Bob RSS Articles

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...”

Latta Tours First Solar and Whirlpool, Emphasizes U.S. Supply Chains

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last Friday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) joined U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for visits to the First Solar manufacturing campus and one of Whirlpool’s several facilities in Ohio. The visits included tours of both campuses and discussions surrounding strengthening America’s supply chains and advancing American innovation and manufacturing.

First Solar continues to play a key role in building domestic supply chains for solar energy, creating American jobs, and supporting local communities. The company remains committed to manufacturing in the United States and investing in its future. By the midpoint of President Trump’s term, First Solar expects to bring $1.5 billion in new U.S. manufacturing capacity online across the United States, creating 1,400 additional good-paying American manufacturing jobs.

Whirlpool is making significant investments in Ohio, announcing a $60 million expansion that is expected to create up to 150 new jobs in Perrysburg. This investment further strengthens the region’s manufacturing base and supports continued economic growth in Northwest Ohio.

“It was great to visit both First Solar and Whirlpool with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. When companies like First Solar and Whirlpool invest in expanding American manufacturing, they create good-paying jobs, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and help keep our nation competitive in Ohio and across the country. These investments will bring additional jobs to Wood County, further strengthening our local economy and creating more opportunities for Ohio workers,” said Latta.

Latta Sends Letter to Secretary Duffy Applauding Administration's Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Leadership

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy applauding the Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their recent efforts to advance the safe deployment of AVs across America.

The letter follows NHTSA’s March 10th National AV Safety Forum. At the forum, Administrator Morrison highlighted the safety benefits of AVs, the need for a federal AV framework, and plans for updated AV guidance. This builds on prior Administration action and leadership in automated driving systems.

In his letter, Congressman Latta underscored how AVs can usher in a new era of safety; the need for a federal AV framework; and the stakes of competition with China.

"The Administration has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in safety advancing AV technology. I commend Secretary Duffy and Administrator Morrison for their ongoing efforts to promote this life-saving technology. That said, executive action alone falls short. Congress must act now to ensure durable statutory clarity. This is why I introduced the SELF DRIVE Act, which prioritizes safety, a single federal AV standard, and American competitiveness. If America fails to deliver clear rules, Communist China will scale its technology, influence global standards, and steal manufacturing jobs that must remain in America," said Latta.

Background:

Congressman Latta has been working on autonomous vehicle legislation since 2017. During the 115th Congress, his SELF DRIVE Act passed the House, making it the first Congressional proposal to address autonomous vehicle technology.

Latta introduced the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 on February 5, 2026. The bill would strengthen safety requirements, clarify NHTSA's authority, improve crash data transparency, and promote U.S. leadership in autonomous vehicles innovation. Last month, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade advanced the bill.

Congressman Latta is the co-chair of the Congressional Autonomous Vehicle Caucus; a bipartisan caucus aimed at educating Congress on how autonomous vehicle technology can improve the safety and accessibility of the nation’s roads.

Read the full letter here and below:

Dear Secretary Duffy:

I write to applaud the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Administration’s recent efforts to advance the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles (AV) in the United States. Most recently, at NHTSA’s March 10th National AV Safety Forum, Administrator Morrison highlighted the safety benefits of AVs, emphasized the need for a single federal vehicle safety standard, and announced plans for updated AV guidance later this year. This forum builds on the Administration’s broader record of AV leadership. It follows the AV Framework unveiled last spring, the streamlining of the Part 555 exemption process, and the issuance of the first-ever demonstration exemption for American-made AVs.

Safety is at the core of this transformative technology. Nearly 40,000 Americans die on our roads each year, and 94% of crashes are linked to human error. AVs can drastically reduce fatalities caused by distraction, impairment, and fatigue, but to realize that promise, we need clear national rules that prioritize safety and enable responsible deployment. These systems are safe, and we have the data to prove it. Waymo reports over 127 million autonomous miles and substantially lower rates of injury-causing crashes than human drivers, including 85 percent fewer serious injury crashes and 92 percent fewer pedestrian injury crashes.

The forum also reinforced the need for one federal AV framework. More than 35 states have enacted AV laws, resulting in a patchwork that slows deployment and makes it harder for American companies to invest with confidence. The federal government has always overseen the design, construction, and performance of vehicles, and should continue to do so for AVs. As Administrator Morrison argued, “We want to ensure that as AVs cross state lines, the rules remain clear.”

When unveiling the Administration’s AV Framework, you warned that “we’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.” The United States cannot afford to lose this race. Baidu has already completed over 17 million rides, and Beijing has mandatory AV standards that take effect this year. If America fails to deliver clear national rules, China will scale its technology, influence global standards, and steal manufacturing jobs that should have remained in America.

The AV Safety Forum made clear that the Administration understands the stakes. I appreciate the continued AV leadership NHTSA, the Department, and the Administration have shown. Congress should build on this progress with durable statutory clarity that prioritize safety, a federal standard, and American competitiveness. I look forward to working with you and Administrator Morrison as we advance a responsible federal AV framework.

Thank you for your continued engagement on this issue.

Latta Introduces STOP Nitazenes Act to Combat Rising Synthetic Opioid Deaths

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous (STOP) Nitazenes Act, a bill to permanently 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.

"Families in Ohio and across the nation have already felt the devastating impact of the ongoing fentanyl crisis. With the rise in nitazene use, the opioid epidemic is becoming even more dangerous. That's why I introduced the Stop Nitazenes Act, to permanently classify nitazenes as a Schedule 1 drug, the most restrictive category, and to help curb the use of illegal opioids in our country. We must act now to stay ahead of the growing number of lives affected by this deadly drug," said Latta.

Background:

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. According to Medical Discovery News, up to 2,000 people have died from nitazene-related overdoses since 2019. Without greater awareness and education about these substances, that number is expected to grow.

Latta has also championed the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law on July 16, 2025. The law permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.

Energy and Commerce Committee Passes Latta's SECURE Grid Act

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta’s SECURE GRID Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to fully assess risks to the electric grid from extreme weather, physical and cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities. This bill is co-led by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07).

“States must have a fully accessible plan in place to respond when threats are posed to the electric grid. As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce and Co-Chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus, ensuring America’s electric grid is secure and resilient for families and businesses across the country remains a top priority. I thank my Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues for advancing this legislation at today’s markup, and I urge the House to swiftly bring it to a vote,” said Latta.

“Keeping the lights on should never be a gamble. Across America, a power outage can mean a life-threatening scenario during extreme temperatures, a parent scrambling to keep insulin cold, or a senior worrying about a medical device. The SECURE Grid Act takes a commonsense step to strengthen the local grid that serves our communities and protect it from extreme weather, physical threats, and cyberattacks. I’m glad this bipartisan bill passed out of committee, and I’ll keep pushing to get it to the House floor,” said Matsui.

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.