Latta, Bob RSS Articles

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.

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.