Robert E. Latta

Press Releases

Position: The release supports federal autonomous vehicle legislation, the SELF DRIVE Act, which would require companies to prove self-driving vehicles are safe before deployment, establish a national crash reporting repository, and set a single federal framework while preserving state authority over traffic laws, registration, and insurance.

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."

Press Releases

Position: The release describes a facility visit to the Savannah River Site and states support for safe nuclear waste disposal and for advancing safe nuclear power as part of national security and environmental safety.

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." 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.

Press Releases

Position: The release commends the Department of Energy for awarding more than $135 million to Ohio's Public Utilities Commission to modernize the electric grid and expand transmission capacity, and states that rising electricity demand requires adding capacity quickly to ensure reliability and lower ratepayer costs.

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." 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.

Press Releases

Position: The release states that the House passed legislation intended to protect Americans from rising costs associated with data centers, and the congressman issued a statement about it.

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:

Press Releases

Position: The congressman voted in favor of H.R. 8800, the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, citing support for military readiness, domestic defense production, a 5 to 7 percent servicemember pay raise, and improved housing, childcare, and education benefits.

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.”

Press Releases

Position: The release supports advancing the STOP Nitazenes Act, which would schedule nitazenes as Schedule I controlled substances, and Tyler's Law, which would require an HHS study and guidance on fentanyl testing for overdose patients in hospitals. It also supports the Nonprescription Drug Innovation Act, which would create a priority designation to expedite review of certain over-the-counter medications, and urges House floor action on the opioid bills.

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.

Press Releases

Position: Congressman Latta supports H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would prevent the costs of energy infrastructure needed for data centers from being shifted onto American families and businesses, and urges House floor passage.

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.

Press Releases

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.

Press Releases

Position: Congressman Latta supports federal legislation establishing a single national autonomous vehicle safety standard and regulatory framework to ensure safety, clarity, and U.S. competitiveness against China. He commends executive action but argues that Congress must pass statutory law to provide durable clarity.

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. 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: 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.

Press Releases

Position: Congressman Latta introduced legislation to permanently schedule nitazenes as Schedule I controlled substances to address rising overdose deaths from this synthetic opioid.

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. 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.