Robert E. Latta

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.

Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on mortgage rates falling to their lowest level since 2022: “Falling mortgage rates offer much needed relief for hardworking families who have been priced out of homeownership for far too long. With rates at their lowest level in four years, families across Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District now have greater opportunities to achieve the dream of owning a home. Lower rates mean reduced monthly payments, increased purchasing power, and greater financial flexibility for prospective buyers, while also strengthening the financial stability of current homeowners. This progress underscores the Administration’s continued commitment to lowering costs for Americans. House Republicans and the Trump Administration will keep working to build a strong, accessible housing market that works for every American family. Promises made, promises kept.”

Press Releases

Position: Congressman Latta expresses support for Republican economic policies, including tax cuts and job growth; supports stricter immigration enforcement and border security; backs healthcare cost-reduction measures including PBM reforms; and opposes renewable energy subsidies in favor of fossil fuel energy dominance.

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement after the State of the Union Address from President Donald Trump: “President Trump's State of the Union was a reminder that when policies are focused on better outcomes for American families and workers, our country thrives. “The American Dream is coming back for working people because the Republican agenda is delivering real results. The Working Families Tax Cuts created a fairer, more efficient tax system, and families are seeing the impact where it matters most: in a stronger economy, bigger paychecks, and more affordable everyday costs. From lower energy bills to a simpler tax-filing process, life is becoming more affordable, and Republicans are leading the way. “As President Trump stated, the flow of fentanyl across our borders is down 56 percent in just one year. I am proud that my legislation, introduced with Rep. Morgan Griffith, the HALT Fentanyl Act, was signed into law last July to protect American communities by cracking down on deadly fentanyl substances and saving lives. Illicit fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction and this law is already making a real difference. “Our economy continues to gain strength, with 172,000 new private-sector jobs added in January 2026 alone, clear proof that pro-growth, pro-worker policies are working. Our health care system has been streamlined, reducing waste, fraud, and abuse left by the Biden Administration and we’ve strengthened Medicaid. Since the beginning of this year, Republicans have delivered meaningful action to lower health care costs for Americans, including the launch of TrumpRx and passing the most Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) reforms ever enacted to date. At the same time, our borders are more secure, and law and order are being enforced so Americans can feel safe in their communities. “Alongside President Trump, Republicans in Congress have slashed the far-left energy agenda that drove up prices under the Biden Administration, and as a result, will save the average American household $2,900 in 2026. Costly subsidies and regulations aimed at eliminating natural gas and coal have weakened our nation’s energy supply, increased utility rates, and undermined energy reliability. By unleashing American energy dominance, we are strengthening our energy security, keeping the lights on, and lowering costs for families across the country. “President Trump secured our borders on the first day of his Administration by making clear that illegal immigration would be stopped and that Biden-era open-border policies would not be tolerated. “As we continue to celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial, we are reminded that the United States of America remains the greatest place in the world to live, work, and raise a family. When we stand united, our communities are stronger and more prosperous.”

Press Releases

Position: Congressman Latta introduced the SELF DRIVE Act to establish a federal framework for autonomous vehicle testing, deployment, and oversight, emphasizing safety standards, regulatory clarity, and U.S. competitiveness against China in autonomous vehicle development.

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research in Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026 (SELF DRIVE Act). As first reported in Punchbowl News, this bill strengthens safety requirements, clarifies NHTSA’s authority, improves crash data transparency, and promotes U.S. leadership in autonomous vehicles innovation. Roadway safety remains a critical issue nationwide. Human error remains the leading cause of car accidents nationwide. Each year, nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives in traffic-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated six million accidents occur annually, with 94 percent attributed to human error. Additionally, it is crucial that the United States maintain its leadership in the technology competition with China, particularly as China seeks to dominate the global autonomous vehicle market. “Autonomous vehicle technology has the potential to protect millions of Americans from traffic accidents and fatalities, while making our communities safer and more accessible. With the right framework in place, we can prioritize safety, transparency, and innovation while keeping pace with advancements in AV technology. The SELF DRIVE Act updates federal motor vehicle safety laws to establish a clear, national framework for the resting, deployment, and oversight of autonomous vehicles, ensuring consistent standards across states and promoting trust in this emerging technology. By strengthening America’s role in developing and regulating the autonomous vehicle framework, we can ensure innovation thrives here at home. Standing up to China means keeping these jobs in America and securing our position as a global leader in autonomous vehicle development and manufacturing,” Latta said. “The U.S. has both an opportunity and responsibility to lead the world in the development and deployment of next-generation technologies. The SELF DRIVE Act can create the necessary framework to facilitate autonomous vehicle innovation and ensure Americans can safely enjoy the benefits of these advancements,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie. "The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association commends Representative Latta on introduction of the SELF DRIVE Act, which will help establish a federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles. Representative Latta’s legislation prioritizes safety through rigorous oversight while clearing the path for American companies to lead globally. This bill creates what autonomous vehicle leaders need: clear rules, strong safety standards, and the regulatory certainty needed to scale deployment nationwide,” said Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. “Honda commends Congressman Latta’s efforts to advance the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 to establish a single national standard for automated vehicle technology. Honda supports a clear regulatory framework for the safe and responsible deployment of AV technology in America that will promote long-term U.S. leadership in the global auto market,” said Jennifer Thomas, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Company. “It’s tempting to think of the SELF DRIVE Act as a technology bill. It’s more than that. This is really a plan to advance American competitiveness and national security. Rep. Latta gets this, and it’s why he has never given up on a national autonomous vehicle framework. Countries around the world are racing to shape the AV future. It’s time for Congress to get a bill across the finish line and clear the way for more AV testing and safe deployment here at home," said John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. "AVs represent a generational opportunity to save lives, strengthen supply chains, and expand access to transportation for millions of Americans. The technology is ready – what we need now is clear, consistent national policy. Congress must ensure America remains the global leader in mobility by advancing a regulatory framework that prioritizes certainty, safety and American competitiveness," said Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. "The SELF DRIVE Act would establish a clear national framework for the deployment of autonomous vehicles that will save American lives and unlock significant growth in US manufacturing. Thank you, Congressman Latta, for your continued leadership. Tesla remains a committed partner in advancing policies that prioritize safety, accessibility, and American competitiveness," said Tesla, Inc. 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. Last month, Congressman Latta participated in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing to discuss the draft of his bill, to watch the discussion, click here. 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.