Biography
Representative Bob Latta, born on April 18, 1956, in Bluffton, Ohio, has been serving Ohio's Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since December 2007. A member of the Republican Party, he succeeded Paul Gillmor after his passing. Latta's district encompasses many of Toledo's suburbs, including Findlay, Bowling Green, Napoleon, Sylvania, Defiance, and Van Wert.
Throughout his tenure, Latta has been a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has played a significant role in shaping national policies on energy, telecommunications, environment, health care, and interstate commerce. He currently serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and is a member of the Subcommittees on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, and Health.
Latta has been instrumental in advancing legislation to combat the opioid crisis, including authoring the INFO Act, which provides essential data to those on the front lines. He has also championed efforts to protect Lake Erie and improve Ohio's water infrastructure, notably through the Drinking Water Protection Act, which assesses and manages the risk of algal toxins in drinking water.
An advocate for veterans, Latta has authored legislation to expedite the processing of VA appeals claims and expand access to TRICARE insurance for National Guard members. He has also worked to ensure Ohio veterans suffering from cancer can receive healthcare closer to home.
Latta is an avid sportsman and has served as a hunter education instructor for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. He has been actively involved in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, serving as Vice Chair during the 112th Congress and Chair during the 113th.
He and his wife, Marcia, reside in Bowling Green, Ohio, and have two daughters, Elizabeth and Maria.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bowling Green State University
- Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law
Political Experience
- U.S. Representative for Ohio's 5th Congressional District
- Deputy Whip, Republican Caucus, U.S. House of Representatives
- Chair, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
- Member, Subcommittees on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, and Health
- Co-Chair, Rural Broadband Caucus
- Co-Chair, Congressional Propane Caucus
- Member, Ohio State House of Representatives, District 6
- Member, Ohio State Senate
- Commissioner, Board of County Commissioners, Wood County
Latta's legislative efforts have focused on economic prosperity, job creation, reducing government spending, maintaining a strong national defense, combating the nation's substance abuse crisis, and implementing commonsense government reforms.
