RightsideVA for Bob Goodlatte 2012...

2012 State of the Union...

2012-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Congressman Bob
Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: January 27, 2012
The State of our Union

Today, the American people are facing one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. They are struggling to make ends meet while our economy remains sluggish and unemployment remains high. They are deeply concerned about the outlook for our great country and wonder if their children will grow up in the same America they did. My constituents, just like folks from across our nation, are looking for real solutions to these problems we face.

While President Obama and the Democrats in Congress have responded to the current economic crisis with unprecedented levels of spending, government intrusion in the private sector, and expansion of the federal government, these actions have only exacerbated the problem.
It is these actions that speak louder than words. The President’s rhetoric is simply not matched by the actions of his Administration over the past three years.

In his State of the Union address, the President called for an “all of the above” energy policy to create jobs and promote our access to energy
supplies and yet just last week he denied the application for the Keystone Pipeline, a project that has the potential to be a significant boost to our economy. He also claimed it was a priority of his Administration to get rid of outdated, unnecessary and costly government regulations. The reality is the Obama Administration has over 4,000 regulations currently in the works. Of those, 224 are considered major rules with at least $100 million in cost to our economy and jobs. He touted his efforts to preserve Americans access to health coverage. However, experts seem to agree that his government takeover of our health care system is helping to drive up premiums and jeopardize coverage for millions of Americans.

In stark contrast to President Obama’s agenda, House Republicans remain committed to pro-growth policies such as reining in our skyrocketing deficit spending which discourages investment, limiting the size of government by reducing costly and burdensome regulations which are hurting our small businesses, removing unnecessary barriers to domestic energy production which would provide us with significant access to new energy supplies with the twin
goals of energy independence and the creation of millions of American jobs, and enacting meaningful tax reform -- closing loopholes and unfair credits and deductions and using those savings to lower overall tax rates -- which would help to generate economic expansion.

Since the start of the 112th Congress, the House has passed more than thirty bipartisan jobs bills which are designed to create jobs, end economic uncertainty and make America more competitive. Twenty seven of these bills continue to await consideration in the Democrat-control Senate.

The time for action is now. I remain committed to working with the President and Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will put Americans back to work and grow our economy.

Now is the Time for Real Leadership....

2010-10-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: October 29, 2010
Now is the Time for Real Leadership

Today, the American people are facing one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. Our economy remains sluggish, people fear losing their jobs and their homes, and many are worried about the future their children and grandchildren will inherit. They are deeply concerned about the outlook for our great country and wonder if their children will grow up in the same America they did. People are looking for real solutions to the problems we face.

While the Democrats in Congress have responded to the current economic crisis with unprecedented levels of spending, government intrusion in the private sector, and expansion of the federal government, these actions have only exacerbated the problem. These reckless policies have done little to create jobs, leaving our unemployment rate hovering near ten percent, but have certainly saddled our children and grandchildren with debt that is not their own.

The American people are hurting and so nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future growth of our economy. The time is now for a renewed commitment to the people and the fundamental principles that made our country great.

A few weeks ago House Republicans released our “Pledge to America”, which is the result of our conversations with everyday Americans, like many of my constituents here in the Sixth District of Virginia. If we in Congress work hand in hand with the American people we can change the way business is done in Washington by enacting commonsense legislation.

In this new governing agenda, House Republicans pledge to the American people to begin work immediately on five major policy goals and propose specific legislative initiatives within each broader area. These goals include: to create jobs, end economic uncertainty and make America more competitive; to stop out-of-control spending and reduce the size of government; to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care; to reform Congress and restore trust; and to keep our nation secure at home and abroad.

The American people are demanding accountability and results and that is what House Republicans are offering. I invite everyone to take the time to visit the website pledge.gop.gov. There you will have the opportunity to read the entire text of the Pledge, including our specific legislative proposals.

I am as committed as ever to the principles and priorities of accountability, limited government, low taxes, fiscal restraint, energy independence, border security, a strong national defense, personal responsibility and economic prosperity and I will continue to be a leader in addressing these important issues. We have much work to do, and I look forward to working with you to set America back on track toward a prosperous and free future.

VA Tech Hockey...

2010-10-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Virginia Tech Ice Hockey vs. Monmouth College at Roanoke Civic Center...

Delegate Ben Cline, Congressman Goodlatte, Justin & Pete Larkin, Chris Green...

Congressman Goodlatte with Delegate Cline and Hokie Hockey Staff..

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Hokies had a great game and Monmouth College made it a interesting game even with the score ending at 9 to 2 ...

Crack Down On Organized Retail Theft....

2010-10-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2010 2:31 PM

The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Goodlatte which provides the Department of Justice the additional tools and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft rings.

Organized retail theft rings target anything from everyday household commodities to health products to baby formula that can be easily sold through flea markets, swap meets, shady store-front operations, and through online marketplaces. Thieves often travel from retail store to retail store, stealing relatively small amounts of goods from each store, but cumulatively stealing significant amounts of goods. Once stolen, these products are sold back to fencing operations, which can dilute, alter and repackage the goods and then resell them, sometimes back to the same stores from which the products were originally stolen. These goods are also sold at flea markets, pawn shops, and increasingly on the Internet.

“When a product does not travel through the authorized channels of distribution, there is an increased potential that the product has been altered, diluted, reproduced and/or repackaged,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “This poses significant health risks to the public, not to mention the considerable financial losses for legitimate manufacturers and retailers. Ultimately, the consumer bears the brunt of these losses as retail establishments are forced to raise prices to cover the additional costs of security and theft prevention measures.”

The Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2010, H.R. 5932, funds and requires the Attorney General to establish an organized retail theft investigation and prosecution unit within the Department of Justice, to include representatives from the FBI, ICE, U.S. Secret Service, and Postal Inspectors, as well as prosecutors. The unit will investigate and prosecute large-scale organized retail thefts and provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies. The unit will also work in consultation with retailers and online marketplaces to gather information about and identify trends in organized retail thefts.

Additionally, the legislation instructs the Attorney General to prepare a report to Congress on how retailers and law enforcement agencies can best combat organize retail theft.

Goodlatte continued, “Organized retail theft is a huge and growing problem in the U.S., costing businesses more than $30 billion in losses annually. Our bipartisan legislation is an important step in combating this widespread problem by creating an Organized Retail Theft unit within the Department of Justice which will ensure coordination among the FBI, ICE, U.S. Secret Service, and Postal Inspectors in all investigations.”

The Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act, which is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Coalition Against Organized Retail Crime, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Ebay, and the Entertainment Merchants Association, has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Tax-cuts...

2010-10-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Godlatte’s Weekly Column: October 1, 2010

We Must End the Uncertainty that Plagues our Economy

Last week by a vote of 209-210, with Speaker Pelosi casting the deciding vote, House Democrats voted to adjourn Congress, sending Members home, without stopping a massive $3.9 trillion tax increase that will affect every American. By putting politics before the American people, the Majority in Congress has voted to keep the threat of looming tax increases and the cloud of uncertainty they have created hanging over our economy.

In just three months, the largest tax increase in history is set to take effect, imposing unprecedented tax increases on small businesses and their employees who are already struggling to make ends meet. With 94 percent of small businesses expecting to see their tax bills increase this spells more bad news for our struggling economy.

More than 90 percent of all American employers are small businesses and they generate approximately 70 percent of the new jobs created in the United States each year. Small businesses are crucial to the American economy and account for a significant majority of new product ideas and innovation. Small business owners across the country want to invest in their firms and hire new workers, but instead they are bracing for costly new tax increases.

The difference between certainty and uncertainty for businesses is the difference between a thriving and stagnant economy. The first thing we must do is remove barriers to employment including the threat of higher taxes. It is common-sense that you should not raise costs and taxes on employers at a time when unemployment is so high.

It is critical that Congress abandon its job-killing, tax-and-spend policies and instead focus on real solutions that will create jobs, putting Americans back to work and restore economic prosperity to our nation. Last week House Republicans released our “Pledge to America”, a new governing agenda with our ideas for policies that we can and should implement starting right now to get our country back on the right path. A central them of the Pledge is ending the uncertainty that is plaguing small businesses, the economic engine of our nation. House Republicans are committed to permanently stopping all job-killing tax hikes and giving small business owners an immediate tax deduction to help them with new hiring and capital investment.

The last thing our economy needs is crushing tax increases. Instead Congress must focus on policies that allow individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars, which would encourage investment and job creation at America’s small businesses. Most importantly Congress must send a clear message to our nation’s job creators that they can hire new workers with the confidence that a higher tax bill is not on the way.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

Tax hikes.....

2010-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: August 27, 2010

Massive Tax Increases Will Hit All Americans

More than 7 million jobs have been lost in the last three years and over 3 million of those jobs have been lost since the President signed the so-called stimulus bill into law last year. Unfortunately, these are numbers that the American people are all too familiar with and yet the Congress continues to pursue an agenda that will further threaten American job creators.

While Americans are asking “Where are the jobs?”, the Majority in Congress continues to demonstrate that they do not understand the priorities of our constituents or appreciate how private sector jobs are created.

It is clear: the policies of higher taxes, runaway spending, government takeovers and record debt which have become commonplace in Washington these days are having a chilling effect on the nation’s small businesses, the economic engine of our economy. From the so-called stimulus bill to the government takeover of our health care system and the threat of higher taxes and massive deficit spending, these policies have further hindered the creation of private sector jobs.

Unfortunately, just a little over four months from now, Democrats will impose further tax increases on American families and small businesses who are already struggling to make ends meet. According to the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation, unless the $3.8 trillion tax hike, which will take effect on January 1, 2011, is prevented every American income taxpayer will face higher rates.

Specifically, 88 million taxpayers will pay an average of $503 in higher taxes due to the elimination of the ten percent bracket, 35 million married couples will pay an average of $595 in higher taxes due to a reinstatement of the marriage penalty, 31 million families will pay an average of $1,033 in higher taxes due to a reduction in the child tax credit, the death tax will soar to 55 percent, and 94 percent of small businesses will see their tax bills increase as well.

At the same time that millions of Americans are confronted with these oppressive tax hikes, they will also be faced with the first round of tax increases that are part of the new health care reform law. This monstrosity includes over 20 new taxes or tax increases which total $569 billion in additional taxes on individuals and employers.
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As if all of this isn’t devastating enough, more than 25 million taxpayers will be ensnared by the Alternative Minimum Tax and higher taxes will be levied on investments starting January 1, 2011.
The last thing our economy needs is crushing tax increases. Instead Congress must focus on policies that allow individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars, which would encourage investment and provide financial relief for America’s small businesses. Most importantly Congress must send a clear message to our nation’s job creators that they can hire new workers with the confidence that a higher tax bill is not on the way.

I remain committed to working to stop these massive tax increases on small businesses and working families that will have a devastating impact on job creation and our struggling economy. I will continue working to enact responsible legislation which puts money back into the hands of those who can really turn our economy around – the American people and small businesses.
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To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov

Secure Borders....

2010-08-27T16:01:00.001-07:00

Nuclear Iran, Missile testing, Another Obama Vacation...

2010-08-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hard day at work with a economy which is getting tougher and tougher, come home and jump on The Drudge Report to check on what is going on in this world and I find....

Iran is now Nuclear and able to produce weapons grade Plutonium...

Iran decides to test some more ballistic missiles...

And our President is on vacation once again.....

Augusta County Fair ~2010~

2010-08-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte Speech at Americans for Prosperity

2010-03-07T10:40:00.002-08:00

Part Two....

2010-03-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

Stopping Job Killing Energy Regulations and Taxes

2010-03-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: March 6, 2010
Stopping Job Killing Energy Regulations and Taxes

Late last year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took the first steps toward a national energy tax by writing anti-growth regulations that make carbon dioxide – something that is necessary to sustain life on earth – a regulated pollutant under the Clean Air Act. This backdoor attempt to institute a national energy tax will stifle economic growth and kill jobs, especially in the manufacturing, transportation, energy, and agricultural sectors. Now more than ever, with the national unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent and 15 million Americans looking for work, these harmful rules must be stopped.

The EPA’s regulations represent a clear and present danger to our economy and to all of our efforts to provide the conditions for job growth and prosperity. These new regulations will cost hundreds of billions of dollars to implement and would ultimately affect millions of small sources of emissions such as hotels, hospitals, churches, farms, office buildings, restaurants, and other small businesses. These rules will inject uncertainty into the economy, delay or halt new construction, and deter investment. Citing the negative impact to their states, these regulations are strongly opposed by several States' Governors, Attorneys General, environmental agencies, and agricultural agencies.

The unelected bureaucrats at the EPA should not be creating national energy policy for our country and so I have joined with Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate in supporting legislation which would prevent the implementation of these job-killing regulations posed by the EPA.

Instead of passing regulations which will simply raise energy costs and ship jobs overseas, our nation needs an "all of the above" solution to cleaning up the environment, lowering energy costs, and creating more American jobs. We need comprehensive energy legislation which reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign energy and puts millions of Americans to work. We must encourage innovation within the energy market to create the renewable fuel options and energy careers of tomorrow, promote greater conservation and efficiency by providing incentives for easing energy demand and creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment and increase the production of American energy by responsibly utilizing all available resources and technologies and streamlining burdensome regulations.

America's economy is intrinsically linked to the availability and affordability of energy. During this economic slow-down we should be adopting policies that seek to rebuild our economy and create more jobs; we need reliable and affordable energy supplies. Unfortunately, the new regulations the EPA is pushing would only further cripple our economy. Instead of government mandates and bureaucracy we should focus on policies that support technological advances and consumer choices. The bottom line is that we need policies which encourage investment in environmentally sound, cost-effective practices without stifling innovation and setting our economy further back.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

Develop Energy Sources to create Jobs and restore the Economy...

2009-07-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hold off on "Obamacare"... Bob Goodlatte shows why...

2009-07-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome Cuccinelli to "The Barn"...

2009-07-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

More photos and text here...

Goodlatte speaks out against Cap & Trade...

2009-07-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Staunton 4th of July 2009 Parade...

2009-07-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

More photos and text here...

2009-07-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

American Energy Act ...

2009-06-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: June 12, 2009
The American Energy Act Will Protect Our Environment, Lower Energy Costs and Create Jobs

Just days ago House Republicans introduced an “all of the above” solution to cleaning up the environment, lowering energy costs, and creating more American jobs. The American Energy Act, which I strongly support, will increase production of American-made energy in an environmentally-sound manner and promote new, clean and renewable sources of energy such as nuclear, clean-coal-technology, wind and solar energy. The legislation encourages greater efficiency and conservation by extending tax incentives for energy efficiency and rewarding development of greater conservation techniques and new energy sources. Finally, the American Energy Act cuts red-tape and reduces frivolous litigation that hinders energy production.

Specifically, the legislation establishes a national goal to bring 100 new nuclear reactors online over the next twenty years by streamlining a burdensome regulatory process and ensuring the recycling and safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. According to the Department of Energy, the safest and most efficient way for utility companies to control carbon emissions is to increase their supply of nuclear energy. The 104 nuclear reactors in America today provide the United States with 20 percent of its electricity and 73 percent of its CO2-free electricity, yet no new reactors have been ordered since 1978.

Additionally, the American Energy Act increases our domestic supply of energy by lifting restrictions on the Arctic Coastal Plain, the Outer Continental Shelf, and oil shale. Revenues generated through domestic production will support innovation in renewable and alternative energy sources, like wind and solar technologies.

The American Energy Act is in stark contrast to the Democrats’ misguided national energy tax which raises taxes on all Americans, kills jobs and will lead to more government intrusion. The Waxman-Markey legislation, also known as “Cap and Tax”, is really an $846 billion national energy tax that will be paid by anyone who turns on a light switch, plugs in an appliance, takes a hot shower, or drives a car. It is estimated that the proposal will raise electricity rates 90% after adjusting for inflation, gas prices 74%, and natural gas prices 55%. All while eliminating 1.8 to 7 million jobs that our economy so desperately needs.

The Waxman legislation raises prices on consumers by hindering the development of traditional energy sources, while limiting the development of renewable energy. Coal provides the majority of the electricity generation in our country, and this bill will effectively stop coal-fired power plants from being built in the U.S. The cleanest way for utilities to control CO2 emissions is to increase the supply of carbon-free nuclear energy although nuclear is effectively ignored by the bill.
America’s economy is intrinsically linked to the availability and affordability of energy. During this economic slow-down we should be adopting policies that seek to rebuild our economy and create more jobs; we need reliable and affordable energy supplies. Unfortunately, the Waxman legislation would only further cripple our economy. Instead of government mandates and bureaucracy we should focus on policies that support technological advances and consumer choices. The bottom line is that we need policies which encourage investment in environmentally sound, cost-effective practices without stifling innovation and setting our economy further back. We need the American Energy Act.

Bedford Boys

2009-06-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: June 5, 2009
Honoring the Bedford Boys

Across a vast ocean, 11 boys from Bedford, Virginia are buried overlooking the windswept beaches of Normandy. Bedford lost 19 during the D-Day liberation…the greatest proportional loss suffered by a single town on that day. In words inscribed on the wall of a chapel that lies amidst the rows of crosses we are given the following charge: “Think not only upon their passing. Remember the glory of their spirit.”

As we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Allied landing at Normandy we remember their sacrifice and honor their lives which were tragically cut so short. Courage, honor and loyalty -- these are the threads of the American fabric. And these are the qualities these fine young soldiers so nobly exemplified.

This week I had the privilege of attending a special screening of the new documentary “Bedford: The Town They Left Behind”. It was an amazing tribute to those brave young men from Bedford who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we hold so very dear and a community that pulled together in the ultimate display of resilience.

We, the beneficiaries of this seemingly endless stream of valor, often fall short in our efforts to commemorate those who bought with blood the freedom that is our birthright. But try we must… for theirs is a noble story… full of sacrifice for a cause greater than one’s self and so on this special occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy I would like to encourage folks to visit the National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford. This memorial serves as a place to honor and remember not just the famed Bedford Boys but all our brave men who played a role in the largest single-day amphibious invasion of all time.

While we gather this week to honor our brave veterans of the past, it is also important to remember our active duty military who are heroically serving our country today. Daniel Webster once said, "God grants liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it." From the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marines, to the Coast Guard, Webster was speaking of the patriots who have put their lives on the line for our nation. These noble individuals deserve our honor, our respect and our appreciation. From the earliest days of our nation, American patriots have served the twin causes of freedom and justice whenever our nation has asked it of them.

On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 service members landed on the beaches of Normandy with the assistance of over 5,000 ships and 11,000 airplanes. The Allied forces suffered nearly 10,000 casualties before the invasion was complete. Today we are grateful for the sacrifices made by these brave men who so nobly defended our nation on foreign soil and allowed us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of our great country.

The Visa Lottery...

2009-05-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

CONGRESSMAN BOB GOODLATTE’S WEEKLY COLUMN: May 15, 2009
The Visa Lottery… A Flawed Immigration Policy

Amazingly each year there is a national immigration ‘lottery’ by which approximately 50,000 foreign nationals get green cards to become legal permanent residents of the U.S. Each successful applicant is chosen at random and given permanent resident status based on pure luck. The visa lottery program threatens national security, results in the unfair administration of our immigration laws, and encourages a cottage industry for fraudulent opportunists.

The visa lottery program’s threat to our national security is very real. In 2002, Egyptian national Hesham Mohamed Ali Hedayet killed two and wounded three people in a shooting spree at L.A. International Airport. Because Hedayet’s wife was admitted as a visa lottery winner, he was allowed to apply for residency despite his own admission to the INS that the Egyptian government had accused him of being a member of a known terrorist organization.

Usually, immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals that have existing connections with family members lawfully residing in the U.S. or with U.S. employers. These types of relationships help ensure that immigrants entering our country have a stake in continuing America’s success. However, under the visa lottery program, visas are awarded to immigrants at random with virtually no concern for education, job skills or family ties.

Moreover, the visa lottery program is unfair to immigrants who comply with the United States’ immigration laws. For example, citizens of a number of countries including Mexico, the Philippines and the United Kingdom who wait years for visas are prohibited from participation in the visa lottery. That means they watch as others bypass them by winning instant green cards under the lottery. Also, the visa lottery program does not expressly prohibit illegal aliens from applying to receive visas through the program. Thus, the program treats those who comply with our laws the same as those who blatantly violate our laws. This sends the wrong message.

Furthermore, the visa lottery program is wrought with fraud. A Center for Immigration Studies report states that foreign nationals commonly apply for the lottery program multiple times under many different aliases. In addition, the visa lottery program has spawned a cottage industry featuring sponsors in the U.S. who falsely promise success to applicants for a large “fee.” Ill-informed foreign nationals are willing to pay top dollar for the “guarantee” of lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.

Just a few days ago I reintroduced legislation to eliminate the visa lottery program to help ensure our nation’s security and strengthen the integrity of our immigration laws. The visa lottery is flawed policy and is foolish in the age in which we live. Those in the world who wish us harm can easily engage in this statistical gamble with nothing to lose. Our immigration policy should be based primarily on our national security and economic needs, and not on arbitrary systems lacking basic safeguards.

2009-04-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Column: April 3, 2009

A Fiscally Irresponsible Budget

Just days ago the House Democrats pushed through their budget resolution for fiscal year 2010, a $3.6 trillion budget resolution which spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much. This fiscally irresponsible budget, which I voted against, will significantly increase the tax burden on American families and small businesses to pay for new wasteful government spending while heaping trillions of dollars of debt on future generations. Facing a slowing economy and an increased cost of living, Americans have to tighten their belts and carefully budget their hard-earned money. It’s time the Federal government did the same.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote: "To preserve the independence of the people, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.” Unfortunately, it increasingly appears that Congress has chosen this ill-fated path.

Strong finish for Bob Goodlatte...

2008-11-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Congressman Goodlatte did well as expected and the people of the 6th district stood behind our representative...

Labor Day Parade ~Buena Vista~ 2008

2008-09-04T05:46:00.001-07:00

The Congressman attended and walked the parade route of the Labor Day Parade in Buena Vista which he has done many times in the past while campaigning and representing the 6th District...

Additional photos and comments can be found at RightsideVA

The Congressman has been busy....

2008-08-13T06:20:00.001-07:00

The Congressman has been busy in the area...

Rockingham County Fair

Deerfield Parade...

Working the Parade routes...

Fairfield Parade...

Stuart's Draft Fireman's Parade...

Veterans Benefits Bill...

2008-08-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

WEYERS CAVE — U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte met with area veterans Tuesday to discuss a variety of issues related to their federal benefits.
Goodlatte, R-6th, briefly highlighted several pieces of legislation that could impact future benefits, including the recently passed Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which expands education funds for those who have served since Sept. 11, 2001.

Full story NewsLeader.com

"Pelosi's Vacation" ~Day One~

2008-08-02T06:48:00.001-07:00

Vacation: DAY ONE

Stuarts Draft and Fairfield parades...

2008-07-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some photos from the Firemen's Parades at Stuart Draft and Fairfield...

Additional photos and info can be found at "Bloogers for Bob Goodlatte"...

Observations of working the parade routes at RightsideVA...

The Importance of Tax Relief...

2008-04-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

"In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, Franklin said: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Taxes may be a certainty for every American, but high taxes shouldn’t be. As you know, lower taxes put more money in the hands of consumers and are fundamental to economic growth. I believe Americans know better how to put their hard-earned money to use than the federal government."

Full article can be found at The Augusta Free Press....

Keeping our communities safe from crime...

2008-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

"A recent statistic from the Department of Justice shows that someone is assaulted in the U.S. every 7.2 seconds, raped every 2.7 minutes and murdered every 31 minutes. These figures are truly disturbing and something must be done. That is why I joined my Republican colleagues from the House Judiciary Committee in supporting a bold legislative package aimed at protecting innocent Americans from crimes, such as gang violence, drug trafficking and child pornography."

Full text can be found at Augusta Free Press

SCRAP the Tax Code !!!

2008-04-11T05:44:00.001-07:00

“The current tax system has spiraled out of control,” said Rep. Goodlatte. “With Americans devoting a total of 6.6 billion hours each year to comply with the current tax code, we need tax simplification.”

Congressman Bob Goodlatte has introduced bipartisan legislation, the Tax Code Termination Act, to abolish the Internal Revenue Code. He has been joined by over 85 members, both Republicans and Democrats, who have cosponsored his legislation.

This legislation will repeal the entire tax code, except portions that deal with Social Security and Medicare by December 31, 2010, and calls on Congress to approve a new Federal tax system by July of the same year. This legislation has already been passed twice by the House of Representatives, first in 1998 by a vote of 219-209 and then in 2000 by a vote of 229-187.

Full text and additional resources can be found at the Congressman's website at "Scrap The Tax Code"

Congressman Goodlatte calls for change to Tax-code...

2008-04-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

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The Augusta Free Press has a article about Congressman Goodlattes efforts to call attention to problems with the present tax-code...

"The current federal tax code is broken beyond repair, and it is obvious that tax reform is absolutely necessary. In their 2006 annual report to Congress, the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service that assists taxpayers who are experiencing problems with the IRS, listed “the complexity of the Internal Revenue Code” as the most serious problem facing taxpayers today."

Overdue Immigration Reform...

2008-03-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Congressman Goodlatte has an article about "Overdue Immigration Reform" in the Augusta Free Press...

"The SAVE Act seeks to limit illegal immigration by requiring employers to verify their workers are in the U.S. legally. This important legislation also closes existing loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to use the same Social Security number and requires information-sharing between the Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service."

Congressman Goodlatte: "Importance of Reining in Wasteful Government Spending"...

2008-03-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

Congressman Goodlatte held a press conference at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport near Weyers Cave to discuss the budget deficit and the roll of tax cuts in creating revenue to the government. He also spoke about the problem of increased government spending resulting in a $3 trillion debt.

Numerous local media services attended the press conference and reported on the Congressman's statements...

The budget calls for $683 billion in new taxes over the next five years, Goodlatte said. This would mean an average tax increase of $1,800 for more than 116 million taxpayers, he said.

“The tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 represent important pro-growth policies which strengthen our workforce, grow our economy and keep America competitive. Instead of raising taxes we must work to eliminate wasteful government spending,” he said in a press release after his news conference.

“Congress has a clear choice in the coming months,” Goodlatte said in his press release. “We can control spending, paving the way for a return to surpluses and ultimately paying down the national debt, or we can pass this fiscally irresponsible budget, which takes money out of the hands of hard-working Americans and sends it to Washington to be squandered on out of control government spending, leading us further down the road of chronic deficits.”

I found it interesting when the Congressman brought up the ongoing budget battle in Richmond as an example of how 48 of the 50 states require a “Balanced Budget” as compared to the federal government.

“Let me note that while they are struggling in Richmond to reach an agreement on their final spending before the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate adjourn, they are required to do something that is not required in Washington,” he said.

“In Virginia, and in 48 other of our 50 states, they are required to balance the budget. And it sometimes involves very painful decisions, very fierce debate in Richmond, nonetheless at the end of the day, year after year after year, the Virginia General Assembly is required to balance the budget.”

Full text and links to news media articles:

Troop Support...

2008-03-07T09:15:00.001-08:00

Congressman Goodlatte has made several trips to visit with U.S. Troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. On occasion he gets the opportunity to meet and spend time with members of the 6th district community...

Additional information available at the "From Our Hearts" blog which describes efforts to send packages to area military members serving from the Valley...

The Future of Higher Education...

2008-03-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

The Augusta Free Press has the following comments by the Congressman on "The Future of Higher Education"...

Promoting Responsible Government...

2008-03-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Augusta Free Press has some interesting comments by Congressman Goodlatte on Promoting Responsible Government...

Ag conference targets dairy farmers ...

2008-02-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

As reported by the NewsVirginian newspaper out of Waynesboro, VA.

The 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returns from service in Iraq...

2008-02-21T16:43:00.001-08:00

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National Guard members of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived back to their headquarters in Staunton after serving in Iraq...

Congressman Goodlatte was in Staunton at the Thomas D. Howie Memorial Armory to greet members of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returning from a eight month tour in Iraq.

Patriot Guard performed escort duty of the four buses once they exited Route 81 at exit 222 in Staunton to the armory…

The Streets of Staunton were lined with many grateful citizens, of all sizes, awaiting the 116th's arrival...

Congressman Goodlatte provided the initial welcome home to the troops during the inside services...

Members of the Virginia Defense force...

To all of the members of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Welcome home and Thank You for your service to our country...

Daily News Record out of Harrisonburg had the following article...

Congressman Bob Goodlatte ~Buena Vista Parade 2007~...

2008-01-20T17:12:00.001-08:00

Representative Bob Goodlatte working the lines at the 2007 Buen Vista parade with Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell...

Congressman Goodlatte with the Mayor of Buena Vista, Todd Jones. The Buena Vista parade has become the parade to be seen at in the Valley when it comes time for Politicians and Candidates to be seen...

Even during a break in the action time is well spent with the Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell discussing Virginia programs and plans for the future. Virginia is fortunate that we have strong Conservative Republicans in office like Congressman Goodlatte, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, and Attorney General Bob McDonnell...

The Congressman is not an easy person to keep up with during parades as evident as the aide who is trying to keep ahead of the Congressman in this photo. The several parades that I have been at always finds the Congressman working the crowds and spending quality time with the citizens that he represents in Washington D.C.

Additional photos and information regarding this event can be found at RightsideVA

9 / 11

2006-09-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Congressman Bob Goodlatte

This past Saturday the Headquarters of the Augusta County - Staunton Republicans opened and many of the elected officials who attended took the opportunity to speak and reflect on the 5th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation. Congressman Goodlatte was not at this opening but Delegate Ben Cline who served as the Congressmans Chief of Staff did speak and spoke about that day when he was working with Congressman Goodlatte...

Republican Delegate Ben Cline described how he was with Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte (V.A.) in his office in Washington D.C. on September 11th. Cline was working as the Chief of Staff for the Congressman and they first heard of the attacks in New York City and then could see the smoke from the Pentagon attack from the window of the Congressmans office. Congressman Goodlatte immediately sent his entire staff home and away from the Congressional office.

After the staff had left the office Cline asked the Congressman if he was leaving and was told that he was staying because the people needed to know that the government was intact and operating. Congressman Goodlatte and Cline both stayed in his congressional office taking phone calls from his constituents assuring them that the government was in control.

Delegate Cline also described the reception that he got from a Officer when he returned to the office building from lunch. Cline stated that he was stopped by the Officer who advised him that nobody was allowed back into the building and that everyone had to leave. Cline requested the Officer to call the Congressmans office so that the Officer could talk to Congressman Goodlatte. Cline described the look of surprise on the officers face when Congressman Goodlatte answered the phone and then when the Officer advised Congressman Goodlatte that he should not be in the building and had to leave. Delegate Cline also described the change on the face of the Officer once the Congressman started to talk to him on the phone and the Officer replied numerous times "Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Yes Sir": The Officer then looked at Cline and said "Go ahead in" and allowed Cline back into the Congressional office building .

Ben ended his remarks by encouraging all Augusta County Republicans to work hard this fall to re-elect strong leaders like Bob Goodlatte and George Allen to office...

Internet Gambling...

2006-07-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

HOUSE APPROVES GOODLATTE LEGISLATION TO COMBAT ILLEGAL GAMBLING

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, by a bipartisan vote of 317-93. This legislation was introduced by Congressmen Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and merged with legislation introduced by Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA) to crack down on the growing problem of illegal off-shore gambling as well as illegal gambling that crosses state lines over Internet connections. These activities suck billions of dollars per year out of the U.S. economy, serve as a vehicle for money laundering, undermine families, and threaten the ability of states to enact and enforce their own laws. H.R. 4411 is bipartisan, sensible legislation that will tighten up existing federal law and make clear that the current prohibitions on gambling over wires apply to the Internet and other new technologies.

Full text can be found at:
http://www.house.gov/goodlatte/internetgambling109.htm

Staunton 4th of July Parade...

2006-07-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Staunton 4th of JulyRepresentative Bob Goodlatte has become a favorite visitor and participant of the Staunton 4th of July Independence Day Parade.