Bob Goodlatte
Robert William Goodlatte (/ˈɡʊdˌlæt/; born September 22, 1952) is an American politician, attorney, and lobbyist who served in the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 6th congressional district for 13 terms. A Republican, he was also the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over legislation affecting the federal courts, administrative agencies, and federal law enforcement entities. Goodlatte's district covered Roanoke and also included Lexington, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.
Bob Goodlatte | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the House Judiciary Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Lamar Smith |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Nadler |
| Chair of the House Agriculture Committee | |
| In office May 31, 2003 – January 3, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Larry Combest |
| Succeeded by | Collin Peterson |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 6th district | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Olin |
| Succeeded by | Ben Cline |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert William Goodlatte September 22, 1952 Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Maryellen Flaherty (m. 1974) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Bates College (BA) Washington and Lee University (JD) |
In 2017, Goodlatte presided over a GOP effort, conducted in a secret session, to weaken the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, a move widely criticized by House leaders and the opposition party. The proposal passed by a 119 to 74 vote, but it was withdrawn the following day after widespread public criticism. On November 9, 2017, Goodlatte announced that he would not seek reelection in 2018. In February 2020, Goodlatte registered as a lobbyist representing the Project for Privacy & Surveillance Accountability, a nonprofit.