Latta, Robert E.

Robert Latta represents Ohio's 5th congressional district and currently serves as chair of the Energy Subcommittee within the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As subcommittee chair, he shapes the legislative agenda on energy policy, infrastructure, and related oversight matters—a significant position that allows him to influence which bills advance, schedule hearings, and direct investigations into energy sector issues. His role carries real power in determining which energy priorities receive congressional attention and resources.

Latta brings relevant experience to this position through his legal background and long tenure in Congress. A native of Bluffton, Ohio, he earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1981 and practiced law before entering politics. His father, Del Latta, represented the same congressional district from 1959 to 1989 and served as ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, establishing a family tradition of legislative service. Latta himself has served in Congress since 2007, following four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, giving him substantial experience in legislative processes and policy development.

As Energy Subcommittee chair, Latta has advanced legislation addressing contemporary energy and infrastructure concerns. His sponsored bills include the SECURE Grid Act, focused on electrical grid security and resilience, and the SELF DRIVE Act of 2026, reflecting his committee's jurisdiction over emerging transportation technologies. He also serves as a member of the broader Energy and Commerce Committee and its Communications and Technology and Environment subcommittees, positioning him at the center of major policy debates spanning energy, technology, and environmental regulation. His legislative portfolio spans 70 total sponsored bills, demonstrating active engagement across his committee's wide-ranging jurisdiction.