CongressmanBob Goodlatte

Just 11 minutes – that is all the time it took for the United States to recognize Israel after they formally declared independence in 1948. Since then, the United States and Israel have had a strong relationship based on shared democratic values and common security interests. In a part of the world where some would seek to destroy our way of life, Israel stands strong as one of our greatest allies. That’s why it is so important to preserve and protect this relationship between our nations. Unfor... Read more

With the flip of the calendar and the start of a new year come many opportunities to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing America. The House of Representatives is hitting the ground running in 2017. The 115th Congress will officially be sworn in on January 3, and House leadership has already signaled that lawmakers will immediately roll up their sleeves and get to work on the people’s priorities. As we embark upon this historic session of Congress, I look forward to advancing real soluti... Read more

It’s a family’s worst nightmare when a loved one goes missing, especially if a child has autism or a family member has Alzheimer’s disease. Many of us know someone who has been impacted by these diseases, but unless you have gone through this situation firsthand, it is hard to imagine what these families have experienced. An estimated 60 percent of the 5.3 million individuals with Alzheimer’s and 49 percent of the 1 in 68 children with autism have wandered away, leaving safe areas and the protec... Read more

For most, there’s a feeling of nostalgia at the holidays – it fills our hearts and souls with strong feelings of family, friendship, warmth, and comradery. However, at times, the holidays bring somberness as we celebrate Christmas without loved ones or continue to struggle with health issues or hardships. Despite all of these things, Christmas brings a hope that we cannot deny. In the darkest of times, Christmas brings light. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which our nation recentl... Read more

“Do more than is required of you.” Those are the words of one of America’s greatest military leaders, General George Patton, and that is exactly what our troops do. Day in and day out, our troops are serving on bases at home and abroad, fighting in dangerous combat zones, patrolling the seas and skies, and standing ready to launch into action when they are called. They do it because they want to serve and protect our country, and they are always willing to do more when we need them. They deserve... Read more

Ninety miles is the distance that separates Florida and Cuba. It’s not far. In fact, that’s the equivalent of the drive from Roanoke to Staunton or a roundtrip from Lexington to Lynchburg. But in that short distance, there is a world of difference in the freedoms enjoyed by the American people and the Cuban people. The passing of Fidel Castro on November 25th marked the death of a tyrant and a dictator. For nearly 60 years, the Castro regime has ruled Cuba, first under Fidel Castro and now his b... Read more

It’s no surprise – as the end of a president’s term in office approaches, a wave of new federal rules and regulations tends to start rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue. This influx of “midnight rules” is one of the most frustrating problems in Washington’s overreaching regulatory system. Administration after administration, there is a spike in activity as the clock on a president’s time in office approaches the stroke of midnight. This is true particularly between Election Day and Inauguration Day... Read more

“Through the decades, through the centuries, in log cabins, country churches, cathedrals, homes, and halls, the American people have paused to give thanks to God, in times of peace and plenty or of danger and distress...The cause for which we give thanks, for which so many of our citizens through the years have given their lives, has endured 200 years -- a blessing to us and a light to all mankind.” These were the words of President Ronald Reagan on Thanksgiving Day in 1987, 200 years after the ... Read more

The simplest way to make your voice heard is to show up at the ballot box. After all, the right to vote is critical in protecting all of our other rights. On Election Day, millions of voters came to the polls and put their support behind their candidates for the White House and Congress. The votes have been tallied, and Donald Trump is set to serve as the 45th President of the United States. No one can deny that the 2016 election was one of the most interesting and contentious races our country ... Read more

America’s veterans know the meaning of sacrifice. They’ve spent weeks, months, and years away from home and loved ones. They’ve missed birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving dinners, and first steps. Some have experienced physical trauma that we can see while others carry their wounds on the inside. We wouldn’t know the freedoms we do today without the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have bravely made these sacrifices throughout our history. Their service is a debt that we cannot repa... Read more