Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte can sound partisan in press releases and on the campaign trail, but by and large, the Roanoke Republican is more comfortable with a lower-key approach to politics.
That approach was validated this week with the news that Goodlatte had been named the chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee.
“I am honored to have been chosen to serve in this position of leadership,” Goodlatte said. “The House Judiciary Committee will certainly be at the forefront of some of the most significant issues facing Virginia and the Sixth District, including protecting Constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, oversight of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, legal and regulatory reform, innovation, competition and anti-trust laws, terrorism and crime, and immigration reform. It is likely that many of these issues will be the deciding factors in determining the future direction of our nation.”
Goodlatte also served previously as the chair of the House Agriculture Committee back during the George W. Bush years in Washington. He decided early on to take the course of focusing on an issue-based agenda, as opposed to seeking out a path that would move him up the ladder as a party leader, a la Eric Cantor, a fellow Virginia Republican congressman who is currently the House Majority Leader.
It’s a similar approach taken by Goodlatte proteges Ben Cline and Steve Landes, both of whom represent the Shenandoah Valley in the Virginia House of Delegates. None of the three are afraid to throw political poison darts, but each of the three are much more effective in the policy arena.
“The Judiciary Committee, which has far-reaching legislative jurisdiction, is one of the most active committees in Congress,” Goodlatte said. “Under my leadership, the House Judiciary Committee will play an active role in advancing a pro-growth agenda that will help to create jobs and restore economic prosperity to America.”
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Chris Graham
