Thursday, January 13, 2011

Bob Goodlatte appointed subcommittee chairman of House Judiciary Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C - Congressman Bob Goodlatte was selected by House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-R) to serve as the Chairman of the newly reinstated Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. Congressman Goodlatte has been an active member of the House Judiciary Committee since he was elected to Congress.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen to serve in this position of leadership on the House Judiciary Committee,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “The Judiciary Committee, which has far-reaching legislative jurisdiction, is one of the most active committees in Congress.”

Congressman Goodlatte continued, “I am particularly thrilled to lead the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet, where we will focus on the policies that will help America maintain its competitive edge and create jobs. The intellectual property industry in America is a major driving force and job-creating engine of our economy. In order to grow our national economy we must ensure this vital sector is protected and able to flourish. Additionally, the Subcommittee will address policies, including our nation’s anti-trust laws, that ensure fair competition which also helps grow our economy, create jobs and benefit consumers.”

The Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet will be at the forefront of some of the most significant issues of our day. The jurisdiction of this new subcommittee includes copyright, patent, trademark law, Internet and information technology, innovation issues and antitrust matters.

“As Chairman of the Intellectual Property Subcommittee, Rep. Goodlatte will play a leading role in protecting American innovation, promoting economic growth and creating jobs,” said Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith. “I look forward to working with him in the 112th Congress.”

Congressman Goodlatte has previously served in several leadership positions on the House Judiciary Committee including Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on The Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property (2001-2006), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee (2008-2010), and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment (2009-2010).

In addition to his new role on the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Goodlatte was selected by House Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) to serve as the Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

“I am excited to serve the House Agriculture Committee in my new role as Vice Chairman,” Goodlatte said. “The work of the Agriculture Committee affects the lives of every American. The jurisdiction of the Committee includes a wide number of issues ranging from bioterrorism and homeland security to food stamps and welfare reform, from conservation and nutrition to forest management, trade and rural development.”

“I am pleased to have Bob Goodlatte serve as Vice Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. Bob has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the success of American agriculture and rural economies. His experience will be an asset as we work to address the challenges that farmers and small businesses face, ensure proper oversight of the administration, and eliminate the obstacles for job growth across the country,” said Chairman Frank D. Lucas of Oklahoma.

The Sixth District is one of the leading turkey and poultry producing districts in the nation and ranks among the top 100 in fruit, cattle, dairy products, sheep, corn, and barley production. In addition to being one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, this region is also one of the most agriculturally diverse. From corn and grains to vineyards and livestock to forestry products, the Sixth District has a vibrant agricultural economy.

“American agriculture is a dynamic part of our national economy and a significant part of our local communities,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “If you eat, agriculture impacts your life and it is important to ensure that American agriculture can continue to meet the needs of our nation. I have served on the Agriculture Committee since being elected to the Congress and I look forward to working in my new leadership role to address the important agricultural issues facing the United States and the Sixth District of Virginia.”

Congressman Goodlatte has served on the House Agriculture Committee since arriving in Congress in January 1993. He has served the Agriculture Committee in a variety of leadership roles including Chairman of the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee (1996-2002), Chairman of the full Agriculture Committee (2003-2006), Ranking Member of the full Agriculture Committee (2007-2008), and Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research (2009-2010).

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