Rep. Goodlatte elected chair of U.S. House Judiciary Committee

From Congressman Bob Goodlatte's office....

WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) today was elected by the House Republican Conference to serve as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. His chairmanship will begin in January when the 113th Congress convenes.

“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.”

Congressman Goodlatte has been an active Member of the Judiciary Committee since arriving in Congress, serving in a variety of leadership positions on the Committee including Chairman of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet (112th Congress), Vice Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee (111th Congress), Ranking Member of the Task Force on Judicial Impeachment (111th Congress), Ranking Member of the Antitrust Task Force (110th Congress), and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property (109th Congress).

“Congressman Bob Goodlatte is a conservative leader committed to pro-growth policies that protect American innovation, boost economic growth and create jobs,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. “As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, he will play a key role in promoting common sense solutions to help people get back to work, lighten the regulatory and tax burden on small businesses and limit wasteful government spending. I look forward to continue working with my good friend and fellow Virginian and know he will proudly serve the people of Virginia's Sixth District.”

Earlier this week, a 31 member Republican Steering Committee, primarily composed of Republican House Leadership, interviewed Goodlatte for the chairmanship. Following the interview, the Steering Committee voted and then made their recommendation to the House Republican Conference, which is composed of all Republican Members of the House of Representatives. The Republican Conference later voted to confirm Goodlatte’s chairmanship.

“I'm pleased to learn that our Congressman, Bob Goodlatte, will be serving this district -- and the nation -- as the next House Judiciary Chairman,” said Virginia State Senator Mark Obenshain. “As a lawyer myself, I know what an important position this is. For it to be filled by our Congressman is an honor to the district and a credit to Congressman Goodlatte. Congressman Goodlatte clearly has the background, knowledge and experience necessary to be an effective leader for this important committee in these challenging times.”

“The Judiciary Committee, which has far-reaching legislative jurisdiction, is one of the most active committees in Congress,” said Goodlatte. “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.”

Goodlatte continued, “It is truly an honor to serve Virginia and our nation in this new capacity. While there is much to do, the outlook for a stronger, more competitive America is promising and I look forward to continuing to work toward these goals as the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the coming Congress.”

Goodlatte becomes the first House Judiciary Committee Chairman from Virginia in the last 125 years. The last Virginian to serve as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee was John Tucker, who was Chairman from 1883 to 1887. Goodlatte becomes only the fourth Virginian to serve as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee since the Committee’s creation in 1813 and he is the first Republican from Virginia to hold this position.

“With Bob’s familiarity with the federal judicial system and his attention to principles and details, I can think of no one better suited to lead the House Judiciary Committee,” said Donald W. Huffman, founding partner of Huffman & Nixon, P.C. located in Roanoke.

In addition to being elected Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Goodlatte currently serves as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. Goodlatte is also the Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus, Chairman of the House Republican Technology Working Group and Chairman of the Congressional Civil Justice Caucus.