Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Republican · OH · 13 bills sponsored
SELF DRIVE Act of 2026
# SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The SELF DRIVE Act of 2026 (HR 7390) is designed to establish a federal framework for autonomous vehicle (self-driving car) deployment and regulation in the United States. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to streamline the approval process for self-driving vehicles, set safety standards, and clarify which federal agencies have authority over autonomous vehicle testing and operation on public roads. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect automotive manufacturers developing self-driving technology, technology companies in the autonomous vehicle space, state governments, and ultimately consumers. It could impact insurance companies, transportation businesses, and road safety regulators at both federal and state levels. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the relevant congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill would need to pass committee review, House approval, Senate approval, and presidential signature to become law.
SECURE Grid Act
# SECURE Grid Act (HR 7257) Summary **What It Would Do** The SECURE Grid Act aims to strengthen cybersecurity protections for the nation's electrical grid and power infrastructure. The bill would establish security standards and requirements for computer systems used by electric utilities and power generators to prevent cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft. It addresses vulnerabilities in the technology systems that control electricity generation and distribution across the country. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts electric utility companies, power generators, and grid operators that would need to comply with new cybersecurity standards. Indirectly, it affects everyday Americans who depend on reliable electricity service, as stronger grid security could reduce the risk of widespread power outages caused by cyber threats. State and local governments may also be involved in implementing or overseeing these standards. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7257 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Robert Latta (R-OH) and is still in the early legislative stages.
Electric Supply Chain Act
# Electric Supply Chain Act Summary **What It Does:** The Electric Supply Chain Act would require the Department of Energy to regularly study and report on America's electricity supply chain—the network of suppliers and manufacturers that provide materials and equipment needed to generate and transmit power. The DOE would assess vulnerabilities in the supply of critical components, identify barriers to expanding U.S. processing of essential minerals, and make recommendations for strengthening this supply chain. The first report would be due within one year of the bill becoming law. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects the electricity industry, manufacturers of power generation and transmission equipment, and policymakers. Indirectly, it impacts all Americans who rely on the electrical grid. The bill also concerns Congress, which would receive these reports to inform energy policy decisions. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is moving through the legislative process. It focuses on oversight and information-gathering rather than implementing major new programs, making it a first step toward understanding potential vulnerabilities in electricity infrastructure—an issue both parties consider important for national security and energy reliability.
Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act
# Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act would remove or reduce penalties that Social Security beneficiaries face when they continue working and earning income. Currently, seniors who claim Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age have their benefits reduced if their earnings exceed a certain threshold—a rule known as the "earnings test." This bill aims to eliminate or modify those reductions, allowing seniors to keep both their full Social Security payments and their work income without penalty. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily benefit older Americans (typically ages 62-67) who want to continue working while collecting Social Security. It's sponsored by Representative Robert E. Latta, a Republican from Ohio. As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken.
REFINER Act
# REFINER Act Summary **What the bill does:** The REFINER Act requires the Department of Energy to commission a comprehensive report from the National Petroleum Council on U.S. petrochemical refineries. The report would examine how these refineries contribute to American energy security, identify opportunities and risks for expanding their capacity, investigate whether government policies have reduced their operations, and provide recommendations for increasing production capacity. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects the oil refining industry, energy policymakers, and potentially consumers of refined petroleum products. It could influence future energy and environmental regulations affecting refineries and the broader energy sector. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting Senate action. As a fact-finding measure, it doesn't immediately change any laws or regulations—instead, it mandates research to inform future policy decisions about the refining industry's role in U.S. energy independence.
Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments
# Bill Summary: Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (HR 4273) ## What the Bill Would Do This bill would establish or modify user fees that companies must pay to the FDA when submitting certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications for review and approval. OTC drugs are medicines you can buy without a prescription, like pain relievers, cold medicines, and antacids. The fees would help fund the FDA's review process for these medications, which currently falls under the "monograph" system—a streamlined pathway for drugs with established, safe ingredients. ## Who It Affects and Key Provisions The bill primarily affects pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and sell OTC medications, as they would bear the cost of the new fees. Consumers could potentially see indirect effects if companies pass costs along through higher prices. The legislation involves Congressional oversight of how these fees are set and used, and relates to drug safety and FDA regulatory processes. The specific fee amounts and structures aren't detailed in this summary, as the bill remains in committee. ## Current Status As of now, HR 4273 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. This is an early stage in the legislative process, meaning it's still under review and discussion before any floor vote would occur.
WIRELESS Leadership Act
# WIRELESS Leadership Act Summary Unfortunately, I don't have access to the detailed text or substantive content of HR 5147 to provide you with specific information about what this bill would do. The summary you've provided only includes basic metadata (bill number, sponsor, and that it's currently in committee), but not the actual provisions. **To get accurate information, I'd recommend:** - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching "HR 5147" for the full bill text and summaries - Checking the bill's status page for any committee reports or sponsor statements - Looking at relevant Congressional committees' websites for more context If you can share the bill's actual text or a detailed summary, I'd be happy to break down its provisions in plain language for you.
Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
# Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review and update its rules governing satellites to better support precision agriculture—modern farming techniques that use technology like GPS and drones to improve crop yields and sustainability. The FCC would need to consult with an existing task force that studies how to bring better internet connectivity to rural farming areas. **Who it affects:** Primarily farmers and agricultural communities, especially those in remote or underserved areas lacking reliable broadband internet. The bill could also impact satellite companies and technology providers serving the agriculture sector. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. Since it focuses on updating regulatory rules rather than creating new spending programs, it represents a relatively modest government action aimed at removing potential obstacles to agricultural technology adoption.
Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act
# Nuclear REFUEL Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Nuclear REFUEL Act aims to speed up the licensing process for nuclear power plants that want to recycle and reuse nuclear fuel. Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) must conduct lengthy reviews before approving new fuel recycling technologies. This bill would create a faster approval pathway for facilities that meet certain safety and efficiency standards, potentially reducing the time and cost needed to bring recycled nuclear fuel into use. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects nuclear power plant operators and fuel recycling companies looking to implement new technologies. It could also benefit consumers by potentially lowering energy costs through more efficient fuel use, and supporters argue it could help the U.S. nuclear industry remain competitive. Environmental advocates may have differing views on whether accelerated licensing adequately protects safety and environmental standards. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3978 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Robert Latta (R-OH) and is under review by relevant congressional committees that handle energy and nuclear regulation matters.
ROUTERS Act
# ROUTERS Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The ROUTERS Act requires the federal government to study potential national security risks from consumer routers and modems—the devices that connect homes and businesses to the internet. The study will specifically examine devices made by or controlled by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. Once completed, the findings must be reported to Congress. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects consumers, internet service providers, and device manufacturers. It doesn't immediately restrict or ban any products but aims to identify whether foreign adversaries could use routers and modems to spy on Americans or compromise computer networks. The study could lead to future regulations if security threats are found. **Current Status** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives. For it to become law, it would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President. The bill reflects growing bipartisan concern about cybersecurity and foreign influence in critical technology infrastructure.
NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025
# NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill reauthorizes funding and operations for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a federal agency within the Commerce Department that handles communications policy and technology issues, through fiscal year 2026. The bill elevates the agency's leadership positions, promoting the head of NTIA to "Under Secretary" status (a higher rank) and the deputy to "Deputy Under Secretary." It also officially establishes statutory authority for two existing NTIA offices—one handling radio spectrum management and another managing international affairs—giving them more formal legal standing. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects NTIA staff and leadership, federal communications policy, and industries involved in telecommunications, radio spectrum, and satellite communications. Citizens and businesses relying on wireless networks, broadband, and spectrum-dependent technologies may be indirectly affected by how NTIA implements its policies, though this bill itself is largely administrative in nature. **Key Changes:** The bill streamlines NTIA's reporting requirements by eliminating outdated reporting mandates and consolidating remaining reports into a single annual report to Congress. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic paperwork while maintaining congressional oversight of the agency's work. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and awaits consideration in the Senate.
SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025
# SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would restrict how the FDA approves and regulates medications used to terminate pregnancies. It would prevent the FDA from approving any new abortion-related drugs and impose stricter rules on drugs already approved for this purpose. Specifically, the bill would limit their use to the first 70 days of pregnancy, require that they only be given in person by a healthcare provider (not dispensed by mail or pharmacy), and mandate special certification for doctors who prescribe them. **Who It Affects** This legislation would impact pregnant women seeking medication-based abortion services, healthcare providers who offer these services, and pharmaceutical companies. It would also affect the FDA's regulatory authority over these drugs. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Robert Latta (R-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2025
# Bill Summary: Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does:** This proposed federal law would make it a crime to dispose of fetal remains in landfills or navigable U.S. waters. Violations would result in fines, up to three years in prison, or both. The bill defines "fetal remains" as any part of a deceased human fetus following an abortion, excluding cremated remains. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect medical facilities, abortion providers, and waste management companies that handle materials from abortions. It could also impact anyone involved in the disposal of such materials. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 686) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Robert Latta (R-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill addresses abortion and medical waste disposal practices.