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2019 SESSION


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 161
Commending the Honorable Robert W. "Bob" Goodlatte.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 23, 2019

 

WHEREAS, the Honorable Robert W. “Bob” Goodlatte, the longest-serving member of Congress from Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District, who left an indelible mark on the communities in the Roanoke and Shenandoah Valleys, the Alleghany Highlands, and Central Virginia while representing his constituents for 26 years, retired in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bob Goodlatte graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee Law School in 1977; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband of over forty years, Bob Goodlatte married the love of his life, Maryellen Goodlatte, in Lee Chapel; and

WHEREAS, soon thereafter, Bob Goodlatte started his political career as a district office manager for Congressman Caldwell Butler in Roanoke, where he served as a devoted public servant to the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District; and

WHEREAS, Bob Goodlatte opened a private law practice in Roanoke and soon became a partner at Bird, Kinder & Huffman, serving with longtime Virginia Republican Party Chairman Don Huffman; and

WHEREAS, Bob Goodlatte was elected as Roanoke City Republican Chairman, and then elected as Sixth District Republican Chairman serving the Republican Party from 1983 to 1988; and

WHEREAS, Bob Goodlatte won the 1992 general election by winning 60 percent of the vote, following retiring Democratic Congressman Jim Olin; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte worked on numerous important legislative initiatives to benefit the citizens of the Sixth Congressional District, the Commonwealth, and the country; and

WHEREAS, a decade into his service, Congressman Goodlatte became Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and oversaw important and complex legislation affecting the agriculture industry and rural America; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte became Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet, navigating the changing landscape of technology in the modern age; and

WHEREAS, as the first Virginian since 1887 to be elected Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Goodlatte has worked to protect constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, promote American innovation, advance legal and regulatory reform, secure America’s borders and fix the legal immigration system, and fight terrorism and crime; and

WHEREAS, a seasoned legislator, Congressman Goodlatte has been a powerful voice for fiscal conservatism and responsible stewardship of the United States Government’s financial resources, working tirelessly with fellow legislators to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and helping pass legislation permanently banning the Internet access tax; and

WHEREAS, committed to the growth and prosperity of the Sixth Congressional District, Congressman Goodlatte has worked with local and state government officials and business leaders to bring businesses and jobs to his constituency; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte has a deep appreciation for the Sixth Congressional District’s many contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation; he has served as a trusted advocate for farmers, veterans, and all constituents; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte, because of his tireless work ethic, earned the support of numerous groups and constituencies over his career, including the National Right to Life Committee, the National Rifle Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte, as a member of the foremost lawmaking body in the world, has worked to preserve the integrity and collegiality of that noble body throughout his illustrious career, earning himself a clear place in the annals of Virginia and United States history; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Goodlatte’s wife, Maryellen; daughter, Jennifer Barblan, and son-in-law, Matthew Barblan; granddaughters, Caroline and Claire; son, Bobby; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues witnessed his hard work and sacrifice, and will be overjoyed to spend more time with him in his retirement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Honorable Robert W. “Bob” Goodlatte, a model legislator who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his constituents, hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement from public office; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Robert W. “Bob” Goodlatte as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s admiration for his legacy of service to the Commonwealth.