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2019 SESSION
19107455DPatrons-- Suetterlein, Black, Carrico, Chafin, Chase, Cosgrove, Deeds, DeSteph, Dunnavant, Edwards, Hanger, McDougle, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Peake, Ruff, Stanley, Stuart, Sturtevant, Vogel and Wagner
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.